One of the books that has had the greatest impact on me is The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman. What resonates with me most is the way the novel explores love, morality, sacrifice, and the impossible choices people sometimes face. The story shows how a mother’s love can become so powerful that it blurs the line between right and wrong, and how people will go to extraordinary lengths to protect the people they love. That idea stayed with me because it reflects something very real about human nature: people are not always simple, and the choices they make are often shaped by emotion, pain, and hope rather than logic alone. Reading this novel challenged me to think beyond simple ideas of “right” and “wrong.” Before reading it, I often thought of moral decisions in very black-and-white terms. However, the book reminded me that life is rarely that clear. Every person has a story, and every decision is influenced by circumstances that others may never fully understand. The characters in the novel are forced to make choices that are heartbreaking no matter what they do, and that made me realize how important it is to approach people with empathy instead of judgment. I learned that understanding someone’s perspective does not mean agreeing with every decision they make, but it does mean recognizing their humanity. That lesson has stayed with me because it has changed the way I think about others and the way I want to carry myself in the future. This book also taught me that love can be both beautiful and complicated. It can inspire people to be selfless, but it can also lead them to make decisions that have lasting consequences. That complexity made me reflect on the importance of responsibility. Caring deeply about someone is important, but so is being honest, thoughtful, and aware of how our actions affect others. The novel helped me understand that good intentions do not always lead to easy outcomes, and that maturity often comes from learning how to balance compassion with integrity. This lesson has shaped my own goals in a meaningful way. As I pursue a degree in accounting, I want to approach every client, coworker, and decision with integrity while also remembering the human side of every situation. Numbers matter, but behind every financial decision is a person, a family, or a business with unique circumstances and concerns. I want to be someone who is not only accurate and dependable, but also respectful and understanding. In a field like accounting, trust is essential, and I believe that trust is built not only through skill, but also through honesty, empathy, and professionalism. The Light Between Oceans taught me that compassion and honesty can coexist, and that the best decisions are often the ones made with both heart and principle. It reminded me that success is not just about achieving goals, but about becoming the kind of person who treats others with care and responsibility along the way. As I continue my education and prepare for my future career, I hope to carry those values with me in everything I do. Thank you for your time and consideration.

When I graduate from college, I will likely carry close to $100,000 in student loan debt. While that number is intimidating, it has never changed my goal of earning a college degree. Education represents something much larger than a diploma to me—it represents independence, stability, and the opportunity to build the life I have always envisioned. My name is Ava Mayer, and after completing my first year at Penn State, I will be continuing my education at the University of Scranton. Throughout high school and college, I have worked hard to make the most of every opportunity I have been given. I graduated high school with a 3.79 GPA while ranking 275th in a graduating class of 2,729 students. Academically, I consistently challenged myself and earned mostly A’s across my coursework, believing that every assignment deserved my best effort rather than simply enough effort to earn a passing grade. Outside the classroom, I was involved in broadcasting, where I helped film football games and assisted with producing the school’s morning announcements. I also participated in Future Business Leaders of America and worked while attending school. Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and employment taught me valuable lessons in responsibility, organization, and time management. Learning how to prioritize my commitments prepared me well for the demands of college and reinforced the importance of perseverance. While my academic accomplishments are important to me, they only tell part of my story. Growing up, my home life was often unstable because of domestic abuse. Throughout my childhood, I was required by the Pennsylvania court system to continue visiting my father despite the circumstances surrounding our family. Those experiences profoundly affected my mental health, my confidence, and my sense of belonging. For many years, I questioned whether I deserved happiness or whether life would always feel uncertain. The emotional effects of that childhood did not disappear when the court visits ended. Even today, I still struggle with the lingering impact of those experiences. Healing is not something that happens overnight. There are still nights when painful memories resurface, and I have to remind myself that my past does not define my future. The greatest challenge I have faced throughout school was learning how to succeed academically while carrying emotional burdens that many of my classmates never saw. Every assignment, exam, and project was completed while also navigating anxiety, self-doubt, and the lasting effects of trauma. There were days when simply showing up required far more strength than anyone around me realized. Rather than allowing those experiences to determine the direction of my life, I made the decision to focus on what I could control. I could control how hard I studied. I could control whether I showed up to class. I could control the effort I gave to my job, my coursework, and the goals I set for myself. Each good grade became proof that my circumstances did not dictate my potential. That mindset carried with me into college. My first year at Penn State reinforced that I am capable of succeeding in higher education, and transferring to the University of Scranton represents another opportunity to continue growing academically and personally. I plan to pursue a degree in accounting because I value problem-solving, organization, and the financial stability the profession can provide. More importantly, I hope to build a future where I never have to worry about returning to the instability I experienced growing up. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than reducing my financial burden. It would allow me to devote more of my energy toward my education instead of constantly worrying about how I will afford the next semester. Every dollar of scholarship support reduces the amount I will need to borrow and helps make my long-term goals more attainable. I know there are many deserving applicants, each with their own story. What I can promise is that I will not waste the opportunity your investment provides. Throughout my life, I have learned that resilience is not about pretending life is easy—it is about continuing to move forward despite difficult circumstances. That resilience has shaped who I am as a student, an employee, and a person. My experiences have taught me to appreciate every opportunity I receive, to work diligently even when no one is watching, and to remain hopeful even during life’s most difficult seasons. I am proud of everything I have accomplished despite the obstacles I have faced, and I am excited to continue building a future defined not by my past, but by my determination, education, and commitment to making the most of every opportunity placed before me.

