Bald Eagle Scholarship

At just eleven years old, my world was rocked by the devastating news of my mother's diagnosis of breast cancer. Aged forty-two, she embarked on a grueling battle against this relentless disease, enduring aggressive surgical procedures and ongoing radiation therapy. Yet, her resilience never wavered. Three months post-treatment, another blow struck as she faced melanoma, igniting yet another round of surgeries. Amidst this whirlwind, I witnessed my mother, once a vibrant force of music and joy, lose her melody. No longer did her songs fill our home, and the silence left in their wake was deafening. Music, once our shared refuge, became a distant memory, a poignant reminder of what cancer had stolen. Before her diagnosis, my mother navigated the challenges of single parenthood following my parents' divorce, all while working full-time at the Michigan Department of Education. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against her, she refused to surrender to despair. Her unwavering commitment to her children, her career, and her own well-being was nothing short of remarkable. She epitomized strength in the face of adversity, a beacon of resilience that continues to guide me. Throughout her battle, my mother's unwavering dedication to her values resonated deeply within me. Despite the financial hardships we faced, she ensured I never missed a voice lesson and somehow managed to scrape together enough money to buy my first guitar as my Christmas gift that year. Her ability to maintain grace amidst chaos taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and perseverance, shaping the core of my character. As her battle raged on, I faced a pivotal decision in my journey. Despite the emotional turmoil of leaving my mother's side, I pursued my passion for music, earning acceptance into the prestigious singer/songwriter program at Interlochen Arts Academy. This meant leaving home for my junior and senior years of high school, a decision fraught with uncertainty and guilt. Yet, my mother's unwavering encouragement provided the strength I needed to forge ahead, even in her absence. Her belief in my dreams became my guiding light, illuminating a path of growth and self-discovery. Despite the physical distance between us, my mother's presence remained steadfast. Her unwavering support fueled my determination, reminding me of the importance of seizing opportunities for growth and personal development. With each visit home, I witnessed her reclaiming her music, a testament to her indomitable spirit. She refused to miss a single one of my concerts or performances, making the three-hour drive to sit with her mask on in the audience. Her resilience became my inspiration, a reminder that adversity cannot extinguish the flame of passion and hope. My mother's journey with cancer has profoundly shaped my perspective, infusing my life with courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to my dreams. Her strength in the face of adversity serves as a constant reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable. Throughout my songwriting studies at Interlochen, she has frequently served as my muse. Her spirit is in every lyric, melody, and harmony I write. As I embark on my path, her love and support remain my guiding force, propelling me toward a future filled with possibility and purpose. In conclusion, my mother's battle with cancer has transformed me in profound ways, shaping my values, priorities, and aspirations. She is the most influential person in my life and her unwavering courage and resilience have instilled within me a deep-seated determination to overcome life's challenges with grace and fortitude. As I carry forward her legacy of strength and perseverance, I am forever grateful for the profound impact she has had on shaping the person I am today.