It’s kind of jarring how fast high school has gone, and it’s crazy to me that I’m graduating in six months. In those four years, though, I’ve grown so much: most of that growth I can confidently say is from Enloe Charity Ball.
In my freshman year, I learned what comfort meant. Stuco pushed me past every boundary I had. I wasn’t comfortable calling people, canvassing, or even volunteering, and I remember telling an advisor that I might not be ready. They signed me up for a shift at Alliance Medical Ministry anyway, and I ended up loving it. Even something as simple as packing envelopes felt meaningful. I learned that comfort is not fixed; it grows as you do.
Sophomore year, I learned leadership. It wasn’t loud or flashy leadership; it was the kind that builds slowly, the kind I didn’t even notice at first. Eva and I spent weeks planning and running the chess tournament, and that experience taught me what it means to take ownership of something. There were moments when things went wrong, such as a late competitor, a bracket mistake, or a room setup issue, but we always found a way to overcome them. I realized that leadership is less about being in charge and more about being responsible, steady, and willing to guide others through uncertainty. That tournament made me realize that I could handle more than I had given myself credit for.
Junior year, I learned impact. We raised $180,000 in 2022 for AMM, $180,000 for Neighbor2Neighbor in 2023, and this year, in 2024, we were about to raise $186,000 for CASA. I helped with something that mattered. Some families would have experienced greater stability, support, and hope as a result of the work we did. That year taught me that effort does not disappear into the air; it lands somewhere, and sometimes it lands exactly where it is needed. Impact is a powerful thing to witness, especially when you get to play even a small part in making it happen.
As my final Charity Ball season approaches, I’m still learning. And with the lessons and experiences I’ve cultivated over the years, I can’t wait to see the person I’ll be six months from now when he walks on stage with a diploma in his hands.