Hello! I'm Lily, and I’m about to be a first-generation college student studying mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University. I grew up on a small farm in Massachusetts, where I learned how to work with my hands, think creatively, and find joy in the small things. While we haven't always had a lot, we've always had enough. And that includes an amazing community we could reach out to when times get tough. That upbringing shaped me into someone who’s curious, driven, and deeply committed to helping others. I’ve always loved figuring things out. Whether it was asking too many questions in science class or volunteering to lead a team project, I’ve never been able to sit still when there’s something to learn, or a problem to solve. That curiosity, and a big desire to help people, is what led me to mechanical engineering. But I don’t just want to design machines or work in a lab, though I am excited to learn those skills. I want to go into underserved communities, meet people where they are, and ask, “What do you need?” Maybe it’s cleaner water, better heating, safer structures, I want to help create real solutions that make daily life better for the people who need it most. In high school, I served as DECA president, vice president of both Science Club and Robotics, and treasurer for Student Government and National Honor Society. I loved being in those leadership roles, but more than anything, I loved helping people feel like they belonged. Especially girls. Especially in spaces where we’re still underrepresented. Being the only girl in the room didn’t stop me from raising my hand, but I want to make sure it doesn’t stop the girls who come after me either. I want to mentor younger girls in STEM and other male-dominated fields and show them that they don’t have to choose between being strong and being kind. You can be both. Empowerment, to me, means inviting people in. It means saying, “You’re capable. You matter. Let’s do this together.” Whether that’s helping someone find their voice, their confidence, or their calling, I want to be part of that. My faith is a huge part of who I am and how I lead. As the Young Women’s president in my church, I’ve learned that service doesn’t always look big or loud. Sometimes it’s showing up. Listening. Believing in someone. I carry that into everything I do. Community service has been a constant in my life. I’ve volunteered with Make-A-Wish Massachusetts & Rhode Island, the Red Cross, food pantries and more. My family has been on the receiving end of that help in the past and it means so much to me to be able to give back, if not with money, with time and energy. I’ve led service projects through my church, helped organize donations for families in need, and supported local youth as a camp counselor. Serving others has taught me compassion, leadership, and how to show up even when it’s hard. Thank you so much for this scholarship opportunity. Your support means the world, it’s helping me move toward a future where I can build things that matter, empower others, and live a life rooted in service and joy. I’m excited and a little nervous for what’s ahead, but I’m ready.

When I joined DECA as a freshman, our chapter had just eight members. We were small, a little scattered, and no one had ever made it to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). I came on as the marketing manager and immediately saw how much potential the club had, not just to grow in size, but to become something that could actually change lives. That year, only five students competed at districts. But even then, I saw how valuable DECA was: it helped students build confidence, communication skills, and real-world experience. I wanted more people to experience that. So I got to work—designing flyers, creating a fun and active social media presence, and talking to classmates one-on-one to break the idea that DECA was just for “business kids.” By my sophomore year, we had 10 students attend districts. Then, in my junior year, I was elected chapter president. It was a huge honor, and I felt the weight of it. I knew I wanted to keep building the club into something sustainable, welcoming, and ambitious. That year, 16 students competed at districts, and we had our first ever team qualify for ICDC, which I'm proud to say I was part of. It was a historic moment for our school. I was re-elected president my senior year, which meant I could continue that momentum. We ended up with 32 members, quadruple the number we started with and sent 24 students to districts. Twelve qualified for the state competition, and five of us earned spots at ICDC. Watching our chapter go from eight members and zero qualifiers to becoming a strong, supportive, and successful team made every late-night planning session and early-morning meeting totally worth it. But leadership isn’t just about numbers or milestones. What I’m most proud of is the culture we built, one where students felt comfortable trying something new, where older members mentored newer ones, and where everyone had someone cheering them on. I ran practice sessions, gave feedback on presentations, helped students with their resumes, and celebrated every small win, because I know from experience how powerful it is to feel seen and encouraged. Leading DECA taught me how to organize, communicate, and most importantly to listen. I learned that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about trusting others, creating space for different ideas, and being there when things get tough. I also learned how to keep a vision in mind and guide a group toward it, even when the path isn't clear. As I head into a future in mechanical engineering, I plan to bring these leadership skills with me. Engineering is all about teamwork, solving complex problems, and staying calm under pressure. Whether I’m working on a collaborative design project or leading a team to develop more efficient technology, I know these experiences from DECA will help me make a positive impact. One day, I hope to be the kind of leader who helps others grow, just like DECA helped me. Because to me, leadership means seeing potential, building people up, and creating something that lasts beyond your time in charge. Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story and for considering me for this scholarship. It truly means a lot.

