A few months ago, I lost my grandmother, who was in bad health. She was kind, always putting everyone before herself, and a tad bit crazy in a good way. She was the type of person who stood up for what she believed in and rushed to those who needed any help. As I read the scholarship details of Aserina Hill, it reminded me of her. Such Compassionate people bring out the best in the world. They show the importance of community and caring for others. My name is Aurora Benefield. I attend a small school with 51 students in my class. Most people know each other, but even those who don't are often kind-hearted to each other. I am very involved within my community. Even though I could not financially be in sports, I could help in sports events and the community through clubs in my school and the library's resources. I am in several clubs, but I am mainly involved in Future, Career, and Community Leaders of America, Educational Talent Search, and Peer Helpers. When I was not helping my community with holiday events or volunteering at places with my Educational Talent Search organization, I was learning at school, immersed in the environment, painting and drawing, reading books, and playing video and board games with family. I recently became a peer helper, assisting students through mental health challenges by lending an ear and participating in activities like passing out stickers for World Smile Day. I have always enjoyed helping others, but my future goal is to attend college to become a marine biologist and help the environment while promoting its conservation. Even though it differs from assisting people directly, it will benefit future generations. As for what charity I would like to start, I would be enthralled to mix multiple passions of mine. While volunteering at one point, I had the opportunity to witness a Giving Garden charity organization with an open garden available that allowed people to come in for food when they needed it. They partnered with others to do routine food drives to help unfortunate people within the community, and it was awe-inspiring to witness. Creating a larger scale "Giving Garden charity" could be very beneficial. People could volunteer and interact with their community as they help the garden grow and learn about the environment, donate food or money, and help people in need within their communities get food. People who are able can pull weeds, water plants, and maintain them. Then, people of all ages who need food can get fresh fruit and vegetables. Even though this idea would need much assistance to become a reality, it is fun to come up with as a way to help those in need and follow in the footsteps of compassionate people who came before us.

Throughout my academic journey, I have attended one high school from kindergarten to my current senior year. However, I have also immersed myself in college classes available through my school's program with the community college. At one point, I had the opportunity to attend an on-campus Speech 101 class, which proved to be a remarkably different experience from my standard classes. Even though I did not have to leave behind my old friends, as my new classes were with the college, I found myself with limited time to interact with them. As the youngest student in the class, I was surrounded by "adults," which caused a great deal of anxiety, especially since I had to deliver a speech in front of them. Despite the significant age gap between the other college students and me, I found some class friends who were extremely kind and helpful in assisting me with assignments. Although I could not always relate to the topics on adult life that they discussed, I was mature enough to have conversations with them that were engaged throughout a classroom environment. Initially, I felt like a little kid as I delivered my speech, but their encouragement helped me to overcome my anxiety, and eventually, I just felt like another student. This class proved to be beneficial in the sense that I now know some of the students at that school, which could be advantageous if I attend that college again. I realized that new people and places can be unnerving, but they also offer an excellent opportunity for creating new connections and stepping outside one's comfort zone. This experience has impacted me to get more out of my comfort zone and do things even if I am anxious to be around others. I have also learned that even if one does not share similar experiences with others, it is still possible to connect with them and become good friends. This has shown me how friendships can be made even if one has not known the other person their whole life. Furthermore, I am not afraid to strive towards my future goals despite the challenges and anxiety that may arise, as I understand that they serve as an integral part of growing as a person. In conclusion, attending the Speech 101 class has been a transformative experience for me. It has taught me valuable lessons about stepping out of my comfort zone and making new connections with people who may have different experiences and perspectives. This experience has prepared me for the challenges I may face in college and beyond, and I am grateful for the opportunity to take this class. As someone who hopes to continue gaining valuable experiences like this within college, I am thankful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship.

