by Breana Mock (who, by the way, WON a National Merit Scholarship)Music has always been an important part of my life. During high school I have developed areas of service and leadership through interests in children
and gardening, which will continue to be major parts of my life.
I began taking violin lessons at the age of four and have since shared my music with others in many ways. I have been in the community orchestra at
Jacksonville University and am in the first violin section of the University of North Florida's string ensemble. When I performed on violin for 4-H's Share the Fun event, I placed first at the county and district levels
and second at the state level, and was later asked to play at the 4-H Foundation Dinner and two Volunteer Recognition Dinners. The most unusual playing job I have had was when I played for a sale at Rhode's Furniture!
I have had several wonderful opportunities to work with children. At my school I enjoyed helping teach a young children's music class by playing songs for them, telling them about the violin, and helping them develop a
love of beautiful music. I would enjoy continuing this as an adult. Last year I helped a kindergarten teacher in an underprivileged school, stapling papers and supervising children. I most enjoyed helping small groups
learn the alphabet, supervising two children at a time as they tried to match the capital and lowercase letters and identify each letter.
My interest in plants came through watching and helping my grandmother in her
gardens. Last summer, Jacksonville's historic Cummer Gardens needed workers, so I began volunteering there for several hours each week, planting new flowers, removing old ones, mulching, and weeding. My work there has
inspired me to volunteer in other public gardens, such as those in libraries and nursing homes, in the future.
Several years ago I became involved in 4-H and entered their Horticulture Identification and Judging
Competition. This program helped me learn how to identify many plants by their leaves, flowers, and other distinctive parts. I placed high in both county and district events, leading my team to the state level
competition two years in succession.
Last year I put my expertise to practical use when I organized a 4-H community service project and volunteered in the Cummer Gardens in Jacksonville. In my community service
project I taught two 4-H clubs how to plant and take care of potted pothos vines. When the vines were large enough, we took them to local nursing homes.
I have been a leader in many areas. In 4-H I have held four
different offices. I have been very active in my church youth group, and this year was elected to the Senior Senate, a committee that helps plan the group's activities. I have also been involved in Sunday School
leadership. I edited my school's newsletter for two years and was editor of our yearbook for four years. I was chosen to represent my school at A Summit for Jacksonville's Future, an all-day workshop dedicated to
helping young people volunteer. This opened my eyes to many new ways of giving my time to help my community.
Two years ago I won both a schoolwide essay contest and a national essay contest, and, as winner of the
national contest, received a scholarship to a WorldView Academy Leadership Camp. When I went to this camp, I knew no one, but was soon able to form friendships with the other campers, cooperate with them in teams, and
lead others in several activities. I learned a lot, including how to be confident and friendly, even in completely foreign situations.
My career plans include music therapy and music education. Through music therapy
I will be able to work with children who have learning disabilities and emotional problems. When I become certified in music education, I will be able to teach children how to make beautiful music a part of their lives.
Through hard work in these areas I will make my mark on the future while helping others.
