Community service is a very important role when shaping individuals in the society in which we live in. Through my service experience, I have gained a deeper understanding of myself and also that of the community around me. I found out my strength, passion, and the kind of impact that I want to leave in the world. I previously knew that many people deal with tough things every day, but this just made me see how much even the smallest amount of effort can make such a huge difference. This was a massive learning experience for me, and it just proved to me that change starts with the people who care enough and are willing to make a difference. Going to college in Atlanta, I was exposed to numerous homeless people and those less fortunate than me. This inspired me to volunteer at the Salvation Army kitchen with my friends. The Salvation Army is a Christian charitable agency whose mission is to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the poor. They have programs that distribute food, shelter, clothes, and money to the ones in need. I helped cook food, set up dishes, and served people their food. It was rewarding to help those who needed it most. I was proud to be giving back to my community in this way, and it made me appreciate what I have. We all need to eat, and being at the Salvation Army made me understand just how important it is to give back when you can. In conclusion, I have seen firsthand how life-changing community service can be not just for the recipients, but for the volunteers as well, like me. I learned a greater appreciation, and I am more committed than ever to making a difference in my community. While working, I've learned to admire the power of action and the way giving back can lift up entire communities. This was a good reminder that change isn't always the result of large institutions. It can start with small acts of service that causes a bigger effect. My community service gave me first-hand experience, and I’d want to encourage others to make a change as well. In the years to come, I hope to carry these lessons with me. I would focus mostly on the ways that I can, and helping the less fortunate in my community in a good way to start.

“We will never get a dog.” My mother’s voice constantly repeats in my head whenever I look at our dog, Zola. If you had asked me several years ago if we would ever get a dog, I would have given a confident “No” as an answer simply because my mom has stated on many occasions that it would never happen. I have always wanted a pet, originating from my adoration of animals. To display further evidence, whenever I visited a friend’s house, I would always find myself the dog’s favorite. My mom’s friend also pointed out that I needed a dog. I had my mind on getting a dog, although I was satisfied with any pet because my parents have had a few dogs in their past, so they are familiar with having one. Of course, I knew they were a huge commitment, but I was willing to do whatever it took to get one. I displayed more responsibility, accepting roles nobody asked me to do to prove I was ready for a dog. Years passed, and I ultimately came to terms with the fact that I would never obtain a dog and set my mind to get one when I moved out of the house. It wasn’t until my 14th birthday that my mom suggested I look for a dog. At the time, I assumed she was playing, so I decided to entertain her and myself as we looked through breeders on the internet. After a few days, we had initially settled on a Pomsky named Chanel. My parents had a Pomeranian in the past, and my dad and I thought huskies were gorgeous, so this seemed the perfect dog after some research. I was elated that my fantasy was finally coming true. My dad always told me to wait patiently for things to come, so I did. After setbacks, Chanel could not be transported due to COVID restrictions. We settled on another Pomsky puppy named Zola, and we were able to pick her up from Tennessee. I told myself that I would cry if I got a dog, yet I couldn’t bring myself to tears when I first saw her. I was still shocked that this was happening and that I was finally getting the puppy I had worked and waited so long for. Since then, Zola was everything I imagined having a dog would be like, even exceeding my expectations significantly. My grades and happiness accelerated, and I felt more self-confident overall. She has become a symbol to me, that I must be patient and wait for some things. What I thought was good for me back then could never compare to the joy of getting her later on in my life. We got her during the pandemic, which allowed us to stay home and spend more time with her. If this had happened before the pandemic, it would have been tricky, and it probably would have proved to my mom that getting a dog would be the best idea. Nevertheless, Zola motivated me to work harder for what I wanted and, most importantly, to be patient. I worked my way into my dream college and will major in psychology, another thing I was fascinated by when I was little. I look forward to having a successful career in that field of study, and my current interest is in forensic psychology. Most importantly, I would like enough money for several more pets.