My passion for environmentalism began in high school when I realized the importance of people's actions in reducing pollution and promoting sustainable living. I had always been concerned with the environment's well-being but did not feel my impact mattered. My actions were small compared to the billion others on the planet, especially factories and large production plants, right? However, if that is how everyone else had thought, that could be a massive contributor to the overall pollution. While it may seem that our actions are small compared to the impact of factories and large production plants, it is important to recognize that collective efforts can make a significant difference. As a result, I made the decision to become a vegetarian and try to avoid single-use plastics. I also started to shop more sustainably and purchase items from thrift stores. I refuse to shop from fast-fashion brands that produce absurd amounts of pollution. I also promote shopping environmentally by reusing my old belongings or donating them after "outgrowing" them. However, when I purchase an item, I try to ensure it is needed or will be used abundantly and is not just a "trend" item. Another huge factor in my life is conserving energy and adding energy-efficient items where possible. When I go out, and there are single-use plastics, I intentionally don't ask for straws or lids and bring my own, hopefully showing others the practice and promoting its riddance. My peers state that paper straws in other places just aren't good and begin to become "soggy" when in use, but I'd use a "soggy" straw (that has less adverse effects) than know my actions are overly detrimental to Earth. I understand that promoting environmental protection is not a priority in some areas, particularly in lower-income communities. It is concerning that people in such areas are not provided with opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint, and the lack of recycling facilities further exacerbates the problem. Creating more opportunities for people in these communities to engage in sustainable practices is essential. Initiatives such as school classes that demonstrate energy-efficient solutions, such as knowing about energy-efficient appliances, solar power, and actions that help reduce carbon footprints, would be beneficial. While it is understandable that some individuals may prioritize cost over environmentalism, it is crucial to recognize the long-term benefits of sustainable living. Considering that pollution is destroying habitats like the coral reefs, people need to make a faster switch to help with the environment. If everyone cared more, damaging events like rapid global warming would not be as imminent. Reducing one's carbon footprint is essential in this current era. Being in lower Alabama, the promotion of environmental preservation is sadly not prioritized. People uncaringly throw their trash out everywhere, and there is no recycling in more impoverished areas. Compared to places I have seen that are more willing to make beneficial environmental changes, my state and many others need to prioritize the Earth's health. I am committed to promoting sustainable living and reducing my carbon footprint. I believe that individual actions can make a significant impact on the environment, and it is essential to educate and encourage others to make sustainable choices. I would be honored to be considered for a scholarship that would enable me to pursue my passion for environmentalism and contribute towards creating a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.

Imagine a canvas full of vibrant colors mimicking tumbling sea waves inhabited by sea creatures, bewitching in their beauty. This scene is so filled with life and wonder that it has the power to enchant people to stop and stare. Now imagine this picture being forever lost, forgotten, with no one to appreciate the beauty that once was beheld by so many. As an artist and animal enthusiast, I can see just how precious this canvas is. I wish to preserve this living art. I love the life of the ocean and how interconnected it is. However, the interconnectedness makes the sea delicate. Delicacy does not seem to align with human nature. With human interruption, sea life has continuously descended into chaos with pollution. This pollution can lead to crises like coral reef bleaching, deoxygenation, extinction, resource depletion, and more, which can systematically ruin each connected part of the ocean biome, like a catastrophically large glob of paint dripping down a fresh painting. One piece of the ocean, the coral reefs, helps with habitation and food for numerous creatures. Humans also need the ocean to combat global warming as its plants contribute so much oxygen, and the waters absorb excess heat. Seeing such beautiful and mesmerizing colors of life destroyed so easily by mere human carelessness is devastating. Humans have thrown toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable substances everywhere, leading them to the ocean. Too many people don’t have the patience and allow their careless actions to ruin the beauty around them. How can these people not care that this vital ecosystem is dying? This destruction affects everything. People don’t understand when I talk passionately about the Earth and the urgency to be impactful with our actions. The ocean is essential for the continued stability of Earth. It provides so much for life, and as someone who wishes to become a mix of a marine biologist and a veterinarian, I want to contribute to preserving the ecosystem like an artist uses varnish to save their art. The care to preserve the ocean, much like with art, takes meticulous attention to detail. I adore science and understanding things beyond the eye; much like artists break down shapes for their creations, my curiosity pushes me to learn. I have always loved to watch how things work and further my education. My passions and strong ambition allow me to impact the world better. I hope to create like the artist I am and bring vibrant hues to life by producing efficient energy, supporting the ailing environment, and curing sick animals. Anything I can do with my major, I will do to help fix the destruction further brought by human impact.

Anxiety has always been my most significant setback to many “leadership” positions and opportunities. Through volunteering, I was able to find myself more and realize that I loved helping my community. Many people say that phrase, but nothing is better than seeing the faces you have helped and knowing you are making a difference. My “baby steps” with volunteering helped me build confidence that led me to try for leadership positions, even knowing I might fail. Last year after much community effort, I was as ready as possible to try for a huge leadership position for a state leadership position which would help not just my school but many schools within the state. I was absolutely terrified at the prospect of having to get on a massive stage in front of 800 or more young people that might be criticizing me for many things, but I did it; as my voice shook, I continued and finished a 3-minute-long memorized speech in hopes for something great. I sadly did not get the position, but I met so many amazing people: some who were very similar and some who were very different from me. If I could try my best, that was already a huge success. I could never have done that had I not been volunteering and found a community that believed in me. Now, almost a senior, I am doing as I have always been, preparing for my future. Though I am still stuck between whether I want to be a marine biologist, veterinarian, or something similar, I know college is right for me. I have always been a very motivated student with strong ambitions. Thrilled to have an option for more advanced classes, I have taken many dual enrollment classes. This was good as I could earn college credits and combat the high cost of college. However, when I graduate from high school and find my “perfect” college to continue my studies, I will still need to find funds to help with any expenses. I do not want my family to be burdened, knowing as a child, we already had very little money. I also do not want to pull out student loans that take forever to pay off and will strain my future life, but I will if I must. My hope, my plan, is to continue to write essays like these and win scholarships to earn money for my future. All while continuing to pour my heart into my loving community.