A traumatic brain injury changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. What began as a severe concussion became months of uncertainty, frustration, and learning how to navigate a world that suddenly felt unfamiliar. I experienced memory loss, constant dizziness, and persistent headaches that affected nearly every part of my daily life. Tasks that once seemed simple—remembering information, concentrating on schoolwork, or even getting through an ordinary day without symptoms—became significant challenges. There were moments when I wondered if I would ever feel like myself again. One of the hardest parts of recovering from a traumatic brain injury was that many of my struggles were invisible. To others, I often looked fine, but internally I was fighting through headaches that made it difficult to focus, dizziness that disrupted my balance, and memory problems that made me question my own abilities. It was discouraging to feel like I had to constantly explain why I was struggling or why I needed more time to complete tasks. The emotional toll was just as difficult as the physical symptoms. Recovery was not a straight path. There were good days that gave me hope and difficult days that made me feel like I had taken several steps backward. Instead of giving up, I learned to celebrate small victories. Remembering something I had forgotten before, making it through a full day of classes, or noticing my symptoms becoming slightly more manageable reminded me that progress does not always happen quickly, but it still happens. My experience with a traumatic brain injury has taught me resilience in a way that no classroom ever could. I have learned that determination is not about never struggling; it is about continuing forward despite the struggle. Every challenge forced me to develop stronger problem-solving skills, patience, and perseverance. Rather than allowing my injury to define my future, I chose to let it strengthen my character. Today, I am pursuing a degree in accounting, a field that requires analytical thinking, organization, precision, and persistence. After transferring to the University of Scranton, I am committed to building a successful career that allows me to help businesses and individuals make informed financial decisions. Pursuing a STEM-related education after a traumatic brain injury has not always been easy, but every class I complete is proof that my injury does not determine my potential. My brain injury has also given me a greater sense of empathy. I understand what it feels like to have your abilities questioned and to fight battles that others cannot see. Because of this, I strive to encourage others facing adversity to believe that setbacks do not have to become permanent limitations. Success may look different after a traumatic brain injury, but it is still possible through determination, hard work, and the willingness to keep moving forward. Although I still experience challenges from my concussion, I no longer view them as barriers that prevent me from achieving my goals. Instead, they serve as reminders of how far I have come. Every accomplishment carries greater meaning because I know what it took to reach it. My resilience was not built during the easy moments—it was built during the days when continuing felt impossible. A traumatic brain injury changed my life, but it did not take away my ambition. It strengthened it. I am determined to continue my education, earn my degree, and build a career in accounting while proving to myself and others that recovery does not mean giving up on your dreams. My story is not defined by the injury itself, but by the resilience, determination, and hope that followed.

