When I was younger I went on a school trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute in San Diego, California, to explore the world of marine life. It took us on a journey of learning from the largest of creatures to the smallest phytoplankton of the sea. We looked through microscopes and swam with bioluminescent phytoplankton at night. We learned to identify different seaweeds, how they grew in various levels of light, and how they photosynthesized. We learned about many species that live in the ocean in that area. I learned about the characteristics of sharks, that sharks aren't as dangerous as people perceive them to be. The reason they keep their mouths open is that they need to breathe through their mouths. They even taught us about the customs sailors would use to avoid seasickness when they would eat the pupil of a squid. It tasted like plastic. They let me hold a sea urchin in my hand and it was amazing how it felt as it moved in my hand. Ever since that trip in 7th grade I've dreamed of helping and learning all there is to know about the hundreds of creatures we studied and the millions more in the ocean around the world. It's intriguing to me that there are creatures out there that haven't been discovered yet! As of today, I've focused my attention on crustaceans and their habitats; learning how they live, function, and thrive. Looking around I've also noticed how little preservation and care people have put into crustaceans and their habitats. I also have an interest in sharks. I haven't decided on which species I want to focus on. The amount of extinct marine species is frightening and quite frankly, horrendous. I have heard that they take shark fins to make fin soup. The shark is left to drown because it can't breathe without swimming. I have also read about crustacean harvesting and the pollution of their habitats. And just like every other ocean species, they are at risk because of pollution and habitat loss. In the end, I want to be able to help those environments thrive and grow into what they have the potential to be. I want to use this scholarship to attend the University of Oregon Institute of Marine Biology so I can further study how to save, conserve, and protect marine life that most people don't acknowledge because as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."

When I was younger I went on a school trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute in San Diego, California, to explore the world of marine life. It took us on a journey of learning from the largest of creatures to the smallest phytoplankton of the sea. We looked through microscopes and swam with bioluminescent phytoplankton at night. We learned to identify different seaweeds, how they grew in various levels of light, and how they photosynthesized. We learned about many species that live in the ocean in that area. I learned about the characteristics of sharks, that sharks aren't as dangerous as people perceive them to be. The reason they keep their mouths open is that they need to breathe through their mouths. They even taught us about the customs sailors would use to avoid seasickness when they would eat the pupil of a squid. It tasted like plastic. They let me hold a sea urchin in my hand and it was amazing how it felt as it moved in my hand. Ever since that trip in 7th grade I've dreamed of helping and learning all there is to know about the hundreds of creatures we studied and the millions more in the ocean around the world. It's intriguing to me that there are creatures out there that haven't been discovered yet! As of today, I've focused my attention on crustaceans and their habitats; learning how they live, function, and thrive. Looking around I've also noticed how little preservation and care people have put into crustaceans and their habitats. I also have an interest in sharks. I haven't decided on which species I want to focus on. The amount of extinct marine species is frightening and quite frankly, horrendous. I have heard that they take shark fins to make fin soup. The shark is left to drown because it can't breathe without swimming. I have also read about crustacean harvesting and the pollution of their habitats. And just like every other ocean species, they are at risk because of pollution and habitat loss. In the end, I want to be able to help those environments thrive and grow into what they have the potential to be. I want to use this scholarship to attend the University of Oregon Institute of Marine Biology so I can further study how to save, conserve, and protect marine life that most people don't acknowledge because as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."

When I was younger I went on a school trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute in San Diego, California, to explore the world of marine life. It took us on a journey of learning from the largest of creatures to the smallest phytoplankton of the sea. We looked through microscopes and swam with bioluminescent phytoplankton at night. We learned to identify different seaweeds, how they grew in various levels of light, and how they photosynthesized. We learned about many species that live in the ocean in that area. I learned about the characteristics of sharks, that sharks aren't as dangerous as people perceive them to be. The reason they keep their mouths open is that they need to breathe through their mouths. They even taught us about the customs sailors would use to avoid seasickness when they would eat the pupil of a squid. It tasted like plastic. They let me hold a sea urchin in my hand and it was amazing how it felt as it moved in my hand. Ever since that trip in 7th grade I've dreamed of helping and learning all there is to know about the hundreds of creatures we studied and the millions more in the ocean around the world. It's intriguing to me that there are creatures out there that haven't been discovered yet! As of today, I've focused my attention on crustaceans and their habitats; learning how they live, function, and thrive. Looking around I've also noticed how little preservation and care people have put into crustaceans and their habitats. I also have an interest in sharks. I haven't decided on which species I want to focus on. The amount of extinct marine species is frightening and quite frankly, horrendous. I have heard that they take shark fins to make fin soup. The shark is left to drown because it can't breathe without swimming. I have also read about crustacean harvesting and the pollution of their habitats. And just like every other ocean species, they are at risk because of pollution and habitat loss. In the end, I want to be able to help those environments thrive and grow into what they have the potential to be. I want to use this scholarship to attend the University of Oregon Institute of Marine Biology so I can further study how to save, conserve, and protect marine life that most people don't acknowledge because as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."