Selected Paragraph (Tao Te Ching, Chapter 8): “The best people are like water. Water benefits all things and does not compete. It stays in lowly places which others despise. Therefore it is close to the Way.” Essay: “Spilled Water and Sidewalk Magic” Thesis: Laozi’s comparison of the best people to water is a soft but radical call to kindness, stillness, and self-truth. It reminds us there is quiet brilliance in the unnoticed places and that sometimes the way forward is more puddle than parade. There’s a sentence that lives in my brain rent-free: “Water benefits all things and does not compete.” It’s from Laozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher who might have been the original chill girl. I’m eighteen, not a philosopher, but I swear I get it. Not in a “drank tea on a mountaintop” kind of way, but more like this: once, I spilled water all over my notes, and instead of crying, I laughed. That water had absolutely no argument with me. It just went where gravity pulled it. Somehow, that moment helped me understand what Laozi meant better than any lecture ever could. Water doesn’t have an ego. It’s not trying to win “Most Popular Element.” It isn’t gatekeeping rivers or trying to prove it’s cooler than fire. It simply flows. It helps. It shows up. In a world where everyone’s shouting to be heard and climbing ladders to be seen, there’s something kind of heroic about that sort of quiet. I’ve spent a lot of my life trying to be impressive, getting good grades, joining every club, making people proud, trying not to take up too much space while also hoping to shine. It’s exhausting. It’s like running a marathon in a glitter jacket and realizing the finish line keeps moving. But when I read that line about water not competing, it made me want to stop running. I wanted to take off the metaphorical glitter jacket and breathe. What if being “the best” isn’t about being seen at all? What if it’s about who you are when no one is clapping? Water knows the answer. Water doesn’t try to be the sky or the tree or the sun. It’s just water. And in that, it’s everything: oceans, tears, soup, snowflakes, the stuff in juice boxes and baptism fonts and squirt guns. It is the most completely itself thing in the world, and I think that’s what Laozi meant when he said it is close to “the Way.” When you’re being truly yourself, not your résumé, not your highlight reel, but the real you who dances in the kitchen and cries at dog commercials, you’re in the flow. You’re close to something honest. Something sacred. I know the world doesn’t always celebrate that kind of person. Sometimes it calls you too quiet, too emotional, too much, or just plain weird. But water doesn’t care what people think. It will carve a canyon if it needs to. It can move mountains, not through force, but through persistence. It understands that being underestimated might actually be its secret strength. The part about staying “in lowly places which others despise” hit me hard. Sometimes I have felt like one of those low places. Like the space between everyone else's sparkle. Not exactly sad, just like the quiet part of the song no one remembers, even though it's what makes the chorus shine. But Laozi says that water chooses those places. On purpose. It isn’t giving up, it’s giving love. It isn’t losing, it’s offering. And I think that’s the kind of person I want to be. Not the star of some shiny commercial, but the kind of person whose kindness is steady and real. The kind of love that shows up even when no one is watching. The kind of strength that doesn’t mind being a puddle if it means reflecting someone else’s light. Sometimes I think about the sidewalk near my house. It has a crooked edge where rainwater always collects. It’s not fancy or photogenic. But once, I saw a little girl jump in it and squeal like she’d just found treasure. For a moment, that puddle was the most magical place in the world. That’s the kind of person I want to be.

