Food Pantry by Roy

Food Pantry by Roy - May 2018 Scholarship Essay

At the elementary school I attended there is a food pantry every Saturday morning for families that otherwise may not have the money to afford enough groceries. When the families come in, we walk them around asking which foods they would like us to grab for them. One of my favorite things about getting the privilege to volunteer at this event was the fact that I got to use my Spanish in a real life situation to help people in my community.

I have been in the dual immersion program since I was in preschool, but I feel as though I have not had the chance to use my Spanish for good outside of my schooling. Most of the families that came in were Hispanic. They were very strong in Spanish and not as strong in English. Instead of making them struggle through speaking in their second language I wanted to make them feel more comfortable, and using my Spanish definitely gave me the opportunity to connect and better interact with new people and families I have known for many years.

Seeing the people who I have had in my life forever come through was very eye opening and definitely another one of my favorite things about the experience. I did not realize the struggle some of the closest people to me are going through. Getting to talk to them and see their families together was very pleasuring to me because I got to help them and talk to them in a different environment then I usually would

I believe that this experience bettered my understanding of what people around me are going through. It made me realize that even though I do help out in the community there is always more to be done. And even though I may not be rich or have everything, using what I do have to help out in my community may not only better the lives of people in my community but also better the lives of my friends and family around me.