My name is August. I grew up in Chehalis, Washington, and I have three brothers. Growing up with brothers meant life was usually loud and competitive, but it also taught me a lot about loyalty and looking out for each other. My family and where I grew up shaped a lot of who I am today. Chehalis is a smaller town, and living there helped me learn the importance of community and caring about the people around you. This past summer was a really important time in my life because it’s when I gave my heart to Jesus. Before that, I believed in God, but I don’t think I fully understood what it meant to actually follow Him and live for Him. Since then, my perspective on life has changed a lot. I’ve realized that life isn’t really about just chasing success or doing things for yourself. It’s about loving others, serving others, and pointing people toward Christ. One of the biggest things on my heart now is helping people come to know Jesus the same way I did. There are so many people who feel lost or alone, and I want to be someone who can show them love and hope. I know I’m not perfect and I’m still learning a lot, but I want my life to reflect the way Jesus loved people. That means putting others before myself and being willing to serve wherever I’m needed. Because of this, I’m planning on going into intercultural studies. I’m really interested in learning about different cultures and people groups, especially ones that might not have heard the gospel before. I want to be able to connect with people from different backgrounds and understand them better so I can share my faith in a way that actually makes sense to them. I think learning about cultures is really important if you want to care about people well. I also really love kids, and I could see myself working with kids or families in some way in the future. Kids are honest and full of energy, and I think it’s really important that they grow up hearing about God’s love. Being someone who can encourage and guide young people would be something really meaningful to me. Outside of school and faith, I also enjoy going to the gym. Working out has been something that helps me stay disciplined and focused. It also reminds me that growth takes time and effort, which is kind of the same with faith and life. Overall, my goal for my career and my life is pretty simple. I want to love people well, serve others, and help people come to know Jesus. If I can do that and make even a small difference in someone’s life, I would consider that a success.

Public speaking has never been easy for me. Even as a student who has always participated in school and church activities, I have always struggled with reading or presenting in front of people. My hands would shake, my voice would wobble, and I often felt like everyone was judging me. For a long time, I avoided opportunities where I had to read aloud, thinking I could just get by without facing that fear. But over time, I realized that avoiding the challenge was holding me back from growth, confidence, and opportunities to express myself. One particular experience stands out. In my junior year of school, I was asked to read a passage in front of the class for a presentation. My first instinct was to panic and consider asking someone else to do it, but I decided to push through. The first few sentences were shaky, and I could feel my face turning red, but I kept going. I focused on taking slow breaths, reminding myself that mistakes would not define me, and that my voice mattered. By the end of the reading, I had not only finished without completely freezing, but I also felt a sense of accomplishment I had never experienced before. That challenge taught me the value of perseverance. I realized that growth does not come from comfort, but from facing fears and pushing through discomfort. I also learned the importance of preparation and practice. Each time I practiced reading aloud at home or in front of a mirror, I felt a little more confident and a little less anxious. Over time, the improvement became noticeable. While I still get nervous, reading in front of people has become manageable, and I have gained a level of confidence I never thought I could reach. This experience also taught me patience with myself. Personal growth is not instantaneous, and setbacks are part of the process. I learned that small improvements are still progress and that it is okay to feel nervous or imperfect while learning. The challenge of reading aloud has not only helped me in academic settings but also in other parts of life, like participating in church, engaging in conversations, and taking on leadership roles where communication is important. Facing this challenge reminded me that fear should not dictate my choices. Instead, it can be a signal that I am growing and stretching beyond my comfort zone. Every time I read in front of people now, I am reminded of the progress I have made and the confidence I have built through persistence, practice, and self-reflection. This challenge, though uncomfortable at first, became a turning point in how I approach fears and personal growth in every area of my life.

Growing up, I always went to church every week with my family. Church was a constant in my life, and I knew about God and Jesus, but for a long time, my faith felt more like a routine than a personal connection. That changed this past summer when I reached a point in my life that I should not have reached. I had taken a substance I should not have taken, and I was feeling completely lost, broken, and alone. In that moment of weakness, God met me. It was not because I had done everything right, but because He chose to meet me where I was. I accepted Christ into my life and for the first time truly felt hope, peace, and the possibility of a new life. That moment gave me perspective on what “a second chance” really means. It means being given the opportunity to start over, to learn from mistakes, and to build a life that reflects the best version of yourself. My past experiences in the juvenile justice system have shaped me in ways I could never have expected. Being in that system forced me to confront my decisions and the consequences of my actions. It also gave me clarity on who I want to be and the life I want to live. I learned that one mistake does not define a person, but the choices you make after that mistake do. I learned responsibility, accountability, and the value of self-reflection. I realized that I could use my experiences not as a burden but as a lesson and a tool to grow stronger, wiser, and more determined to create a positive path forward. Since that turning point, I have taken intentional steps toward positive change. I have committed myself to living in a way that aligns with my values, focusing on my education, and surrounding myself with people who inspire me to be better. I have built new habits, stayed consistent with my responsibilities, and dedicated myself to personal growth. Accepting Christ into my life has given me motivation and a framework to make better choices. I am determined not to repeat the mistakes of my past, and I actively seek ways to hold myself accountable and remain on a path that leads to a productive and meaningful life. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue on that path. The funds would allow me to focus on my education without the constant stress of financial burdens. I would use the award to cover tuition, textbooks, and other school expenses, giving me the freedom to take full advantage of academic and professional opportunities. This support would help me move closer to my goals, including pursuing a career where I can help others navigate challenges and avoid the mistakes I once made. I want to build a career in social work or counseling, fields where I can guide and support young people who are struggling, especially those who have been in the juvenile justice system like I have. Looking ahead, my educational and life goals are clear. I plan to complete my degree, gain practical experience in my field, and continue growing personally and spiritually. I want to use my life experience to serve others, to give hope and guidance to youth who feel lost or trapped by their circumstances. Paying it forward means sharing what I have learned about resilience, accountability, and faith, and helping other young people see that they can overcome obstacles and create a better life. I want to be proof that a second chance is real and that change is possible with effort, guidance, and belief in something greater. Ultimately, my goal is to live a life that reflects the lessons I have learned, the opportunities I have been given, and the second chance that God has provided. I want to inspire others to take their own steps toward positive change and to show them that mistakes do not have to define a future. With support, focus, and determination, I can build a life of purpose, help others rise above their challenges, and honor the second chance I have been given.

