Throughout my life, I have never been supported more than how I have been supported by my teachers. In times when I lost faith in myself and felt like giving up, my teachers were there to pull me out of hard times and encourage me to pursue my dreams. In particular, I have an incredibly impactful professor to thank for my most recent career change. I entered college with a hazy idea of what I wanted to do with my life: graduate with a degree in neuroscience and go to med school. After a few semesters at MSU, I started to question if pre-med was the right choice for me, I didn't seem to have the same passion for my coursework as my peers, but I didn't have an alternative, so I kept trudging on. This all changed once I met one of the current professors that I work for. I took their class as a simple filler for my major requirements, not knowing I would soon fall in love with the content and decide to change my major to social science as a result. The class was about the sociology of health and medicine, and I fell in love on day one. I loved their class so much I chose to switch my major to Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science with a concentration in Health and Society. I could keep my love for science and medicine but with a more sociological approach, which I found far more meaningful and interesting. Not only is this professor talented and brilliant, but they are non-binary, and were the first non-binary adult I have met, not only in academia but in my entire life. As a non-binary student, it meant the world to see myself represented in a classroom, especially higher education. This professor is a leading researcher in their field and has been an incredible resource and mentor to me. I have them to thank for the inspiration to make the change I needed in my life. I now plan to finish my last year of schooling strong and attend grad school to study sociology after. I will then be able to find a job as a professor, following their example and hopefully impacting future trans and queer youth as well. I am incredibly grateful to have figured out my passion in life, and I cannot wait to see what else life has in store for me. I still have quite a few years ahead of me, but I have great plans for my future. I cannot wait to be a source of inspiration for future students, especially LGBTQ+ youth going through the challenges of college. I look forward to be able to make a change in the lives of these students, and the many others I will have the opportunity to not only teach, but learn from as well. I come from two generations of educators, and I take pride in being able to further this tradition and continue guiding the innovators and scholars of the future.

Math has been my constant companion, a puzzle that I've enthusiastically pursued since childhood. While it may appear abstract to some, to me, math is a symphony of patterns and logic, a language that reveals the underlying order of the universe. My affection for math isn't just about its practical applications; it's rooted in the profound sense of wonder it evokes within me. Math is the only language that ever made sense to me. One aspect of math that particularly intrigues me is its inherent creativity. Contrary to popular belief, math is not just about memorization; it's a creative endeavor that demands imagination and innovation. When faced with a problem, I relish the opportunity to unleash my creativity and devise novel solutions. Whether it's finding a clever strategy to tackle a tricky problem or discovering an elegant proof for a conjecture, math constantly challenges me to think outside the box. Moreover, math serves as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Regardless of nationality or background, mathematicians from diverse cultures can communicate and collaborate through the shared language of math. This universal appeal fosters a sense of unity and collaboration among individuals from all walks of life, which is something I find truly inspiring. Furthermore, math provides a powerful tool for understanding and interpreting the world around us. From predicting the trajectory of a projectile to modeling the behavior of complex systems, math enables us to make sense of the seemingly chaotic world we inhabit. As a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, I'm drawn to the role of math in addressing global challenges like climate change. By harnessing mathematical modeling and analysis, we can develop innovative solutions to promote sustainable development. In conclusion, my love for math stems from its beauty, creativity, universality, and practical relevance. As I continue my academic journey, I'm excited to delve deeper into the world of math and explore its endless possibilities. Whether I pursue a career in academia, research, or industry, I'm confident that my passion for math will continue to drive me forward, inspiring me to make a positive impact on the world.

If you had asked me in high school what I'd be doing in 2024, I would have laughed in your face. I never thought I'd make it this far, there were times I didn't think I'd graduate high school because my mental health was so bad. Although my family supports me now, they didn't take my needs seriously until I got to the point of attempting suicide. Since then, I have made a major pivot in my life for the better and undergone tremendous growth over the years. My journey hasn't been an easy one, and I still struggle with my mental health today, but I have the tools to help myself now. I never could have healed in the way I did without learning to love and accept my sexuality and gender identity. Being a part of the queer community has changed me irrevocably and has opened my eyes to so many things I never gave a second thought to. I have gained a greater appreciation for life that I know I never would have without coming out. I have also gained a chosen family that has supported me unconditionally and shown me what family truly looks like. Although my family is supportive of my identity now, it wasn't always that way. I grew up in a very conservative Christian home and spent my whole life hearing about the sinful and deplorable gay community, and I internalized this narrative for such a long time, suppressing my sexuality and making myself miserable trying to meet the expectations of others. Coming out to my family caused a huge rift in our relationship and was one of the hardest things I have ever done. My mental health was in one of the worst conditions I have experienced, but I didn't give up. I am so immensely grateful that I powered through one of the hardest times in my life, or I never would have seen my family show immense growth and challenge every negative expectation I had for them. Despite the struggles I endured, I have done a tremendous amount of healing and growth since graduating high school. I had the immense privilege of being able to leave home for school, and found myself on my own terms and was empowered by my independence. I have embraced my sexuality and gender queerness and found a community I never knew I had, and I am forever grateful. Being queer and trans is a privilege, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have decided to spend my life pursuing research on transgender mental health and healthcare, and cannot wait to make a positive impact on my community, and help LGBTQ+ youth get the healthcare and mental health resources they deserve. I would be an entirely different person today if I had not gone through the mental health struggles that I experienced. I have learned to truly love myself unconditionally, which I am certain I never would have learned without struggling with my mental health. I have been able to heal not only my own trauma, but have also been able to connect with my family on their own mental health journeys and how to seek help. I now have the confidence in myself to pursue graduate school and spend the rest of my life doing what I love, and that is a feeling beyond words. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story; it means a lot.

