Gloria Millender "I am 3rd" - J. O. Y. Scholarship

Stupid. Dumb. Ugly. Weird. Strange. Different. I only had two choices: I could choose to believe what bullies said about me, or I could choose to believe what God says about me in his word. Psalm 139:14 reminds me that I have been fearfully and wonderfully made. Joshua 1:9 reminds me to be courageous and remember that God is with me wherever I go. Isaiah 43:1 reminds me that God has called me by name and I belong to him. The words hurt but the choice for me continues to be clear. I choose to stand on the word of God each day. And because Jesus instructed us to love one another, and I am armed with the promises of God in my heart, I choose to apply these principles to my daily life. I approach each person I meet with kindness. I can spot them easily: the shy kid in my homeschool science class that could use a friend to make them feel more comfortable…the forgotten senior citizen in my neighborhood that could use a hug or help with a simple chore…the new face in the crowd at my church that needs to know that they are in the right place at the right time. That God has not forgotten them. That they are loved. God has used my experiences as a kid who was bullied to be a young man that loves to make new friends, and help others, and show myself friendly to people who may feel as lonely as I once did. I am grateful for the example of my parents, who choose to put Jesus first in the ways they serve the Lord and use their gifts in faithful service in our church and community. I have been inspired to put love in all that I do. I have shown love as a leader on my homeschool robotics team, to my teammates on my bowling and tennis teams, as a youth usher and community outreach member at my church, and even in my desire to become an environmentally conscious civil engineer, with an intentional focus on sustainable and affordable solutions in the field of construction engineering. I believe that scholarship investment would not only benefit my life, but it would also positively impact my community and the world around me. I am currently a dual enrollment student at Central Alabama Community College (CACC). Upon my homeschool graduation from Ezekiel Academy (my local homeschool cover school) in May 2025, I intend to continue coursework at CACC before transferring to a four-year university and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. If selected, I know that I would be intentional in my stewardship over the scholarship funds. I am truly grateful for the privilege and responsibility of this burning desire to pursue my dreams and make a difference in this world. Jesus was rejected by many yet he loved, anyway. I will choose J.O.Y. and love. Now, and in the future, I will choose Jesus.