One personal strength that has been tested but valued throughout my high school years is perseverance. Perseverance has led me through the darkest valleys of my life. At an early age, my dream took root when I realized I was blessed with the athletic ability to excel in sports, specifically basketball. I viewed every day as an opportunity to improve my skills. Driven to be the best and forsaking everything else, I strived for every advantage. I began to shoot more shots, dribble between tighter cones, lift heavier weights, run longer distances, and eat healthier and restricted meals in order to attain my goal of a Division One basketball scholarship. With the passage of time, in the name of “chasing my dream”, I gradually lost over thirty pounds and unconsciously starved my organs. My weary, exhausted body finally forced me to come to a lifesaving pause on the afternoon of June 2, 2020. On that day, Dr. Amy Middleman diagnosed me with one of the most severe cases of anorexia she had ever seen. I was immediately admitted to OU Children’s Hospital with heart, brain, and liver damage due to my eating disorder. For one hundred and fifty-three long, lonely, and painful days, I was confined to a hospital bed and consumed with wires, tubes, needles, monitors, tests, and many doctors and nurses. Everything I had worked so hard for and enjoyed felt like it was destroyed and stripped away from me. I felt that my future was gone, and my existence was no longer important. My days were dark, and I fought back depression and anxiety with every breath I took. Faced with the decision to either give up on life and my dream or battle through my struggles every hour of every day, I learned how to persevere. As I grew, I developed a more balanced lifestyle. Perseverance revealed that skinny is not the standard and perfection is elusive. My dream has not expired. I will continue to persevere and strive toward my destination, but with an altered motivation: To offer hope and encouragement to those who have lost ambition and be a living example of a true overcomer. After graduating from high school with a 4.0 grade point average and on route to being recognized as a distinguished scholar and valedictorian, I plan to attend a four-year university followed by a four-year graduate school, specifically Oklahoma State University. In undergraduate school, I plan to major in Animal Science. With this major, I hope to obtain a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). After passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, I intend to open my own veterinarian clinic. My hope is that I will leave a legacy in the veterinary field by running a practice that is successful and passionate about the care of animals. I strive to leave an impact so that many innovations will be created throughout my career as a veterinarian and contribute to the profession's success. Perseverance has led me to see through many trials and countless obstacles in my life. When I encounter difficulties, I will persevere. I have overcome many challenges which have allowed me to view hardships as a stepping stone to success. Perseverance has allowed me to travel the valleys of life in order for me to reach the mountaintops.

My dream took root at an early age when I realized I was blessed with the athletic ability to excel at sports, specifically basketball. I viewed every day as an opportunity to improve my skills. Driven to be the best and forsaking everything else, I strived for every advantage. I began to shoot more shots, dribble between tighter cones, lift heavier weights, run longer distances, and eat healthier and restricted meals in order to attain my goal of a Division One basketball scholarship. With the passage of time, in the name of “chasing my dream”, I gradually lost over thirty pounds and unconsciously starved my organs. My weary, exhausted body finally forced me to come to a life-saving pause on the afternoon of June 2, 2020. On that day, Dr. Amy Middleman diagnosed me with one of the most severe cases of anorexia she had ever seen. I was immediately admitted to OU Children’s Hospital with heart, brain, and liver damage due to my eating disorder. For one hundred and fifty-three long, lonely, and painful days, I was confined to a hospital bed and consumed with wires, tubes, needles, monitors, tests, and many doctors and nurses. Everything I had worked so hard for and enjoyed felt like it was destroyed and stripped away from me. I felt that my future was gone and my existence was no longer important. My days were dark, and I fought back depression and anxiety with every breath I took. Faced with the decision to either give up on life and my dream or battle through my struggles every hour of every day, I chose to fight. My journey has led me to a balanced lifestyle. One hundred and fifty-three days revealed to me that skinny is not the standard and perfection is elusive. My dream has not expired and I will not enable my goal defeat me. I can still fulfill my four-year-old vision. I continue to strive toward my