Hi! My name is Abigayle Wertz and my father is a retired United States Air Force combat veteran. From the date I was born, my father was in the service. My fourth grade year, he retired after twenty honorable years of service to our country, and our family. I can remember during my kindergarten year, my father was deployed to Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan. My mother held it all down while playing mom and dad to me and my brother and working a full time job. She didn't miss a beat. I can vividly remember when the news would be reporting on things going on at the base my dad was stationed at her being real quick to change the channel so we didn't worry. I can remember making care packages for him and being so excited to send them off to him. The day he came home is one that is etched in my memory. He came and surprised me at school and my teacher and the school administrators all were in on it. I don't think I realized how worried and scared I had been until I ran to him and was able to jump into his arms again. I think his service has shaped my career path in that I want to be able to work with children, especially military children. I am working on a biology degree with a minor in psychology and I will then work towards my masters and doctorate in children and family psychiatry. I think sometimes the kids and spouses of our veterans are kind of forgotten (and in a lot of cases so are our veterans). I want to be a voice for those that need one. I want to be able to be a person they can talk to because I have been in their shoes. So many times kids don't speak out because they think that nobody will understand what they are dealing with, or even that nobody will care. I want to be that person for them. I want to be that person that can speak from experience and help them. Sometimes they just need someone to talk to or cry with and I want to provide that safe space for them. As relieved as I was when my dad came home, you still have to find your new normal, as hard as it sounds life has to continue when our service members are away and when they come back there is an adjustment period and I hope to be someone that can help with that.

HI! My name is Abigayle Wertz and I am the proud daughter of TSgt Barry Wertz, II. My father served in the United States Air Force from 1996 until 2016. In 2013 my father was deployed to Afghanistan. During this time, my mother became the mom and dad of our household. She was somehow able to take care of me and my brother, all our activities, sports and schoolwork as well as work a full time job. I swear women are heroes in disguise! She never failed to remind us how much my dad missed us and couldn't want to see us again. We sent so many care packages! When my dad came home, some thing was different. He looked the same, but he seemed to get angry much easier. My mom made sure he connected with the VA in our city to seek therapeutic help. After he completed his therapy he was able to function much like he was before. I decided then and there that I would love to have a career working with children like me who didn't quite understand. My goal is the obtain my doctorate in psychology and while working with children, I would love to specialize in working with children from military families who might need an outlet and someone to talk to who also understand just what they are going through. My father is 100% the most amazing man and someone I look up to and admire. I can't begin to tell you everything he saw, what he endured and how hard it was to reacclimate when he returned. Our veterans are the backbone of our nation and so often the family members associated with them can be overlooked. It is my goal to one day be able to lend a voice to those that speak the quietest. To help them process and cope. I will be attending Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN and will also be playing volleyball. I chose this school because they have the degree which I am seeking as well as a Masters Program in this field. Once I complete this I will work on my doctorate hopefully while also being able to start in my job and work with children. I want to thank the committee for taking the time to read my essay and to realize that while we honor our nations veterans, there are still small voices that need to be heard coming from right behind them. Sometimes those that are suffering with mental illness don't realize the toll that it takes on those that love them the most. The ones that would do anything to make them better. Often times, the youngest of these gets overlooked and it is thought that they are young and won't remember things or it doesn't affect them the same way. I am a testament that they do in fact remember the changes in the ones they love, the way they are made to feel and that they do change because of it. I want to provide that voice to the often times voiceless.

HI! My name is Abigayle Wertz and I am the proud daughter of TSgt Barry Wertz, II. My father served in the United States Air Force from 1996 until 2016. In 2013 my father was deployed to Afghanistan. During this time, my mother became the mom and dad of our household. She was somehow able to take care of me and my brother, all our activities, sports and schoolwork as well as work a full time job. I swear women are heroes in disguise! She never failed to remind us how much my dad missed us and couldn't want to see us again. We sent so many care packages! When my dad came home, some thing was different. He looked the same, but he seemed to get angry much easier. My mom made sure he connected with the VA in our city to seek therapeutic help. After he completed his therapy he was able to function much like he was before. I decided then and there that I would love to have a career working with children like me who didn't quite understand. My goal is the obtain my doctorate in psychology and while working with children, I would love to specialize in working with children from military families who might need an outlet and someone to talk to who also understand just what they are going through. My father is 100% the most amazing man and someone I look up to and admire. I can't begin to tell you everything he saw, what he endured and how hard it was to reacclimate when he returned. Our veterans are the backbone of our nation and so often the family members associated with them can be overlooked. It is my goal to one day be able to lend a voice to those that speak the quietest. To help them process and cope. I will be attending Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN and will also be playing volleyball. I chose this school because they have the degree which I am seeking as well as a Masters Program in this field. Once I complete this I will work on my doctorate hopefully while also being able to start in my job and work with children. I want to thank the committee for taking the time to read my essay and to realize that while we honor our nations veterans, there are still small voices that need to be heard coming from right behind them. Sometimes those that are suffering with mental illness don't realize the toll that it takes on those that love them the most. The ones that would do anything to make them better. Often times, the youngest of these gets overlooked and it is thought that they are young and won't remember things or it doesn't affect them the same way. I am a testament that they do in fact remember the changes in the ones they love, the way they are made to feel and that they do change because of it. I want to provide that voice to the often times voiceless.

