My Volunteer Experience by Bibiana

My Volunteer Experience by Bibiana - October 2013 Scholarship Essay

Entering college I got involved in actively volunteering. On Saturdays, I would go to a local hospital in Dallas and a shelter for women who have suffered domestic abuse. I learned a lot from the second place because it taught me to listen and be a patient person. This is where I learned I wanted to be a counselor and help change my community.
During my time there, I saw families come in with nothing but some clothing and hungry. For some this was the first time they felt safe or helped. It was amazing seeing someone get back on their feet and find a job or housing. I was glad to be a part of this, but in order to get there I would need education and practice. I met a drug counselor who showed me statistics for battered women in Texas. She said every hour, 1 in 5 women is undergoing abuse in the U.S. and drugs have a part in this as well as becoming homeless, ending in jail, or loosing their life. Intervening is ok, preventing it is 10 times better because it means changing someone's life and helping them find resources that will benefit them in the long run. I was amazed at all the work that must be done to help families and women become independent and increase their self-esteem.
Throughout the year I also help in walks that support causes like heart disease, breast cancer, and mental illness. I have build relationships with people who are living life to their fullest regardless of what medical problems they might have. This has taught me to be thankful for what I have and be a more optimistic person enjoying each day I wake up. Without organizations to support the community and offer free services or screenings, someone may not live longer or be denied medication because of financial issues.
Through volunteering I have become a more confident individual and go after what I desire; to finish college and be an example for my younger siblings age 17 and 14. Being active in my community has helped me see that I do want to pursue in the Human Service Profession and become a Substance Abuse Counselor. Turning someone's life around can be challenging, therefore good training and education are needed.