Outgoing by Lizbeth

Outgoing by Lizbeth - October 2022 Scholarship Essay

From a very young age, I loved getting involved and have always been inclined to help people. Although once I got to high school, it was challenging to get involved since we are so close to becoming adults. The older we get, the less we see that there is a need to ask for help since we are supposed to have it all figured out. But once I reached my last two years of high school, I realized that the incoming ninth graders hadn’t got that mentality. I was lost and alone when I was a ninth grader so I didn’t want that for anyone else. I wanted the chance to become involved again, and joining Link Crew gave me that chance. I was assigned ten ninth graders faced with the pressure of a new school. I was able to become their guide, tutor, and eventually their friend. I was able to provide a safe and fun environment for them. I guided them to have the confidence they needed to get out of their comfort zone and meet new people. They were able to create memories that would last a lifetime. I hosted mini-games and community circles for them to be vocal about their situations and struggles at school. They were able to ask questions and talk freely without feeling uncomfortable or ashamed. Becoming their mentor and having this leadership opportunity, taught me many things about myself. I learned that coming out of my shell was a lot harder than I expected. Being a mentor and someone my freshmen looked up to felt incredible and I soon was able to talk and become more public as I was helping them do the same. We grew together and I became a better person because of them. I learned that being able to talk to others, builds character and helps you understand what friends and relationships you need to better yourself and everyone else in your life. They gave me the confidence I needed to pursue a future of helping others and face the real world unafraid.