Gene Denton 19

     Upward Bound is an organization I am a part of that promotes community engagement, college readiness, and togetherness within the walls of each school it supports. Although, in this instance, we were getting together to promote empowerment to keep persevering among each other, there are many instances where we do the same for others beyond our school.
    In Upward Bound, I have volunteered at Scraps Kansas City, Jerusalem Farms, and Harvesters. In these opportunities, I have learned the meaning of community and what it is like to give back and be given to others. At Scraps Kansas City, I have learned what items are often most important to the homeless community; at Jerusalem Farms, I learned what the agricultural harvest and donations are like in different seasons. While volunteering at Harvesters, I was able to be even more hands-on, helping load cars and donate to those in need in my community. In light of my experiences in my local community because of Upward Bound, I have seen the cultural and linguistic disconnects between different groups of those who are needed.
    Given that I live in Kansas City, there are vast cultural differences among community members, and sometimes, there are not always inclusive ways of reaching each other. An example is that there are not always flyers about resource allocations in different languages. Given this barrier, I decided to take things further into my high school and interview students from different cultures. When I reviewed each interviewee’s responses, they all had one thing in common: they felt like their voices were not heard, so I took action and co-founded a Culture Club.
     Within this club, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds can exchange ideas and perspectives, fostering a sense of inclusivity and collaboration. As a leader, I’ve developed my communication skills and overcome my introverted tendencies, creating a space where shared similarities, languages, and cultural barriers. This club has empowered my peers and me to initiate positive changes within my school, from establishing a prayer room and legacy scholarship to volunteering with elementary school children. Regardless of my peers’ challenges, I ensure all feel welcomed and valued. Beyond the classroom, this club has evolved from a supportive community to a family, providing a network of connection and belonging.
     Through this club, I have helped people who have faced similar struggles. These experiences have empathetically shaped my character, instilling a profound sense of resilience and gratitude. Confronting and overcoming these adversities, with the unwavering support of my community, has made me resilient to navigate challenges. I am determined and motivated to pursue my academic goals, fully acknowledging the transformative power of community support.
     Given the network, friendships, and culturally diverse perspectives I have gained from the Upward Bound Program and the Culture Club, I have decided to pursue a degree in sociology and finance. This degree focuses on the meaningful connections people make with each other and would help me form those bonds with others beyond the surface level. Utilizing the knowledge gained from my bachelor’s degree in sociology and finance, I aim to transition into law school with a more comprehensive perspective on the intricate ways diverse individuals forge connections. Drawing from my varied experiences within my home and community, my particular dedication lies in specializing in family law.
     I want to help the children and families in my community thrive. While living in Kansas City, I have seen many broken homes and abused children with nowhere to look. I hope to be a testament that anything is possible that I am; we are more than just what the statistics say. I plan to encourage the children in my area to continue to thrive through job shadowing opportunities in connection with my school district and a hands-on approach of visiting as much as possible to engage with them in different activities. I don’t want my degree solely for self-elevation; I wish to use it for my community’s refortification and transformation to have a positive foundation.