destination, but with an altered motivation: To offer hope and encouragement to those who have lost ambition, and be a living example of a true overcomer. With that being said, I met my friend Andrew during recovery. Andrew has multiple issues that cause severe health problems including cerebral palsy. He became an inspiration to me over the past year, as I began spending my mornings with him in the library and in the movie theater watching his favorite movies. Andrew’s physical pain began to increase to almost intolerable levels, especially when he attempted to swallow specific types of food. His doctor informed his family of a risky surgery that would eliminate most of this pain. As his surgery was nearing, I wanted Andrew to experience a memory he wouldn't forget. I was able to obtain handicap tickets to an Oklahoma City Thunder game for Andrew, his brother, and my family. Andrew and his brother loved the pre-game activities and the game. Days before his surgery, I made his family and Andrews's favorite, spaghetti dinner and brownies. His family told me later that he was still smiling from the game and the brownies, even as they wheeled him into surgery! The surgery was successful and allowed Andrew more time with his family and his friends! Andrew continues to wear his contagious smile and spread his joy to countless lives including mine. His strength and boldness have inspired me to go after my dreams for the future. For this reason, I have chosen to pursue a degree in veterinary science with the intention of owning my own vet clinic someday.

After graduating from high school with a 4.0 grade point average and on route to being recognized as a distinguished scholar and valedictorian, I plan to attend a four-year university followed by a four-year graduate school, specifically Oklahoma State University. In undergraduate school, I plan to major in Animal Science. With this major, I hope to obtain a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). After passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, I intend to open my own veterinarian clinic. I want to become a veterinarian for many reasons. My heart fell in love with animals at a very young age. My love for animals grew as I participated in the 4-H horse club and had the opportunity to work at my current place of employment, a breeding and training horse ranch. In the 4-H horse club, I attended many equine workshops and clinics. I also competed in numerous equine shows across the state. My job working with animals, specifically horses, cattle, dogs, cats, and bunnies, has solidified my future desire in becoming a veterinarian. I had the opportunity to breed, ween, and train horses of all ages and bloodlines. I also treated the horse's injuries, wounds, and cuts. Along with the horses, I worked cattle which involved vaccinating, ear-notching cattle, and castrating calves. My dream took root at an early age when I realized I was blessed with the athletic ability to excel at sports, specifically basketball. I viewed every day as an opportunity to improve my skills. Driven to be the best and forsaking everything else, I strived for every advantage. I began to shoot more shots, dribble between tighter cones, lift heavier weights, run longer distances, and eat healthier and restricted meals in order to attain my goal of a Division One basketball scholarship. With the passage of time, in the name of “chasing my dream”, I gradually lost over thirty pounds and unconsciously starved my organs. My weary, exhausted body finally forced me to come to a life-saving pause on the afternoon of June 2, 2020. On that day, Dr. Amy Middleman diagnosed me with one of the most severe cases of anorexia she had ever seen. I was immediately admitted to OU Children’s Hospital with heart, brain, and liver damage due to my eating disorder. For one hundred and fifty-three long, lonely, and painful days, I was confined to a hospital bed and consumed with wires, tubes, needles, monitors, tests, and many doctors and nurses. Everything I had worked so hard for and enjoyed felt like it was destroyed and stripped away from me. I felt that my future was gone and my existence was no longer important. My days were dark, and I fought back depression and anxiety with every breath I took. Faced with the decision to either give up on life and my dream or battle through my struggles every hour of every day, I chose to fight. My journey has led me to a balanced lifestyle. One hundred and fifty-three days revealed to me that skinny is not the standard and perfection is elusive. I continue to strive toward my destination, but with an altered motivation: To offer hope and encouragement to those who have lost ambition, and be a living example of a true overcomer. My hope is that I will leave a legacy in the veterinary field by running a practice that is successful and passionate about the care of animals. I strive to leave an impact so that many innovations will be created throughout my career as a veterinarian and contribute to the success of the profession.

