Modeling Hope by Amare

Modeling Hope by Amare - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

On my first night as a Teen Mentor at Billy’s Place, I set aside my insecurities so teens with much fresher grief than mine would feel welcome. Our first activity was an ice breaker where we shared our favorite memory of our special person. As the talking stick passed around the circle, I listened to stories of teens’ favorite memories with their deceased loved ones. Suddenly, it hit me. I did not have a favorite memory to share.
I was born on August 16, 2008, and after undergoing multiple heart transplants, my father died on August 17, 2013. Losing him at five-years-old shaped who I am today. Thankfully, my mom and I were surrounded by a village of support, including Billy’s Place, a grief community where families can express their feelings without judgment.
Initially, I thought I was the only kid whose dad had died. Being with others who shared similar losses helped me develop sincere empathy, a trait of a true leader. Twelve years later, I now mentor teens who have lost a parent or sibling, showing them, healing is possible. Without Billy’s Place, I would still be stuck in my feelings, like a pressure cooker ready to blow. Giving back and modeling hope has allowed me to link a concrete purpose to the pain of losing my dad. Growing up with this huge void left me with many unanswered questions. But sharing my story has shown me this world is so much bigger than me. We are all here for a purpose, and I have the privilege of carrying on my dad’s legacy by helping others remember, honor, and cherish their special person.
Teenagers appreciate authentic leaders. To be a successful mentor, I had to get comfortable with being vulnerable. During that first ice breaker, I shared publicly for the first time that I did not have a favorite memory with my dad. In fact, I had slowly forgotten him. That truth was not easy to share, but it encouraged others to open up about their own lack of memories. This validated that my pain had a purpose.
I genuinely enjoy watching people succeed, especially in the face of obstacles. An effective leader helps others reach their goals. In a Past/Present/Future Self activity, I reflected on who I was after my dad’s death, who I am now, and who I want to be. Comparing answers reminded me that change, though difficult, leads to growth.
The leadership skills I have developed as a Teen Mentor highlight my compassion. Though I cannot eliminate the pain of grief, I can offer hope. I am proud to be an empathic friend who provides a safe space for others to talk and be heard without judgement. I have learned that being present is one of the most important traits of a leader.