My friends would say that I am "the biggest metalhead out there". When I heard about the Headbang for Science scholarship, I immediately felt it aligned with who I am, and my goals. Metal music and the metal community have shaped me into the person I am today, and so has science. Growing up in Upper Michigan meant there wasn't a metal scene, which meant I stuck out like a sore thumb more times than not, but I learned to embrace it. I've always "marched to my own beat", (as my mom would say) and expressed myself with vibrant hair colors, piercings, and heavy metal music. I grew up around metal within my family, including spending hours playing Guitar Hero, and watching my brother shred on his electric guitars. I also grew up around science. My mom is a nurse and received her RN degree recently, and many of her study hours were spent listening to heavy metal and reviewing her flashcards together. My spare time is spent mostly at concerts headbanging along to the music, learning about forensics, and collecting heavy metal CDs. I have always known who I am and want to be since I was young. Metal has taught me to be unapologetically myself, and science has given me a purpose. This fall, I plan to begin my college journey at Northern Michigan University. I dual enrolled at Northern in my senior year and fell in love with it. I am majoring in Clinical Laboratory Science with a minor in Crime Scene Investigation. At NMU, I also aim to receive Summa Cum Laude and Cum Laude awards for my grades. I aspire to research within Northern's Forensic Research Outdoor Station (F.R.O.S.T) Program. This is a body donation program that focuses on research for forensic fields. In my last year, I plan to apply for their Cold Case class and work with local law enforcement on past cold cases. With these things in mind, my dream is to become a Forensic analyst and ultimately work within the forensic field alongside police and FBI analyzing evidence in cases for criminal investigations. Science is one of my greatest dedications, and I've learned to see it all around me, even within metal music. The Headbang for Science scholarship will provide help with college tuition. With this scholarship, I will be able to pay a considerable cost of my college tuition and other fees. Having the opportunity to receive something so personal to me is truly an honor. Science and metal take up a large portion of my life and are two of my greatest passions. Science majors require many hours in labs and studying outside of class. In receiving this scholarship, I will be able to focus more on my love for science and less on work to pay for tuition. When it comes to paying for college, I plan on taking out student loans and working while I attend school. I received graduation money after I finished high school, which I set aside for my book costs and other needed supplies for my hands-on lab classes and fees that may come along throughout the school years. With FAFSA, I still have an abundance of tuition I have to pay, but the reason I applied for this wasn't for the money. Metal music and science are huge parts of my life. I spend hours researching things from forensic anthropology and clinical laboratory science, to how the drummer from Gojira writes such amazing intricate solos. I appreciate the opportunity to receive such an exciting scholarship. I am excited to continue my education and to have the privilege to attend college and receive a degree. I plan on dedicating my time to science and will do such with heavy metal with me through the next phases of my life, and for years and years to come. Thank you for considering me for the Headbang for Science scholarship.