Gene Denton 29

“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” (Kathy Calvin) This quote is my primary motto for giving back to the community. One of my plans after college is to step forward as a social worker. With a degree in social work, I hope to positively impact numerous, special elements of the community. 

With the education and intelligence I will have acquired from college, I aspire to guide those struggling intensely with mental health issues and substance abuse complications. As someone who battles obstacles within her happiness and sanity, this subject is extremely meaningful to me and necessary to counsel others upon. In my community, I have noticed that I am just one of many individuals who are striving to withstand the battle of their emotional well-being. I wish I had known beforehand how critically mental health affects one’s life. I would constantly ignore how I felt or pretend that I was doing all right, concealing the state of depression I had fallen into. Now, I have fully comprehended what mental health is and battled against it. Of course, I am not entirely healed but taking a step in the right direction has a big impact on my well-being. For this reason, I wish to cooperate with others in my community who are experiencing this same issue, helping them persevere through their troubles, and appearing on the other side with a smile. Counseling, therapy, and even education on this topic can influence alacrity in one’s life. I want to help others understand the significance of mental health so they too, can positively impact and benefit another life or their own. 

As for substance abuse, over the years, I have come to realize that the community encounters many conflicts on this matter. For instance, one experience I remember vividly is a trip I took grocery shopping. As we were parking, I noticed a man firmly gripping a beer bottle while drunkenly stumbling around during the bright, early morning. After a few more staggered movements, he almost collapsed in front of a running car. Luckily, the driver was aware of his surroundings and had pulled over before an unpleasant situation would have resulted. This drunken man was seconds away from encountering death due to his intoxicated state. This incident is just one of many near death experiences around the community. Still, it established a sense of determination in me to be a part of the change, lowering the number of substance abuse in my community. I aim to prevent and aid others with their addictions. When one’s mental health worsens, instead of resorting to alcohol and drugs for relief and temporary happiness, I want to be able to implement new solutions to benefit them positively. Additionally, I want to give them a sense of optimism and hope that with endurance and dedication, they too, can become mentors and role models for others facing these issues. 

Spending time as a volunteer by endorsing and advocating for a cause one is passionate about is something that one will undoubtedly never regret performing. It will enhance one’s life thoroughly and contribute to developing new skills. Helping a community is an incredible opportunity for anyone to grow as an individual too. For these reasons, I choose to base one of my future careers as a social worker. Giving back to the community is the least I can do for what it has done not just for me but for everyone residing here. I strongly believe that serving the community is the key element of my future. I want to leave the world a healthier, cleaner, and better place, even if it is only by a little.