My passion for astronomy began the moment I opened Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson. What started as casual curiosity turned into a deep fascination with the universe and our place within it. Tyson’s ability to explain the complexity of space in such a clear and captivating way sparked something in me. I realized that astronomy isn’t just about distant galaxies and black holes—it’s about perspective, wonder, and our shared human curiosity. That passion has never left me, and it is something I plan to bring into my future teaching career. As a teacher, I want to do more than simply deliver facts; I want to inspire wonder. Astronomy is the perfect subject to do that. It stretches the imagination and invites students to ask big questions: Where did we come from? What else is out there? How does the universe work? These kinds of questions naturally lead to critical thinking and creativity—skills I want my students to develop regardless of the subject I’m teaching. Whether I become a science teacher or incorporate science into other subjects, astronomy will be a bridge between the material and deeper thinking. Astronomy also has the power to bring relevance and excitement to the classroom. Today’s students are growing up in a world where scientific discovery is accelerating. New exoplanets are being discovered, private companies are launching rockets, and telescopes are capturing stunning images of deep space. I plan to use these real-world developments as tools for engagement. For example, discussing the James Webb Space Telescope’s discoveries or SpaceX launches can make science feel alive and current. When students see that science is not just something from a textbook but a constantly evolving journey, they become more engaged. Additionally, I want to use astronomy to teach interdisciplinary skills. Astronomy naturally includes elements of math, physics, history, and even literature. Students can calculate orbital velocities, explore the mythology behind constellations, or analyze how space exploration has shaped human history. By connecting astronomy to different subjects, I can help students see the interconnectedness of knowledge and spark interest in areas they may not have explored otherwise. But more than anything, I want my students to feel the same awe that I felt reading Tyson’s book. The feeling that we are part of something vast and mysterious can be both humbling and empowering. It teaches perspective and resilience. When students feel overwhelmed by daily problems or discouraged by challenges, I hope remembering their place in the universe gives them strength and hope. In conclusion, astronomy is more than a hobby or academic interest for me—it is a passion that fuels my desire to teach. I want to ignite curiosity in my students and help them see the beauty and wonder in learning. By bringing astronomy into my classroom, I believe I can not only educate, but also inspire the next generation to reach for the stars.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a serious public health issue worldwide, affecting individuals regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic background. It encompasses physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse by a current or former partner. One of the most effective long-term strategies for addressing and reducing IPV is education. By fostering awareness, challenging harmful gender norms, and equipping individuals with critical life skills, education plays a transformative role in both preventing and responding to IPV. First and foremost, education increases awareness about the nature and consequences of intimate partner violence. Many victims and perpetrators of IPV are unaware that certain behaviors—such as emotional manipulation, coercion, or controlling actions—constitute abuse. Educational programs in schools, universities, and community settings can teach people how to recognize the early signs of abuse and understand the importance of healthy relationship dynamics. When individuals are educated about their rights and the value of mutual respect, they are more likely to identify harmful patterns and take steps to prevent or escape abuse. Moreover, education challenges the cultural and societal norms that often sustain intimate partner violence. In many parts of the world, IPV is perpetuated by deeply rooted beliefs in male dominance and female subservience. These toxic ideologies are often passed down through generations in the absence of critical examination. Through education, individuals learn to question these beliefs, engage in respectful discussions about gender equality, and develop more progressive attitudes. Gender-sensitive curricula and inclusive classroom discussions can foster empathy and teach young people to reject violence as a means of asserting power or control. In addition to shifting attitudes, education provides individuals with the tools and opportunities to gain independence—especially for women, who are often the most affected by IPV. A quality education leads to better job prospects and financial autonomy, making it easier for victims to leave abusive relationships. Economic dependence is one of the most common reasons victims stay with their abusers. By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, education offers a pathway out of dangerous circumstances and into a future marked by safety and self-sufficiency. Finally, education also plays a preventative role by teaching conflict resolution, communication, and emotional regulation. Many perpetrators of IPV lack the emotional maturity to handle rejection, stress, or disagreement in non-violent ways. Social-emotional learning programs can teach children and adolescents how to manage anger, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts peacefully. These foundational skills, when taught early and reinforced often, contribute to the development of respectful, nonviolent relationships. In conclusion, education is a powerful tool in the fight against intimate partner violence. By raising awareness, transforming harmful beliefs, empowering individuals economically, and teaching essential life skills, education addresses both the root causes and the symptoms of IPV. A society that values and invests in comprehensive education is one that takes a strong stand against abuse and creates the conditions necessary for safe and healthy relationships