Throughout my life, I have learned that one person can make a profound difference in another person’s future. Whether through a kind teacher, a supportive family member, or a mentor who believes in someone during a difficult time, small acts of support can change the course of a life. Because of this, the impact I want to make is centered on creating opportunities, stability, and support for others who may not have had the same advantages or resources. As a student pursuing a degree in Accounting, my education represents more than a pathway to a career. It represents financial independence, security, and the ability to create meaningful change within my community. Growing up, I witnessed how financial challenges and family difficulties can affect every aspect of a person’s life. These experiences taught me that access to knowledge, resources, and support can make an enormous difference. They also inspired me to pursue an education that will allow me to build a stable future while helping others do the same. The people who inspire me most are those who continue moving forward despite obstacles. I have seen individuals work tirelessly to provide for their families, pursue education while facing adversity, and support others even when they themselves are struggling. Their resilience has taught me the importance of perseverance, gratitude, and service. They have shown me that success is not measured solely by personal achievements but also by the positive impact we have on the people around us. After earning my degree, I hope to use my knowledge of accounting and finance to help individuals and families make informed financial decisions. Financial literacy is a skill that many people never have the opportunity to learn, yet it influences nearly every aspect of life. I want to help people understand budgeting, saving, managing debt, and planning for their futures. By sharing this knowledge, I hope to empower others to achieve greater financial stability and confidence. In addition to my professional goals, I plan to remain actively involved in my community through volunteer work and mentorship. I believe that young people benefit greatly from having positive role models who encourage them to pursue their goals. I hope to support students who may feel uncertain about their futures by sharing my experiences and helping them navigate educational and career opportunities. Sometimes the most meaningful impact comes from simply showing someone that their goals are achievable. Looking toward the future, my vision is to create a life that combines professional success with service to others. I want my education to be a tool not only for personal growth but also for community improvement. Whether through financial education, mentorship, volunteerism, or professional service, I hope to leave my community stronger than I found it. The change I am determined to create is one in which more people have access to the knowledge, opportunities, and support they need to succeed. Education has the power to transform lives, and I am committed to using mine to help build a future that is more stable, equitable, and hopeful for those around me.

My primary goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Scranton and build a stable, successful career that will allow me to achieve financial independence and help others. While my career plans have evolved over time, I have learned that accounting combines many of my strengths, including organization, problem-solving, attention to detail, and analytical thinking. Earning my degree will provide me with the skills and credentials necessary to enter a profession with strong job prospects and opportunities for growth. To achieve this goal, I have developed a detailed plan that focuses on academics, financial responsibility, professional development, and long-term career preparation. In the fall, I plan to begin my studies at the University of Scranton as an Accounting major. My first objective is to maintain a strong GPA throughout college. Academic success will allow me to remain competitive for internships, scholarships, and future employment opportunities. To accomplish this, I plan to attend classes consistently, utilize office hours, participate in tutoring services when needed, and create a structured study schedule. A second goal is to gain practical experience before graduation. Accounting is a field where hands-on experience is highly valued by employers. During my sophomore and junior years, I plan to pursue internships with accounting firms, businesses, or nonprofit organizations. These opportunities will allow me to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, build a network of mentors and colleagues, and develop workplace skills that cannot be learned solely from textbooks. I also intend to participate in student organizations and professional development opportunities offered through the university. Financial planning is an essential component of my success. The cost of higher education continues to rise, making careful budgeting necessary. My estimated annual expenses include tuition, fees, books, transportation, housing, food, and personal expenses. Scholarships will play a critical role in reducing the amount I must borrow through student loans. I also plan to work part-time during the academic year and full-time during summer breaks to contribute toward educational expenses. By combining scholarships, financial aid, employment income, and responsible budgeting, I hope to minimize debt and graduate with a strong financial foundation. The resources necessary to achieve my goals include the academic support services available through the University of Scranton, financial aid programs, scholarships, internship opportunities, career services, and mentorship from professors and professionals in the accounting field. These resources will provide guidance, practical experience, and financial assistance throughout my education. Following graduation, my goal is to secure a position in accounting and continue developing professionally. I may pursue additional certifications, such as becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), to expand my career opportunities and earning potential. Long-term, I hope to build a successful career that provides financial stability, allows me to support my family, and enables me to give back to my community. While there are multiple paths to success, my plan remains focused on education, hard work, financial responsibility, and professional growth. By utilizing available resources, maintaining strong academic performance, and gaining practical experience, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and create a future filled with opportunity and purpose.