My life changed forever on June 2, 2020. After years of chasing my dream, in the span of minutes, it all came to a crashing halt. My good intentions, hard work ethic, and high standards landed me in the middle of the biggest setback of my life. One appointment, one doctor, one number, and one misconception rendered a real-life nightmare. My dream took root at an early age when I realized I was blessed with the athletic ability to excel at sports, specifically basketball. I viewed every day as an opportunity to improve my skills. Driven to be the best and forsaking everything else, I strived for every advantage. I began to shoot more shots, dribble between tighter cones, lift heavier weights, run longer distances, and eat healthier and restricted meals in order to attain my goal of a Division One basketball scholarship. With the passage of time, in the name of “chasing my dream”, I gradually lost over thirty pounds and unconsciously starved my organs. My weary, exhausted body finally forced me to come to a life-saving pause on the afternoon of June 2, 2020. On that day, Dr. Amy Middleman diagnosed me with one of the most severe cases of anorexia she had ever seen. I was immediately admitted to OU Children’s Hospital with heart, brain, and liver damage due to my eating disorder. For one hundred and fifty-three long, lonely, and painful days, I was confined to a hospital bed and allowed no physical activity! Being such an active and driven person, this “forced complete shutdown” was painfully challenging for me. Instead of days filled with activities, my hours consisted of wires, tubes, needles, monitors, tests, and many doctors and nurses. My life literally stopped. However, every day as I laid hopelessly in a stale bed, helplessly ate at an empty table, and blankly stared out the same window, the world kept turning. My family sat down together for dinner with one empty chair, my sister had no shoulder to cry on, my friends laughed and made memories, my teammates played many basketball games and ran many circles around a track, and my loved ones experienced a life of abundance. Everything I had worked so hard for and enjoyed felt like it was destroyed and stripped away from me. I felt that my future was gone and my existence was no longer important/ had no purpose. My days were dark, and I fought back depression and anxiety with every breath I took. Faced with the decision to either give up on life and my dream or battle through my struggles every hour of every day, I chose to fight. With the help of doctors, therapists, family, friends, and my Savior Jesus Christ, I gained a new perspective on life. My journey has led me to a balanced lifestyle and a realization that I have value and worth that extends beyond painted lines, two goals, and an orange ball. One hundred and fifty-three days revealed to me that skinny is not the standard, basketball is not worth my life, and perfection is elusive. My dream has not expired and I will not enable my goal defeat me. I can still fulfill my seven-year-old vision. I continue to strive toward my destination, but with an altered motivation: To offer hope and encouragement to those who have lost ambition, and be a living example of a true overcomer, whether I become a Division One Woman’s Basketball player or not!

After graduating from high school with a 4.0-grade point average and on route to being recognized as a distinguished scholar and valedictorian, I plan to attend a four-year university followed by a four-year graduate school, specifically Oklahoma State University. In undergraduate school, I plan to major in Animal Science. With this major, I hope to obtain a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). After passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, I intend to open my own veterinarian clinic. I want to become a veterinarian for many reasons. My heart fell in love with animals at a very young age. My love for animals grew as I participated in the 4-H horse club and had the opportunity to work at my current place of employment, a breeding/training horse ranch. In the 4-H horse club, I attended many equine workshops and clinics through Oklahoma State University and private professionals. I also competed in numerous equine shows across the state where I placed in numerous events. I also competed at Oklahoma State University with the Custer County 4-H Horse Judging Team, Horse Team Problem, and Horse Quiz Bowl Team. My job working with animals, specifically horses, cattle, dogs, cats, and bunnies, has solidified my future desire in becoming a veterinarian. I had the opportunity to breed, ween, and train horses of all ages and bloodlines. I also treated the horse's injuries, wounds, and cuts. Along with the horses, I worked cattle which involved vaccinating, ear-notching cattle, and castrating calves. I love being around animals, and I have always dreamt of the day when I could pursue my long-term goal as a professional career. When I encounter difficulties along my career path, I will not give up. I have overcome many challenges which have allowed me to view hardships as a stepping stone to success. One of the many challenges I have overcome began on June 2, 2020, when I was admitted to OU Children's Hospital for one of the most severe cases of anorexia caused by an eating disorder. I had temporary heart, brain, liver, and kidney damage along with being diagnosed with bradycardia. During 130 long, miserable days and missing the entire second semester of school, sports, and activities, doctors heavily insisted that I focus on my mental and physical health as I was not mentally and physically stable enough to complete schoolwork in the hospital. I was readmitted two more times during the 2021 spring school year. Over four separate hospital admissions, I was in OU Children's hospital for 153 days therefore, I had to withdraw from school and repeat my Junior year. This personal experience has been undoubtedly been the hardest challenge I have faced in my life. It has also proven to be the time of my life when I have grown the most personally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. My hope is that I will leave a legacy in the veterinary field by running a practice that is successful and passionate about the care of animals. I strive to leave an impact so that many innovations will be created throughout my career as a veterinarian and contribute to the success of the profession.

