The Impact of Reaching Out by Koren

The Impact of Reaching Out by Koren - June 2026 Scholarship Essay

A project I want to start in my local community is a food drive. Yes, food drives are common, and I very well could become insignificant in relation to the rest. But, the defining difference would be hosting a space that allows for interpersonal connection opposed to simply helping them.

This stems from when I was younger —around 7 years old— and I asked my dad if we could get an extra sandwich for a homeless individual whom sat outside. Every morning my dad and I would get a sandwich from the the store. This one day I decided to try and help someone in need by giving them something to eat. This one instance initiated my ongoing drive to help people, even if in minor ways. Not because it makes me feel good (though, that is another reason), but because the first step to making an impact is reaching out. Without reaching out we can never properly connect with one another, which in turn may lead to feelings of isolation and apprehension. Having dealt with these feelings myself, I understand the value of someone taking that first step, even in seemingly insignificant ways.

To mitigate these feelings in others, I want to create a space where anyone could come by momentarily for something small to eat, or sit and enjoy themselves if they wish. With this, I also want to make small handwritten notes to accompany the food, as it’s another small way for one to see that they are seen and they matter.

It’s a common misconception that one must do extravagant things to create a large impact, but it is just that, a misconception. Minor actions make big impacts within people’s lives everyday without them realizing. I believe this applies to food drives as well. Another instance of giving out small amounts of food and having a quick conversation may seem minor, but the impact it could have is massive. One just needs to take that first step and reach out, as that is how having any impact starts.