Better when it is from the heart by Tonya

Better when it is from the heart by Tonya - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

“Las cosas son mejores cuando se hacen del corazón, no porque se tienen que hacer por un motivo o razón.”
- mi mamá

This quote means a lot to me because it has always been said by my mom. The translation of this quote is “Any action is done best when it comes from the heart and not when one is forced”. I have been taught from a young age, that there is always work to be done but to always do it with my best intention.

I have always been grateful for everything I have, especially for every meal we have as a family. Once I began filling out scholarships, I saw that many of them required hours of community service, in which I didn’t realize how mandatory this was. From the moment I started doing community service, I knew I had to have that feeling of wanting to help and not just do it because I felt obligated to do so. My point of view on community service has not changed over the years, but every time I help it tends to affects me one way or another. Recently, I helped at the Guadalupe Center in Greeley, Colorado and this has impacted me by learning to appreciate to have my family around the dinner table each night.

I had chosen to volunteer my time at the Guadalupe Center because my LULAC sponsor had offered me to help out on a late Monday evening. I had heard in the past about many students going out to help at the Guadalupe Center, but I never knew exactly what the students did while on the job. I saw there was an opportunity to: acquire new skills, lend out a helping hand, and experience on a new adventure. I mainly wanted to just help out in the community because I feel like I have been very fortunate due to the blessings i have, for as big or small as they may be. I knew it would be nice to help other families in need.
This experience has changed my life in a very enthusiastic, encouraging, and supportive way. Being able to witness first hand how other families struggle to make it through life day by day, encourages me to keep helping the community to the best of my reach.

If I could have the opportunity to receive your scholarship, I could be able to further my education, to become successful in life, and be able to help other families with their financial needs someday. Overall my experience at the Guadalupe Center and every other place i have donated my time to, has encouraged to keep helping human beings in need and to also continue on pursuing a greater education.