Dear Editor,

I’m writing this letter to say thank you to the Linfield community. Last March, I was selected for the semifinal round of a national service scholarship competition. The Students in Service Awards honored three students who have led a large-scale service project. Judges selected two winners.

When Linfield found out that I made the semifinal round for my work with the Linfield Mentors, the community response was tremendous. During the two-week voting period, the comment page on my application was full. Comments came from people such as Jessica Wade and Lizzie Martinez, who were directly invested in the project and have been fabulously helpful, or from friends who told me that they were voting for me every day. The other comments came from Linfielders I barely know, professors I’ve never had and classmates I’ve never met. I’ve been surprised and touched by the number of people who have mentioned the award and asked how it went.

Sadly, I didn’t win the award. The winners had created huge, international service projects that the Linfield Mentors can’t quite match. Even though I didn’t win, I feel so lucky. I applied, was recognized for my service and saw my school rally around me and support me. I am so grateful for everyone who helped me, voted for me, whispered an encouraging word to me or volunteered as a mentor with me. Thanks for all your help!

Yours,

Rachel Mills, senior