Please share a volunteer experience and its importance in your life.

My first mission trip was to New Orleans, Louisiana shortly after getting plugged into a church. That mission trip forever changed my life. I now view service differently, I now build relationships on various characteristics, and I now know what I want to do with the rest of my life. Community service is such an imperative and important aspect of my life. Mission trips, whether nationally, internationally, or locally, are necessary when having the desire to make the world a better place. Serving others is something I have developed a passion for, and I even hope to make it my lifelong career. After graduating from high school, I hope to major in Social Work, gain a masters degree, and work for an international cause, such as World Vision ACTS or International Justice Mission.

I have experienced mission trips to various places. Jacksonville, Florida, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Denton, Texas are the most visited. This summer I plan on visiting Costa Rica to witness to children and their families; instilling an eternal hope in their lives. Community service shows other people that you care. Serving others takes such integrity and passion that you can't just do it "because." Service takes dedication and compassion. By letting others know that you have a genuine care for them, you are able to build relationships with all different kinds of people, because they trust your intentions and know that your motives are pure. Community service builds character in those that participate and truly are interested in the act. 

During spring break of 2007 my First Baptist Church of Corinth (FBCC) youth group decided to spend our spring break in New Orleans serving the recently Katrina-devastated community. Being my first mission trip, I was nervous, and even a little hesitant when deciding to give up my spring break to help others. Later I would learn that selflessness is one of the most important characteristics people need to incorporate into their daily lives.

While in New Orleans, I learned how to communicate with those struggling with alcoholism, drug abuse, and those who had been neglected by family members or friends. I connected with a young boy in the fourth grade named Zachary Scott. Zach and I immediately connected, and one of my main concerns was sharing the love of Jesus Christ with him. Luckily, Zach had already known the love of Christ, and planned to live constantly for Him. Because of this little boy's constant chatter and happiness, I would have never guessed of his family problems. Zach was a child of three, which included and older sister and a brother younger than him. Zach's father had abused their mother, and continuously threatened their lives. Because Zach had such a steadfast love for the Lord, he wasn't worried about what the future held. I learned to appreciate my simple lifestyle and lack of problems once I had seen what this little boy had lived through. I was so selfish and immature when compared to him.

While in New Orleans, we served at a church named "Wings of Faith." While there, we cleaned the interior and organized the entire place. Face-masks had to be worn because of the dust and dangerous inhalants that hurricane Katrina had instilled. I learned how to be humble through tough circumstances, and even through easy ones. My daily life involved work, but I was so spoiled compared to those who had to live through the rubble of the devastated city. I had a beautiful home, a safe shelter, caring parents, an inspiring sister, clothes to wear each day, and a guaranteed meal all throughout the day. These families had no homes, had no shelter, neglectful parents, siblings who only cared for themselves, clothes that had to be worn everyday of the week, and had worries about where their next meal would come from. I was inspired to give these children new clothing to wear, and food, so that some of their needs would be met. While in New Orleans, many of the youth in my FBCC group put forth their own money to help purchase toys and clothing for these children and their families. A hot dog cookout was put on for all who were hungry, free of charge. The idea of "free" to these people was unfathomable.

This experience was so important and necessary to have in my life, because it has challenged me to become a better person each and every day. I do not long for money, or materialistic items, or things that the world deem as a necessity in life. I strive to help others, serve the community, and reflect on my own motives so that I can improve my own heart and mind. I love seeing others happy, instilled with a never-ending hope. I love seeing smiles on strangers' faces, knowing that in some way, I have helped them have a better day. I love encouraging others to be the best that they can be, and encouraging them to never give up on themselves. This very first trip to New Orleans gave me a bond with a young boy whom I still keep in contact with, and I still visit because of our close relationship. This trip gave me a passion for serving others, showing me that I was called to pursue a degree in social work and a minor in missions so that I could make helping others my life-long career.

I have continued to serve others locally in my current city, and nationally in other states. I hope to touch the hearts of many around the world, through the mercy and power of my God. I hope to share with them the love that He has for each and every one of them, and I long to share with them the provision that He has for their lives. Because I long to attend a private, religious affiliated university, this scholarship will help pay for my tuition, rent, and books so that I can finish my masters degree and social work, and continue to serve communities in all areas.