Much of my time is spent on academics and school sports, however, I am involved in several extracurricular activities, which I enjoy. As a high school senior and full-time college student, having time to actively participate in extracurricular activities has also presented challenges. Being a two-sport high school athlete, an active member of my youth group, praise team leader, a member of the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success and the National Honor Society, and spending time with my family and friends can be difficult due to time and schedules. In addition, I volunteer with numerous community services events and projects.  Giving back to my community and helping those who are less fortunate is extremely important to me. Although not always easy, I believe challenges are good for individuals as it helps them grow and learn how to persevere when things get difficult. I know how important school is, however, I also believe the person you are and how you spend your free time outside of the classroom is important too.

 

I have been participating in community services opportunities for approximately ten years. I have a passion for recognizing the needs of others, and a desire to help them in any way possible. Anson County is a rural area that also faces many challenges.  One of those challenges, is the ability to provide adequate, local care, which addresses the health needs of its citizens. Anson County is home, and I want to give back to the place and people who have impacted my life and helped me become the person I am today. With that being said, I make every effort to participate in community service opportunities whenever possible.

 

Some of the organizations I have worked with include the United Way Day of Caring, American Red Cross, Special Olympics, Samaritan’s Purse, and Stride with Pride Shoe Drive. I think each one of these mean so much to me because I know that I am helping those in need.  My church youth group also provides other community service opportunities. Every year, my youth volunteers for the United Way Day of Caring and Samaritan’s Purse. With the Day of Caring, we are typically assigned 2 - 4 homesites in Anson County which need some type of work.  The majority of the owners are elderly and their requested work includes yard work, window washing, moving debris, or pruning shrubbery. The recipients are so grateful for the work we do and I always enjoy meeting and talking with the homeowners. With Samaritan's Purse, there are many different things that can be done. One project we help with every year is Operation Christmas Child. I love shopping for the perfect gifts to fill shoeboxes with, knowing they will be delivered all over the world to those less fortunate  This may be the only gift child receives at Christmas or all year long. I like knowing I can help bring joy to others at Christmas. In addition to packing my own shoeboxes to donate, I have also volunteer at the operation center in Charlotte. My youth group and I spent the day going through donated shoeboxes to make sure the gifts were age appropriate and safe. The boxes were then packed for shipment all over the world.

 

Another project I helped with was providing supplies for our local homeless Ansonians.  On a shopping trip to Wal-Mart, my youth group and I shopped and filled five carts with food, personal hygiene items, and clothing items. We visited the shelter, cooked a meal and served them, and gave them all of the personal items we purchased.  It was a great feeling knowing I was able to make a difference for those in my own hometown who need to know there are those who care and are willing to help. .

 

In addition to my youth group, I also join members of my sports teams, and volunteer individually with organizations such as the Special Olympics, American Red Cross, and Stride with Pride Shoe Drive. At the Special Olympics, I am assigned a “buddy” and help them participate in the different events they are signed up for.  I love this day, being able to cheer them on and seeing the pride in their faces when they are successful. It is such a great reminder that I should never take my athletic ability for granted. Another new community service I recently participated in was the Stride with Pride Shoe Drive. This event provides new shoes for people in the community who do not have decent shoes. During the day, people of all ages were fitted for new shoes, and also provided with a hot meal.  Neither of these cost them any money, and they were so excited and proud of their new shoes. Lastly, every year, my volleyball team volunteers at the Shaundasia Smith Blood Drive. The team members provide snacks for donors, and help with registration. Shaudasia was a Anson High School student and volleyball player who tragically lost her life. This blood drive is in her memory, and is impacting the lives of so many.

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Being able to participate in these worthwhile events and with such giving organizations is a privilege.  What some take for granted is a major challenge for others. Knowing I can help them overcome these challenges by just giving my time is so rewarding.  Even though it can be a challenge to find the time in my hectic schedule, I am so thankful I make it a priority. When a challenge presents itself, we often think it's impossible to do. However, I have found that my making the time to give back, it’s not those who are in need that receive the blessing, but so do I.