Small Changes Can Lead to Big Results by Michael

Small Changes Can Lead to Big Results by Michael - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

I could see the stands were empty as I looked up from the football field. What was once a packed stadium filled with red shirts and cowbells, was now quiet, with only a few families present. The student section was bare–completely empty. It was obvious that our normally supportive small town had lost faith in us.

This had become our predicament after the Covid-19 pandemic. When the school opened back up again, things just fell flat. We suffered in attendance, participation, and spirit. To make matters worse, kids were quitting athletics and turning to partying. Things just didn’t bounce back. As my senior year unfolded, they canceled the varsity football program due to declining numbers. My last year in high school was looking pretty bleak.

I knew that someone had to initiate change, and it had to be me. If you met me 4 years ago, I was the least likely guy to stand out in a crowd. I was shy and certainly not considered cool. However, I was determined not to let anyone’s negative remarks or poor attitude affect me. My peers were either going to laugh at me or join me– one of the two. So, I started making small, but meaningful changes that would influence my peers to become more engaged in our school community.

First, I decided to run cross country this fall. We haven’t had a full team for years, so I convinced some guys to join. There were many days that my teammates had to be talked out of quitting. As Team Captain, it was my responsibility to keep us together, and that meant nobody could quit. It ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. 3 boys went to states and we all placed in the 5K at States. There was excitement school-wide about the team, and it made me realize I could take a very somber event in my life, the cancellation of a life-long sport, and turn it into something constructive.

Second, I re-established the 6th Man Spirit Club. It had become more of a Missing Man Club. I gathered a diverse group of kids to attend a home soccer game. As I cheered, others started to join in. At the next game, we made a pyramid of guys with the help of the cheerleaders. A photo was shared by parents on social media, we were highlighted in the local paper, and the soccer coach sent a message thanking us for our support. We’ve attended JV football, soccer, volleyball, and basketball. We dress up in themes like neon or Hawaiian, and costumes are making it fun. Our small, but powerful marching band attended some games as well. Our first home wrestling match is next week, and we are planning on firing up the crowd!

When I was elected Student Council President, I knew that I needed to collaborate with others to rekindle a sense of pride in our school. I wasn’t the only person that craved this change– we ALL wanted it. A person can only make change in others if they are willing to do it themselves. I decided to get to know everyone in the school. I show my peers how to say “hello” in the hall, compliment each other, participate in class, and be more engaged in lessons. I know that I will never participate in drinking, drugs, or vaping. I must “walk the walk” if I’m going to “talk the talk”.

I started this year by communicating morning announcements live over the loudspeaker. I was NERVOUS! I stuttered through the announcements for all of September. But I wanted to keep going despite being embarrassed. These morning messages have connected me to the ears of everyone in school, and I use them to my full advantage. I communicate daily events, fundraisers, and extra-curricular opportunities. I convince kids to show up for meetings, bring canned goods to food drives, donate blood in the gym, and attend games.

Additionally, I get to school early, walk the halls, and greet the staff. They tell me what I need to communicate, and this partnership has helped improve participation in all activities. I work with Student Council members to plan dances, fundraisers, and Ram Rumbles, which are pep rallies to bring us together in spirit. I’ve spearheaded initiatives such as decorating the sidewalks with inspirational messages, making t-shirts for each class, and assigning them a superhero mascot. The students are buying in and participating!

It's only been four months, but change is happening! My classmates are initiating ideas and participation. I encourage underclassmen to participate because they will lead this school for the next 3-4 years. Our band, athletic teams, and student groups are young, but they’ll grow in size, spirit, and success. I think my younger brother will have a varsity football program next year. I’ll be away at college, but I can’t wait to hear about it! I’ve learned something amazing this year. Even small changes can set wheels in motion. I think I’ll be a change agent at my future university. I’m hooked!