Describer volunteer experience and what it has taught you by Christof

Describer volunteer experience and what it has taught you by Christof - May 2018 Scholarship Essay

Service is the most selfless act a person can do. Helping others or giving back to people in the community that are less the unfortunate, under privileged, out of luck, whatever you want to call it shows you care and you want to make a small difference to one’s community. I have volunteered in activities to fundraise for my school’s varsity soccer team. These activities have gone on to help finance our game trips or buy equipment sometimes not covered by the school’s budget. I have also volunteered at a Food Pantry with an organization called the Network. The Network has several programs to assist families, children and the elderly in the Dallas community. They are dedicated daily to resolving the unexpected hardships in the lives of low income families with food, medication, clothing, rent, utility assistance, counseling and prescriptions. They provide short-term assistance with the goal of helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency. These are examples of two very different kinds of service. I feel the direct impact of my volunteer activities for my school’s soccer program as it helps to fill a need for myself and my team mates to play a sport we love. My experience volunteering at the Network is very different as I am there to assist someone other than myself. I appreciate their circumstances because I understand the need. Volunteering for me also help reduce stress and provide a sense of purpose as you are taken outside of your own life just in that moment. I feel like I do make a difference in my immediate community but even more so I realize that the communities I have served feels a greater sense of humanity in that they are seen, cared for and not forgotten.
I consider myself an introvert, but I sometimes find myself taking courageous steps outside of this where given the opportunity. As a member of AVID, I was surprised by the strength in my voice as my peers trusted and sought guidance in me about certain aspects around academics as well as issues that affect today’s classroom environment such as school violence. When I started the process of college applications, my first consideration was the opportunity a liberal arts education would provide in terms of my own career exploration and program collaboration with its immediate community. This Humanties approach is important specifically because it seeks to develop students that will make both a personal and social impact through a combination of course and co-curricular work. I believe that these interdisciplinary programs encourage and support the growth of 21st century problem solvers that recognize both the needs of individuals and business to generate the most value for both.
As a prospective college student, I believe that the campus and community experience is enriched by its students. I intend to do my part and contribute in my small way to understand and constructively engage in the diversity of our complex social issues.