Volunteering Personal Statement

My passion for volunteering began at an early age as I watched my Mother and Father serve in many capacities in our community. I didn’t fully understand the concept of helping others until I myself was challenged to begin serving in my youth ministry. I was always willing to volunteer at school, or help my mother greet at our local church, but little did I know that making a difference in someone else’s life was more fulfilling than I could ever imagine.

During a youth service our Pastor spoke on the impact one person can make in their community and nation, challenging each of us to find an area that we were passionate about and begin serving there. I had always enjoyed spending time with preschool children and felt compelled that is where I could make a difference and should start. As I have matured and grown over the past few years, I began realizing that I wanted to extend my service beyond the church. This is when I decided to join the Civil Air Patrol.

Although, previously I had never thought about joining and wasn’t really interested in flying, I began shifting my thoughts on how this would be a great opportunity for me to learn leadership skills, and create an environment for me to give back to my community. In August of 2016 I became an official member. I feel that this is important because youth are searching for role models and mentors they can respect and look up to. Becoming a member of the Civil Air Patrol has also opened the door to new experiences. My involvement in the program has allowed me to fly in a glider, design an aerospace vehicle model, gain knowledge in how to assist in search and rescue missions for both missing persons and aircraft, and see the effects of drugs and alcohol through drunk goggles and other