January 2024 Scholarship Essay
The Value of Service
by Chelsa Takuebai | USA
There’s often a debate about whether having a strong GPA or strong extracurriculars should be a priority. I believe having strong extracurriculars should be a priority. Engaging in extracurricular activities shows passion, a desire to give back, and a dedication to bettering one’s community. Throughout my high school years, I maintained a 3.8 GPA while simultaneously participating in extracurricular activities. My involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly with the Girl Scouts, has provided me with invaluable insights and life lessons. As a Girl Scout for around 5 years, I had the opportunity to learn the importance of service and community involvement. Through my active participation, I frequently volunteered at various establishments such as lakes, schools, and food banks. This experience has instilled in me a strong sense of confidence and purpose and has helped me develop into a well-rounded individual.
After each service, I felt great and fulfilled, realizing that even small actions may make a significant impact on society. By serving as a Girl Scout, I learned the importance of community service and the power of tiny actions to create change. I also developed valuable skills such as teamwork and communication which are crucial in today’s society. These are skills we all have to learn and are skills that will be needed in the workforce.” Extracurricular activities demonstrate commitment to personal growth and community service, as well as leadership, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities are overlooked when focusing solely on GPA.
Participation in community-focused extracurricular activities catalyzes change, promoting inclusivity and group accountability to tackle societal issues. It’s a powerful tool for transforming communities and society as a whole.
Even though having a high GPA is unquestionably a noteworthy accomplishment, it doesn’t fully capture the potential and character of a person. . This means that the importance of great extracurricular activities goes much beyond grades, capturing the complexity of achievement and the significant influence that individuals may have on.
Beyond academic achievements, students who actively participate in service-oriented extracurricular activities serve as the foundation for projects addressing societal challenges. They drive change by promoting inclusivity and instilling a feeling of communal responsibility. In essence, good extracurriculars serve as a conduit for transforming communities and society as a whole. Accordingly, the importance of having a great extracurricular program goes well beyond grades, as it captures the complex nature of achievement and the significant influence that people can have on the world.