Resilience, Ambition and Strength, the 3 pillars of my personality. My family of 6 is the rock I stand on, responsible for my growth into a high achieving, strong, empathy centered individual. My mother, diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma when I was 2, is my earliest memory of the strength that engulfed me. At the age of 6, I was diagnosed with diabetes. Admitted Monday, by Friday, I was giving my own shots, counting my own carbs, and handling my condition with responsibility and care. My mother, now cancer free for 17 years, through every trial and tribulation, along with my family, rallied behind me as a unit of unwavering support. Confidence is funny because it starts as an idea that exudes into a lifestyle. Never dreaming to be anything other than mediocre, burdened with my disease, I grew up wildly insecure. In joining my first sport, my condition allowed me only about 80% of the time others were allowed. I picked up Olympic weight lifting, 4 varsity sports, club volleyball and crossfit by my sophomore year. The more I applied myself, the more I began to understand my capability rather than my disability. By my senior year, I had been recognized 16 times individually and was a county-wide example for resilience and kindness. I graduated with a 4.2 on the deans list, with signed commitment papers as an NCAA, Division 1 track and field athlete. Growing up, my 2 diabetic grandmothers, 2 cousins and grandfather, practiced poor medical habits. Being the youngest, but best managed diabetic in my family, I knew the power, and difficulty in overcoming your surroundings. I attended camp Kudzu for years, meeting so many other diabetic children like me. In overcoming my insecurity, I became outspoken with a mission: I wanted to help people. In 2022, I was selected to be the face of the county’s ‘Diabetic Outreach Program;’ an experience that shaped my future and solidified my career. I am a Business Management/Marketing Major with a concentration in professional sales, with aspirations of becoming a medical sales representative for DEXCOM. A career where I can use my knowledge to connect with so many others like me, making a difference of great impact. My first year in college was filled with growth, as I evolved into a focused student-athlete. I attended events where I honed my connection and networking skills, and was able to get into contact with a DEXCOM sales representative, who I intend to get an internship from in my near future. However, another stone was thrown in my path. In December, my father, the only income provider in my household, lost his job. Overnight- I lost insurance and a way to pay for my education. I got a job while continuing my studies and sport. I soon after made the difficult decision to transfer, in hopes of finding a school that aligned with my values, health and goals. After a drawn out process, I found a university of holistic practice, where I will be able to meet students with ambition, and a desire to help others, as well as a track program that does not promote obsession with performance, but rather progression. Though I have had some boulders within my path, I choose to view them as stepping stones, guiding me to where I am today. I continue to nurture a mindset of resilience, ambition and strength, built on my values and my family. With the voice, story and ambition I have, I know my future is full and bright. Hopefully, you decide to follow along to witness the difference I will make.

Resilience, Ambition and Strength, the 3 pillars of my personality. Before I knew my own strength, I saw it all around me. 2008, at only two years old, my mother was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. We watched my mother lose her hair, energy and time, through hospital windows. Her fight was a powerful momentum in my life. Now cancer free for 17 years, early memories of my mother include the delicacy of life. At the age of 6, I was diagnosed with diabetes. On Monday, the doctors held me down, as I kicked and screamed against the needles, pricks and IV’s. When Friday came, I was giving my own shots, counting my own carbs, and handling my condition with the “most impressive sense of responsibility” the doctor had seen “at the age of 6.” Through every trial and tribulation, my family rallied behind me as a unit of unwavering support. Still, my years of adolescence were filled with insecurity. I watched those around me live unbothered and free, where I felt burdened with my disease. Eventually, I chose to not waste the one life I had been given. Confidence is funny because it starts as an idea that exudes into a lifestyle. Never dreaming to be anything other than mediocre, joining my first sport, my condition allowed me only about 80% of the time others were allowed. I casually picked up Olympic weight lifting, 4 varsity sports, club volleyball and Cross-fit by my sophomore year. The more I applied myself, the more I began to understand my capability rather than my disability. By my senior year, I had been recognized 16 times individually and was a county-wide example for resilience and kindness. I graduated with a 4.2 on the deans list, with signed commitment papers as an NCAA, Division 1 track and field athlete. In 2022, I was selected to be a spokesperson for a diabetes outreach program, an experience that shaped my future. I am a Business Management and Marketing Major with a concentration in professional sales, in hopes of becoming a medical sales representative for DEXCOM, a diabetic monitoring device company. On the track team; this past year was filled with activity as I evolved into a focused student-athlete. In December, my father, the only income provider in my household, lost his job. Overnight- I lost insurance and any way to pay for my education. I got a job while continuing my studies and sport. I soon after made the difficult decision to transfer, in hopes of finding a school that aligned with my values, health and goals. After a drawn out process, I found a school that promotes a program of connectivity and kindness, instead of a culture of obsession with performance. Being home for the summer, I was able to support my family, and my little sisters in their everchanging lives. I was able to reconnect with my faith, leaning on the pillars of church to regain my strength and connect with the support system that has always carried me. I now pay for my medical supplies out of pocket and am in the process of getting health insurance through my new school. Though my circumstances have not been the kindest, I am reminded of the beauty when the smoke clears, and my passion for more continues to burn brighter everyday. I continue to nurture a mindset of resilience, ambition and strength, built on my values and my family. No matter what comes next, I know my future is full and bright, and I can't wait to see the difference I am going to make.

