As a first-generation college student, choosing to pursue higher education was not just a personal dream—it was a promise to myself and my family. Growing up, I understood early on that college wasn’t just about earning a degree. It was about creating opportunities that had never existed for us before. I decided to pursue higher education because I want to build a future filled with purpose, stability, and the ability to give back. My goal is to become a sports physical therapist, working with athletes to help them recover from injuries—something I understand personally and deeply. In high school, I suffered a sports-related injury that required months of physical therapy. That experience sparked my interest in the field and helped me realize the powerful role that support, encouragement, and healing play in someone’s recovery journey. I saw firsthand how physical therapy isn’t just about improving mobility—it’s about restoring confidence, hope, and quality of life. It inspired me to want to be that support system for others, especially athletes who, like me, face setbacks that challenge their identity and goals. As a first-gen student, preparing for college has come with many learning curves. Without direct guidance from family members who have been through this path, I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own—from filling out FAFSA forms to understanding class schedules and how to manage my time. But every step has taught me how capable and determined I am. I’ve reached out to mentors, teachers, and academic advisors to get the support I need. I’ve worked retail jobs while balancing school to help ease the financial burden, and through that, I’ve learned discipline, time management, and how to advocate for myself. My experiences outside the classroom have also helped prepare me for college life. I’ve been actively involved in volunteer work that reflects my commitment to both physical and mental health. I’ve coached youth sports, encouraging kids to stay active and build confidence through teamwork. I’ve raised a service dog through a guiding eyes program, learning patience, responsibility, and the importance of service. Each of these experiences has shaped my resilience and strengthened my desire to use my education to make a difference in people’s lives. College is a challenge, but it’s one I’m proud to take on. I’m not just working toward a degree—I’m working toward a future where I can use my knowledge and experiences to help others heal, grow, and succeed. Being the first in my family to attend college is a responsibility I carry with pride. I hope to be a role model for others, especially younger students in my community who may not see college as a possibility yet. With continued support and opportunities like this scholarship, I know I can keep moving forward, building a future full of hope and purpose—not just for myself, but for everyone who has believed in me.

As a first-generation college student, I’ve come to value empathy, resilience, and the power of connection more than ever. Navigating higher education without the guidance of family members who’ve done it before has been both a challenge and a source of strength. It’s taught me to be resourceful, to ask questions, and—most importantly—to listen and learn from others. I believe these qualities will help me build a more empathetic and understanding global community, both in my personal life and in my future career. One of my greatest passions is helping others heal—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’m currently pursuing a degree in physical therapy, with the goal of working with athletes to help them recover from injuries and return to doing what they love. As someone who experienced a sports injury myself, I understand how discouraging and isolating the recovery process can be. My injury taught me not only about physical rehabilitation but also about the emotional toll injuries can take. I want to bring that understanding into my career—treating my future patients with compassion, patience, and encouragement. Beyond physical therapy, I’ve always made it a priority to support those around me. I’ve volunteered as a running and hockey coach, helping kids grow stronger both physically and emotionally through teamwork and movement. I’ve also raised a puppy for a guiding eyes program, which taught me the importance of service, trust, and communication. These experiences have shaped how I connect with people from all walks of life, and they’ve shown me how small acts of care and kindness can have a lasting impact. As a student-athlete, I’ve learned how to balance responsibilities, work through setbacks, and keep a positive mindset even during difficult times. I plan to use these skills to create spaces—whether in clinics, schools, or communities—where people feel seen, heard, and supported. In today’s world, we need more professionals who lead with empathy and take the time to truly understand the diverse needs of others. I aim to be one of them. This scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing my education and working toward a career that focuses on both physical healing and emotional support. By combining my academic journey, life experiences, and passion for helping others, I hope to inspire those around me and contribute to a more compassionate and connected world. With this scholarship, I will be able to continue chasing my goals, not just for myself, but to serve and uplift others through my future work in physical therapy.

