Much of my community involvement centers on supporting individuals and families who face challenges similar to those my own family has experienced. I volunteer as a soccer coach for children with disabilities through Buddy Ball, helping to create a space where every child can participate, build confidence, and experience the joy of teamwork. Many of the players come onto the field unsure of themselves, but over time, they begin to trust their abilities and celebrate even the smallest victories. Seeing the excitement on their faces when they score a goal or complete a drill reminds me how meaningful inclusion can be and how powerful encouragement can be in building confidence.
I also make cards for children with cancer and volunteer at a local soup kitchen, small acts that help bring comfort and support to people facing difficult circumstances. While these gestures may seem simple, they can brighten someone’s day and remind them that they are not alone. Often, the most meaningful part of volunteering is simply listening to people’s stories and acknowledging what they are going through. Even just taking the time to listen does volumes for them, and those conversations have helped me better understand the challenges others face.
Additionally, I co-founded Project Warmth, a student-led initiative in collaboration with the Nyack Homeless Project. Through this program, we organize drives and outreach efforts to provide clothing, hygiene products, and essential supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness. Helping lead this initiative has shown me the impact that even a small group of committed people can make in addressing needs within a community. It has also strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my commitment to service.
Working with the Congers Valley Cottage Community Ambulance Corps has also been an incredibly meaningful experience. Through this organization, I have been taught how to use medical devices and when to apply critical knowledge and skills in emergencies. Beyond the technical training, I have also developed important life skills such as teamwork, calm decision-making, and effective communication with patients and fellow responders. These experiences have reinforced my desire to pursue a career in healthcare and serve others in moments when they need help the most.
My family has faced significant financial strain due to my younger brother’s rare condition, Geleophysic dysplasia, and the extensive medical care it requires. After a surgical complication left him with a brain injury, my parents had to take months away from work to care for him and manage frequent hospital visits, including traveling long distances for specialized treatment. During this time, our financial stability became uncertain, and our family had to adjust quickly to new responsibilities and challenges. I began working part-time to help cover personal expenses while balancing school, volunteering, and caregiving responsibilities at home.
Watching my brother go through these experiences has had a profound impact on me. It has shown me the importance of compassionate healthcare professionals and the difference that empathy and patience can make for families navigating difficult medical situations.
Receiving scholarship support would relieve a substantial financial burden and allow me to focus more fully on pursuing my goal of becoming a nurse. More importantly, it would enable me to continue serving children and families, like my brother, who rely on compassionate and dedicated healthcare providers. I hope to give back by providing the same level of care, understanding, and support that has meant so much to my own family.
The smoke was at our ankles, rolling in the black air, and I paused in the doorway. The wailing sirens of the fire trucks and alarms rang out, echoing into the night, but I knew that I had to keep my mind focused on our main goal: to protect people and property to the best of our ability. The weight of my gear holding me down took in the scene. There were cars in the driveway, but they were not lit, and all I could do was wonder if there could be a family who is stranded, hoping for our help, stuck inside, praying to be rescued.
In that moment, memories of the numerous family dinners and personal time sacrificed to this work flooded my mind. The birthdays, the holidays, the Sunday afternoons alone at home—I had sacrificed so much for this calling. A surge of determination and responsibility ran through me, and I remembered why I had done this.
We headed straight for the house, quickly located the fire, and worked diligently to put it out. The thick smoke stung our eyes, but we moved forward with all the remaining training and effort we had. We were leaving the premises when we saw the family outside, shivering in the cold evening air, and they could not stop thanking us for extinguishing the fire before it consumed the rest of the house and caused irreversible harm. They were glad, their gratitude overwhelming. Heard their sincere thanks, it reminded me of just how vital our work is.
Serving my community is more than simply answering the call to battle fires. One of the guiding principles of my fire department is reaching out to the community and connecting with them. Having a local fire department, particularly a volunteer one, is vital for us. It provides a feeling of safety to our community. When we are put into situations where we have to rescue a person out of danger, it is important that they believe and trust us. Trusting us enables us to work effectively and protects us, so we can serve and protect without hindrance.
Besides responding to emergencies, we are also active in small community service projects, such as going to trunk-or-treat events at local elementary schools. It's not only a fun night for the kids, but they learn how to escape safely during an emergency situation. Sometimes the little things that end up making the biggest difference in our community. The little things have the power to motivate students to be pillars of their community and be a good influence.
What surprises most individuals about being part of a volunteer company is the fact that anyone can volunteer. It could be an individual who returns home from a 9-to-5 job, a retired person who wants to give back, or a student such as myself trying to make a difference. This is what a community is all about, individuals coming together, giving their time, energy, and dedication for the benefit of everyone around them. Whether or not you know who you are and where you're from, there is something you can always do to help, make an impact, and be for something greater than you.
