Helping others reach their full potential has shaped my life and fueled my passion. Through experiences like packing snack packs for underprivileged students with my church youth group, volunteering at youth sports camps, and teaching swimming lessons, I’ve developed skills and a clear purpose centered on empowering others to succeed. These opportunities have not only helped me grow but also inspired my goal of becoming a physical therapist, where I can help patients improve their strength and movement to live healthier lives. Packing snack packs taught me how small acts of kindness can meet critical needs. As part of my church youth group, I helped organize and assemble food packs for children who might otherwise go hungry on weekends. This simple task was more than just packing food; it symbolized care, hope, and a connection to the community. Through this work, I learned how much even small efforts can positively impact others’ lives, sparking my desire to continue helping in meaningful ways. Volunteering at youth sports camps combined my love for athletics with my passion for mentoring. Having grown up as a three-sport athlete, I knew the confidence and discipline sports can instill. At these camps, I worked with young athletes, helping them develop their skills and believe in their potential. Whether teaching basketball fundamentals or encouraging teamwork during drills, I created an environment where kids felt supported and motivated to improve. Managing groups of energetic children taught me the importance of patience, communication, and adaptability—skills that will serve me well in my future career. Teaching swimming lessons deepened my commitment to helping others overcome challenges. Swimming is both a sport and a vital life-saving skill. Guiding children as they conquered their fears, learned proper techniques, and gained confidence in the water was incredibly rewarding. I discovered how tailoring my approach to meet each student’s needs could foster growth and success. These lessons reinforced the importance of empathy, encouragement, and persistence, values that will guide me in my work as a physical therapist. These experiences have shaped my passion for helping others unlock their potential, whether through providing meals, teaching sports, or fostering life skills. They have also inspired me to pursue a career as a physical therapist, where I can empower patients to regain strength and movement, enabling them to overcome obstacles and lead fulfilling lives. My journey has shown me that serving others not only makes a difference in their lives but also gives my life purpose and meaning.

Science and technology shape the world we live in, but a persistent gender gap in these fields limits opportunities for women and girls. To close this gap, it is essential to foster interest, provide support, and reduce barriers that hinder female participation in science education. As renowned scientist Jane Goodall reminds us, "What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." This powerful statement highlights the importance of individual and collective action in creating a more inclusive future for women in science. Interest in science begins at an early age. Girls often show enthusiasm for exploration and problem-solving but are sometimes discouraged by stereotypes that frame science as a male-dominated field. To combat this, educators and parents can create environments that celebrate curiosity and innovation. For example, providing girls with science kits, encouraging experiments at home, and exposing them to female role models in STEM can help them see themselves in these roles. Schools can also introduce hands-on learning activities, such as coding workshops or robotics clubs, which foster confidence and enjoyment in scientific endeavors. Representation matters. Seeing successful women in science inspires girls to envision similar futures. Programs like "Skype a Scientist" or "STEM Women in Action" allow students to interact with female professionals who share their career journeys and challenges. Stories of trailblazers like Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, or contemporary figures like Mae Jemison and Katie Bouman show that women have always played pivotal roles in scientific advancement. Highlighting diverse examples ensures that girls from all backgrounds feel included and empowered to pursue science. Mentorship is critical in sustaining girls' interest in science as they grow older. Female mentors can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical advice, helping young women navigate challenges such as gender bias or impostor syndrome. Schools, universities, and organizations should establish mentorship programs that pair students with experienced women in STEM fields. Additionally, fostering peer networks among girls who share similar interests creates a supportive community that motivates and inspires. Institutional and cultural barriers often discourage women from pursuing careers in science. Unequal access to resources, unconscious biases, and societal expectations can deter girls from excelling in STEM subjects. Schools and workplaces must implement policies that promote equity, such as providing scholarships for female students in STEM, offering bias-awareness training for educators, and ensuring equal participation in classroom activities. By creating inclusive environments, we can help girls feel that their contributions are valued. Girls often gravitate toward careers where they can make a tangible difference in the world. Emphasizing how science solves global problems, such as climate change, healthcare challenges, or technological innovation, can motivate them to explore these fields. Jane Goodall’s quote, "What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make," is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that science can have. Encouraging girls to align their passions with scientific opportunities fosters a sense of purpose and determination. Encouraging science education for girls and women requires concerted efforts from families, educators, policymakers, and society as a whole. By nurturing curiosity, providing role models, offering mentorship, addressing systemic barriers, and emphasizing the real-world impact of science, we can inspire the next generation of female scientists. Every action we take contributes to a more equitable and innovative future where women and girls can thrive in science and make a lasting difference.

