Wrestling is much more than just a sport- it is a test of resilience, endurance, and mental toughness. For four years in high school, I was the only girl on an all-male wrestling team, facing challenges that extended far beyond the mat. While I expected the sport to be physically demanding, I never imagined the toll it would take on my health or the emotional and psychological battles I would endure. However, through determination, I refused to quit, and the lessons I learned through these tribulations continue to shape my life today. Freshman year was especially brutal. The practices were relentless- every day, we pushed our bodies to the limit; quite literally putting our blood, sweat, and tears into the sport. It wasn't uncommon for at least one teammate to throw up from the intensity each practice. When the season began, there were 27 of us. By the end, only three remained- two guys and me. Quitting had crossed my mind, but I had already payed for my wrestling shoes, so in my mind, there was no turning back. I tend to see things through once I commit to something. Being the only girl on the team came with its own set of difficulties. Some opponents refused to wrestle me, forfeiting rather than competing against me. Others were rougher on me, determined to prove that I didn't belong. Even with my own team, I was determined to prove my worth, I wanted to train just as hard as everyone else. Wrestling taught me that respect is earned through action. The biggest struggle I faced in my wrestling career, however, was the toll it took on my body- especially my concussions. I suffered five concussions throughout my wrestling journey (seven total throughout my life), each one more debilitating than the last. The dizziness, nausea, headaches, and memory loss became part of my daily reality. The hardest part was knowing that each concussion put my future at risk. I struggled with memory lapses and rushed recovery periods that often left me disconnected from the sport I loved. There were times when I wondered if I should stop, if the brain damage was worth it. At the end of the day, I persevered. Despite the memory loss and brain fog that I still experience to this day, I am so proud of myself for sticking with the sport that taught me grit and discipline. As the seasons went on, wrestling became more than just a sport- it became a source of identity, confidence, and belonging. Despite the hardships, I refused to let them define me. However, after wrestling for one year in college, I made the difficult decision to step away from the sport, finally putting my mind and my career first. Though leaving wrestling was heartbreaking, it opened the door for me to pursue another passion- media communication. I am now studying Media Communication at Lawrence Technological University, where I have redirected my drive and determination to create impactful digital content. Wrestling taught me to embrace discomfort, push past self-doubt, and direct my passion to my goals. These same principles now guide me as I am starting my journey in media. I hope to spread messages of resilience, faith, and adventure. I ultimately want my work to inspire others, just as wrestling once inspired me- to show that adversity can be overcome and that perseverance leads to growth. I carry the lessons of wrestling with me in everything I do, and I will continue to use them to push boundaries, inspire others, and make a lasting impact in my field and beyond.

Faith has always been a cornerstone of my life. Raised by a devoted Christian mother who once followed Jehovah's Witness teachings before deepening her faith in Christ, I grew up with a strong foundation in spirituality. My mother instilled in me the importance of loving and following Christ, and for that, I am forever grateful. As a child, I prayed often, yet my understanding of God's love was limited. I remember moments of fear, worrying that I would not be worthy of salvation, but as I have grown, so has my comprehension of God's boundless grace and mercy. Like many, I faced a period of questioning my faith when I came of age. It was during this time of doubt that my life became the most chaotic. I distanced myself from Christ, and in doing so, I found myself lost. The further I strayed, the more I felt the weight of confusion, sin, and instability. I now realize this was no coincidence- without faith, my foundation was weak, and my choices led me away from the peace that only God can provide. Over the past year, I have fully reconnected with Christ, and my life has transformed in ways I never thought possible. Philippians 4:6 reminds us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." This verse has been a guiding verse for me. Through prayer, I have learned to place my worries in God's hands, and in return, He has granted me clarity, peace, health, and a renewed sense of value. My faith is no longer just something I was taught- it is now the most essential part of who I am. With my studies in media communication, I aspire to make the world a better place by spreading messages of hope, adventure, and faith. We live in a digital age where negative and destructive content often overshadows messages of love and encouragement. 1 Corinthians 13:13 states, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." This verse serves as a reminder of what truly matters. My goal is to create media that fosters these values, inspiring others to seek faith even in the most challenging times. By graduating with a bachelor's degree and pursuing a career in media, I aim to honor God. Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This scripture motivates me to give my best in my studies, my work, and my spiritual journey. I strive to produce content that reflects integrity, truth, and the love of Christ, ensuring that my work aligns with the values of my faith. This scholarship opportunity is deeply meaningful to me because it aligns with my mission to serve and uplift through faith-based media. It would not only provide the financial support needed to pursue my education but also reinforce my commitment to using my faith as a guiding force in my career. I am dedicated to honoring God in all aspects of my life, and I am excited to use my skills to create meaningful and inspiring content that reflects His love.

