I was apart of my high schools marching band over my 4-year career there. In my school’s band program, 3 seniors would be selected each year to become a field commander during the marching season. During my senior year, I auditioned and was chosen to be one of the three field commanders during the upcoming marching season. That next year would put my leadership skills to the test and teach me how to advocate for everyone.

During the marching season, I was tasked with helping students on the field, checking off others on their music memorization, and completing other tasks for our band directors. It was originally quite difficult to balance both my school work and responsibilities in the band. I was expected to be someone students could look to as a mentor or when they needed help. Often I would stay until all other students had left rehearsals, to ensure that everyone had a way home. It was through these minor traits that I learned more about how important it is to be a strong leader, but also a listening peer.

After finishing the marching season, I was still able to use these leadership skills to help others practice for auditions, listen to some personal problems that might be going on, or even take charge during concert band rehearsal/pep band. I became a trusted figure in my band through this position and my ability to do what was best for the majority.

(The two other field commanders and

me cuddling up at a late-night football game)

In 2019, I traveled to Florida to volunteer at Give Kids the World. Give Kids the World is a service organization that works with terminally ill kids andtheir families. When kids wish, through the Make-a-Wish foundation, to visit Disney, Sea World, or any other amusement park in Orlando, they stay at the Give Kids the World resort. Here each family stays in a villa, with accommodations that can be made depending on which child needs. This organization is a nonprofit that works to ensure the entire family is allowed to relax and feel important, without having to worry too much about their ill child.

This park hosts an entire year of holidays each week. From Halloween parades to Christmas celebrations, all kids get to dress up in order to participate in what could possibly be their final holiday. The park is an extremely welcoming place, with all-day ice cream parlors, accessible rides, and beauty parlors. These resorts work to ensure to make sure that all kids feel safe in this environment.

While at this resort I volunteered in many ways. On the first day, I worked directly with kids to play a giant version of candy land, helping them to immerse themselves in the game. These kids would give their families (and me!) directions of how we would move to the next spot. Later in the week, I would deliver food to villas for families that might be too exhausted to come to the dining halls. Over this time I met some incredibly sweet families, with some kids remembering me each time they saw me. It was through this hands-on volunteer experience that I became intruiged in helping those that might not always say that they need it.