Turning Leading into Serving by Hannah

Turning Leading into Serving by Hannah - March 2024 Scholarship Essay

During the past three summers, I have gotten to volunteer at a camp called Camp Blessing. This is a place where special needs children get to have a summer camp experience. At the beginning of the week, I am paired with a child and I am their best friend for the week. We get to ride horses, swim, go on boats, and many more fun activities. Aside from the activities, I am also their caretaker for the week, this means assisting them in whatever they need, whether that be showering, eating, or dressing. This is undoubtedly the most rewarding experience I have ever had- but it is also one of the most mentally challenging for me.
One of the ways it was most challenging was because when you are fully taking care of someone you have to always be thinking two steps ahead. It is also an experience that makes me a leader in a relationship with that child. I have to make sure to set good examples and expectations for myself so that my buddy has someone to look up to. While this week teaches me a lot about leadership and patience, it also shows me that we have many lessons to learn from those who are younger and different than us. They teach us how to be a stronger, more thoughtful and intentional leader.
Through working at Camp Blessing, my passion for working in the special needs community has grown exponentially. In college, I am going to work for a degree in Communication Disorders so that I can become a speech pathologist for special needs children. This passion and desire has prompted me to be around the job I am striving for by working in a similar setting. I work at an organization called the Turn Center, which is a special needs therapy clinic that provides speech, occupational, and physical therapy, as well as counseling. I work as a rehab technician, which means I am an extra hand where I am needed. I clean toys, interact with the children, and prepare items the therapist will need for their sessions.
Through these various experiences, I have become not only a better leader but a better daughter, friend, and co-worker. Leadership has taught me how to live a life filled with intention and compassion. The lessons I have learned through leadership are invaluable to me and an integral part of who I am. I cannot wait to see where my journey leads me next and the valuable lessons I will continue to learn.