Jessica Yani is a senior at Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island. She has completed over 350 service hours, received strong recommendations from her teachers, and wrote a thoughtful 500-word essay about her social impact and future goals while applying for the $2,500 Cmtyhelp Scholarship for 2024.

Her volunteer work has been a key part of shaping her character, teaching her patience, perseverance, and the importance of human connection. As she applied to various colleges in New York, including Columbia, Barnard, CSI, and Hunter, she realized that schools value students who show initiative, empathy, and a real commitment to their communities. Through her service, Jessica highlighted her dedication to helping others, strengthening her college applications and making her a more well-rounded candidate.

The Cmtyhelp app made it easy for Jessica to apply for the scholarship, which was awarded based on her service hours. She was pleasantly surprised to learn that she had won, as she never expected her efforts to help others would lead to such a rewarding outcome. The $2,500 scholarship has been a great support in her pursuit of medical school, easing some of the financial burdens of higher education.

For Jessica, community service has given her more than she expected—it has shaped her goals, enhanced her college applications, and strengthened her commitment to making a positive impact in the world.