HI! My name is Abigayle Wertz and I am the proud daughter of TSgt Barry Wertz, II. My father served in the United States Air Force from 1996 until 2016. In 2013 my father was deployed to Afghanistan. During this time, my mother became the mom and dad of our household. She was somehow able to take care of me and my brother, all our activities, sports and schoolwork as well as work a full time job. I swear women are heroes in disguise! She never failed to remind us how much my dad missed us and couldn't want to see us again. We sent so many care packages! When my dad came home, some thing was different. He looked the same, but he seemed to get angry much easier. My mom made sure he connected with the VA in our city to seek therapeutic help. After he completed his therapy he was able to function much like he was before. I decided then and there that I would love to have a career working with children like me who didn't quite understand. My goal is the obtain my doctorate in psychology and while working with children, I would love to specialize in working with children from military families who might need an outlet and someone to talk to who also understand just what they are going through. My father is 100% the most amazing man and someone I look up to and admire. I can't begin to tell you everything he saw, what he endured and how hard it was to reacclimate when he returned. Our veterans are the backbone of our nation and so often the family members associated with them can be overlooked. It is my goal to one day be able to lend a voice to those that speak the quietest. To help them process and cope. I will be attending Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN and will also be playing volleyball. I chose this school because they have the degree which I am seeking as well as a Masters Program in this field. Once I complete this I will work on my doctorate hopefully while also being able to start in my job and work with children. I want to thank the committee for taking the time to read my essay and to realize that while we honor our nations veterans, there are still small voices that need to be heard coming from right behind them. Sometimes those that are suffering with mental illness don't realize the toll that it takes on those that love them the most. The ones that would do anything to make them better. Often times, the youngest of these gets overlooked and it is thought that they are young and won't remember things or it doesn't affect them the same way. I am a testament that they do in fact remember the changes in the ones they love, the way they are made to feel and that they do change because of it. I want to provide that voice to the often times voiceless.

HI! My name is Abigayle Wertz and I am the proud daughter of TSgt Barry Wertz, II. My father served in the United States Air Force from 1996 until 2016. In 2013 my father was deployed to Afghanistan. During this time, my mother became the mom and dad of our household. She was somehow able to take care of me and my brother, all our activities, sports and schoolwork as well as work a full time job. I swear women are heroes in disguise! She never failed to remind us how much my dad missed us and couldn't want to see us again. We sent so many care packages! When my dad came home, some thing was different. He looked the same, but he seemed to get angry much easier. My mom made sure he connected with the VA in our city to seek therapeutic help. After he completed his therapy he was able to function much like he was before. I decided then and there that I would love to have a career working with children like me who didn't quite understand. My goal is the obtain my doctorate in psychology and while working with children, I would love to specialize in working with children from military families who might need an outlet and someone to talk to who also understand just what they are going through. My father is 100% the most amazing man and someone I look up to and admire. I can't begin to tell you everything he saw, what he endured and how hard it was to reacclimate when he returned. Our veterans are the backbone of our nation and so often the family members associated with them can be overlooked. It is my goal to one day be able to lend a voice to those that speak the quietest. To help them process and cope. I will be attending Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN and will also be playing volleyball. I chose this school because they have the degree which I am seeking as well as a Masters Program in this field. Once I complete this I will work on my doctorate hopefully while also being able to start in my job and work with children. I want to thank the committee for taking the time to read my essay and to realize that while we honor our nations veterans, there are still small voices that need to be heard coming from right behind them.

