Growing up in the close-knit Myersville community has been such a great experience. Living in such a beautiful place has always made me feel so excited to help others.

Throughout my years in high school at Middletown High School I have volunteered at the Frederick Rescue Mission. This activity I have adored over the years because of the fact that I get to meet so many different people. Hearing their stories light up my day each time I volunteer.

During high school I have also been lucky enough to be a part of the National Honor Society my junior and senior year. This chapter allows high school teens to generate service throughout the community. I have participated in activities such as working an elementary school book fair fundraiser, mentoring a seventh grade boy named Travis once a week, and delivering holiday cards to Heartly House in Frederick.

Service learning activities have not been limited just to my community while I have attending high school. Each summer I attend Catholic Heart Work Camp. This church- based camp has allowed me to travel up and down the east coast in order to help others in their communities. Activities range from yard work at a residents home to working with children at a day camp.

These experiences are a part of high school that I am so grateful I have. This is why I would completely recommend to anyone in high school or beyond to find a service activity or club and get involved with it. Even after high school, I plan on continuing to volunteer during my years at the University of Tennessee and beyond.

Being involved in whatever community you belong to is such a rewarding experience. I can only tell my experiences in an attempt to persuade anyone reading that service learning activities are the way to make the right friends while feeling good about what is being contributed to the world.

Yes, I know some people don’t have time or don’t even have an interest in service learning, but I promise that it can only be a good thing.