The Blessings of Scouting by Katherine

The Blessings of Scouting by Katherine - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

My entire life, I have been involved in a multitude of activities that I’ve been able to grow with, and have shaped both my personality and character. I’d always been roped into activities like sports, clubs, and faith formations, by my parents and peers; since the first grade, I’ve been involved in the Girl Scout community; I’ve been blessed to learn and grow under the leadership of my scout leader, Nancy Cassillas, and my peers. Through my involvement and active participation in this community, I’ve had incredible opportunities to develop leadership qualities that best suit me.

Up until the sixth grade, I had been raised as a follower. If my friends were to do something, chances are I would too. Out of all my peers, however, it was Rebecca Heart that I followed with the most intent. It was simply awe-striking to witness what a genuinely good person she was. In fact, for my 10th birthday, I asked for dog beds and food to give as donations to my local animal shelter as a replacement of gifts, simply because Rebecca, had done the same on her birthday; at a mere 10 years old, she was so genuine about it too, never wanting attention for her kind acts, simply satisfied in the opportunity to give to others who didn’t have the surplus she had been blessed with. I can honestly say I’ve never met such a purely good person in all of my life, because Rebecca was an angel that I had been touched by, but on June 22nd, 2008, Rebecca, her two parents, and their two foster children were instantly killed in a car accident on their way home from church, and returned into Heaven. I remember the call, the ceremonies, the farewell service, the lighting of candles, everything. I had so badly wanted to be like her, and now she was gone. I felt empty, left-behind, and forgotten. I put distance between myself and all my activities but one: Girl Scouts.

It was with my involvement in the Girl Scout community that I learned how I could make Rebecca’s legacy live on: by leading those around me to complete acts of goods just as she had. My troop leader worked with me to transform myself a strong leader to conduct the spread of Rebecca’s legacy. However, it was in this goal that I was able to widen my leadership opportunities into my other activities, such as work, sports, and school activities. I was able to achieve all the requirements to obtain the Girl Scout Bronze Award, a symbol of leadership to my community, and something I wouldn’t imagine achieving without the help and support of my troop, including Rebecca. Remarkably, I also began to emerge as a leader on the volleyball and basketball court, in the bowling alley, in my school work, and in different clubs, all things that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for Rebecca touching my life.

Now, despite most of my sisters in scouting hanging up their sashes for the last time, I am currently in the process of completing my Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement that can be obtained by any scout. However, obtaining said award is a long and endeavors journey involving 40 hours of community service, research, and leadership in order to complete a project that’ll hold a lasting impact on the community. For me, it’s a way of giving back to the various people and places in the community that have housed my growth and development from the beginning of my childhood until I embark into a new chapter in my life, it’s my thank you letter for contributing all the exciting ventures of my childhood, but mostly, it’s my ability to leave the imprint Rebecca left on me onto my community, for they can be inspired to do good works as well.