At the age of 6, diagnosed with diabetes, I laid limp in the hospital bed, tethered to an IV, not yet knowing the gravity of my condition. In finding myself and working towards my scholastic and athletic goals, I graced the doors of high school for the first time. I had straight A’s, and participated in every sport I could. I have since become a favorite among the staff for my determination, hard work and respect. Put on the leaderboard for my weightlifting abilities, I pushed to be the best version of myself. I was asked to tell my story at a diabetic outreach program, to an audience of over 100. Having found my voice, I saw it as my job to help other diabetic children find theirs. To tell them to keep working to overcome your challenges, and ask for help when you need it. Walk with a confident stride and always believe in yourself. My disease, something that I used to find sad and unfortunate, I now see as a gift. Still bettering myself, I was privileged with the tools to overcome, so now, I work to equip people with the hope and truth that only you decide what defines you. Growing isn't always easy, but it’s ALWAYS necessary. As a lively individual, being 1 of 4 children, I always love being a part of a team. A helping hand through acts of service and putting others above myself, as I believe that comes with being a part of a large family. I knew from a young age that I wanted to grow up to help people. I found my love for working with children through babysitting and working as a daycare employee for 2 years. In high school, I was in all honor and AP courses, participating in 4 varsity sports. I focused on psychology as it was the most intriguing subject at school; as a senior, I am completing a capstone project looking at personality development using psychology principles I learned in years prior. My grandparents came to live with us in 2018, and I watched their lives change through their Alzheimer's disease and the deterioration of their memory and personality. My wonder grew about the science of psychology and how the brain works, as well as the role of children in family dynamics as it relates to their environment. I see myself in the future working in service of others, and looking into a profession that combines psychology and children communications. Moving forward, I plan to fuel my passion for helping people in the field of psychology, working with children at Kennesaw State University, where I have signed to be a Track athlete. I will continue my artistic pursuits, minoring in music, and possibly communications, as I love to interact with people. My goal as I grow is to make an impact with my words and my actions. Using my personable skills, I strive to make each person I interact with, feel seen and included. Becoming involved in my community's church in college, I will continue to push myself to become something better than yesterday, academically, spiritually, athletically, and fundamentally. Though I have overcome most, some struggles I could not avoid. As a diabetic, my mother, a cancer survivor with health complications, and my father, sister and I being medicated for ADHD, our medical expenses are high. We house 10 members under our 1 roof, and my mother has been without a job this past year, so I am looking for every opportunity to achieve a higher education, as my parents cannot pay for it.

At the age of 6, diagnosed with diabetes, I laid limp in the hospital bed, tethered to an IV, not yet knowing the gravity of my condition. In finding myself and working towards my scholastic and athletic goals, I graced the doors of high school for the first time. I had straight A’s, and participated in every sport I could. I have since become a favorite among the staff for my determination, hard work and respect. Put on the leaderboard for my weightlifting abilities, I continued pushing to be the best version of myself. I was asked to tell my story at a diabetic outreach program, to an audience of over 100. Having found my voice, I saw it as my job to help other diabetic children find theirs. To tell them to take their time and enjoy the little moments as each moment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Go succeed and achieve greatness, but take it in slowly, because you never get to revisit it. Keep working to overcome your challenges, and ask for help when you need it, but walk with a confident stride and always believe in yourself. My disease, something that I used to find sad and unfortunate, I now see as a gift. Still bettering myself, I was privileged with the tools to overcome, so now, I work to equip people with the hope and truth that only you decide what defines you. Growing isn't always easy, but it’s ALWAYS necessary. As a lively individual, being 1 of 4 children, I always love being a part of a team. A helping hand through acts of service and putting others above myself, as I believe that comes with being a part of a large family. I knew from a young age that I wanted to grow up to help people. I found my love for working with children through babysitting and working as a daycare employee for 2 years. In high school, I was in all honor and AP courses, participating in 4 varsity sports. I focused on psychology as it was the most intriguing subject at school; as a senior, I am completing a capstone project looking at personality development using psychology principles I learned in years prior. My grandparents came to live with us in 2018, and I watched their lives change through their Alzheimer's disease and the deterioration of their memory and personality. My wonder grew about the science of psychology and how the brain works, as well as the role of children in family dynamics as it relates to their environment. I see myself in the future working in service of others, and looking into a profession that combines psychology and children communications. Moving forward, I plan to fuel my passion for helping people in the field of psychology, working with children at Kennesaw State University, where I have signed to be an athlete. I will continue my artistic pursuits, minoring in music, and possibly communications, as I love to interact with people. My goal as I grow is to make an impact with my words and my actions. Using my personable skills, I strive to make each person I interact with, feel seen and included. Becoming involved in my community's church in college, I will continue to push myself to become something better than yesterday, academically, spiritually, athletically, and fundamentally.

