Join In by Carmen

Join In by Carmen - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

Extracurricular activities are a huge part of my high school life. Coming in to my high school as “the kid who never really fit in”, I really felt the need to find a place in the community where I could belong. I decided that if I join a club or become part of something special, then I would find my place. I eventually did in a very coincidental way – Through the discoveries of my passions, I eventually did join & play major roles in various clubs within my school. Most of my extracurricular activities have come about through my biggest hobby: photography. Later on, I discovered something else that I really love doing - giving back.

In 8th grade, I discovered photography when I was given a camera for my 14th birthday. I fell in love with the idea of photography. My classmates fell in love with my pictures. I ran for historian of my class, and I won. It was my first position of responsibility, and I’m proud to say that I’m still the historian for my class today. I went to every meeting, every bake sale, every party, every field day, everything that could happen. I became so involved with photography that not only did everyone in my class know me, but everyone in my school knew who I was: the girl with the camera.

I’ve helped groups with projects, teachers and other clubs with their activities. Even the principal of the school has requested my services at school events! I also joined the computer club, where frequently I give photography workshops to students in younger grades and at club activites. I’ve inspired many students to pursue the art of photography and many, like me, have found it as a way to become more social.

During my junior year, the student council lacked a historian. While there wasn’t an elected position at that time, the President of the Student Council asked me to fulfill that role unofficially. As a result, the Student Council added the position of Historian, which I was elected to in my senior year. Tackling these leadership positions have helped me become a better leader and have helped me develop my confidence as a person.

I found a huge space in my heart for teaching and giving back. Growing up with a brother with autism, I have become more tolerant to people with disabilities and overall to all people in general. I love to help people learn, because I see education as one of the greatest gifts anyone can give us. My strongest subject has always been Math. Everyday, I have two or three people asking me to help them with their Math homework. They always seem to understand better the subject after I explain, and it makes me want to help more. Last summer, I worked as an intern for the Alianza de Autismo de Puerto Rico. I created a “can fund” to raise money for the entity, as well as helped to organize and work at the Alianza’s first summer camp for kids with autism, held at a facility donated by the City of Arecibo, Puerto Rico to the Alianza. Through all of these experiences, I have realized that I want to help kids with autism & special needs.

The experiences I’ve received in extracurricular activities have helped me learn social and leadership skills I wouldn’t have gotten in a classroom. The more involved I became in school, the better my grades were. I think that to discover your passions, you have to explore them outside the academic setting and plainly just enjoy it.