"I spent half a year living at an orphanage in Tanzania. During my time there, I tutored the boys in English speaking skills, helped them with their community garden, and joined them in countless basketball games. I not only developed important relationships and learned a great deal about the country, but I also learned first-hand about the struggles of children living on the streets. This experience was the root of my desire to be part of an organization working to improve educational and financial outcomes for children."

"When I was eight years old, I joined a pen pal program that connected me with a girl my age living in the Phillippines. We wrote back and forth, excitedly sharing about our lives and explaining elements of the cultures of our home countries. Although we no longer hand-write letters, we maintain communication digitally. This friendship has taught me the importance of connecting with people whose lives and experiences are different from our own. I believe this is the first step toward building bridges and communities."

Whatever you choose to talk about, connect it to the specific job for which you are applying. Your answer will be even stronger if it relates to the United Way mission in some way.