At 18, the day I became an adult, I found myself homeless. Within a twinkle of an eye, all my stability and sense of direction vanished into thin air. Even in those most tender moments, something deep within gave me the will to survive. It wasn't the first complication I faced; in fact, during my young years, I faced emotional and physical abuse by my father, leaving me with post-traumatic stress disorder. It is these hardships that have shaped me and put in me a resolve to live a life of compassion, healing, and service. Having resilience through my adversity taught me the value of support systems and the power of empathy. During the worst of my days, acts of kindness from others were my staying power. I have been helped by a remarkable community of educators, peers, and community members who encouraged me and gave me the motivation to stay in school and pursue my dreams. Their belief in me, when I did not have much belief in myself, inspired me to dedicate my life to serving others, especially children and families dealing with issues similar and even worse than what I dealt with. I am deeply moved by John F. Rowe, Jr.'s story and his commitment to public service. The tough times he went through in childhood gave him direction-to serve the city and the country. He became a firefighter, personifying values essential to resilience and selflessness. Just like John, I want to take my personal experiences and transform them into strengths I can use in service to others. Currently, I attend SUNY Fredonia, studying psychology and music while working toward a career as a social worker specializing in supporting children and their families. Through my life and studies, I have developed a distinctive and individual viewpoint on the needs of the most vulnerable populations. I want to make sure that children within the foster care system, low-income families, and survivors of trauma get what they deserve to live a good life. This scholarship would afford me the ability to give more of my energy to education and community service in preparation for a lifetime of serving others. It would be an honor to continue the legacy of John F. Rowe, Jr. through my career in service and to use my experiences to nurture resilience and hope in others. Each of these challenges has fortified my determination to make people rise above their problems, and I am determined to make my journey a foundation for change.

Love Island captivates audiences not just with romance but with dramatic challenges that reveal the true dynamics between the islanders. One innovative idea that would add an exciting new layer to the show is the "Island Auction" challenge. This concept would raise the stakes by introducing strategy, trust, and unexpected twists that keep both contestants and viewers on their toes. In the "Island Auction" challenge, islanders earn points through mini-games, which could include trivia, timed challenges, or relationship-based tests. The key twist is that these points serve as currency to bid on a variety of mysterious items. These rewards could range from secret advantages in future challenges to opportunities to switch partners or go on private dates with other contestants. Some auction items could introduce surprise twists, such as a new islander entering the villa or putting a couple at risk of elimination. The auction would be a highly anticipated event, where islanders bid their points on the available items. This could occur every few days or at significant milestones in the competition. Some items might be "twist" rewards that could dramatically change the course of the game—like the chance to eliminate a couple or force an immediate recoupling. The challenge would require islanders to balance their personal needs with the strategic advantage of keeping their alliances and relationships intact. For example, an islander might bid on a "private date" with their partner to strengthen their bond or on an "immunity" pass to protect their relationship from elimination. The "Island Auction" would introduce a new level of excitement by combining strategy with mystery. Islanders' choices would keep viewers on edge, as they decide whether to be selfish and secure an advantage or take a risk for a larger payoff later in the game. The secrecy of the auction and the potential for surprise rewards would amplify the unpredictability of the show, ensuring that no two challenges are ever the same. The auction also creates natural opportunities for testing loyalty and fostering rivalry. Islanders might use their winnings to form new alliances or to cause a divide within existing ones. Imagine the drama if one partner bids on a "date with another islander" or if a twist forces a couple to face an unexpected challenge together. Overall, the "Island Auction" would add an exciting mix of strategy, competition, and drama to Love Island. With its mystery rewards and high-stakes twists, it would deepen the intrigue and emotional investment for both the islanders and the audience. This challenge would perfectly complement the show’s dynamic blend of romance and drama while introducing a fresh layer of unpredictability.

From a young age, I’ve believed in the transformative power of helping others unlock their potential. This belief has become the foundation of my life, guiding me in everything I do. Whether through mentorship, volunteering, or my academic journey, I am deeply committed to empowering others to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. As a transfer student at SUNY Fredonia, I faced many challenges that initially made me question my path. However, these struggles ignited a deep determination to help others facing similar obstacles. This led me to become a Transfer Mentor and Intern, where I worked to provide guidance and support to other transfer students. What I realized was that a single conversation or gesture could have a profound impact on someone’s confidence and sense of belonging. By listening, offering empathy, and advocating for their needs, I was able to help them not only adjust but also thrive in their new environment. This experience transformed me into a catalyst for change. I didn’t just want to offer support; I wanted to create an environment where individuals could feel empowered to reach their full potential. Every time I saw a student take a step toward their goals, I was reminded of the power of support and the importance of making people feel valued. Beyond my mentorship role, I’ve also volunteered at a local food pantry, where I learned the importance of not just meeting people’s immediate needs but offering hope and compassion. In these moments, I witnessed the resilience of individuals facing adversity and realized that empowerment comes from creating spaces where people can rebuild their confidence and reclaim their dignity. In my academic studies in psychology, I am particularly passionate about mental health advocacy. I aim to contribute to building environments that support mental well-being and help people flourish. My research into the mental health effects of remote work is a step toward developing practical solutions for individuals struggling in challenging circumstances. Every step I take—whether in mentorship, volunteering, or research—is driven by a desire to make a lasting, positive difference in people’s lives. My ambition is not just to help but to lead and inspire others to reach their full potential. I want to provide the tools and support necessary for others to succeed and empower them to become leaders and changemakers in their own right. This scholarship is not just financial support; it is an investment in a future of empowerment and change. If chosen as the recipient, I will use this opportunity to expand my impact, creating opportunities for others to thrive. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students committed to making a difference.

