Inspiration by Danielle

Inspiration by Danielle - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

We always hear it: help out in the community, it will be the best decision you have made. The thought floats around so much that nobody really pays attention to it anymore. But I’m here to tell you that, while it sounds cliche, volunteering in the community really is a great way to give back.
I have done many different forms of volunteering in my local community, however, my favorite, and the most rewarding, is my volunteering as a reenactor. The Buckskinners Historical Reenactment is comprised of volunteer reenactors who travel to different rendezvous in towns and set up camp. We camp out the whole weekend in our canvass tents regardless of weather. We dress up in skirts and buckskins, and we power down the technology at these events. During the day, the local schools and area residents can come visit us and learn about the 1800s in a unique way. At these events, I portray a humble candle maker and not only demonstrate and teach how candles used to be made, but also help children and adults hand dip their own candles.
I started on this adventure slightly reluctantly, but after my first rendezvous, I was hooked. I love to teach about history and help people make candles. When the light of interest kindles in children’s eyes as I tell them how wax could be made from berries, I can not help but feel I am making a difference. History is so important to our culture and continued existence. I want to continue these rendezvous and find other ways to make a difference in my community. One of my thoughts was to help with the conservation effort of endangered animals. It does not directly affect my community, but it could make a global difference.
Seeing interest well up in people when I teach them about history, has inspired me to continue making a difference in my community. Small communities are the foundation of a nation, and to keep a nation strong, one must care for their community.