During the fall semester of my senior year, I returned to a program that has shaped much of my early life— Dream Alive—this time as a volunteer peer mentor. I was placed at the Paramount School of Excellence, where I worked closely with middle school students. My responsibilities included mentoring students, developing lesson plans, organizing group activities, and participating in events like the annual Dream Christmas celebration. Most importantly, I offered emotional and academic support to students during a critical time in their development. 

This experience was deeply meaningful to me because I was once in their shoes. I joined Dream Alive as a middle school student and remained active in the program through my senior year of high school. As a participant, I had the opportunity to go on career exploration trips, volunteer across the community, and build a strong foundation of leadership and service. We cleaned parks and school grounds, helped at Wheeler Mission, volunteered at local food banks, and spent time supporting families at the Ronald McDonald House, among many other service projects. 

Returning as a mentor gave me the chance to give back to a program that helped shape my character and future. Even though my time volunteering was brief, it reminded me of the importance of service, mentorship, and community impact. I plan to continue giving back through larger volunteer events in the future, especially with organizations that align with my values and experiences.