Refereeing lacrosse has been a significant part of my life, and one memory stands out as my favorite. It was a hot summer day in North Carolina, and I was officiating a youth lacrosse game. The game was intense, with both teams tied in the final minutes. As the referee, I was responsible for maintaining the flow and fairness of the game. When I made a crucial call that led to the winning goal, I saw the joy and excitement on the players' faces. This moment reminded me why I love the sport and the role I play in it. Being a referee has strengthened my character in many ways. It has taught me the importance of fairness and integrity. Making split-second decisions under pressure has improved my confidence and decision-making skills. As a referee, I have to be impartial and ensure that the rules are followed, which has helped me develop a strong sense of justice and responsibility. These qualities have not only made me a better referee but also a better person. Participating in sports as a referee has also taught me the value of communication and teamwork. I have learned how to communicate effectively with players, coaches, and other referees to ensure that the game runs smoothly. This experience has improved my ability to work with others, a skill that is crucial in any field, especially in medicine, which I plan to pursue in college. My passion for lacrosse extends beyond playing and refereeing. I started playing when I was eight years old and quickly fell in love with the sport. This passion led me to excel on the field and eventually become the team captain of my varsity lacrosse team in high school. I also founded a business to train kids on the fundamentals needed to excel on and off the field. Understanding the rules of the game is crucial, and refereeing has allowed me to deepen my knowledge and share it with others. As I look to the future, I plan to continue participating in refereeing. I believe that my experiences as a referee will complement my studies in biology and medicine. The skills I have developed—such as decision-making, communication, and integrity—are essential in the medical field. I am excited to bring the lessons I have learned from refereeing into my future career. In conclusion, refereeing has been a vital part of my life, shaping my character and preparing me for the future. It has taught me valuable lessons that I will carry with me as I pursue my studies in medicine. I am grateful for the opportunities that refereeing has given me and look forward to continuing this journey.

My name is Adin Bregman, and I am in my senior year of high school with a passion for pursuing a degree in STEM. I have chosen to major in Biology with the goal of becoming a dentist. My interest in dentistry stems from a desire to help people and make a positive impact on their lives. As a person of Hispanic and White descent, I believe that my background and experiences will allow me to bring a unique perspective to the field of dentistry. Growing up, I always enjoyed my science classes. I found the human body fascinating, and I was especially interested in how different parts of the body work together. This curiosity led me to explore various STEM fields, and I eventually discovered my passion for dentistry. Dentistry combines my love for science with my desire to help people improve their health and well-being. I have always been driven by the idea of making a difference in people's lives. As a dentist, I will have the opportunity to do just that. Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall health, and I want to help people maintain healthy smiles. I am particularly interested in working with underserved communities, where access to dental care is often limited. As a person of color, I understand the importance of representation in healthcare. I want to be a role model for other young people of color who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM. In addition to my passion for dentistry, I am also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the STEM field. I believe that diverse perspectives lead to better solutions and innovations. Having Hispanic and Jewish heritage, I have experienced the benefits of diversity firsthand. I want to use my experiences to advocate for greater representation of people of color in STEM. Throughout my academic journey, I have maintained a high level of academic excellence, as evidenced by my 4.5 high school GPA. I am confident that my strong work ethic and determination will help me succeed in college and beyond. I am excited to attend one of the prestigious universities I have been applied to, such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Virginia Tech, Auburn University, North Carolina State University, the University of Georgia, or Clemson University. In conclusion, I have chosen to pursue a degree in STEM because of my passion for science and my desire to help people. As a future dentist, I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients, especially those in underserved communities. As a person with Hispanic heritage, I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the STEM field. I believe that my background and experiences will allow me to bring a unique perspective to the field of dentistry, and I am excited to contribute to the advancement of oral health and overall well-being. Thank you for considering my application for the Innovators of Color in STEM Scholarship.

My name is Adin Bregman, and I am a senior in high school with a 4.5 GPA. I plan on studying Biology in college to go on to a career in dentistry or orthodontics. I have always been fascinated by the human body and how it works, and I believe that a career in dentistry will allow me to make a tangible difference in people's lives. I am particularly interested in orthodontics because it combines science and artistry to create beautiful, healthy smiles. In addition to my academic interests, I have already started my own business training young kids in lacrosse. This experience has taught me valuable lessons in leadership, responsibility, and entrepreneurship. I have always been passionate about lacrosse, and I enjoy sharing that passion with the next generation of players. Running my own business has also given me a sense of independence and confidence that I believe will serve me well in my future career. I have planned an entrepreneurial career because I value the freedom and creativity that comes with being your own boss. I enjoy the challenge of building something from the ground up and seeing it grow and succeed. I believe that my background in science and my experience as a business owner will provide a strong foundation for a successful career in dentistry or orthodontics. I believe I will be successful in my business endeavors because I am dedicated, hardworking, and passionate about what I do. I am not afraid of failure, and I am always willing to learn from my mistakes. I am also a strong communicator and team player, which I believe are essential qualities for any successful entrepreneur. I am committed to providing high-quality care to my future patients and to continuously improving my skills and knowledge. To me, a successful life is one where I am able to make a positive impact on the world around me. I want to be able to look back on my life and know that I made a difference in the lives of others. Whether it is through my work as a dentist or orthodontist, or through my business training young lacrosse players, I want to leave a lasting legacy of kindness, compassion, and excellence. In conclusion, I am excited to pursue a career in dentistry or orthodontics because it combines my love of science with my desire to help others. I believe that my entrepreneurial spirit and my experience running my own business will provide a strong foundation for my future success. I am committed to working hard, learning from my experiences, and making a positive impact on the world around me. Thank you for considering my application for the Jessie Koci Future Entrepreneurs Scholarship.

Dentistry is my chosen field of interest because I am drawn to improving people's self-image while helping them maintain good health. I also have an affinity for the field of science, and I know that in order to enter the field of dentistry, you need to excel in the sciences. My passion for dentistry started when I realized how much a healthy smile can boost someone's confidence and overall well-being. I want to be the person who helps others feel good about themselves through their smiles. As a Hispanic and White man, I have seen the importance of representation in healthcare. Many people in many communities do not have access to quality dental care. I want to be a dentist who can bridge this gap and provide much-needed services to underserved populations. I believe that everyone deserves to have a healthy smile, and I want to make that a reality for as many people as possible. When I enter college, I plan to major in Biology to build a strong foundation in the sciences. My high school GPA of 4.5 reflects my dedication to my studies, and I am excited to bring that same level of commitment to my college education. I have always been fascinated by how the human body works, and studying Biology will give me the knowledge I need to succeed in dental school. My goal is to open a dental clinic that focuses on providing affordable and high-quality care to low-income families. I want to create a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable and valued. I believe that by offering free dental check-ups and educational workshops, I can make a significant impact on my community's oral health. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am also motivated by personal experiences. Growing up, I saw family members struggle with dental issues due to a lack of access to care. This inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a difference in people's lives. I am determined to achieve my professional passion by working hard, staying focused, and never losing sight of why I chose this path. In conclusion, my love for science and my desire to improve people's lives through dentistry drive me to pursue this field. I am committed to making a positive impact on my community and helping others achieve healthy, confident smiles. With the support of the John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and make a lasting difference in the world of dentistry.