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Here is the essay/letter I am submitting for the Sauvie Island Grange Scholarship. Not the greatest, but not bad either…

Grange Scholarship Committee:
Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Sauvie Island Grange Scholarship. Over the last few years I have had the honor of getting to know many of Grange members through my work with the Volunteer Fire Department. I feel privileged to have become part of the Sauvie Island ‘Family,’ and strive to give back all I can towards the community.
I am neither proud nor ashamed of my achievements. I became a black belt and full time martial arts instructor when I was 13 years old, rebuilt my first car at 14, cycled 3400 miles at 15, ran a 4:30 mile at 16, and recorded my first CD of piano music at 18. Now at 22, my time is constantly in balance between completing my senior year in Political Science at Portland State University, volunteering for the fire department, beginning a nonprofit arts and music center, and trying to enjoy the beauty around me. Surely the way we live our lives, and the experiences we have, help shape and mold us, yet I do not label myself a sailor, a student, or a firefighter. I am solely another inhabitant of this huge world, searching for all of the answers to life’s well-known questions.
For I have realized that community is not a place where you park your boat or meet your neighbors. Communities do not exist in one time or place, for they are intangible. Community is built upon relationships and the power of sharing our lives together. I am part of several communities in this world, but none am I as proud of, as Sauvie Island. Beyond the majestic beauty of this place, beyond the incredible way of life we are all blessed with, I am part of this community because of the stories we tell, the moments we share, and the relationships we build. I continue with what has been a fulfilling time on Sauvie Island, and perhaps someday, I too will share my tales with the next generation, and build upon this great community.
And so I return home, to the banks of the river, where nature and humanity exist in agreement. We all share this place, this sacred area, as family, as creatures put in this world solely looking for peace and happiness. Life moves much slower here, trying to cherish each and every moment, as though it is the last. The endless sky, the rose petals floating down the river, the majestic eagles, the morning fog, the cries of the heron, the shadows of the moon across my bow: living here, I am already in heaven.

Sincerely,
Josh Townsley