I’ve truly found myself through service. From that start high school I got involved with Leo club and the MCJROTC program at my school teaching me the importance of volunteerism not only for my community but also for self discovery. Through every act of volunteer hour, service became a part of my identity and who I was as a person. As I continued through high school I got involved with SkillsUSA, an organization that empowers Vocational students to strive to be the best skilled workers, leaders, and responsible community members they can be. Through this organization I truly learned the meaning of servant leadership. I learned that leadership is not about myself or my improvement, it’s about what I can do for others and to help others ignite their potential. This year especially I set out on completing the Commonwealth of Volunteer Service award. Over the course of a 12 month period i performed over 250 service hours earning the gold standard of the CVSA. This award wasn’t about me or my accomplishments, it was about who I helped along the way. By consistently showing up to volunteer in my school, community, and across my state, I not only learned more my peers but I also learned the huge impact that can be made when we come together to serve each other. Some of my closest friendships have been made though performing acts of service together. Actively working to serve others truly brings out the best in not only yourself but also everyone around you. The strongest thing someone can be is selfless and kind, and through service hours I’ve met friends who truly display those qualities. Surrounding my self with selfless people whose values are rooted in service has allowed me to become more confident in myself, my abilities, and my identity as part of a team working for the good of others. One of my favorite events I’ve consistently served at is the walk for sight with my schools Leo club. This is an annual field day fundraiser that we hold outside with field games, a dunk tank, snacks, and refreshments. All proceeds are donated to Massachusetts Eye Research, which is an organization that I hold very near and dear to my heart because in 2020 my Grandma passed from Occular Melanoma which is eye cancer. The Leo club and the walk for sight are very special to me and I truly enjoy raising money and awareness for this organization so much knowing it’s helping families like mine. What’s even more special is that every year I’ve been able to help my chapter increase our donation each year! Throughout my high school career, we’ve been about to donate over 6,000 dollars, which has truly affirmed my love for service and giving back to the community and organizations that have given me so much. Going forward, I plan to stay involved with my local lions club and continue raising money for Massachusetts Eye Research and volunteering in my community. I also plan to continue volunteering with SkillsUSA and the MCJROTC program to inspire future generations to continue to serve.

Throughout my time in high school, I can always remember my mom telling me to make the most of every situation and have absolutely no regrets because you won't get this time back. As I set out on the biggest adventure of my life, high school, I kept these words close. I was determined to do everything, take advantage of every opportunity my school had to offer. My determination drove me to new heights. I joined as many clubs as I could, played sports, and even stayed after with teachers, even if I didn't necessarily need help. Sometimes I stayed after to help them with their classrooms just to continue networking and build strong relationships with my teachers. I dedicated myself to becoming not just a participant but rather an active member of the school community. I was elected to serve in club leadership positions. I served as President of my class, the Secretary of the LEO Club, and the Parliamentarian of our SkillsUSA local chapter leadership team. Then I progressed through these clubs, becoming more committed to their mission and discovering the true meaning of servant leadership. I was elected to serve as President of the National Honor Society, President of our Local SkillsUSA Chapter leadership team, President of the LEO Club, Vice President of my class, and the State Secretary for SkillsUSA Massachusetts. Being involved in these organizations taught me the true meaning of servant leadership. I learned that taking on leadership roles isn't about self-development, it's about learning how I can best serve others. It's about doing everything in my power to meet their needs and help them achieve success and strive for their own personal excellence. If given this scholarship, I will be able to offset the cost of attending a college where I can continue to make an impact on others. I have gone through many ideas and aspirations of different career paths that I could pursue, however, the one constant through every idea was the goal of making a positive impact on others. Being involved in my school community has truly ignited my spark and reaffirmed my goal for making an impact on others. Ultimately, inspiring me to pursue a career as a Doctor of Physical Therapy to continue helping others and making their lives better. I believe that getting involved in college will be crucial in continuing to reaffirm and strengthen my love for service while also impacting others. However, college is extremely expensive and this scholarship would be extremely beneficial in not only helping me afford college but helping me help others and make an impact on their lives.