The Reason for the Season: The Time I Learned a Valuable Life Lesson by Morgan

The Reason for the Season: The Time I Learned a Valuable Life Lesson by Morgan - October 2013 Scholarship Essay

I was an active member in Girl Scouts from the time I was five until I graduated from high school. During my time as a Senior Girl Scout, I was involved in many projects around the community. One of my favorite events that we held was a Christmas party for less fortunate families in Robeson County. Our Girl Scout troop would collect canned foods and purchase turkeys for the selected families for their Thanksgiving meal. We would take the food to their houses before Thanksgiving and during this time we would meet with the families to make Christmas lists.

Many of the houses were cramped living arrangements and it was apparent that the parents had little means of providing for their family. Most of the time, the parents seemed embarrassed for our group to come in to their home. The children always welcomed us with open arms and were excited to have such a large group to play with them. After Thanksgiving, our Girl Scout troop would spend the next few weeks planning the Christmas party and buying the presents. We would buy clothes, shoes, and toys/appliances for each member of the family. The presents were wrapped and put away to surprise the children.

The Christmas party consisted of a dinner, Christmas-themed games, Christmas carols, reading “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and a visit from Santa Clause to end the party. Much to the children’s disbelief, Santa Clause brought gifts for each of them and their parents. The children were overjoyed the entire night, but became absolutely ecstatic when Santa brought so many gifts for them. The looks of happiness and appreciation on the children’s faces is something that I will remember for many Christmas’ to come. While the children were opening presents, the mothers were usually in the distance crying from utter appreciation of our kind work. Many parents could not thank us enough and couldn’t believe that they were lucky enough to have such a special Christmas.

To be a part of something so special was truly life changing. Over the years, we showed multiple children what it felt like to have a normal Thanksgiving and Christmas. We were able to take away the stress of the holiday budget for many parents and provide families with an amazing Christmas. Far too often we take for granted a hearty meal, time with family, and presents under the Christmas tree. The greatest lesson the children taught me is that the Christmas party was a success even without the presents. The time spent playing, laughing, and enjoying a meal together would have been enough for them. Through this experience, I have found that it is a far greater feeling to give than to receive. Since serving those families, I always show my sincere appreciation for what is given to me and I always take advantage of providing to those less fortunate than myself.