If you have ever been in the black, you will know it's hard to get back. Depression is a bastard. He lies to you and tells you life will never get better. He takes hold of your mind and doesn't allow you to see the light. It's difficult to explain and even more difficult for one to understand if one has never experienced the lies of depression. I'm sad to say (no pun intended), I have. I have select mutism, an eating disorder and anxiety. It's brought me into the deep bowls of depression and I've heard his lies. It was not pretty. I have been doing the typical treatments yet I feel the best when I'm volunteering at the stables and working with or riding the horses. Because I have met the face of depression, slapped his ugly face and walked away, I want to be an advocate for those experiencing both mental and physical pain. Since I know first hand how animals can help one with mental health challenges, I plan on doing this by becoming a large animal veterinarian and specializing in equine rehabilitation and therapy. Equine-Assisted Therapy is a treatment that includes equine activities and/or an equine environment in order to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in people suffering from ADD, anxiety, autism, depression amount other things. It's a therapy niche that isn't well known and being in a smaller rural area, I think it will positively help the community. In short, I want to use my passion for horses, personal knowledge of mental health struggles and use it to help others feel better. I plan to get there by being focused on the small accomplishments, and start each day with daily goals while concentrating on my thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, the value I'm working towards and my committed actions. At the end of each day, I complete a reflection on those committed actions, what was helpful, what got in the way, I look for some gratitude and end it with what I appreciate myself for most. I also go to the stables as frequently as possible and get back up on the horse - both figuratively and literally. I'll be honest. Some days, I simply can't do it - and that's okay. But most days, with the right mindset and intention, I can - and I will. I'm excited for my future and the impact I will make in my community. It's going to be a long road to get there but with your generosity, it will be that much easier. Thank you, in advance, for your time and consideration.

Have you ever had an instant connection, almost an obsession, to something? This attraction pulls you in like a riptide. Except in this case, this isn’t a bad drowning of emotions but a pull that elevates one’s mood and enhances one’s life. This is how I feel about animals, especially horses. This passion started when I was a little girl begging Mama for a pet and this love for animals has never left me. I find myself constantly researching about animals and learning new facts; I take horseback riding lessons, and I frequent the zoo on Saturdays taking photographs of primates just because I love observing them. I can’t get enough. Additionally, I’m involved in Future Farmers of America (competing in Veterinary Science), and I compete in photography competitions. It’s common for a child to want to become a veterinarian, yet usually, that interest wanes as the child learns more about the world. However, for me, the more I learn, the more I want to learn. As I’ve gotten older, my interest has become more focused in the area of equine health.  Currently, I volunteer at the stables and shadow a vet in order to gain as much experience as possible. While volunteering, I’ve learned that horses are intuitive and are therapeutic for chronic pain and depression as well as other conditions. This has given me the desire to involve equine therapy in my future practice as a veterinarian.  My love for horses can be put to good use. I dream of becoming a large animal vet and building a business that specializes in equine rehabilitation and therapy. The therapy would not be just for the horses but for people who suffer from chronic pain. Equine-Assisted Therapy is a treatment that includes equine activities and/or an equine environment in order to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in people suffering from ADD, anxiety, autism, cerebral palsy, dementia, depression…the list goes on. My childhood love for animals remains. My dreams and passions have only gotten sharper and fine tuned into a practical and determined path. With your financial assistance, I can get there. Thank you for your consideration.

