Mackenzie Lewis

2015 Bridge Scholarship Recipient

I have been an eager volunteer at David W. Butler High School and in the Charlotte/Matthews community for many years. My passions are helping the homeless and disabled individuals in our area. I have worked hard to influence many lives and prove myself as a leader in my school and community. I have balanced a rigorous academic workload, school leadership positions, a part time job and fulfilling service initiatives. I feel all of these varied experiences will help prepare me for a challenging and meaningful career.

It’s one thing to be successful at what you do, but it’s so rewarding when I can look at the lives I’ve touched through Special Olympics sporting events, special needs camps, proms, canned food drives for the hungry or serving the homeless in our community. To think of the joy that homeless children receive when they are given birthday presents or are able to blow out the candles on their first birthday cake is very humbling. I wouldn’t change these experiences for anything! I am very honored to have received several national awards and Presidential citations for volunteer service. I am constantly striving to make a difference in the lives of others and be an inspiring role model to my peers.

I plan to continue my commitment to academics and service this fall at Virginia Tech University. I will utilize every opportunity available to me in college to serve others and embody their motto of Ut Prosim – That I May Serve. This is one of the main factors that has drawn me to Virginia Tech. I will live in a learning/living service community so that I can be immediately plugged in and make a difference from day one. I plan to actively work in the Blacksburg, Virginia area, the continental US and also take advantage of international volunteer service opportunities. After completion of my undergraduate studies in Human Development with a minor in Special Education, I will complete my graduate studies in Occupational or Physical Therapy. I am eager to have a career that will allow me to help others on a daily basis and enable them to live fulfilling, engaged lives.

Through these amazing opportunities I have received one hundred times more than I have been given. These volunteer activities have truly been an honor. I have made lifelong friends while building a foundation of giving, teaching and caring for others that will serve me for the rest of my life. I will continue to be a strong leader and have the highest level of integrity in all that I do. I am ready to challenge myself and truly make an impact at Virginia Tech and in the surrounding community.

I am excited and humbled to represent the Bridge Foundation as the 2015 Bridge Scholar. The foundation’s generosity will truly make a difference in my future.

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