What the sport of wrestling and my wrestling coaches have made me find inside myself has forever changed me into a man who seeks excellence. I have found that the lessons that I have been exposed to on the mat, both in training and in live competition, can be used to elevate myself into a more orderly, passionate, and driven individual. In the practice room, I had a constant lesson driven home that if I wanted something others didn’t have, I would need to do things other people won’t. I became a man in our room who was willing to bring in wrestlers before school started to get more mat time, stay after in order to condition myself better than my peers, and lead my men which I would sweat and bleed with day in and day out. As our team's speaking captain, I learned that more importantly than just being able to show up for myself in practice and go through the motions, I had to be there for my team. I had to lift others up on their bad days, bring energy into the room when others fell flat. More than anything else, my coaches instilled discipline into me and that I needed to be able to carry that value we hold so dear wherever I am placed in this lifetime. I have become a leader, able to communicate effectively with my fellow teammates. Unfortunately, I have had to use this skill to handle some of my more emotional teammates. Although this is never something that anyone likes to do, it must be done in order to bring the team back together into a stronger and more functional unit. All of this to say, that adversity is what has molded me into a stronger man than I was yesterday. It is only by facing the fire that we can walk out stronger and I have been put under that more than anybody on my wrestling team and it shows. I have had to face tougher battles, be put under heavier scrutiny, and more pressure than any of my fellow wrestlers. Every battle I have faced has taught me that whatever challenge I am willing to go through is manageable, no matter how monumental it may at first seem. When I was spending hours on the mat everyday, I was making my team better and showing them a path to succeed. This family that is forced to create inside of each wrestling room showed me that wherever I was willing to plant my seeds, I would reap my reward in due time.

What the sport of wrestling and my wrestling coaches have made me find inside myself has forever changed me into a man who seeks excellence. I have found that the lessons that I have been exposed to on the mat, both in training and in live competition, can be used to elevate myself into a more orderly, passionate, and driven individual. In the practice room, I had a constant lesson driven home that if I wanted something others didn’t have, I would need to do things other people won’t. I became a man in our room who was willing to bring in wrestlers before school started to get more mat time, stay after in order to condition myself better than my peers, and lead my men which I would sweat and bleed with day in and day out. As our team's speaking captain, I learned that more importantly than just being able to show up for myself in practice and go through the motions, I had to be there for my team. I had to lift others up on their bad days, bring energy into the room when others fell flat. More than anything else, my coaches instilled discipline into me and that I needed to be able to carry that value we hold so dear wherever I am placed in this lifetime. I have become a leader, able to communicate effectively with my fellow teammates. Unfortunately, I have had to use this skill to handle some of my more emotional teammates. Although this is never something that anyone likes to do, it must be done in order to bring the team back together into a stronger and more functional unit. All of this to say, that adversity is what has molded me into a stronger man than I was yesterday. It is only by facing the fire that we can walk out stronger and I have been put under that more than anybody on my wrestling team and it shows. I have had to face tougher battles, be put under heavier scrutiny, and more pressure than any of my fellow wrestlers. Every battle I have faced has taught me that whatever challenge I am willing to go through is manageable, no matter how monumental it may at first seem. When I was spending hours on the mat everyday, I was making my team better and showing them a path to succeed. This family that is forced to create inside of each wrestling room showed me that wherever I was willing to plant my seeds, I would reap my reward in due time.

Growing up in a middle-class household in Pickens, South Carolina, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance from an early age. My parents, though they have never been wealthy, instilled in me the belief that education is the greatest tool for success. My dad worked tirelessly to provide for our family, often sacrificing his own comforts to ensure that I had the opportunities he never did. His dedication inspired me to push beyond my circumstances and strive for something greater—an education that would not only change my future but also allow me to give back to my community. From a young age, I recognized that higher education was my gateway to new opportunities. I have always been driven by curiosity, eager to learn and grow beyond the limits of my environment. Whether through excelling in my classes, taking on leadership roles, or serving the community that has given me so much, I have pursued every opportunity to challenge myself and prepare for the future. However, I also understand that ambition alone is not enough; financial barriers often stand in the way of students like me who dream of attending college. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance—it is a stepping stone toward achieving my goals. With a college education, I hope to not only secure a stable career but also serve and protect others with this knowledge soon to be gained in the next 4 years of my academic journey. By earning this degree, I aim to prove that no matter where you come from, dedication and education can pave the way for a brighter future.

