Saving Second Base by Breanna

Saving Second Base by Breanna - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

When I actually sit down and think about it, the world is actually a pretty scary place. There are hurricanes, bad hair days, wars, diseases, and the idea of taking that first step on the escalator (which must be timed perfectly). There are so many things to be afraid of, but in fear there is also opportunity. In my freshman year of high school a close family friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, and through fear arose a desire to make a difference.

The breast cancer awareness club was in it’s second year at Eastside when I joined, so the organization was still figuring out the logistics of being a successful club. At the first meeting I attended there was a small room packed from wall to wall with eager volunteers, all ready to fight for a cause, and I remembered being so excited to join them in changing the world. Showing up to that first meeting was one of the best decisions I made in my freshman year, even if I did miss pizza day in the cafeteria. For all four years of my high school career I’ve been an active member in our chapter of this association, and was even elected vice president in my senior and junior year. I’ve gotten the opportunity to do so much more than I ever could have imagined was possible. In my first year in the organization I raised 500 dollars for our team, and every year since I’ve matched or exceeded my personal goals. But being a part of the breast cancer awareness club is about so much more than the money we raise. The real value of the experience comes from the encounters experienced with others. I met some extraordinary women in my community who have fought seemingly impossible battles and arisen victorious, wearing their survivor story as a badge that they were proud to display. As head of the committee for the annual survivor brunch, I met a woman with six kids, and a successful career in law who battled breast cancer for six years, and learned a new definition of the term “superhero”. The moments of inspiration that I was exposed to through my participation in the club were juxtaposed with moments of laughter and celebration, as we had the boys in our club put on fashion shows in ornately decorated bras and shed tears of exhilaration as we accomplished the honor of reaching our goal of becoming silver sponsors.

Being a member of this club provided me with an experience that taught me immeasurable lessons ranging from teamwork and organizational skills to time management and community service, all elements that I carry forward though out my life. Making a commitment towards more birthdays every year for those fighting against breast cancer was an experience that cannot be underestimated, and the skills I gained from this experience have changed my outlook on life, as I plan to continue fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves.