Volunteering at Vacation Bible School by Kennedy
Kennedy's entry into Varsity Tutor's December 2019 scholarship contest
- Rank:
- 0 Votes
Volunteering at Vacation Bible School by Kennedy - December 2019 Scholarship Essay
During a good portion of my tenth grade year, I struggled with finding myself and lacked the motivation to do anything outside of school. However, one week after I had officially ended my sophomore year at Dinwiddie High School, I found myself waking up early again on a Monday morning. For the entire week, I volunteered to be a clerical aide at my church’s annual Vacation Bible School. It was at my grandmother’s suggestion, and figuring my time would be better spent helping others than just lazing around, I accepted the duty. Although I was not particularly fond of waking up during the early hours of the morning to be around noisy children, I was somewhat excited to be volunteering at the same place I had attended most of my childhood. Moreover, I had hoped the experience would help me out of my funk, and thus restore me back to my old self.
First and foremost, I was genuinely surprised at how much of a pleasant time I had. I expected the week to be filled with boring paperwork; however, it was the complete opposite. Throughout the week, I got to experience the behind-the-scenes of Vacation Bible School and saw how much preparation everything required, something I believe many teenagers tend to overlook. Furthermore, I acquired first-hand experience on what goes in a classroom and, acting as a part-time teacher’s assistant, I got to see what goes on in the smaller children’s minds. I saw how excited they got when they were given a sticker and how curious they were to know everything. However, it was not always easy to capture their attention or get them to participate, which led to me earning even more respect for teachers all over the world. It was here that I learned to apply the skills which I already had, such as relating to others and listening to their needs. Although challenging at times, it was always rewarding, and through these traits I found myself able to connect with the children on a deeper level. This, in return, helped me rediscover my inner child; in fact, I got reacquainted with my imagination and creativity as I listened to them tell stories and watched them draw unique pictures.
Additionally, I was grateful for the opportunity to help others at a time where I was still struggling to help myself. For the first time in a while, I had experienced genuine fun as I spent time around small children, so full of life. Unbeknownst to them, they had brought back out my six-year-old self, and I was more than appreciative of it; I felt my sense of exploration reappear and my mind become more open. At the same time; however, I felt mature as I assisted the adults. To be given responsibilities and have authority at the same place I had attended for much of my life felt surreal. It was the perfect blend as my past sense of curiosity and imagination intermixed with my future sense of maturity and responsibility to bring forth my present-self. The experience affected me in more ways that I ever could have imagined, such as awaking my inner-child and helping me feel more like myself than I had in a long time. I was more than thankful for the opportunity to volunteer at my church Vacation Bible School and the effects it left on me.