Learning is important to me because knowledge creates success, wisdom sustains connections, and education initiates strength. It is the stepping stone to a future of happiness and growth. In my life, learning has opened many doors of opportunities, unforgettable experiences, and life-long relationships. After graduating from high school with a 4.0-grade point average and on route to being recognized as a distinguished scholar and valedictorian, I plan to attend a four-year university followed by a four-year graduate school, specifically Oklahoma State University. In undergraduate school, I plan to major in Animal Science. With this major, I hope to obtain a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). After passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, I intend to open my own veterinarian clinic. I want to become a veterinarian for many reasons. My heart fell in love with animals at a very young age. My love for animals grew as I participated in the 4-H horse club and had the opportunity to work at my current place of employment, a breeding/training horse ranch. In the 4-H horse club, I attended many equine workshops and clinics through Oklahoma State University and private professionals. I also competed in numerous equine shows across the state where I placed in numerous events. I also competed at Oklahoma State University with the Custer County 4-H Horse Judging Team, Horse Team Problem, and Horse Quiz Bowl Team. My job working with animals, specifically horses, cattle, dogs, cats, and bunnies, has solidified my future desire in becoming a veterinarian. I had the opportunity to breed, ween, and train horses of all ages and bloodlines. I also treated the horse's injuries, wounds, and cuts. Along with the horses, I worked cattle which involved vaccinating, ear-notching cattle, and castrating calves. I love being around animals, and I have always dreamt of the day when I could pursue my long-term goal as a professional career. When I encounter difficulties along my career path, I will not give up. I have overcome many challenges which have allowed me to view hardships as a stepping stone to success. My hope is that I will leave a legacy in the veterinary field by running a practice that is successful and passionate about the care of animals. I strive to leave an impact so that many innovations will be created throughout my career as a veterinarian and contribute to the success of the profession.

After graduating from high school with a 4.0-grade point average and on route to being recognized as a distinguished scholar and valedictorian, I plan to attend a four-year university followed by a four-year graduate school, specifically Oklahoma State University. In undergraduate school, I plan to major in Animal Science. With this major, I hope to obtain a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). After passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, I intend to open my own veterinarian clinic. I want to become a veterinarian for many reasons. My heart fell in love with animals at a very young age. My love for animals grew as I participated in the 4-H horse club and had the opportunity to work at my current place of employment, a breeding/training horse ranch. In the 4-H horse club, I attended many equine workshops and clinics through Oklahoma State University and private professionals. I also competed in numerous equine shows across the state where I placed in numerous events. I also competed at Oklahoma State University with the Custer County 4-H Horse Judging Team, Horse Team Problem, and Horse Quiz Bowl Team. My job working with animals, specifically horses, cattle, dogs, cats, and bunnies, has solidified my future desire in becoming a veterinarian. I had the opportunity to breed, ween, and train horses of all ages and bloodlines. I also treated the horse's injuries, wounds, and cuts. Along with the horses, I worked cattle which involved vaccinating, ear-notching cattle, and castrating calves. I love being around animals, and I have always dreamt of the day when I could pursue my long-term goal as a professional career. When I encounter difficulties along my career path, I will not give up. I have overcome many challenges which have allowed me to view hardships as a stepping stone to success. My hope is that I will leave a legacy in the veterinary field by running a practice that is successful and passionate about the care of animals. I strive to leave an impact so that many innovations will be created throughout my career as a veterinarian and contribute to the success of the profession.

