The success of Operation Easter Bunny relates directly to individual participation. Members are given strawberry baskets to decorate, which in turn are given to the Boulder County Extension Office where they are filled with gifts and then distributed to local Nursing Homes. My first year, I decorated 20+ baskets which were delivered to the Extension Office. I also volunteered to help fill the 1,000 baskets that were received and finally helped delivered baskets. My first experience delivering the baskets was also my first experience with the elderly. I was scared of them, the Nursing Home had a strange smell, and I wanted no part of it. However, with the guidance of my 4-H leader, I delivered by baskets. Everything I had done up to delivery the baskets was a piece of cake, but actually having to hand one over to an elderly person was terrifying. I thought I would never participate again.

 

I did go back the next year and each year thereafter my level of comfort got higher and higher, until I gained a deep since of pride and a strong commitment to Operation Easter Bunny. Our club adopted one particular nursing home and we have delivered baskets there for many years. Our 4-H club also volunteered to paint 200 wooden eggs each year to include in baskets going to residents who could not eat the candy put in the regular baskets. I looked forward to painting the eggs, decorating the baskets, helping to fill, and finally delivering them.

 

The past two years, I have served as the President of my 4-H Club. I now help our younger 4-H members learn about Operation Easter Bunny. I explain how we make the baskets and organize a work session for everyone to participate in. Once we have created 100 baskets, I deliver them to the Extension Office and serve as the Coordinator on the day they are filled. 

I also organize shopping trips to purchase items used in the 1,000 baskets. When all the baskets are done, I box them by Nursing Home so that 4-H leaders can pick them up for delivery. I enjoy giving of myself and my time each and every year.

 

However, the best part now is I am now able to teach the younger members about community service. When we meet at the Nursing Home I see myself in them. They are scared and they have no desire to walk through the door and give the resident a basket. I now can guide them in, be with them, and help them succeed. After all the baskets are delivered, we gather in the front lobby and talk about our work. We talk about their feelings of the residents and how one day they may have a family member in a home. We talk about the light in the residents’ eyes when they see us, how a resident just wanted to hold our hand for a minute or two or share a thought. When we leave, I know that each one of them is taking a step toward becoming a caring young adult and I’ve contributed to that success. I have watched several of our members grow through this process and gain confidence and composure, all traits we need in the world today.

 

As I went into middle school I remember my dad telling me that this was the beginning of my college academic career. “This is when colleges start looking at what you can do academically, see what you have done for your community, and see if they want you to come to their college.” Every year from then on, I have heard that colleges will be looking at every aspect of your life and that mine have to be especially good because I am the first to go to college.

 

After hearing about being the “first” year after year it has shaped my life. I have learned to strive for the best, not just for the satisfactory feeling that you get from doing well but also for my future. This is another trait that I will keep with me forever and use throughout my life. For this I am grateful because my parents want me to have the best, give unconditional of myself, and they have taught me how and why I should always use all of my potential.

 

My career goal, which I have had since third grade, is to become a teacher. I want to continue my education after graduating from Niwot High School and go onto the University of Northern Colorado where I plan to obtain my degree, complete my student teaching, and become a third grade teacher. 

 

Being in the classroom will fulfill a livelong dream and also allow me the opportunity to share the wonderful world of community service with young minds. I plan to incorporate community service into our everyday learning and create opportunities for my entire classroom to share in the joy of giving. I cannot wait to continue teaching the spirit of sharing and community service.