HI! My name is Abigayle Wertz and I am the proud daughter of TSgt Barry Wertz, II. My father served in the United States Air Force from 1996 until 2016. In 2013 my father was deployed to Afghanistan. During this time, my mother became the mom and dad of our household. She was somehow able to take care of me and my brother, all our activities, sports and schoolwork as well as work a full time job. I swear women are heroes in disguise! She never failed to remind us how much my dad missed us and couldn't want to see us again. We sent so many care packages! When my dad came home, some thing was different. He looked the same, but he seemed to get angry much easier. My mom made sure he connected with the VA in our city to seek therapeutic help. After he completed his therapy he was able to function much like he was before. I decided then and there that I would love to have a career working with children like me who didn't quite understand. My goal is the obtain my doctorate in psychology and while working with children, I would love to specialize in working with children from military families who might need an outlet and someone to talk to who also understand just what they are going through. My father is 100% the most amazing man and someone I look up to and admire. I can't begin to tell you everything he saw, what he endured and how hard it was to reacclimate when he returned. Our veterans are the backbone of our nation and so often the family members associated with them can be overlooked. It is my goal to one day be able to lend a voice to those that speak the quietest. To help them process and cope. I will be attending Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN and will also be playing volleyball. I chose this school because they have the degree which I am seeking as well as a Masters Program in this field. Once I complete this I will work on my doctorate hopefully while also being able to start in my job and work with children. I want to thank the committee for taking the time to read my essay and to realize that while we honor our nations veterans, there are still small voices that need to be heard coming from right behind them.

HI! My name is Abigayle Wertz and I am the proud daughter of TSgt Barry Wertz, II. My father served in the United States Air Force from 1996 until 2016. In 2013 my father was deployed to Afghanistan. During this time, my mother became the mom and dad of our household. She was somehow able to take care of me and my brother, all our activities, sports and schoolwork as well as work a full time job. I swear women are heroes in disguise! She never failed to remind us how much my dad missed us and couldn't want to see us again. We sent so many care packages! When my dad came home, some thing was different. He looked the same, but he seemed to get angry much easier. My mom made sure he connected with the VA in our city to seek therapeutic help. After he completed his therapy he was able to function much like he was before. I decided then and there that I would love to have a career working with children like me who didn't quite understand. My goal is the obtain my doctorate in psychology and while working with children, I would love to specialize in working with children from military families who might need an outlet and someone to talk to who also understand just what they are going through. My father is 100% the most amazing man and someone I look up to and admire. I can't begin to tell you everything he saw, what he endured and how hard it was to reacclimate when he returned. Our veterans are the backbone of our nation and so often the family members associated with them can be overlooked. It is my goal to one day be able to lend a voice to those that speak the quietest. To help them process and cope. I will be attending Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN and will also be playing volleyball. I chose this school because they have the degree which I am seeking as well as a Masters Program in this field. Once I complete this I will work on my doctorate hopefully while also being able to start in my job and work with children.

HI! My name is Abigayle Wertz and I am the proud daughter of TSgt Barry Wertz, II. My father served in the United States Air Force from 1996 until 2016. In 2013 my father was deployed to Afghanistan. During this time, my mother became the mom and dad of our household. She was somehow able to take care of me and my brother, all our activities, sports and schoolwork as well as work a full time job. I swear women are heroes in disguise! She never failed to remind us how much my dad missed us and couldn't want to see us again. We sent so many care packages! When my dad came home, some thing was different. He looked the same, but he seemed to get angry much easier. My mom made sure he connected with the VA in our city to seek therapeutic help. After he completed his therapy he was able to function much like he was before. I decided then and there that I would love to have a career working with children like me who didn't quite understand. My goal is the obtain my doctorate in psychology and while working with children, I would love to specialize in working with children from military families who might need an outlet and someone to talk to who also understand just what they are going through. My father is 100% the most amazing man and someone I look up to and admire. I can't begin to tell you everything he saw, what he endured and how hard it was to reacclimate when he returned. Our veterans are the backbone of our nation and so often the family members associated with them can be overlooked. It is my goal to one day be able to lend a voice to those that speak the quietest. To help them process and cope. I will be attending Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN and will also be playing volleyball. I chose this school because they have the degree which I am seeking as well as a Masters Program in this field. Once I complete this I will work on my doctorate hopefully while also being able to start in my job and work with children. I want to thank the committee for taking the time to read my essay and to realize that while we honor our nations veterans, there are still small voices that need to be heard coming from right behind them.

