Community Service by Kayla

Community Service by Kayla - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

Being actively involved in community service has always been a great part of my life. I enjoy giving back to the community and to those in need. Participating in community service is an excellent way to meet new people and learn about several diverse cultures, which can ultimately create a positive environment for becoming a well-rounded person. When I participate in community service activities, I typically work closely with others in groups, which enables me to become a better listener and become more open-minded to other group members’ ideas.
During middle school, I was a member of the Junior National Honor Society. Once I entered high school, I became a member of the National Honor Society, which I currently hold the office of vice-president. In addition, I hold a leadership role as sergeant-at-arms within the Ridgeway Leadership Council. These organizations encourage students to excel academically, and they both highly encourage positive community participation. Within these clubs, I oftentimes direct meetings where I brainstorm with other members to make decisions on changes for the betterment of our school and other community service projects we could participate in. For example, both clubs partnered together last summer to host multiple car washes as fundraisers to highlight the need for better funding in the public school system. Not only were we able to help citizens clean their vehicles and put a smile on their faces, but we were also able to raise money and take donations for a great cause. I helped to organize another service activity sponsored by the Leadership Council where we recently had a holiday toy drive to gather toys and fun games for less fortunate children of all ages.
Being a leader in my school and helping others have actually helped me to grow as a person. I believe when you assist others in need, you will be blessed in return. Outside of my
extracurricular activities, being involved as a volunteer has been very rewarding to me. My most sustained community service activity is deciding to become more involved on an individual level. I noticed a student struggling in several classes, and I knew with a little motivation and a few study lessons she would do much better. I decided to become her mentor. Since I have been assisting her with her studies, her grades have improved and I have developed a new friendship. This activity has helped me learn that community service does not always require getting out washing cars or raising money; community service simply means volunteering and assisting others in any way that you can. However, the leadership roles I uphold in National Honor Society and Ridgeway’s Leadership Council have helped me to better understand the meaning of teamwork and collaboration through community service.