Service to me is about more than just doing it for hours; it is about showing up for others, giving your time with intention, and contributing to something bigger than yourself. It means using your abilities to support your community, whether that’s through volunteering at local organizations, helping lead activities, or simply being present where you are needed. Service creates opportunities to connect with people from diverse backgrounds while making a meaningful, lasting impact.

At Drew, students are required to complete 100 hours of volunteer service to encourage growth, responsibility, and community involvement. I am proud to have exceeded expectations, completing over 150 hours of service throughout my high school career. Through my experiences volunteering at Impact Church, participating in my cotillion and local community gardens, and pursuing leadership opportunities such as peer mentorship, I have developed strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. More importantly, service has shaped my perspective; it has taught me the importance of giving back, staying grounded, and using my voice and actions to positively influence those around me.