My life changed forever on June 2, 2020. After years of chasing my dream, in the span of minutes, it all came to a crashing halt. My good intentions, hard work ethic, and high standards landed me in the middle of the biggest setback of my life. One appointment, one doctor, one number, and one misconception rendered a real-life nightmare. My dream took root at an early age when I realized I was blessed with the athletic ability to excel at sports, specifically basketball. I viewed every day as an opportunity to improve my skills. Driven to be the best and forsaking everything else, I strived for every advantage. I began to shoot more shots, dribble between tighter cones, lift heavier weights, run longer distances, and eat healthier and restricted meals in order to attain my goal of a Division One basketball scholarship. With the passage of time, in the name of “chasing my dream”, I gradually lost over thirty pounds and unconsciously starved my organs. My weary, exhausted body finally forced me to come to a life-saving pause on the afternoon of June 2, 2020. On that day, Dr. Amy Middleman diagnosed me with one of the most severe cases of anorexia she had ever seen. I was immediately admitted to OU Children’s Hospital with heart, brain, and liver damage due to my eating disorder. For one hundred and fifty-three long, lonely, and painful days, I was confined to a hospital bed and allowed no physical activity! Being such an active and driven person, this “forced complete shutdown” was painfully challenging for me. Instead of days filled with activities, my hours consisted of wires, tubes, needles, monitors, tests, and many doctors and nurses. To make matters worse, my hospital stay was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prohibited visitation to only one fixed visitor and limited time with other patients and hospital staff. My life literally stopped. However, every day as I laid hopelessly in a stale bed, helplessly ate at an empty table, and blankly stared out the same window, the world kept turning. My family sat down together for dinner with one empty chair, my sister had no shoulder to cry on, my friends laughed and made memories, my teammates played many basketball games and ran many circles around a track, and my loved ones experienced a life of abundance. Everything I had worked so hard for and enjoyed felt like it was destroyed and stripped away from me. I felt that my future was gone and my existence was no longer important/ had no purpose. My days were dark, and I fought back depression and anxiety with every breath I took. Faced with the decision to either give up on life and my dream or battle through my struggles every hour of every day, I chose to fight. With the help of doctors, therapists, family, friends, and my Savior Jesus Christ, I gained a new perspective on life. My journey has led me to a balanced lifestyle and a realization that I have value and worth that extends beyond painted lines, two goals, and an orange ball. One hundred and fifty-three days revealed to me that skinny is not the standard, basketball is not worth my life, and perfection is elusive. My dream has not expired and I will not enable my goal defeat me. I can still fulfill my seven-year-old vision. I continue to strive toward my destination, but with an altered motivation: To offer hope and encouragement to those who have lost ambition, and be a living example of a true overcomer.

