A scholarship essay about community service about why I volunteer, the impact of my work, and my future with volunteering
As simple and superficial as it may seem, I volunteer because I love making people smile. When helping others, it's not about being the leader, or having something to put on a résumé, but just about making someone's life a little bit better. When I get to see a little girl's face light up when she makes her first real free throw, or watch how excited someone gets when they realize that they now have food to put on the table, the warm fuzzy feeling I get knowing that I made someone happy is the honest to goodness reason I love to help out in my community whenever I can. Volunteering helps remind that the earth does not revolve around my life, but that I am just one human in a world of over seven billion and counting. Working in my community keeps me grounded, and reminds me that no matter where I'm going, I should always remember where I come from. Not only do I love seeing the happiness brought to the recipients of the volunteer work, but for those who organized the events, knowing that I helped make their dream a reality is almost as priceless of a feeling. Though I haven't started a foundation, or eradicated hunger from Kalamazoo, I'm someone that can always be counted upon to lend a hand when in need. Over the years I have become the go-to person to call if in want of some extra help, and my neighbor, who runs three non-profits in my town, will call me anytime she needs help organizing or working an event. It is truly an awe inspiring feeling to know that I'm someone that such an amazing and giving woman can depend upon. Because I don't volunteer just to have something to beef up my college applications, being actively involved in my community is a part of my life, and something I foresee doing no matter where I live, and no matter what type of community is affected. I have been helping out in Vicksburg since I was in elementary school, and being a part of community service is something I truly love, and is ingrained into my life. Over the years I have observed that although volunteering for the things I'm passionate about, such as basketball and scouting, can make an impact, but stepping out of my comfort zone and working on projects that affect more than just the things in my life can touch even more people's lives. In the future I hope to be able to help my community in more permanent ways, such as the check out system I implemented at a local charity for their library in order to encourage reading. Going off to college and knowing that I have left a lasting impression on the tiny village of Vicksburg is such a wonderful feeling, and one I hope to always carry with me as I tackle larger and larger projects. As the years go on I know that I will always be involved with volunteering because I seek no acknowledgement, no incentive, only a smile.
