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Scholarship Essay by Christina Turk

To leave a positive lasting impact on my church, community, and the world, one must have confidence in oneself and in one’s abilities. God put me on this earth for a purpose and I have the responsibility to ensure that I make a difference during my lifetime. I can do this by leaving things in a better condition than how I found them. Gaining confidence and strengthening my abilities come from not only pursuing a formal education but to continue to educate myself throughout my life. Through education and whatever work experiences come my way, I hope to feel empowered and then be able to also empower those around me to make positive changes.

Right now, education is the main focus to invest in my personal and intellectual growth by building the knowledge base, skills, and perspectives needed to effect change where needed through vision and foresight. The focus will be on expanding my understanding of the pressing issues facing society. Issues like identities and changing norms in society, living in a global society, inequalities, climate change, technological disruptions, crime and violence, and health care issues just to name a few.

As a member of the church and with the upbringing of my family, there were many  opportunities witnessed that encompassed inclusion and service within the church. Whether through becoming a future Sunday School teacher, organizing or participating in community outreach initiatives, or practicing my faith by actions and words, I plan to continue to display Christian values that hopefully contribute to positive change and service within the church. From the community perspective, I am also hopeful to make a difference in my local community. Drawing upon my education and skills, I hope to be able to address systemic inequalities, foster community pride, interfaith collaborations and promote holistic well-being. From volunteering with local nonprofits, advocating for positive change when something that is witnessed can be improved upon, and being a good neighbor with have a positive impact on my community.

Serving as a catalyst for positive or improved change should improve the quality of life in the community. Looking beyond the community to a global world perspective, social justice, conflict, and climate change need to be improved to make the world a better place to live, work, and play. Through my education and wherever my future endeavors take me, I hope to contribute to initiatives that improve the world. On a global scale, advocating for human rights, peace initiatives, and understanding different cultures should lead to proactive actions that could change the world, even if incrementally.

My vision for leaving a positive legacy and making a lasting impact on my church, community, and the world is by integrating gained knowledge, skills, and opportunities through education and endeavors. Through a commitment to have a positive outlook, to be strong, to hold good moral values, I hope to make an impact on my church, community, and the world. Each small act of kindness and each second of service has the potential to have a ripple effect outward, leaving places I visit or live better off than when I first got there. By also inspiring other to join me, we can inspire building a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.

Parish

Mailing Address

Archangel Michael Orthodox Church
5025 E. Mill Rd
Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

Email, Phone, and Fax

[email protected]
440-526-5192 (Phone)