My mental health has been unstable during my teenage years up to early adulthood. This is due to the abuse I received from my father, which gave me PTSD and worsened my depression and anxiety. Until I found an understanding therapist and went "no-contact" with my father, I would often feel suicidal and hopeless. I felt I had nothing to give to the world and my only purpose of existence was to prove myself useful to others, which I know is not true. Music has always been a tool I used to cope positively. Even through the worst of nights, I would prevent risky behavior by putting headphones on and listening to Supertramp. Songs like "The Logical Song" and "Soapbox Opera" would resonate in my soul. I would direct my sadness toward these songs and feel recognized because these songs would discuss societal pressures and religious pressures I understood, which would help me calm down. Rodger Hodgson, a songwriter, and singer of this band, would inspire me to write down my feelings and turn my emotions into piano ballads. I have always loved the piano, and thanks to this coping tool, I am alive today and recovering well. I have not lost any close friends, but I experienced the loss of someone from suicide in my community, and I have talked close friends out of suicide. It is heartbreaking to know that so many people choose to deal with these feelings alone and cannot express themselves in a safe space. What I hope to do in the future is become a Music Therapist. With the coping tool I have used and sustained and the power of psychology, I would like to help others through music and help others learn to find peace. I am lucky to have had access to therapy myself, but this is not the case for everyone. I hope that clinics that focus on mental health will be affordable and accessible for everyone, or provide schools with more mental health resources, especially those in rural and low-income communities, and I wish to further help this case. I hope that in the future, we can have a society where no one feels the need to no longer exist and feel worthwhile. Everyone deserves a chance to prosper.

I am no financial guru or a business major, but I appreciate financial advice and saving money. I like going to thrift stores and finding rare finds, buying ingredients in bulk, and buying annual hiking passes to motivate myself to be active instead of going to the gym. Not everyone does this, and that is okay. Although I appreciate these money savers, I still tend to buy luxurious products, like merchandise from my favorite movie franchise and delicious bubble tea. Everyone's money habits are different, so it is often complicated to have one-size-fits-all financial advice. As a typical broke college student, I also concur that I tend to impulse buy. When I see a new release of my favorite video game franchise, I am tempted to purchase it, because my brain tells me I deserve it from studying and pushing through and that my friends will be buying it too. Especially during finals and midterms, I am mentally exhausted and would rather not care about my spending habits and have deluxe ice cream for lunch and dinner. While it is good to reward yourself now and then, if not for budgeting, I would be a lot more desperate for money than I am right now. A family friend recommended that I keep a budget journal and write down everything, including how much I earn and how much I spend. I went to my local dollar store and found a small book. It was nothing special and did not contain any intricate details, and neither should anyone else's budget journal. When I started, I would write down how much money I started with in my savings and checkings accounts (another great piece of financial advice: have savings and checkings account to differentiate where your money goes). As the week goes by, I would write down how much I'd earn in my paycheck and how much I spend on necessities (gas, food, hygienics, bills, etc.) and recreational activities (movies, games, hiking, etc.). From there, I calculate how much I need to comfortably push through each week, and how much I can spend to enjoy myself. I have noticed that most of my unnecessary spending habits occur when I forget to buy something important and get distracted by "eye candies" sneakingly placed in the most convenient of places in stores, or when I wish to hang out with friends. When it comes to buying unnecessary purchases, like candy or souvenirs from trips, I find it helpful to set a budget for each week (or trip) and stick to cash purchases. For me, I run the risk of overbuying when I have a direct link to my bank account. With cash, you have a limit and have to budget accordingly. Furthermore, with this budget journal, I like to record my financial activity at the end of the day. This habit helps me wind down before bed and decreases the amount of money anxiety I have in the middle of the night (I do not wake up at 3 am anymore and say "Shoot, I might not be able to buy chicken for my meal prep next week"). As a person with generalized anxiety disorder, I tend to blow things out of proportion, especially when I worry about costs. With this budget journal, I do not have to stress. As a result of my budget journal, I was able to save up enough money to have an emergency fund of $1000. If anything unexpected occurs, whether it be me paying out of pocket for college, or if my car breaks down, I can use this money to stay afloat until my situation is at ease. I also can save up for important purchases that prove useful to my career, like a new guitar or work computer. In conclusion, I think a budget journal would prove useful for anyone, regardless of demographic and spending habits. I have always found it frustrating when listening to others for specific advice on how to budget, so I understand that while one person can budget a certain way, another person may not afford to. This advice might not work for everyone, and I understand that too, but I find it worth it to try.

