Volunteering has been an essential part of my personal growth, as I have come to realize the profound impact that giving back can have on both individuals and entire communities. It has allowed me to develop a deep sense of purpose, while also cultivating important skills that I can carry with me throughout my life. One area where I have particularly honed my abilities is in planning and organizing events, which has helped me strengthen my organizational, communication, and leadership skills. These skills have enabled me to create meaningful experiences for others, whether it's coordinating community outreach programs, organizing fundraising events, or managing special activities within my church. A large part of my passion for serving others comes from my family's past reliance on the compassion and generosity of those around us. At one point in my life, my family and I faced a period of homelessness. During that time, we received immense support from local churches and community organizations, which provided us with temporary housing, food, and other supplies. Additionally, we were given assistance in helping my mother find a job and in ensuring that my sister and I were able to stay in school. This experience has fueled my desire to give back and to be a source of support for others who are going through difficult times. In addition to event planning, I have had the privilege of leading the Sunday school program at my church, where I serve as both a teacher and a mentor to young children. Leading this program has not only deepened my commitment to helping others grow spiritually and personally but has also given me a platform to share the love of Christ and the Gospel in a way that is relevant and impactful for the children I work with. It has been a rewarding experience to witness the growth and development of the children, knowing that I’ve played a role in their journey. Beyond the church, I have volunteered at several summer camps and events, where I served in the camp kitchens. I helped prepare and serve multiple meals each day while also providing support to camp staff and engaging in meaningful conversations with the participants. Serving in this capacity has allowed me to form connections with others, share the love of Christ through simple acts of service, and engage in thoughtful dialogue with individuals from different walks of life. My motivation to help others is deeply rooted in my faith. I believe that every individual is uniquely gifted and has the potential to do great things. By actively engaging with my community through service, I hope to inspire others to discover their own purpose and to embrace the potential within themselves. My goal is not just to make a difference in the lives of those I interact with directly but also to inspire a broader spirit of service and leadership within the community. In conclusion, the combination of my volunteering experiences, leadership roles, and unwavering faith in Christ has shaped my passion for serving others. I am dedicated to continuing to use my skills and abilities to help those around me, support their growth, and empower them to discover and fulfill their potential. Volunteering has taught me that through service, we can create lasting change, and I am committed to being a part of that transformation.

My name is Devin Riley, and I am a student at Liberty University. I am working toward a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies and have many exciting ambitious for the future. My faith has been the foundation of my life, and it continues to guide me through every challenge and trial I encounter. I believe my commitment to God has shaped my character and will serve as a powerful tool in my future ministry work. Since placing my faith in Jesus Christ three years ago, I have experienced God's love and guidance in profound ways. Whether it was through personal struggles or moments of triumph, I have learned to lean on God for strength and wisdom. My faith has provided me with the resilience to face life’s challenges, from overcoming obstacles in education to growing as an individual. Through prayer, reflection, and a deep relationship with God, I have found peace during difficult times, knowing that He has a purpose for my life and will never forsake me. One of the most significant lessons the Lord has taught me is the importance of a humble and serving heart. Through involvement in my church community, I have had the privilege of serving others, whether it be through volunteering, mentoring, or leading Bible studies. These experiences have helped me to develop empathy, compassion, and humility—qualities that are essential for any ministry work. I have come to realize that true leadership is about serving others with love and grace, just as Christ did and still does for us. As I prepare for a career in ministry, I am confident that my faith will continue to be my guiding light. I believe that God has called me to serve others and to spread His Gospel message of hope, love, and salvation. I trust the Lord will provide me with the discernment to make wise decisions, the compassion to understand others' struggles, and the courage to stand firm in my beliefs. In conclusion, I believe that my faith is not only a personal source of strength, but also a tool that will allow me to fulfill my calling in ministry. Through God’s grace, I have been shaped into a person ready to serve and lead others. I am deeply committed to pursuing a life of service and sharing the love of Christ with everyone I encounter. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to further my education and grow in the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Thank you for considering my application. May the Lord bless and keep you!

