2020 Scholarship Recipient

With a mother like mine, who is never shy of giving me a job or asking me to help out, giving a helping hand has become a big part of my life. Over time I have learned the importance of community service. For some, asking for help from others or their community is the last thing they want to do. They may feel embarrassed or grew up doing things on their own. For those reasons, it is good to do things without being asked.

This past year I adopted a grandparent at the Roseau Manor. I visited with her two times a week. She was blind, so she relied on myself and the others around her for daily things. There are others in our community that might not be physically blind but do rely on people around them to live their lives. Volunteering can make these individuals live better and happier. Volunteering does not have to be hard work. It can be as little as donating to the hygiene closet or food shelf. It could also be as big as going on a mission trip somewhere.

Mission trips are a way of supporting around the world and helping to reach a goal of change. It can be life-changing to see some places around the globe and what they are facing that we do not see in Roseau County. One can see how severe things can get and how appreciative people are for what they have. A mission trip is a great experience to be a helping hand in something bigger. In our world, there will forever be a need for teamwork to make it better.

Something I have been every year since fourth grade is a Junior Volunteer, where we spend time with the residents. I have nothing but happy memories when at Junior Volunteers. I always leave with a smile and a good mood. It is one of those things that one can not wait until the next week when they get to do it all over again.

I love to be involved with teams. I could not play volleyball this fall because of a concussion. I decided to pick up two small, but fun, volunteer jobs doing stats for the Roseau volleyball team along with water for the Roseau football team. I have been a manager for the Roseau girls basketball team for four years, so I knew I would like it. These roles do not seem like a big deal, but when one is gone, things tend to fall apart. It works the same way when community members help out around town. Things get done fast, more efficient, and one feels productive at the end of the day. Helping others is not one-sided, but the ones getting the help most of the time feel appreciative. Showing there are options, and they do not have to do things alone, taking stress off their shoulders.

• Danielle Sibilleau, Roseau Women of Today 2020 Scholarship Recipient