St. Clair Community by Therese

St. Clair Community by Therese - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

When I was in the third grade I joined an organization that strives to make the world a better place, starting with my community. The organization is 4-H.
This is my ninth year as a 4-Her and I plan to continue until my freshman year of college. Even after I graduate out of the program in 2019, I plan on staying involved by volunteering.
Some of the community service projects that I participated in through 4-H included going to nursing homes to hand out valentines, raking yards in the fall, and packaging meals for the “Feed My Starving Children” program. I have also been a 4-H camp counselor for the last two years. Being a camp counselor has given me the opportunity to mentor younger children and introduce them to community involvement. Through my time in 4-H, I have learned how working together as a team can positively impact my community.
I live in a small rural community (population 868) where neighbors and community members depend on each other on a daily basis. Last fall our small town flooded after heavy rains. Hundreds of people ,including myself, showed up to sandbag around the clock to save homes and businesses. Even though my own home was not endangered by the flooding, I felt it was important for me to do my part to help those in need. It’s comforting to know that if me or my family were ever in need, there would be those same community members there for me. My community has taught me that we all have great gifts and when we share our gifts with others everyone wins, and the world is a better place.