Longwood University prides itself on three pillars: scholarship, service, and community. Throughout high school I participated in many service events and even did a mission trip to Camden, New Jersey going into my senior year. I loved the ability to give back, learn about other people, and discover more about myself in the process through service. My first service event at Longwood was being a Mover and Shaker for incoming freshmen for move in day in 2017 with the members of the field hockey team. I myself was a freshman at the time, so it was reassuring to see so many people experience the same anxieties as me. I enjoyed meeting so many new people, while relieving some stress of parents and students. During my first year, I also volunteered at the SPCA as well as the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts. The second picture however is from the Special Olympics held at Longwood University. Here, I was able to motivate athletes and encourage them to reach new horizons as they participated in weight lifting competitions.
My second year at Longwood reiterated the importance of community outreach that small acts of kindness can have on those around me. This year I took part in MLK Day of Service, where I was assigned to clean up trash along High Bridge Trail. Additionally, I spent time at the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts at their annual Valentine’s Day event. Here, I guided children in creating different Valentine’s Day crafts. These two events showed just how giving up a little bit of my time to be a part of something bigger than myself and can go a long way in helping others.