Buddying Up by Bailey

Buddying Up by Bailey - June 2026 Scholarship Essay

If I could design a project to improve my school or community I would create a mobile app freshman students could use to pair them with a senior student. I know what it is like to not feel seen or heard therefore I do not want the students to feel the same as I once did. To help others combat this as well I would like to create a space for others where they will be seen and their voice will be heard.

The sole focus of the app would be the buddy system to pair students together but there would also be other features integrated to help others create a sense of community within their school. Different features would include onymous or anonymous messaging for expressing feelings or other ideas. Students who share a message will be contacted by an upperclassman in student leadership if they please. If the message was from an anonymous person contact will be kept limited at the student's discretion. If the message was sent by a named individual they can choose to continue conversation as well ultimately leading to gaining a new buddy.

When I developed this idea I had the high school setting in mind. I was thinking of freshman students who might be intimidated by being integrated into a new setting. I also had the students in mind who might not have any friends at all and are going through their high school journey alone. The next four years of this student's life will be filled with fun, challenging, or even overwhelming moments. Life, let alone high school, is not meant to be done alone. My buddy app would help change that.

This app could be beneficial for not only high school students but people from multiple settings. College students, workforce employees, and even everyday community members could be in need of a friend. My buddy app does not have to be limited to one particular school or age group everyone can benefit from the app. Everyone can find their buddy.