My favorite time is when the sun peaks And forests are hit with youthful day's glare Light falls upon the tiniest of creeks As rabbits and birds breathe the morning air Winter is gone, far away from reach Full-leaved trees and pastel flowers look spry But despite what the forests used to teach I flee from bed and heave a heavy sigh A store opens with beloved antiques Asking those who purchase to handle with care A shop close by sells beautiful boutiques Asking to join a young woman's affair The community church has a priest preach Regarding matters of the world's outcry Asking for forgiveness is his beseech And hold our guilty hearts up towards the sky Oh, how I miss how mother nature speaks Telling me of a world so true and fair Where children frolic and bear no more shrieks From society's cold and dark despair My childhood was taken by a leech "It was time" they said, to serve and comply I struggled to float and tried to outreach To selfish beings who held their heads high We are told each day to make a grand speech When darkness inside compells us to cry We are told everyday to overreach When we never have the time to ask why Why am I told each day to make speeches When all I can do is sit down and cry? Why do I try with my overreaches? I ask you again, why? I ask you, why? My favorite time is when the sun peaks And forests are hit with youthful day's glare Light falls upon the tiniest of creeks As rabbits and birds breathe the morning air Winter is gone, far away from reach Full-leaved trees and pastel flowers look spry I listen to the forests, which have to teach The reasons I should stay alive

I was not surprised when I was diagnosed with Raynaud's disease. My mother and grandfather both have an autoimmune disease, and it explained the reason why it was so hard to stand outside in the freezing weather of New York during a soccer competition. My hands would always turn white and purple to where I would cry in pain, and I was informed by peers that I was exaggerating. What makes matters worse was how the impact of stress and anxiety worsened the quality of my hands. I chose one of the worst careers ever, which requires the constant use of my hands daily. I have always wanted to choose a career path focused on music, primarily piano, so that I may use my talent to help others. I have been regarded as a great pianist, and I have seen a drastic improvement in my technique in college, and I do not expect to give up on the piano yet. I wish to be a music therapist and use my gift of the piano to help with the mental health conditions of others and find ways to make music improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, I have a grim fate that floats above my head, just waiting to send my dreams into shambles. I do notice that my hands appear red around my joints, and they do hurt when I practice my pieces in repetition. I often live worrying that I will not improve as much as my peers and end up disappointing instructors who put effort into my work. I tend to either limit my practicing to 2 hours per day or 3 hours with 1-hour intervals. If I continue to go over my time limit, this results in pain for many days, which hinders my improvement. What I do to combat this tribulation is to work on not only the piano, but practice singing and guitar, look into psychology, and reduce my stress levels by engaging in visual arts. Should my efforts in piano be wasted, I will look into similar instruments that will continue to achieve my dreams, like guitar or voice. The great thing about music therapy is I do not have to dedicate myself to just one instrument, but I can include secondary instruments, and sometimes it is preferred to use a more mobile and less demanding instrument. Also, I could change my career path entirely and look into psychology. I can research other methods to improve the mental health of those going through severe anxiety and depression. Overall, a disease, especially an autoimmune disease, should not dictate whether I can or cannot pursue a dream, and I can improvise in other ways. Yes, it may suck to find out in the future that I may no longer be able to commit to the piano, and I may be met with disgruntled instructors regarding this, but there is always a way to rebound and recover mentally, especially if my dream is to help others.