An example of how creative thinking and science have solved a basic societal challenge is the development of prosthetic limbs using 3D printing. In the past prosthetics have cost thousands of dollars, making them inaccessible to many people around the world, especially children who outgrow them so fast. Engineers and designers combined their creativity and science skills to produce customizable prosthetics using 3D printers. That has cut costs dramatically and given more individuals mobility, confidence, and independence. This innovation is powerful not only because it’s technical, but because it’s so caring. It gives people the chance to live fuller lives. That’s the kind of work I want to do as a mechanical engineer, develop practical, affordable solutions that directly improve quality of life. I’ve always been interested in how things work, but more importantly, how they can work better for people who are often overlooked. I’m pursuing mechanical engineering because it gives me the tools to solve real-world problems in a creative, hands-on ways. I want to take what I learn and use it to help communities, especially underserved ones like the unhoused population in the US and developing countries, gain access to things like clean energy, safe transportation, clean water, and other resources that support health and dignity. My desire to help others isn’t new. I’ve spent years volunteering through organizations like the Red Cross, Make-A-Wish and many more. I so proud to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award this year. Whether it's stocking shelves at food pantries, donating blood, or helping fulfill the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses, I’ve seen how much of a difference small acts can make. I’ve also seen how big the needs are. Some families can’t afford soap or menstrual products. Some are going through life altering medical emergencies. Some kids just need to know they’re not forgotten. That’s why I’ve always believed service and science go hand-in-hand, because solutions aren’t just about inventions; they’re about people. I also understand hardship on a personal level. My family has experienced financial instability, and I’ve had to learn how to make do with what we have. I’ve worked for a busy real estate agent and babysat to help support myself through high school. My family uses the same food pantry we volunteer at. I’ve learned to thrift, repair, and stretch every dollar. These experiences have taught me to be resourceful, empathetic, and determined. They’ve shaped how I approach challenges, not as roadblocks, but as problems to be solved. As a future mechanical engineer, I want to travel to areas that are often forgotten, like struggling neighborhoods and places hit by disaster, and help create solutions that actually work for the people there. I want to build water pumps that run without electricity, design tools that can be fixed without special parts, and work with communities instead of just for them. I want to mentor young people, especially financially challenged girls, who don’t see themselves in STEM and show them that science can be a tool for change. Science and engineering aren't just for those with privilege, but for anyone with a purpose. This scholarship means more than just helping me afford college. It means someone believes in me, in my goals, and in the idea that engineering can be about compassion as much as calculation. I’m committed to using this opportunity not just to build a career, but to build hope. Thank you for investing in students like me. I promise to make the most of it and to pay it forward, one project, one community, and one act of service at a time.

