Community service has been my major connection to the world around me. From helping school secretaries to teachers and students, volunteering has become a defining aspect of my high school career.
It all started with needing a specific number of hours to get accepted in my school’s national honor society, however, I never realized how meaningful it could be. Every thank you, smile, and new relationship I went through made me become a better person and want to help. Not only did I gain experience about the professional side of different careers in the building, but I began to grow as a person as well.
Volunteering at Susan E Wagner High School has allowed me to build connections that would have been impossible for me to create. I gained skills that reinforced me to become organized and efficient. I became more comfortable with communicating with others, which allowed me to take on more roles such as tutoring other students or taking charge in a group assignment. Giving back this way has shaped my character and taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of human connection. I have seen firsthand how small actions—helping a family friend apply for a job, guiding someone through the citizenship process, or simply offering kindness—can leave a lasting impact. I know that the experiences I’ve gained from community service have only positively impacted me, and I have found immense fulfillment in supporting those who need it most.
Not only did volunteering give me the necessary life skills, but it gave me something to share in my college applications. Applying to many schools in NY such as Columbia, Barnard, CSI, Hunter, and more, I learned that colleges value students who demonstrate initiative, empathy, and a genuine commitment to their communities. Through my service work, I have been able to showcase my dedication to helping others, which has strengthened my applications and made me a more well-rounded candidate. Although I’m still undecided as to where I want to go, community service has given me a clear sense of purpose and direction as I prepare for the next chapter of my education.
Even when all of this was more than enough for me, I saw that the good I had done towards community service and volunteering allowed me to have the opportunity to apply for the Cmtyhelp Scholarship sponsored by the members of the Church of St.Clare, Staten Island. Unexpectedly, I had won $2,500. I had no idea that the work I put into helping others would come back around and impact me so greatly. Receiving the $2,500 scholarship has become a tremendous support in my pursuit of medical school. Higher education is a significant investment, and financial support like this would allow me to focus on my studies, research, and volunteer work without the added stress of financial burdens. It would serve as both a practical resource and a powerful motivator, reinforcing my belief that hard work and dedication to service can open doors to greater opportunities.
Reflecting on the experiences I’ve had, I am grateful that I dedicated so much time to community service and volunteering. I became a new person! I learned new things, I made people happy, I advanced myself as a person in and out of school, I had more to share about myself, and I managed to be rewarded for it all in the end. I was always told that the work you put in is going to be the result of your output and those words were never wrong. Spending almost 400 hours helping others means something. Community service has given me more than I ever expected—it has shaped my goals, strengthened my college applications, and deepened my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world. As I move forward, I will continue to serve others, knowing that every small act of kindness has the potential to create lasting change.
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Community service is more than just fulfilling a requirement; it’s about building a better world. Start your journey by downloading the Cmtyhelp app today:
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Excellent!👌 Keep going, Ms. Jessica Yani! Congratulations! So proud of my cousin – Reginald George – who is the founder of Cmtyhelp! Wishing all the best , for the entire team!