This semester I volunteered at two service events. The first event was BuckeyeThon at the Ohio Union on February 9th. BuckeyeThon is a 24 hour dance marathon that raises money for children’s cancer research, and helps children battling cancer. At the event I was able to meet, and play with some unbelievable kids. Although it was tiring to attend a 12 hour shift and stay on my feet the entire time, playing with the kids, and participating in different fun activities made the time fly by. Also, it is a small burden compared with what each child has gone through with their own battle with cancer. Overall, I had a blast at this service event and I am already looking forward to next year if I am able to.

The second service event I attended was the Dunn Dash on March 2nd. The Dunn Dash is a triathlon that helps raise money for the Mike Dunn Sports and Wellness Scholars Scholarships. At this event I was required to help distribute food, shirts, and help answer any questions that the participants had. During my 6 hour shift I was able to meet some great people who were competing for a great cause. Even though the event started early in the morning, each wave of people helped bring more energy and helped me stay on my toes. In conclusion I thought this was a great event and I loved volunteering for an event that directly helps support future DSWS members.

This semester I participated in two big service opportunities. The first was on Saturday, September 8th in Lakewood Ohio from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. at Madison Park. The event was the annual Lakewood Community Festival. At this event I helped set-up and work the committees pop stand. Also, I helped set up, organize, and run the children’s games which are always the most anticipated event at the festival. For the past ten years I have worked this event, and every year there is something new that helps make each year memorable. I am already looking forward to helping out at this event again next year.

The second event that I volunteered at was the Columbus Marathon water stop 12. This event took place on Sunday, October 21st from 7 a.m.- 12 p.m. at Woody Hayes Dr. between Coffey Rd. and Fyffe. This event required me to set up tables, and cups, as well as giving water/ gatorade to the runners, and encourage them. Although it was freezing outside, the atmosphere was electric and I loved cheering the runners on, and helping them stay hydrated throughout the race. Overall, I loved my experience at the marathon, and I plan to help out again next year.

Out of the four true colors, Orange, Gold, Blue, and Green I most embody the color of Orange. The orange color is meant to represent someone who is outgoing, spontaneous, and active. The others colors have meaning as well, such as a Gold person likes structure, a Green person is curious, and a Blue color is reserved. Although I do show shades of the other colors, typically I feel as though I am an orange person. After taking the true colors personality test, and teaming up with people of my own color and then people of other colors I was able to realize the importance of having a variety of colors on a team. The variety of colors allows for more dialogue, and overall better ideas for the team as a whole. This is important information for the Dunn Scholars group because we can apply it to our everyday lives, as well as in projects and other groups. Overall, the true colors personality quiz and activity allows great insight into utilizing other people’s personalities for the benefit of a group or team.

The best example of leadership that I have witnessed was during a high school football game. I was in 7th grade at the time. It was during a key rivalry game that had been close the entire time. At an important part in the game the one team was punting the ball away giving the other team a chance to take the lead and win the game. However, after the ball was punted the player who was returning it fumbled the ball. The team punting recovered and went on to win the game. The importance of this single play is that the captain of the team who lost went directly over to the kid who fumbled, picked him up, took him to the sideline, and talked to him. He told his teammate that everything was going to be alright and it was just a game. This inspires me to always be a great leader because no matter how bad things might get, an effective leader will always turn to the positive and guide those who make a mistake.