The Fall 2026 Winner Of The Helping Hand Scholarship

Meghan Potenza

Meghan has been named the Fall 2026 winner of the Helping Hand Scholarship. She has built a strong commitment to service through volunteer work supporting children, patients, families, and her community. These experiences have strengthened her compassion, empathy, and leadership while inspiring her goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Read Their Essay Here:

"Life is short make the world a better place." Those words from my father have guided me for as long as I can remember. Growing up, community service was not something my family did only on special occasions; it was a way of life. Whether we were participating in fundraising walks, collecting toys during the holidays, volunteering at food drives, or supporting local schools through community events, I learned that making a difference is not defined by one extraordinary act. Instead, meaningful change is created through consistent acts of kindness, compassion, and service. Those early lessons shaped who I am today and inspired me to dedicate my time to helping others while preparing for a career in nursing.

As I grew older, I wanted my volunteer work to have an impact in two ways: meeting the immediate needs of others while also investing in future generations. This philosophy has guided every service opportunity I have pursued.

One of my earliest and longest commitments has been volunteering with Feed My Starving Children. Beginning in junior high, I realized that food insecurity affects millions of families around the world, and I wanted to help. Rather than volunteering alone, I approached my youth coach about organizing a service event for our team. Together, we spent hours packing meals that would be shipped to children and families facing hunger. Watching boxes of food leave the warehouse filled me with hope because I knew each package represented comfort and survival for someone in need. Even more rewarding is knowing that several of my former teammates continue volunteering there today. Encouraging others to serve has shown me that leadership is not simply about organizing an event; it is about inspiring people to continue making a difference long after you are gone.

Another experience that has profoundly influenced me has been participating in The Power Program. Through this program, I was paired with a student with physical and intellectual disabilities. My role extended beyond academic support. I encouraged her socially, celebrated her accomplishments, and worked to build her confidence. Over time, I realized that some of the most meaningful moments came from simply being present, listening, and believing in someone who needed encouragement. Watching her confidence grow reminded me that progress is often measured through small victories rather than dramatic milestones. While I hope I made a positive difference in her life, she transformed mine as well. She taught me patience, empathy, resilience, and the importance of treating every person with dignity. This experience solidified my desire to pursue nursing because I discovered how deeply I value caring for others during both their challenges and their successes.

My volunteer work at Palos Hospital further reinforced that passion. One day, while delivering flowers and cards to patients, I met an elderly woman preparing for surgery. She was frightened and asked if I would stay and talk with her for a few minutes. Those few minutes became nearly thirty. We spoke about her family, her fears, and her hopes for recovery. I could not change her diagnosis or perform her surgery, but I could listen. By the time I left, her anxiety had noticeably eased, and she thanked me simply for being there. That experience taught me that compassion is sometimes just as powerful as medicine. Serving my community has also meant investing in young people. As both a volunteer and youth umpire for Palos Power Softball, I prepare fields, assist with games, and help create a positive experience for young athletes. Behind every freshly prepared field is the opportunity for children to enjoy the game, develop confidence, and create lifelong memories with their families. Watching a young player celebrate her first hit or seeing parents express gratitude after volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare fields following heavy rain reminds me that service often happens behind the scenes. These experiences have strengthened my leadership skills while teaching me the value of responsibility, teamwork, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Education is another area where I strive to make a meaningful impact. As a volunteer mathematics tutor, I provide free assistance to students at school and within my community who struggle with math. Many students begin believing they simply "aren't good at math." My goal is not only to help them solve equations but also to build their confidence. Seeing a student who once dreaded math begin solving problems independently reminds me that encouragement can change someone's entire outlook. Helping others believe in themselves is one of the most rewarding forms of service I have experienced.

I have also participated in community efforts through the American Red Cross, environmental restoration projects with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and The Conservation Foundation, and volunteer work supporting local organizations. Whether removing debris from rivers and trails or contributing to disaster relief efforts, I have learned that protecting our communities involves caring for both people and the environment they call home. These experiences have reinforced that meaningful service takes many forms, but each contributes to building stronger, healthier communities.

Looking back, I realize that all of my volunteer experiences share a common purpose. Whether I am packing meals for families across the world, mentoring a student with disabilities, comforting a nervous hospital patient, tutoring a child struggling with mathematics, or preparing a softball field for young athletes, my goal is always the same: to leave people better than I found them. Community service has taught me that lasting impact is created not through a single extraordinary moment but through consistent acts of compassion, leadership, and kindness.

As I pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and work toward becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, I hope to carry these values into every patient interaction and every community I serve.