As a college student deeply concerned about the environment, I believe that one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today is the overwhelming presence of plastic pollution. Plastic is everywhere: in our rivers, oceans, parks, and even the most remote areas of the world. Not only does it take hundreds of years to decompose, but it also causes harm to marine life, pollutes the air, and threatens the health of our ecosystems. Given the alarming consequences of plastic pollution, I have made it my mission to reduce my plastic usage daily and encourage others to do the same. Plastic pollution has become a ubiquitous problem that harms countless species. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, fish consume microplastics, and seabirds ingest bottle caps and other debris. These tragic consequences have profound effects on biodiversity, disrupting food chains and threatening species with extinction. Furthermore, the breakdown of plastics releases toxic chemicals into the water, soil, and air, which not only endangers wildlife but also impacts human health. Research has shown that microplastics have been found in drinking water and even in human bodies, raising serious health concerns for all of us. The production of plastic also releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. The environmental costs of plastic pollution are too significant to ignore, and I am determined to take action. To combat this issue, I have taken several steps to reduce my plastic consumption in my daily life. One of the most effective changes I made was switching to reusable items. I always carry a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bags with me. These small changes have significantly reduced the amount of single-use plastic I consume. I also avoid buying products packaged in plastic whenever possible. For example, I choose fruits and vegetables that are not wrapped in plastic and purchase items in bulk to minimize waste. When I do end up with plastic items, I make sure to recycle them properly and encourage others to do the same. In addition to changing my own habits, I am actively involved in raising awareness about plastic pollution. I also advocate for more sustainable practices in our college community, such as urging my friends to not use single-use plastics and encouraging others to use recycling bins located around campus. Through these initiatives, I hope to inspire others to take action and make sustainable choices in their own lives. My mother is committed to educating our family and others about the long-term impacts of plastic pollution. For years, she has been buying laundry detergent like Hey Sunday and other cleaning supplies that do not use plastic containers. By spreading awareness, I hope to create a ripple effect that will inspire more people to make a difference. Reducing plastic pollution is not an easy task, but I am committed to doing my part to protect the environment. My daily efforts to reduce plastic waste, combined with my passion for raising awareness, reflect my dedication to creating a more sustainable future. I believe that if we all make small changes, we can collectively make a significant impact. This scholarship would not only support my education but also help me continue my efforts to combat plastic pollution and inspire others to join the fight for a cleaner, healthier planet.

Growing up as a three-sport athlete in a small town in Minnesota shaped my life in more ways than I can count. My love for sports and competition started early, fueled by the influence of my parents. My dad, a football and basketball coach, and my mom, who coached me in track & field, played pivotal roles in guiding my athletic journey and instilling a passion for hard work and discipline. I swam, played basketball, and jumped in track, but it was basketball that captured my heart. Basketball is the sport I chose to pursue in college. Along the way, I’ve also developed a desire to become a physical therapist, combining my love for sports with my interest in helping others. In a small town, sports are more than just activities—they are a way of life. From early morning practices to bus rides to games, I became part of a community that encouraged young athletes like me. Being a swimmer, basketball player, and track athlete, my schedule was always packed, but I thrived on the challenge. Each sport taught me something different: swimming instilled mental toughness, basketball emphasized teamwork and strategy, and track demanded personal accountability. These experiences helped me grow as both an athlete and a person, pushing me to set high standards for myself. My parents were key influences throughout this journey. My dad helped me understand the demands of sports at a deeper level. I saw the commitment and effort required to coach a team, and those lessons naturally filtered into my own approach to sports. He taught me the importance of leadership, resilience, and perseverance that became crucial as I navigated being a three-sport athlete. As my track & field coach my mom brought a different perspective. She pushed me to focus on the details—how to improve my form, train efficiently, and handle the mental challenges. Her ability to balance being both a coach and a parent was something I deeply admired, and it made our bond even stronger. Basketball, however, has always been my true passion. I love the fast-paced, strategy of the game and the sense of teamwork it fosters. It’s where I could challenge myself the most, and I knew early on that I wanted to continue playing in college. Competing at the collegiate level has been both rewarding and demanding, but it has also helped me grow in ways I never expected. It has taught me how to balance academics with athletics, manage pressure, and maintain the discipline necessary to succeed in both arenas. As much as I love basketball, I also know that my future lies in helping others as a physical therapist. My interest in physical therapy grew from my experiences as an athlete. Over the years, I’ve seen the importance of proper rehabilitation and the role that physical therapists play in helping athletes recover from injuries. I want to combine my love for sports with my passion for health and wellness, helping others reach their full potential. Physical therapy aligns perfectly with my desire to stay connected to the athletic world while making a tangible difference in people’s lives. In conclusion, growing up as a three-sport athlete, with both parents as coaches, has shaped who I am today. Their guidance, along with my experiences in sports, led me to pursue basketball in college and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and I’m excited to continue this journey, both on the court and in my future career.

