Mission Trips by Addison

Mission Trips by Addison - March 2026 Scholarship Essay

One meaningful experience where I helped others was during a mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico, where I volunteered at the City of Children orphanage. Our group spent the week working with the kids, organizing games, leading a Vacation Bible School program, and simply spending time with them. At first, I thought I was going there to teach and encourage the children, but I quickly realized they were teaching me just as much.

Many of the kids had faced difficult circumstances, yet they showed incredible joy, kindness, and resilience. Even though we spoke different languages, we were able to connect through laughter, games, and shared moments of encouragement. I remember one afternoon when a little girl didn’t want to leave my side during activities. We played games, colored pictures, and talked as best we could. Seeing how much such simple attention meant to her reminded me that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference.

That experience helped me learn that serving others is not about doing something big or impressive. It is about being present, patient, and willing to care for people in the moment. I also discovered that I truly enjoy helping others feel supported and valued.

This experience strengthened my desire to pursue a career where I can continue helping people, such as in kinesiology and physical therapy. Most importantly, it reminded me that compassion and service have the power to build meaningful connections, no matter the circumstances.