When I was younger I went on a school trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute in San Diego, California, to explore the world of marine life. It took us on a journey of learning from the largest of creatures to the smallest phytoplankton of the sea. We looked through microscopes and swam with bioluminescent phytoplankton at night. We learned to identify different seaweeds, how they grew in various levels of light, and how they photosynthesized. We learned about many species that live in the ocean in that area. I learned about the characteristics of sharks, that sharks aren't as dangerous as people perceive them to be. The reason they keep their mouths open is that they need to breathe through their mouths. They even taught us about the customs sailors would use to avoid seasickness when they would eat the pupil of a squid. It tasted like plastic. They let me hold a sea urchin in my hand and it was amazing how it felt as it moved in my hand. Ever since that trip in 7th grade I've dreamed of helping and learning all there is to know about the hundreds of creatures we studied and the millions more in the ocean around the world. It's intriguing to me that there are creatures out there that haven't been discovered yet! As of today, I've focused my attention on crustaceans and their habitats; learning how they live, function, and thrive. Looking around I've also noticed how little preservation and care people have put into crustaceans and their habitats. I also have an interest in sharks. I haven't decided on which species I want to focus on. The amount of extinct marine species is frightening and quite frankly, horrendous. I have heard that they take shark fins to make fin soup. The shark is left to drown because it can't breathe without swimming. I have also read about crustacean harvesting and the pollution of their habitats. And just like every other ocean species, they are at risk because of pollution and habitat loss. In the end, I want to be able to help those environments thrive and grow into what they have the potential to be. I want to use this scholarship to attend the University of Oregon Institute of Marine Biology so I can further study how to save, conserve, and protect marine life that most people don't acknowledge because as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."

When I was younger I went on a school trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute in San Diego, California, to explore the world of marine life. It took us on a journey of learning from the largest of creatures to the smallest phytoplankton of the sea. We looked through microscopes and swam with bioluminescent phytoplankton at night. We learned to identify different seaweeds, how they grew in various levels of light, and how they photosynthesized. We learned about many species that live in the ocean in that area. I learned about the characteristics of sharks, that sharks aren't as dangerous as people perceive them to be. The reason they keep their mouths open is that they need to breathe through their mouths. They even taught us about the customs sailors would use to avoid seasickness when they would eat the pupil of a squid. It tasted like plastic. They let me hold a sea urchin in my hand and it was amazing how it felt as it moved in my hand. Ever since that trip in 7th grade I've dreamed of helping and learning all there is to know about the hundreds of creatures we studied and the millions more in the ocean around the world. It's intriguing to me that there are creatures out there that haven't been discovered yet! This is where I get to geek out over all the fantasy books I’ve read. For example, A Court of Thorns and Roses series, Throne of Glass, and any Sarah J. Maas book. Honestly, most fantasy books that have magic, fae, dragons, or any type of beast; you’ll find me reading them all. Books help me escape into worlds that I can explore through lore or character-building. I have about 10 different characters who I could go on and on about if someone asked, especially Feyre (fay-ruh) the main character of A Court of Thorns and Roses. I admire her because no matter how hard the situation gets, she is always able to find a solution, which is a trait I aspire to have. These characters and other worlds helped pull me out of a depression that held on to me from freshman to mid-sophomore year. I was in a toxic relationship with someone who just sucked the life out of everything I did or tried to do. It got to the point where my own mother told me I needed therapy, but no matter what, my books and music were there to help me through it all. Along with my depression, I struggle with general anxiety disorder and have been on medications since I was 15. I constantly lived in fear of what people thought about me and couldn’t be myself. Despite these labels from therapists and psychiatrists I have learned to grow as an individual; my anxiety made me realize I needed to push out of my comfort zone and now I am able to make all kinds of new friends everywhere I go. My depression has helped me see how precious life is and how beautiful it can be if you just look a little closer.