After graduating from high school with a 4.0-grade point average and on route to being recognized as a distinguished scholar and valedictorian, I plan to attend a four-year university followed by a four-year graduate school, specifically Oklahoma State University. In undergraduate school, I plan to major in Animal Science. With this major, I hope to obtain a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). After passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, I intend on opening my own veterinarian clinic. I want to become a veterinarian for many reasons. My heart fell in love with animals at a very young age. My love for animals grew as I participated in the 4-H horse club and had the opportunity to work at my current place of employment, a breeding/training horse ranch. In the 4-H horse club, I attended many equine workshops and clinics through Oklahoma State University and private professionals. I also competed in numerous equine shows across the state where I placed in numerous events. I also competed at Oklahoma State University with the Custer County 4-H Horse Judging Team, Horse Team Problem, and Horse Quiz Bowl Team. My job working with animals, specifically horses, cattle, dogs, cats, and bunnies, has solidified my future desire in becoming a veterinarian. I had the opportunity to breed, ween, and train horses of all ages and bloodlines. I also treated the horse's injuries, wounds, and cuts. Along with the horses, I worked cattle which involved vaccinating, ear-notching cattle, and castrating calves. I love being around animals, and I have always dreamt of the day when I could pursue my long-term goal as a professional career. When I encounter difficulties along my career path, I will not give up. I have overcome many challenges which have allowed me to view hardships as a stepping stone to success. My hope is that I will leave a legacy in the veterinary field by running a practice that is successful and passionate about the care of animals. I strive to leave an impact so that many innovations will be created throughout my career as a veterinarian and contribute to the success of the profession.

After graduating from high school with a 4.0-grade point average and on route to being recognized as a distinguished scholar and valedictorian, I plan to attend a four-year university followed by a four-year graduate school, specifically Oklahoma State University. In undergraduate school, I plan to major in Animal Science. With this major, I hope to obtain a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). After passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, I intend on opening my own veterinarian clinic. I want to become a veterinarian for many reasons. My heart fell in love with animals at a very young age. My love for animals grew as I participated in the 4-H horse club and had the opportunity to work at my current place of employment, a breeding/training horse ranch. In the 4-H horse club, I attended many equine workshops and clinics through Oklahoma State University and private professionals. I also competed in numerous equine shows across the state where I placed in numerous events. I also competed at Oklahoma State University with the Custer County 4-H Horse Judging Team, Horse Team Problem, and Horse Quiz Bowl Team. My job working with animals, specifically horses, cattle, dogs, cats, and bunnies, has solidified my future desire in becoming a veterinarian. I had the opportunity to breed, ween, and train horses of all ages and bloodlines. I also treated the horse's injuries, wounds, and cuts. Along with the horses, I worked cattle which involved vaccinating, ear-notching cattle, and castrating calves. I love being around animals, and I have always dreamt of the day when I could pursue my long-term goal as a professional career. When I encounter difficulties along my career path, I will not give up. I have overcome many challenges which have allowed me to view hardships as a stepping stone to success. My hope is that I will leave a legacy in the veterinary field by running a practice that is successful and passionate about the care of animals. I strive to leave an impact so that many innovations will be created throughout my career as a veterinarian and contribute to the success of the profession.

After graduating from high school with a 4.0-grade point average and on route to being recognized as a distinguished scholar and valedictorian, I plan to attend a four-year university followed by a four-year graduate school, specifically Oklahoma State University. In undergraduate school, I plan to major in Animal Science. With this major, I hope to obtain a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). After passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, I intend on opening my own large animal veterinarian clinic.  I want to become a large animal veterinarian for many reasons. My heart fell in love with animals at a very young age. My love for animals grew as I was raised on a farm with horses and cattle, participated in the 4-H horse club, and had the opportunity to work at my current place of employment, a breeding/training horse ranch. At our family farm, I worked cattle. In the 4-H horse club, I attended many equine workshops and clinics through Oklahoma State University and private professionals where I learned the science behind large animals specifically horses and cattle. I also competed in numerous equine shows across the state where I placed in numerous events. I competed at Oklahoma State University with the Custer County 4-H Horse Judging Team, Horse Team Problem, and Horse Quiz Bowl Team.  My job working with animals, specifically horses, cattle, dogs, cats, and bunnies, has solidified my future desire in becoming a veterinarian. I had the opportunity to breed, ween, and train horses of all ages and bloodlines. I also treated the horse's injuries, wounds, and cuts. Along with the horses, I worked cattle which involved vaccinating, ear-notching cattle, and castrating calves.  I love being around animals, and I have always dreamt of the day when I could pursue my long-term goal as a professional career. When I encounter difficulties along my career path, I will not give up. I have overcome many challenges which have allowed me to view hardships as a stepping stone to success. One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my life so far is my battle with my worst enemy. Anorexia caused by an eating disorder confined me in OU Children’s hospital for 153 days. Even though my struggle was a temporary halt to my future plans, it provided me with a platform to inspire, motivate, and encourage others.  My hope is that I will leave a legacy in the veterinary field by running a practice that is successful and passionate about the care of large animals specifically horses and cattle. I strive to leave an impact so that many innovations will be created throughout my career as a veterinarian and contribute to the success of the profession.

