The warm sun of Maryland embraced my face as I entered the core of the United Family Mission (UFM) a place where hope is shared with every meal. Though I had volunteered there times before this particular visit felt distinct. It marked the beginning of a journey that would test my leadership, creativity, and dedication to serving the community in ways I hadn't foreseen. UFMs admirable goal to feed the fortunate was hindered by a manual process, for onboarding volunteers. Volunteers like myself had to navigate an email system overseen by the founder leading to confusion, delays, and missed opportunities for service. Witnessing firsthand the frustration it caused among my peers and the added pressure on the founder made me realize that change was necessary. My proudest accomplishment by far arose from confronting this challenge. Merely recognizing the issue was insufficient; action was imperative. Despite lacking experience, in process automation, I sought guidance from my parents, who were my trusted resources. Together we set out to transform UFM's volunteer onboarding procedures. Our journey was fueled by late-night brainstorming sessions, cups of coffee, and an unwavering resolve to bring about change. The initial step involved comprehending the complexities of the system and pinpointing areas that needed improvement. We came up with a plan, for an automated process. Our idea was ambitious. To create a user website where volunteers could choose time slots complete a form watch a training video and take a quiz to confirm their readiness for their roles. If they scored 80% or higher on the quiz they would receive certification adding a layer of accountability to the process. Developing this system was quite challenging. I dived into coding and web design skills that were new to me. While my parents offered guidance most of the work fell on my shoulders. It was a learning experience with every obstacle teaching me about resilience and the importance of perseverance. Feedback from peers, many of whom were high school students like me played a role. Their suggestions helped tailor the system to be user-friendly and engaging ensuring it resonated with its target audience. Implementing the automated onboarding process revolutionized UFM. The founder no longer had to deal with the task of managing emails allowing her to concentrate on the organization's goal. Helping those, in need. Volunteers now experienced an onboarding process that made them feel appreciated and well-prepared. This not only reduced frustration but also instilled a sense of duty and dedication. The positive effects reached beyond UFM. The local residents, in need were positively impacted by a responsive team of volunteers. The simplified volunteering process at school made it easier for students to participate leading to increased involvement. This created a chain reaction of transformations each one touching lives in ways. From this experience, I learned some lessons. True leadership isn't about making declarations; it's about identifying issues and being ready to find solutions no matter how challenging they may seem. Determination and creativity can turn situations into opportunities for growth and progress. I realized that integrity involves staying committed to a project when faced with obstacles and genuine citizenship means making impactful changes. Looking ahead my goals are clear. I want to continue promoting innovation and community participation. In university I plan to pursue studies, in biological engineering focusing on addressing food insecurity—an interest sparked by my time with UFM. My vision is to create solutions that can be implemented widely ensuring that no one goes hungry. The automated registration system I developed for UFM is the start—a demonstration of the enduring power of change and the influence an individual can have on their surroundings. In summary, my significant accomplishment far goes beyond simply improving efficiency—it's, about discovering my ability to make a meaningful impact. This experience has been a mix of leadership, determination, creativity, and honesty. It has shown me that even the smallest efforts can lead to great outcomes. As I get ready for the next chapter, in college and beyond I bring with me the knowledge gained and the determination to keep contributing project by project.

When I was eleven years old everything changed for me. I experienced a lot of pain and uncertainty that turned my world down. It all began with stomach aches, which led to trips, to the doctor's blood tests and invasive exams. Of enjoying my childhood like kids my age I found myself on a quest for answers to the mystery of my suffering. The moment I was informed that I had Crohn's disease – a chronic often disabling condition – it felt like all my hopes and dreams were slipping leaving me with just a fraction of what I had hoped for in life. Life felt unjust as I watched my potential and aspirations crumble under the weight of this reality. My health continued to decline eventually leading to a hospitalization that became one of the trials I ever endured. In the hospital setting, where each day brought procedures and unbearable pain there was ample time for reflection. It was during this period that a compassionate nurse shared her faith in Jesus with me offering words of solace that ignited an epiphany within me. I came to realize that even though life would now be more challenging due to Crohn's disease there was still space, for fulfillment. Even though this illness has steered my path, in certain directions it hasn't dampened the potential I hold within. Coping with the illness demanded effort. It also unveiled a resilience within me that was previously unknown. I've learned to navigate through times stay focused on my studies despite the challenges and adapt to a lifestyle where thriving is just as crucial as surviving. Living with Crohn's disease has posed challenges for me. However, it has also served as a wellspring of strength. It has instilled in me resilience and the importance of perseverance. Each hurdle I face only fuels my determination to surmount obstacles reinforcing my belief that I can conquer any adversity that comes my way. This journey has molded me into someone who doesn't just endure difficulties but thrives despite setbacks. My aspiration to pursue a STEM degree is deeply intertwined with my battle against Crohn's disease. The curiosity sparked during appointments has evolved into an interest in science and technology. My goal is to contribute to advancements that enhance quality of life like how medical science has improved mine. Delving into the intricacies of the body and innovating solutions for health issues drive my passion, for STEM. Financially my journey, towards education is obstructed by challenges. My family has been facing strain due to medical expenses and the costs associated with managing my health condition. This scholarship means more to me than assistance; it serves as a crucial support system. It allows me to focus on my studies without the burden of worries. With this scholarship, I can dedicate myself entirely to achieving my goals contributing meaningfully to the field of STEM, and giving back to the community that has supported me. In essence, the obstacles I've conquered have shaped me into an individual. Despite facing Crohn's disease my aspirations remain strong; in fact, they have intensified my passion, for STEM and my dedication to making a difference. This scholarship will provide the support for me to pursue my education and realize my dreams empowering me to transform challenges into triumphs.

The summer of 2021 was meant to be a time, for events. We had just celebrated my grandmother MeMes's birthday surrounded by laughter and reminiscences of days gone by. Little did I realize that those happy moments would be the ones I would share with her. When my mother broke the news of MeMes passing a wave of disbelief swept over me. How could someone so vibrant and full of life be taken away suddenly? Anger and grief soon followed, guiding me through the stages of mourning. MeMe was more than a grandmother to me; she was my guide and greatest supporter. Education was her passion. She instilled in me the belief that a college degree held not only academic value but also unlocked a world brimming with opportunities. Without fail every month I would receive an envelope from MeMe in the mail containing articles about individuals who resembled me achieving feats. Along with each article was a note, in her handwriting affirming that I had the potential to accomplish anything I set my mind to. Her unexpected departure created a void within me, however, it also sparked a determination. MeMe's passing marked a turning point in my life serving as a catalyst that sharpened my focus on what holds importance. I came to understand that the best way to honor her memory was, by standing up for the dreams she believed I could achieve. She instilled in me a sense of ambition. Now it's my responsibility to nurture it. As I gear up for college this autumn focusing on biological engineering I carry MeMes' encouragement with me. Her belief in my potential motivates me to surpass my boundaries, shatter barriers, and shape a future where I can truly make a difference. Every experiment, every lecture, every sleepless night of studying will serve as a tribute to her confidence in me. Ultimately MeMe's passing taught me the lesson of resilience. It demonstrated that amidst loss one can discover strength and purpose. I am resolved to do her by pursuing my aspirations with the determination she always saw in me. Through my pursuit, in biological engineering, my goal is to contribute towards solutions addressing food insecurity—ensuring that her legacy endures through the changes I strive to bring about in the world. MeMes spirit will forever illuminate my path motivating me toward greatness and reminding me that, with commitment and hard work all things are achievable.