I participated in many volunteer activities throughout my high school career to guide me on my path. Working with middle school students interested me the most. I would usually help out for an hour or two every day. I loved assisting the children with their creativity and motivations. I would give them the advice to draw what they want and then apply it to the assignment. Usually, art classes can restrict students to a particular form of art or artistic expression. Throughout my experience with the students, my favorite moment happened when a student went home and made a collage of the things that make him. The student included their national flag, favorite food, a letter they wrote, and pictures of their family members. The student was so excited that they shared in front of the whole class. Usually, these students would sit quietly by themselves in the back of the course. It brought me joy to see students love the work they did and represent themselves to others so other people can understand them. As a high school student, I did not realize my help's importance. I would walk in every day to hang out with my favorite art teacher and gradually helped the students with their assignments until I was offered the official position. Going into the art room would brighten up my day. I talked to the younger generation and motivated them in art class and their other courses. I became more of their mentor than a teacher's assistant for them. I love to watch them succeed in their goals and be a part of their growth. Being a part of their life helped me realize that the future was bright, and I was a part of the process. I showed the kids sensitivity, responsibility, openness, and inspiration through art. I hope they spread the love and positivity to the next group and know that I am forever in their corner. I wish to carry the same message once I venture out into new supporting sectors.

Some people may say it is hard to perform acts of service every day. I believe, however, that simple activity can be considered an act of kindness. As you walk down the street and smile at a stranger is a simple act of service. A compliment, holding the door, and a smile are all small gestures that I consider acts of kindness. Whenever I can make someone's day brighter, I believe that it is an act of service that is doable for anyone at any time of day. I firmly believe that helping people is fundamental for human development. If everyone helped one another, the world would be a place of selflessness and opportunity. The world would have well-rounded people who would spread positivity and kindness. People should engage in more selfless acts to increase the world's way of life. If more people participated in acts of service, there would be fewer crimes and more uplifting spirits. I take it upon myself to be available for the elderly and the youth. I extend conversation and appreciation to anyone in need. I want to teach children the delight of being friendly and open to people in need and encourage them to spread the message.

As a young child, my mother placed my sister and me in multiple programs. Through the years 2015 to 2017, we were enrolled in an etiquette program called Pearls of Wisdom. The program was more than just etiquette. Our mentors guided us to be leaders, advocates, and activists. Once I became a freshman in high school, I mentored for the Pearls of Wisdom program. I helped the next generation of girls become the best version of themselves. My personal goal at the time was to ensure that all the girls had a shoulder they could lean on, a friend if they needed one. Throughout my high school career, I assisted middle school students with their art projects. As a teacher's assistant, I took the responsibility of encouraging my students' creative side, teaching them that art class is more than just a class. Art is their story told with colors and brush strokes. I believed in my students equally and made sure they understood that this could be a time to relax without judgment. I am the oldest sibling, which came with a default leadership position that came to me naturally. I was always in charge when there were no adults around, I held the money when we went to the store, and I was responsible for my siblings' well-being. I took pride in this role because I was always a sister if I wasn't a mentor or a teacher's assistant. Being a sister helped me become a good mentor and teacher's assistant. Of course, as the oldest sibling, I am always the first. I got a job first, my license, and went to college first. Because I was the first, I shared my experience and knowledge with my younger siblings to ensure they had a more pleasurable experience. To me, leadership is an essential part of life. Without leaders, everyone would be blind to new experiences. With leadership comes commitment, dedication, and responsibility. Being a leader means that your message will spread to impressionable people who may need guidance or encouragement. Being a leader is not an easy duty for anyone, but we do need more leaders. Leaders today create leaders for tomorrow. Leaders create brighter futures for our youth and advocate for people who can not advocate for themselves. We live in a world of indifference and injustice, meaning leaders are necessary for our society. Even the most minor leaders like family members, school leaders, or community leaders are the most impactful.

At one point, happiness was hard to identify. As a child, I struggled with what I wanted to be when I got older. I wanted to be a fashion designer, astronaut, dancer, business owner, and mother. However, no matter which career path I chose, I wanted to help people. I wanted to have a fashion business that would open jobs for people in my neighborhood with free lunch. As an astronaut, I wanted to teach children science so they could build their rockets. Of course, as a dancer, I would influence people to be more active in my dance studio for a low cost. Being a mother is one of the most challenging jobs, in my opinion, and I could not wait for me to take care of children for the rest of my life. Even though I no longer want to be any of these things, I still want to help as many people that I can. I noticed through my years of helping children in their art class, organizing fundraisers and counsel meetings in high school, and volunteering with multiple organizations such as Pearls of Wisdom and Nicetown courts in Philadelphia that I fell in love with helping people. Helping runs in my blood. I watched my mom take care of children and the disabled for over ten years. Even when people assume I would make no money, I still want to help. I want to give someone the security and love that they need because I needed it once. Helping in any shape or form makes me the happiest person in the world. To know that my presence can be helpful to someone brightens my day. I want to help for the rest of my life.