Faint memories of my childhood drift through my mind daily: the stifling, blistering heat pressing down on my sunburnt skin amidst coconut and rubber trees intertwined with lush greenery, all bathed in the coolness of morning dew. The rich tapestry of my motherland painted my early years. Though I was born in America, I never quite felt American—the sharp scents of burnt turmeric and masala never left me. In India, my days followed a simple rhythm: wake up, eat puttu, play with my family’s dog, take morning walks with my great-grandfather to buy milk, and have afternoon chai with family. I dreaded those long walks, where swarms of mosquitoes tormented us. “Appa,” I’d complain, “why do we have to do this?” My great-grandfather would laugh, replying in Malayalam, “Your parents had it far worse growing up.” My parents’ childhoods in India were defined by meeting bold expectations. Excelling academically, maintaining family honor, and striving for perfection were non-negotiable. Anything less was failure. The last thing any Indian child wanted was to bring shame to their family name. In America, I struggled to meet my parents’ standards. I was their rebellious, imperfect child—a puzzle piece that refused to fit their assumptions. Their constant scolding left me feeling like I could never live up to their ideals. Amidst the tension, I found solace in my grandmother, my ammachi. She understood me, loved me unconditionally, and became my best friend. In August 2018, I was excited to begin middle school, eagerly sharing my emotions with my ammachi over her comforting meals. But that same month, I overheard my mother and aunt whispering a word I didn’t know: cancer. I soon learned the devastating truth—my ammachi had oral cancer. Hearing her diagnosis left me feeling helpless. I yearned to find a way to ease her pain. Seeing her condition sparked a desire within me—a drive to explore medicine and make a difference. I started researching treatments and cures, amazed by the dedication of healthcare professionals. For the first time, I saw the profound impact a career in health could have. My ammachi’s illness became a catalyst for change in my life. It transformed my outlook, aligning my parents’ expectations with my newfound passion for the medical field. I realized my struggles could push me toward a future where I could help others, especially families facing similar challenges. This experience lit a fire in me to excel academically and prepare for a career in healthcare. I want to be part of a system that provides relief, hope, and solutions for those battling illness. My ammachi’s legacy inspires me to work tirelessly to bring compassion and healing to others. As I carry her memory, I press forward with purpose. The lessons I learned from her—resilience, love, and strength—shape my aspirations and fuel my determination. My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it has prepared me for the next chapters of my life. With each step, I strive to honor my ammachi’s memory and create a future where I can bring hope to those in need in the medical field to one day help the underprivileged and marginalized.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good ” Romans 8:28. This may seem as a wierd way to start any student scholarship essay, but my life truly resonates with this one sentence. My life has been filled with adversities, trials, tribulations, highs, and lows, but amidst it all, one thing remained true: a strong foundation in Christ. Throughout high school, I had the privilege of entering an extremely diverse school, with people from all backgrounds, religions, and ideas. As a brand-new freshman thrown into a sea of diversity, I felt as though I was drowning amidst the masses. I felt lost and confused in the midst of it all, struggling to find solid ground in the rough waves. Slowly, I felt myself drifting away from Christ. To top the trials of entering high school, my relationships started deteriorating with family, friends, and loved ones. The devil worked tirelessly to make my life as miserable as possible, and even in a full room, I felt isolated. This isolation grew deeper, creating a vast darkness within me and leading to depression that would affect much of my high school journey. My life felt not worth living, and I even had multiple attempts to take my own life due to the severity of my anguish. However, like a life buoy thrown into the sea, I found a community. I found friends who loved Christ the way I did and a group within my high school that met regularly for Bible studies and worship. I attended regularly, and it became a refuge for me—a safe space where I could slowly be drawn back to my first love. Clinging steadfastly to my faith, I remained determined. Even with every trial the devil threw my way, I refused to be shaken. My faith was not built overnight, but like a muscle, it was torn apart multiple times and healed. My faith is still not perfect and probably never will be, but God knows the plans He has for me and the determined individual I am. My dream of becoming a physician who practices not only for this world but based upon my faith can be supported through this scholarship. Now, as a graduating high school student, I am eager to spread the love of Christ to those who need it—those who have walked the dark path of depression as I once did. I am appreciative of your consideration, and I hope to one day use my faith, experience, and love to make a true difference in this world.

