Mikaylee Barb- class of 2025
To improve my community with $10 I gave it to a student who needed the money for his athletic physical because it was helpful, kind, and efficient.
Empowering a student to participate in high school athletics could potentially change his life. Sometimes people may not have the funds to pay for all the things they want or need due to economic reasons beyond their control. But Helping a friend in need could encourage people to show support to the world. Most people struggle at some point, and that’s okay because there's always room for improvement, and the mistakes we experience will also always have opportunities to be repaired.
Another reason I used my $10 to pay for a student’s athletic physical was kindness. Living in a world with people who have no humanity can be difficult. But each of us can get out and show up to help someone just by being there. Being kind builds connections to further and new friendships with people you never thought you could build just by being you and being a helping hand.
This was an efficient thing to do because I was able to help a student for the whole school year with one donation. He told me that playing a sport can help with his grades. And there are other benefits like scholarships and building character. It teaches self-discipline which he will use in school and for the rest of his life. High school sports let kids build connections with their coaches who can help them with school and life. The student that I sponsored said, “Sometimes you might mess up playing a sport but you can always get up, practice, and do it again.”
Overall this experience was great and heartwarming for me to have. and the opportunity to make someone's day just by giving them a little push. And if I had another chance to do something different I wouldn't change a thing.
Thank you for listening.