Winston Churchill once said that, “we make a living by what we get: we make a life by what we give.”
One of the keys to having a fulfilling life is to give back to others. Small deeds add up over time and help transform people as well as their communities. Kindness and generosity go a long way in making a difference. The Walking in Authority International Ministry Scholarship will support a student working to impact their community.
High school seniors or undergraduate students are eligible to apply if they have volunteer or community service experience and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. To apply, write about what inspires you to be involved in your community and how you’ve worked to bring about change.
My journey into community service has been profoundly driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to uplifting those in challenging circumstances. Over the past decade, my dedication to serving others has been a cornerstone of my life, primarily through my active involvement in my church. This commitment is fueled by a genuine love for helping people, particularly those of my ethnicity, and a belief in the transformative power of hope and support.
The inspiration to engage in community service stems from a personal conviction that even small acts of kindness can significantly impact individuals' lives. I have always believed that service is a powerful way to address disparities and offer support to those who might feel isolated or without hope. Witnessing the positive effects of genuine care and support has continually motivated me to contribute more actively to my community.
My work within my church has been particularly fulfilling. For over ten years, I have volunteered my time and energy without any financial compensation, focusing on various roles that connect me with individuals on a personal level. This long-term commitment has allowed me to provide both emotional and practical support, from organizing events to offering a listening ear. The relationships built through this service have been invaluable, demonstrating the profound impact of dedicated, compassionate engagement.
In addition to my church activities, I have been actively involved in several community initiatives aimed at addressing pressing needs. One notable area of involvement has been working at the food pantry. This role is crucial in providing essential nourishment to those facing financial hardships, and being part of this effort has allowed me to witness firsthand the immediate benefits of our work. By offering nutritious meals and a sense of stability, we help families navigate their difficulties more effectively.
Another significant aspect of my community service involves organizing events that provide free clothes and food. These initiatives are designed to meet immediate needs and alleviate some of the burdens faced by individuals in difficult situations. Offering these resources not only addresses basic needs but also fosters a sense of compassion and solidarity, which can be incredibly uplifting for those receiving assistance.
Additionally, I have been involved in helping individuals access rehabilitation services. Many people struggling with addiction or other challenges often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to seek help. By assisting them in finding and accessing rehab programs, I aim to provide crucial support and a pathway to recovery. This work is particularly meaningful because it offers individuals a tangible opportunity to improve their lives and regain control over their future.
The essence of my community involvement is driven by a desire to show people that there is hope and a way out of their difficulties. I firmly believe that everyone deserves a chance to improve their circumstances, and my role is to offer support and encouragement along their journey. Whether through direct assistance, organizing events, or simply being a compassionate presence, my goal is to empower individuals and foster a sense of hope and possibility.
In summary, my commitment to community service is rooted in a belief in the power of helping others and a desire to make a positive impact. Through my work with my church, food pantry, community events, and rehabilitation support, I strive to influence change by addressing immediate needs and providing hope to those who need it most. This ongoing journey reflects the transformative power of service and its ability to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals and the community as a whole.
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York, NY
Change needs to happen, and I am not about to sit around and wait for someone to do it. This winter break, I found my future vision that I want to give back to the world. The difference one can make in the lives of so many through their actions gives me the drive and energy to help others in the best way I can in my community. However, what is community? Is it the people of the same color or sexual orientation or who come from the same neighborhood as us? No. To me, the community is people who inhabit this world, living and growing with each other. My first inspiration came from my parents, who made a difference in my life by teaching me that my life is not defined by my skin color but by my heart color. If I have a dream, I ought to run with it and let no man, woman, or person stop it from becoming a reality. My next inspiration came from a woman who saw greatness in me when I did not know where to go next. She brought me up as if I were her own son and reminded me of the power behind the characteristics of love and service to others. However, the most inspiration I get for helping my community comes from the authors I read. People like John C. Maxwell and Alice Walker help me along my day when I am down and wake me from depression, reminding me that I have a mission to uphold. I cannot allow myself to drown in self-hate or doubt. These servitude inspirations remind me of who I am as a person and what I can do for the people around me.
As mentioned, this winter break, I found my purpose and future vision that I want to give to the world that would benefit all of us. I thought it was crazy at first, but I came to realize that every world-changing idea sounds crazy at first. ECOSB is the cornerstone of it all, as the acronym means Expand, Construct, Open, Start, and Break. It ultimately shows people the power of fighting for others instead of themselves. To display this vision, I call my local television stations, radio stations, and other media broadcast to aid me in vocalizing this dream for others to hear. Also, I made a GoFundME page named: What Can We Do With $100,000, sponsoring the vision I set that can benefit everyone. However, I don’t stop there. I share the message with my friends and family and request them to do the same because this dream is not my effort but our effort. I wish I could say that is all, but it is not. I started a club on campus based on student wellness when I saw my university did not place that aspect of human life first. I spread the word on campus and inspired others to share their feelings and stories to evoke campus change.
Nevertheless, this is only the beginning, as I have much work ahead. But you know what? I AM READY. I have a team that helps me every day to make sure the word gets heard, but most of all, I have a passion and belief to help my community, the world we live in, that keeps me going every day.
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The application deadline is Nov 8, 2024. Winners will be announced on Dec 8, 2024.
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What is the scholarship award?
Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
When will the scholarship winner be chosen? How will they be notified?
The winner will be publicly announced on Dec 8, 2024. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
How will the scholarship award be paid?
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
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Does the scholarship have terms and conditions?
Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.