Be Someone's World by Sydney

Be Someone's World by Sydney - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

The stuffy room bustled with nerves. All the freshmen anxiously awaited their first tour of Amarillo High School. My job, as a Student Council member, was to make these incoming freshmen feel welcome and at ease. The chaotic room quieted as another addition to our touring group entered the doorway. Everyone seemed a little curious and uneasy on how to handle her. She was completely blind and would need extra help navigating our expansive building. Afraid of the newness, everyone seemed to go back to their own private conversations; however, I felt deeply compelled to befriend her. I introduced myself, met Kaci, and offered to guide her despite my fear of doing something wrong. I had no idea that over the next year this interaction would turn into an incredibly valuable relationship.

Amarillo is home. It has more than just a house and school; it is my community. I have been born and raised here and feel deeply connected to the people, organizations I am a part of, and the community values that mold me. I love being involved in Peace Club, a program at my school to assist those with varying disabilities. Mrs. Ham is the teacher of this class, and she has modeled what it means to love, serve, and give to her students. This class would serve as the highlight of my day and have a significant impact. One piece of being a good leader in this class is to greet each person by name and make them smile. Peace Club reminds me that I matter when Ben remembers my middle name, Bishop shows me his drawings of Sonic the Hedgehog, Arrisa is giddy to play a game, and Kaci jokingly informs me of zombies. Peace Club with Mrs. Ham’s leadership has taught me the beauty of community that loves unconditionally and welcomes without judgment. Although I am no longer in Peace Club, Mrs. Hamm still allows me to stop by often to see my friends, help with parties, and make time outside class to nurture the relationships that changed me.

A family friend once told me, “To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” That has resonated with me to this day. Like Mrs. Ham, I strive to be someone’s world by with dedication, intentionality, and love. Through Mrs. Ham’s mentorship, my relationship with Kaci demonstrates the importance of being selfless because giving her my full focus shows her that she matters and is worthy of love. Whether while taking her to lunch or guiding her through the crowded hallways, I am constantly reminded how grateful I am to have know Mrs. Ham. Each connection I have found through the opportunities in her class gives me joy and hope for a wonderful future serving those with disabilities through the medical field.