Health care is a force of compassion, equity, and optimism that transcends science. My goal is to use my health sciences degree and life experiences to change the world in a meaningful and constructive way. In order to guarantee that everyone, regardless of background, gets the care they require to have a happier, more satisfying life, I seek to eliminate inequities in healthcare access, advance preventive care, and cultivate a compassionate approach to treatment. Addressing health disparities is the first step in my plan to make a positive difference. I've seen directly how structural obstacles keep underprivileged populations from receiving high-quality treatment through my volunteer work at a nearby health clinic. I intend to work in these communities, promoting fair healthcare laws and growing availability of reasonably priced healthcare services. I want to equip people with the information and resources they need to make wise health decisions by working with groups that prioritize public health programs. Another area where I see a lot of opportunity for influence is preventive care. Although early intervention and education can prevent many chronic diseases, these tactics are frequently disregarded. By creating community outreach initiatives that prioritize routine screenings, exercise, mental health awareness, and nutrition, I hope to encourage preventive actions. I intend to lessen the burden of avoidable diseases and enhance general quality of life by establishing these habits at a young age. My objective is to provide compassionate care. Motivated by the healthcare professionals who treated my grandmother during her cancer fight, My goal is to approach healthcare from a human-centered perspective. This entails treating patients not only as cases but as distinct people with their own histories and needs. I want to establish a secure and encouraging atmosphere where patients feel heard and empowered throughout their medical journeys by using empathy and active listening. This empathy has been built up with me through my dying grandmothers wish and my commitment to the furtherment of society. In the end, I see my work in healthcare as a bridge-builder. I believe my contributions can help by making connections between people and resources, cultivating trust, and establishing structures that put people's needs ahead of their financial interests. Additionally, I want to change people's lives for the better, whether it be through advocacy, direct patient care, or public health campaigns. I'm committed to helping create a society where everyone has the chance to prosper by promoting compassion, equity, and prevention.

**A Lighthouse of Hope: Converting Shadows into Light** A significant part of the human experience, mental health affects everyone's life in some manner. It has had a very significant impact on me, influencing not only my relationships and beliefs but also the direction of my goals overall. I have personal experience with the devastation that untreated mental health issues can cause, and I bring with me the advocacy, empathy, and resilience lessons that I learned in that furnace of hardship. My journey started when my dear Ammachi, (meaning my grandma in. my mother tongue), received a cancer diagnosis. She was very dear and close to me and I loved her greatly, so as a result her diagnosis came as a complete shock to me. It shattered my world and made me go through stages of grief, depression, hate, and I began to drift away from my faith. Her illness left a void of anguish and powerlessness in its aftermath, as she was the cornerstone of our family. Her death clouded my sense of purpose and faith, causing me to fall into a time of severe depression. I became familiarized with the darkness of depression as my heart became cold like stone. However, I found the transforming power of healing and connection deep within that darkness. My lifeline came when a family member invited me to join a prayer group. I came to understand the power of vulnerability and community through hearing others' experiences of suffering and healing. I gradually started to reestablish my identity and beliefs. I discovered that admitting our difficulties is a step toward recovery rather than a sign of weakness. I learned from this experience that mental health issues are common human experiences that call for empathy, comprehension, and support; they are not fights waged in a vacuum. My relationships have been significantly impacted by these lessons. I make an effort to approach people with tolerance, compassion, and an open mind. I've observed how ncreasing access to preventative treatment, incorporating mental health education into the curriculum, and creating community-based programs that link people to support systems and resources are all part of my goal. I think we can change lives and communities by encouraging early intervention and lowering the stigma associated with mental health. I feel like I have a deep sense of purpose because of the hardships I have faced. They have taught me that even if we are all affected by darkness, the story does not end there. Our story is ever going, our life is like a marathon with hurdles we face daily. As a reminder that we may choose to create something significant even when faced with loss, I carry my grandmother's legacy with me. I'll keep working to raise awareness of mental health concerns with the help of the Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship. By encouraging others to discover strength in their own stories and support creative solutions, And finally, by working together, we can turn the gloom into a more hopeful and caring future for everybody.

