Undergraduate / "How is service to others important in your life?" Virginia Tech Application Essay [4]

This is an application essay for Virginia Tech. The prompt is "How is service to others important in your life." I just need help reviewing and polishing my essay before I turn it in.

When I first joined 4H at the age of nine, I thought it was just a summer camp, nothing more. After years of attending 4H camp, I realized that it was much more. The first opportunity I had, I joined my local 4H club and began going to monthly meetings. The 4H club introduced me to many new opportunities- the most important being community service.

Volunteering with 4H opened me opened me up to many possibilities, and soon I began to join other community service clubs. For the past year, I have been actively involved in Key club and National Honor Society, along with 4H club. All three of these clubs have influenced my life in various ways. With these clubs I have participated in Angel Tree, tutoring, the annual Share the Fun contest, Relay for Life, and serving at my local Rescue Mission. Volunteering with these clubs has made me realize just how much I love helping others and how important community service is in my life.

In all, service to others has changed my life for the better, making me a better person. It is an important aspect of my life that I will continue with forever.

Undergraduate / I finally knew I was done searching; I was going to be a Hokie. [4]

I'm applying to Virginia Tech this fall and it is by far my number one choice. It means the world to me to go there. Right now my essay is at 272 words and I need it to be less than 250. The prompt is the top five reasons you would like to be a Hokie.

The day I walked into the visitor's center, I though Virginia Tech was going to be just another school. I never expected to get that "wow" moment, you know, the one where the girls start crying on TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress". Although my experience didn't involve a wedding or any crying, I finally knew I was done searching; I was going to be a Hokie.

Growing up 45 minutes away from campus, I was always part of the school spirit. On game days, Roanoke lights up with maroon and orange, making it extremely hard to not be a Hokie. That was and still is my favorite part about Virginia Tech- the school spirit. While touring the campus in September, I learned about many attributes the school has to offer. They are a leading 4H group, which meant a lot to me because I have been involved in 4H since the age of nine. I also was fascinated with their community service options. It felt like Virginia Tech couldn't stop talking about everything that they have and continue to offer for the community, and I loved it! They also have many safety precautions to make students and parents feel safe and secure while they are away from home. Lastly, Virginia Tech is nationally ranked for their dining. Being away from home for four years and eating the same food almost every day, the dining plays and important role in the college decision process.

Once a Hokie, always a Hokie. With this being said, I hope to continue my Hokie experience at Virginia Tech.