Have you ever had an instant connection, almost an obsession, to something? This attraction pulls you in like a riptide. Except in this case, this isn’t a bad drowning of emotions but a pull that elevates one’s mood and enhances one’s life. This is how I feel about animals, especially horses. This passion started when I was a little girl. I begged Mama for a pet. She finally relented and adopted two cats: a loving tabby named Mr. Purrkins and a Main Coon named Mad Catter. We eventually took on two dogs as well: A mini-Golden Doodle who wins the heart of every human she comes in contact with and an adopted Maltese named Mowgli whose personality is as big as the Jungle Book characters for which he was named after. These animals solidified my passion and a love for animals that has never left me. I find myself constantly researching about animals and learning new facts; I take horseback riding lessons, and I frequent the zoo on Saturdays taking photographs of primates just because I love observing them. I can’t get enough. Additionally, in high school I was involved in Future Farmers of America (competing in Veterinary Science), and I compete in photography competitions. My winning photograph? Naturally, it's of a Mama Western Screech Owl and her Owlet in an old dilapidated school house window. It’s common for a child to want to become a veterinarian, yet usually, that interest wanes as the child learns more about the world. However, for me, the more I learn, the more I want to learn. As I’ve gotten older, my interest has become more focused in the area of equine health. Currently, I volunteer at the stables and shadow a vet in order to gain as much experience as possible. While volunteering, I’ve learned that horses are intuitive and are therapeutic for chronic pain and depression as well as other conditions. This has given me the desire to involve equine therapy in my future practice as a veterinarian.  My love for horses can be put to good use. I dream of becoming a large animal vet and building a business that specializes in equine rehabilitation and therapy. The therapy would not be just for the horses but for people who suffer from chronic pain. Equine-Assisted Therapy is a treatment that includes equine activities and/or an equine environment in order to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in people suffering from ADD, anxiety, autism, cerebral palsy, dementia, depression…the list goes on. My childhood love for animals remains. My dreams and passions have only gotten sharper and fine tuned into a practical and determined path. With your financial assistance, I can get there. Thank you for your consideration.

For as long as I can remember, words have felt stuck in my throat, trapped between my mind and mouth. Thoughts swirl in my head, desperate to escape, but when the moment to speak arrives, nothing comes out. I freeze, unable to say what I want, as though my voice is locked in a prison I can’t unlock. This is what it’s like living with selective mutism—a condition that doesn’t just make me quiet, but renders me voiceless in situations where I long to connect, share, or simply be heard. Selective mutism isn’t just shyness; it’s a specific type of social anxiety and mental illness where I physically can’t speak in certain situations. In familiar settings with family or close friends, my voice flows freely. But in classrooms, groups, or around strangers, I go silent. People often misinterpret this as rudeness or disinterest, but inside, I’m battling an intense struggle to be understood and break free from the silence that defines me. Selective mutism is profoundly isolating. I’ve missed out on countless opportunities—both big and small—because I couldn’t speak. I’ve stayed silent when I knew the answer in class or when I wanted to introduce myself to someone I admired. I watch conversations pass me by, wishing I could participate, but instead, I freeze, fearing my voice will betray me. This has shaped my world in significant ways. Now that I’m in college, I’ve struggled to make friends because of it. Social anxiety makes simple interactions, like ordering food or answering the phone, feel monumental. My heart races, my palms sweat, and my breath quickens as I anticipate needing to speak. The worst part is that when the opportunity finally comes, I often can’t make a sound. What hurts most is the misunderstanding. I’ve been labeled as unfriendly or aloof, when the truth is I care deeply. My silence creates an invisible barrier others can’t see or understand, causing a loneliness that doesn’t come from being physically alone, but from being unable to share my thoughts with others. I am alone in plain sight. Despite these challenges, living with selective mutism has shaped me in positive ways. It’s taught me patience—with myself and with others. I’ve learned to appreciate communication in all its forms, especially the non-verbal. I’ve become more observant, noticing the world in ways others might overlook. Silence has its own language, and I’ve become fluent in it. My journey with selective mutism and social anxiety is far from over, but I’m beginning to find small victories. In therapy, I’m learning techniques to manage the overwhelming anxiety that comes with speaking and that what I have to say is worth being heard, even if it takes me longer to speak. I may never be the loudest person in the room, and that’s okay. What matters is that I’m finding my voice, in my own time and my own way. Living with selective mutism has taught me the power of perseverance, the importance of self-compassion, and the courage to speak—even when it feels impossible. My silence doesn’t define me. My voice, though quiet, is my own, and I’m learning to let it be heard. One thing I’ve been doing to help myself with my anxiety and depression is volunteer work. I’ve been volunteering at the stables because I love horses and being around them makes me so happy. While volunteering, I’ve learned that horses are intuitive and are therapeutic for chronic pain and depression as well as other conditions. I’ve also determined that they can assist in helping me with my mental health. This has given me the desire to involve equine therapy in my future practice as a veterinarian.  My love for horses can be put to good use. I dream of becoming a large animal vet and building a business that specializes in equine rehabilitation and therapy. Equine-Assisted Therapy is a treatment that includes equine activities and/or an equine environment in order to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in people suffering from ADD, anxiety, autism, cerebral palsy, dementia, depression…the list goes on. In short, I want to use my passion for horses, personal-knowledge of disorders and pain to help others feel better. I plan to get there by being focused on the small accomplishments. I start each day with daily goals concentrating on my thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, the value I’m working towards and my committed actions. At the end each day, I complete a reflection on those committed actions, what was helpful, what got in the way, I look for some gratitude and end it with what I appreciate myself for most. I’ll be honest. Some days, I simply can’t do it—and that’s okay. But most days, with the right mindset and intention, I can—and I will.

