My father is my greatest supporter. Growing up, I had a mother that struggled with an alcohol addiction. Although she was technically in the picture, I never felt the motherly love that I so deeply needed. My parents got divorced when I was in elementary school. It has been me and my father against the world since that day. Not only did he support me financially, but emotionally as well. My father is my best friend and I could never ask for a better father, and best friend. When I struggled with my mental health due to the “loss” of my mother, my father was there with me every step of the way. He is and has always been my rock. He encourages me to do the best that I can and be the best that I can be. When it came to school, I struggled to focus due to the issues I faced with my mother. My father could always tell when something was bothering me, as I usually have an upbeat and bright personality. He is the only person I know that can truly understand what I saw and what I have been through, and he is always encouraging me and reminding me that everything is alright. College finally reared its head and I decided that I want to attend Ball State University to study accounting. On the day that I told my father my decision, he ordered Ball State merchandise and we celebrated. The financial aspect of college has been the hardest part for us. Coming from a low income, single parent household, I was able to obtain a few scholarships and grants. The leftover expenses however, such as housing, books, and fees, has been detrimental to our financial situation. We ended up having to sell many of our assets just for me to make it through my first semester. Unfortunately, it is not enough for me to make it through my first academic year. I can see that he is anxious and he is trying his best to support me. With the next semester approaching rapidly, and many more years to come, the last thing I wish for is to put more strain on him. He has done everything he can to support me. This scholarship would be such a great help to not only me, but my father as well. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

I enjoyed reading the Ode To Millennials-Gen Z. Personally, I try to see the lighter side of our existence here on Earth. I know that we can handle whatever challenges stand in our path. I strive to make a positive change in our society. Older generations are truly a blessing. I respect my elders and they respect me. I have learned almost everything I know about being kind, from my elders specifically. “Why attempt to place the blame on people when it would be much more beneficial to work towards a better society together?” is something I have been trying to express for multiple years of my life. I know that the Millennials and Gen Z can make that change, and I feel as if older generations believe that we can. We all inhabit this planet together and we should do everything we can to ensure its availability to everyone that is here. Greed is detrimental to our society, nearly having the ability to be defined as an addiction. Addictions can be broken and I know that if we try, we can accomplish this peace that is so desperately needed. I know that we can make the world a better place. Thank you.