Honoring Heritage, Embracing Passion, and Finding Purpose My connection to my Polish heritage is one of comfort, celebration, and pride. It’s in the familiar rhythm of hands working together to pinch the edges of homemade pierogi, in the rich smell of gołąbki simmering on the stove, and in the shared laughter of family gathered around a table filled with food passed down through generations. Every year, we attend the local Polish festival hosted by the Catholic community. I look forward to the traditional dance routines, the bright costumes, the spirited Polish music—it’s a celebration that feels like home. It reminds me that culture isn’t something abstract. It’s lived, tasted, danced, and remembered in small but powerful ways. That pride in where I come from is matched by the passion I have for where I want to go. One cause that means a lot to me is community safety, especially through engineering and innovation. I want to become a mechanical engineer with the goal of helping communities become safer, more sustainable, and more equitable. I’ve always been someone who loves solving problems and building things—but I also believe that our skills should be used to serve others. Whether that’s designing stronger infrastructure, improving emergency systems, or making sure public spaces are built with everyone in mind, I want to help create a better future. I contribute to this mission by staying involved in service work through my church and local organizations like Make-A-Wish Massachusetts & Rhode Island and the Bishop’s Storehouse. I also lead and participate in STEM-centered clubs and projects, using my education as a tool to build toward this goal. A core memory that has deeply shaped who I am is dancing barefoot on the beach with my family and friends to an ABBA cover band. The love of those around me, the setting sun, the beat of the music—it was pure joy. That kind of carefree happiness and shared celebration is something I will always cherish and try to recreate for myself and those around me. For my Sweet 16, I planned a whole evening around that vibe. My two best friends and I wore ‘70s-inspired gowns and went out for hibachi together. That memory still makes me smile, and it reminds me that I love bringing people together, making them feel welcome, and creating space for fun, freedom, and friendship. If I could have dinner with any woman from history, I would choose Marie Curie. Not only was she Polish, but she was a trailblazer in STEM, a field I am deeply passionate about. She wasn’t afraid to step into spaces where women weren’t always welcome, and she changed the world because of it. I would ask her where she found the courage to be so bold in a male-dominated field. I imagine we’d share stories over a table filled with pierogi and gołąbki, two scientists from different centuries united by heritage, passion, and a shared belief in the power of knowledge. Finishing off the meal with some pączki and babka I'd feel reconnected to my roots and the strong and smart Polish women who have come before me. My story is rooted in tradition and reaching toward progress. Whether through my heritage, my passions, or the memories that made me, I move forward with joy, compassion, and determination.

When I think about why I’m pursuing further education, it goes beyond just earning a degree. I want to become a mechanical engineer who travels to communities around the world and helps them in the ways they truly need. I believe that practical, hands-on problem solving—especially in engineering—can make a huge difference in people’s everyday lives. Whether it's helping restore power, repairing broken infrastructure, or building a system that provides clean water, I want to be there, ready to serve. A big part of who I am comes from my faith. It’s shaped how I see others and how I want to use my time and talents. I’ve always been taught to lift where I stand, and that’s guided me in everything from school leadership to community service. Through my church, I’ve served as a youth leader, organizing activities, mentoring younger girls, and showing up for people during hard times. That mindset extends into all areas of my life. Volunteering is second nature to me—whether it's working at the Bishop’s Storehouse, supporting Make-A-Wish families, or helping organize donations. Serving others has helped me understand that real change often starts small, with people willing to do the work. That’s part of why mechanical engineering appeals to me so much. It’s not about flashy inventions—it’s about designing and fixing what’s broken so life can move forward. I want to take my education and meet people where they are, listen to their needs, and help create solutions that last. I don’t want to be stuck behind a desk—I want to be in the field, hands-on, figuring things out alongside the people I’m serving. In high school, I was constantly balancing academics with leadership roles and service. I've taken rigorous AP classes, participated in robotics, drama, and have been DECA president. I’ve served as student government treasurer and National Honor Society officer. Each of those roles helped me build a strong foundation in collaboration, leadership, and creative problem-solving. I also held two jobs, volunteered regularly, and supported my family—especially through mental health challenges and medical emergencies. I’ve learned how to work hard, stay grounded, and show up for others even when life gets overwhelming. Being a first-generation college student, I know this next chapter means a lot. It’s not just for me—it’s for my family, my community, and every young person who's ever been told that their dreams are too big. I’ve come from a place where money was tight, and opportunities weren’t always easy to access. But through my faith, my education, and my determination, I’ve found purpose. I want to pay that forward in every community I work with—through compassion, technical skill, and a willingness to help however I can. So how will further education help me make a positive impact? It’ll prepare me to show up with knowledge, empathy, and tools in hand. It’ll allow me to go where I’m needed and build things that matter—not just machines or systems, but hope, trust, and connection. That’s the kind of engineer I want to be. And I’m ready to begin. A big thank you to the Churchill Family Positive Change Scholarship for this opportunity.

