Living to Love Others by Maya

Living to Love Others by Maya - April 2022 Scholarship Essay

It was six o’clock on a cold October morning when my life changed forever. I was sleepily stumbling through my church’s parking lot to volunteer at a monthly Harvesters Drive. Cars lined the street as far as my seventh-grade self could see, as I walked with my dad to greet each group and record how much food they needed. After a few cars, my dad was struggling to communicate because most of the people in line only understood Spanish. My dad, knowing I loved my Spanish classes at school, nudged me to speak up. And so, I spoke.

No singular moment shaped me more than seeing a stranger's eyes light up as I muddled through broken Spanish, trying my hardest to make someone feel heard. I will never forget how fear and confusion melted away with my uttering of a few simple greetings. Mothers’ faces stricken with anxiety burst into grins and timid children piled in the backseats of broken-down trucks let out joyful squeals. As grateful strangers shook my hand, I was shook to my core. Never had I felt that kind of purpose, that sense of wholehearted, overwhelming meaning.

It was then I learned that I live to love others. Ever since, I’ve sought to spark the same light in the eyes of those around me: the feeling of being heard. Whether in Socratic seminars, theatre performances, or quick exchanges across the hallway, I now seek intentional moments to connect with people, because every interaction has the potential to change a life. As I navigate my next steps, I know one thing for certain: choosing to love other people is the most powerful way to invest in my own future.

My volunteering experience also taught me that knowledge is infinitely more powerful in its application. It wasn’t knowing Spanish that was impactful, but the sharing of it. As I enter my freshman year in college, I hope to apply this philosophy to all my education: to learn not only for the joy of learning, but so I can achieve something with my knowledge. With this intention, I aim not just to learn, but to apply, like through volunteer work, a study abroad experience, or putting a scientific discovery into practice. I will lead by example, reaching personal success while uplifting my greater community, for it is choosing to love those around us that makes the biggest impact.