A Part of Me by Jayden

A Part of Me by Jayden - August 2026 Scholarship Essay

For the longest time, I have always looked forward to coming here at every start of my week. It is where my closest friends come here and serve others, as well as we have a good time. I would not be the person that I am today without going here. Outside from my own home, Grace Church has been the place that shaped my life.

Grace Church is a mid-size church in Dumfries, Virginia and for more than 15 years, this has been my second home. I have many relatives that attend the church and serving at the church has somewhat become a family tradition. Every Sunday, my family would get there at around 7:15am, because my parents lead the praise and worship team. While they rehearse for the service, I go to the Grace Youth Movement (GYM) to prepare the lessons before the students come in. I also make announcements at the beginning of service and introduce the speaker for that day. Even though I am just volunteering, it has become enjoyable over the years. Showing up early and handling a thankless task has become a part of who I am.

One moment at Grace Church has always stuck with me since it happened when I was a child. I was around nine or ten years old on a Wednesday night, when everybody went up to the front of the church and was prayed over by the Bishop. As he prayed, he spoke to me that God would help me become a leader of men. Those words made a lasting impression on me. As a child, I knew he’s important to the church and God talked to him. For him to say that to me, I instantly believed it and grew in confidence. I even remember that after service we played “Leader Says,” and I was the leader; calling the commands. Even though this moment may seem to have been a small moment, it has reflected into something even bigger. To this day, people see that I lead by example, by my actions, my attitude, and the way I treat others.

Another lesson that changed me came during a fourth Sunday sermon at Grace Church. Every 4th Sunday, the church separates the guys and girls and have their own lessons. The main lesson was about communicating with other people; the speaker emphasized how important it is to be a good listener. After hearing that lesson, I made a conscious effort to improve my communication skills. Now, I am able to notice people beginning to trust me with their own problems; asking for advice about a situation that they are not comfortable sharing with others. Since I learned that lesson, I strengthened friendships and my ability to be in a conversation.

Grace Church is truly my home away from home. From arriving there early to being the last one there, I have spent years serving others alongside others who encouraged me to grow into the person that I am today. This place helped shape me into a leader and the overall person that I am today. Without this church, I wouldn’t develop my leadership qualities, the ability to stay patient as I listen, or have a desire to serve others. These qualities are the very foundation of who I am and I will carry this foundation as I go to college.