Everyone has something that makes them stand out from the crowd. Sometimes it is a talent, a hobby, or a personality trait. Other times, it is a physical characteristic that people notice right away. For me, the thing that has always made me stand out is my height. At six feet tall, I have spent most of my life being taller than the people around me, especially other girls my age. While being tall is something I have learned to appreciate, it was not always easy growing up. As a child, I was often the tallest student in my class. People constantly commented on my height, and it seemed like everyone had an opinion about it. I was frequently asked if I played basketball or volleyball, and people were often surprised when I told them I did not. Sometimes the comments were harmless, but other times they made me feel self-conscious. There were moments when I wished I could blend in more easily instead of standing out everywhere I went. School can be difficult enough without feeling like everyone notices something different about you. Over time, however, I began to realize that my height was only one part of who I am. The people who mattered most were interested in my personality, interests, and character rather than how tall I was. As I got older, I started to become more comfortable with standing out. I learned that confidence comes from accepting yourself rather than trying to change things you cannot control. Today, I view my height as something that makes me unique instead of something I need to hide. Another thing that makes me different is the way I care about other people. I enjoy checking in on my friends, supporting them when they need help, and showing them that they matter to me. One of my favorite ways to do this is through baking. I love making treats and sharing them with the people I care about. It may seem like a small gesture, but I think acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day. I also try to be the person who listens when others need someone to talk to. While not everyone expresses care in the same way, I believe that being thoughtful and compassionate is one of my greatest strengths. I have learned that everyone has qualities that make them different. Some people are left-handed, some are exceptionally talented at a sport or activity, and others have unique personalities that set them apart. It can be tempting to focus on the things that make us feel awkward or different, especially when we are younger. However, those differences are often what make us memorable and interesting. Looking back, I am grateful for the experiences that have helped me become more confident in myself. Being tall taught me how to embrace what makes me unique instead of wishing I were like everyone else. It also taught me that true confidence comes from accepting yourself and recognizing your own value. The things that make us stand out are not flaws; they are part of what makes each person special. Rather than trying to hide our differences, we should learn to appreciate them and use them to become the best versions of ourselves.

For much of my life, I viewed the world through survival instead of possibility. Growing up in an unstable and emotionally difficult environment shaped the way I saw myself, my future, and the people around me. For years, I carried anxiety, fear, and emotional exhaustion while trying to appear strong on the outside. Although those struggles affected my confidence and mental health, they also gave me resilience, empathy, and a deep desire to create a better future not only for myself, but for others around me. Education represents more to me than simply earning a degree. It represents stability, independence, opportunity, and the ability to break cycles that once made me feel trapped. Through higher education, I want to build a life where I can feel secure in my future while also making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My experiences taught me how powerful support, understanding, and financial security can be in shaping someone’s life, which is why I want my future career to positively impact people and my community. I hope to build a future centered around problem-solving, creativity, and helping others feel supported and secure. Whether through a career involving design, business, or analytical work, I want to use my education to create environments and systems that improve people’s quality of life. I have learned that the spaces people live in, the systems they rely on, and the financial stability they experience can all directly affect mental well-being and personal growth. Because of this, I want my work to contribute to making people feel safer, more confident, and more supported in their everyday lives. Additionally, I want to use my experiences to encourage others who may feel limited by their circumstances. Growing up, there were many moments where I doubted my own abilities and questioned whether success was realistic for me. Pursuing higher education is my way of proving to myself that difficult beginnings do not define a person’s future. I hope that by continuing to push forward despite adversity, I can show others that growth and success are possible even after hardship. Receiving this scholarship would not only help relieve the financial burden of higher education, but it would also bring me closer to building the future I have worked so hard toward. College is an investment in my future, but it is also an investment in the impact I hope to make on my community. I want to build a life rooted in stability, compassion, and purpose while creating positive change for others along the way. My goal is not simply to succeed for myself. I want to use my education to create opportunities, support others, and contribute something meaningful to the world around me. Through resilience, determination, and education, I hope to turn my experiences into a future that positively impacts both my life and the lives of others

For much of my life, I viewed the world through survival instead of possibility. Growing up in an unstable and emotionally difficult environment shaped the way I saw myself, other people, and my future. I spent years carrying anxiety, fear, and emotional exhaustion while trying to appear strong on the outside. Mental health struggles affected the way I trusted people, handled relationships, and believed in my own worth. However, over time, those struggles also shaped me into someone more self-aware, compassionate, determined, and motivated to create a different future for myself. One of the biggest ways my mental health struggles changed my understanding of the world is by teaching me that people are often carrying invisible battles. When I was younger, I believed strength meant hiding pain and pretending everything was okay. As I grew older, I realized how many people silently struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, or insecurity while still trying to function every day. This realization made me more empathetic and less judgmental. I learned to listen more carefully, to value kindness, and to understand that even small acts of support can deeply impact someone’s life. My experiences taught me that the world needs more compassion, especially toward people whose struggles cannot always be seen. My mental health journey has also influenced my goals. For years, fear and self-doubt convinced me that I was not capable of achieving meaningful success. I often questioned whether I deserved opportunities or if I would ever feel stable enough to pursue my ambitions confidently. Despite this, I continued pushing forward academically and personally. Over time, I discovered that resilience is not about never struggling; it is about continuing even when things feel difficult. Because of this, my goals are no longer based solely on financial success or external achievement. I want to build a life defined by stability, independence, and purpose. I hope to pursue a career where I can use both logic and creativity while helping others feel secure and supported. My struggles have motivated me to create the kind of future that younger versions of myself once believed was impossible. Additionally, my experiences with mental health have deeply shaped my relationships. I have learned the importance of healthy communication, emotional safety, and surrounding myself with people who encourage growth instead of fear. Difficult experiences taught me how damaging toxic relationships can be, but they also taught me the value of genuine support systems. I now understand that healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, patience, and honesty. Because of what I have been through, I strive to be someone who offers encouragement and understanding to others who may feel alone. Although mental health struggles have challenged me in many ways, they have also given me perspective, resilience, and emotional depth. They shaped not only how I see the world, but also the person I am becoming. I have learned that healing is not linear and that growth often comes from the most painful experiences. Today, I carry those lessons with me as motivation to continue building a future rooted in strength, compassion, and hope.

