2017 Winner: Alexis Schumann

Winning essay

Until I was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), I came in as a freshman with few volunteer experiences. I did volunteer at a local Veterinary Clinic, but since I plan to be a veterinarian someday, that didn’t seem fair to count. I had also helped pick up litter with Adopt-a-Highway projects, but that was the limit of my encounters!

Once in NJHS, I was required to have volunteer hours for continued membership. I quickly learned there are numerous organizations in dire need of assistance, so I chose several events that interested me such as serving food at homeless shelters and helping at the Ronald McDonald House. I found myself in situations that were way out of my comfort zone, but this awakened feelings of deep compassion I had not known. The people we served were so humble, appreciative, and gracious that it was truly heartwarming!  I was hooked!

National Honor Society (NHS) also required volunteer hours plus an individual service project, so I knew what was ahead and enjoyed every opportunity I was afforded upon induction and beyond with this organization. Seeing the joy these acts of kindness brought to the people we served only motivated me to continue spreading this type of happiness through other avenues. For my Individual Service Project, I chose SOLE HOPE. The goal was to collect jeans and cut them, according to a template, to be sent to Africa and made into shoes for the children as protection for their feet from chiggers. This taught me how difficult it is to lead a large project, but it also makes you feel incredibly good to complete it and blessed to know you have helped so many!

I have led a rather insular life. Until my volunteer opportunities, I thought surely everyone had a loving family where family members worked and provided for themselves. I have amazing parents who see to my every need; I never actually realized how much despair there is in everyday life for so many. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 9. That absolutely changed my life, but looking back on it from the age of 17, I wonder if it was a "wake up call" for me.  My disease has made me aware that we never know what challenges other people have. I have had to learn to select my nutrition carefully and account for EVERYTHING I eat so that I can calculate my insulin needs throughout the day.  I test my blood sugar and give insulin 6 to 8 times a day just to maintain my health.  Most people at school don't even know I have diabetes, but it is something I have learned to live with. It has definitely taught me responsibility for myself. If I fail to pay attention, I will be the one suffering for it. The most important thing I have learned from my "disability" is to be responsible and aware...not only for myself but also for others around me.