Making A Difference by Kacey

Making A Difference by Kacey - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

Making a difference is more than just volunteering every once and awhile at your local animal shelter. It is about changing the lives of the people around you. Making a difference in your community takes hard work and determination, but can be done so easily once you set your mind to it. Being a part of student council, National Honors Society, the Abstinence Club, and the Rotary Club at my high school has taught me a lot about making a difference in my society, but there is one extracurricular activity that has allowed me to make the most difference, my participation in 4-H.
For the past ten years I have been a part of a 4-H club, showing varieties of animals from chickens to horses, as well as taking projects such as "You are better than Bullying". Each of these different projects has allowed me to come into contact with many different people and learn more than I ever knew was possible about each individual project. 4-H has taught me how to be a strong leader, a responsible adult, always prepared, and a problem solver. Each of these qualities allow me to make a difference in my community. For example, I put on an entire presentation to my community about the truths of tobacco. I made posters to put up at the county fair and a power point to share with the crowd I received. This presentation allowed me to step up as a leader and show people the detrimental sides of using tobacco to my community.
I did everything on my own when it came to my 4-H projects. My parents came to support and drive me, but I was required to do the rest myself. Waking up at all hours of the night to make sure your animals had water and filling out hours of paperwork to make sure I could compete. This taught me to be very independent, responsible for myself, and able to communicate with others for help. This allowed me grow as a responsible leader and make a difference in my community. Growing up showing horses allowed me to show other kids the ropes. As I grew older, I gave lessons and put on clinics for the younger riders in my community. I took what I had learned throughout my years to teach others how to grow as a 4-Her and a person.
Making a difference is a key component found in many of our strong leaders, which is why I believe it should be a major part in each of our lives. 4-H gave me the confidence to bring my leadership and determination to make a difference in my high school and community. In the future, I plan to get my PhD and have my own practice. Having my own practice will require me to be responsible, independent, a good communicator, and an inspired leader. With the qualities and traits I have learned throughout my years of 4-H, I am more than prepared to reach my future goals.