My ultimate goal is to study in medical sciences with a focus on integrating technology into healthcare solutions and one day opening a practice to provide healthcare for all. This passion is fueled from my heart and by incorporating my love for both sciences and arts I am ambitious and driven to achieve it. Medical sciences and arts are areas I am deeply passionate about and am learning on a everyday basis. As an aspiring medical professional, I envision using my education not only to provide care but also to pioneer advancements in healthcare accessibility and innovation within my community. Growing up, I witnessed the challenges of limited access to healthcare. My grandmother’s battle with oral cancer was an experience that truly ignited my passion for medicine. Her illness revealed the gaps in healthcare accessibility and further fueled my determination to address these disparities. By studying in medical sciences, I aim to specialize in areas such as physician care, cancer, and research to one day make healthcare more equitable. I also recognize the importance of art in fostering connection and empathy within scientific practice. As a first-generation Indian-American, I grew up immersed in the vibrant traditions of my heritage, which taught me the value of storytelling and creativity. This cultural perspective allows me to view challenges through multiple lenses and fuels my desire to blend the human elements of art with the technical precision of science. Additionally, I believe in giving back to my community through mentorship and outreach. As a volunteer in clinical rotations and community health initiatives, I have seen the transformative impact of healthcare education with patients in need. My goal is to establish a practice one day that combine art and technology to help the underrepresented community with their needs and also teach many about health sciences by fostering curiosity and breaking down barriers to entry for underrepresented groups in STEM fields. The Ward Green scholarship would provide the financial support necessary to pursue my higher education and further my commitment to serving my community. My love and passion for sciences and arts make me a worthy candidate and I am ever greatful for your consideration Together we can all build a future where healthcare is not just a privilege but a universal right. A right that is not restricted but accessible to all people, regardless of financial status or any other factor that would prohibit them otherwise.

Our world is a sacred treasure, with the beauty of the earth reflected in its communities and inhabitants. Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to be part of a diverse and intricate community that has nurtured my growth. My love for this community blossomed during high school, where I made it a point to immerse myself in various activities. I joined clubs like Student Council, Christian Club, HOSA, and AVID, fueled by a deep-rooted school spirit and a desire to make a difference. As I progressed through high school, I took on leadership roles in these clubs, organized community service initiatives, and dedicated hundreds of service hours to my church, food banks, and clinical rotations. I believe that change comes from strong, connected communities, and my aspiration to serve as a doctor aligns with my vision for making a positive impact. My aspiration to become a doctor further aligns with my vision of making a positive impact in my community. By considering me for the Crawley Kids Scholarship, you would be supporting my journey to not only become a leader but also contribute meaningfully to my community and beyond, striving to make the world a better place.

Title: Substance abuse: a story of descent and my commitment My story hasn’t always been the perfect one anyone would dream of, it has been interlaid with jagged rocks, tribulations, and imperfect cracks. Substance abuse was an ideal that was looking me right in my eyes, almost drawing me into the darkness it imposes. However in my four years of highschool I have had the courage to deflect all of its attempts to draw me into. However, I have seen the dark path it leads and the destruction it causes primarily to my friend. Over the years of high school, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact substance abuse can have on a person’s life. One of my closest friends, someone I trusted and admired, fell into its grip. At first, it seemed harmless—a way for them to fit in or escape from the stresses of school and life. But over time, it became clear that the substances weren’t just an outlet; they were a prison. I watched as my friend’s grades plummeted, their relationships crumbled, and their once-bright future dimmed under the weight of addiction. Seeing my friend’s struggles changed me profoundly. It opened my eyes to the realities of substance abuse—not just as a distant concept, but as a living, breathing enemy that could destroy anyone’s life. It strengthened my resolve to never walk that path and helped me become a source of support for others who might be tempted to. I learned to stand firm, even when it wasn’t easy, and to speak out against peer pressure, knowing the stakes were too high to remain silent. This experience also shifted my beliefs about strength and vulnerability. I used to think strength was about being invincible, never showing weakness. But seeing my friend battle addiction taught me that true strength comes from asking for help and fighting to rebuild your life. It gave me a deeper understanding of empathy and resilience, and I realized how important it is to be there for those who are struggling, without judgment or condemnation. In terms of relationships, this experience has made me more intentional about the people I surround myself with. I seek out friends who uplift and encourage me to be the best version of myself. It has also taught me to be patient and compassionate, recognizing that everyone is fighting battles we may not fully understand. My friend's journey reminded me that while addiction is a personal battle, recovery is often a communal effort, relying on the love and support of those around you. Most importantly, this experience has shaped my career aspirations. I want to pursue a career where I can make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Whether through counseling, social work, or advocacy, I am determined to help individuals facing challenges like substance abuse find hope and healing. I want to use my voice and my story to inspire change and to be a beacon of light for those navigating the darkness. Substance abuse tried to creep into my life, but it didn’t define me—it motivated me. It gave me a purpose to stand against it, to help others resist its grip, and to build a future where stories like my friend’s are not inevitable. My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s mine, and it’s filled with a commitment to use my experiences to make the world a better place.