If you had asked me in high school what I'd be doing in 2024, I would have laughed in your face. I never thought I'd make it this far, there were times I didn't think I'd graduate high school because my mental health was so bad. Although my family supports me now, they didn't take my needs seriously until I got to the point of attempting suicide. Since then, I have made a major pivot in my life for the better and undergone tremendous growth over the years. My journey hasn't been an easy one, and I still struggle with my mental health today, but I have the tools to help myself now. I never could have healed in the way I did without learning to love and accept my sexuality and gender identity, which were core stressors in my life. Being a part of the queer community has changed me irrevocably and has opened my eyes to so many things I never gave a second thought to. I have gained a greater appreciation for life that I know I never would have without coming out. I have also gained a chosen family that has supported me unconditionally and shown me what family truly looks like. Despite the struggles I endured, I have done a tremendous amount of healing and growth since graduating high school. I have embraced my sexuality and gender queerness and found a community I never knew I had, and I am forever grateful. Being queer and trans is a privilege, and I wouldn't have it any other way. This realization has been the focal point of my mental health progress and passion for my future. I have had the immense privilege of working at a psychology lab at MSU for Transgender Mental Health. This work has been immensely impactful on me and ignited my passion for research on the trans community, particularly concerning mental health. The field of trans mental health and healthcare in general is massively underfunded and under-researched, and I hope to be a part of changing that. Queer teens are at major risk for mental health struggles and suicidal tendencies, contributing to research on these topics makes an impact on helping get these kids the help they need: the help I wish I had growing up. I plan on contributing further to this research and pursuing my own research in graduate school to help make a difference in my community. Being able to make this impact on my community is the greatest reward of the work I plan on pursuing. Even with the small amount of work I have done at my current research lab, I have felt immense gratitude and pride in the work I do. Hearing how participants were positively impacted by my study means the world, and motivates me to work harder so I can spend my life pursuing a career I love. Receiving this scholarship would make an incredible impact on my ability to make it to my goals for my future. I would be an entirely different person today if I had not gone through the mental health struggles that I experienced. I have found the tools to heal and grow, and cannot wait to help others do so. I now have the confidence in myself to pursue graduate school and spend the rest of my life doing what I love, and that is a feeling beyond words. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story; it means a lot.

If you had asked me in high school what I'd be doing in 2024, I would have laughed in your face. I never thought I'd make it this far, there were times I didn't think I'd graduate high school because my mental health was so bad. Although my family supports me now, they didn't take my needs seriously until I got to the point of attempting suicide. Since then, I have made a major pivot in my life for the better and undergone tremendous growth over the years. My journey hasn't been an easy one, and I still struggle with my mental health today, but I have the tools to help myself now. I never could have healed in the way I did without learning to love and accept my sexuality and gender identity, which were core stressors in my life. Being a part of the queer community has changed me irrevocably and has opened my eyes to so many things I never gave a second thought to. I have gained a greater appreciation for life that I know I never would have without coming out. I have also gained a chosen family that has supported me unconditionally and shown me what family truly looks like. Despite the struggles I endured, I have done a tremendous amount of healing and growth since graduating high school. I have embraced my sexuality and gender queerness and found a community I never knew I had, and I am forever grateful. Being queer and trans is a privilege, and I wouldn't have it any other way. This realization has been the focal point of my mental health progress and passion for my future. I have had the immense privilege of working at a psychology lab at MSU for Transgender Mental Health. This work has been immensely impactful on me and ignited my passion for research on the trans community, particularly concerning mental health. The field of trans mental health and healthcare in general is massively underfunded and under-researched, and I hope to be a part of changing that. I plan on contributing further to this research and pursuing my own research in graduate school. Being able to make this impact on my community is the greatest reward of the work I plan on pursuing. Even with the small amount of work I have done at my current research lab, I have felt immense gratitude and pride in the work I do. Hearing how participants were positively impacted by my study means the world, and motivates me to work harder so I can spend my life pursuing a career I love. Receiving this scholarship would make an incredible impact on my ability to make it to my goals for my future. I would be an entirely different person today if I had not gone through the mental health struggles that I experienced. I have learned to truly love myself unconditionally, which I am certain I never would have learned without struggling with my mental health. I have found the tools to heal and grow, and cannot wait to help others do so. I now have the confidence in myself to pursue graduate school and spend the rest of my life doing what I love, and that is a feeling beyond words. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story; it means a lot.