What Being a First-Generation College Student Means to Me: My Mom is struggling at finding a job. This is because she doesn’t have a degree. This lack of qualification is severely limiting her on what she can apply for to get through the AI window into the hands of the Human Resource managers. Seeing this struggle first hand, has made an impression and given me motivation to not throw away this opportunity that has been handed to me. Being the first in my family to attend college is a profound responsibility and privilege. It symbolizes breaking a cycle and building a foundation that will inspire future generations in my family. My parents have always valued hard work, but the opportunity to pursue higher education was not something they had access to. To me, earning a college degree means creating opportunities for myself - the likes of which my family doesn’t have access. It also means that I’m challenging the limitations imposed by financial constraints, educational disadvantages, and the pressure of navigating an unfamiliar academic world. What I want to pursue in College: I am pursuing an undergraduate degree in animal science with the future hopes of studying veterinary medicine, with a special focus on large animals and equine-assisted therapy. My passion for animals, particularly horses, has been with me for as long as I can remember. I’m fascinated by the bond between animals and humans and how this connection can be used to help people heal emotionally and physically. Studying veterinary medicine allows me to combine my love for science with my desire to care for animals, while the equine-assisted therapy aspect will enable me to help people facing mental health challenges, like anxiety, depression, and other conditions I have personally experienced. My Long-Term Goals: My ultimate goal is to become a large animal veterinarian specializing in equine-assisted therapy. I envision working in both clinical settings with animals and therapeutic environments that support people facing mental, physical, and emotional struggles. In addition to caring for animals, I want to use my veterinary expertise to create programs that facilitate healing for people, especially those dealing with anxiety and other mental health challenges. In the long term, I also hope to open my own practice that incorporates animal rehabilitation and therapy. As a first-generation student, I’m not only pursuing this dream for myself, but for the opportunities it will create for my family. I hope to break the cycle of educational disadvantage, allowing future generations to dream bigger and go further. My journey through college is about achieving personal success, but it’s also about making an impact on the world around me, using my education and passion to help both animals and people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Success can look different for everyone, but for me, it’s the realization of my passion for animals and using that passion to help others. My journey is shaped by a strong commitment to personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and following a dream that’s been with me for as long as I can remember: becoming a large animal veterinarian with a specialty in equine-assisted therapy. Growing up, I was surrounded by animals, especially horses, and developed a deep connection to them. I discovered that they have a remarkable ability to heal and provide comfort, which inspired me to explore equine-assisted therapy. My goal is to use my career to make a difference not only for the animals but also for people struggling with mental and physical challenges, just like I have. In addition to facing anxiety, depression, and other health issues, I have selective mutism, a condition that makes it difficult for me to speak in certain social situations. This has often made me feel voiceless, especially in school and group settings. Despite this, I’ve learned that my silence doesn’t define me. Through perseverance and personal growth, I’ve begun to advocate for myself and embrace my voice—both in the classroom and in life. My journey with selective mutism has taught me to listen deeply, observe carefully, and appreciate communication in all its forms, which is why I feel such a strong connection to animals, who communicate in their own unique ways. While traditional academic success is important to me, personal success involves so much more. It’s about staying passionate, persevering through challenges, and continually learning from every experience. Throughout high school, I balanced academics with extracurriculars like cheerleading, softball, and competing in animal science for FFA. These experiences taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and commitment—all qualities that will be essential as I pursue my degree and eventually work with animals and people in therapeutic settings. Moving from Charleston, South Carolina, to Washington State during my junior year of high school was a significant challenge. It disrupted everything I knew, but it also