Youth Always Wins Scholarship for Chesapeake Public School Students

1) Although it took me a while to figure out what exactly I wanted to pursue when I grew up, I always knew I belonged in a career in healthcare as I was the child to bring home injured critters. This natural instinct to care for others led me to become a volunteer and intern at Operation Smile, an international organization that provides cleft lip and palate surgeries for children. The feeling of satisfaction that came with knowing my assistance directly raised funds for their mission was unmatched, leaving me determined to dedicate my life to a field where I can obtain that same fulfillment daily, such as caring for patients firsthand as a radiology technologist. In fall, I will attend Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Radiation Sciences; however, there is a roadblock in my plan as both my hardworking father who never misses an opportunity of overtime and my own contributions to my college savings with the money I’ve earned working part-time at a YMCA daycare I won't be able to fully cover the steep rate of tuition, food, and board. This scholarship would greatly help with supplementing the costs that come with my ambition to purse my dream. 2) It doesn’t take a battalion to save a life. A “How are you?”, a hug, or just the curve of someone’s lips could be the lifeline needed to keep an individual from falling off the edge. I have witnessed firsthand how the simplest interactions from even a stranger are enough to shed a little bit of light on a person’s darkest days through my experience in customer service. Although sadness is associated with a tangible display of tears, furrowed brows, and a frown, it is more often than not invisible to the eye, as far too many treat this state of being as a shameful secret. I’ve learned the kindest thing someone can do is to show humility and compassion to everyone they meet, rejecting predisposed bias, as personal connection is the strongest form of hope someone could receive. During my junior year of high school, I started my first job as a cashier at Food Lion. On a typical day, over a couple of hundred people would pass through my line, and anyone who has worked in customer service knows very well not every person they encounter will conduct themselves in a respectful manner, to say the least. In the beginning, I took their behavior at a surface level, deeming them as just innately rude, however, I distinctly remember the woman who made me completely revise my mindset. I assumed by the way she slammed her groceries on the conveyor belt that she’d show me as much regard as she did with her now-bruised bananas, and so I was unsurprised when she remained silent as I inquired about her day; however, what did shock me was the abrupt sob that erupted from her mouth soon after. She repeatedly apologized for impoliteness and confessed how heartbroken she was because just before coming to the store her daughter had called her a vile name. I didn’t pause to ponder if she had done something to provoke that verbal assault because that held no pertinence. There was a woman with tears streaming down her face standing in front of me, and while I did't have the power to mend her relationship with her daughter, I did have the direct opportunity to offer an ounce of consoling, so I stepped from behind my register and embraced her. The semblance of the smile she left the store with assured me she felt better than she did when she walked in. From thereafter, no matter how seemingly brash a customer’s disposition was, I was reminded of this mother and how although I may not know exactly what internal struggles a person might be facing, I can personally prevent adding more unnecessary burden on their shoulders by meeting them with genuine kindness. As I work alongside children now, I constantly instill its importance in this new generation. I hold this sentiment even closer to my heart after learning they aren't too young to fall victim to or spread negativity: empathy is more potent than hate.