What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
Every school has its “loners,” kids without friends adrift in the vast sea of students, and my school is no exception. At first, I followed everyone else, avoiding Leon because I did not want his social stigma to rub off on me.
By chance, we were assigned to do a project together. I was immediately struck by his aura of quiet confidence and humble pride. As I got to know him better, I realized just how much I was missing. Leon’s quiet and unassuming demeanor often led him to be misunderstood. Yet, I found him to be much more thoughtful, ambitious, and caring than “normal” people. Leon viewed life through a different lens, bringing a depth and insight I had never experienced before.
I introduced Leon to my friends, brought him to various club meetings, and listened to him when he needed someone to talk to. I could see the effect it had on him. He became more confident and outgoing, participating in more school events and eventually asking the girl he liked to a dance.
Our friendship has lead me to redefine my philosophy. Where I once sought to join the popular cliques, I have since aimed to make friends with everyone. Getting to know students like Leon is not just an opportunity to make new friends, but a chance to help them develop their confidence and watch them break out of their shells.
I have helped many of my newfound friends assimilate into the student community and they have shared with me their experiences and insights. Making new friends allows me to learn about myself while changing my community, one person at a time. It is in this way that I have been able to grow myself, help my friends, and make my school a better place.