My Positive Influence by Alyssa

My Positive Influence by Alyssa - November 2019 Scholarship Essay

The Rogue Valley, which my high school is located in, has recently found itself in a blood shortage. This problem was brought to my attention by a member of the Red Cross organization over the Cascade region on the west coast. His name is David Wright and he mentioned to me how my high school no longer held blood drives. He suggested to me that I create a Red Cross Club at my high school to make students more aware of the situation occurring in our valley. Within my junior year I was able to create a brand new Red Cross Club at my high school by myself. My first year running the club I was able to hold two bloods at my school. Our target goal was 46 units of blood, but we were able to raise about 49 units with our two blood drives our first year running. My senior year, many of the students have become more excited to donate blood and we have one of the best Red Cross Clubs in the Rogue Valley. Every time a blood drive is announced the students now are more than willing to help out. Our last blood drive on October 23, we had more than 100 volunteers show up to donate and 20+ students to help out as well.
I believe by creating the Red Cross Club at Eagle Point High School, I was able to make students and staff more aware of problems outside of themselves and encourage others to participate in community service. Every month I hold club meetings, I see an increase in club members wanting to help out in the community. I can see the difference in my high school community softening their hearts and become more willing to help out when needed.