The directions:
"NHS is built on the four pillars, character, leadership, scholarship and service. In a well written essay (no more than 500 words, in 12 point, Times New Roman font), construct a narrative paragraph illustrating why, from your experience, you are committed to these qualities."
My essay:
The Girl Scout Law:
I will do my best to be
honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Girl Scouts is a unique organization where I have developed life skills, characteristics, and values to guide my actions and ultimately make the world a better place. I have fun and have established many friendships by virtue of my substantial experiences. I strive to be a mature role model and leader for younger girl scouts. Over the past ten years I earned copious badges by acquiring, practicing, and improving skills and hobbies. Through Girl Scouting, I have become committed to the qualities that are the four pillars of the National Honors Society.
At an early age, the respect for and importance of the acquisition of knowledge was instilled in me as an objective for a life long endeavor. However, of greater importance than my own learning process is the application of that knowledge to assist with the needs and understanding of others.
My academic studies have been and continue to be a primary resource for personal educational development. Language studies serve not only to provide the ability to communicate with others, but lend insight to understanding and awareness to how differing perceptions can be expressed. One summer, while studying Spanish, I used anime cartoons to begin learning Japanese. The insight gained through the exposure to additional languages lends an awareness not only of cultural priorities, but a greater sensitivity to individual expression within a single language group. Math, science, and social classes have helped me with an understanding and application of data and insight to the observation of individual and social behaviors. On the other hand, being a member of the Girl Scout organization has helped me develop various capabilities that I can use to remain successful in school. Participation in band has exemplified the importance of teamwork and personal time management.
Together, the girls of my troop plan, conduct, and participate in many service projects every year to actualize our goal and purpose. Examples include visiting nursing homes and food drives. Through cultural exchanges, environmental stewardships, field trips, and service projects, Girl Scouts has been and continues to be an influence for leadership, sensitivity to others and a means to provide service to the community.
The highest awards in scouting include the Bronze Award, the Silver Award, and the prestigious Gold Award. I am presently going for the gold. These awards represented my accomplishments, commitment, and effort to improve my life and the lives of others by exploring careers and gaining leadership skills. Although I have yet to determine a specific career path, I am certain that I will continue to endeavor to be a positive role model, and a positive influence to individuals and the community whenever possible.
Visiting and ----> organizing:
Examples include visiting nursing homes and organizing food drives.
Hi Amanda, you obviously write very well!
I suggest not including the Girl Scout Law poem. I also suggest making some changes to the first paragraph: write from the perspective of an adult committed to benefiting girls... not the perspective of one of the girls.
If you take out the poem and rewrite the first paragraph, you can tell about how your involvement with Girl Scouts helped you to determine what you are interested in for the future -- being a leader and a resource and a teacher. You don't know exactly what you want to do professionally -- probably a lot of things -- but you do know that you want to do for other kids what these adults have done for you.
...and your leadership experiences are impressive! :-)
