Community Service That Did Me A Service by Bradley

Community Service That Did Me A Service by Bradley - April 2022 Scholarship Essay

I have been fortunate enough to participate in various Community Service activities. I describe it as fortune because each opportunity enriches me just as much, if not more, than the party I am serving. Serving others transforms me into a better citizen and an empathic individual.
In the fall, I volunteer at Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge. We clean trash and debris from the site, pull weeds called privet, and appreciate the area's natural wildlife. What was most beneficial to me about this job was learning about the importance of the Cahaba River; I learned that the river is the source of nearly 90% of my county's water supply. It helps me understand just how many people rely on this reserve. After learning this, I realized how easy it is to take advantage of having clean and reliable water. After getting my hands dirty and working at the reserve, I now have a memory to connect to every time I turn the faucet on. I think about how I did a small service to make a more significant difference for the entire county.
I have also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit that builds homes in underserved communities for impoverished people. I spent my time at Habitat installing support beams, doors, and windows with the help of all the other amazing volunteers. Habitat for Humanity was impactful because it showed me the best results are the ones I do not see. I met the woman who would live in the home, and while I did not see her reaction to the finished product, I know she loved it. It taught me that volunteering is about showing up and giving my best, not the results or the praise. I feel the best about the projects where my contributions remain anonymous because it focuses on the intention rather than the congratulations.
I volunteered at Hatching Hope as well. While at Hatching Hope, I made a kit full of clothes and snacks to send to Brody, a kid my age who Hurricane Isaias had hit in the Bahamas. I searched through many donated clothes to find handsome pieces for him to wear and packed the best snacks. Given that we were the same age, I tried to pick clothes that I would also wear. I wrote him a letter too, explaining why I decided on these clothes and snacks. In the letter, I shared a few things about myself. I wanted to give him some hope in his storm, so I tried to share things that helped me when I was going through something difficult. I never even saw a picture of Brody, but I still felt connected to him. I made his kit very personal, praying that I would leave an impression in his mind like the one he left in mine.

Every summer, I also volunteer to direct the Summer Musical Camp at Hunter Street Baptist Church, and it is constantly the highlight of my year. The camp lasts for a week, but I begin prepping for the students weeks in advance. Primarily I block and direct the show with the small cast of main characters, children ranging from 1st to 6th grade. Each year I either read books, attend online seminars, or ask other theater educators about methods I can use to direct the musical better and provide a safe atmosphere for the kids. Over the years, I have added to a notebook I have, with everything I have learned about directing children in the theater. I hope to pass this notebook along to the next student director of the musical when I leave. Summer Musical is a unique community service opportunity because I am fortunate enough to work in my craft. Rarely do I get to see so many children, all from various backgrounds, come together and rejoice in the excitement of creating art. For all the kids who participate, Summer Musicals become their absolute favorite summer activity; many of them look forward to next year before they finish the current one. I believe the kids enjoy this so much because it is an escape into a fun, creative, and encouraging environment. Some children come from troubled homes, complicated family structures, and legitimate worries. It's painful to see children so young arrive in the morning looking worn out and fatigued. However, it repaired my soul to see them light up like a light bulb while singing and dancing on stage.

Whether they help make the set, sing the solo in the third scene, or have one line at the end, I see nothing but smiles and grins on opening night. Summer Musical makes me tear up a little bit when it's all over because the children walk out transformed. They all have gained a greater appreciation for theater as an art form and more self-confidence. The best transformation is seeing this 6th grader who came in doubting themselves now walking out knowing their true self-worth. That's what Summer Musical Camp does for me that no other volunteering experience has done. It provides the feeling of a transformation in my life by seeing the change in others. It gives me this moment to see growth and change and create this personal connection with every student.