As a female college basketball player, I find A'ja Wilson to be one of the most inspiring athletes, because of her remarkable skillset, and also because she embodies the kind of player and leader I aspire to be. From her extraordinary talents to her leadership and resilience, Wilson exemplifies what it means to succeed on the highest stage, making her an athlete I passionately cheer for. One of the reasons A'ja Wilson stands out is her versatile game. She dominates on both ends of the floor. Wilson’s ability to score inside is complemented by her soft touch around the rim, reliable mid-range jumper, and developing perimeter shot. This versatility allows her to play multiple positions, from power forward to center, and be effective in a variety of schemes. As a player myself, I know how important it is to be versatile and well-rounded. Watching Wilson has motivated me to develop my own game in these areas, understanding that to be a true threat, you have to contribute in multiple ways. On defense, Wilson’s size and basketball IQ allow her to block shots, guard multiple positions, and be an anchor in the paint. Her ability to protect the basket and shut down opponents makes her one of the most feared post players in the world. Her defensive dominance reminds me of how critical it is to focus on both ends of the court. While scoring may get more attention, defense wins championships, and Wilson excels in that department. A'ja Wilson’s leadership and teamwork set her apart as an Olympic athlete. During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she played a key role in leading the U.S. women’s basketball team to gold, balancing her own high level of play with encouraging her teammates. As a college basketball player, I find her ability to push others while maintaining her performance inspiring, reminding me that great leaders elevate those around them. Her energy, connection with teammates, and lead-by-example approach are qualities I strive to bring to my own game. A'ja Wilson’s journey to Olympic glory has not been without its challenges, and her ability to overcome adversity is another reason she is admired by so many athletes, including myself. Throughout her career, she has faced injuries and other personal struggles, but her resilience shines through. She consistently comes back stronger and more determined, a quality that every athlete can learn from. Her ability to perform under pressure at the Olympic level is especially inspiring. The intense competition and global attention that comes with the Olympics can be overwhelming, yet Wilson thrives in these moments. As someone who has experienced the pressures of competition myself, I find her mental toughness and composure in high-stakes situations incredibly motivating. She shows that with the right mindset, even the most intense challenges can be overcome. Beyond her on-court achievements, A'ja Wilson is a beacon for women in sports, advocating for gender equality and inspiring countless young athletes. Her journey from college basketball at the University of South Carolina to Olympic gold symbolizes what is possible for female athletes. I see her as a role model, not just because of what she has achieved, but because of how she carries herself off the court—using her platform to push for progress in women's sports. In conclusion, A'ja Wilson is an awesome Olympic athlete because of her rare combination of skill, leadership, and resilience. As a female basketball player, I find her journey and accomplishments deeply inspiring. She has not only set the standard for excellence on the court but has also become a trailblazer for the future of women's sports.