Experiencing a moment of vulnerability from the mispronouncing of my name in class, weirdly enough, allowed me to dive into a deep lesson of identity and be thankful to Disney. As the substitute teacher stumbled over my name, I realized my name was more than just "unique." It had a lot to contribute toward understanding my passions and true identity. My name is Aurora, yes, like the princess. My mom was highly inspired by the movie Sleeping Beauty and the northern lights. She wanted a son named Phillip, like the movie's prince but settled for Aurora as she had two daughters instead. I was always delighted to have such a peculiar name. Still, it did have its downs sometimes, specifically with the difficulty of pronunciation and spelling. My name formed my interest in Disney and allowed me to understand myself better. Though there is much universal appeal, my specific attachment boils from my name, which made Disney very special to me. Disney quickly became my childhood as we watched the Sleeping Beauty movie repeatedly. Seeing the hand-animated drawings and listening to the soothing music of "Once Upon a Dream" mesmerized me. Other Disney movies, especially Tangled and The Little Mermaid, piqued my interest because of their fascinating storylines and compelling art. The films' encouraged my interest in art and animation, making art a top tier of my future career options. Still, Sleeping Beauty was my obsession, except when the movie Maleficent came out. The modernized twist captivated me. I adored the idea of a misunderstood "villain" and the retelling of a classic tale. It showed that not every "villain" can be defined as evil and offered a sense of humanity, capturing how things affect a person. Disney led me to discover my identity, learn about my name's origin, and connect me to my passions. In both films, Princess Aurora is whimsical, nature-loving, patient, optimistic, and an overall good character. I admired the princess and tried to possess similar qualities. Aurora is seen protecting her fellow woodland creatures and respecting Earth. The princess greatly impacted me towards loving nature and animals and wanting to understand the world around me. Disney's influence on my life is evident in how I view the world as I see the wonder and beauty, understanding everyone has a unique story. I have embraced who I am as a person with the help of Disney and look forward to seeing how my passions will grow and evolve. Whether in art, conservation, or animal sciences, I want to use my career to speak out about things important to me. As I continue to pursue my interests, I will carry with me the lessons learned from Disney and my name's inspiration to positively impact the world around me.

The ocean is a vast and wonderful ecosystem, full of life. Unfortunately, humans' negative impact has continuously harmed the environment in numerous ways, from pollution to overfishing. As someone passionate about marine sciences, even from a young age. I am drawn to protecting and preserving this vital part of our planet. Specifically, I hope to focus my time and energy on conservation efforts, especially the effects of coral bleaching, oil spills, and microbiology-related issues on marine animals. As someone who loves biology, as the study of life is so expansive and can be studied from the smallest microorganisms to the largest animals, microbiology issues within the ocean would allow animals and microorganisms alike to thrive in the environment like they are supposed to. As we study biology within the sea, we not only help its inhabitants but also can solve world issues like disease, environmental degradation, and food shortages. The impact of harmful algal blooms and ocean acidification on marine microbes is undoubtedly an impactful study. Biology's fascinating and inspiring ways allow us to explore the incredible diversity of Earth and find needed solutions to huge problems. Growing up near the Florida state line in Alabama, I'm increasingly interested in issues worldwide and in my community. Just visiting and hearing on social media, you can see the risks growing with marine animals and plants in the ocean. Rising problems with Florida's seaweed increase my interest as someone who knows the beaches from a younger perspective and how it's changed since then. The effect it may have on local ecosystems from certain factors is essential for securing the ocean's future. Changes in ocean currents, nutrient pollution, and plastic waste all are subjects I wish to address as a future marine biologist, as the species and ocean itself depend upon the solution. Another vital issue within the ocean is coral bleaching. As coral reefs are needed for the varying ecosystem and hold marine life of all kinds, the bleaching and acidification harm the fragileness of it all. The coral reefs not only have a substantial impact on ocean life but also food and tourism. The intense concern hopefully will keep us all accountable, and we can find ways to protect them and the animals who rely on them. Animals being a big part of my hold for marine biology, I also wish to major in animal sciences. Though my plan is not set in stone, I hope my firm grip on marine biology will influence my future career and my impact on the world. In conclusion, the ocean is a complex and dynamic ecosystem facing many serious environmental challenges. From harmful algal blooms to plastic pollution, there are many threats to the health of the ocean and the many species that depend on it. We must work together to address these challenges and find ways to protect and preserve the ocean for future generations. Whether it's through reducing our use of single-use plastics, supporting sustainable fishing practices, or advocating for policies that address climate change, we all have a role in protecting the ocean and the many amazing creatures that call it home.

