Spreading Christmas Joy: A Story of Community, Compassion and Courage

1081 Words3 Pages

“Look, look! I got stickers for the house this year!” Olivia shouted as she ran to me with a Dora the Explorer coloring book. She was excited to tell me about the new Christmas coloring book that one of the nurses had given her. The church gymnasium was brimming with fresh cut garland and poinsettia and filled with evergreen trees sparkling with bright lights. This was my second year as President of the Greek Orthodox Youth Association. My role as president enabled me to work closely organizing and planning community volunteer events. However, our annual Gingerbread House Decorating party was my favorite event. The children from a local hospital joined us to make gingerbread houses, watch our Christmas play, and of course, meet Santa Claus.

At the time I met Olivia, she was a vibrant seven-year-old, and she was suffering from Leukemia. I can vividly recall first meeting Olivia; when I asked her to tell me about herself, not once did she mention her illness. “I am seven and a half, and I love to sing!” She never identified herself as a sick child, but as a singer, a dancer, and a big sister. That year …show more content…

I set my goals high because I fully dedicate myself to achieving the goal at hand. It is with this same determination that I apply to law school, aspiring to advocate for those who do not have a voice. I hope to address specific injustices impacting vulnerable groups, such as (…I have to add something). I look forward to acquiring essential skills in law school that will effectively prepare me to make the changes I long to see a reality. Olivia showed me what determination and resilience looked like. Though I will never be able to repay Olivia, the lessons she taught me that have become an integral part to who I am today. Like Olivia, I am determined to make my dreams come true, with, of course, a smile on my face the whole

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