Giving Back by Grace

Giving Back by Grace - March 2026 Scholarship Essay

Giving Back

“It’s about giving something back.” This statement is so true. In a world where so much is taken for granted it means so much to give a little back. As I prepare to trade my high school locker for a college dorm, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what "community" actually means. For a long time, it was just the place where I lived—a place for me to attend classes and participate in sports. However, through volunteering, my perspective has shifted. Giving back is the most authentic way to connect with the world around us.
Being a volunteer at catholic charities has taught me that it is about the little moments that make a difference. Picking out a game for a teenager, or a stuffed animal for a child is something that has made an impact on who I am. When I am choosing the right Christmas gift for a child, I can visualize those recipients lighting up when they unwrap their gift. Volunteering has also taught me to be a leader. I used to think being a leader meant having the loudest voice. Now, I realize it means being the first to show up and the last to leave. It is about service—putting the needs of others above my own schedule or convenience. This mindset has made me a better teammate and a better person.
As I look toward the future, I realize that volunteering hasn't just helped my neighbors; it has shaped me. Giving back is a cycle: the more you offer to your community and others, the more you grow as an individual. I may be leaving my hometown soon, but the lessons I’ve learned through volunteering will be the first things I unpack.

Grace Kaufmann