Mary Iganjo's Scholarship essay by Mary

Mary Iganjo's Scholarship essay by Mary - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

Engaging in my community and actively contributing to its improvements has allowed
me to make meaningful connections with others and grown my desire to give back.
Following my immigration to the United States, I experienced various challenges, especially
when navigating community dynamics. I had strong connections with those around me
while living in Kenya, which made leaving difficult. Through creating new friendships and
bonds with those in my new environment, I was able to gain back the sense of community
that I'd missed for so long. Music was one of the biggest contributors to building meaningful
relationships with others. When I was young, I was shy and more on the quieter side.
However, when I became a part of a children's choir I became more outgoing and was able
to express myself in ways words weren't able to. This outlet grew my self-confidence and
introduced me to similar avenues such as playing the violin. Through participating in an
ensemble I forged long-lasting connections with people and truly immersed myself in music.
Throughout the years, I have ventured out of my primary instrument and taken on the
challenge of learning others including double bass and guitar. Additionally, I have
continually served as a choir leader, often organizing practices and participating in
community service events. One in particular involved bringing the joy of music to those in
residential care facilities in the Solano community area during the holiday season. My group
and I engaged with seniors in this event, creating companionship and a festive atmosphere.
Raising their spirits was both rewarding and fulfilling. Music is one of the foundational parts
of my life and will continue to be. Whether it's singing at church, or performing concertos for
the elderly, it's both comforting and an aspect of my life that will continue to grow and evolve
with me.
Observing the positive impacts of the music I share has deepened my commitment to
enriching the lives of those within my community. With this understanding, I've developed a
sense of purpose, compelling me to contribute to something bigger than myself. This
mindset has influenced me to take action and make a difference in ways I can. This past
summer, for instance, I created a summer badminton program where a fellow teammate and

I taught eight children how to play. Observing their growth as players and as individuals has
shaped my view of the meaning of community and heightened my desire to serve others.
My future plans include attending UC, majoring in biology to pursue a career in
dentistry. With this, I intend to be of service to my community and aim to improve the health
of the community around me and further aid the global community. The opportunity provided
by my parents' efforts inspires me to succeed and drive forward in my educational pursuits.
With the support of my community, I hope to make an invaluable and
lasting impact on those around me.