Little by Little Can Make a World of Difference by Isabelle

Little by Little Can Make a World of Difference by Isabelle - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I began considering what contributions I have made to my community, many small acts seemed to come to my mind - undertakings that many would not consider to be momentous or extraordinary at first glance. However, when I began to look closer, the larger impact started to become clear. I have always enjoyed having the opportunity to spend time with young children. I have volunteered as a crew leader for my church’s Vacation Bible School, in the summer, and have helped to take care of preschool-aged kids on Sunday mornings in children’s church and during Wednesday night church. Additionally, I have been able to help teach young members of my summer swim team the fundamentals of swimming, following each practice, and have had the opportunity to participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program at my school. Also, I have been given the chance to babysit the children of numerous families and have had the opportunity to volunteer during “Parent’s Night Out” events, which are organized by my church youth group and provide babysitting services to parents for an evening.

Through all of these experiences, I have begun to realize the substantial impact one can make on the larger community through a child’s life. Individuals can be significantly influential in a young person's world for the better or for the worse. For example, when I look back at my childhood, I can recall the profound impact that was made on my life by those older than I. It meant the world to me when older kids were intentional to talk or spend time with me. I have found that role models, like these, can bring so much joy and hope into the life of a child by encouraging and supporting them and by showing these young ones that they are loved.

I have had the opportunity to do this in the lives of many children and have come to realize how much weight my words, actions, and opinions hold in their minds. One can impact the view these kids have of themselves and the world around them. I have been given the chance to encourage children to put their extensive imaginations and aspirations into action - coming alongside them in their adventures and ultimately helping to equip them with the right tools and resources in order to set them up for success. I have been given the ability to help guide their steps and point them in the best direction as I educate them on a variety of subjects through different situations I encounter with them. However, I have found that they often, simultaneously, teach me many lessons also.

Spending time with young kids is so rewarding. I love listening to their point of view and having the opportunity to share in their child-like imagination. I have so enjoyed being able to model a behavior and be an example that these young individuals can look up to and emulate. I have been given the chance to form such precious personal connections with kids, especially when I babysit. This is often when I have the opportunity to spend the most time with them and learn about what they find joy and comfort in and what they dislike and fear. I have the honor to build a relationship with these children and to show them that they are fully seen and heard. One of my greatest joys is to see the face of a child light up when they see me and then run to give me a big hug. At the least, this contribution to my community has made the most impact in my life.

I have realized that this is the future generation that I have had the opportunity to walk alongside. Through doing this, I have not only touched the lives of youth, but have ultimately contributed to my community by impacting the families of these children and by pointing these young ones in a direction that will enable them to further contribute to the community, in the future, as they put their skills and gifts into action.