Waunakee Rotary Foundation Motto Service Above Self

Throughout my entire life, community service has been a crucial aspect within my life, cultivating my desire to give back to my community through volunteering. Over my high school years, and even before, I have been actively involved in numerous community services activities, including volunteering for the Waunakee Whirlwinds 4-H club, volunteering within school at the Waunakee High School Peer Tutoring and Writing Center, as well as various other activities. These invaluable experiences have not only given me opportunities to contribute positively within my community, but have also cultivated and influenced my values and shaped me into the person I am today, all while following the Waunakee Rotary Foundation motto Service Above Self. Within

In addition, I have actively participated in activities related to Sienna Crest Assisted Living, in which I have created Valentine’s Day cards, Christmas cards, participated in painting events, and played bingo with the residents. Being able to experience these events, as well as interact with senior citizens has provided senses of companionship and joy with myself and the residents, allowing me to reminisce about the impact I made for the residents with my gestures of kindness.Furthermore, similarly to volunteering at Sienna Crest Assisted Living, I have continued to create an impact on senior citizens by creating handmade Valentine’s Day and Christmas cards during the holiday seasons. These experiences continue to reinforce the idea that even small and simple acts of kindness and thoughtfulness can brighten someone’s day, and even week, immensely. Another major community service activity I have consistently participated in throughout high school has been organizing and leading food and paper products donation

Along with being involved with community service around the holiday season, I have also volunteered in creating wooden squirrel boxes with my 4-H club for the Dane County Humane Society. As I created the squirrel boxes, I also provided guidance to other younger members on woodworking techniques and guidance on how to use power tools safely. This experience was not only able to share my knowledge and skills with others, but to dedicate myself to a positive environmental cause, all while putting community service before myself. However, I have not just volunteered in local activities, but have participated in global volunteering events, aiming to improve the lives of people around the globe. For example, participating in service projects like Sole Hope, where I was able to design and prepare denim shoe soles for children in East Africa, to packaging food at Food for Kidz, has further developed my understanding of the importance of community service, and that no matter how small, every effort contributes to impacts around the