Payton Hallett

To begin. I have great pride in my individual capabilities, proving over a number of years and through various achievements that I can efficiently and effectively pursue what I desire to accomplish. I am a first-generation college student tackling “the works” with little support, but I’ve persevered and proven I’m more than able to perform at an advanced collegiate level and perform well at that. In addition, I believe there is no greater method of effectively inducing change than through action. I hope that when I volunteer or commit an act of kindness, others onlooking will respond with equal or even greater acts of kindness. Moreover, I’ve been involved in volunteer work for well over seven years now, serving my community and schools through various groups, organizations, and institutions. I found personal interest in these opportunities when I began serving in 2014 in the concession stand at Wakefield Park - in Morenci, MI - for the baseball games, softball games, and Original Wiffle Ball Tournament held at the Kiwanis Field. From this moment, I knew I wanted to continue my service and that I had the networking to truly make a change and difference in my community. I began getting involved in volunteer organizations at school; holding a number of leadership positions: president and VP of class, president of Student Council, VP of National Honor Society, and Volunteer Club board member. I also got involved with Morenci Kiwanis Club to offer my service and volunteer as needed. Through this organization, I’ve participated in the Wishing Tree Foundation, the Kiwanis Flag Repair Project, and the Kiwanis Soup and Pie Dinners. Furthermore, I was very involved in class-oriented projects and fundraising, especially. One of my greatest accomplishments occurred in my senior year of high school. I spearheaded a pack-a-pickup food drive organized by Morenci Kiwanis Club and hosted by Morenci HS Volunteer Club. I attended a Kiwanis Club meeting to discuss collaboration between the school and Kiwanis to accomplish mutual goals, with me being the primary medium of communication between both institutions. This was possible due to my overwhelming activity in club projects, leadership position as a board member, and effective public speaking. The end result of the pack-a-pickup was a record turnout and continued cooperation between the school and Kiwanis to this day. Continuing on, I’ve just completed my first year at Michigan State University with an overall GPA of 3.82, but have remained off-campus due to Covid-19 and the restrictions upheld by the state to further mitigation efforts. Due to staying at home instead of on-campus - though - I have been able to remain healthy and stay engaged in small community gatherings for various opportunities. Furthermore and with vaccinations surging, I’m hoping for life to get back to a like-normal where I’ll be able to truly embrace a university experience, study abroad, and continue volunteering for my school and community to a greater extent. I’ve asked myself why I volunteer and what motivates me to partake. Serving a purpose greater than myself, the feeling of pure selflessness, and the spreading and facilitation of kindness are my major takeaways. I realize if I had been worse off and needed assistance, then I’d want people to commit equal acts of kindness, likewise. This is why I feel aggressive action must take place if a change is truly desired, and why I’ve complied accordingly. Looking ahead, my ambitions will remain and strengthen with time. My intentions are to continue serving my schools and communities - wherever they may be - instituting change on any multitude of levels.