Abby Elizabeth Anderson 6630 Grand Goose Rd Milaca, Mn 56353 320-293-4073 Sophomore at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in the fall Participating in swimming, basketball, and track in high school has not only shaped my physical abilities but also given valuable life lessons. It has defined my character and influenced my choice in careers. Through the highs and lows of each sport, I've gained insights into perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and time management. Swimming taught me to be perseverant. Early morning practices and grueling sets instilled in me a relentless drive. In track I attempted numerous events with limited success before specializing in the jumps. Being determined, I spent countless hours perfecting my stroke technique in swimming and improving my high jump technique. These lessons have transcended my sports and become a guiding principle in my academic and personal life. Being a jumper in track and field, with its individual focus, taught me resilience. Whether it was recovering from a disappointing performance or pushing through a grueling practice, I learned to bounce back from setbacks. The discipline required to train high jump and triple jump, instilled a mental toughness that helps me face challenges head-on. This resilience has become a cornerstone of my character, enabling me to approach obstacles with a positive mindset and unwavering determination. Basketball emphasized the power of teamwork. As a team sport, basketball requires coordination, trust, and communication. Each player has a role that contributes to the overall success of the team. I learned to anticipate my teammates’ movements, provide support, and make decisions that benefit the whole team. Being a baller has taught me the value of collaboration and the significance of working together towards a common goal. My experience in basketball taught me how to understand the significance of each team member’s role which will be beneficial in my career. My passion for basketball continued into college. I chose to attend Luther College so I could continue to play basketball and pursue a degree in either Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy. I’ve found the importance of prioritizing tasks. I learned to set goals, manage my time efficiently, and maintain a balance between my sports commitments and academic responsibilities. This skill has been instrumental in managing my life during all my sports and academics. Being an athlete in swimming, basketball, and track has been a transformative experience. The lessons learned from perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and time management have not only shaped me as an athlete but also influenced my plans for my future career. My career goal is to become a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist. These careers would allow me to help others with overcoming problems and be resilient. The lessons learned from these sports have shaped my understanding of the human body, the importance of rehabilitation, and the desire to help others achieve their physical potential. I am driven by the desire to support and motivate patients through their recovery journeys, helping them stay committed to their rehabilitation goals. As a physical therapist, I will draw on my athletic experiences to inspire my patients guiding them towards healthier, more active lives.

Participating in swimming, basketball, and track in high school has not only shaped my physical abilities but also given valuable life lessons. It has defined my character and influenced my choice in careers. Through the highs and lows of each sport, I've gained insights into perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and time management. Swimming taught me to be perseverant. Early morning practices and grueling sets instilled in me a relentless drive. In track I attempted numerous events with limited success before specializing in the jumps. Being determined, I spent countless hours perfecting my stroke technique in swimming and improving my high jump technique. These lessons have transcended my sports and become a guiding principle in my academic and personal life. Being a jumper in track and field, with its individual focus, taught me resilience. Whether it was recovering from a disappointing performance or pushing through a grueling practice, I learned to bounce back from setbacks. The discipline required to train high jump and triple jump, instilled a mental toughness that helps me face challenges head-on. This resilience has become a cornerstone of my character, enabling me to approach obstacles with a positive mindset and unwavering determination. Basketball emphasized the power of teamwork. As a team sport, basketball requires coordination, trust, and communication. Each player has a role that contributes to the overall success of the team. I learned to anticipate my teammates’ movements, provide support, and make decisions that benefit the whole team. Being a baller has taught me the value of collaboration and the significance of working together towards a common goal. My experience in basketball taught me how to understand the significance of each team member’s role which will be beneficial in my career. My passion for basketball continued into college. I chose to attend Luther College so I could continue to play basketball and pursue a degree in either Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy. I’ve found the importance of prioritizing tasks. I learned to set goals, manage my time efficiently, and maintain a balance between my sports commitments and academic responsibilities. This skill has been instrumental in managing my life during all my sports and academics. Being an athlete in swimming, basketball, and track has been a transformative experience. The lessons learned from perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and time management have not only shaped me as an athlete but also influenced my plans for my future career. My career goal is to become a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist. These careers would allow me to help others with overcoming problems and be resilient. The lessons learned from these sports have shaped my understanding of the human body, the importance of rehabilitation, and the desire to help others achieve their physical potential. I am driven by the desire to support and motivate patients through their recovery journeys, helping them stay committed to their rehabilitation goals. As a physical therapist, I will draw on my athletic experiences to inspire my patients guiding them towards healthier, more active lives.

