A Man for Others

It normally takes Boy Scouts until they are close to 18 years old to earn their Eagle
Scout; I earned mine at age 14. Before I earned my Eagle Scout award, I was very introverted
and always kept to myself. I would not participate in class or even talk to others. I focused on
myself and only myself. But earning the Eagle Scout award takes a lot of hard work, ingenuity,
leadership and dedication, so I would have to change. In order to receive the Eagle Scout award,
a community service project must be completed. ​How would I step out of my comfort zone and
gain the confidence to lead this massive project? ​This question filled me with terror. I began to
try my hardest and not let my fears stop me from earning my Eagle Scout award. After months of
contemplation, my project would consist of revamping a deserted garden at a local park. The
garden encompassed lifeless plants and eroded soil, surrounded by beautiful freshly cut grass and
a modest pond. Multiple weeks of planning and hands on work would pass by and suddenly the
garden matched its beautiful surroundings. The garden now contains plants that are full of life,
an admirable rock feature, and fresh mulch. This community service project gave me a new
perspective on my community.
Before high school, I was not involved in any type of community service. After I earned
my Eagle Scout, community service began to intrigue me more and more. As a freshman in high
school, I joined many different service clubs and earned over 100 hours of service that year. I
wanted to be involved in as much service as I possibly could be. For the following two years, I
would go to as many community service activities that I possibly could, and I ended up falling in
love with the experience of helping others. Before the summer of my senior year, I had a total of
415 hours of service. During that summer, I received an email from the Chrisian Service
Coordinator at my school. She had noticed all of my hard work and dedication that I have for
service throughout the past three years at high school and decided to ask me to join the Service
Leadership Board. The Service Leadership Board requires a lot of time and true love for service.
Immediately after I saw this email, I quickly replied and joined the board. My upcoming senior
year will now consist of leading two different service clubs as well as leading an overnight
service activity.
My Eagle Scout award and my service experience has not only made me fall in love with
a new interest, but has also changed me as a person. That once timid and shy freshmen has
transformed into a man for others. Earning this award and participating in all of these service
activities opened my eyes to the struggles our community faces today. I have stepped out of my
comfort zone, become a leader, and have cultivated my love to help others. In the future, I plan
to continue my interest in helping others because I know that I am making a small difference in
the world today.