"Destiny" by Kailah

"Destiny" by Kailah - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

Kailah Jackson
January 6, 2017
Varsity Tutors Scholarship Essay
“Mysteri”
Volunteering gives you an opportunity to change people’s lives. However, sometimes as in my case, the person doing the giving ends up being helped as well. There is a certain satisfaction that one has, knowing that they have helped others. Throughout my life, I have been involved with several volunteer opportunities. My family has always been very passionate about giving to others. They have instilled that importance in my siblings and me. I have volunteered at Race for the Cure, Boo at the Zoo, River Fest, the public library, my bother and sister’s elementary school, and most recently at a local house for battered women and children. Some of my most favorite volunteer moments involve helping children. Children are innocent and have no control over their circumstances, or whose home they are born into. They deserve the best that life has to offer. Whether I was passing out candy , face painting , reading to children , or assisting at my brother and sister’s activities at school, it was always a worthwhile experience. However, there was one experience that stands out in my mind, in front of all the others, and it happened this past Christmas. It has become tradition to select a name from the Angel Tree to purchase items from a Christmas wish list. This year I picked a 6 year old little girl whose name, I learned later was Mysteri. Her list said she needed clothes and that she wanted a special toy. Being that she was the same age of my little sister Mia, made me want to help even more. A few days before Christmas, we met up with her mother to exchange the gifts. She was the sweetest thing. She reminded me of Riley Curry, she had pretty brown eyes, and sandy hair. As, we got out of the car, she ran towards the Christmas bag, and asked, “is this for me?” She was so excited! She kept saying thank you , thank you , as she looked in the bag and asked in her sweet little voice, can I give you a hug? It was the most touching thing that I had ever experienced. I tried to hold back the tears, so that I would not completely lose it in front of her. It was the most touching moment. As I helped her mother place the bags in the old beaten down, torn up SUV, I was eager to help her even more. At that moment, I truly realized how blessed my siblings and I were. She waved good bye and said thank you a few more times. That experience for me was priceless.
The entire day, I was so happy. I kept thinking about the look on Mysteri’s face as she looked at her presents. We have given during the holidays, many times before, but this one really hit home. Being able to actually see the person as they received their gift was unforgettable. I can’t wait until the day that I finish college and get a really good job so that I can continue to help people on an even larger scale. I know that I am blessed. I have a mother, father and two siblings who all love me very much. I know that the best way that I can show how grateful I am to God for providing me with so many blessing is by helping others. Knowing that I am helping others brings me so much joy!