The first time I stepped onto a wrestling mat, I didn't just learn how to compete- I learned how to fight through adversity. Wrestling is more than just a sport; it's a test of resilience, discipline, and determination—every match tests who is the hardest worker in the room. For five years, wrestling has shaped who I am, gifting me with strength and confidence. Through hard work and dedication, I had the privilege of competing at Ford Field in Detroit Michigan for the MHSAA State competition. I placed seventh, securing my spot as an All-State athlete. Now, I am struggling with continuing my journey. I am attending Lawrence Technological University for its excellent education. Eager to continue my wrestling career, I reached out to the athletic director and learned that the university lacked the resources to fund a wrestling program. They advised me to create my own club, but that process is quite expensive. Finding a space, purchasing equipment, and gaining a coach all require funding that I currently do not have. With the support of this scholarship, I would be able to start a wrestling club at Lawrence Tech University, creating opportunities for students like me who are passionate about the sport but lack a platform to train and compete. Wrestling has taught me to push through obstacles, and I will apply that same mindset to trying to bring this club to life. Step one would be buying a matt, and then The Lawrence Tech Wrestling Club would be born. I envision a space where students can challenge themselves, grow as athletes, and build a strong community based on perseverance and mutual support. More than just a training ground, it will be a place where dedication and resilience are celebrated. This scholarship would not only help me continue my own wrestling journey but will also allow me to give back by creating something lasting at LTU. It would be an investment in the future of wrestling at this university, ensuring that students for years to come have the opportunity to develop the same skills and values the sport has instilled in me. The lessons wrestling has taught me- hard work, persistence, and leadership- are the same qualities that will guide me in making this club a reality. My hope for the future is clear: to bring wrestling to LTU and ensure that future students have the chance to experience the sport that has shaped me into the person I am today.

What is the truth? In the realm of personal truth, the concept of "our truth" often emerges as a subjective interpretation of one's experiences, beliefs, and values. It's a notion that acknowledges the individual's perspective and understanding of the world. However, when we consider truth from a biblical standpoint, the question arises: Can truth be perceived? Is there a distinction between "our truth" and God's truth? Attending a university has opened my mind to many new ideas and beliefs. For the first time in my life, I questioned my religion and considered other belief systems as possible. Many believers undergo a common journey, especially college students. As we navigate life's complexities and encounter diverse perspectives, our understanding of faith is likely to evolve. But within Christianity, there is a foundational principle that God's truth stands as an absolute standard. This is what I have found to be "truth". The Bible serves as a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering guidance, wisdom, and insight into God's character and intentions. However, the Bible is not a manual but a collection of narratives teaching moral lessons. Each story within the Bible provides a glimpse into the human experience and the divine interaction with humanity, inviting readers to discern deeper truths. In this sense, the Bible is full of wisdom to help form the reader's individual truth. One scripture that encapsulates this idea is found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which states, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Here, the apostle Paul affirms the divine inspiration of Scripture and its practical application in guiding believers towards righteousness. However, the interpretation of biblical truths is not always straightforward. Cultural contexts, historical backgrounds, and linguistic nuances influence how we understand and apply scripture. This is where personal interpretation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit become crucial. Yet, amidst the diversity of interpretations, there are core elements of Christian faith that remain unwavering. Jesus Christ, as the embodiment of truth (John 14:6), serves as the ultimate standard by which all other truths are measured. His teachings, actions, and sacrificial love provide a clear demonstration of God's truth in human form. In grappling with understanding personal truth and divine truth, humility becomes important. Recognizing our finite perspectives and inherent biases, we humbly seek God's guidance and wisdom. As Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Ultimately, while individuals may perceive truth through their unique lenses, the ultimate truth remains to be God himself. Our journey for truth involves aligning our hearts and minds with His revealed wisdom, striving for righteousness, and trusting in His guidance along the journey.