The class that gives back by Tyler

The class that gives back by Tyler - June 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could choose one elective or extracurricular activity to be a required class, it would be community service. Giving back to others is one of the most powerful ways to build character, empathy, and leadership skills, yet it’s something many people don’t get the chance to experience simply because the opportunity or support isn’t made available to them. By making community service a required part of education, we wouldn’t just be teaching students about kindness — we’d be teaching them about responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of uplifting the people around them.

In many cases, people have a genuine desire to give back to their communities but don’t know where to start or lack the resources to do so. By introducing community service as a structured, credited class, schools could bridge that gap by partnering with local organizations, charities, and programs that address real issues within the community. This would allow students to learn firsthand about the challenges people face in their neighborhoods and the impact they can make through service.

Beyond that, a community service class would help students develop valuable life skills. Volunteering teaches problem-solving, leadership, and communication — qualities that are essential in any career path or personal relationship. It also teaches students how to work with people from different backgrounds, which promotes inclusivity and respect for others’ experiences. When students step out of their comfort zones and into situations where they’re helping others, they not only make a difference but also grow as individuals.

I’ve personally experienced how meaningful community service can be. Throughout my time at Delaware State University and back home in Tidewater, Virginia, I’ve participated in toy drives, Thanksgiving food basket programs, and volunteer work at my local church. Each of these experiences taught me more about the importance of compassion, generosity, and understanding people’s needs beyond what you see on the surface. I believe if more students were given the chance to participate in similar experiences through a required course, they would develop a deeper sense of purpose and social responsibility.

In addition, making community service a class would help students explore future career interests while giving back. Whether someone wants to work in healthcare, education, marketing, or public service, participating in volunteer projects offers real-world experience that can shape their understanding of the field. It’s a way to build leadership, learn to work with others, and find creative solutions to problems — all while making a positive impact.

Ultimately, requiring a community service class would create a generation of young people who are not only educated but also compassionate, active citizens. It would instill a mindset that giving back isn’t just something you do during the holidays or for a few volunteer hours — it’s a lifelong responsibility. I believe that if schools took the initiative to prioritize service in the same way they prioritize academics, we’d see stronger communities, more engaged students, and a brighter future for everyone.