The following is an application from Brianna Lauren for the Violet Richardson Scholarship. At Hands4Hope, we loved it so much that we chose it to be our Volunteer Spotlight for February.
By way of an anxious freshman, I attended my first Hands4Hope meeting. I felt an immediate embrace of acceptance, patience, and opportunity from this youth-driven volunteer organization. I was inspired by their compassion and impact on the community. Hands4Hope is special in that it encourages its volunteers to establish personal relationships with the people they are helping. Rather than just passively doing fundraisers to gain community service hours for some outside requirement, most Hands4Hope volunteers are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. They can witness the results of their work...see the excitement on a little girl’s face when getting a new pair of pajamas, accept the numerous heart-warming “thank you’s” and “God bless you’s” from homeless people receiving a sandwich for lunch, celebrate with a mom taking the next step in her recovery from drug addictions by moving into her own home. In my mind, Hands4Hope is succeeding at its goal to empower youth. With each event or project in which I participate, I rediscover my power to bring light to people’s lives and achieve something incredible. I have also grown immensely as a leader.
At the first Hands4Hope meeting I attended, I was drawn to the anti-bullying committee. Too often I witness students humiliating peers in order to be “funny” or feel accepted by their “friends.” I never knew what to do other than stare at the bully in disgust. But to see the victim’s face surrendering in pain, I knew I had to do something. I took on the leadership role of the committee. Three years later, we have a powerful presentation that focuses on the power of bystanders. Our presentation consists of two videos (one about the realities of bullying and the other an inspiring call to action), a Prezi explaining the effects of bullying and the options in a bullying situation, and organized interactive group discussions. We are beginning to work with local middle schools to plan presentations.
Currently, my favorite Hands4Hope event is mentoring children at Hope House, a transitional home for mothers overcoming drug addictions and poverty. I can’t wait to get a hug from nine-year-old Sofia. It’s as if each hug transfers some of the strength and stability in my life to her. She melted my heart recently when she told me that I was her favorite Hands4Hope volunteer (which could be because I let her cheat in Monopoly, but I like to think otherwise). She will become an intelligent, impactful, and kind person if she has a strong and stable support system. It makes me happy to be part of a program that provides positive role models and a stable support system for her.
This year, I have taken on a new challenge of being the president of the 45-member Hands4Hope club at my school. Two years ago, I could have never imagined myself in this position. I used to think that leaders were those who talked the most and the loudest. They were the center of the “in-crowd,” wore the latest fashions, and had the most friends. It wasn’t me. Hands4Hope helped me re-define my perception of a leader. I learned that I could fill that role because I’m passionate and work to inspire others. I envision the goal, organize tasks, delegate, and follow up. So far this year, our club collected $250 for the Mother Teresa Maternity Home in Placerville, and 95 bags filled with food for the Twin Lakes Food Bank in Folsom. I feel a unique sense of accomplishment when overcoming challenges, especially when I help others in the process. By being the president, my goal is to share with other anxious freshmen the life-changing experience Hands4Hope has provided me.
It’s so important to pause in our busy lives and take the time to really care about others. When offered kindness, compassion, and support, people seem to thrive. We all tend to live within our own worlds, but growth and connection result when we step inside someone else’s. The world would be a better place if people took the time to do this more often. Hands4Hope inspires this mentality in youth who will be able to carry it throughout the rest of their lives.
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