Lessons Beyond the Classroom: The Journey of Giving Back by Elijah

Lessons Beyond the Classroom: The Journey of Giving Back by Elijah - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

Community service has always been a part of my life. My mom encouraged my sister and me to volunteer from a young age, instilling in us the value of giving back to our community. Interesting fact I wanted to serve my community, but often times a caught grief from my friends when I couldn’t do things with them. This early exposure laid a solid foundation for commitment, leadership, and personal growth, shaping me into the person I am today. Now my friends see the value in serving and look for opportunities to join me.

As a member of the Southfield Esquires Mentoring Program, I participated in several community initiatives. These projects directly support families, children, and individuals in need, helping them feel seen, valued, and not forgotten by their community. Serving at a local homeless shelter and helping provide food to families with my church also created moments where people in difficult situations felt cared for, respected, and included rather than isolated.

My passion for service also extends internationally through my church Kensington Community Church. I participated in two separate 8-day high school student mission trips to the Dominican Republic to assist local communities in need. During the eight day mission trips I assisted with building and service projects. I worked with the children’s camp. I assisted with various sports clinics activities and events. Each volunteer was responsible to bring something on the mission trip. Since I was in charge of the children’s activities I purchased crayons, coloring books, and chalk. I remember the look on the children’s faces when I shared the items I purchased. The children were so thankful and appreciative things that we in the United States take for granted. It warmed my heart to know I made a difference. I walked away from the mission trips with a deep appreciation of life, unconditional love, and opportunity of meeting new people. I discovered a higher confidence in how I present myself, and the desire to continue to give back to my community. This humbling path fuels my drive to study accounting at an HBCU, where I can blend forensic skills with community impact, much like the real-world lessons from my volunteering. It’s not just service; it’s the personal growth that makes me ready for what’s next.

Bringing people together and create a sense of belonging by serving in roles where I connect, supports, and uplifts others through consistent community engagement and leadership has been an honor. My actions in service, sports, and faith-based activities show a pattern of making spaces more welcoming, especially for those who often feel overlooked. I discovered a new strength in myself and have seen how community service has influenced my growth.