Pine-Richland High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
Volunteering has provided me a chance to look outside myself and notice the needs of others. Helping others is the main goal of volunteerism, but there are other benefits to volunteering. I was fortunate enough to work with children with speech deficits as a volunteer at Children’s Hospital. While I played a small part in empowering children to communicate more effectively, I also explored a potential career for myself. The experience strengthened my passion for helping kids feel seen and appreciated. As I was a quiet child, I empathize with kids who may need a boost of confidence and a little reassurance. I worked with a boy with selective mutism who spoke to me much more than the Speech Pathologist was expecting him to. I love to think that I have made a difference in his life, and I seek to do that anytime I work with children. I have also volunteered at Stepping Stones Child Care Center and at my church’s Children’s Liturgy and Vacation Bible School. I love to encourage kids and give them special attention whether they are quiet and overlooked by many, or they are outgoing and attention-seeking. Furthermore, my project to raise money for Mars Home for Youth over four years has been an opportunity to address needs in my community and impact the lives of others, while also discovering my own potential. The money that I raised for Mars Home for Youth will provide opportunities for teens who have experienced trauma. I gained an awareness of my own abilities while planning, marketing, and managing the finances of the project. I found that I like to recruit student volunteers and guide them to accomplish tasks while having fun. I know that I had control over this project, and I put all my effort into it. I learned how capable I am of being a force for good, and by leading others to accomplish our goal, I have developed lifelong leadership skills. I see the value of individual volunteer activities for the variety they offer, but I can also see the value in long-term service which allows the volunteer a chance to develop skills as well as form friendships. My volunteerism throughout high school has solidified my desire to continue it throughout life. I think it is important to help others no matter the situation, convenience, or benefit to me. This is reinforced by my family and my faith. I plan to find new volunteer experiences going forward and am selecting a university that values service to others. I believe volunteering will continue to open my eyes to the needs of others, show me all of my possibilities and potential, and strengthen my character and usefulness as a citizen.