The Neglectful Garden by Larry

The Neglectful Garden by Larry - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

The air was heavy with the scent of neglect, and the display was disheartening. It was clear that a transformation was needed. Despite constant efforts to try to fix our school's garden, there was no consistent effort in maintaining it. I wanted to help because I envisioned the garden to be able to produce crops consistently.

Recognizing this problem, I took it upon myself to join the gardening club during my sophomore year and cooperated with a few other members to tackle this challenge. We began by cleaning the debris and recycling the trash that had tarnished the garden's potential. I then prepared a space for the plants to grow inside by providing tubs filled with nutritious soil. In our garden, we grew strawberries, bok choy, and sunflowers, which mirrored the diverse mix of cultures in our City Heights neighborhood.

After months of consistent watering and weeding, our efforts bore fruit (quite literally). Plants were ready to be harvested and sent to teachers to beautify their classrooms. The fruits and vegetables were grown and given to our community to help address the ongoing food desert we faced.

The transformed garden not only became a source of fresh produce but also a communal space where students could gather, lend a hand, or simply enjoy the surroundings. Flowers blossomed, adding vibrancy, and the once-rejected space became a testament to the potential hidden beneath neglect. The significance of this transformation extended beyond the garden's boundaries. I felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that my contributions had played a role in this but I wanted to ensure it continued. Now in my senior year, I took on the role of secretary, with the responsibility of teaching new members the daily routine of watering, planting seeds, and weeding.

Through gardening club, I learned that just as a plant does not reveal its beauty overnight, so too do our efforts. Each step we take is purposeful and the most beautiful outcomes emerge gradually with consistent work. My commitment to consistency will continue to foster growth in my future endeavors.