forced me to adapt and grow. This transition helped me build the resilience I need to navigate college and my future career. Now, as a college freshman, I’m fully committed to achieving my goal of becoming a veterinarian, knowing that every step I take, no matter how difficult, brings me closer to that dream. For me, success is not just about obtaining a degree—it’s about applying the knowledge and skills I’m gaining to make a meaningful impact. Equine-assisted therapy is not just a career path; it’s a way to combine my love for animals with my desire to help others. I envision a future where I can use my veterinary expertise to create healing spaces for both horses and people, helping individuals with anxiety, depression, selective mutism, and other challenges experience the same connection and relief that I’ve found through animals. This scholarship would significantly help me on my path to success by easing the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and personal growth. With this support, I will be one step closer to achieving my dream, and in turn, I will be able to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Success, for me, is not just about personal achievements. It’s about using the opportunities I’ve been given to create positive change in the world around me. By becoming a veterinarian who specializes in equine-assisted therapy, I can help others conquer their own challenges and, in doing so, find success themselves. Thank you for your consideration.

For as long as I can remember, words have felt stuck in my throat, trapped between my mind and mouth. Thoughts swirl in my head, desperate to escape, but when the moment to speak arrives, nothing comes out. I freeze, unable to say what I want, as though my voice is locked in a prison I can’t unlock. This is what it’s like living with selective mutism—a condition that doesn’t just make me quiet, but renders me voiceless in situations where I long to connect. My coach first recognized my condition as selective mutism and alerted my parents. My mom documented my actions and shared them with my doctor, leading to my diagnosis. Selective mutism isn’t just shyness; it’s a specific type of social anxiety where I physically can’t speak in certain situations. In familiar settings with family or close friends, my voice flows freely. But in classrooms, groups, or around strangers, I go silent. Selective mutism is profoundly isolating. I’ve missed out on countless opportunities—both big and small—because I couldn’t speak. I’ve stayed silent when I knew the answer in class or when I wanted to introduce myself to someone. I listen to conversations, wishing I could participate, but instead, my voice freezes. This has shaped my world in significant ways. Now that I’m in college, I’ve struggled to make friends because of it. Social anxiety makes simple interactions, like ordering food or answering the phone, feel monumental. My heart races, my palms sweat, and my breath quickens as I anticipate needing to speak. The worst part is that when the opportunity finally comes, I often can’t make a sound. What hurts most is the misunderstanding. People think I’m choosing to be silent or assume I don’t care. I’ve been labeled as aloof or weird. The truth is I care deeply. My silence creates an invisible barrier others can’t see or understand, causing a loneliness that doesn’t come from being physically alone, but from being unable to communicate and share my thoughts with others. I'm alone in plain sight. Despite these challenges, it has shaped me in positive ways. It’s taught me patience—with myself and with others. I’ve learned to appreciate communication in all forms, especially the non-verbal. I’ve become more observant, noticing the world in ways others might overlook. Silence has its own language, in which I’ve become fluent. I’m learning to advocate for myself, help others understand that I need space and support. My journey with selective mutism and social anxiety is far from over, but I’m beginning to find small victories. I’ve started therapy, am learning techniques to manage the overwhelming anxiety that comes with speaking. Slowly, I’m realizing my voice matters. What I have to say is worth being heard, even if it takes me longer to speak. I may never be the loudest person in the room, and that’s okay. What matters is that I’m finding my voice, in my own time and my own way. Living with selective mutism has taught me the power of perseverance, the importance of self-compassion, and the courage to speak—even when it feels impossible. My silence doesn’t define me. My voice, though quiet, is my own, and I’m learning to let it be heard. Perhaps my selective mutism is why I’m drawn to animals. I dream of becoming a large animal veterinarian, specializing in equine rehabilitation and therapy. My goal is to use equine-assisted therapy to help people like me, those suffering from anxiety, depression, and other disorders. Earning a degree is essential for me to help others, and in doing so, I hope to help myself too.

