Describe a moment and analyze: “Write about a single experience or moment, and ask: how does this moment, experience, or encounter relate to my essential question?”

A fond memory of my childhood was the many lemonades stands that I would have with my two younger sisters. Almost every weekend on Saturday and Sunday, we would look forward to waking up early and squeezing fresh lemons to make our lemonade recipe as well as baking different desserts like brownies, cookies, etc. We would set up a little table and chairs outside our building and hold signs, urging people to come and buy our food and drink.

On a Saturday, a woman came up to us and bought lemonade for her and her two little sons. She asked my sisters and me: “What do you girls plan to do with this money?” We looked at each other, not knowing what to say. We had never really thought about what to do with our earnings. I thought about what this woman had said all day and all night.

I sat down with my mom and discussed what had happened that day. She asked if we wanted the money for ourselves or if we would want to help others in need instead. Immediately I thought that clearly, our money should go to those who need food, clothing, and shelter. I felt terrible that I hadn’t thought of this sooner, but as I proposed the idea to my two younger sisters they agreed. We ended up donating all of our earnings from that year to UNICEF also known as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.

It felt good to feel like something as small as childrens’ lemonade stands could make some sort of a difference in this world. I find it so interesting that today, my sisters and I started a horse treat business that tries to do the same good in the world as our lemonade stands. Through this project, I hope to uncover new information and skills to make as big of a difference in undersupported and underfunded young equestrians’ lives as possible.