By Amelia Uduafemeh
Special to the AFRO
This week, the AFRO continues to celebrate members of the community that are making a difference. Justin Naylor is a junior at Joppatowne High School, in Harford County, Md. who has found numerous ways to better his school and community.
Naylor told the AFRO that he enjoys being a member of the school community. The teen says “showing leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork” are important to him, along with setting an example by “being a team captain, friend and mentor to many.”
Naylor has participated in numerous community service projects as an Eagle Scout, making a significant contribution to the school and the larger community. His scouting-derived leadership abilities have been put to use in projects that encourage positive change, such as planning neighborhood clean-ups, volunteering or running educational initiatives.
“I am most motivated to get engaged in my community because I enjoy witnessing great changes that occur in other people, the community and the environment,” Naylor said. His motivating factor is going to bed at night knowing that he made a positive difference in someone’s life by uniting people and improving the environment.
“In order to make my community better, I needed other people to help me,” Naylor explained.
Although it is true that one individual can change the world, having assistance makes things much easier. Naylor was able to organize events like a food drive, and environmental clean-up after he found like-minded people who wanted to give back.
Despite the fact that Naylor gives a lot to the community, he often faces many challenges such as time constraints, balancing commitments and coordinating efforts. His principles have been shaped, his leadership abilities have grown and his general perspective on life has improved as a result of this. He has discovered after many years of giving back that there is always a person or thing in need of a little assistance, and he wants to be the one who provides it.
As he frequently receives support from his school, fellow Scouts, coaches, teammates and even locals who offer information, encouragement, or help, the community is always eager to lend a hand. This assistance can take many different forms, such as taking part in activities, donating money for projects or even just being recognized for his hard work.
“My Eagle Scout Project is one of my personal triumphs. It required six months of planning, organizing and totaling over 200-man hours,” Naylor shared. “Guiding my community to construct four picnic tables for Joppatowne Elementary School was my mission, and on July 31 the project was completed.”
His project was a huge success because a large portion of the community helped out, and the tables turned out great.
Keeping up community involvement while balancing education and other obligations might be challenging, however, with Naylor’s time and knowledge, it becomes more achievable and is something he wants to do rather than something he has to do. He also learned that people may find a way to make things work if they think it essential enough to include in their schedule. It takes responsibility and efficient time management for him to continue being involved in his community.
“My advice for others who want to make a difference is if you’re aiming to change the world, first, find something you’re passionate about, and it has to resonate with you. Commit to it. Dive deep into your cause,” said Naylor. “Stay authentic and be persistent. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Remember, the world needs more than talk, it needs action. Remember that someone has to change the world and if not you then who?”
The post Justin Naylor shines as a role model in school and community appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