Cancer—the embodiment of all evil. Its name comes from the Latin word for crab, further symbolizing the disease’s grasping, relentless nature. The word Cancer evokes fear, grief, and helplessness, casting a dark shadow over every life it touches. So when your grandmother—the woman who has loved you unconditionally for years—receives a diagnosis of such a ruthless disease, what can you do? Unbelief coursed through me as I stood beside her hospital bed, unable to accept the reality of her illness. Seeing my ammachi—the heart of our family—lying there, hooked up to machines, next to the pulse oximeter beeping steadily, felt like a nightmare I couldn’t wake from. Tears blurred my vision, fear surging in my veins, and anger consumed my soul. But despite every hope, my ammachi—just like so many others—lost her battle and left this world, returning to her home above. In the wake of her loss, I was adrift—lost, confused, and uncertain of who I even was anymore. I spiraled into a dark depression, consumed by grief and rage. I blamed God. I blamed the doctors. I blamed anything I could, desperate to find someone, or something, to hold responsible for this cruel fate. I started Drifting away from my faith life and my social life like a boat on the vast ocean. Darkness had become my only friend. thanking God for their answered prayers, but I couldn’t join them. My heart was a storm of anger and bitterness, and my faith felt as lifeless as the hospital room where my ammachi had taken her final breath. Why hadn’t God healed her? Why had He allowed such pain? I stood there, silent and numb, as the voices around me rose in worship. I wanted to feel what they felt—hope, joy, belief—but all I felt was emptiness. Days turned into weeks, and the darkness followed me everywhere. But then, in a moment I can only describe as providence, a friend reached out and invited me to a small prayer group. I didn’t want to go, but something—maybe curiosity, maybe desperation—made me say yes. That night, sitting quietly among strangers, something inside me cracked open. Their stories of pain and faith struck a chord in me. I realized I wasn’t alone in my suffering, and slowly, the walls I’d built around my heart began to crumble. It didn’t happen overnight. I didn’t wake up one morning free from grief or anger. But little by little, my faith began to grow again. I found myself turning to prayer, not because I expected immediate answers, but because I needed a lifeline. I started reading scripture again, and verses like Psalm 34:18—“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”—became my comfort. Through it all, I realized something I hadn’t understood before. Faith doesn’t protect you from pain; it carries you through it. My ammachi’s death didn’t mean God had abandoned me—it meant life was fragile, and even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. Faith didn’t take away my grief, but it gave me the strength to face it. It gave me the courage to look at my pain and say, “You don’t define me.” It helped me honor my ammachi’s memory, not with endless tears, but with a life lived fully, just as she would have wanted. Standing in church now, I can lift my hands and join the chorus of voices. My faith isn’t perfect But I know it is real. It’s what turned my darkness into light, my despair into hope. And it’s what reminds me I am never alone.

The beauty of life is seen in every corner of our existence, from the chirping of birds at dawn , the crashing of the waves against the shore, and the soft rustling of leaves as a breeze dances throughout all the earth. This delicate tapestry of life, ranging from the smallest creatures to the grandest of landscapes, is a daily reminder of the sacredness of our life. It is a reminder that each heartbeat we beat, each breath we breathe, and each moment we live are truly a miracle, deserving of both our protection and reverence. My faith teaches me to see this beauty not only in out r nature but also in every human life, from out birth to natural death. Living out my faith in a world that often seems to overlook the sacredness of life is really a constant challenge, however it is one I proudly embrace. I believe that every life has worth, and this belief is the core of my support for the Pro-Life movement. Each day, I strive to live in a way that reflects this conviction within- through my compassion, kindness, and advocacy for those who don’t have a voice for themselves. I aim to be a voice for the voiceless. I don’t just want to stand up for life when it’s convenient but as a commitment even when it’s challenging. My faith compels me to look at every individual through the lens of true love, seeing them just as God does. My faith has not only shaped my beliefs about life but has also guided my aspirations for the future. Deep within me I feel a calling to pursue a career where I can advocate for the dignity of all stages of life, particularly in health. I see my education as a powerful tool for meaningful change on a great and broader scale. As I move forward in my academic and professional journey, I plan to use my knowledge to promote policies and practices that protect and nurture life. Whether it’s through direct medical care, public policy advocacy, or community outreach, my goal is to be a true and just change agent, upholding the sanctity of life at every stage. My goal is to seek to bring hope and healing to those facing difficult choices by reminding them of the value of life-even when our society may tell them otherwise. By living out my faith, I am committed to using my education and my future career to protect, celebrate, and defend Gods given life in all its forms.