Brittany McGlone Memorial Scholarship

Growing up, college was often overlooked because of my parents’ issues. They struggled with addiction, unstable relationships, and abuse, which made everything about my childhood feel complicated and rushed. Most of the time, my focus was just getting through the day and isolating myself from my parents. No one asked about school, helped with homework, or talked about college. I realized early on that if I wanted a different future, I’d have to create it myself—even if my parents couldn’t guide or support me. That’s why education means everything to me. It’s my way out, and a chance to break the cycle by building the life I’ve always dreamed of. I plan to study criminal justice and become a lawyer. I want to help people who feel unheard or unseen—people who’ve been through hard things, like I have. I know what it feels like to be overlooked, and I want to be the person who stands up and says, “I see you, and you matter.” Right before my senior year, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life—I moved out. My home environment had become too unstable to the point where I was losing myself, and I knew if I wanted to succeed in life and take care of myself mentally and emotionally, I had to make a change. Living on my own while finishing high school hasn’t been easy, but it’s given me the space to focus on my goals. I’ve learned how to be independent, responsible, and resourceful—lessons I carry with me every day. Reading about Brittany McGlone’s story was devastating. I didn’t know her, but I felt a connection. Like me, she had big dreams and was working hard for something better. She was doing everything right—working two jobs to pay for nursing school—but her life was taken before she ever got the chance to begin that journey. That’s not just heartbreaking—it’s extremely unfair. Her story is part of why I’m drawn to criminal justice. I want to fight for justice in a world where people like Brittany are too often forgotten. Music has always helped me cope. When my parents were physically fighting, I’d put on my headphones and let the lyrics calm me down. Music made me feel less alone. It gave me comfort when nothing else did. Even now, I turn to music when life gets heavy. It reminds me that healing is possible. I used to struggle to talk about my emotions because anytime I tried, my parents would turn on me and lash out. Music helped me express what I couldn’t say out loud. I’m a first-generation college student, and I’m independent. I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own, and that’s not always easy. But I’ve never let it stop me. I stay focused, I work hard, and I keep going even when things get tough. I want to show that your past doesn’t define your future. This scholarship would mean more than just financial support. It would be belief. Encouragement. One less weight on my shoulders. I may be the first in my family to walk this path, but I promise—I won’t be the last.