Since the day I was born, my biological father was in and out of my life. Whenever he was present, instead of bringing love and security, he brought fear and pain. He was abusive and cruel, and as a child I struggled to understand why someone who was supposed to protect me could hurt me so deeply. Because of this, I grew up with a damaged view of what a father was supposed to be. To me, father figures were temporary people who eventually left, disappointed you, or caused harm. I learned very early how to build emotional walls around myself because I thought it was safer not to trust anyone at all. When my parents separated and my mom eventually started dating again, I immediately became defensive. I was hesitant to let anyone new into my life because that father role already felt tainted. I did not want to get attached to someone who might leave or hurt me again. Then Jason came into our lives. From the beginning, I tested him constantly. I threw tantrums, acted out, and destroyed things because I wanted to push him away before he had the chance to walk away from me first. I expected him to eventually get tired of dealing with me and leave like I believed everyone else would. But Jason never did. No matter how difficult I made things, he stayed patient, calm, and caring. Instead of reacting with anger, he responded with understanding. He never tried to force me to trust him; instead, he earned it over time through consistency and unconditional support. I still vividly remember the day my mom told me they were getting married. I cried my eyes out because I hated the idea of it. At the time, I thought accepting him would somehow replace the hurt I carried from my biological father, and I was terrified of opening myself up to disappointment again. Looking back now, I realize those tears came from fear and insecurity, not hatred. Now, fourteen years later, Jason is my dad in every way that matters. We go fishing together, joke around, and share the kind of father-daughter relationship I once believed I would never have. He taught me that family is not defined by biology, but by love, loyalty, and commitment. Because of him, I learned how to trust again and what it truly means to feel supported. I could not ask for a better father, and I will always be grateful that he chose to stay.

The words “I can go anywhere just not home echoed through my mind for day following the first time I heard them. You see when I was three years old, Child Protective Services was called to our house after my brother made a comment at school about wanting our father to leave so the pain would stop. My father was extremely abusive toward all of us. We were screamed at, threatened, starved, and constantly living in fear. Some nights, my brother and I would cry because we genuinely thought we were going to be killed. No child should ever have to live with that kind of fear, but it became normal for us. Thankfully, CPS intervened and allowed my mother to leave the county with us and gain full protection. She never looked back after that decision, even though it meant starting over completely on her own. After we left, life was difficult. My mother became a single parent trying to support two children while also healing from years of abuse herself. At the time, I did not fully understand the sacrifices she was making for us every single day. When I was fifteen, she told me that during some holidays and birthdays, she would skip meals so she could afford gifts for my brother and me. Hearing that broke my heart because it showed me how deeply she loved us and how much she was willing to give up so we could still experience joy and normalcy as children. I can go home I can’t move on I’m still that scared little kid some days. Who longs for home but doesn’t truly have one

