My experience as a Young Ambassador has reshaped the way I think about stewardship and civics by turning abstract ideas into something practical and personal. Before, I understood civics mainly as laws, government, and voting. Now, I see it as a daily responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the place you call home and the people in it.

Living in and around Pottsville has made that idea feel real. Pottsville is a community with history and character, but like many towns, it faces challenges that require collective effort rather than individual awareness alone. Through my work as a Young Ambassador, I’ve learned that stewardship is not just about preserving institutions, but about taking ownership of your surroundings. Something as simple as keeping public spaces clean, respecting shared areas, and being mindful of how your actions affect others reflects a broader commitment to the community. Those small actions add up and help set a standard for others to follow.

Serving as a Young Ambassador has also shown me that leadership is often quiet. It is not always about recognition, but about consistency and accountability. Whether it’s volunteering, advocating, or simply being someone others can rely on, civics becomes less about theory and more about responsibility in action. I’ve come to understand that being informed is not enough; a person also has to be willing to act on that knowledge in ways that benefit others.

This mindset connects closely to my long-term goals of attending a service academy like the United States Naval Academy or West Point. Both institutions emphasize discipline, service, and commitment to something greater than oneself. My experience as a Young Ambassador has helped reinforce those values by showing me that service begins at the local level. Before leading others on a larger scale, you have to demonstrate reliability and care within your own community.

Ultimately, my experience has shaped a sense of duty to Pottsville. I want to be someone who contributes to keeping the community clean, respectful, and strong, not just because it is expected, but because it reflects who I strive to be. Stewardship, to me, means taking pride in where you come from and actively working to improve it, even in small ways. Through this lens, civics is not just something you learn about, but something you live out every day through your actions and your commitment to others.

Since becoming a Young Ambassador, I’ve tried to take the idea of “keeping Pennsylvania beautiful” and turn it into real actions in my own community. One of the most meaningful projects I’ve been part of was planting a butterfly garden along the Saint Clair highway. It may seem like a small effort, but it felt incredibly rewarding to create something that adds both beauty and purpose to the area. Knowing that the space could support pollinators while also improving the look of a commonly traveled road made me feel like I was contributing to something lasting. It wasn’t just about planting flowers, but about helping the environment that everyone in the community shares. I can’t wait to see the final product soon!

I’ve also participated in a cleanup at John S. Clarke Elementary School, which was especially meaningful to me. Elementary schools are the foundation of a community. They are where kids spend their early years learning, growing, and forming memories. Being able to help clean and improve a place that plays such an important role in those experiences gave me a strong sense of pride. There’s something impactful about seeing a space become more welcoming and cared for, especially when you know children will continue to use it every day.

One of the most memorable parts of that cleanup was seeing the reactions of the students. Even small improvements can make a difference, and it felt rewarding to know that our work helped create an environment where they could feel more comfortable and proud of their school. Moments like that remind me that stewardship is not just about maintaining spaces, but about contributing to the well-being of the people who use them.

Overall, these experiences have shown me that contributing to your community does not always require major actions. Sometimes it’s about consistency, effort, and a willingness to take responsibility for the places that matter most. Whether it’s planting, cleaning, or simply showing up to help, these actions definitely reflect a commitment to keeping Pottsville and surrounding areas clean, welcoming, and cared for.

One of the most important things I’ve realized is that I genuinely enjoy giving back to my community. Whether it’s through service projects, cleanups, or small acts that improve shared spaces, I’ve found a sense of purpose in contributing to something larger than myself. That feeling has also influenced my future goals. It has strengthened my interest in attending a service academy like the United States Naval Academy or West Point, where service, discipline, and leadership are at the core of everything. I see those paths as a way to continue that commitment on a broader scale while still staying rooted in the idea of serving others.

Another thing I’ve learned about myself is that I don’t hate being outside. In fact, I’ve come to appreciate it a lot more than I expected. Before my experiences as a Young Ambassador, being outdoors was something I would tolerate when needed. Now, it’s become something I actually enjoy. Whether it’s working on a cleanup, helping with a project, or just being active outside, I’ve realized that I don’t mind the dirt, the weather, or the long hours. If anything, I’ve learned that being outside while doing something meaningful makes the experience more rewarding. I’ve also discovered that I can handle situations that aren’t always comfortable, which has helped build my patience.

Finally, I’ve learned that I really enjoy being around kids. Which makes sense because my parents are both teachers. Working in community spaces, especially places like elementary schools, has shown me how much energy, curiosity, and positivity younger students bring. Being around them has made me appreciate the importance of creating environments where they can feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. It’s also rewarding to contribute to spaces they use every day, knowing that even small improvements can make a difference in their experience. Seeing their reactions, even to simple changes, is a reminder of why community service matters in the first place.