Participating in swimming, basketball, and track in high school has not only shaped my physical abilities but also given valuable life lessons. It has defined my character and influenced my choice in careers. Through the highs and lows of each sport, I've gained insights into perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and time management. Swimming taught me to be perseverant. Early morning practices and grueling sets instilled in me a relentless drive. In track I attempted numerous events with limited success before specializing in the jumps. Being determined, I spent countless hours perfecting my stroke technique in swimming and improving my high jump technique. These lessons have transcended my sports and become a guiding principle in my academic and personal life. Being a jumper in track and field, with its individual focus, taught me resilience. Whether it was recovering from a disappointing performance or pushing through a grueling practice, I learned to bounce back from setbacks. The discipline required to train high jump and triple jump, instilled a mental toughness that helps me face challenges head-on. This resilience has become a cornerstone of my character, enabling me to approach obstacles with a positive mindset and unwavering determination. Basketball emphasized the power of teamwork. As a team sport, basketball requires coordination, trust, and communication. Each player has a role that contributes to the overall success of the team. I learned to anticipate my teammates’ movements, provide support, and make decisions that benefit the whole team. Being a baller has taught me the value of collaboration and the significance of working together towards a common goal. My experience in basketball taught me how to understand the significance of each team member’s role which will be beneficial in my career. My passion for basketball continued into college. I chose to attend Luther College so I could continue to play basketball and pursue a degree in either Physical Therapy. I’ve found the importance of prioritizing tasks. I learned to set goals, manage my time efficiently, and maintain a balance between my sports commitments and academic responsibilities. This skill has been instrumental in managing my life during all my sports and academics. Being an athlete in swimming, basketball, and track has been a transformative experience. The lessons learned from perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and time management have not only shaped me as an athlete but also influenced my plans for my future career. My career goal is to become a Physical Therapist. This career would allow me to help others with overcoming problems and be resilient. The lessons learned from these sports have shaped my understanding of the human body, the importance of rehabilitation, and the desire to help others achieve their physical potential. I am driven by the desire to support and motivate patients through their recovery journeys, helping them stay committed to their rehabilitation goals. As a physical therapist, I will draw on my athletic experiences to inspire my patients guiding them towards healthier, more active lives.

Participating in swimming, basketball, and track in high school has not only shaped my physical abilities but also given valuable life lessons. It has defined my character and influenced my choice in careers. Through the highs and lows of each sport, I've gained insights into perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and time management. Swimming taught me to be perseverant. Early morning practices and grueling sets instilled in me a relentless drive. In track I attempted numerous events with limited success before specializing in the jumps. Being determined, I spent countless hours perfecting my stroke technique in swimming and improving my high jump technique. These lessons have transcended my sports and become a guiding principle in my academic and personal life. Being a jumper in track and field, with its individual focus, taught me resilience. Whether it was recovering from a disappointing performance or pushing through a grueling practice, I learned to bounce back from setbacks. The discipline required to train high jump and triple jump, instilled a mental toughness that helps me face challenges head-on. This resilience has become a cornerstone of my character, enabling me to approach obstacles with a positive mindset and unwavering determination. Basketball emphasized the power of teamwork. As a team sport, basketball requires coordination, trust, and communication. Each player has a role that contributes to the overall success of the team. I learned to anticipate my teammates’ movements, provide support, and make decisions that benefit the whole team. Being a baller has taught me the value of collaboration and the significance of working together towards a common goal. My experience in basketball taught me how to understand the significance of each team member’s role which will be beneficial in my career. My passion for basketball continued into college. I chose to attend Luther College so I could continue to play basketball and pursue a degree in either Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy. I’ve found the importance of prioritizing tasks. I learned to set goals, manage my time efficiently, and maintain a balance between my sports commitments and academic responsibilities. This skill has been instrumental in managing my life during all my sports and academics. Being an athlete in swimming, basketball, and track has been a transformative experience. The lessons learned from perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and time management have not only shaped me as an athlete but also influenced my plans for my future career. My career goal is to become a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist. These careers would allow me to help others with overcoming problems and be resilient. The lessons learned from these sports have shaped my understanding of the human body, the importance of rehabilitation, and the desire to help others achieve their physical potential. I am driven by the desire to support and motivate patients through their recovery journeys, helping them stay committed to their rehabilitation goals. As a physical therapist, I will draw on my athletic experiences to inspire my patients guiding them towards healthier, more active lives.