Have you ever had an instant connection, almost an obsession, to something? This attraction pulls you in like a riptide. Except in my case, this isn’t a bad drowning of emotions but a pull that elevates your mood and enhances your life. This is how I feel about animals, especially horses.  I find myself constantly researching about animals and learning new facts; I take horseback riding lessons, and I frequent the zoo on Saturdays taking photographs of primates just because I love observing them. Additionally, I’m involved in Future Farmers of America, and I compete in photography competitions. I volunteer at the stables and shadow a vet in order to gain as much experience as possible. I have always been an extremely active person, and then my life changed. Last year, I started passing out in class. After many ER visits and tests, I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome with cluster convulsions and dysautonomia, which is when the autonomic nervous system doesn’t work properly. The POTS got so severe I was passing out every couple of days. Every episode leaves me drained and takes days to recover. I still struggle, and I am in a state of constant chronic pain. While volunteering, I’ve learned that horses are intuitive and are therapeutic for chronic pain and depression as well as other conditions. I’ve also determined that they can assist in helping me with my pain. This has given me the desire to involve equine therapy in my future practice as a veterinarian.  My love for horses can be put to good use. I dream of becoming a large animal vet and building a business that specializes in equine rehabilitation and therapy. The therapy would not be just for the horses but for people like me who suffer from chronic pain. Equine-Assisted Therapy is a treatment that includes equine activities and/or an equine environment in order to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in people suffering from ADD, anxiety, autism, cerebral palsy, dementia, depression…the list goes on. In short, I want to use my passion for horses, personal-knowledge of disorders and pain to help others feel better. I plan to get there by being focused on the small accomplishments. I start each day with daily goals concentrating on my thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, the value I’m working towards and my committed actions. At the end each day, I complete a reflection on those committed actions, what was helpful, what got in the way, I look for some gratitude and end it with what I appreciate myself for most. I’ll be honest. Some days, I simply can’t do it—and that’s okay. But most days, with the right mindset and intention, I can—and I will.

If you didn’t hear me screaming during the 100 meters hurdles race at the Paris Olympics, you must have had your head underwater. I’m a huge fan of Kendra Harrison. This is because her story is not just about her incredible achievements on the track but also about the profound difference she has made in the lives of others. I became a fan of Kendra Harrison in 2020 when she became an Olympic champion by winning the silver medal in the 100 meters hurdles. A testament to her hard work, dedication, and natural ability is her world record time of 12.20 seconds. But, in my mind, what makes Kendra Harrison truly special goes far beyond the records she’s set and the medals she’s won and that’s the work she has put into her community. One specific example of her community impact is her work with the Kendra Harrison Foundation, which she founded to support and mentor youth. The foundation’s mission is to provide educational resources, athletic opportunities, and personal development programs to help children reach their full potential. Kendra has also actively participated in mentorship programs and sports clinics for young athletes. For instance, she has organized and led track and field clinics. At these clinics, Kendra shares her expertise, provides encouragement and guidance to aspiring young runners. She uses these clinics to connect personally with the participants therefore making her efforts more genuine and impactful. Her community involvement also includes school visits where she speaks to students about the importance of education and goal-setting. Kendra’s impact is also felt through her scholarship programs which provide financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. Her efforts to support students financially underscore her commitment to education and personal growth by providing a crucial stepping stone for those whom have financial need. What I find so admirable about Kendra Harrison is how she understands the power of her platform and then actively uses it to inspire and uplift others. She puts emphasis on education and dedication to both oneself and to others. These are two qualities that really strike a chord with me as I feel the world can only get better through education and by being dedicated to helping the community while working on bettering oneself.