Growing up with a single mother shaped me into the person I am today by teaching me resilience, gratitude, compassion, and determination. My mom is the strongest person I know, and watching everything she overcame completely changed the way I see the world and the kind of person I want to become. When I was three years old, Child Protective Services was called to our house after my brother made a comment at school about wanting our father to leave so the pain would stop. My father was extremely abusive toward all of us. We were screamed at, threatened, starved, and constantly living in fear. Some nights, my brother and I would cry because we genuinely thought we were going to be killed. No child should ever have to live with that kind of fear, but it became normal for us. Thankfully, CPS intervened and allowed my mother to leave the county with us and gain full protection. She never looked back after that decision, even though it meant starting over completely on her own. After we left, life was difficult. My mother became a single parent trying to support two children while also healing from years of abuse herself. At the time, I did not fully understand the sacrifices she was making for us every single day. When I was fifteen, she told me that during some holidays and birthdays, she would skip meals so she could afford gifts for my brother and me. Hearing that broke my heart because it showed me how deeply she loved us and how much she was willing to give up so we could still experience joy and normalcy as children. When we moved to Altoona, my mom got a job as a preschool teacher at the daycare I attended. Over time, through hard work and determination, she became the director and eventually bought the business herself. Watching her build a life from nothing inspired me more than she will ever know. She went from being terrified for her life and her children’s lives to becoming a business owner who helps shape the minds of future generations. Every child she teaches is impacted by her kindness, patience, and strength. Growing up with a single mother taught me that strength is not about never struggling; it is about continuing to move forward even when life feels impossible. My mom taught me how to laugh after pain, love people deeply, stand up for what is right, and never lose myself in difficult situations. She showed me what sacrifice truly looks like and what unconditional love means. Because of her, I learned to appreciate opportunities that many people take for granted. I work hard in school because I know how hard she worked to give me the chance to succeed. I want to attend college not only to build a successful future for myself, but also to make her sacrifices worth it. She spent years putting my brother and me first, often at the expense of herself, and I do not want her to carry the burden of financial stress for my education as well. Everything I am today is because of my mother. Her courage gave me a future, and her example continues to shape the person I strive to become every day.

For much of my life, I lived in an environment where fear, anxiety, and emotional pain felt normal. Growing up, I experienced emotional abuse that deeply affected my mental health and the way I viewed myself and the world around me. For years, I stayed quiet about what I was experiencing because I was afraid of the consequences of speaking up. I worried that if I told the truth, I would be punished for it. Living with that fear for so long took a severe toll on my mental and emotional well-being. As a child, I constantly felt like I was walking on eggshells. I never felt fully safe or comfortable, and over time that turned into overwhelming anxiety. I became hyperaware of everything around me and developed habits rooted in fear and distrust. I struggled with panic attacks, especially before visits with my father, and there were times when the anxiety became so intense that I could not focus in school, sleep properly, or function normally. What should have been a normal childhood instead became years of emotional survival. The long-term effects on my mental health were significant. I struggled with depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness for years before finally seeking help. Even then, asking for support was difficult because I feared judgment and invasion of privacy. There were moments when I felt emotionally exhausted and hopeless, wondering if life would ever feel peaceful or safe. Looking back, I realize no child should ever feel that level of emotional distress or carry that much fear alone. However, surviving those experiences also shaped me into someone who deeply values mental health awareness, compassion, and emotional safety. My experiences taught me how important it is to listen to people, validate their emotions, and create environments where others feel supported instead of judged. Because I understand what it feels like to struggle silently, I want to use my future career and creativity to help people feel safe, understood, and comfortable. Art became one of the healthiest outlets for my mental health. Through watercolor painting and creativity, I found a way to express emotions I often could not put into words. Art gave me a sense of peace during some of the hardest moments in my life. It reminded me that even after painful experiences, beauty and healing can still exist. Although my experiences affected me deeply, they did not define my future. Instead, they gave me resilience, empathy, and determination. I now understand the importance of speaking openly about mental health and seeking help when needed. My goal is to continue healing while using my experiences to positively impact others. I want to show people that difficult beginnings do not determine the rest of your life and that healing, growth, and success are possible even after years of hardship.

