Personal Reflective Essay: My Journey To A Community

Communities are precious, and the most precious – my family – helped prepare me to enter the world with initiative, confidence, and a willingness to serve, while also aiding me in building positive relationships that raise the standard of others, the world and thereby myself. Martin Luther King Jr. said “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” When one looks at all the great people in history who made a difference, their greatness was in their service to others. Through service, we learn to lead and prepare ourselves to take our place alongside those who make a positive impact on the world.
My parents raised me to be aware of my surroundings and to be of service to the community, starting with my family. Most importantly they taught me to act with foresight and without being asked. This upbringing has made me somewhat impromptu, and though I have participated in many organized functions, many of my undertakings are spontaneous

As my interest grew, I took it upon myself to find groups in the community with whom I could ride. I researched starting my own and talked to several bike shop owners and was soon participating in weekly rides with older more experienced groups, which suited my need for a challenge. This also provided learning better riding techniques, or even the process of starting a small business and cycling events. I soon established respect in the cycling community by being the only sixteen year old to ride with these older groups, helping with events, and seeking the advice and wisdom of the more experienced riders. This community involvement helped me place 49 out of 135 in my first long distance race. It also provided me with an opportunity for one on one workouts with a world record holder in hill climbs. I look forward to the continued challenge in my racing and the relationships this