Growing up a 2000s baby, I was destined to become a Swiftie stan as the radio turned on and played her music nonstop. One of my all-time favorite Taylor Swift songs is "Out of the Woods" from her album 1989. This song tells the story of a rocky relationship with all its ups and downs. I first heard this song as a child, and it has stuck with me ever since. The song is incredibly relatable for many, as the interpretation changes depending on the person. The song's lyrics are very poetic and use a lot of symbolism. "Out of the Woods" focuses on how Taylor Swift's relationship was bound to fail as she sings, "We were built to fall apart." One particularly striking example of the intense use of metaphors in the song is the line, "The monsters turned out to be just trees," which shows how our fears can sometimes seem much more significant than they actually are. In another part of the song, she compares herself and her lover to 'Two paper airplanes flying, flying, flying,' which not only enforces the idea that she knew the relationship was delicate to the point that even the force of a slight wind could stop the relationship. The song's lyrics also emphasize the word "flying" through repetition, increasing the anxiety about the inevitability of the fall. The overemphasis of the chorus, 'Are we out of the woods yet? Are we out of the woods? Are we in the clear yet? Are we in the clear yet?" as well as other lines, add to the urgency for Taylor Swift to leave the rough patch of her life behind and contribute to the uncertainty within her. The beat and rhythm are also consistent as they match the lyrics and the excitement of the song. Contributing to the reason "Out of the Woods" is so fantastic is Taylor Swift's growth as she worked diligently and made a new debut with the album, growing out of her country era. She understands the need to take a risk and create something unique and memorable with the increasing popularity of pop music. Taylor Swift clearly expresses her power through "Out of the Woods," even if she still clings to the roots of her song's messages and revolves them around her past relationships. 'Out of the Woods' is a powerful song with an important message. It serves as a poignant reminder to be confident in ourselves and to find our own way before entering into a relationship. Its relatability and catchiness validate the enjoyment that many derive from the song. "Out of the Woods" constantly reminds Swifties of the change throughout Taylor's music. Whether you're a die-hard Taylor Swift fan or just someone who appreciates great music, "Out of the Woods" is worth at least a listen or twenty-two.

Holding a crayon and a juice box, I was labeled at a very young age as "talented" while I scribbled my imagination away on loose construction paper. I always did the most on art projects and was the class's most wanted art partner. I could only increase my art skills if it was my own time because art education was not deemed necessary within my school. My school had one art class during my elementary years, and it only lasted one year before it stopped, and students' ambitions to create more clay figures for their parents were shattered by the school's low funding. My aspiration in the arts really started after being introduced to video game and film art concepts. During my spare time, I watched youtube videos on techniques, fundamentals, tutorials, and speedpaints. I went to local bookstores looking in the small art sections to better my understanding of art. I dreamed of nothing more but to "perfect" my art so I could create my own animation and portraits. Drawing people was my favorite thing to do, but I would keep the drawings to myself, scared because my worst art critic, myself, deemed them not worthy of others' eyes. I only really drew other things when one of my teachers at my school started an art club, and we were assigned to illustrate certain things according to the lesson at hand. I finally had more freedom within the school and enjoyed the process more than the outcome. Even my friends, who do not usually participate in art, enjoyed the club. I found others at my school who loved art and liked to see their interpretations. I researched famous past artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and more, discovering the "roots" of art while comparing them to my favorite modern artists. I love the feeling of putting your pencil to the page and just creating something out of nothing, especially when layering it with cohesive colors that please the eye. I am so interested in the emotions a piece could display: sadness, anger, joy, and fear. Art's shape language was also mesmerizing and helped me convey so much without using a single word. By mixing different media and mediums, I could make the most unique creations, even if I used references and inspiration from previous artists, as many do. My favorite art and inspiration, as of recently, comes from animated stories like Kipo and the Age of the Wonderbeasts, Encanto, and Studio Ghibli films. All the art I have created is important to me because it tells the story of my progress and how my art has changed throughout my life as a reflection of myself and my skills. Many throw the word "talented" around, but in reality, I just love art and decided to fixate on it more than other kids my age. Recently, I have been busy with school and unable to enjoy art as much, but I would immensely enjoy studying art at a higher level in the future.