For much of my life, I lived in an environment where fear, anxiety, and emotional pain felt normal. Growing up, I experienced emotional abuse that deeply affected my mental health and the way I viewed myself and the world around me. For years, I stayed quiet about what I was experiencing because I was afraid of the consequences of speaking up. I worried that if I told the truth, I would be punished for it. Living with that fear for so long took a severe toll on my mental and emotional well-being. As a child, I constantly felt like I was walking on eggshells. I never felt fully safe or comfortable, and over time that turned into overwhelming anxiety. I became hyperaware of everything around me and developed habits rooted in fear and distrust. I struggled with panic attacks, especially before visits with my father, and there were times when the anxiety became so intense that I could not focus in school, sleep properly, or function normally. What should have been a normal childhood instead became years of emotional survival. The long-term effects on my mental health were significant. I struggled with depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness for years before finally seeking help. Even then, asking for support was difficult because I feared judgment and invasion of privacy. There were moments when I felt emotionally exhausted and hopeless, wondering if life would ever feel peaceful or safe. Looking back, I realize no child should ever feel that level of emotional distress or carry that much fear alone. However, surviving those experiences also shaped me into someone who deeply values mental health awareness, compassion, and emotional safety. My experiences taught me how important it is to listen to people, validate their emotions, and create environments where others feel supported instead of judged. Because I understand what it feels like to struggle silently, I want to use my future career and creativity to help people feel safe, understood, and comfortable. Art became one of the healthiest outlets for my mental health. Through watercolor painting and creativity, I found a way to express emotions I often could not put into words. Art gave me a sense of peace during some of the hardest moments in my life. It reminded me that even after painful experiences, beauty and healing can still exist. Although my experiences affected me deeply, they did not define my future. Instead, they gave me resilience, empathy, and determination. I now understand the importance of speaking openly about mental health and seeking help when needed. My goal is to continue healing while using my experiences to positively impact others. I want to show people that difficult beginnings do not determine the rest of your life and that healing, growth, and success are possible even after years of hardship.

I am an aspiring interior designer and artist who hopes to use creativity to make people feel safe, comfortable, and understood within their homes. Growing up in a difficult environment taught me the emotional difference between a house and a home, which ultimately inspired my passion for interior design. To me, a home is more than furniture and decorations; it is a place where people should feel loved, secure, and able to fully be themselves. Because of my experiences growing up, I understand how deeply a living environment can affect someone emotionally, and I want to use design to create spaces that bring warmth, peace, and comfort to others. Art has always been one of the most important parts of my life, especially watercolor painting. I love watercolor because of how expressive and emotional it can be. The softness of the paint and the unpredictability of the medium allow every piece to feel personal and unique. Painting has taught me patience, creativity, and how to find beauty in ordinary moments. I believe the same principles apply to interior design. Every room tells a story about the people living there, and I want to help bring those stories to life through thoughtful and meaningful design. I am also passionate about sustainability and thrifting. I believe older items carry history, craftsmanship, and personality that many modern pieces lack. Thrifting has shown me that beautiful design does not have to come from buying everything brand new. I hope to incorporate environmentally conscious practices into my future career by using vintage, thrifted, and sustainable materials whenever possible. Not only does this help reduce waste, but it also creates spaces that feel more authentic and personal. Much of who I am today comes from being raised by a resilient single mother. After surviving an abusive relationship, she rebuilt our lives from the ground up while raising my brother and me on her own. Watching her work tirelessly to support our family and eventually build a successful childcare business taught me the importance of perseverance, compassion, and determination. Her sacrifices motivate me every day to work hard and pursue higher education so I can build a future that honors everything she has done for me. My goal is to combine creativity with purpose by designing homes that feel welcoming, meaningful, and emotionally safe. Through art, sustainability, and interior design, I hope to positively impact people’s lives while making the world a little more beautiful, connected, and compassionate.

Watercolor painting has become one of the most meaningful creative outlets in my life because it allows me to express emotion, atmosphere, and personality in a way words sometimes cannot. I love how watercolor is both delicate and unpredictable. You can guide it, but you also have to trust the process and allow the paint to flow naturally. That balance between control and freedom is what makes watercolor so beautiful to me. Painting helps me slow down, focus, and see beauty in ordinary moments and objects that people might otherwise overlook. My intended career path is interior design because I want to help people create spaces that truly feel like home. Growing up, I learned how much a space can affect someone emotionally, and I want to use creativity and design to make people feel safe, comfortable, and understood within their homes. I believe watercolor painting connects strongly to interior design because both rely on color, emotion, balance, and storytelling. Through both art forms, I hope to create environments and pieces that make people feel something meaningful. One of the watercolor paintings I uploaded was of glasses/cups. I was inspired to paint them because I enjoy finding beauty in everyday objects. Simple items that people use every day often go unnoticed, but through watercolor I wanted to highlight the reflections, transparency, and softness created by light hitting the glass. I also liked the challenge of capturing something delicate and realistic using such a fluid medium. My painting of the Penn State forms at night was inspired by the peaceful feeling of campus after dark. At night, familiar places can feel completely different—quieter, calmer, and more reflective. I wanted to capture the glow of the lights and the atmosphere of being surrounded by architecture and memories while everything felt still. As someone pursuing a future connected to creativity and design, that painting also represents my hopes for the future and the journey I am currently on as a student and artist.