At that moment I wanted nothing more than to be in my cot sound asleep dreaming, what I didn't expect to find was a dream of its own becoming reality. A dream full of floating stars and freezing cold water that reminded me each second that it was all real. They told me I wouldn't regret getting into freezing waters this late at night and I do have to say I never regretted a second once I got to see the bioluminescent phytoplankton through my own eyes. When I was younger, I went on a school trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute in San Diego, California, to explore the world of marine life. I journeyed through learning about the largest of creatures to the smallest phytoplankton of the sea. I learned to identify different seaweeds, how they grew in various levels of light, and how they photosynthesized by looking through microscopes. I learned about many species that live in the ocean in that area. I learned about the characteristics of sharks, and that sharks are not as dangerous as people perceive them to be. The reason they keep their mouths open is because they need to breathe through their mouths. The marine biology experts even taught us about the customs sailors would use to avoid seasickness, such as eating the pupil of a squid - it tasted like plastic. They let me hold a sea urchin in my hand and it was amazing how it felt as it moved in my hand. Ever since that trip in 7th grade I've dreamed of helping and learning all there is to know about the hundreds of creatures we studied and the millions more in the ocean around the world. It's intriguing to me that there are creatures out there that haven't been discovered yet! As of today, I've focused my attention on crustaceans and their habitats; learning how they live, function, and thrive. Looking around I've also noticed how little preservation and care people have put into crustaceans and their habitats. I also have an interest in sharks. I haven't decided on which species I want to focus on. The amount of extinct marine species is frightening and quite frankly, horrendous. I have heard that they take shark fins to make fin soup. The shark is left to drown because it can't breathe without swimming. I have also read about crustacean harvesting and the pollution of their habitats. And just like every other ocean species, they are at risk because of pollution and habitat loss. In the end, I want to be able to help those environments thrive and grow into what they have the potential to be. I want to use this scholarship to attend the University of Oregon Institute of Marine Biology so I can further study how to save, conserve, and protect marine life that most people don't acknowledge because as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."

I've poured almost my entire life into furthering my education. And yes, technically I legally have to but I've always loved it, not just because of my friends. I have had a passion for my education since I was little and learned how to spell 'because' using "big elephants can always understand small elephants", from my kindergarten teacher Ms. Price. Not only that, my mom has been a teacher since before I was born and still is. She used to be my preschool teacher and has engrained it into me to value my education and enjoy every second of it. So I have. When I was younger I went on a school trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute in San Diego, California, to explore the world of marine life. It took us on a journey of learning from the largest of creatures to the smallest phytoplankton of the sea. We looked through microscopes and swam with bioluminescent phytoplankton at night. We learned to identify different seaweeds, how they grew in various levels of light, and how they photosynthesized. We learned about many species that live in the ocean in that area. I learned about the characteristics of sharks and that sharks aren't as dangerous as people perceive them to be. The reason they keep their mouths open is that they need to breathe through their mouths. They even taught us about the customs sailors would use to avoid seasickness when they would eat the pupil of a squid. It tasted like plastic. They let me hold a sea urchin in my hand and it was amazing how it felt as it moved in my hand. Ever since that trip in 7th grade I've dreamed of helping and learning all there is to know about the hundreds of creatures we studied and the millions more in the ocean around the world. It's intriguing to me that there are creatures out there that haven't been discovered yet! The amount of extinct marine species is frightening and quite frankly, horrendous. I have heard that they take shark fins to make fin soup. The shark is left to drown because it can't breathe without swimming. I have also read about crustacean harvesting and the pollution of their habitats. And just like every other ocean species, they are at risk because of pollution and habitat loss. In the end, I want to be able to help those environments thrive and grow into what they have the potential to be. I want to use this scholarship to attend the University of Oregon Institute of Marine Biology so I can further study how to save, conserve, and protect marine life that most people don't acknowledge because as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."

When I was younger I went on a school trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute in San Diego, California, to explore the world of marine life. It took us on a journey of learning from the largest of creatures to the smallest phytoplankton of the sea. We looked through microscopes and swam with bioluminescent phytoplankton at night. We learned to identify different seaweeds, how they grew in various levels of light, and how they photosynthesized. We learned about many species that live in the ocean in that area. I learned about the characteristics of sharks, that sharks aren't as dangerous as people perceive them to be. The reason they keep their mouths open is that they need to breathe through their mouths. They even taught us about the customs sailors would use to avoid seasickness when they would eat the pupil of a squid. It tasted like plastic. They let me hold a sea urchin in my hand and it was amazing how it felt as it moved in my hand. Ever since that trip in 7th grade I've dreamed of helping and learning all there is to know about the hundreds of creatures we studied and the millions more in the ocean around the world. It's intriguing to me that there are creatures out there that haven't been discovered yet! As of today, I've focused my attention on crustaceans and their habitats; learning how they live, function, and thrive. Looking around I've also noticed how little preservation and care people have put into crustaceans and their habitats. I also have an interest in sharks. I haven't decided on which species I want to focus on. The amount of extinct marine species is frightening and quite frankly, horrendous. I have heard that they take shark fins to make fin soup. The shark is left to drown because it can't breathe without swimming. I have also read about crustacean harvesting and the pollution of their habitats. And just like every other ocean species, they are at risk because of pollution and habitat loss. In the end, I want to be able to help those environments thrive and grow into what they have the potential to be. I want to use this scholarship to attend the University of Oregon Institute of Marine Biology so I can further study how to save, conserve, and protect marine life that most people don't acknowledge because as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."

