My biggest contribution by Cassidy

My biggest contribution by Cassidy - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

Volunteering and giving time to my community is something that has been instilled by my family since I was young. Through church and school, I’ve been able to participate in and lead initiatives. For me, the most exciting experiences include Scouting. In my thirteen years as a Girl Scout, I honed a diverse skill set through a myriad of activities, from managing cookie sales to organizing campouts and engaging in community service. Each endeavor contributed to my personal growth. Over the past year, I attained Girl Scouts' highest rank, the Gold Award. This achievement represents the culmination of many years of dedication. Despite the challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and a job, my focus on achieving the top Scout honor remained unwavering. Drawing upon the valuable lessons learned while earning badges and leading meetings, I conceived a project idea. From my experience, this project was the biggest contribution I’ve made to my community. Not only did it help a targeted group, but it also helped inspire others to volunteer and start similar projects of their own.

My Girl Scout Gold project required an initiative that would benefit the community. I decided to focus on Teen Mental Health. Given the escalating rates of mental health concerns among adolescents, I felt compelled to take action to raise awareness and provide support for local teenagers. Fuzion Teen Center in Mooresville, North Carolina, is centered on middle schoolers, a demographic often overlooked. I approached this local 501(c)(3) organization to collaborate on a wellness program for students. Fuzion provides local kids with an after-school facility, meals, and skill-building classes, making it an ideal place to execute my vision. I presented my idea to the board members, utilizing the techniques I honed while leading younger troops. Though it was a significant undertaking, it was rewarding to witness the tangible impact of my efforts.

The entire project required a team of volunteers to help see through the plan. I worked to enlist several people from school and throughout the community, helping them understand that their time would benefit students. The plan featured a designated space where teenagers could retreat from the usual distractions of phones, friends, and daily pressures. The design involved constructing comfortable benches and wooden planter boxes to create a relaxing environment. Additionally, we built a magnetic chalkboard wall, providing an outlet for creative expression. Local volunteers with expertise in counseling youth were recruited to utilize this area for workshops for teens and seminars for parents. Through this contribution, children in our community gained access to resources and positive experiences that could help improve their mental well-being and coping skills.

As a team, we faced setbacks as I delved into unfamiliar tasks such as constructing benches and using electric tools. These setbacks proved to be valuable learning opportunities. Volunteers came and went, and our budget, derived from fundraisers, was tight. Despite working through moments of frustration, it taught me to stay positive and not get discouraged. The pivotal factor in my success was my ability to recognize and transform mistakes into opportunities for improvement with my team.

This project, to me, was more than just a check off a list; the Gold Award project symbolized the culmination of my 13-year journey. The lasting impact for me was evident in the hugs and 'thank-yous' I received after completing my project. It has become a powerful source of motivation, inspiring me to continue serving both my community and beyond.

I’ve learned that a dedicated effort leads to success, mirroring the principles of my Gold Award project. My experiences as a Girl Scout have played a significant role in driving forward this initiative, as well as many other volunteer projects over the years. The lessons I've learned from these experiences transcend every aspect of my personal and professional growth. The most important part of volunteering is inspiring others to do the same. While I initially joined Girl Scouts to make friends, I unexpectedly acquired knowledge that has revealed to me the potential for one person to make an impact on the world. Embarking on this new chapter of my life, I know that giving back will be something I will remain involved with, no matter where I end up.