From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by how the human body works. I remember being the curious kid who asked too many “why” questions—why do muscles get sore, how do bones heal, why do we feel pain? That curiosity, combined with my love for staying active and helping others, naturally led me to pursue a career in physical therapy. As a woman entering a STEM field, I recognize both the importance of representation and the responsibility I carry to lead by example. My interest in the field of physical therapy was solidified through personal experience. While playing sports growing up, I suffered a major injury that required physical therapy. What stood out most wasn’t just the treatment—it was the care, the encouragement, and the way the therapist helped me regain my confidence as much as my strength. That moment sparked something in me. I realized that science wasn’t just about facts and formulas; it could be hands-on, healing, and human-centered. That experience pushed me to dive deeper into anatomy, biology, and health sciences in school, and it confirmed that this was more than just a career path—it was a calling. In addition to my academic journey, I’ve taken on leadership and volunteer roles that reflect my dedication to both science and service. I’ve coached youth in sports like running and hockey, using physical activity as a way to promote mental and physical well-being. I’ve also been part of a puppy-raising club, helping to train service dogs—an experience that taught me patience, discipline, and how science and compassion intersect. Through these roles, I’ve seen how movement, therapy, and care can change lives. As a first-generation college student and a woman in a STEM field, I’m aware that I represent something greater than myself. STEM has historically lacked diversity, and many brilliant young women like me are still navigating spaces where they don’t always see themselves reflected. This scholarship is not just an opportunity to support my education; it’s a step toward changing that narrative. I want to be someone younger girls can look up to—a woman who pursued science not just for the paycheck, but for the purpose. I am currently majoring in physical therapy at Holy Family University, where I’ve maintained a strong GPA while balancing work, volunteerism, and school. With this scholarship, I will be able to focus more deeply on my studies and gain the knowledge and experience needed to one day help patients recover, heal, and thrive. I am proud to be part of the next generation of women in STEM—ready to break barriers, bring change, and lead with compassion and strength.

Selflessness is a quality that I strive to embody in my daily life, aiming to make a positive impact on those around me. It involves putting others' needs and well-being ahead of my own, often requiring empathy, patience, and a willingness to go above and beyond. I believe that selflessness not only helps others but also enriches my own life, providing a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Here are some examples of how I have demonstrated selflessness by helping those in need. One of the most significant examples of selflessness in my life occurred when my best friend was going through a particularly challenging period. She had just lost her job and was struggling with severe depression. Recognizing her need for support, I made it a priority to be there for her, despite my own busy schedule. I spent countless hours with her, listening to her concerns, encouraging her to seek professional help, and accompanying her to therapy sessions. I also helped her update her resume and practice for job interviews. This experience required a great deal of time and emotional energy, but seeing her gradually regain her confidence and secure a new job made it all worthwhile. It taught me the importance of being present for loved ones during their toughest times and the profound impact that empathy and support can have. Another example of selflessness in my life is my volunteer work with a local homeless shelter. Every month, I dedicate a few weekends to helping prepare and serve meals, organize donation drives, and provide fitness classes for the shelter's residents. This commitment stems from my belief that everyone deserves access to basic necessities and the opportunity to improve their physical health. The fitness classes, in particular, have been incredibly rewarding, as they not only promote physical well-being but also boost the residents' morale and self-esteem. Witnessing their progress and seeing the smiles on their faces is a constant reminder of the importance of giving back to the community and using my skills to benefit others. Additionally, I have consistently sought to support and mentor young aspiring fitness enthusiasts who may not have the resources to pursue their passion. I remember one young woman, in particular, who reached out to me on Instagram, expressing her desire to become a personal trainer but feeling discouraged due to financial constraints. I offered to mentor her for free, providing her with training sessions, study materials, and guidance on obtaining certifications. Over the course of several months, I watched her grow in confidence and skill, eventually securing a job at a local gym. Lastly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I made a concerted effort to support my elderly neighbors who were particularly vulnerable to the virus. I volunteered to do their grocery shopping, pick up medications, and run other errands to minimize their exposure to the virus. This small act of kindness not only helped protect their health but also provided them with a sense of security and community during a frightening and isolating time. In conclusion, selflessness is a guiding principle in my life, one that I strive to embody through my actions and commitments. Whether it's supporting a friend in need, volunteering at a homeless shelter, mentoring aspiring fitness professionals, or assisting vulnerable neighbors, I have found that acts of selflessness enrich both my life and the lives of others. These experiences have taught me the profound impact that kindness, empathy, and a willingness to help can have, reinforcing my commitment to living a life of service and compassion.

