What is the biggest contribution that you have made to your community? by Maci

What is the biggest contribution that you have made to your community? by Maci - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my high school career, I have always enjoyed working with young children. So much so that I took a leap of faith and joined my high schools PAL program. I was very hesitant of this decision in the beginning because I worried that I did not have enough knowledge to help these children in the way they needed. I was so worried that I almost backed out and chose to not go through with the program. Thank goodness I didn't.
On the first day, my fellow classmates and I drove to the elementary school to meet the kids we would be spending the rest of the year with. Instantly, I had a bond with my three children that I will never forget. They confided in me about every little detail in their lives and truly saw me as an older sister. To my surprise, they were helping me probably as much as I was helping them. I was just excited to see them as they were to see me. We played games, painted pictures, went on walks, and talked about everything together. I saw them as family and they made such a huge, unexpected impact on me.
At the end of our time together, I will never forget how sad I was that we wouldn't get to spend every day together anymore. They had grown so much since the beginning of the year and while I was excited to see where they would go next, I was heartbroken to say goodbye. They taught me patience, determination, kindness, and creativity all in our short time together.I hope that I made as much of a difference in their lives as they did in mine.