Glenn Ehlers Memorial Scholarship

From 6th to 8th grade, I faced bullying from a fellow teammate in the locker room because of my weight. It was a tough and isolating experience, and it caused me to struggled with self-esteem. However, when I entered high school, I made a decision to change my lifestyle. I began working hard to lose weight and build muscle, pushing myself both physically and mentally. By my sophomore year, I earned a spot on the varsity football team, and my junior and senior years I have had the honor of being a team captain. Looking back, overcoming the bullying I faced was a huge part of my growth, not only physically but emotionally. It helped me develop resilience and determination, and I now feel like I can help others going through similar struggles. In an unexpected twist, over the past two years, I’ve actually become friends with the boy who first started bullying me in 6th grade. Come to find out, his family life was really messed up. His father was in and out of jail, and my friend was having to be the man of the house and help with his younger siblings. The past two years I have been giving him rides to football practice, taking him to FCA meetings, and even buying him breakfast and food after school. We’ve formed a bond, and I’m glad I have been able to be there for him, knowing how much I needed support during my own tough times. Overcoming this adversity has shown me how much we can grow and change, and how important it is to help others along the way. My goal is to pursue a career in the HVAC/R industry, which offers so much opportunity for growth. I have been accepted to Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in the fall. Their program has an excellent reputation for providing hands-on, technical education and almost immediate job placement. At TSTC, I plan to earn both a certification and an associate degree in HVAC/R. Earning both will equip me with the experience required in the field and knowledge to be a business owner. By owning my own HVAC/R company, it will allow me to provide for my family, contribute to my community by bringing in jobs, and helping others. I know building a successful business won’t be easy and will take hard work, but I’m ready for the challenge.

I spent much of my childhood talking to my father through a telephone, separated by a sheet of glass. After his release, a cycle of abuse began at home, and I quickly realized that life wouldn’t be without its struggles. Sophomore year, my father attempted to murder my mother. I woke up to his terrifying threats and the sounds of crashing. I cowardly stayed in bed, unsure if my mother was alive. She eventually appeared, and I held her while she sobbed herself to sleep. This moment solidified the instability and fear that had long dominated our home. My father’s abuse left lasting emotional scars. Fear and insecurity clouded my life, making me hesitant to speak up or express my opinions, both at home and in school. I became a "yes" friend, always accommodating others to avoid conflict and seek approval. To maintain a sense of control amidst the chaos, I carefully crafted an image of myself, hiding the reality of my broken home from the world. I couldn’t control my father's actions, but I could control how others saw me. When my parents divorced, I made the difficult decision to cut my father out of my life. I blocked him physically and digitally, distancing myself from his toxicity. Although family members called me selfish and reminded me “he’s your dad,” I knew I needed to prioritize my own well-being. In time, I realized that cutting him off wasn’t selfish—it was a necessary act of self-preservation. With my father no longer in my life, I began to discover my true self. I let go of the facade I had created and learned that my value wasn’t dependent on others’ approval. I understood the importance of setting boundaries and started saying “no” when overwhelmed, prioritizing my own balance and mental health. Embracing this new strength, I joined student council and was elected to multiple leadership positions, ultimately becoming senior class Vice President. I flourished, finding confidence in expressing my opinions, even when they might not be approved by everyone. This growth wasn’t just personal—it gave me a deeper understanding of others as well. Cutting ties with my abusive father was the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but it was also the catalyst for my personal growth. It taught me resilience, the importance of boundaries, and the commitment to living a life free from abuse. Through it all, I learned that I have the power to shape my own life, free from my past and my father’s shadow. My future goal is to become a physician assistant (PA), working closely with patients to provide high-quality healthcare. To achieve this, gaining further education is essential. Completing a rigorous PA program will equip me with the medical knowledge, clinical skills, and hands-on experience needed to diagnose, treat, and care for patients. Additionally, it will prepare me for the certification exams required to practice as a PA. Despite my dads negative lasting impact on me I want to become qualified to make a positive impact in healthcare and on patients. My journey has instilled in me the empathy and resilience to succeed in this role and help others navigate their own challenges.