At eighteen, I ventured out to the world on my own with newfound independence, and I was met with a sorrowful reality. First, I did not have a job or friends, and I was raised in a strict household that prevented me from learning to be an adult. Because of this dilemma, I actively searched for help, obtained a job, and asked as many questions as I could to learn about everything. I later learned that I was much stronger than I thought. I recently received my driver's license, I am pushing through college and passing, I have friends and professors that care about me, my musicianship is improving, and I am great at boiling hard-boiled eggs. My family imagined my future to be grim and hopeless, but I am living proof that this is not the case! I hope that I can continue to grow and succeed. This scholarship will help me save up for supplies crucial to my education: a school computer and a vehicle for transportation. Unlike my peers, I do not have reliable transportation. I am currently saving money to obtain a vehicle myself, but a scholarship will help me obtain a car that can help me commute in the rural area where I live with ease or move to a more suitable environment. I will also be able to find jobs outside my area that pertain to music therapy, a career choice of mine. Overall, this scholarship can greatly improve my quality of living, which will motivate me to pursue my career even more. I am a musician and I want to be a music therapist due to my passion for music and interest in psychology. My main instrument is the piano, but I have experience with guitar, voice, flute, and percussion. Psychology and philosophy are subjects I appreciate discussing with others, and I hope to produce music that encapsulates future research with these topics I will conduct as a music therapist and themes that will bring comfort to others. Not only do I enjoy music, but I enjoy visual arts. I occasionally find myself taking photos of memorable locations or patterns I notice that look appealing, like a simple stream alongside a road I travel. I also enjoy painting, preferably watercoloring, as it reduces stress and inspires my music. Because I am allergic to both gluten and dairy, I cook my own meals and enjoy the art of Asian cuisine, mainly Japanese and Korean.

I wanted to be a musician all my life. Eons ago, my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Brady, sat the class down in a circle to discuss our dream jobs. All my other classmates had more reasonable career choices. Nickolas wanted to be a firefighter, Samantha aspired to be a doctor, and Michael wanted to take on his father's pizza business. When it came to my turn, I stood up and excitedly blurted out that I wanted to be a singer. I look back at this memory and laugh, and then I realize I'm majoring in Music (oh dear). Luckily, I have a more practical goal in mind, should my kindergartener self worry about my income. Why did I choose to seek this path? I have always involved myself with music in one way or another. My mother wanted me to be intelligent, so she should supply my nights with concertos, symphonies, or any works within the classical music genre. I am happy to say that I currently maintain a GPA of 4.0 in college, probably due to this method. My grandfather was musically gifted and would play Beatles and Beach Boys, which motivated me to join Romulus high-school choir and take on piano lessons. I later joined Romulus high-school band and was recognized for my dedication as an instrumentalist when I participated in NYSSMA for flute and voice. When I moved to Liverpool, New York, I kept piano lessons and joined a homeschool choir when I wished to study at home. Furthermore, I found music as my only consolation when I faced parental conflict. Growing up, I was antisocial and struggled to maintain friendships, let alone have close friends. When my father caused distress to my siblings and me, I stumbled into depression. I would find myself holding onto nothing but the piano in our living room and venting my feelings into the keys. I found playing the keyboard as my therapy. Times were uncertain, especially during COVID-19, but I would thrive if I had an instrument to perform on. Now enrolled in Onondaga Community College, I'm using piano and my voice for my goal, and I expect to graduate in May 2023 and transfer in Fall 2023. My current career interest is Music Therapy, a combination of my enjoyment of playing instruments and utilizing my talent to motivate and comfort others. I am proud of my achievements in the Music Department, which are as simplistic as learning how to play Bach's Prelude in D Major to developing long-lasting connections.

I'm Alex Beavers, and I want to be a Music Therapist. Pursuing my education appears to be the best decision I made, growing up in a world that seemed to keep falling apart. My childhood was not a comforting one, as I suffered from emotional and sexual abuse from my father, and I had to look after my younger siblings while my mother fought for full custody in family court. My mother is an honorable woman and made it a priority to raise us well, despite our financial intricacies. The day I turned 18, I had to venture out alone, without financial support from my mother, and to say it was difficult was an understatement. 2021 not only included COVID-19 and social distancing, but I also struggled to find a job and afford food with inflated prices. Without the help of friends noticing my struggle, I would not be where I am today. My life suddenly turned around, and a family sheltered me and gave me a job. Because of this act of charity, I saw the light in my future and gave community college a chance. Almost two years later, I will graduate with an Associate's. I'm paying for tuition independently, and I stick to my studies well. I currently have a 4.0 and am inducted as a member of Phi Theta Kappa. I am eager to say that my musicianship was recognized as well, as I earned a scholarship (Kevin and Selma Moore Scholarship, given to freshman pianists who showed great improvement). I hope to continue to make my professors and others who have helped me proud. I chose to major in General Music at Onondaga Community College. Music has always been my place of solace, especially during my most trial-some times. The family who helped me were musicians and encouraged me to use my musicianship to help others. I sympathize with those in complicated situations and wish that my music could ease them or at least be a beacon of comfort. I choose Music Therapy as my career goal not only because of the increase in demand for therapists with proficiency in music but to help those with PTSD or trauma-related problems. Having been recently established as a career after WWII, it is still evolving and more research is being conducted on how to best assist patients. I hope to assist in said research and provide a more affordable approach to therapy, to provide relief to those in the working class. I understand that this will be a challenging approach, but compared to my other trials, I feel it will not be impossible.