What Service Means to Me by Nakeah

What Service Means to Me by Nakeah - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

Sometimes, the most unexpected individuals can completely alter the way you perceive your strengths in life. In my sophomore year of high school, I had the opportunity to tutor a middle school student who was struggling to grasp her math concepts. Her teacher came to me asking if I would be willing to give up a study hall to help her student. Sacrificing a study hall meant making it more difficult for me to balance school, sports, and other commitments. I wanted to put my own needs above hers because I believed my problems were bigger. Still, with all these doubts, I agreed to a couple of sessions. I didn’t realize then how much an opportunity would reveal service as one of my strengths in the long run.
I felt the girl's confusion from the moment I began helping her. I watched her try a problem or two and stare at it with no idea of what the next step could be. Instead of feeling frustrated, I felt her confusion as if it were my own, which pushed me to patiently meet her where she was at. I began with a problem she was struggling with and broke it down step by step. The small look of understanding on her face was rewarding. She tried a couple of similar math problems on her own, and I gave her hints along the way if she needed them. Finally, she completed one without any help. The relief on her face was evident as her confidence grew for each problem after that.
I realized that my 'sacrificed' study hall had turned out to be a blessing for both the middle schooler and me. I left every lesson feeling accomplished and filled with a joy that could only come from serving someone. While my patience was tested more than once, the joy of seeing her begin to succeed made it all worth it. I came back each week, eager to help the student turn her once-difficult math class into a breeze. I had not only discovered service as a new strength, but a passion for investing into others.
I now believe being able to serve someone is one of the biggest builders of character. After my tutoring experience, I applied to different opportunities where I could serve someone in need. I joined the National Honor Society, which helped me integrate service into leadership, and began cleaning an elderly friend's house. The following year, I deepened my commitment by serving as a teacher's aide for two different teachers and also continued my tutoring in math on Fridays. As I step into college, I carry my strength with me, looking for chances to use service leadership to invest in others, and make a meaningful impact on my community.