"Push, push the ball up the court! Come on!" I remember my coach yelling as I got a rebound and turned to make an outlet pass. I threw the ball, but it didn't go where I expected because at the same moment, my knee gave out. It was then I knew I'd have some work ahead. Not basketball, but rehab. At Luther College, I have chosen to major in Exercise Science and then attend graduate school for physical therapy. I was inspired to become a physical therapist due to my my aunt and my personal experiences of the rehabilitation process. I am also compelled to be a physical therapist because I'm interested in health and fitness and I enjoy helping others. My passion for health, fitness, and the human body is a perfect way to align my career with my interests. My aunt Kristine is a physical therapist and works at Gillette Children's Hospital. She helps kids that have physical challenges or limitations. At Gillette's clinic, the physical therapists will do therapy in the pool. It allows the kids better movements and less chance of falling. My aunt also shares about how she works with kids on the floor with a variety of exercises. Doing these activites is enticing for me which is one of the reasons I want to become a physical therapist. Being a physical therapist offers the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on people's lives by helping them recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve their physical abilities. I enjoy building strong relationships with patients and seeing their progress. This role allows me to have regular face-to-face interaction and the development of trust and rapport with patients. Being an athlete in swimming, basketball, and track has been a transformative experience. The lessons learned from perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and time management have not only shaped me as an athlete but also influenced my plans for my future career. The lessons learned from these sports have shaped my understanding of the human body, the importance of rehabilitation, and the desire to help others achieve their physical potential. I am driven by the desire to support and motivate patients through their recovery journeys, helping them stay committed to their rehabilitation goals. I will draw on my athletic experiences to inspire my patients guiding them towards healthier, more active lives. My drive to be a physical therapist is because of my aunt, my personal experience, my interest in personal health and fitness, and the desire to positively impact my patients as they recover and improve their physical well-being.

"Push, push the ball up the court! Come on!" I remember my coach yelling as I got a rebound and turned to make an outlet pass. I threw the ball, but it didn't go where I expected because at the same moment, my knee gave out. It was then I knew I'd have some work ahead. Not basketball, but rehab. I will be a sophomore this fall at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and have chosen to major in Exercise Science. Afterwards I plan to attend graduate school for physical therapy. I was inspired to become a physical therapist due to my personal experiences and rehabilitation process and watching my family benefit from physical therapy as well. Besides my personal experience, I am also compelled to be a physical therapist because I'm interested in science, fitness and I enjoy helping others. My passion for fitness, and the human body is a perfect way to align my career with my interests. The role allows me to stay active and promote healthy living. Working with a variety of people, athletes, or even children is interesting. Helping people recover from injuries, gain strength, or improving performance is intriguing to me. Being a physical therapist offers the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on people's lives by helping them recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve their physical abilities. I enjoy building strong relationships with patients and seeing their progress. This role allows me to have regular face-to-face interaction and the development of trust and rapport with patients. My family has involved me with volunteer work as I was growing up in our small town of Milaca, MN. We would organize and run church activities, volunteer to fundraise and do projects at a local bible camp, and assist in the caring for our community parks. I was taught to always look for ways to make the world better. It can be done by doing projects, raising donations, or spreading kindness to people. I plan to positively impact patients and the community where I live. Caring for people was ingrained in me as I grew up. I can impact people as a physical therapist by helping them overcome injury, gaining strength or improving their movements. Clinics and hospitals are often leaders in the community with volunteering, especially in small towns. I embrace the words of Maya Angelou: "When you do nothing you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better."

"Push, push the ball up the court! Come on!" I remember my coach yelling as I got a rebound and turned to make an outlet pass. I threw the ball, but it didn't go where I expected because at the same moment, my knee gave out. It was then I knew I'd have some work ahead. Not basketball, but rehab. This fall I will be a sophomore at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. I am majoring in Exercise Science. At Luther, I am able to juggle being on the women's basketball team and also being in choir. Balancing basketball, choir, and my classes is a challenge and yet, is rewarding. After Luther, I plan to continue my education at a graduate school for physical therapy. I am inspired to become a physical therapist due to my personal experiences with rehabilitation and my observations of my family members as they have done rehab with physical therapists. My interests in science, fitness and helping others has I am compelled to be a physical therapist. Being a strong math and science student during elementary and high school, I was in the advanced math classes and took college credit in high school for both math and science. I explored many STEAM careers. I pursued being a math or science teacher, being a nurse or physician assistant and doing biotechnology. I have concluded that physical therapy is the right choice for me. My passion for science, fitness, and the human body is a perfect way to align my career with my interests. Being a physical therapist offers the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on people's lives by helping them recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve their physical abilities. I enjoy building strong relationships with patients and seeing their progress. This role allows me to have regular face-to-face interaction and the development of trust and rapport with patients. During the pandemic, the medical community was essential and an immense stress was put on medical staff. I think I can be one of these essential people that care for people and make decisions that help them. My science knowledge and abilities can be put to good use for others. My drive to be a physical therapist is because of my personal experience, my interest in science and math, and the desire to positively impact my patients as they recover and improve their physical well-being.