My name is Devin Riley, and I am a student at Liberty University. I am working towards a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies, which is my life's passion. I have chosen to pursue Bible Studies because of a deep, personal calling to understand God's Word more fully and to share its life-transforming power with others. Through studying Scripture, I not only aim to strengthen my own faith but also to equip myself to better serve others, bringing them closer to the truth and peace that can only be found in God. My desire to study the Bible stems from a conviction that the world is in desperate need of healing. Whether through personal struggles, societal issues, or emotional wounds, so many are searching for hope. I believe that the teachings of the Bible hold the key to the healing that the world so desperately needs. In my studies, I seek to understand how Biblical principles can be applied to real-world issues and how I can use my knowledge to bring hope to those who are hurting. One of my greatest passions is helping others experience the transformative power of God’s love. I believe that through the study of the Bible, I can help create an environment where people can encounter the healing that comes from faith. Whether through pastoral care, counseling, or community outreach, I envision myself working with individuals and communities, offering spiritual guidance and emotional support. My goal is to use my education to empower people, particularly those who have been marginalized or who have faced personal hardship, by sharing with them the hope found in God’s Word. Additionally, I see this scholarship as an opportunity to deepen my understanding of Biblical theology, counseling, and ministry. I want to cultivate a heart of compassion and wisdom, enabling me to respond to the needs of others with love and understanding. Through my studies, I hope to gain practical tools that will allow me to minister effectively and bring healing not only through words but through tangible acts of service. My long-term goal is to create spaces—whether in churches, community centers, or through online platforms—where individuals can come to experience restoration, find support, and grow in their faith. I envision programs focused on Biblical teaching, emotional wellness, and personal development, especially for those healing from past trauma. Through these programs, I want to inspire hope, empower individuals to overcome their challenges, and help them find healing through God’s Word. Thank you for considering my application. I am deeply committed to using the education I receive to make a lasting impact in the world.

My name is Devin Riley, and I am a student at Liberty University. I am currently working toward a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. I am considering a variety of future career paths but am particularly drawn to counseling. Through this career I could help other women heal from past abuse and traumatic experiences. As a young woman, I know the possible disadvantages and hardships many women face in this world. I have faced many hardships myself that have encouraged me to make a difference in the lives of other women. Bringing women together to build each other up and help each heal should be one of our largest priorities. Unfortunately, many women fall through the cracks and never receive the healing they need and deserve. I want to make a large difference myself and train other women to do the same. As a Christian scholar, I am deeply committed to fostering empowerment, particularly among women, through education, faith, and service. I believe that by nurturing strong Christian values, I can inspire and support women to realize their potential and become leaders in their communities. Christianity teaches us that all individuals are created in the image of God, and as such, women have the inherent worth and capability to succeed in every sphere of life. Through my education and future career, I aim to use my skills and experience to uplift other women and help them heal from past abuse. I am passionate about creating a supportive environment where women feel encouraged to overcome challenges, whether it be societal, cultural, or personal. As a faithful leader, I would work to promote education that emphasizes not only academic success but also personal growth and spiritual development. I plan to organize mentorship programs, Bible study groups, and workshops focused on cultivating skills like leadership, resilience, and confidence. Moreover, I plan to integrate the Christian principle of servitude into my work, helping women use their talents to serve others. Empowerment, to me, is not just about personal achievement but about creating a community of women who support one another, share resources, and inspire each other to live out God’s calling for their lives. I believe that by combining faith and knowledge, I can help women see their worth and the vast opportunities available to them, thus encouraging them to pursue their dreams with courage and conviction. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire women to break barriers, transform their communities, and use their talents to glorify God. Thank you for considering my application.

My name is Devin Riley, and so far, my life has been filled with many achievements and failures. Although they don't feel the same in the moment, I believe I have learned and grown from both. One of my largest achievements that has changed me the most was when I created and led a literature class for homeschooled students ages seven to fourteen. I created the course materials myself and included writing prompts to start each class on an exciting note. I taught ten students in total how to write strong argumentative essays and offered private tutoring lessons on the side. This experience permanently changed my perspective about myself and others. It put me in a leadership position that was outside of my comfort zone. I also got to witness my students improve their reading and writing skills and gain confidence in their abilities. Creating this literature class was challenging and, at times, really frustrating, but that's what made it worth it at the end. I had one student in particular who struggled to organize her thoughts on paper. Through a variety of strategies, which included processing verbally and different styles of brainstorming, she made shocking improvements. I also taught my students how to peer-edit and finalize their own writing. I am so thankful for that opportunity and how the Lord used me to share my faith with my students. With this great victory, I also experienced deep failure shortly afterward. With everything I had learned from teaching my own class, I was offered a professional tutoring position that seemed promising. I was excited and ready to give the job everything I had. Unfortunately, after months of waiting and following up, I did not receive the job after all. Although this may not seem like a great failure, it certainly shook my confidence and left me disappointed and unsure. I applied to a variety of tutoring companies but never heard back. But the Lord kept me persistent and faithful; I am now a tutor for Classical Conversations, a highly regarded homeschooling group. I have two classes each Monday ranging from ages three to twelve years old and have truly thrived there. I plan to use all that I have learned through these experiences as I work towards my bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies at Liberty University. I pray that through this short essay my drive, ambition, and hope for the future shine through and inspire others. I added a picture just to put a face to my name :)