At a young age, I was introduced to the importance of community involvement with youth sports. My mom, dad and stepmom all volunteered for AYSO while my brothers and I enjoyed and learned the sport alongside them. My mom grew up in Fernley and knew Diana Wagner. She told me about the woman the soccer fields were named after, and the impact Diana and her family has made on our city. She told me stories of the small-town Fernley used to be. I was painted a beautiful picture of when Fernley was not a city, but a very extended family where the community worked together to make things happen. Volunteers now were hard to find, and part of my parents’ job on the board was to make calls and try to convince people to share a little time to make sports possible for the newer generations. It seemed sad to my parents that people today just do not seem to be involved as they used to be. It was not long before I realized that playing the game of soccer may not be the wisest option for me. I was, however, eager to follow my parents by finding a way to stay involved. By 13 I was a certified Jr Area Ref volunteering with my family and keeping the games in play. Understanding the need to be involved in community, I quickly jumped at every opportunity I could. Seeing the impact of just simply giving my time, to make something possible for someone else gave me such pride. Getting to know the other volunteers, meeting the businesses or foundations running the events and seeing the kindness of our community at events touched my heart. You truly see the best of people when you do something for nothing. I was fortunate enough to be in Leadership from eighth grade through Sr. year and have had been able to work at a variety of events. Each event brings a new friend, a new perspective and new knowledge to help me grow into the person I am today. I have painted the town, decorated floats, laid wreaths, worked concessions, watched kids, did school orientations, picked up trash, served community dinners and so much more. No matter what the volunteer task was, it was a collaboration of many that made it a success. The people I have met on my journey have inspired me to just be a better person and continue to give of myself. Someone who has specifically inspired me, and shown so much giving of herself, is my leadership teacher Mrs. Kingston. No matter what the community event, you will find her there selflessly giving her time, her compassion and putting so much of herself into her students and community. She has inspired me to want to become a teacher myself. I hope to be able to someday inspire students the way she does. I want to find volunteer opportunities and continue to show others the importance and impact just a little bit of time can make. Putting a smile on someone's face is never a bad day. Thank you for your consideration.