Experiences with mental health can shape an individual’s beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. My journey with mental health, both personal and observed in others, has significantly influenced my perspectives and goals. This journey has been one of introspection, growth, and a deeper understanding of human resilience and vulnerability. My struggle with anxiety began in my late teens. Initially, it started out as worry and nervousness, which I dismissed as normal teenage angst. However, as I entered adulthood, these feelings intensified, becoming more frequent and severe. Simple tasks like attending social events or even speaking up in class became daunting. This period of my life was marked by confusion and frustration as I tried to understand and manage these overwhelming emotions. One of the most significant ways my experience with mental health has influenced my beliefs is by fostering a deep sense of empathy and understanding towards others facing similar challenges. I realized that mental health issues are not a sign of weakness but a part of the human experience that requires compassion and support. This belief has transformed my relationships, as I became more patient and empathetic, recognizing that everyone has their own battles to fight. It has taught me the importance of listening without judgment and offering support without trying to fix everything. My journey also highlighted the importance of self-care and the necessity of seeking help. Initially, I was hesitant to talk about my anxiety, fearing judgment and stigma. However, as I opened up to close friends and family, I found that sharing my struggles was liberating and fostered deeper connections. Their support was instrumental in encouraging me to seek professional help, which significantly improved my mental well-being. This experience underscored the importance of breaking the silence around mental health and advocating for open conversations. Witnessing the impact of mental health issues on myself and others has profoundly influenced my career aspirations. I realized that physical health is inextricably linked to mental health, and addressing both is crucial for holistic wellness. My experiences motivated me to pursue additional training in mental health first aid and counseling, equipping me with the skills to better support my clients. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their mental health, understanding that physical fitness alone is not the answer to all their problems. Moreover, my journey inspired me to advocate for mental health awareness within the fitness community. I use my platform on Instagram, where I create fitness and gym-related content, to discuss the importance of mental health. By sharing my story and providing resources and tips for managing stress and anxiety, I aim to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage others to seek help. This advocacy is a central aspect of my career goals, as I aspire to be a holistic wellness coach who addresses both the physical and mental aspects of health. The experience also instilled in me a desire to contribute to broader mental health initiatives. I became involved in local mental health awareness campaigns and support groups, recognizing the importance of community support in managing mental health issues. These experiences reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and the need for systemic change to improve mental health services and support networks. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has profoundly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. It has taught me the importance of empathy, self-care, and open conversations about mental health. It has transformed my relationships, fostering deeper connections based on understanding and support. In my career, it has driven me to integrate mental health awareness into my work as a personal trainer and advocate for holistic wellness. Ultimately, my journey has been one of growth and resilience, shaping me into a more compassionate and dedicated individual committed to promoting mental health awareness and support.

Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, has a profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. Witnessing its effects on a loved one can be heartbreaking, reshaping relationships and daily lives in unforeseen ways. My encounter with Alzheimer’s disease in my family has been a journey marked by emotional challenges, growth, and a deeper understanding of compassion and resilience. My grandmother, a once vibrant and independent woman, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease five years ago. The initial signs were subtle—misplaced keys, forgotten names, and repetitive stories. We attributed these to the normal aging process until her condition worsened. The diagnosis brought a mix of relief and dread: relief in understanding the cause of her behavior and dread at the prospect of the road ahead. For my family, the impact was immediate and far-reaching. My parents had to balance their careers with the increasing demands of caregiving. I watched as their roles shifted from being her children to her primary caregivers, managing her medications, attending doctor appointments, and ensuring her safety. This role reversal was emotionally taxing, as they grappled with the loss of the person she used to be while striving to provide the best care possible. As her condition progressed, our family dynamics transformed. Daily routines were altered to accommodate her needs. Simple activities like cooking, bathing, and dressing became significant challenges. We had to childproof the house to prevent accidents, as she would often wander or forget how to use household appliances safely. These adjustments required patience, creativity, and a willingness to adapt to an ever-changing situation. Emotionally, Alzheimer’s took a heavy toll on all of us. The most painful aspect was witnessing my grandmother’s gradual loss of memory and identity. She would sometimes forget our names or confuse us with people from her past. Conversations became difficult, as she struggled to find words or follow a train of thought. These moments were heartbreaking, leaving us feeling helpless and frustrated. However, we learned to cherish the good days, where her memories were clearer, and her personality shone through the fog of the disease. On a personal level, dealing with my grandmother’s Alzheimer’s taught me invaluable lessons about empathy and resilience. I learned the importance of being present and offering support, even when it felt like our efforts were in vain. It taught me to appreciate the small victories and moments of clarity, and to find joy in simple interactions. Watching my parents navigate this challenging journey with grace and determination inspired me to approach difficulties in my own life with a similar mindset. The impact of Alzheimer’s extends beyond the immediate family to the broader community. My grandmother’s condition prompted us to seek support from local Alzheimer’s associations and support groups. These organizations provided resources, counseling, and a sense of solidarity with others facing similar challenges. It was comforting to connect with people who understood our struggles and could offer practical advice and emotional support. This experience highlighted the importance of community in managing such a debilitating illness. Furthermore, witnessing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease firsthand sparked a desire to raise awareness and advocate for more research and resources. I became involved in local fundraising events and awareness campaigns, recognizing the need for increased funding for Alzheimer’s research. The experience underscored the importance of early diagnosis, support for caregivers, and the development of treatments to slow the progression of the disease. In conclusion, Alzheimer’s disease profoundly impacted my family and me, reshaping our relationships and daily lives. The journey was marked by emotional challenges and growth, teaching us valuable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the importance of community. While the disease brought immense difficulties, it also brought us closer together, reinforcing the bonds of love and support that define family. Through this experience, I learned to cherish the moments of clarity and joy and to advocate for those affected by Alzheimer’s, hoping for a future where no family has to endure the same hardships.

Imagine being told you are never going to be able to walk again. Pretty life changing information, right? As a student athlete who underwent a knee surgery to remove a tumor over 2 years ago, it was quite the recovery. I thought I could do it myself; that I didn't need any help. Well, I was definitely wrong! If it wasn't for physical therapy I wouldn't be able to continue playing my sport or complete daily activities. It amazes me how crucial physical therapy is and how life changing it actually can be. My family, friends and even strangers come up to me expressing how thankful they are for their therapists and what it can do for them. My goal in life is to help everyone feel their best. To walk out of my office feeling like they can accomplish anything they put their heart to. I can remember when I just 5 years old, I wrote down on a paper that said "what do you want to be when you grow up?" I wrote a physical therapist! I knew even from a young age that was what I wanted to do. I am individual who enjoys giving back to my community and seeing the joy on their faces when they can walk again is an experience that makes the long road to becoming a physical therapist so worth it! I can whole heartedly say I am one who puts others first, selfless and just proud to see athletes like myself return to the sport they love. It is so much more than just a profession and a salary - you get to see the light put back into these people. You are there with them every step of their recovery journey - it's such a magical feeling! My commitment to demonstrating lifelong learning as a physical therapist is the continuous change that occurs. Being able to give my patients the best possible techniques to improve their recovery. There is more and more research out there each day and being able to keep up with it and apply my knowledge to my practice would not only help my patients but future individuals in need. Learning something new each day highly interests me and allowing myself to learn more about techniques and services provided to people will only make it more efficient. This scholarship will help fund my journey in my attempt to helping everyone who is in need of physical therapy!

Hello, my name is Alyson Epperson. I am a high school student who spends my time volunteering for my community, have a part-time job, play basketball and like to hang out with my friends. Whenever I have the spare time, aside from school full time and work part time, I like to help others around me. I am a running and cross country coach for an elementary school near me for about a year now. I help the other coaches run practices and coach them on during races. Ever since I was a child, I always worried everyone else, often times forgetting about taking care of myself. I was always worried about the child in the classroom sitting by themself at lunch or playing at recess. Now moving to today, I was a basketball coach and running coach. Whether it be for family and friends or organizations, I have provided numerous hours of volunteering. Personally, seeing people in need of help makes me sad, for the lack of better words. Coming from a background where there was not many resources, I want to be able to help out every human and dog in the world. Unfortunately I cannot save the world and that will never happen. A girl can wish, right? Anyway, for many years I have helped my grandmother volunteer with many organizations and now I take it upon myself to go out there and help. Although I am not given much time, I make the most of it and try my best. I do not have a heartfelt experience someone else may have, but volunteering is my biggest goal and each year I try to volunteer more and more. People need each other to lift them up and in my mind, being able to do simple tasks like handing out food to the homeless or help sort items at a building goes a long way. I have to admit, as a child I did get everything I needed but my parents did not. My mother was one of those children in school that stunk or could not glasses even though she couldnt see. Hearing storeis about how she struggled, I put the kids on the team I coach for into perspective. One of those children could be her and I dont even know it. I wish I could help everybody; If only everyone had the same mindset, the world would be such a better place.

