My freshman year of high school, I was very shy. I was scared to talk to people and I didn't know how to make new friends. I limited myself because of my shyness, and I struggled to get involved in activities within my school or community. However, these past two years I have grown as a person and realized that being shy should not hold me back. I have taken steps to get out of my comfort zone and get involved in more things. Through community service and helping others, I have realized that people aren't scary at all, and I have truly become a better person because of this. Last year, I started volunteering at my local Humane Society. I started because I love cats, but my experience there has truly changed me as a person. My job there is to help take care of the cats, whether it's feeding them, or giving them water, or just playing and spending time with them. It is very fun for me, but for some of the cats it means something deeper. Many come from abuse or living on the streets, and are not yet used to people. My job is to be a safe space for them so they can come out of their shell and get ready to be adopted. It changes my perspective when I see how awful people treat animals sometimes. I have gained more empathy and patience through helping these cats, and seeing them become happy and playful again fills me with joy. I also take care of cats recovering from surgery. These surgeries can be very traumatic for them, and sometimes all they need is a safe space so they can feel less anxious and more happy again. This past fall, I had the opportunity to volunteer at an elementary cross country race. I love running; it is a passion of mine that I hope to continue with my whole life. I will take any chance I have to share the love I have for running with others. My job at the races was to either be the pacer out front or the sweeper in the very back. Either way, I got to be out running with the young kids and encourage them when they struggled. This was fulfilling to me because I got to watch the next generation get introduced to a sport that means so much to me. I hope I was a positive role model for them that inspired them to continue running. Community service has made me a happier person and I have learned so much about myself and others. Taking the first step to start volunteering was the best thing I could have done for myself and I am thankful for all of the opportunities I have had to help others in my community.