Many things shape me, Meaghan Sheahan, including my
family, hardships, extra curricular activities, and service trips. I am
currently a senior at Battle Mountain High School and am involved in numerous
clubs and sports. As an executive member of student government, an officer in
Best Buddies, a link crew leader, teacher’s assistant, tutor, and a defensive
player of varsity lacrosse, I spend most of my time at school. I really enjoy
meeting fellow students and working with them to advocate specific needs. The
best part about high school, however, is seeing my younger sister Eleanor
during passing periods. Eleanor is a freshman. This is the last time we will be
in the same school, and I love seeing her smiling face as she passes me in the
hall.
Eleanor is amazing, but she isn’t my only sister. Our
youngest sister, Lillian is in the sixth grade and is quite the stand up
comedian. Always bringing a smile to our faces, Lillian acts as an optimistic
force that consistently provides Eleanor and I with wisdom and creative
viewpoints. I am so blessed to be the elder sister of these two angels.
I cannot take credit for their priceless
personalities, however. My parents, Chris and Mary, are my sister’s and my most
inspirational role models. Married for over two decades, my parents work hard
to act with selflessness and love. They both work at the hospital, where they
make livings saving the lives of others. They are incredible. Both Mom and Dad
are greatly involved with our sports and academic careers and encourage us to
act with authenticity and faith.
As a senior in high school, I am often asked to
discuss my goals in life. I am constantly writing college applications that
illustrate my “happy place” and am prompted to identify my “passions”. Thanks
to the guidance and opportunities granted to me through Children’s Global
Alliance, I know that my greatest passion is performing service for the
enrichment of the lives of others.
Children’s Global Alliance has played a significant
role in my journey throughout high school. Exposing me to impoverished
countries while encouraging me to push myself as a volunteer, Children’s Global
Alliance has empowered me to find happiness and purpose when working with
individuals in developing countries. I first applied with CGA in the fall of my
eighth grade year. Since then, I have been to the countries of Nicaragua,
Cambodia, and Tanzania, where I have encountered hundreds of people, greatly
impacting my life.
This past summer, I travelled over 9,000 miles to
Arusha, Tanzania. Here, I taught in an English primary school, LOAMO, for
children ages three through sixteen. Like my previous service trips, Tanzania
was nothing less than extraordinary. For me, it was time of self-growth,
reflection, and discovery.
Returning
to the states was not an easy task. My body was in Colorado, while my heart
remained in Africa.
Feeling called to service, I once again applied with
Children’s Global Alliance, writing an essay, creating a detailed fundraising
plan, and interviewing with the founder and chaperones of CGA. I am proud to
state that I have accepted as one of eight volunteers to be traveling to
Bhaktapur, Nepal in June 2016. Here, we will be teaching at the Deeya Shree
School that provides education to a total of 140 students. While in Nepal, my team will also be
assisting families who were impacted by the 2015 earthquake.
I
am thrilled to continue my service with CGA, for the non-profit organization is
an extremely important part of my life.
