A Day to Remember by Michael

A Day to Remember by Michael - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

Volunteering was a very new concept to me as I began high school. I never fully understood how to get started in volunteering and interact with the community. The first two years it never crossed my mind to get out there and contribute to others in my community. If only I knew what I know now, the time I spent wasted at home sitting around, could have been put to good use. Now I know how easily it is to find a way to volunteer.

My junior year is when I finally started to understand. I was accepted into the National Honor Society in my school. Here is where it all started for me. The President of the club was also my science teacher. Having this convenience helped tremendously in my case. I knew that after the meeting was held, she would be there to answer any questions that I may have had. During the beginning I did the little volunteer activities that were offered. All though they were more funding opportunities for NHS, it allowed me to take baby steps to get comfortable. A big help to me was having friends in the same situation as I was that were in the program.

The first big volunteer opportunity that I was able to attend was Toys for Tots. I had previous knowledge about what and how this organization helps others during the Christmas holiday. As I began to walk into the warehouse, where the function was being held, my nerves slowing dwindled. Being able to see everyone who came to help were just normal people. It finally hit me, that there is nothing to worry about. We’re all here for the same reason and it’s to help others. I may have knew a little about the organization but not the process. The workers of Toys for Tots walked us through step by step of where we were assigned. I was very surprised with how smoothly everything went with this being my first real interaction with volunteering. This day changed my outlook tremendously.

I used to sit around at home and do nothing with my free time because it was easy. I would use the excuse that I don’t need to volunteer, that it wasn’t for me. Now I realize how much it impacts others in a positive way. But there not the only ones that it helps, it helps yourself. Wanting to go get involved with others and give back to the community is the new easy choice for me.