Lexy Zemke

9/28/2015
Even from an early age, school has always come naturally to me. The subjects I found to
be most difficult challenged me to be flexible with my study skills and I had to find new ways to
learn the material. My study strategies paid off through all of the academic goals Ive achieved
throughout high school. I didnt really pay attention to clubs or extracurricular activities because
grades were my life and I thought that grades would get me everywhere I needed to go. That
theory worked out great until 10th grade when I applied for National Honor Society and Medical
Honor Society. As I filled out the application, the volunteering section and the sports section
were left completely blank. I thought that since my GPA was pretty high that I would easily get
into both of those extremely competitive organizations. When I got those rejection letters back, I
was completely shocked. I couldnt believe that I would get rejected from anything because it
had never happened before. At school I played it off like I didnt care because I didnt want my
friends to know that I wasnt okay. In reality, I was more mortified and embarrassed that I didnt
get into those organizations than if I had fallen in a crowded school cafeteria. After some
reflection, I was forced to come to terms with the fact that grades arent everything. I realized
that the teachers were right when they encouraged students to get involved because colleges and
organizations are looking for well-rounded students, not just smart ones.
It was then that I made the decision to become more involved in my community. I took
advantage of all the opportunities that my school gave me and found a balance between
homework and volunteering. I joined junior class, a club where juniors could come help work on
homecoming decorations, and was soon appointed chairman because I was always there ready to
participate. We decorated our hallway for homecoming and made a float that was 1980s-themed.
Once I joined, I saw what fun it could be and how great it is to connect with like-minded
teenagers. I took the advice of my teachers and joined athletic training and learned how to wrap
wrists and ankles for injured athletes. I also participated in the occasional medical walk at
Mount Trashmore, a popular city park in Virginia Beach, where the volunteers handed out water
and spread awareness about specific causes such as suicide prevention, scoliosis, and multiple
sclerosis. Once school let out, I volunteered at the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
institution (STEM camp) where the staff and volunteers helped teach low-income children about
science. The volunteers did everything the teachers and staff asked us to, including helping the
students create pop-flies, bottle rockets, and Rube Goldberg machines. Im happy to say that I
now love volunteering and will continue to do this in the future.

Lexy Zemke
9/28/2015
Failing was one of the best things to happen to me. After exploring different volunteer
opportunities and clubs, I had a better concept of what a well-rounded student was. I felt happier
and more spirited to help others while still valuing school. When it came time to apply again to
the Medical Honor Society, I was more confident that I would get in. As I filled out the
application, I could now include a moderately-sized number of clubs and activities in each
section. I did get accepted into MHS the second time around, but this time, I was more humble
and satisfied with myself. Failing to get into Medical Honor Society and National Honor Society
in 10th grade helped me realize how prideful I was and the experience forced me to accept that
grades arent the most important aspect in life. Succeeding in school is important, but being a
well-rounded human being is just as critical.