If you could design a project to improve your school or community, what would it focus on and why? by Marjorie

If you could design a project to improve your school or community, what would it focus on and why? by Marjorie - June 2026 Scholarship Essay

If I could design a project to improve my community, I would create a program called "Senior Support and Resource Connection Initiative." The goal of this project would be to help seniors, caregivers, and families access resources, education, and support services that often go unknown or underutilized.

As someone who works in hospice care and has served as a caregiver for both my father and my disabled husband, I have seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate healthcare systems, financial assistance programs, legal documents, and community resources. Many families do not know where to turn when they are faced with difficult decisions involving aging parents, disabilities, end-of-life planning, housing assistance, transportation, or healthcare needs. As a result, many people struggle alone when help may already exist within their community.

The Senior Support and Resource Connection Initiative would serve as a central hub where seniors and caregivers could access information, referrals, educational workshops, and one-on-one guidance. The program would partner with healthcare organizations, senior centers, community agencies, legal professionals, and volunteers to provide reliable information and support. Topics would include caregiver education, financial assistance programs, healthcare planning, mental health support, transportation services, nutrition programs, and advance care planning.

One of the reasons I would choose this project is because our senior population continues to grow, yet many older adults experience isolation, confusion, and difficulty accessing resources. Caregivers often face emotional, physical, and financial stress while trying to support loved ones. Having a single location where families can find trusted information would reduce frustration and help connect people with the services they need before a crisis occurs.

This project would also benefit students and community volunteers. Students pursuing careers in healthcare, psychology, social work, business, and public service could volunteer their time while gaining valuable real-world experience. In return, they would learn the importance of compassion, leadership, and community engagement.

My educational journey has inspired this vision. At 65 years old, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial and Organizational Psychology while maintaining a strong GPA and working full-time in hospice care. My studies have taught me that strong organizations and communities thrive when people are connected to the resources and support they need. Education has given me a deeper understanding of leadership, communication, problem-solving, and human behavior, all of which would be essential to the success of this project.

If implemented, the Senior Support and Resource Connection Initiative would improve quality of life for seniors, reduce stress for caregivers, and strengthen the community as a whole. More importantly, it would remind people that they do not have to face life's challenges alone. Everyone deserves access to information, support, and compassionate guidance during difficult times.

The greatest communities are not measured by the size of their buildings or budgets. They are measured by how well they care for their people. Through this project, I would hope to create a community where seniors, caregivers, and families feel supported, valued, and empowered to live with dignity and confidence.