Leading to Be The Change
Harvey Firestone once said, "The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership." I can lead in so many ways but I always want to lead to make change. The community service I do is something I truly value and it will always be a part of my identity.
I have completed over 194 hours of community service in the past four years. These hours have allowed me to help my community in any way needed.
For the last four years I have been a volunteer at Special Olympics. Through this experience, I was able to give back and help those at my school while coming to the realization that I am very fortunate. I believe it is often easy to become self-centered or so caught up in your own life that you forget about those around you. This event only took one day out of what I consider my busy life, but it forever impacted those involved. It was rewarding seeing the happiness I was able to bring to all the buddies who were participating in Special Olympics.
For the last two years, I have volunteered as a representative for the Youth Career Connect program. This program is unique because it is career oriented. Upon admission, students choose a pathway that best suits their future career plans. Chosen pathways include biomedical, information technology, engineering, and manufacturing. This program granted me many opportunities throughout my high school career. I was able to take biomedical classes that allowed me to explore human anatomy, as well as conduct experiments. I was also given the opportunity to complete an internship at the local hospital. All of the opportunities YCC gave me shaped me into a better student.
I was chosen as a representative from YCC to speak at various community events. It was important that I use effective communication skills to express YCC’s impact on me, as well as my peers. After speaking at many events, I later learned that various local organizations had decided to partner with YCC. This was important to me as well as my community because it meant that these organizations were willing to invest in the education of the students in the YCC program. YCC would not have many opportunities for students without appropriate funding and partnerships. By being a leader and speaking out, I was able to not only impact YCC while I am currently a student, but I also impacted it for future students. I hope to continue to see my school receive appropriate resources to overall enhance the education of my fellow classmates.
I have volunteered at Anson County Schools over my four years of high school. One main program I have volunteered with is Summer of Surprises. Summer of Surprises recognizes students who perform academically well during the school year. They are then chosen to attend a summer session of two weeks where they are able to have a fun learning experience. At this camp, I assisted as a teacher to help the kids complete activities. I also served as a chaperone on many of the field trips. For the last two years, I have been given the opportunity to assist in Read Across America through Anson County Schools. I was able to go to various primary and elementary schools and read Dr. Seuss books. This experience was very meaningful to me, as I was able to interact directly with younger students in my community.
Although I have volunteered at organizations located in various communities, I am a strong believer in creating change within your own community. United Way Day of Caring allowed me to help those in the community who may be in need of assistance. I also enjoy serving as a leader at volleyball and softball camps that allow younger girls to advance their skills in the game. I am always willing to assist at churches in the community seeking volunteers for fundraisers. Serving at various Anson County Schools, fire departments, the Animal Shelter, and local blood drives have all opened my eyes to see how lending a hand can truly spark change in a community.
Read Across America. Volunteer. Spring of 2019.
Anson Women's League Soup Luncheon. Volunteer from 7 am-3 pm. Spring of 2019. Local organization.
Special Olympics Buddy. Volunteer since 2015. Picture taken spring of 2016.
Leading to Set An Example
"The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example." -John Wooden
No matter where I am or what I am doing, I always want to set a positive example for those around me. I have been a varsity volleyball captain as well as a varsity softball captain. These positions recognized my athletic ability but also my ability to lead. It was important that I serve as a role model for the other girls on the team and set an example. Being a captain pushed me to be the best I could be. I had to hold myself accountable in all situations to make sure I set a good example for my teammates on the field and in the classroom.
In the spring of 2018, I was awarded the Shaundasia T. Smith Spirt Award. This award is given to a player who shows strong character in all situations. I was honored to receive this award because it spoke more about who I am rather than my ability as a player. I have also been recognized by receiving an MVP award and Honorable Mention.
In softball, I was recognized by receiving All-Conference in the spring of 2016. I also received offensive player of the year and MVP in 2016. These awards were all very meaningful to me and I continue to push myself to be the best I can be. These awards were not simply given to me. I truly had to earn these awards. Sports may just mean I am athletic to some people but I have learned more about myself and how to be a leader. I have truly been shaped into a great person and I will forever be grateful for everything I learned from sports.
In school, I set an example my performing my best at all times. I am always open to challenges. In my junior year, I chose to enroll in an honors physics class over a regular psychical science class. Many of my friends were scared to take this challenge, but I was the first to do so. After my classmates realized I was taking the challenge, they decided to as well. I am always open to opportunities to take challenges because I know it will result in growth as a student.
I was inducted into the National Honor Society at Anson High School in the spring of 2017. In this organization, I have served various roles to help organize fundraisers and work these fundraisers. I also am a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success at South Piedmont Community College. These two societies have shaped me as a student and allowed me to network with other students.
I have been a member of various clubs including Rotary, Bearcat Spirit Club, Bearcat Athletic Support Foundation, and Health Occupations Society of America. These clubs have allowed me to be thoroughly involved at my high school as well as explore ideas in my future career field. I value being involved as much as I can with my school and setting an example for those around me.
Although it may seem as if I have it easy, I have faced many challenges that I have had to overcome. It has been a challenge for me to balance my school work with my extracurriculars. Being a student-athlete, I have definitely learned to balance my academics with my athletics. However, I have also had to balance being involved in clubs, being involved in the community, and managing my own personal interests such as church. Although this has been a challenge, I have learned so much more about myself and how I can make an impact everywhere I go. I now am eager to seek challenges because I know it will only better me as a student. I hope I have truly had a positive touch on everyone I have come in contact with and pushed them to be a better version of themselves.
Sports Banquet spring of 2018. Shaundasia T. Smith Spirit Award.
All-Conference 2016. Pictured at Sun Valley High School.