How I Will Be Making a Difference in Ten Years by Rayne

How I Will Be Making a Difference in Ten Years by Rayne - December 2015 Scholarship Essay

As I neared high school graduation, I felt I needed to do something to gain a broader prospective of the world, and I knew that the time to do this was now. I chose to travel to Chiang Mai, Thailand the summer before my senior year with a group of youth from my church. We stayed at a Children’s Home called Baan San Faan for two weeks. My eyes were opened as I saw different tragedies, from orphans to young women working as legal prostitutes. At times these matters were terrifying, because they were so depressing and unlike anything I had ever seen in America. Witnessing these hardships wasn’t easy, but doing so gave me a deeper understanding of what life is like for others, and a stronger desire to do something about it. I shadowed a couple as they taught lessons in English at the local elementary school where most of the children attended. Instantly I became interested in what they were doing, as I witnessed the love and gratitude expressed towards them by the children. We sang songs in English, worked with the kids on the alphabet, taught them to read English books, and spent time getting to know each child personally. Although the teachers only received a small living stipend, they were paid in hugs, laughter, and the privilege of watching youth succeed in a new language. Getting hands-on experience in these classrooms was indescribable. I connected with so many of the young kids that came from local orphanages and areas of extreme poverty. Each child was delighted to meet us and craved our affection, which was such a blessing to experience. As the children warmed my heart, my eyes were opened and I began to see the bigger picture in this world and realize my place in all of it.
During the few months that I have been back in America, I have really been processing my overseas trip and thinking of how this new revelation will affect my future. I have considered a number of different career paths, but my missions experience this summer revealed to me that I want to earn my Master’s in Teaching so that I can become an elementary school teacher. I hope to someday teach abroad in an area of poverty. My time in Thailand revealed to me the tremendous value of education, as I met parents that had sacrificed everything, including a relationship with their children, in order to give their child the chance go to school and avoid the dangers of poverty. I believe that education is the key to reducing poverty, which is why I am excited to enter into this influential career field. In ten years I see myself truly making a difference, doing something for others, and in my opinion this will make me very successful. I know that I am not going to single handedly change the world, end prostitution, or educate all children. But I also believe that being in a position where I could truly make a difference would be a privilege to me because it would give my life meaning. I want my career to be greater than myself, to be something that really could help someone. I am thankful that I took the opportunity to travel on this mission, as this trip revealed to me my passion to work with underprivileged youth. The chance to step out of my comfort zone and place myself in a new culture broadened my understanding of diversity and helped clarify the direction I wish to take with my future.