An Unexpected Major by Lauren

An Unexpected Major by Lauren - February 2019 Scholarship Essay

Arriving at the Youth Shelter was supposed to be just like all the other days of service that my school offers: dig into the work, connect with your community, and then reflect on how I fit into the environment. That’s what my head said, but my heart turned a sharp corner when I walked into that drab, brick building.
You see, service has always been a big part of my life. The compassion taught to me by my parents has been carefully nurtured by my Jesuit school for the last four years. My heart hurt from expansion while working with underprivileged kids at camp for a week this summer. I get a kick out of the older people and their lack of propriety at Holy Family Nursing Home. Organizing clothes for the homeless, ironically, makes me feel warm inside.
The Youth Shelter changed everything. Even though I was comfortable with my role as a servant, when faced with people my own age, who were the recipients of my volunteer hours, something didn’t feel right. Some were runaways; some were not accepted by their families; some were hungry with no food at home. Rae, a 15-year-old, was looking for a place to go after school since going home was not safe.
I couldn’t stop putting myself in Rae’s shoes, but my mind kept disconnecting - I have never been faced with the same challenges as Rae. My time after school is strained with constant activities. My parents sacrificed to put me through private school and encouraged me to be my true self. My friends occupy my weekends and always have my back. My house, a sanctuary for my body and mind, is where I seek refuge night after night.
Rae has none of this.
The experience that the Youth Shelter implanted in me prompted me to give back to the community and to make service an essential component to my everyday lifestyle. From this moment, I tried to constantly come up with ideas that encourage teens like Rae and empower them so that they can continue being the best versions of themselves. If the parents of these teenagers do not inspire their lives, who will? Who will be their source of inspiration? What if I were able to run a business that accomplishes these goals?
My mind was now set on a business degree.
With this degree, not only can I promote social justice but also I can create a safe haven for the underprivileged in my community. I want to assist teens throughout my neighborhood with their everyday needs whether its food or clothes or a person to come to for advice. By offering help and guidance, they are more likely to turn to place such as the Youth Shelter rather than on the streets.
An unexpected event happened when I set foot in the Youth Shelter. As I was focusing on making a small impact of Rae’s life, she made the greatest impact on mine that I will never forget.