I have always grown up going to church every week, attending services with my family and listening to the teachings of the Bible. Church was a consistent part of my life, but for a long time, it felt more like a routine than a personal relationship. I knew about God and I knew about Jesus, but I had not truly experienced Him in my own life. That all changed this past summer. I found myself in a situation I should not have been in, having taken a substance I should not have taken. I was at a low point, feeling lost, scared, and broken. In that moment, God met me exactly where I was. It was not because I had done everything right, but because He came to me in my weakness. In that moment, I accepted Christ into my life and felt a hope and peace I had never known before. It was as if a weight had been lifted, and I realized my life could be different. Since then, my life has truly changed. I now have a new sense of purpose, a renewed hope, and a desire to live in a way that honors the Lord. This journey has shaped the way I think about my future. I want a career where I can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, one where I can help guide, support, and inspire others. I am passionate about pursuing a field that allows me to give back to my community and help those who may be struggling, just as I once was. Whether that is through counseling, social work, or other paths that allow me to support and mentor people, I want my career to reflect the life and hope I have found in Christ. I see this as more than just a job. It is a way to live out my faith in a practical and impactful way. Receiving this scholarship would directly support my academic and professional journey. College is not just a place to earn a degree for me. It is a critical step in equipping myself with the knowledge, skills, and experience I need to serve others effectively. This scholarship would ease financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and personal growth rather than worrying about tuition or living expenses. It would give me the freedom to participate in opportunities that will prepare me for my career and deepen my understanding of how to make a difference in the lives of others. Looking ahead, my future plans are guided by the life I now have in Christ. I plan to finish my degree, gain hands on experience in my chosen field, and continue growing both personally and spiritually. I want to use my education to serve others, create opportunities for positive change, and live a life that reflects the hope I have found in God. This scholarship is not just financial support. It is an investment in my potential to make a meaningful impact in my community and in the lives of people who need guidance, hope, and encouragement. By supporting me, this scholarship would help turn the life God has given me into a life that can serve others and glorify Him.

Growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness shaped a lot of my early life in ways that were both challenging and meaningful. The structure and routine taught me discipline and commitment, but it also made me realize how important it is to think for myself. Leaving that community was one of the hardest experiences I have faced. It meant questioning beliefs I had been raised with, dealing with judgment from people I cared about, and figuring out how to define who I am on my own. While it was difficult, it also gave me space to reflect on what I truly value and what I want from life. It taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of balancing my own beliefs with my goals. When I think about the future, I see a life where I can make a meaningful difference. I want a career that allows me to help people navigate challenges and improve their lives. That might be through counseling, social work, or programs that empower young people to pursue their own potential. I want a career that combines growth with purpose where I can keep learning while also giving back. My experiences as a Jehovah’s Witness have given me insight into how people can feel trapped, misunderstood, or uncertain about their paths. I want to use those lessons to support others while continuing to grow myself. On a daily level I focus on habits that move me closer to my goals. Staying organized, managing my time, and setting clear steps for myself are ways I make steady progress. I also prioritize relationships and mentorships because growth does not happen alone. Being around people who challenge me and inspire me has helped me build confidence and resilience. I want to continue seeking out mentors and opportunities to improve my skills through leadership, volunteering, and school projects. Another important goal is to maintain balance in my life. I want to care for my mental, emotional, and physical health while still working hard toward my ambitions. That means taking time for self-care, setting boundaries, and allowing myself to rest without guilt. I have learned that long-term success is not just about achievement but about creating a life that is meaningful, fulfilling, and sustainable. Ultimately, my personal and professional goals are connected. I want to build a career that matters, habits that last, and relationships that strengthen me. I want to take the challenges I have faced and turn them into tools for growth for myself and others. I plan to reach these goals by being intentional with my choices, staying persistent even when progress is slow, and using my experiences to guide me. I am motivated by the idea that every step I take now, no matter how small, can shape the life I imagine. By staying true to myself and learning from every opportunity, I believe I can create a future that is both successful and meaningful.