Serving the Community (Sometimes in a Hot Dog Costume) If there’s one thing I’ve learned about volunteering, it’s that sometimes, leadership means showing up, working hard, and occasionally dressing like a giant hot dog. Yes, really. One of my more visually interesting volunteer experiences involved helping out at a race event that raises money for local charities. While most volunteers handed out water or directed runners, I had the prestigious job of suiting up as the event’s official hot dog mascot. My duties? Hyping up the crowd, dancing terribly, and giving out high-fives to runners who probably questioned reality when they saw a six-foot walking sausage cheering them on. But hey, it brought smiles, and that’s what mattered. Of course, my volunteering goes beyond just entertaining runners in questionable attire. I serve on the Leadership Council for Make-A-Wish, helping bring life-changing experiences to children with critical illnesses. This isn’t just about granting wishes—it’s about giving families hope, strength, and moments of pure joy in the midst of incredibly tough times. Whether I’m organizing fundraisers, spreading awareness, or working behind the scenes to help make a wish come true, I know that every small effort adds up to something powerful. Beyond Make-A-Wish, I also roll up my sleeves for hands-on service. I’ve helped with forest clean-ups, making sure trails stay beautiful and free from litter (even if that means battling an army of burrs in my socks). I’ve volunteered at food pantries, handing out meals to families who deserve dignity and support, not just groceries. I started donating blood—and even plasma—with my mom on my 16th birthday. It’s one of the easiest ways to directly save lives, and knowing that a small donation can help a patient battling cancer or a severe injury makes the needle totally worth it. Through all these experiences, I’ve realized that leadership isn’t just about titles or big speeches—it’s about service. True leaders don’t just tell people what to do; they do the work themselves. They lift others up, step in when help is needed, and sometimes, they’re willing to be the one in the ridiculous costume if it means making someone’s day better. Giving back to my community has shaped who I am, and it’s something I’ll carry with me wherever I go. Whether I’m engineering solutions for real-world problems or simply finding ways to brighten someone’s day, I know that leadership through service is what truly makes an impact. And if that impact sometimes involves dressing as a human-sized hot dog? Well, I’ll relish the opportunity.

1.I’m someone who thrives on challenges, whether it’s tackling complex engineering problems, managing leadership roles, or balancing a packed schedule. As a first-generation college student looking to pursue an engineering degree, I’ve always been motivated by the desire to push boundaries—not just for myself, but for those who come after me. I want to prove that with hard work and passion, you can carve your own path, no matter where you start. What specifically motivates me? The pursuit of innovation and the thrill of problem-solving. I love taking things apart just to understand how they work, whether it’s a mechanical system or a complex mystery in a book. Most of the time I'm able to put it back together or solve the mystery. I’m also deeply motivated by the idea of making an impact, whether through my career, my leadership roles, or my volunteer work with organizations like Make-A-Wish and the Bishop’s Storehouse. Helping others while pushing myself to grow is what keeps me going. If I could do anything with my life, like have my dream career, I’d be working as a Formula One race day engineer, standing trackside, fine-tuning cars to perfection under intense pressure. The combination of speed, precision, and teamwork is exhilarating. Beyond that, I imagine a life full of adventure—traveling the world, meeting new people, and always chasing the next big challenge. 2.STEM excites me because it’s the perfect combination of creativity, logic, and problem-solving. It’s about taking the impossible and making it real, whether through engineering groundbreaking technology, solving complex equations, or pushing the limits of innovation. I love how STEM constantly evolves, always presenting new challenges and opportunities to learn. There’s something thrilling about looking at a problem, breaking it down, and finding a solution that makes the world more efficient, connected, or advanced. While my primary focus is engineering, I recognize the immense power of information technology in shaping our world. IT is the backbone of nearly every industry, from healthcare to finance to entertainment. The ability to store, analyze, and protect data is more crucial than ever, and the rapid advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing continue to redefine how we live and work. Through a job in IT, I could make a positive impact by enhancing accessibility and security in the digital world. Whether by developing systems that protect sensitive information, improving automation to make processes more efficient, or ensuring technology reaches underprivileged communities, IT offers endless opportunities to create meaningful