Have you ever had an instant connection, almost an obsession, to something? This attraction pulls you in like a riptide. Except in my case, this isn’t a bad drowning of emotions but a pull that elevates your mood and enhances your life. This is how I feel about animals, especially horses.  I find myself constantly researching about animals and learning new facts; I take horseback riding lessons, and I frequent the zoo on Saturdays taking photographs of primates just because I love observing them. I can’t get enough. Additionally, I’m involved in Future Farmers of America (competing in Veterinary Science), and I compete in photography competitions. I have always been an extremely active person, and then my life changed. Last year, I started passing out in class. After many ER visits and tests, I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome with cluster convulsions and dysautonomia, which is when the autonomic nervous system doesn’t work properly. The POTS got so severe I was passing out every couple of days or pre-syncope every time I stood. Every episode left me drained and took days to recover. I still struggle, and I am in a state of constant chronic pain.  So what do I with this chronic pain? I can’t let it take over me. Currently, I volunteer at the stables and shadow a vet in order to gain as much experience as possible. While volunteering, I’ve learned that horses are intuitive and are therapeutic for chronic pain and depression as well as other conditions. I’ve also determined that they can assist in helping me with my pain. This has given me the desire to involve equine therapy in my future practice as a veterinarian.  My love for horses can be put to good use. I dream of becoming a large animal vet with a specialty in equine rehabilitation and therapy. The therapy would not be just for the horses but for people like me who suffer from chronic pain. Equine-Assisted Therapy is a treatment that includes equine activities and/or an equine environment in order to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in people suffering from ADD, anxiety, autism, cerebral palsy, dementia, depression…the list goes on. In short, I want to use my passion for horses, personal-knowledge of disorders and pain to help others feel better. I plan to get there by being focused on the small accomplishments. I start each day with daily goals concentrating on my thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, the value I’m working towards and my committed actions. At the end each day, I complete a reflection on those committed actions, what was helpful, what got in the way, I look for some gratitude and end it with what I appreciate myself for most. I’ll be honest, some days, I just can’t. But that’s okay because most days, with this mindset and intention, I can…and I will.

Have you ever had an instant connection, almost an obsession, to something? This attraction pulls you in like a riptide. Except in my case, this isn’t a bad drowning of emotions but a pull that elevates your mood and enhances your life. This is how I feel about animals, especially horses.  I find myself constantly researching about animals and learning new facts; I take horseback riding lessons, and I drive around the palouse taking photographs of the farm animals just because I love observing them. I can’t get enough. We moved to Pullman the Summer going into my Junior year and the area has captured my soul. Moving to Eastern Washington (from Charleston, SC), has been life changing as I now am near family and have my community. I love it so much I’ve committed to Washington State University. I love going to the family farm in Pomeroy as it allows me to be with my family and capture pictures of wild animals. I like to hang out there under a tree and wait for them to come walking by. Additionally, living in Pullman I have the ability of being able to involved in Future Farmers of America (competing in Veterinary Science), and I compete in photography competitions. I have always been an extremely active person, and then my life changed. Last year, I started passing out in class. After many ER visits and tests, I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome with cluster convulsions and dysautonomia, which is when the autonomic nervous system doesn’t work properly. The POTS got so severe I was passing out every couple of days or was pre-syncope every time I stood. Every episode left me drained and took days to recover. I still struggle, and I am in a state of constant chronic pain.  It’s common for a child to want to become a veterinarian, yet usually, that interest wanes as the child learns more about the world. However, for me, the more I learn, the more I want to learn. As I’ve gotten older, my interest has become more focused in the area of equine health.  Currently, I volunteer at the stables and shadow a vet in order to gain as much experience as possible. While volunteering, I’ve learned that horses are intuitive and are therapeutic for chronic pain and depression as well as other conditions. I’ve also determined that they can assist in helping me with my pain. This has given me the desire to involve equine therapy in my future practice as a veterinarian.  My love for horses can be put to good use. I dream of becoming a large animal vet with a specialty in equine rehabilitation and therapy. The therapy would not be just for the horses but for people like me who suffer from chronic pain. Equine-Assisted Therapy is a treatment that includes equine activities and/or an equine environment in order to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in people suffering from ADD, anxiety, autism, cerebral palsy, dementia, depression…the list goes on. I am optimistic that something positive can come from my pain; unfortunately, I will need financial assistance to make my dreams a reality. I’ll be honest; we are not a low income family. I come from a middle-class household. However, I am a twin. This means the two of us going to college at the same time will be an extreme hardship on my parents, so any financial assistance from a scholarship will help immensely. When we graduate, we’ll be the first member of my family to do so. Thank you for your consideration.