Growing up in a home with a single mother, I longed for a father figure. My father's absence left a void, but it was my grandfather who stepped in as a guiding light. In a life shaped by family struggles and adversity, his influence became the foundation of my journey toward making a difference. My family faced challenges and hardships during the Holocaust when they had to escape from Belarus to find safety in the United States. Although he was still young at the time, my grandfather carried my great-grandmother's diary for us to read together after her death as a reminder of their strength to rebuild after losing everything due to bigotry. Losing my grandfather to kidney failure during my early teenage years left me overwhelmed with emotions. It took me some time to comprehend the magnitude of losing what felt like both a father and a grandfather all at once. I held onto hope, imagining that he might return one day as if he had just gone on vacation. I wished for him to walk through our door with the day-old donuts from Hyvee ready for an afternoon snack when my sister and I returned home from school. During the time of my grandfather's passing and transitioning into middle school, I noticed a significant decline in both my grades and mental well-being. It was a wake-up call when I received my first C grade. It made me realize that failing would mean betraying all the sacrifices my family had made for a better life. That's when I understood that I had a responsibility to honor their struggles. Every Memorial Day, I make it a point to visit my grandfather's resting place to pay homage to him. During those moments, I share with him how far I've come and what aspirations lie ahead, feeling his presence and drawing strength from his memory. Carrying the weight of his dreams, I now consider it my privilege to pursue them on his behalf. My ambition extends beyond success; it is fueled by a desire to confront and challenge prevailing prejudices in our society today, especially those that target Jewish communities. My goal is to create a future for all populations, regardless of their backgrounds. The hardships endured by my family have ignited within me an unyielding drive to fight against injustice and be an advocate for those who are marginalized. In my pursuit of education, I strive not only for growth but also as an opportunity to uplift both my family and others like them. To me, this educational journey serves as both a stone towards achieving what eluded my grandfather and a platform for empowering others who share these experiences. As I embark on my journey, my intention is to give and create opportunities for those who have endured hardships. With every step I take towards obtaining my Master's degree, I am reminded of the strength and determination that defined my grandfather's life. His memory serves as a driving force behind my determination to leave a lasting impact on the world. As I stand on the cusp of my future, I envision a world where love, compassion, and understanding overshadow bias and discrimination. Ultimately, this journey is not about me or my family; it is a tribute to the legacy of my Pa.

Growing up as an identifiable minority, frequently moving with a single parent, I learned to recognize places where I felt accepted and others where I did not. My parents split up when I was young, after my mother decided she had enough of chasing my father around in search of money we never ended up getting to see. My father was an Israeli man and in the times where I was with him, I was made very aware by others that I did not match him. My mother is very identifiably Ashkenazi, and having her as the primary parent most of my life, I took after her in practicing my faith, even when we did live somewhere without a Synogauge, we made do. Despite the challenges, I always embraced my Jewish identity, which is not just my religion but also my ethnicity and integral to who I am. During my time at a 50's themed diner in Nebraska, my first job, I experienced my first encounter with antisemitism. An older customer refused to let me handle her money upon noticing my Star of David necklace. Instead of retaliating, I remained composed and decided to channel this experience into making a positive impact. I resolved to become a Political Science Major, pursue a law degree, and eventually enter Congress to address the normalization of hatred and discrimination in our society. I am determined to raise awareness about casual antisemitism and its implications on vulnerable groups. My mission is to stand up against adversity and challenge hateful behaviors through education and advocacy. I extend respect and grace to those who may disagree with my message, hoping they will open their hearts to understanding. In my vision for the future, equity is essential for achieving true equality. I plan to lobby for innovative approaches to address casual bigotry and prejudices embedded in our everyday conversations. I hope to create a world where one's choice of faith or jewelry doesn't subject one to discrimination. I firmly believe that by collectively speaking out, we can effect real change. With your scholarship, I can focus more on planning and organizing, enabling me to dedicate my time and efforts towards nurturing a future free from such aggressions and fear. I have been raised with the belief that our voices matter, and I am committed to making mine count. By funding my education, this scholarship would empower me to work towards a better tomorrow, where inclusivity and understanding prevail.