Beyond words

Brittany Aaronson, a junior at Episcopal High School, created and sold arrowhead necklaces to buy books for kids at the Center for Hearing and Speech.

When I was younger, I dreaded going with my mom to take my brother to his speech pathology sessions. But as I watched him make progress and gain confidence, I became interested in how it was happening. I remember being inspired by his teacher and the techniques she used to help him. Last summer, I started volunteering at the Center for Hearing and Speech, shadowing the therapists at the Melinda Webb School. The children eagerly grabbed books and asked me to read to them. Their enthusiasm was endless, but their supply of books was not; they had a shortage and a long wish list. I wanted to find a way to fill their shelves. However, books aren’t free, so I came up with a fundraiser to make and sell arrowhead necklaces.

My dad has a collection of arrowheads that were found on his family’s ranch years ago, and he told me that the arrowhead symbolizes adventure, and I think that is what life is for each of us every day. With spools of leather, I started stringing arrowheads onto necklaces and sent out photos on Instagram, advertising them for $10 each. Immediately, people started placing orders, and within only three weeks, I raised over $800, enough to buy every book on the list. I named my project “Beyond Words” because, for hearing-impaired children, books are more than collections of words; they are symbols of hope and change. Accomplishing this goal has been so rewarding. I look forward to having more opportunities to learn more about speech pathology and possibly become a speech pathologist. I have learned that leadership does not require a formal position or a previously established organization. Leadership is about identifying a need in the community and taking the initiative to do something about it.

High school students like myself are constantly thinking about activities to build their résumés for college. I have learned that you must dig deeply and figure out your passions. Then, look around at the community and see how you can channel that passion and energy to benefit others. It might seem overwhelming at first, but you’ll be surprised to see how many people support you and how great you’ll feel at the end.

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