When I was younger I went on a school trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute in San Diego, California, to explore the world of marine life. It took us on a journey of learning from the largest of creatures to the smallest phytoplankton of the sea. We looked through microscopes and swam with bioluminescent phytoplankton at night. We learned to identify different seaweeds, how they grew in various levels of light, and how they photosynthesized. We learned about many species that live in the ocean in that area. I learned about the characteristics of sharks, that sharks aren't as dangerous as people perceive them to be. The reason they keep their mouths open is that they need to breathe through their mouths. They even taught us about the customs sailors would use to avoid seasickness when they would eat the pupil of a squid. It tasted like plastic. They let me hold a sea urchin in my hand and it was amazing how it felt as it moved in my hand. Ever since that trip in 7th grade I've dreamed of helping and learning all there is to know about the hundreds of creatures we studied and the millions more in the ocean around the world. It's intriguing to me that there are creatures out there that haven't been discovered yet! As of today, I've focused my attention on crustaceans and their habitats; learning how they live, function, and thrive. Looking around I've also noticed how little preservation and care people have put into crustaceans and their habitats. I also have an interest in sharks. I haven't decided on which species I want to focus on. The amount of extinct marine species is frightening and quite frankly, horrendous. I have heard that they take shark fins to make fin soup. The shark is left to drown because it can't breathe without swimming. I have also read about crustacean harvesting and the pollution of their habitats. And just like every other ocean species, they are at risk because of pollution and habitat loss. In the end, I want to be able to help those environments thrive and grow into what they have the potential to be. I want to use this scholarship to attend the University of Oregon Institute of Marine Biology so I can further study how to save, conserve, and protect marine life that most people don't acknowledge because as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."

It was like a dream; the serenade of music and feeling, of life and love. As the notes dragged on, blurring into one another, you can feel the freedom in it. The thrum of my heart like the never-ending beat of a drum. Flowing from step to step, feeling the strands of grass beneath my feet and the wind in my hair. It's bitter cold outside, but how could you possibly care about the cold when you are completely enamored with the beautiful melody of life. Slower now, it all starts to slow and you start to feel the slight sting of the cold in the air; see the clouds of breath in front of you. A dream; it was like a dream. For only three minutes and forty seconds, it was like a dream. But how glad am I that it was all real, every note tied to a feeling within a flurry of life and music. It was no dream; it was a song. Music has always been in my life; from my dad having music in every part of his life to incorporating that into my childhood and now my entire life revolves around music whether I've realized it or not. I've been through some tough times, dealing with depression, toxic relationships, and anxiety but music has been there the entire time. Songs have helped me cry, dance, and laugh. Music is my life and I take every chance to listen to it, talk about it, and find new songs. Not only do I love listening to songs but I love writing them. I have a ukelele I got from my dad for my birthday and ever since then, I've used that to make songs, even if they're simple melodies. Whenever I'm down or feeling bored I just grab my ukelele and start strumming. In all honesty, I only know a couple of chords but those couple chords have helped me through some difficult times. The first time I wrote out an entire song was when I wrote the song "speak my language". The song is about me struggling with anxiety and being afraid to speak out. The phrase 'speak my language' meant to me that someday I wouldn't be scared to speak my language and I would be free to speak the thoughts in my head without fear or speak to the people I want to talk to and not be scared. Music is a universal language and I hope someday I am able to speak that language to everyone I meet.

