Madeleine Collins, Trumbull High School in Trumbull

Some people think that community service is simply something you have to do in order to graduate.  Too many people pass it off with a shrug, thinking that they themselves are more important.  

But what they fail to realize is that life is defined by the connections you form with the people around you, a web of interlocking moments and memories.  Whether the strings form a beautiful fabric or a tattered mass of cloth, it is up to each decision you make.  

I believe that by striving to make positive connections with those around you, especially through community service, your life can truly speak of who you are.

Since I was young, I’ve had a strong bond with my dog Riley, one where I can tell what he is thinking, and he understands how I feel as well.  He knows just when to curl up beside me to offer me comfort.

I wanted to be able to share the connection I have with him with others.  So, when I was fourteen, I applied to Therapy Dogs Incorporated.  I wrote a letter to their president, and I was granted special permission to join the program despite being younger than the admittance age, which is sixteen. I completed my training and passed my observations within a few short weeks.

Since then, I have visited Bridgeport Hospital with Riley as often as I could.  We always visit the pediatric and oncology wards, which are places in the hospital often burdened with difficult news, and somber words.  

Bringing Riley to visit distracts patients from their worries and lightens the atmosphere.  He serves as a friendly introduction to conversation with patients, some about dogs and others far more meaningful.  I have developed relationships with nurses and staff members who take a moment from their day to stroke Riley’s back and share a story about their pet. Riley and I provide a temporary distraction from their work, a much needed smile, or an understanding conversation.  

Overall, as we walk through the hospital, I can see tensions easing and spirits rising.  Even on days when I think I do not have enough time to go, but manage to squeeze in an hour and a half, I walk away feeling fulfilled and lighthearted.   Visiting the hospital with Riley does as much for me as it does for the patients and staff.

Community service is an opportunity to discover more about yourself by forming more relationships with people.  Through my experiences as a handler in the Therapy Dogs program, I realize that compassion and human connections are the true prizes that come from volunteering.

[Note: This is not the article where you should vote for this contestant. This is essayist No. 3, so in the voting article, which is here, just post a comment that says ‘3' to vote for this student. Voting is limited to one person per finalist per day, and closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 18.]