Where I come from we have always been big on small town help. With my mom being a community resource I have always seen first hand the joys of giving back to others. This past year we had the largest "School Supply Drive" we have ever had. I must say helping with the back-to-school supply drive was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. It gave me the opportunity to help children and families in my community while also reminding me how important kindness and support can be during difficult times. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and knowing that I played a small part in helping them start the school year prepared and confident meant more to me than I expected. When I first volunteered for the supply drive, I thought I would simply be handing out backpacks and school materials. However, the experience became much deeper than that. I helped organize notebooks, pencils, crayons, folders, and other supplies so that each child would receive what they needed. I also greeted families as they arrived and helped make the event feel welcoming and positive. Many parents expressed how grateful they were because buying school supplies can be expensive, especially for large families. Hearing their appreciation touched my heart and made me realize how much this event truly mattered. One moment that stood out to me was seeing a young child excitedly pick out a backpack for the new school year. The child’s excitement reminded me that something as simple as school supplies can make a student feel encouraged and ready to learn. It made me proud to know that our efforts could help children feel more confident on their first day of school. Education is so important, and every child deserves the chance to succeed without worrying about whether they have the tools they need. The back-to-school supply drive also taught me the value of community service. Working alongside other volunteers showed me how powerful people can be when they come together for a good cause. Everyone donated their time and energy because they genuinely wanted to help others. That sense of unity and compassion inspired me and made me want to continue serving my community in the future. Overall, helping with the back-to-school supply drive meant a great deal to me because it allowed me to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families. It reminded me that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. The experience filled me with gratitude, joy, and a stronger desire to continue helping others whenever I can.

For some students the question of a teacher or coach is difficult but I’m thankful to have not only one but two people that have encouraged me and guided me through high school. However I will only be writing this essay about one of them. The guidance and support of my counselor Ms.Brashay Gross. She is truly a dedicated mentor that had fundamentally reshaped difficult situations in my life, especially when I was dealing with emotions of things at home and friendships or relationships. Being a teenager is chaotic at times, and you can get lost easily. Ms. Gross was there for me without hesitation in my difficult times during a time when personal challenges at home, in your friendships, and within your relationships could easily have derailed your academic focus and just focus in life. When personal life felt unmanageable, it seemed nearly impossible to look toward the future. Ms. Gross always gave me a different outlook. Sometimes it was just listening and then other times she gave me different ways to deal with things. She even went as far as sharing personal stories of similar issues. To me that takes a lot to share! At times watching her handle difficult conversations with composure gave me even more insight to how awesome she is. Some adults do not practice what they preach but she does. Now with her being the Dean of Academics you could always count on that education was still a topic we discussed often. At first I wanted to go to the Airforce but then I did not know what I wanted to do. Ms. Gross acted as a bridge between my current reality and my potential. She helped me realize that college was more than just "more school," but a chance to build a life for myself in career that I like. Now my grades have not always been the best. My sophomore and junior year was most my difficult years. She even shared some of her hiccups in college and being and a young adult. It meant so much that she believed in my ability to succeed despite my circumstances, I began to believe it, too! Today, as I look toward my college education and the career that follows, I recognize that I’m not just pursuing a degree; I’m fulfilling the vision of a future that Ms. Gross helped me see when I was too overwhelmed to see it for myself. I can truly say that I am thankful and blessed to have Ms.Gross in my corner.