HI! My name is Abigayle Wertz and I am the proud daughter of TSgt Barry Wertz, II. My father served in the United States Air Force from 1996 until 2016. In 2013 my father was deployed to Afghanistan. During this time, my mother became the mom and dad of our household. She was somehow able to take care of me and my brother, all our activities, sports and schoolwork as well as work a full time job. I swear women are heroes in disguise! She never failed to remind us how much my dad missed us and couldn't want to see us again. We sent so many care packages! When my dad came home, some thing was different. He looked the same, but he seemed to get angry much easier. My mom made sure he connected with the VA in our city to seek therapeutic help. After he completed his therapy he was able to function much like he was before. I decided then and there that I would love to have a career working with children like me who didn't quite understand. My goal is the obtain my doctorate in psychology and while working with children, I would love to specialize in working with children from military families who might need an outlet and someone to talk to who also understand just what they are going through. My father is 100% the most amazing man and someone I look up to and admire. I can't begin to tell you everything he saw, what he endured and how hard it was to reacclimate when he returned. Our veterans are the backbone of our nation and so often the family members associated with them can be overlooked. It is my goal to one day be able to lend a voice to those that speak the quietest. To help them process and cope. I will be attending Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN and will also be playing volleyball. I chose this school because they have the degree which I am seeking as well as a Masters Program in this field. Once I complete this I will work on my doctorate hopefully while also being able to start in my job and work with children. I want to thank the committee for taking the time to read my essay and to realize that while we honor our nations veterans, there are still small voices that need to be heard coming from right behind them.

As an athlete (volleyball, basketball, and track) I have learned the value of hard work, commitment, teamwork and dedication. I have also learned how to balance sports with studies, after all the student comes first in student athlete. I managed to earn all conference honors in all three sports, as well as all state in volleyball while graduating with distinguished high honors, taking AP classes and finishing with a 4.23 GPA. I will be playing volleyball in the fall at Christian Brothers University while pursuing my degree in clinical psychology. I am hopeful that my experience in high school will translate well to college and that ability to balance doing what I love while working towards my future. I have learned to work hard, stand up for myself and that things are not just handed to you, they are earned. If I want something hard enough, I will pour everything I have into it. Women's sports are gaining ground every day in the field of popularity, and while I have always known how important they are and how fun they are, the world is starting to take notice. We have NCAA televised on ESPN for women's sports now as well as on ABC / NBC / and CBS. Just look how popular the WNBA has become in the past few years and now there are several professional volleyball leagues. It is a great time to be a female athlete. Used to be, it was college then done. Now there is a much bigger stage to be able to show off the talents of these female athletes and show the world just how strong we are! I am thankful that I get to live in a time when the world is starting to take notice and the stands are starting to fill up with fans (not to mention, men take off a season with an ankle injury and women take off a few months to give birth)! Women are so much more than just their appearances. We are strong, we are intelligent, we are competitive, we are nurturing, we are steadfast. I can't wait to be included in the long list of college FEMALE athletes and I thank God each and every day for the gift he has bestowed upon me and I promise I will not let that go to waste. And if I can use my gift to help further my education, well that is all the better. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

As an athlete (volleyball, basketball, and track) I have learned the value of hard work, commitment, teamwork and dedication. I have also learned how to balance sports with studies, after all the student comes first in student athlete. I managed to earn all conference honors in all three sports, as well as all state in volleyball while graduating with distinguished high honors, taking AP classes and finishing with a 4.23 GPA. I will be playing volleyball in the fall at Christian Brothers University while pursuing my degree in clinical psychology. I am hopeful that my experience in high school will translate well to college and that ability to balance doing what I love while working towards my future. I have learned to work hard, stand up for myself and that things are not just handed to you, they are earned. If I want something hard enough, I will pour everything I have into it. Women's sports are gaining ground every day in the field of popularity, and while I have always known how important they are and how fun they are, the world is starting to take notice. We have NCAA televised on ESPN for women's sports now as well as on ABC / NBC / and CBS. Just look how popular the WNBA has become in the past few years and now there are several professional volleyball leagues. It is a great time to be a female athlete. Used to be, it was college then done. Now there is a much bigger stage to be able to show off the talents of these female athletes and show the world just how strong we are! I am thankful that I get to live in a time when the world is starting to take notice and the stands are starting to fill up with fans (not to mention, men take off a season with an ankle injury and women take off a few months to give birth)! Women are so much more than just their appearances. We are strong, we are intelligent, we are competitive, we are nurturing, we are steadfast. I can't wait to be included in the long list of college FEMALE athletes and I thank God each and every day for the gift he has bestowed upon me and I promise I will not let that go to waste. And if I can use my gift to help further my education, well that is all the better. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.