Importance of Service
In the panhandle of Texas, community is so important. Everyone around West Texas is welcoming and kind, and there is a feeling of family no matter where you go. There are plenty of small businesses, many of which are family based, and each one supports each other in multitudes of ways. The high schools in the panhandle are open to helping these businesses and families, and students across the campuses have created and joined clubs to support through service. When students take it upon themselves to create an atmosphere of giving, the community that gives to them will extend their grace. Working within such a graceful community pushes these students to be their best and continue to help those in need around them. Service is important because it gives community members that family bond mentioned earlier. Service is what creates the community. There is nothing more heartwarming than being able to help someone who has no home find a coat for the harsh winter weather, or cheering on members of a 5k to raise money for cancer research. There is nothing better than helping the local Kiwanis members put away flags after an American holiday. The connections made through serving others are widespread, and are continuing to be made. Going into college next year, I have realized just how important these connections are, and how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to learn how to make them, and keep the relationships flourishing. Because of service opportunities throughout my high school career, I feel I am prepared to go out on my own and make a difference in the new communities I may find myself in. Not only is service important to me, it is important to so many students in high school who are looking to better themselves and those around them. Along with these students, service is beneficial to those business owners and the leaders in the community. These leaders benefit because they are able to recruit workers for upcoming events, and they are able to teach the younger generations about the importance of helping others. The community as a whole benefits because the opportunities for success increase greatly once more leaders and students get involved. Service is so important to growing a successful and flourishing community with a family-like feel, just like we have in the panhandle of Texas. 3
