Public School Lessons by Bailey

Public School Lessons by Bailey - August 2013 Scholarship Essay

One thing I have learned in my public high school that I would’ve never learned if I had been home schooled is the value of modesty and character.  Students that brag about how much they know constantly are never going to be the kind of people that others love being around and hanging out with.  I learned most from school that being a genuine caring person is who others like to be around the best.  In school I realized that being book smart is not all that colleges or employers want in someone, it is just as important to have quality traits that are part of your character such as work ethic, responsibility and concern for others.  I have always worked hard for everything I have and that won’t change anytime soon because it is part of my character. I use this skill in class to get homework or projects done with drive and determination to keep my grades high and on Honor Roll. My work ethic is used in clubs that I am involved in such as Students Against Destructive Decisions club, by getting people to know about the club by making posters and getting donations in this same way. This skill is also used in my community service by working hard to get attention to all places I volunteer for like getting across the Unyts Donate Life message, or helping AIDS cats get adopted at the 10 lives club. I have shown responsibility through the years as well by using it in class when we have group projects for example because I am responsible for my part of the project and to lead others to get the project done. I also am responsible in my hobby of horseback riding because I keep the horses fed, make sure they all have water, and they are all warm with their blankets on in the winter. The other trait that I have learned the importance of from school and then applied it to the community would be my concern for others.  Concern for others is helping and being sensitive to others needs and wants, as well as their rights in the world.  This trait shines through in my community service work at Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center.  I started volunteering there because of my love for horses but I never knew how intensely I would love helping out there. I have gotten so close with the children that ride there and my focus is always on helping them be the best they can be by helping them communicate, learn letters and numbers, sing songs with them to brighten their day and make them stronger by pushing them to try harder on horseback.  I will use this value in my future with every relationship I encounter.  This is defiantly the most important lesson I have learned in school, it is very important to let your character shine through.