On June 2, 2020, courage was slammed shut by bolted, closed doors, and hope was stripped away. Restricting food, hyper-exercising, and poor mental health were confronted just in time before her corrupted heart stopped beating. Seventy-one long days were spent alone battling her worst enemy in a hospital that was attacked by a deadly virus. It changed her life forever. Cords grew out of her chest and doctors flooded her with tests while her mind was racing to a jumbled mess. Food, voices, menus, weight, fat, and numbers were perpetually consuming the countless days. She was starving for boldness in this bloody war. The fight dragged into the year 2021. The same routine repeated itself with wires, tubes, needles, and deception haunting her. In addition, the coronavirus knocked on her door. For fourteen days, she was robbed of the vital love and support of her own mother and father. Physically and mentally as a seventeen-year-old girl, she was bankrupt. Since her several hospitalizations, debts are on the shoulders of her family. However, the battle scars in her past and the battles in her future, would not tuck away the fight in her determined heart. Her name is Addy Hoffman. Addy is growing up in the small town of Weatherford, Oklahoma. She lives with her mom, dad, younger sister, and two older brothers. She loves to give her time to the local food bank, the 4-H club, student council, key club, Spanish club, and various service projects in the community. As a high school Junior, Addy is a part of the basketball team and the track team. Being involved in sports has engraved determination, responsibility, and self-discipline in her everyday life. These qualities assist her on the lonely road to becoming a valedictorian of Weatherford High School. Once she graduates from High School, she plans to go to college and earn a degree to create a successful foundation for her future. College will be another place and opportunity for Addy to serve the community and utilize her social skills to impact thousands of people around her. This scholarship will be used to not only pay the big bill of a college education but provide Addy a position to serve others. It will lift a heavy burden off of her parent’s bank account and the rest of the family’s weighted shoulders. This scholarship will give me the ability to make my dreams come true.

As a student-athlete at Weatherford High School, I am honored. Leadership is expected in the student-athletes to unite themselves, team members, the student body, and the surrounding community. Leadership, to me, is a cycle. It is like shepherds who strive to teach their flock by example. Leadership continues by the flock growing into unprecedented shepherds. Then, the new shepherds search for their lost flock. Leadership starts with strong, wise leaders. I, a freshman athlete, was one of the many unorthodox shepherds taught by the older generation above me to guide and usher the future offsprings. They taught me these leadership qualities by example. A leader shows up. Every weekday, once the seventh bell rings, my clock is converted into court time. I stride straight to the white and red building, through the cafeteria, down the stairs, and into the locker room. I switch on the lights for the team, tighten my shoes, and walk onto the court thirty minutes before practice starts. As the team walks in, they see my actions. A leader listens, learns, and grows. During practices, my coach is always articulating advice, critiques, and criticism. This is the time where I soak up all of his knowledge and apply it to my game. Meanwhile, my teammates converse along the sidelines about the breakup last night, but they see my actions. A leader puts others before himself or herself. Basketball is a team effort. One player is not enough to win a game. Only a team with players on and off the court can celebrate victories. My assistant coach is always saying. “A quiet gym is a losing gym, a loud gym is a winning gym. No matter if you are on or off the court, you can be a part of this team’s success.” This value extends into everyday life. Life is not possible alone or in silence. Life is possible with people by your side. One leads with great discipline and pride for what they stand for. Hours of shooting, minutes of dribbling, and seconds of sweating is the routine that is necessary for a successful regimen. Walking with humble footsteps, acting with selfless ambition, and speaking