I Feel You by Christelle

I Feel You by Christelle - March 2026 Scholarship Essay

One meaningful way I helped someone happened during a summer program I attended called Buckeye Girls State. When I first arrived, I didn’t know anyone. However, I’ve always been a sociable person, and I naturally gravitate toward people. Within a short time, I began making friends and building connections with other girls in the program.
One afternoon at lunch, I was sitting with a group of girls I had recently met. As we were talking, I noticed another girl sitting alone at a nearby table. She was also Black, and in a program where there were not many girls who looked like us, it stood out to me immediately. I know how it can feel to be in a space where you are part of a small minority and seeing her sitting alone made me feel that she might be experiencing that same feeling of isolation.
Instead of ignoring the moment, I decided to do something about it. I walked over to her table and invited her to come sit with us. She joined our group, and we spent the rest of lunch talking and getting to know each other. It was a simple gesture, but it meant a lot to both of us.
That experience taught me something important about myself. I realized that I naturally pay attention to when people feel unseen or out of place, and I feel compelled to make them feel included. I believe everyone deserves to feel welcomed and valued, especially in spaces where they might feel like they don’t belong.
From that moment, I learned that one of my strengths is my ability to create connection and community. Even small actions, like inviting someone to sit with you can make a meaningful difference. It showed me that I want to continue being the type of person who notices others and helps create spaces where everyone feels seen.