Senior Service Learning Project

Isabelle Kunzmann Mrs. Perez Senior Service Learning Project 28 February 2019 The Make-A-Wish Foundation Ever since I had my first kindergarten buddy in sixth grade, I have had a passion for service with children. Working with children not only gives me the opportunity to strengthen my skills as a leader, but also helps me to become more patient and caring toward all those in my life. This passion is what motivated me to go to Camp Cornelia the summer before my junior year, where I planned and ran a week-long summer camp for the fourth and fifth grade girls at the Cornelia Connelly Center in New York. Knowing that I was able to make a positive impact on the lives of these girls in just a short five days was a rewarding experience not only for the girls, but for myself. When it came time for me to decide what I wanted to do for my senior service learning project, I knew that I wanted to do something where I could help to change the lives of children closer to home. Since the beginning of my senior year, I have been volunteering with Make-A-Wish Orange County, a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children suffering from critical illnesses. I assist in preparing for annual events (i.e.: assembling bidding cards for the annual gala) and organizing the games and backpacks that will be given to the children when their wishes are granted. Though I am not directly interacting with the children, I have come to a new understanding of just how much work happens behind the scenes in organizations like Make-AWish.

From March 18 to March 22, I will be hosting a backpack drive at St. Irenaeus Parish School. I have been planning with the school principal and created flyers to promote the drive. Even though I do not get to see the children that I am helping, knowing that even a small thing like a backpack is going toward changing their lives is the most valuable experience I could hope for. This project has enhanced my leadership skills, showing me that I have the capability to plan, promote, and lead a drive. I hope to lead other projects like this in the future. This project is raising awareness for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and will hopefully inspire others to sustain this support for the organization (by even starting their own donation drives!). I have come to understand that needy people are not just in third-world countries—there are disadvantaged children right here in my hometown. As Cornelia Connelly said, “You must not hide the gifts that God has given, but use them in His service”. This work has made me realize that I was not just given the blessings I have for my own enjoyment. I am meant to use them to use them to be a friend to those in need, doing my own part in changing lives. Make-A-Wish works to change the lives of children and make a positive change in the world, despite the obstacles that may be in the way. The mission of this organization has shown me that even though I may only be one person, I still have the power to impact people around me. I do not have to go out and do something that changes the entire world—change starts with helping the people around me. This organization is all about turning something that is negative into a life-affirming experience for young children. I hope to inspire this positivity not only in any volunteer work that I may do, but in all the people who may come into my life.