After finishing 11th in the world at the 2024 CrossFit Games, many schools in my area invited me to teach a weightlifting seminar so that their athletes would have a good understanding of how to treat their bodies and also teach their athletes proper weightlifting technique. After returning to schools that I put on a jersey for and many others, it was awesome to see the joy that many kids got from taking their first steps to get better at something they love doing. I have also participated in my church, teaching several bible lessons and a lot of church skits for our little ones. This has been a very humbling experience seeing God work in these kids' lives and being able to be a small part of that has been incredible. What we need in our community is more humility. What I have found is the most lacking in our current situations isn't the inability or the lack of opportunity to serve, it is the unwillingness. It is a problem of the heart, not the body. We need more who are committed to serving and we need to show people that serving what creates a healthy community and individual. The best way to do this is to be the example that many people can't find in their lives. I grew up around drug addicts and low-succeeding individuals for the majority of my life, but I was able to break away from that group of people because I had a police officer who was willing to be a humble servant and lift me instead of looking down on my for things that I had done. I wanted to be more like him and eventually, he showed me that was willing to sacrifice time for me because Christ had sacrificed so much for him. What we need to create more people who are willing to serve is a society with a belief in God. Simply put, a secular society has no reason to care for anyone else unless it makes them feel good, which it might, but it might not. If we had more people seeking a life that is similar to Jesus Christ, the world would look radically different. More people must be exposed to police men like I ran into when I was young, people need positive role models in their lives and the best way to bring life back into the community is simply by being active in it and bringing positive when others feel like they couldn't be further from it.

What the sport of wrestling and my wrestling coaches have made me find inside myself has forever changed me into a man who seeks excellence. I have found that the lessons that I have been exposed to on the mat, both in training and in live competition, can be used to elevate myself into a more orderly, passionate, and driven individual. In the practice room, I had a constant lesson driven home that if I wanted something others didn’t have, I would need to do things other people won’t. I became a man in our room who was willing to bring in wrestlers before school started to get more mat time, stay after in order to condition myself better than my peers, and lead my men which I would sweat and bleed with day in and day out. As our team's speaking captain, I learned that more importantly than just being able to show up for myself in practice and go through the motions, I had to be there for my team. I had to lift others up on their bad days, bring energy into the room when others fell flat. More than anything else, my coaches instilled discipline into me and that I needed to be able to carry that value we hold so dear wherever I am placed in this lifetime. I have become a leader, able to communicate effectively with my fellow teammates. Unfortunately, I have had to use this skill to handle some of my more emotional teammates. Although this is never something that anyone likes to do, it must be done in order to bring the team back together into a stronger and more functional unit. All of this to say, that adversity is what has molded me into a stronger man than I was yesterday. It is only by facing the fire that we can walk out stronger and I have been put under that more than anybody on my wrestling team and it shows. I have had to face tougher battles, be put under heavier scrutiny, and more pressure than any of my fellow wrestlers. Every battle I have faced has taught me that whatever challenge I am willing to go through is manageable, no matter how monumental it may at first seem. When I was spending hours on the mat everyday, I was making my team better and showing them a path to succeed. This family that is forced to create inside of each wrestling room showed me that wherever I was willing to plant my seeds, I would reap my reward in due time.

This 2024-2025 school year I have begun the process of taking college-level courses through my local technical school to accumulate college credits. This experience combined with the fact that I was also in the process of qualifying for and competing in a 2024 CrossFit Games to find the fittest teenager on earth, I learned a hard lesson on the importance of planning and organizing work through the day, week, and semester. This extra freedom that was granted to me as I took my first semester of only college level classes came with a great degree of freedom to both fail and succeed. In the beginning of the process I was unorganized, I didn’t write down directions, easily let my wonder to other things during class, and was not on task while trying to complete work given for me to finish outside the classroom. It was a reality check to look at my classes and be able to see that in order to succeed, I would have to put my effort into another area of academics that I was previously naive to. The skill of being able to organize my workload, while still being able to put solid thought and intent into my course assignments took a meaningful amount of time to develop. I have found that if I can have a plan that is written out, I can visually see what needs to be completed by certain dates and form a “rough draft” version of how I plan to take on the semester. At the start of each week, I go into more detail about the specific assignments that need to be completed inside of that week, I write myself a copy of what the rubric for the assignment is and what style of work my teacher is looking for. With this newfound level of organization that I now possess, it has become much easier for me to have confidence in participating in class discussions and sharing my thoughts to the rest of the room. This level of planning also has the added benefit of making myself much more comfortable with assisting others who may be struggling in class or don’t fully grasp a concept that is being put forth to us by our teacher. I have learned that being able to serve others in a classroom setting is quite rewarding and I want to continue to pursue this mission, although this has not come without its own set of challenges. The classroom I drive to is forty miles away from my home and it take me a little over an hour to make the drive to school, I do this though because I already have a job near the school which I work in order to take the stress off of my parents who are currently dealing with paying for our housing issues and vehicle trouble. I do not let the financial issues I experience at a given point in time hinder my goal of furthering my life through education.