I’ve heard that you volunteer a lot, so could you tell me which places you volunteer at?

I don’t really have specific organizations I volunteer at; although, if I hear about a service opportunity that interests me, I will reach out and volunteer. For example, last year I heard about the Teddy Bear Picnic, which is a gathering at a park with art activities set up for children. I volunteered there and it was such a fun time; I was planning on doing it again this year but sadly wasn’t able to because of current circumstances. Also, I have always done volunteering at my church, JDRF walks and Pinckney Elementary School. Finally, my favorite service opportunity is volunteering at the Park West lacrosse clinic. Wando lacrosse hosts this clinic every year and both the girls and boys team go to help the cutest kids learn how to play lacrosse. 

What school clubs/organizations were you involved in, leadership positions, special events, etc.?

This year I got to be a Wando Ambassador, which I thought was super exciting. Also, I was on the leadership board for Exceptional Warriors, which is a club that promotes meaningful relationships between General Education and Special Education students. Finally I was a part of the academic clubs at Wando, like Beta Club, National Honors Society, and AP Academy.

Why do you think it’s important for kids your age to help out the community, and what experiences do you think people would receive?

I believe it is very important for kids to volunteer because it forces them to step out of their “bubble” and walk in someone else’s shoes. Kids our age always get wrapped up in themselves and forget that there are others out there in need of help. It allows them to realize that the more you give, the happier you feel in the end.

Where do you plan on going to college, and how do you plan furthering your education, such as major/minor, clubs, etc.

I am attending Clemson University next year and will be majoring in Biological Sciences. I am not too sure about how I would like my college experience to play out. However, I am really hoping to study abroad for one semester. I feel like the world is way too big not to explore and being able to explore a place that’s also linked to my major is a bonus!

What are your future career/post-graduation plans, and how do you feel high school has influenced them?

In the future, I am striving to become an orthodontist. High school hasn’t entirely influenced my decision to become one because there are not classes dedicated to dentistry. However, the bio med classes really intrigued me to be a biological science major in college. Also, some high school classes have helped me realize careers that I will not want to pursue in the future hahah.

Do you plan on continuing volunteering, clubs, etc in college, and how so?

I would love to continue volunteering in college and get involved with clubs at Clemson. I’m not sure which ones I would like to participate in, but once I go through orientation and get on campus I will get an idea of what’s out there. I have loved getting involved at Wando and it has created so many great memories for me, so I am definitely planning on doing the same at Clemson.

What was your biggest inspiration/motivation for helping out the community?

My biggest inspiration for helping out the community is seeing the smile on people’s faces. I know that sounds really cheesy, but when I am volunteering I know I am brightening someone’s day in some way. To me that’s one of the biggest fulfillments in life. A smile can go a long way and it can automatically lift people’s spirits. Volunteering is all about coming together and helping others achieve their best life. The result leaves you feeling like a better person.

I don’t really have specific organizations I volunteer at; although, if I hear about a service opportunity that interests me, I will reach out and volunteer. For example, last year I heard about the Teddy Bear Picnic, which is a gathering at a park with art activities set up for children. I volunteered there and it was such a fun time; I was planning on doing it again this year but sadly wasn’t able to because of current circumstances. Also, I have always done volunteering at my church, JDRF walks and Pinckney Elementary School. Finally, my favorite service opportunity is volunteering at the Park West lacrosse clinic. Wando lacrosse hosts this clinic every year and both the girls and boys team go to help the cutest kids learn how to play lacrosse. 

What school clubs/organizations were you involved in, leadership positions, special events, etc.?

This year I got to be a Wando Ambassador, which I thought was super exciting. Also, I was on the leadership board for Exceptional Warriors, which is a club that promotes meaningful relationships between General Education and Special Education students. Finally I was a part of the academic clubs at Wando, like Beta Club, National Honors Society, and AP Academy.

Why do you think it’s important for kids your age to help out the community, and what experiences do you think people would receive?

I believe it is very important for kids to volunteer because it forces them to step out of their “bubble” and walk in someone else’s shoes. Kids our age always get wrapped up in themselves and forget that there are others out there in need of help. It allows them to realize that the more you give, the happier you feel in the end.

Where do you plan on going to college, and how do you plan furthering your education, such as major/minor, clubs, etc.

I am attending Clemson University next year and will be majoring in Biological Sciences. I am not too sure about how I would like my college experience to play out. However, I am really hoping to study abroad for one semester. I feel like the world is way too big not to explore and being able to explore a place that’s also linked to my major is a bonus!

What are your future career/post-graduation plans, and how do you feel high school has influenced them?

In the future, I am striving to become an orthodontist. High school hasn’t entirely influenced my decision to become one because there are not classes dedicated to dentistry. However, the bio med classes really intrigued me to be a biological science major in college. Also, some high school classes have helped me realize careers that I will not want to pursue in the future hahah.

Do you plan on continuing volunteering, clubs, etc in college, and how so?

I would love to continue volunteering in college and get involved with clubs at Clemson. I’m not sure which ones I would like to participate in, but once I go through orientation and get on campus I will get an idea of what’s out there. I have loved getting involved at Wando and it has created so many great memories for me, so I am definitely planning on doing the same at Clemson.

What was your biggest inspiration/motivation for helping out the community?

My biggest inspiration for helping out the community is seeing the smile on people’s faces. I know that sounds really cheesy, but when I am volunteering I know I am brightening someone’s day in some way. To me that’s one of the biggest fulfillments in life. A smile can go a long way and it can automatically lift people’s spirits. Volunteering is all about coming together and helping others achieve their best life. The result leaves you feeling like a better person.