Team Parties and TUMS - Hailey's Story of Service by Hailey

Team Parties and TUMS - Hailey's Story of Service by Hailey - March 2026 Scholarship Essay

As a captain of my school’s varsity soccer team, I’ve taken service towards my teammates very seriously. A tiny bottle of TUMS may seem insignificant, however it not only changed how I viewed my position as a captain of my soccer team, but also how I view service in my day-to-day life.

Once per season, our coach rewards us with a trip to get ice cream instead of our usual drills and conditioning for soccer practice, typically after a particularly good show of teamwork in a previous game. While at one of these short ice cream parties last spring, one of my teammates started to develop heartburn while finishing her dish. Nobody had any medicine on them, not even the coaches, so I offered to run to the local gas station to pick up a small bottle of TUMS. It was a short trip away from the team party, lasting only about six minutes, but by the time I got back, everybody else but her and one of my other teammates had left. I remember that she gave me the biggest hug, and after taking one, said she almost immediately felt less pain. She even gave me the joking title of “team mom”.

That day, I learned just how much I enjoy service for others and going out of my way to be kind. I don’t do it for the acknowledgement after the fact, but rather because I am able to make a small impact in their lives and help make their days just a little better. I found that I have a heart to take care of people, as I was also constantly prepared with all the little things my team might need on a game day. I enjoy being there to support others and be a positive influence in their day. What was just a simple trip to a gas station in my mind turned out to be a huge help and an unexpected blessing to my teammate. Making service a habit only allows me to help others more often and see the opportunities to step in and bless others.

Additionally, I was taught that the true job of a team captain or other leader is to serve others. It’s not a position that is meant to bring recognition or benefit to the one in charge, but rather a position meant to do good for those you’re in leadership of. I truly value that as a captain, I get to be in a place to build up my team, whether that’s their relationships, skills, or character. I have the opportunity to serve them and make choices that are the best for the team as a whole, not just myself. I count myself lucky that I’m in a position to help others in that way.

Oftentimes, the most meaningful moments in my life are not what I accomplish for myself, but what I can do to assist others in their lives. While I don’t believe that I’ve ever done anything life-changing or path-altering, I do seek to go out of my way to help others when it’s unexpected. Not only is it a blessing in someone else’s life and the overall goal of leadership, but it also aids me in becoming a more service-minded person, something I’ve long been striving for.