Hope Brings Change by Maggie

Hope Brings Change by Maggie - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

I looked up as the crackle of the PA system whined in my first grade classroom. “Skylar’s father has just passed away,” my principal croaked into the microphone. The entire room froze. My peers and I stared at our teacher, not fully comprehending what was just said. Thoughts swirled my mind as to what would be like if one of my parents died. Cancer murdered my close friend’s father and I knew I should do something.
As a seven-year old girl, I had heard the word cancer but had no idea what cancer truly was. The next year, I watched my great grandmother wither away from cancer; I remember tears erupting from my eyes the last time I saw her because I wanted to run away from the heartache. The same year, my mother started a Relay for Life team and I have been attending the annual event ever since. At Relay for Life, people come together to raise money for the American Cancer Society and to learn about cancer; we honor those who trumped cancer and remember those who passed away.
It was not until a few years later that I acknowledged all of the negative emotions I felt about cancer. At the evening ceremony of Relay for Life, a young girl sang “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus in memory of Skylar’s father; my vision began to blur as my mind cleared. I wanted to make a difference in the world.
During my eighth Relay for Life, my mother suggested that I start a team of my own. The next year, I created Team Trip-Hazards. Many friends supported my effort by joining my team. At our booth, I donated a percentage of my jewelry sales commission to the American Cancer Society; I am an independent sales representative for a jewelry company. I also crafted baked goods to sell.
As my mom became more involved in our community, I followed right behind her. At most community events, I participated in planning the event, working the event, and the post event recap. I was never forced to attend; instead, I would beg her to take me with her. Ever since eighth grade, I have volunteered at the Art Festival. It is the largest of the town events that I look forward to volunteering for each year.
My love for being involved in the community motivated me to apply for the Community Service position in Leadership my junior year of high school. Our school was very un-involved with the community and I could not wait to be the one to change that! I organized a fundraiser at our school that gave homeless families in our school district gift cards to make their holiday season a little bit brighter. My heart melted when I learned that our school raised over $1,200 in just three days. I also began a new tradition at our school- Earth Day Community Service Day; at this event, members of the community came to clean the grounds, tend the garden, and paint a mural at our high school. We took clothing donations that were later donated to Goodwill and had a booth where students could write anonymous compliments to students within our school. We also made dog toys for the animal shelter nearby. It was a huge success! Over one hundred people from multiple high schools and even the mayor attended the event.
This past January, I was honored to be nominated for the Teen of the Year award in my community. I never expected to be recognized and it was an indescribable feeling to know that my impact on the community was noticed. I have recently become the teen representative on a board for a nonprofit organization that raises awareness to hazing. By becoming involved in the community, I learned what my passion truly is- making a positive difference no matter the magnitude. Each and every one of these experiences has inspired me to become even more involved in the community. I may be a decent tennis player, piano player, and cook; however, my desire and success in helping others is where I truly shine.