Mattie K Peterson Higher Education Scholarship

Open My Eyes To The Community I believe that everyone wants to make a difference in their community but doesn’t know how. I once thought the only way to help the community was through volunteering in healthcare, social work, or public service. Over time, I discovered that you don’t need a grand moment; rather, you need to make an impact on one person's life. My perspective on community service truly changed during my time as a teacher’s assistant for third graders at Olivet Elementary School for four months. Day after day, I watched educators pour every ounce of their energy, patience, and love into their students. However, I also witnessed firsthand the intense burnout that inevitably comes with managing a class of thirty two students a day. I remember this important conversation I had with her. She said that, “She desperately wanted to rest and recharge, but she couldn’t because of the lack of substitute teachers they had in the school district.” She told me that being there to assist with students, going on a run to pick up paper and other small things, was helping her make it through her day with a class with that many students. This conversation struck me because while I felt like I was just doing my job, she saw me as a support person, helping hand, and more. That moment made me realize that serving a community isn't just about massive, grand gestures. It is about stepping up to support our community when they are running on empty. Even if it's in the small ways that can make a big difference in their life, those are the most memorable ones. However, at the end of the program I found myself wishing that I’d participated in the program for more than four months so that I could continue taking the stress off her and allow her to step away from her demanding role as a teacher. This eye opening experience drove me to do more for the community because I enjoy making a small difference in people's lives. I now see those who serve their community possess a unique, quiet power to change a person’s life in ways we cannot predict. When helping the community, it exposes me to new cultures, unique viewpoints, builds greater empathy and a broader worldview. Overall, serving the community isn’t just about helping but being an inspiration to others and stepping out of my own comfort zone.

Growing up as a young Black woman in Camden, New Jersey, I’ve witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience of my community—despite the many challenges we face. Camden is often portrayed by outsiders through a lens of struggle: poverty, violence, and lack of opportunity. But when I look around, I see something deeper. I see neighbors who care for one another, teachers who go above and beyond, youth who dream big despite the odds, and families who remain hopeful. Being part of this community has shaped who I am, and that’s why I believe it’s not just important, but necessary, for me to give back. To me, serving my community means using my time, skills, and voice to uplift others and make a difference right where I come from. It’s about representation—showing young girls who look like me that they are powerful, intelligent, and capable of being the change they want to see. As a Black female, I carry a legacy of strength, leadership, and perseverance. From historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Angela Davis, to everyday women in my neighborhood who work two jobs and still show up to volunteer at local events—I am inspired by those who came before me. Their dedication fuels my own desire to lead and serve. Camden has its share of obstacles, but it also has endless potential. I believe that real, lasting change doesn’t always come from the outside—it comes from within. It comes from people like me, who know what it’s like to walk these streets, sit in these classrooms, and face these struggles. That’s why I want to be part of the solution. Whether it’s organizing clean-up days, mentoring younger students, advocating for better education, or creating programs that give youth a safe space to grow, I want to contribute to the healing and rebuilding of my city. Serving also gives me a sense of purpose. It reminds me that my life is not just about me—it’s about how I can leave things better for the next generation. I’ve learned that leadership is not about titles or recognition, but about service, empathy, and action. I want to be a role model who inspires others to rise above circumstances and build a future rooted in hope, not hardship. In the end, I serve my community because I love where I come from. I believe in Camden and in the people who call it home. I know that change is possible when people come together, believe in each other, and commit to doing the hard work. I am proud to be a young Black woman from Camden, and I am committed to serving not only because I see the need, but because I see the beauty, the potential, and the power in my community—and in myself.