Over 1,000 college undergrads submitted applications to the Liberty Mutual Responsible Scholars program. The scope and reach of the contributions all these students make in their communities is astounding and their essays were inspiring.
Yet, even within this field of excellence, the activities of the five scholarship winners stand out. Because of their efforts, their schools and communities benefit from significant and sustainable services that make a difference.
We celebrate and offer our congratulations to:
Alexa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Vikas from the Boston University School of Management
Logan from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Jessica from the Johns Hopkins University
Dallas from the University of Southern California
Take a moment to read through the following excerpts from their essays to see what makes these five undergraduates “responsible scholars.”
Raise the Readling Roof
“On January 16th, 2006, my friend Jessica Readling was struck by an 18-wheeler in her Honda Accord and was killed instantly. Jessica had planned to work with Habitat for Humanity in the fall of her senior year and had asked me to volunteer with her before she died. To honor Jessica’s life, I met with Habitat for Humanity and committed to a Partial Fund where I was to raise $32,500 – half the cost of a Habitat home – and organize volunteers for 16 weeks of building. Together with Jessica’s other friends and classmates, I organized a group call Raise the Readling Roof (RRR). The group met the $32,500 goal within six months – far earlier than we ever hoped - and kept raising our fundraising goal by $5,000 every time we met our new goal. By the end of February, 2007 we had raised over $52,300, almost the entire cost of the home. Building finished in May 2007 and we dedicated the home to a young single mother and her seven-year old daughter.
Young people are responsible for carrying on the idea of service for others, setting an example for those younger than us to follow, and showing society that we are not just a bunch of reckless kids. My policy is that young men and women should not just sit on the sidelines and watch the action. We have to dive in and make a difference ourselves.”
Alexa, May 2011
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Microlaunch Global
“In high school I worked on an Indian cultural event benefiting the Sadhana Sangama School in Bangalore, India, which brings children from urban areas to a safe environment for a solid meal and education. The event raised over $3,400 – enough to feed the schoolchildren for six months. This event is now a tradition at my former high school and students continue to hold it annually to benefit various charities. Most recently, I created MicroLaunch Global to create booklets on basic accounting practices to give to poor individuals in Latin America who are receiving microloans to start small businesses. Our goal is help them grow their businesses to the point where they can provide for their families and improve their future prospects. MicroLaunch Global is partnering with existing organizations interested in integrating our materials into their lending and business development programs.
My policy on community service is to make a lasting impact on both my local and international community by giving others the tools and resources necessary to bring themselves out of poverty.”
Vikas, May 2010
Boston University School of Management
Hokie Memorial Marathon
“After returning home the week following the Virginia Tech shootings, I began to piece together an idea for a tribute run in conjunction with the annual Marine Corps Marathon. I soon found myself at the helm of what grew into a group of 100 like-minded Hokies who wanted to actively show their commitment to their school and community. Every runner pledged a $1,000 commitment and, unbelievably, we raised over $147,000. After the marathon, we worked with the Virginia Tech Foundation and with the marathon money established the Hokie Memorial Marathon Fund.
One needs to look no further than their own school or community to find their own niche and positively impact the lives of others. While we cannot all serve on the front lines or develop scientific breakthroughs in alternative fuels, we CAN choose to do our part with the resources and opportunities given to us.”
Logan, May 2011
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
One Sweet Prom
“Through shared experiences I wanted to improve the lives and social experiences of students everywhere. That is why I created an annual prom gown collection on the Johns Hopkins campus with the assistance of members from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. This event informally introduced Hopkins students to each other, the Baltimore community, and accurate representations of the students living within Baltimore. There was a dinner provided where the Hopkins students were able to talk to the girls receiving the gowns and share life experiences. We collected over 80 gowns for low income Baltimore city high school ladies. A month later I invited the Hopkins students to meet more high school ladies and act as personal shoppers to hundreds of Baltimore city students.
The responsible scholar is the one who notices a problem and, instead of reacting, decides to become proactive.”
Jessica, May 2009
Johns Hopkins University
Write On!
“I created a non-profit organization called ‘Write On!’ to encourage kids to discover joy, confidence, and a means of self-expression and connection with others through reading and writing. My website (www.zest.net/writeon ) features book reviews, writing prompts, opportunities for young writers to publish their work, and more. I also hold essay contests for schoolchildren, awarding as prizes new books I purchase myself. I am especially proud of the annual Write On Holiday Book Drive. In the past seven years we have donated 9,420 new books to kids in need. My goal for 2008 is to surpass 10,000 total books donated.
What is a good education if you don’t use it to make the world a better place? If I am fortunate enough to be honored with this prestigious scholarship…..I will continue to help others by using a portion of the award to create a “Write On Scholarship” to annually assist a deserving young writer in attending the renowned Santa Barbara Writers Conference.”
Dallas, May 2009
University of Southern California