Coach Emma by Emma

Coach Emma by Emma - November 2019 Scholarship Essay

At my high school, students are required to complete twelve volunteer hours prior to graduation, leaving students to complete three hours of service per year of high school. This is by no means a complicated task to complete; however, the school’s purpose of getting students involved in the community is not truly fulfilled. Most students end up completing the bare minimum of service hours, and they fail to make a true connection with the community. I, however, know that I have gone above and beyond in terms of volunteer service, and this has left a positive impact on my school’s community.

I am currently amidst my third year as a volunteer soccer coach. I have worked with young boys and girls teams, helped out at indoor and outdoor camps, aided in evaluating young players to be placed on teams, and more. Those soccer fields are my second home, so when I am not playing, I am coaching. I have spent over 200 hours volunteering as a coach, yet my school has no idea. My volunteer hours are not on record with my school; I don’t volunteer to fulfill a requirement but rather because it is my pride and passion.

Many of my peers have witnessed how my volunteering with my soccer club has shaped me into a more clarified leader, a more compassionate and understanding character, and overall a more positive person. I know that I have showed them that volunteering or other tasks don’t have to be menial; there’s always a way to shape an interest or a hobby into a means of improving a community, an ecosystem, or even just one person’s life. The radiant impact volunteers have on others is insurmountable, so if there is one thing I would like to be remembered for at my small school, it would be the way I demonstrated the significance of volunteer work in shaping oneself and the community.