In life, it is very important to help and teach others in any way possible. During mypast four years in high school, I have used my talents and abilities in order to helpbenefit others and improve my community. Since childhood, I have always been verycreative and artistic in all of my endeavors -- both academic and extra-curricular. Inaddition, I have always been a very enthusiastic student and have had a stronginterest and desire to help teach other people. As I have grown older and moremature, I have begun to realize the value and significance of helping others andcontributing to my surrounding community. Furthermore, I have recognized that thebest way to help others is by doing something that I personally have an interest andstrong ability in. By involving myself in worthwhile volunteer and communityactivities, I can further develop my interests and talents while serving others. One of my most unique volunteer activities was painting murals on the classroomwalls of a local elementary school. The South Plainfield Riley School summerpainting project took place during the summer of 94 and was a wonderfulexperience for all who participated. Originally, I was offered a position to paint in theschool as a summer job, in which I would be paid on an hourly basis by the SouthPlainfield Board of Education. Due to prior misunderstandings andmiscommunication on behalf of administrators, I was then informed that I could nolonger be paid to take part in the painting project. Unable to fid summeremployment, I decided to volunteer my artistic abilities and help paint in the schoolanyway. I had my heart set on painting all summer, and I decided that was moreimportant than simply making money. That project was one of the best things I have ever done. Sometimes I spent tenhours a day at the school, standing on top of ladders and tables to reach the area Iwas painting. I came home exhausted and sick from paint fumes almost everyday,but I had the time...