change. Ultimately, STEM—and IT in particular—is about building the future. I want to be part of that, using my skills to solve problems, innovate, and create technology that benefits society in real, tangible ways. 3. One of the greatest challenges I’ve had to overcome is being a glass child. For those who don’t know, a glass child is someone who grows up with siblings who require extra attention due to medical conditions, disabilities, or mental health struggles. It doesn’t mean they’re ignored, but rather that their needs are often seen as more urgent. My brothers have faced their own difficulties—one struggles with mental health, and the other has a learning disability—so from a young age, I learned to be independent, self-sufficient, and, at times, invisible. It wasn’t that my family didn’t love me; it was just that there were always bigger fires to put out. I became the reliable one, the one who didn’t need extra help, the one who could handle things on my own. At school, I pushed myself to excel, knowing that my successes would have to be self-driven. At home, I took on responsibilities without being asked, knowing that my parents were already stretched thin. I rarely asked for help, convinced that my problems weren’t as important. But over time, I realized that always being "fine" wasn’t sustainable. I wasn’t just a supporting character in my own life—I mattered too. I had to learn how to advocate for myself, to acknowledge that my struggles were valid, even if they weren’t as visible. I started opening up more, letting my family and friends know when I needed support. I found outlets that were just for me—academics, leadership roles, and STEM, where I could push myself and prove my worth not just to others, but to myself. Leadership became a way for me to step into my own identity. As DECA president, I learned how to take initiative and inspire others. As Student Government Treasurer, I managed responsibilities that required trust and decision-making. As the Young Women’s President, I provided support for others who needed guidance, much like I once had. Serving as Science Club Vice President, National Honor Society Treasurer, and Robotics Vice President helped me develop confidence in my abilities and make an impact. Overcoming this challenge wasn’t about changing my family dynamic—it was about changing how I saw myself. I am not just the one who holds things together for everyone else. I am strong, capable, and deserving of support too. And now, I make sure that others—especially those who feel unseen—know that they matter just as much.

Throughout my education journey, I have always tried to challenge myself. Not just by taking difficult classes but by taking on leadership roles and seeking out service opportunities. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family looking to pursue engineering, I recognize the impact of hard work, determination, and resilience. My journey has been shaped by challenges, yet these obstacles have only strengthened my resolve to succeed and give back. In high school, I’ve challenged myself with AP courses and a STEM pathway while balancing leadership roles. As DECA president, I found my voice and learned I have a natural ability to lead. I've enjoyed working with my classmates in competitions. My involvement in drama club and volleyball allowed me to learn teamwork, creativity, and discipline. Through these experiences, I learned to manage my time effectively, making sure my academic load stayed challenging while making meaningful contributions to my school and extracurricular activities. Beyond school my commitment to service has help define me. As a leader in my church youth group, I have worked closely with my peers, having fun but also helping them with their personal and spiritual growth. Volunteering with Make-A-Wish and the Bishop’s Storehouse has strengthened my belief in the power of service to change lives. These roles have given me the opportunity to uplift those in need while strengthening my leadership skills. Reading about John Puffer St. and the SMILE philosophy made me smile. It made me think about the ways in my life I can Shine, Motivate, Inspire, Lead, and Excel. I can Shine by setting a positive example and i can Motivate those around me to reach their potential. I will seek to Inspire others through kindness and perseverance. I try and Lead with integrity and purpose, and Excel in all that I do. This mindset can help me to push forward, embrace challenges, and lift others along the way. The legacy I am building extends beyond personal success; it is rooted in creating opportunities for others. Whether through mentoring younger students, leading community initiatives, or pursuing a career in engineering to solve real-world problems, my goal is to leave a lasting impact. I know that true success is measured not only by individual achievement but by the positive influence we have on others. Ultimately, my dedication to education, leadership and service has shaped me into someone who is prepared for the future. but actively working to uplift those around me. By trying to live by the principles of SMILE, I can hope to inspire my peers, family and others I come into contact with to strive for their own success.