Being a first-generation college student, I have learned all the struggles it comes with getting into college. Being the oldest child and almost the "guinea pig" with just about anything college related. Throughout my life, I have always been very independent and did my own thing. I paved my path for success, with the help of family along the way, but essentially it was just me. I learned to sit alone at lunch and go shopping myself, but one of the best things I have realized is you don't need anyone to make you happy. You are the only person that is truly rooting for you to succeed. An attribute that makes me unique is how hard I am willing to work to achieve success. Being a student-athlete, I have managed to keep up with my sport, performing at my peak these couple of years while keeping straight A's in school. To add, I also a full-time job while being a big sister and feeling the world is on my shoulders. With all these responsibilities and stress, I stay humble and grounded. I remind myself I am lucky to have these opportunities and that makes me work even more. Seeing how people around me struggle and don't have as nice things, I love to give back where I can. Over the past couple of years, I have volunteered my time for a running club at an elementary school in my district. They needed a running and cross-country coach, so I knew I needed to step in. The kids ranged from 6-10 years old and they were the best. They appreciated every little thing I and the other coaches were able to give them. Also, I was a little league basketball coach. I helped run practices and games and being a basketball player, I was able to both help these kids mentally and physically. I understand how stressful it can be and ways to cope with the anxiety that comes with playing in those high-intensity situations. Being that I grew up in this community and school district, my siblings are now going through I still actively help out wherever is needed. My family, specifically my mom one of those kids who needed places like the salvation army or the after-school programs schools provide for children. Her parents were never present and my goal is to help children that suffer as she did. I make a life for my sister extra special knowing I never really got that. Giving back and helping others is my biggest goal. I wish for everyone to be able to live stress-free, knowing they have a place to stay and food on the table each night.

Imagine being an adult and not being able to ski; I mean that is pretty embarrassing! Honestly pretty hilarious if I say so. Its the middle of January and I am on top of one of the tallest mountains with my family. It doesnt seem that hard to ski, so I thought. Just put your feet straight, hold on tight to your ski poles and look ahead. Dont forget to not cross your skis. As a beginner in skiing, in fact being my first time skiing, this was honestly the hardest thing Ive ever tried in my life. My friend, my mom and I just got off the ski lift and we are setting ourselves to go down this mountain. My mom and my friend go first and as we are all going down I remember saying, “ah this isnt that bad!”. I was quickly wrong, very wrong! Next thing you know my friend, in the depths of the woods, surpassing the saftey nets and having the medical staff help her get out. She said they saw her on the cameras disappear. My mom and I got separated from her somehow so she was completely by herself the entire time. My mom wipes out, completely pulling her back out, later leaving in physical therapy for months. She couldnt stay standing due to the ice and ended up getting her ski stuck into a ditch and in this sewer thing. And finally, theres me. I got tired of constantly breaking or using my “pizza” as they call in ski terms. Instead, I kept my feet straight and fully went flying down the steepest and iciest part of the slope. I ended up hitting my head on a huge peice of ice. I also was lying upside down as snowboarders are jumping over me. I almost took my skis off and walked down this mountain, I was so frustrated but I knew there was no way I could walk on ice down a hill. This was one of the worst memories I have with skiing but it was quite the funniest. I was so embarrassed since so many people so us just completely fail this slope. The worst part it being the easiest course they offered at this ski resort. This is a memory we will forever remember even though we never got a video. It gave the rest of my family quite the laugh, thats for sure!

I have decided to pursue a college degree for the reasons of wanting to start a successful career. Being that I am one of the first individuals to go to college, I feel it is important to go to college and get the experience of almost restarting your life for the good. I am interested in going for either a sports medicine career or something involving accounting. Within those two degrees, schooling/ college is needed and in that going to college is very important to me.