Eric W. Larson Memorial STEM Scholarship

My name is Shania Creary, and throughout my life, I have learned that circumstances do not define a person’s potential. Growing up in a single parent household, with my mom as the only parent in my life, has shaped me into someone who understands responsibility and hard work. My mom has always been my biggest role model, she has shown me what it means to keep going even when things feel impossible. We have faced serious challenges, including experiencing homelessness, but those experiences have pushed me to become stronger and more focused on my future. Instead of letting my situation hold me back, I have used it as motivation to work harder. Because of my perseverance and dedication despite financial hardship, I believe I am deserving of this scholarship. There was a time when my mom and I struggled to find stable housing. Not knowing where we would sleep or stay was stressful and overwhelming, especially while trying to keep up with school. Even during those moments, my mom never stopped working hard to provide for me. Watching her stay strong and determined inspired me to do the same in my own life. I made a decision that no matter what was going on at home, I would not let my grades drop. School became something I could control when everything else felt uncertain. I stayed focused, completed my work, and pushed myself to do my best. Because of that, I earned membership in both the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. These achievements mean a lot to me because they show that I didn’t give up, even when life was difficult. Along with my academics, I am very involved in my school community. I am the captain of the varsity track and field team, which has taught me leadership, responsibility, and how to support others. Being a captain is not just about being a good athlete, it is about setting an example, encouraging my teammates, and staying positive even when things get tough. I am also part of a relay team that is currently ranked first in Suffolk County, New York, which is something I am very proud of. Track requires a lot of commitment, including early mornings, long practices, and pushing through physical and mental challenges. Even when I feel tired, I remind myself why I started and continue to give my best effort. Being a student-athlete has helped me develop strong time management skills and has shown me that I can handle multiple responsibilities at once. Outside of sports, I serve as the president of the Multicultural Club Association. In this role, I work to create a space where students from different backgrounds feel included and appreciated. I help organize events that celebrate different cultures and bring people together. This position is important to me because I know what it feels like to go through hard times, and I want others to feel supported and seen. Being a leader in this club has helped me grow as a person and has taught me how to communicate, organize, and make a positive impact in my school. I also work in the kitchen at an assisted living home, and this experience has played a huge role in shaping my future goals. While working there, I interact with elderly residents every day, and I have seen how difficult it can be for them to complete simple daily tasks like eating or holding utensils. Seeing this has made me realize how much I enjoy helping others, especially those who have lost some of their independence. This is what inspired me to pursue a career as an occupational therapist. I want to help people regain their ability to do everyday activities and improve their quality of life. Occupational therapy is meaningful to me because it focuses on helping people live more independently, which is something I truly value. Becoming an occupational therapist isn’t just a career choice for me, it is is a goal that is connected to my personal experiences and the people I have met. I have learned that small actions, like helping someone hold a fork or complete a basic task, can make a huge difference in their life. I want to be someone who provides that kind of support and care. Working while keeping up with school and sports has not been easy, but it has taught me responsibility, patience, and compassion. These are all qualities that I know will help me succeed in the field of occupational therapy. As a first generation college bound student from a single parent household, paying for college is a major concern for my family. My mom has already sacrificed so much to give me opportunities, and I want to make her proud by continuing my education. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial burden and allow me to focus on reaching my goals. It would also remind me that all of my hard work has been recognized. I am proud of everything I have accomplished despite the challenges I have faced. My experiences have shaped me into a hardworking and determined person who is ready to take the next step toward becoming an occupational therapist. This scholarship would not only support my education, but it would also help me continue working toward a future where I can give back and make a difference in the lives of others.