My name is Kelsey Goscha and I am a sophomore at Ponderosa High School. I have been involved with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference since August 2020. Before Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference, I was a little lost. The COVID-19 pandemic occurred right after I had just gone through some losses , so I felt really alone. I spent a lot of time with my family, put myself fully into my education, and did my best to cope and make the most of things, but I knew I needed to do something to make my life more fulfilling. I started looking for ways I could help out my community and make a difference.
Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference was everything I was looking for. I first heard about Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference through my school and I knew right away I wanted to join. Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference has boosted my confidence in so many ways. Being involved has helped me to step out of my comfort zone and take a risk to meet other people. I have learned there are a lot of other good people and I love working with them to make a difference in our community.
I am now more social in school. I have made new friends and become more involved in things around me. I don’t feel so isolated and alone any more. I am a part of something good now. Working with the people from Green Valley Community Church has been one of my favorite things since joining Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference. Getting to know the people there has been life changing. I get to hear people's stories and do something to help, something I can be proud of, and feel good about every time I finish a day of volunteering. Another one of my favorite experiences with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference is seeing the joy on the faces of the residents at Creekview Manor Senior Center when we visit with treats.
I hope to continue expanding my awareness of the world around me. For too long my world felt small. With Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference, I see there is so much more, that one person can make a difference, and together I hope we are making the world a better place for everyone.