I am in the marching band at my school. I have participated in many different levels inside of my band. I have worked as a team player in my section and I have also been a section leader. As a section leader, I was tasked with making sure everyone participated and stayed on task. I also had to make sure that we were working as a team and showing progress to make sure the entire band looked good and not just our section or just me. As a section leader, I also worked directly with the new students in the band to teach them how to march correctly and how to read the music. I enjoyed helping those students and being able to make sure they were successful. I have also been in this class called the leadership academy every year in high school. This class teaches us many different useful strategies to be leaders in our classrooms, communities, and our overall lives. The leadership academy has taught me how to not only lead others but most importantly lead myself to success. The class has taught me to be organized and timely. I have really enjoyed how the class specifically has led to me participating in my community and volunteering for others. By being a leader for myself, I have been able to maintain good grades and participate in advanced or AP classes. Being in AP classes, we tend to have a lot of group projects. Inside these group projects, I enjoy taking the lead and making sure everyone has specific parts they are responsible for. I like to check in with each individual to make sure they understand what is expected of them and ask if they need any help understanding the assignment. Of course, I am doing this as well as my part of the assignment because nothing is worse than a group project where people do not do their parts. There have been multiple times when I have helped tutor my peers with essays and different homework items. I specifically enjoy helping them with proofreading essays and making sure that they have a complete understanding of what the topic is or what they wrote. It is common for us to not know what we have written down in our essays unless it is read out loud to us, which is something we take turns doing to make sure that we are successful. Overall, I show leadership in many different aspects of my life and I hope to be able to continue doing so in college and my career.

I want to be brave, bold, and selfless; A person who can connect others by just being themselves.

I feel like I'd be in hufflepuff because I am a loyal friend but I am also willing to do whatever it takes to protect my friends and family. When I was younger I went on a school trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute in San Diego, California, to explore the world of marine life. It took us on a journey of learning from the largest of creatures to the smallest phytoplankton of the sea. We looked through microscopes and swam with bioluminescent phytoplankton at night. We learned to identify different seaweeds, how they grew in various levels of light, and how they photosynthesized. We learned about many species that live in the ocean in that area. I learned about the characteristics of sharks, that sharks aren't as dangerous as people perceive them to be. The reason they keep their mouths open is that they need to breathe through their mouths. They even taught us about the customs sailors would use to avoid seasickness when they would eat the pupil of a squid. It tasted like plastic. They let me hold a sea urchin in my hand and it was amazing how it felt as it moved in my hand. Ever since that trip in 7th grade I've dreamed of helping and learning all there is to know about the hundreds of creatures we studied and the millions more in the ocean around the world. It's intriguing to me that there are creatures out there that haven't been discovered yet! As of today, I've focused my attention on crustaceans and their habitats; learning how they live, function, and thrive. Looking around I've also noticed how little preservation and care people have put into crustaceans and their habitats. I also have an interest in sharks. I haven't decided on which species I want to focus on. The amount of extinct marine species is frightening and quite frankly, horrendous. I have heard that they take shark fins to make fin soup. The shark is left to drown because it can't breathe without swimming. I have also read about crustacean harvesting and the pollution of their habitats. And just like every other ocean species, they are at risk because of pollution and habitat loss. In the end, I want to be able to help those environments thrive and grow into what they have the potential to be. I want to use this scholarship to attend the University of Oregon Institute of Marine Biology so I can further study how to save, conserve, and protect marine life that most people don't acknowledge because as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."

When I was younger I went on a school trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute in San Diego, California, to explore the world of marine life. It took us on a journey of learning from the largest of creatures to the smallest phytoplankton of the sea. We looked through microscopes and swam with bioluminescent phytoplankton at night. We learned to identify different seaweeds, how they grew in various levels of light, and how they photosynthesized. We learned about many species that live in the ocean in that area. I learned about the characteristics of sharks, that sharks aren't as dangerous as people perceive them to be. The reason they keep their mouths open is that they need to breathe through their mouths. They even taught us about the customs sailors would use to avoid seasickness when they would eat the pupil of a squid. It tasted like plastic. They let me hold a sea urchin in my hand and it was amazing how it felt as it moved in my hand. Ever since that trip in 7th grade I've dreamed of helping and learning all there is to know about the hundreds of creatures we studied and the millions more in the ocean around the world. It's intriguing to me that there are creatures out there that haven't been discovered yet! As of today, I've focused my attention on crustaceans and their habitats; learning how they live, function, and thrive. Looking around I've also noticed how little preservation and care people have put into crustaceans and their habitats. I also have an interest in sharks. I haven't decided on which species I want to focus on. The amount of extinct marine species is frightening and quite frankly, horrendous. I have heard that they take shark fins to make fin soup. The shark is left to drown because it can't breathe without swimming. I have also read about crustacean harvesting and the pollution of their habitats. And just like every other ocean species, they are at risk because of pollution and habitat loss. In the end, I want to be able to help those environments thrive and grow into what they have the potential to be. I want to use this scholarship to attend the University of Oregon Institute of Marine Biology so I can further study how to save, conserve, and protect marine life that most people don't acknowledge because as the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."