Scholarship Essay Entry – Julia C.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world,” a famous quote by Gandhi, has inspired me to dream and act on my ambitions, creating positive change within teams, committees, councils, and groups I served on. I am a high school graduate that is starting my first year of university in the fall. I am ecstatic about having boundless new opportunities set in front of me that will allow me to grow as an individual and as part of a collective.
 
The realization of dreams is what makes a wonderful reality. I have participated in various councils and sports teams. Being active in leadership and student council I was given the opportunity to bring our school community together in activities that involved our entire student body, planning rookie orientation, dances and theme weeks. Serving as Co-Captain on my volleyball team gave me the opportunity show others that it is important to encourage your peers and motivate them so that they can be the best that they can be and excel at what they do, while being a positive role models.
 
In high school I became a Big Sister Mentor to a little boy in grade two, we have grown to be wonderful friends that read together, play games, and share stories every time we meet. I have the privilege to help a younger individual through school, with their studies and to feel better in their own skin and make opportunities for themselves that they may not have had otherwise.
 
I became a Student Advisor with Getting Involved! Association Canada, a volunteer organization that conducts consultations with students at both the high school and university level to help place them in volunteer opportunities that match their interests. Sitting on the board of directors this year will allow me to help contribute ideas that will improve the effectiveness of the process and connect more people to volunteering opportunities by linking their passions and interests to helping others in the community.
 
During grade eleven and twelve of high school I was one of the “core four” that created ‘Stand Up For Day’, a day that united students in Edmonton catholic high schools in becoming aware about natural disasters, malaria and dirty drinking water. We spent months planning the now annual event and brought in key note speakers and had activities that gave students the opportunity to walk in other people’s shoes. During the two years that this event has run we raised over $10,000.00 in aid to different countries for various causes.
 
It is my dream and vision for my years in university to be part of and organize such events that will bring our community together, help it grow and thrive with positive intentions for others and the group itself. When we all unite for a cause, remarkable things are possible. I hope to cultivate a positive ambition in others to go out and make a difference and create a contagious chain of positive action.