Faith has always been a part of my life, shaping my values. My faith has helped me make decisions and figure out challenges. My belief in God has been a source of strength, guiding me through adversity and helping me find purpose in hardships. I believe my Heavenly Father has my best interest in heart and if I only ask He will help guide me to make meaningful choices in my life. One of the most significant ways faith has impacted my life is by giving me strength in difficult times. Growing up my family has always faced financial struggles, which made pursuing some education and extracurricular activities challenging. However, my faith reassured me that I was not alone. I believed that God had a purpose for me, and through prayer and hard work, I’ve found opportunities that allowed me to have a fulfilling highschool experience. My faith taught me the value of hard work and to trust in God. This mindset gave me the motivation to excel in school, take on leadership roles, and embrace service opportunities despite challenges. Faith has also shaped my perspective on leadership and service. My belief in Christ’s example of selflessness has guided me in my leadership and volunteer roles. The scriptures taught me to lead with compassion, patience, and a willingness to help. These experiences have influenced how I will approach my future career in engineering. Engineering is not just about solving technical problems, it's about improving lives. My faith instills in me a responsibility to use my education to help others, not just look for personal success. Additionally, faith provides me with resilience. An important quality for a career in engineering. The challenges in engineering can be scary, with complex problem solving, long hours, and plenty of failure. But my faith reminds me that failing is part of growing. I have learned to approach difficulties with patience and determination, trusting that God has a path for me even when things are uncertain. This belief will help me remain confident in my career, even when I face obstacles. Engineering also requires a lot of decision making. My faith teaches me to act with integrity, ensuring that my work aligns with my values of honesty, responsibility, and caring for others. My faith has been a guiding force throughout my life, providing strength in adversity, helping shape my leadership, and allowing me to seek a career with service and integrity. I know that as I start my engineering education journey, my faith will continue to sustain me, helping me contribute positivity to the world.

Time spent volunteering has been some of the most rewarding times of my life. Whether through my work as a Make-A-Wish ambassador, stocking food at my church’s bishop’s storehouse or participating in highway cleanup, I have learned the importance of serving others and making a positive impact on the world. These experiences have shaped my values, strengthened my character, and taught me the importance of community and compassion. As a Make-A-Wish ambassador, I have had the incredible opportunity to bring hope and joy to children who are ill. My role involves raising money to help grant life-changing wishes, and I’ve taken part in organizing fundraisers and donation drives. Recently I spent a bitterly cold night selling candles to help raise money, and while it didn't keep me warm, knowing the excitement the children whose wishes would be fulfilled and the hope families must feel helped me remember the importance of creating moments of happiness for others. This experience has deepened my belief in the value of giving back and inspired me to continue working toward a future where I can combine my skills with my passion for service. At my church’s bishop’s storehouse, I assist in stocking shelves, sorting food donations, and helping families collect the items they need. This work is deeply meaningful to me because it addresses a fundamental human need, food security. Growing up with limited resources at times, I understand the relief that these services provide to families. The storehouse represents more than just a place to gather food—it is a symbol of hope and a reminder of the strength found in community. Working there has humbled me and taught me the importance of treating every individual with dignity and kindness. A couple times a year, I participate in a cleanup of Douglas state forest, joining others in collecting litter and helping preserve the beauty of nature. While the job can be physically demanding, the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from protecting our environment makes every effort worthwhile. These cleanups remind me that caring for the planet is a shared responsibility and that even small actions can lead to meaningful change. Volunteering is important to me because it connects me to a greater purpose. It has taught me empathy, resilience, and the power of collective action. Ultimately, volunteering has shown me that even small efforts can have a lasting impact. Whether it’s helping a child’s wish come true, ensuring a family has enough to eat, or protecting the environment, these acts of service remind me of the strength of my community and the importance of giving back. I can't wait to discover the opportunities to help I'll come across during the rest of my journey!