Butter spaghetti noodles were a staple in my house growing up. When money was tight, that’s what we had, but my mom never let it feel like “just buttered noodles.” She made it an experience. Some nights she would add whatever we had in the pantry, other nights she’d plate it like it was a five-star meal. She made something simple feel special, and in doing that, she taught me one of the most important lessons of my life: it’s not about what you have, it’s about what you do with it.
Being raised by a single mom shaped my understanding of hard work, sacrifice, and resilience from an early age. I watched her stretch every dollar, solve problems creatively, and still show up for me in every way that mattered. There were no shortcuts, no easy paths, just determination and a refusal to settle. That mindset became my foundation.
As I grew, I carried those lessons into everything I did. Whether it was balancing academics or committing myself to athletics, I learned to push forward no matter the obstacle. Sports became a major part of my life, teaching me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. But injuries, an elbow injury my sophomore year and a collarbone injury my senior year, challenged everything I thought I knew about myself. The sports that once defined me were suddenly taken away.
Instead of letting those moments stop me, I adapted. I stepped outside of my comfort zone, even joining the swim team during recovery. It wasn’t easy starting over, but it reinforced what my mom had shown me all along: you take what you’re given and make the most of it. That ability to adjust, to keep going when things don’t go as planned, is what drives me today.
Pursuing higher education means turning those lessons into something bigger. As a pre-med student, I am passionate about helping others during their most difficult moments, just as my mom showed up for me during mine. I want to build a career where I can make a direct impact, where resilience and compassion matter just as much as knowledge and skill.
For my family, attending a university represents more than just earning a degree. It is proof that the sacrifices were worth it. It is the result of years of hard work, late nights, and unwavering support. My journey reflects my mom’s strength just as much as my own effort. Every step I take forward is something we have both worked for.
Higher education is my opportunity to grow, to challenge myself, and to create a future that extends beyond my circumstances. It is a chance to take everything I have learned, from buttered noodles to life’s toughest setbacks, and turn it into something meaningful. I am not just pursuing a degree, I am pursuing a life built on resilience, purpose, and the drive to make a difference.
Among my most prized possessions is a duo of yellow cards. On each card was a table; categories including date, income, bills, tithe, savings, charity, help, and the future had a separate column, while numbers were scribbled hastily into every row. The paper is worn and the tables will eventually fade away, but I will cherish them for as long as I exist. They were the "MoneyCards" I received from Mr. Small, the most influential person in my life. It took me several years to distinguish the words “Dad”, “Grandpa”, and “mentor” because Mr. Small was all three to me. A elderly gentleman, tall and lean with wispy white hair - strode into my life after my biological father stormed out of it when I was just three years old. My mother was stretched thin caring for three boys on her own. Still a young child, I struggled to process the disappointment, the anger, and the sadness of losing my hero. Until I met Mr. Small. Mr. Small’s offer to help my brother and me with our Bible studies was the turning point in my life. Having witnessed first-hand our family’s predicament, he selflessly filled the void left by my biological father. As time passed, Mr. Small became what he should have been to me - and more. He attended my recitals, awards ceremonies, and games. He taught me essential life skills, such as how to mow a lawn and change car oil. We went on weekend adventures in nature. My friends and I would gather to discuss our weekend every Monday morning, and Mr. Small was the topic of the conversation I was in. Moreover, he was invested in my academic performance and always encouraged me to realize my full potential by working harder. Work was important to Mr. Small. He saw it as how we could contribute our talents to our world. Therefore, he made it a priority to instill in my brothers and me the value of hard work. Inspired by him, I began working at fourteen and a half years old on the local Chick-fil-A back-of-house team. I cleaned the yard and gutter for the elderly for nothing in return while studying full-time and leading extracurricular groups. Earning an income allowed me to lessen my mother’s financial burden, which made our home a better place for all of us. Work did not always come easy or naturally to me. Juggling school, extracurriculars, and employment meant that I was constantly overwhelmed and under-rested. I was exhausted most of my waking hours. My grades suffered at times. My biggest fear was disappointing Mr. Small, but he never wielded my mistakes and flaws against me. Instead, he motivated me to do better for myself and others. He reminded me of my strengths and challenged me to overcome my weaknesses. When I was recognized as an “efficient and reliable team member” at Chick-fil-A, Mr. Small was the first person I wanted to thank. He taught me wise stewardship of my resources - time, money, talent, and energy. He shaped me into a diligent worker who serves others selflessly and steps up to leadership roles. He showed me the power of love. He was a beacon of tenacity, compassion, empathy, kindness, and resilience, which I now strive to embody in every area of my life. Mr. Small is no longer with me today, but he lives on in my actions, thoughts, and values. Because of him, I am prepared to take on whatever life throws at me. I intend to use this scholarship to show leadership at Montreat College studying Cybersecurity.
