Being "Content" at Don Bosco Prep by James

Being "Content" at Don Bosco Prep by James - December 2014 Scholarship Essay

What comes to mind when I hear the word "content" is not limited to a simple definition or a feeling; for me, it's a place. Don Bosco Preparatory High School has been my home for the past four years. In the words of St. John Bosco, not only has Don Bosco Prep been a home, but "a home that welcomes, a school that prepares for life, a parish that evangelizes, and a playground where friends meet and enjoy themselves."

For many, a typical school day at Don Bosco would end at 1:40. For myself, a typical school day ends at 5:00, 6:00, or even 7:00 at night. Whether it be sports, youth ministry, Eucharistic ministering, adoration, yearbook, social justice club, peer tutoring, ambassadoring a school event, or simply building relationships with teachers and friends, each one fuels my internal satisfaction. This goes beyond social enjoyment and academic accolades.

I pride myself on recognizing the good fortune of being an active member of the Don Bosco community and the diverse service opportunities I have been invited to participate in. The magnitude of events such as assisting the poor in Nicaragua, helping victims of Hurricane Sandy, and leading retreats is not lost on me in my adolescence. There is a humbling feeling beyond contentment when you help others, a feeling that cannot be duplicated in any other arena. I take special pride in having experienced many meaningful satisfactions during this stage of my life.

In my journey, I have learned that being present in my community, school and family is the path to true happiness. I am grateful for being given the opportunity to build these strong characteristics in academia, socialization and volunteering. I am looking forward to continuing my enrichment in my young adult life. I expect that college is where I will find my true self and be armed with the contentment I feel today, to go forward in this journey of life; never settling for anything less.