honestly has gained my respect and recognition. A leader shows how one is responsible and accountable for their actions. Choosing the right path is not easy in this manipulative world. The prevalence of drugs, sex, and violence have become a staple in the halls of many schools. Distance from these temptations has strengthened my athletic path. My experience has been the most rewarding even though I had to stand alone at times. It also has allowed me to succeed individually but most importantly be a model for others. The future is in the hands of our younger students. It is crucial to me that my younger brothers and sisters are mentored in the right way. A leader knows the importance of these core values. Today, as a junior in high school, my teammates join me. We walk into the locker room, tighten our shoes, and walk onto the court thirty minutes before practice. We soak up Coach’s instruction. My team functions as one on the court and enjoys life together off the court. On days that are unorganized and free, we call our own gym time to build closer relationships while sharpening our masterpiece. We stay low to the ground with our mouths quiet but our feet moving. Addictions and bad choices are at war on every team. We support each other in the valleys as well as in the mountain tops. A lost sheep was found and was transformed into a shepherd. The flock that was in disarray has been convened into harmony. The shepherd did not only prosper the flock but acquired many effective characteristics in her own life.

On June 2, 2020, an old way of life was slammed shut by bolted closed doors, and hope was stripped away. Restricting food, hyper-exercising, and poor mental health was finally confronted. Seventy-one long days were spent alone battling my worst enemy in a hospital that was attacked by a deadly virus. It changed my life forever. Cords grew out of my chest and doctors flooded me with tests while my mind was racing to a jumbled mess. Food, skin, voices, menus, weight, fat, and numbers were perpetually consuming the countless days. I was starving for boldness in this bloody war. The fight dragged into the year 2021. The same routine repeated itself with wires, tubes, needles, and deception haunting me. In addition, the coronavirus knocked on my door for fourteen days. Physically and mentally as a seventeen-year-old girl, I was bankrupt. However, the battle scars in my past and the battles in my future, would not rip apart my young life. The thousands of hours spent in the empty room, the undesired food on my plates, the constant knawing pain in my stomach, and the devices on my chest was the brochure to my recovery. Even though I was stuck in the loneliest and scariest trench of my life, I gained more rich soil than black dirt. Each day in the hospital, the sun would creep into the hole and water would be spilled on my quenched petals. My stem began to lean on faith, not by itself. My roots attained trust in the community to connect to the ground. I redeemed balance in my structure. Selfcare began to manifest amongst my leaves. My seeds began to spread. I retained and absorbed the opportunity to flourish and grow in the channels, the ability to unveil the light in the world, and the desire to share the everlasting water with others. Although it has been a journey full of unexpected twists and abrupt potholes, I do not fear anymore. The vigorous path has signaled the blemishes of my thoughts. Relationships that were of no value became urgent. My family is my right hand, my friends have my left ear, and my community fortifies my feet. I welcome the deformity for it has built perseverance. The violent lessons have equipped me with the courage to face the uncertainty of life. Many days were lodged counting the granules of sand that had already fallen to the floor of the hourglass. I flip the hourglass to a new beginning where the sand falls with purpose. When the sun rose every day I woke up in slumber. As the newness of light defeats the darkness of night, I rise in eagerness. This improved posture will support the foundation to my future in which I will seek development, scatter positivity, and nurture bonds. I gained strength, physically and mentally, that breaks through the temporary pain, a motivation that notices the agony but focuses on the upcoming, and control that separates my thoughts and the reality around me. The words of the past have shifted and the pages are anew for my future.