On the surface, Darelle Menendie may seem like a regular sophomore. She works hard to excel at academics, while still being involved in extracurricular activities, like York Tennis and piano. However, Darelle is not a regular student. Her determination and care for others has led her to go above and beyond the crowd.

This school year, Darrelle wanted to spread positivity and help others in need, so, in October, she decided to start the Bridget Project. The Bridget Project is working with students at York to raise toys, clothes, school supplies, and nonperishable candy for the children in Cameroon, Africa

Both of Darelle’s parents were born and raised in Cameroon, before moving to the United States in in the early 2000s. A few weeks ago, her aunt Bridget, unfortunately, passed away, so her mom decided she was going back to visit Africa.

“I wanted her to be bringing more than just grief and sadness,” Menendie said. “I wanted her to be bringing positivity and enlightenment to the people there.”

That is when Darelle decided to start the Bridget Project, in honor of her aunt. She got the community involved and asked York students to donate any items they had, used or new, to help these children in need.

“Around where my mom grew up, there are villages where kids only have one outfit, one pair of shoes, no books, and no access to any education at all,” she said. “If we can get books, school supplies, clothes, and just the basic necessities to start off a child’s life, it could really impact them on that side of the world.”

Last year during winter break, Darelle had the amazing opportunity to visit Cameroon for the first time. This trip was the first time Darelle’s mother had visited her family and friends since her move to the United States.

“My mom and I had a small clothing drive where we went around for two days and passed out food and clothes to people in poverty,” said Menendie.

During the drive, she met two little boys who were left alone because their father had to work all day. When she tried to give them food, they wouldn’t let go of each other.

“It just showed how they really had no one, and it really made me want to do something,” she said.

After visiting Africa, Darelle was changed by the people and things she experienced. It made her look at the world differently.

“I started to notice all my privileges of just being in a school like York and getting to go to piano and tennis,” said Menendie. “I have so much and some people don’t even have the bare minimum. I wanted to provide that for them”

Darelle was determined to help others in need; however, she faced some challenges along the way.

“Because there were so many more donations than expected, and because we’re shipping to a third world country, it will take longer to get there,” Menendie said. “We have to get a cargo plane or ship to send the items and it’s going to take a couple of months to deliver.”

The response to the project very was very overwhelming. Many students throughout York wanted to contribute to Darelle’s project in order to give back to those in need. She was able to push kids to really think about those who are less fortunate and then influence those peers to actually take action.

“I think what she’s doing is extremely inspirational,” said sophomore Nida Ahmed. “We always hear  a lot about people in need, but we rarely hear about people who take charge and try to really make a change in the world.”

Darelle Menendie decided to turn a personal life-changing experience into a learning opportunity for her peers. She helped changed people to see the world in the same way her trip to Africa helped her look at her life differently. With a little inspiration and action, she has been able to make a big difference.

“People should try to step back a little bit and think of the things that they discard because they’re so readily available to them,” said Menendie. “They should think about how those things can have an influence on the other children of the world who don’t have as much.”