"Push, push the ball up the court! Come on!" I remember my coach yelling as I got a rebound and turned to make an outlet pass. I threw the ball, but it didn't go where I expected because at the same moment, my knee gave out. It was then I knew I'd have some work ahead. Not basketball, but rehab. I have chosen to major in Exercise Science and afterwards to graduate school for Physical Therapy. I was inspired to become a Physical Therapist due to my personal experiences and rehabilitation process. Besides my personal experience, I am also compelled to be a Physical Therapist because I'm interested in health and fitness and I enjoy helping others. My passion for health, fitness, and the human body is a perfect way to align my career with my interests. The role allows me to stay active and promote healthy living. Working with athletes can be interesting, and helping them recover from injuries or improving performance is intriguing to me. Being a Physical Therapist offers the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on people's lives by helping them recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve their physical abilities. I enjoy building strong relationships with patients and seeing their progress. This role allows me to have regular face-to-face interaction and the development of trust and rapport with patients. My drive to be a Physical Therapist is because of my personal experience, my interest in personal health and fitness, and the desire to positively impact my patients as they recover and improve their physical well-being.

Strong! I want to help students and athletes be strong. I plan to be a Physical Education teacher and coach. I was fortunate to have multiple people teach me to be strong as I was growing up and I plan to continue. My swimming coaches and Phy. Ed teacher were great influences on me. Plus, both of my parents helped me to grow and be strongc. Coach Burroughs and Wildman were tough coaches and taught the team to work hard. When workouts or meets got tough they helped me rise up. They believed in me and helped me to believe in myself. They created a team that had strong connections across the grade levels. We learned to help each other train and push each other to be better. Coach Arens was my Phy. Ed teacher and Strength Coach. He also pushed me and challenged me. He would spend additional time so I could get on the Records Board. He taught me the necessary details to lift safely and to develop for my sports. He helped me increase my vertical which helped in both basketball and high jump. My parents are both teachers and coaches. I’ve seen how they have helped students, connected with athletes, supported families and made our small town of 3000 people better. They coached both my brother’s and my travel basketball teams. My mother, Wendy, is the Head Girls’ Track and Field Coach. She works with both boys and girls on the track team. Some have great success competing but some just need to be apart of a team and feel supported. She had to juggle watching and cheering for me and all the other athletes. It is important to her to make connections with her athletes and students. I know she works hard being a fourth grade teacher. She enjoys finding new challenges and activities for her students. My father, Cory, was a football and basketball coach and now is a referee for both. He has helped me the most in basketball which is my favorite sport. He helps me see the game and the different perspectives people have of the game. He was my 5th grade teacher and is passionate about teaching students to have a Growth Mindset. I am a culmination of all of them and want to influence students and athletes to have a Growth Mindset, work hard, value education, and care for others. In my community there are few female coaches. I plan to teach and coach because I think female athletes need to see strong female coaches.

Love thy neighbor! That’s my motto for my career and life. I’m pursuing a degree in exercise science and plan to continue with a graduate degree in Physical Therapy. My dream career is working with youth who have physical challenges. Many of these youth have emotional and social needs as well as physical needs. Helping them develop and grow would be a blessing. I want to follow in my aunt’s footsteps of working at Gillette Children’s Hospital Clinic. She has worked with a variety of children with disabilities or physical challenges. In some occasions she has worked with children in a pool. It is a fantastic way to get stronger and share a skill I love. I was a our high school swim team and my family loves spending time swimming at lakes. I would love to share this talent with children. Jesus told us “whatever you do unto the least of these, my brother, you do to me”. I want to care for others especially children like Jesus told us to. I plan to live like Jesus and love like Jesus. With a career in Physical Therapy I can also share my faith with my coworkers. The people I work with will likely be people who care for others so sharing my faith and outreach with them can help create a strong work environment. I grew up attending worship and singing in a contemporary band. I plan to continue after graduation. Inviting others to my place or worship is a great way to share my faith. I grew up attending bible camps and sharing my faith. I hope to be able to volunteer at Camp Courage as a physical therapist. I know of physical therapists and others who work at this summer camp created for people with disabilities. It is a wonderful way to help these people enjoy outdoor activities. I pray that I’m a good fit for this scholarship. Paying for an undergraduate and graduate degree is stressful. Both my parents are teachers and value education and support me in my choices but don’t have excess money to pay for college. This scholarship will help me so I can reduce my loans. God’s peace to you as you and thank you for giving scholarships to strong faith based students. I plan to do my best at living a God centered life and to love like Jesus. Abby Anderson Milaca, Mn