<p>In grade 9 I went to a very small private school that did not offer any ECs besides a few sports. Whenever I had an idea for a community service project, it was rejected because that was just the school's mentality. I was still involved with projects outside of school, though. In grade 10 I switched schools and continued community service outside of school, joined clubs that interested me and became the executive for the main volunteer-based club at my school (local and international aid projects). This year I am in grade 11, and have founded a youth-focused club for cancer awareness, research and fundraising. I have also founded a youth base for an international NPO in my community. I am working on organizing a few events as well. </p>
<p>Because of my school-switching and the fact that my current school doesn't let students take on many leadership roles until grade 11 (upperclassmen need more opportunities or something?), I haven't gotten the chance to really commit to the issues I care about until this year. Next year I am applying for some major Canadian scholarships. I am just worried, will they think grade 11 is too late to get so heavily involved? I know that a lot of people do all of this stuff in grade 9, but I just have not had the opportunity until now! Will the scholarship judges think I'm just doing it as a last effort to make my application look good, or will they understand my situation? They don't even ask for activities from grade 9, but I'm worried that most of mine will be in grade 11 rather than 10. </p>
<p>I would really appreciate your input. Thanks!</p>