Growing up with a single mother shaped me into the person I am today by teaching me resilience, gratitude, compassion, and determination. My mom is the strongest person I know, and watching everything she overcame completely changed the way I see the world and the kind of person I want to become. When I was three years old, Child Protective Services was called to our house after my brother made a comment at school about wanting our father to leave so the pain would stop. My father was extremely abusive toward all of us. We were screamed at, threatened, starved, and constantly living in fear. Some nights, my brother and I would cry because we genuinely thought we were going to be killed. No child should ever have to live with that kind of fear, but it became normal for us. Thankfully, CPS intervened and allowed my mother to leave the county with us and gain full protection. She never looked back after that decision, even though it meant starting over completely on her own. After we left, life was difficult. My mother became a single parent trying to support two children while also healing from years of abuse herself. At the time, I did not fully understand the sacrifices she was making for us every single day. When I was fifteen, she told me that during some holidays and birthdays, she would skip meals so she could afford gifts for my brother and me. Hearing that broke my heart because it showed me how deeply she loved us and how much she was willing to give up so we could still experience joy and normalcy as children. When we moved to Altoona, my mom got a job as a preschool teacher at the daycare I attended. Over time, through hard work and determination, she became the director and eventually bought the business herself. Watching her build a life from nothing inspired me more than she will ever know. She went from being terrified for her life and her children’s lives to becoming a business owner who helps shape the minds of future generations. Every child she teaches is impacted by her kindness, patience, and strength. Growing up with a single mother taught me that strength is not about never struggling; it is about continuing to move forward even when life feels impossible. My mom taught me how to laugh after pain, love people deeply, stand up for what is right, and never lose myself in difficult situations. She showed me what sacrifice truly looks like and what unconditional love means. Because of her, I learned to appreciate opportunities that many people take for granted. I work hard in school because I know how hard she worked to give me the chance to succeed. I want to attend college not only to build a successful future for myself, but also to make her sacrifices worth it. She spent years putting my brother and me first, often at the expense of herself, and I do not want her to carry the burden of financial stress for my education as well. Everything I am today is because of my mother. Her courage gave me a future, and her example continues to shape the person I strive to become every day.

For the longest time, I struggled with English and writing classes. Ever since elementary school, reading comprehension, grammar, and spelling felt difficult and frustrating to me. It seemed like there were endless rules, exceptions, and confusing ways words were supposed to sound or be written. No matter how hard I tried, I often felt behind compared to other students, and school became something that caused me stress instead of confidence. Everything changed when I got to high school and started learning algebra. For the first time, I found a subject that made sense to me naturally. I loved how math followed clear rules and formulas that stayed consistent. Unlike writing, where there could be multiple interpretations or exceptions, math felt straightforward and logical. Numbers either worked or they did not, and there was comfort in that certainty. What I enjoy most about math is the feeling of solving a problem step by step and finally reaching the correct answer. It challenges me to think critically while still giving me structure and organization. Math gave me confidence in school when I had spent years doubting my academic abilities. Instead of feeling frustrated, I finally felt capable and intelligent. As I continued learning algebra and more advanced concepts, my appreciation for math only grew stronger. It taught me patience, problem-solving skills, and perseverance. More importantly, it showed me that struggling in one subject does not mean you are not smart. Everyone learns differently, and math became the subject where I finally felt understood and successful.

Ever since Sabrina Carpenter first appeared as Maya Hart on Girl Meets World, I have admired the strength and resilience she brought to her character. Maya was witty, independent, and emotionally guarded, but underneath that was someone trying to navigate life with an absent father and being raised by a single mother—something I deeply related to. Watching her character grow helped me feel less alone during difficult parts of my own life. She taught me that your circumstances do not define your future and that strength can still exist alongside vulnerability. As Sabrina transitioned from acting into music, my admiration for her only grew stronger. Her music captures emotions in a way that feels raw, honest, and empowering. She has an incredible ability to turn heartbreak, jealousy, anger, and disappointment into songs that make listeners feel understood instead of ashamed of their emotions. What I admire most is how she balances emotional honesty with confidence and humor, reminding women that even after pain, they can still reclaim their self-worth and move forward stronger than before. As someone pursuing a future in art and design, I connect deeply with artists who use creativity to tell honest stories and create emotional connections. Sabrina Carpenter’s career has shown me the importance of authenticity, resilience, and growth. Whether through acting or music, she has inspired me to embrace my own experiences instead of hiding them and to channel them into creativity and ambition. Her work reminds me that difficult experiences can shape you without limiting who you become, and that message has had a lasting impact on my life.