Civic engagement to me, means bringing out the best in others and myself through service. I choose to demonstrate service in several ways, including campus activities, community volunteering and entrepreneurship.
There are several organizations and activities on campus in which I’m involved. I’m a first-year seminar mentor, an active member and treasurer of the African American Student Organization (AASO), a Student Senate representative and a Forum representative. I’m also active in International Club (ICON) and Bluffton Latino Society (BLS). Each of these organizations holds a unique place in Bluffton’s campus community. As a member of AASO, ICON and BLS, I connect with others students, and we work together to create diversity awareness, regarding culture, race and ethnicity in the broader campus community.
I work towards the hope that the campus community will embrace the message of diversity. As a Student Senate representative, I have a chance to serve the campus community by voicing the needs and concerns of the student body.
At Cornerstone Harvest Church in Lima, Ohio, I’m blessed to volunteer and teach preschoolers in the Heir Force children’s department, something I began doing while in high school and continue to do while here at Bluffton. Serving and teaching children each week is fun, and it’s an experience that influences the children as they learn about God’s best-laid plans for their lives.
While in high school, I became something of an entrepreneur, creating and selling gift baskets that pertain to individuals’ interests, hobbies or occupation. As an entrepreneur, I’m able to serve best by highlighting the good in people. These gifts allow people to feel appreciated, helping them to recognize that someone took the time to create a gift solely with them in mind. I hope they know they are treasured.
To be honest, the real reason I serve is to let people know that they are valued. Each of us has a purpose to fulfill. By helping someone else recognize his or her value, I believe I can impact the world one person at a time.
