The Acts of Love From a Nine-Year Old by Vy

The Acts of Love From a Nine-Year Old by Vy - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

The sun casts down on me as I follow my mom’s footsteps. She shovels dirt so I shovel dirt. She dumps the dirt into a wheelbarrow, so I dump the dirt into a wheelbarrow. On July 10, 2014, I began my first contribution to my community. My mom and I traveled to Detroit, Michigan, with my church from Richmond, Virginia. Members of Faith Landmarks Ministries worked on a beautification project in a low-income neighborhood. Together, we, Rebuild America, helped clean the streets of Detroit and families with free necessities and services.

I consider my first contribution to be the biggest and most important. At 9 years of age, I didn’t know what community service was but was given the opportunity to do so with a community I’m close to. Individuals that I see in Sunday service were alongside me as I pulled weeds out of the ground. I applied the messages that my pastor preached into my actions. Mark 12:30-31 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’”

As a nine-year old little girl, I gave to those I had no knowledge of. The experience taught me that there are always people who wish for more. Fortunately, I’m homed in a loving house and family. However, not everyone can relate. I needed to be grateful for what I have instead of what I didn’t. This experience flourished my community service commitment as well. I have accomplished over 200 hours of volunteering throughout middle and high school. I gained a leadership position within a non-profit organization, Y Street, where I promoted a healthier Virginia. I also co-coached a soccer team of young boys aged 7-9. I, still to this day, volunteer with Rebuild America. Recently, we have given back to our local communities by hosting block parties that consist of toy giveaways, free health screenings, free lunch, and a free gospel message. I am grateful to be part of an organization that loves God and wants to show it to others close and far. Whether I am in my hometown, Richmond, Virginia, or another state, I will strive to utilize my capabilities to give back whatever I can.