The Four Pillars and Gandhi by Alexis

The Four Pillars and Gandhi by Alexis - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

Gandhi has said many great things, but one thing that truly resonates with me and my experiences within the National Honor Society is, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. National Honors Society is an elite society that strives to revolve around four pillars to better the members and their communities. My experiences within NHS have taught me many valuable lessons and strengthened my character, leadership, service, and scholarship.
Through the National Honor Society, I have been humbled. Seeing the impact a small group of teenagers can have on the community is unbelievable. I have been able to see how much the smallest things can mean to someone. My character has been significantly improved from being involved in the NHS. I have learned that every little thing someone can do to help could make a world of difference. Taking even a small amount of time to assist someone makes them and you feel substantially better. I have learned not to take things for granted. I was considered one of good character before the NHS, but after I really believe I was. I had given a part of myself to aid those in need. Sometimes we want so much, without doing or giving anything back. NHS has shown me the true value of what it means to give and receive.
National Honor Society has also helped me to grow as a leader. As a member, we must take initiative and plan ways in which we can give back to our community. Taking charge and organizing events has improved my leadership skills dramatically. My confidence has grown and helped me to lead with authority. Being a successful leader is vital in most aspects of life. I know that the leadership skills I have learned will continue to benefit me in the future.
Service is another characteristic that I have been able to expand and grow from through the NHS. Service is something we do not do enough of, as I have learned from the NHS. It seems as though there is someone who is always in need, yet we do not seem to notice unless specifically looking. Being a member of the NHS has changed my perspective and opened my eyes. I have now realized that service is something that can always be done. There is always a person or organization that could use a helping hand. I am now watching for these individuals and businesses, waiting to aid them when they are in need. My affinity to lean towards service has been increased as a result of my membership in the National Honor Society.
The pillar of scholarship is important to the members of the National Honor Society. I have always strived to do my best in and out of the classroom. Being a part of the National Honor Society, I recognized the true meaning of scholarship. Scholarship is not just getting good grades, or being a straight-A student. Scholarship is about the desire to learn and going outside of the classroom to learn. I have taken this definition of scholarship more seriously. I still strive to be a successful student, but I now look outside of just the classroom for opportunities to learn. Through this way of thinking I have found a part of myself that I did not know existed. I plan to continue this well into my college life and adulthood. My entire outlook on the word scholarship has changed in a way that I know will positively impact my future.
In conclusion, the National Honor Society has had what is a seemingly significant impact on my life. I have learned many things from the four pillars of character, service, leadership, and scholarship. I acknowledge and appreciate that these valuable bits of knowledge will follow me well into my future. Everything that I have learned through the NHS, I hope others can learn too, as I have realized that what you give is more important than what you get. I can honestly say that I understand what Gandhi meant.