A definitive part of my individuality is my level of intelligence. I have always been encouraged and pushed to challenge my intellect through various opportunities in my community. Although my efforts, both academic and artistic, have produced both beneficial and harmful results in my life, I have been able to gain the highest esteem from my commitment to volunteer civic service. In the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program, as part of eligibility for diploma status, candidates are required to submit 200 CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) hours performing tasks that meet the criteria for each category. At first I saw the task as your stereotypical student with disdain and disdain for seemingly daunting tasks. However, I never expected to have gained true insight and consideration from my service experiences. It is more accurate to explain that community service required and produced a higher intellectual standard that I sought to achieve. For me, serving my community has become an engaging source of refuge from wh...