In navigating the labyrinth of life, faith often serves as a compass, guiding individuals through both calm seas and stormy waters. For me, this guiding light emanates from my personal relationship with God, a beacon of hope and strength that has profoundly impacted my journey. From moments of triumph to periods of adversity, my faith has been a steadfast companion, shaping my perspective, decisions, and aspirations. As I reflect on its influence, I am convinced of its transformative power not only in my personal life but also in my career pursuits. My faith in God has been a source of solace and resilience during times of adversity. In the face of challenges, whether they be professional setbacks or personal trials, my belief in a higher power has provided me with a sense of perspective and inner peace. Through prayer and contemplation, I have found the strength to persevere, trusting in the wisdom of divine providence. This unwavering faith has instilled in me a resilience that enables me to confront obstacles with courage and optimism, knowing that I am never alone in my struggles. Moreover, my faith has profoundly shaped my values and ethics, serving as a moral compass that guides my decisions and actions. Grounded in the teachings of compassion, integrity, and justice, my spiritual convictions inform not only how I interact with others but also how I approach my professional endeavors. In a world often characterized by moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas, my faith provides me with a firm foundation upon which to navigate complex issues with integrity and conviction. It compels me to prioritize the well-being of others, fostering a sense of empathy and service that extends beyond the confines of my career. Furthermore, I believe that my faith will continue to play a vital role in shaping my career trajectory and aspirations. As I embark on the path ahead, I am guided by a sense of purpose that transcends mere ambition or success. Rooted in my faith, this sense of purpose is driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, to contribute to the greater good, and to fulfill what I perceive to be my calling. Whether I find myself in a boardroom, a classroom, or a community center, I am committed to embodying the values of compassion, integrity, and service that are central to my faith. In conclusion, my faith in God has been a guiding force that has shaped my life in profound ways. It has provided me with strength and resilience in the face of adversity, guided my moral compass, and imbued my life with a sense of purpose and meaning. As I embark on my career journey, I am confident that my faith will continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance, shaping not only the decisions I make but also the impact I strive to have on the world around me. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." With faith as my guide, I am prepared to take that first step, trusting in the journey that lies ahead.

The main question I get when I come out to someone as trans is: If I could flip a switch and restart my life, would I still choose to be trans? I will always say yes. My journey hasn't been an easy one, and there was a time in my life where I felt life wasn't worth living because of my struggles with my gender and sexuality. However, being a part of the queer community has changed me irrevocably and has opened my eyes to so many things I never gave a second thought to. I have gained a greater appreciation for life that I know I never would have without coming out. I have also gained a chosen family that has supported me unconditionally and shown me what family truly looks like. Although my family is supportive of my identity now, it wasn't always that way. I grew up in a very conservative Christian home and spent my whole life hearing about the sinful and deplorable gay community, and I internalized this narrative for such a long time, suppressing my sexuality and making myself miserable trying to meet the expectations of others. If you had asked me in high school what I'd be doing in 2024, I wouldn't have even thought I'd make it that far. Coming out to my family caused a huge rift in our relationship and was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I am so immensely grateful that I powered through one of the hardest times in my life, or I never would have seen my family show immense growth and challenge every negative expectation I had for them. Despite the struggles I endured, I have done a tremendous amount of healing and growth since graduating high school. I had the immense privilege of being able to leave home for school, and found myself on my own terms and was empowered by my independence. I have embraced my sexuality and gender queerness and found a community I never knew I had, and I am forever grateful. Being queer and trans is a privilege, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  When thinking about my future, I have always asked myself what meaning I would find in my work, as that is essential to me. Before coming to MSU, I had never met another transmasculine person in real life, let alone a trans elder. This changed my sophomore year when I met one of my sociology professors, and they changed my life. Meeting them was like stepping twenty years into the future and seeing what an amazing life I could have, and nothing will ever be as impactful on my life as meeting them. Even if I can be that representation and source of hope for just one trans youth, I know that I will have made a difference, and that fills me with joy.  That professor is the reason I switched my major to social science from neuroscience. This was a big step, but after meeting them, I never felt more confident about what I wanted to do with my life. I have aspirations and goals that I am ecstatic to begin, and I have so much to look forward to. I am applying to graduate school for sociology and plan on becoming a professor of sociology. I intend on pursuing research on trans healthcare and the social factors involved with such a complex and under-researched field, and I get giddy every time I think about it. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story; it means a lot.