Gifted with a melodious voice, I was on stage at the age of 7, serving as a backup singer for the church band. My first time performing solo, I evoked tears from the audience. I have since known the immense power that music has… and that my voice WILL have. Music is knowledge, but not in the form of words and facts. Music is a universal understanding and provides a key to someone's mind, heart, and soul. Singing gives me the ability to create something new every time I have an idea I wish to share. With emphasis on personal growth, the message that I want to share with the world is found within my music, and how I plan to deliver that message. Educated and ambitious, I am excited for the future, and the impact I intend to have on it. At the age of 6, diagnosed with diabetes, I laid limp in the hospital bed, tethered to an IV, not yet knowing the gravity of my condition. We practiced my ‘carb-counting’ by making a cookie. The fun exercise left a heavy weight on my heart, realizing that this was forever. I felt trapped. This disability I would have to juggle for the rest of my life. Through my adolescence, surrounded by insecurity, I was terrified of years to come. During the year of covid, being immunocompromised, I rarely left the house. At this low point, I realized that I could be more. Focusing on growing, I practiced volleyball relentlessly. My determined ambition pushed me to work towards my goal to be an athlete. Diabetes wouldn't stop me. The mandatory lockdown lifted, and I graced the doors of high school for the first time. I had straight A’s, and participated in every sport I could. I have since become a favorite among the staff for my determination, hard work and respect. Put on the leaderboard for my weightlifting abilities, I continued pushing to be the best version of myself. I was asked to tell my story at a diabetic outreach program, to an audience of over 100. Having found my voice, I saw it as my job to help other diabetic children find theirs. To tell them to take their time and enjoy the little moments as each moment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Go succeed and achieve greatness, but take it in slowly, because you never get to revisit it. Keep working to overcome your challenges, and ask for help when you need it, but walk with a confident stride and always believe in yourself. “I hope my daughter grows up to be even just a little bit like you,” (the mother of a diabetic infant.) This changed my life. My disease, something that I used to find sad and unfortunate, I now see as a gift. Still bettering myself, I was privileged with the tools to overcome, so now, I work to equip people with the hope and truth that only you decide what defines you. Growing isn't always easy, but it’s ALWAYS necessary. Where my hands quivered touching the microphone, whispering the tune softly, is now held with confidence. Where my head used to hide when my diabetes was noticed, is now held high with intention, because each word, each display of fearlessness, and each note that escapes my vocal cords, is another chance for me to change the world.

As a child, I was always bouncing around with loud bubbliness that no one could shake… When I was 6, I was diagnosed with diabetes. I laid limp in the hospital bed, tethered to an IV, not yet knowing the gravity of my condition. Being discharged, we practiced my ‘carb-counting’ by making a cookie. The fun exercise left a heavy weight on my heart, realizing that this was forever. Growing through my adolescence, surrounded by insecurity, and fear of being made fun of, I was terrified of the years to come. Through the year of COVID, my mother, my grandparents, and I, being immunocompromised, rarely left the house. I practiced volleyball relentlessly. My bible studies, my intensive workouts, and my determined ambition, pushed me to grow. I wanted to be an athlete, and diabetes wouldn't stop me. The mandatory lockdown lifted and I graced the doors of high school for the first time. I had straight A’s, and began to participate in Volleyball. I joined the track team, and my athletic journey took off. I have since become a favorite among the coaches and teachers for my determination, hard work and respect. I was put on the leaderboard for my weightlifting abilities, and my success drove me to be the best version of myself. Going into my sophomore year, I began to notice my focus drifting in class. As my classes got harder, I couldn't seem to get my brain to work with me, and not against me. When having conversations, I was constantly reminded to ‘get to the point.’ I couldn't get out a succinct thought… It was like a pinball machine in my head, bouncing from one idea to another. I relied on caffeine to keep me awake and to help me focus in class. I always seemed to be behind, overwhelmed with everything I needed to do, and could never get ahead of the game. After being diagnosed with ADHD, I realized that I was going to be struggling not only with diabetes, but also a learning disability for the rest of my life. Pursuing a higher education for myself has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Having that transition in college into adulthood and being able to learn and grow into something spectacular, while fueling my hunger for knowledge. Working with like-minded intellectuals in college, sounded like paradise. I was asked to tell my story at a diabetic outreach program, to an audience of over 100. “I hope my daughter grows up to be even just a little bit like you.” said the mother of a diabetic infant. This changed my perspective on life. My disease and learning disability, something that I used to find sad and unfortunate, I now see as a gift. Obviously not all sunshine and rainbows, but I have been privileged with the tools to have people listen to me. I am so thankful to be able to speak about my experience and to also apply that personal growth to every aspect of my life. As a determined and powerful individual, I will work to accomplish whatever I set my mind to. As a recipient, I believe that I can be an inspiration, (as I have overcome my diabetes, as a multisport athlete, and I have overcome my learning disability, being a successful AP scholar with Distinction,) I plan to use my story to help other people. Excited to see where life takes me, I am confident with the tools that I have. I am going to change the world.