Undergraduate / "After volunteering four more times..." - ST JOHNS ESSAY [3]

St Johns Essay
Topic : Topic of your own choice
250 words

In a world where everyone is observed under a microscope, we strive to do that which is beneficial to us while avoiding criticism. However, when it comes to the circumstances of others, seldom are we concerned enough to help out of our goodwill. It is when we help others that we are truly benefiting ourselves. I was ignorant of this aspect as a child. It wasn't until high school that I matured. Joining Midwood Lacrosse, one of our requirements was to volunteer and help the community by cleaning. Although I had matured, I didn't feel like putting a hundred percent into this daycare during a Saturday morning. Walking into the daycare, I noticed it was a mess. Papers were everywhere, and chairs were scattered. Overall, the rooms were chaotic. By the looks of the place, I could not believe how children could even enjoy their time there. Upon entering, my team and I were already put to work. When I met the workers, I realized how motivated they were in ensuring that the place would be clean. It didn't seem like I was being "put to work" Instead, I was making it a priority that these kids came to a clean daycare. We swept, shined, wiped, threw out garbage and cleaned the elevator. After volunteering four more times, my team and I left the daycare spotless. The following day we were greeted by the eyes of each grateful child. I felt my time spent at the daycare was well worth.

Undergraduate / "After volunteering, a daycare" - SUNY COMMON APP EXTRACURRICULAR [5]

Required Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below (150 words or fewer, 1000 character maximum)

How our lives are perceived is something we see as sacred. In a world where everyone is observed under a microscope, we strive to do that which is beneficial to us while avoiding as much criticism as possible. On the other hand, when it comes to the circumstances of others, seldom are we concerned enough to help out of our goodwill. Unfortunately, it is when we help others that we are truly benefiting ourselves. As a child, I failed to learn this. Like any other child, I was selfish and at times hurtful. It wasn't until high school that I matured. Joining Midwood Lacrosse, one of our requirements was to volunteer and help the community by cleaning and fixing up a daycare. Even though I had matured, I didn't feel up to putting a 100% into cleaning a daycare during an early Saturday morning. Walking into the daycare, I noticed the place was an absolute mess. Papers were everywhere, chairs were scattered, and overall the rooms were complete chaos. By the looks of the place, it didn't make sense to me how children could even enjoy their time there. Within minutes of entering I found my team and I were already put to work. When I met the workers, I realized how motivated and hardworking they were in ensuring that the place would be cleaned up. Suddenly it didn't seem like I was being "put to work" instead I was making it a priority that these kids came to a clean daycare. Together we swept, shined, wiped, threw out garbage and cleaned the elevator. After volunteering to come four more times, my team and I left leaving the daycare spotless. The following day we were greeted by the eyes of each grateful and thankful child and I felt my time spent at the daycare was well worth. I was proud of my teammates and I, for we as a team had helped to serve the community.