I’m a solutions guy. Most challenges in my life have a solution if I take the time to analyze, plan and think things through. My strengths have always been working hard, thinking ahead and finding answers. But volunteering with some of the most vulnerable children in my community has taught me that people are not problems to solve. Sometimes, showing selflessness and compassion means accepting I don’t have the answers or ability to fix everyone's circumstances. Instead, the most meaningful thing I can do is offer patience, empathy, and a willingness to just be present. I volunteer at a shelter for families with kids experiencing homelessness. These kids have had very different childhood experiences than I have, but we share the same desire to be happy, be seen and loved. Sometimes I’m there serving dinner and playing Bingo with kids, hiding Easter eggs, or playing basketball. I’ve learned that even when children are facing some of the scariest times of their lives, they still want to be treated with kindness and enjoy being kids, regardless of their circumstances. A few weeks ago, at our usual BBQ dinner, showing compassion and selfishness meant literally allowing the kids to hit me over and over with inflatable balls. They laughed and screamed as they hit me over and over again with the balls. The kids living at the shelter that week didn’t need my advice, they didn’t need me to solve any problems for them. They simply needed an older teen to show up, play ball with them, and treat them just as I’d treat any kid their age. And that's what all my interactions and experience there have taught me. Some of their parents are going through the hardest days of their lives. But I can show up without judgment, meet people where they are, and offer kindness. This is how I’ve learned to practice selflessness. Serving on the Teen Board at the Ronald McDonald House has also deepened my understanding about how much kindness matters to families facing frightening and uncertain circumstances. I can’t change a child’s diagnosis or treatment, but I can prepare meals that parents can quickly grab so they can return to their child’s hospital room sooner. I can lead games to distract siblings from the difficult day they’ve had at the hospital. By helping families care for themselves, I can make it a little easier for them to focus on their children. I’ve learned selflessness and leadership aren’t always about being the loudest person, being in charge, or having the solution. Sometimes it's about noticing who’s been overlooked, and to serve without recognition. These experiences have also changed how I view success. To me, success means continuing to show up for others with empathy and compassion, without making it about myself. I want to study business in college and continue serving my community. I hope to combine my analytical thinking and decision-making skills with empathy and compassion in my future career. My success won’t be measured only by what I achieve for myself, but by how I use my abilities to contribute to the community around me.

Too many children in our community grow up feeling invisible, unsupported, and uncertain about their future. Whether they are experiencing homelessness, facing medical challenges, or struggling with mental health, these early experiences can shape the rest of their lives. I believe many of the problems we see today, specifically homelessness, is the result of needs that were not met when people were younger. Because of that, I have focused my efforts on supporting kids now, knowing that small actions today can lead to lasting change for generations to come. My motivation comes from my relationship with my younger brother, who faces challenges with mental health and autism. Being his older sibling has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of understanding people as they are, not as we want them to be, recognizing their strengths, respecting their challenges, and meeting them where they are. I’ve seen how much it matters when a child feels safe, supported, and valued, and that has shaped the way I approach others in my community. I’ve taken initiative by working with kids at a family homeless shelter, where I try to create moments of normalcy, trust, and encouragement. Whether I’m playing games, talking with them, or simply showing up consistently, I want them to feel seen and cared for. I also support families through the Ronald McDonald House where I serve on the Teen Board and I volunteer with kids through my church, focusing on providing stability and connection during difficult times. So far, my impact has been in these small, consistent moments. While they may not seem significant on their own, I believe they matter. When kids feel safe, protected, and valued, it can shape their confidence, choices, and future. Every positive interaction has the potential to influence how they see themselves and the world around them. Moving forward, I want to continue investing in kids in my community, especially those facing challenges beyond their control. I believe every child deserves to grow up feeling safe and valued, no matter their circumstances. By continuing to show up in small ways, offering support, encouragement, and understanding, I hope to be part of a larger solution. When we invest in kids today, we aren’t just helping them in the moment, we are shaping stronger, healthier communities and brighter futures for generations to come.