As we gaze upon the activity in the local soup kitchen, we can see the careful ladling of a high school student; he gently pours the broth that will soon please the belly of a complete stranger. This student is not getting paid, or receiving any reward larger than a "Thank you!", so why would he/she partake in in this establishment? Well, one shouldn't feel obligated to receive anything, other than the knowledge that others will be better off because of their actions. People of all ages can give back and make their residence prosper along with their neighbours, and the earlier a person realizes this, the better! Should it be mandatory, especially for high school students, in order to graduate? If we want a nation of selfless, generous individuals contributing to the growth of humanity, we should definitely consider the possibility!
The stereotypical teenager, notably ages twelve to fourteen, are entering odd stages in their life and typically busy with sports, video games, or experimenting with mom's makeup. However, John Prueter of Essexville started his voluntary work at this age, by helping the elderly. His duties were numerous as he regularly went to help in "cooking and gardening, playing games with residents and just chatting with them." (Detroit News, pg. 77) Prueter continued for many years, and it is likely he won't be stopping anytime soon. John Prueter is a prime example of what we can expect from the next generation, safely knowing that we can trust them with the future.
Community service not only builds confidence, helps those among you, and provides an respectable, positive reputation; it's great for educational future! Those who are more willing to engage in community service are usually more keen in their studies. When asked in community service should be required for a diploma, 52% of kids with good grades agreed, as opposed to the 70% of children with poor grades, who disagreed (Lopez, Mark Hugo, pg. 81).
We want kids to be smart, and getting them to do community service is just the thing for them to really set the bar high. As compliance to doing such volunteer work is good, colleges often look for students who have committed a lot of time to it! Willie Grotham of Washington-Lee Highschool started a service club to raise money for various causes and charities. He has a number of friends and peers involved who are really opening their opportunities up by participating. About his club, Grothman said, "All the college people I've been talking to have been fairly impressed." So it's apparent that by volunteering and participating in activities such as Grotham's club, the resumé of the individual becomes more attractive to institutions.
By giving our next-in-lines the proper attitude on helping out their fellow man, we'll start to see exponentially positive growth in the country. Without inputting this knowledge early, we face the possibility of a nation who cannot govern itself due to the future leaders eating away at it from the inside out. To counteract this, let us all be reminded of what good community service can do and how it can shape character and pave a clearer road to a prosperous future.
NOTES FOR RE-WRITE:
- Finish the essay
- Vary sentence structure; complex, periodic, cumulative, etc.
- Develop a more defined thesis statement + order of development
- Avoid using the word 'them' too often
- Eliminate all second-person 'you' instances.
- Perhaps a shortened hook.
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