Undergraduate / GMU-- appreciate the life one is given (ACTIVITIES AND LEADERSHIP) [9]

GMU -In approximately 250 words, tell us about the most personally significant contribution you have made to a community through your participation in one of the activities you listed under ACTIVITIES AND LEADERSHIP on this application. This personal statement is required. Since you are applying online, you must submit your statement with this application in the space provided.

Whoosh. Her bright pink ball flew through the air; it landed, wobbling on the rim. The ball hesitated for a second and fell in. She did not move, except for the smile that quickly illuminated her face. It was something that seemed impossible for her. But, she had done it. Shooting a basketball, for most people, is usually insignificant. However, for Maria and me it meant the world.

Ever since I found out that my younger sister was on the spectrum of autism, I've volunteer in anyway I can to help children with special needs. My town's little league program created a special sports team, called The Holland Division. This team gave children with physical and mental disabilities the opportunity to experience a variety of different sports. On weekends I volunteered at our local gym to help supervise the teams and work with the children.

The first day we were paired with our teammate. A little girl with short black hair and glasses came up to me, latched on to my hand and did not let go. She turned to me and whispered "Maria". The one obstacle she wanted to achieve was to shoot a basketball. I promised her if she worked hard, she could. Every Saturday she came prepared with her bright pink ball; determined to make the shot. As the weeks passed, we practiced on position, shooting and confidence. To see her development and attitude change in a positive manner, showed me how much of a difference I was making in her life.

At the next team meet, Maria had made the shot she had been striving for. To experience how ecstatic she was about something so small, gave me a new sense of appreciation for the little things in life. Participating in the Holland Division revealed how hard these children have to work on a daily basis just to accomplish things that many of us take for granted, giving me a sincere admiration for them. Through this contribution I have learned to accept difficult situations, persevere and appreciate the life one is given.