I was raised in church, and my relationship with Jesus has been a cornerstone of my faith. Growing up, I attended services regularly, participated in youth groups, and volunteered for church events. This foundation has deeply influenced my beliefs and actions, shaping me into the person I am today. As I prepare to attend Oral Roberts University to major in Counseling, I am excited to integrate my faith into my educational journey. My faith has taught me the importance of compassion, empathy, and service—qualities that are essential for a career in counseling. Jesus’ teachings about loving and serving others have inspired me to pursue a path where I can make a positive impact on people’s lives. Throughout high school, I have been actively involved in community service, which has been a transformative journey. Being part of organizations like Key Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, and Alpha Forum has allowed me to contribute to my community while growing personally. Through these experiences, I have seen how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Volunteering has taught me selflessness, as I have dedicated countless hours to helping others without expecting anything in return. It has also shown me the importance of teamwork, as I have worked with fellow volunteers to address social issues. My involvement in community service has not only enriched the lives of those I have served but has also profoundly shaped my character and values. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to living out my faith by serving others. I plan to continue this commitment in college and beyond, using my education to further my ability to help those in need. In addition to my community service, I have been involved in varsity and club soccer throughout high school. Being a captain during my junior and senior years taught me the significance of teamwork, communication, and trust. Leading my team on and off the field has been an opportunity to practice the values I hold dear, such as integrity and dedication. Academically, I finished my senior year with a 4.76 GPA, ranking number six in my class. This achievement reflects my dedication and hard work, qualities that I believe are rooted in my faith. Jesus’ teachings have encouraged me to strive for excellence in all areas of my life, including my education. As I embark on my college journey at Oral Roberts University, I am committed to implementing my faith in all that I do. My goal is to become a compassionate and effective counselor who can support and guide others through their challenges. By combining my faith with my education, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve. In conclusion, my relationship with Jesus has profoundly affected my faith and shaped my values. As I continue my education, I am dedicated to living out my faith through service, compassion, and excellence. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for the God Hearted Girls Scholarship and look forward to using my education to further my ability to serve others.

My engagement in community service has been a transformative journey that has left a mark on my life. Through involvement in organizations such as Key Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, and Alpha Forum, I have had the privilege of contributing to the betterment of my community while simultaneously undergoing personal growth. Participating in service projects and initiatives has allowed me to witness firsthand the positive impact that small acts of kindness can have on individuals and communities. These experiences have not only enriched the lives of those I've served but have also profoundly shaped my character and values. Through community service, I have learned the value of selflessness, as I've dedicated countless hours to helping others without expecting anything in return. I have also come to appreciate the importance of teamwork through collaborating with fellow volunteers to plan and execute projects aimed at addressing pressing social issues. Overall, my involvement in community service has been a profound and enriching experience that has not only allowed me to make a positive impact on the world but has also helped shape me into the person I am today. I aspire to continue my commitment to community service in college and beyond.

If I were to advocate for a single book to be read by everyone in the world, it would be "Beartown" by Fredrik Backman. This powerful novel delves deep into the complexities of human nature, community dynamics, and the consequences of our actions. Set in a small, struggling town centered around its ice hockey team, "Beartown" explores themes of loyalty, ambition, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit. One of the reasons I would choose "Beartown" is its ability to spark empathy and understanding across diverse audiences. Through Backman's masterful storytelling, readers are immersed in the lives of characters who grapple with moral dilemmas, societal pressures, and the pursuit of dreams. The book confronts difficult topics such as sexual assault, prejudice, and the abuse of power with sensitivity and nuance, fostering important conversations about justice, accountability, and the importance of standing up for what is right. Individuals who read "Beartown" are forced to identify their own prejudices and moral compass through the painful character study Backman introduces throughout the book. "Beartown" prompts readers to confront uncomfortable truths, engaging in dialogue about human nature and societal issues, fostering empathy and growth. Moreover, "Beartown" transcends its setting and themes to resonate with universal truths about the human experience. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of our actions and the ripple effects they can have on others, highlighting the importance of empathy, compassion, and community solidarity. The character analysis Backman introduces in the novel creates opportunities for individuals to connect on a deeper level with each of the large number of characters. This deep connection fosters a sense of empathy and understanding, allowing readers to see themselves reflected in the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of the characters' lives. Through their experiences, readers are compelled to confront their own beliefs, biases, and moral compass, ultimately prompting introspection and personal growth. "Beartown" serves as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling to bridge divides, cultivate empathy, and inspire positive change in ourselves and our communities. By encouraging readers to confront uncomfortable truths and engage in meaningful dialogue, "Beartown" has the potential to foster greater empathy, understanding, and solidarity among people from all walks of life. It is a book that challenges us to reflect on our values, biases, and responsibilities to each other, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to broaden their perspectives and deepen their empathy for others.

I began playing soccer at the age of four, and from that day forward I never knew a life without it. I was eleven when I learned that the best position on the field was protecting the keeper. I was twelve when weekends became busier than weekdays, and traveling became easier than math. The responsibility that came with soccer was something I discovered slowly as I grew into my body and identified an overpowering ambition that emphasized every fabric of my being that I hated losing. Today I understand how soccer has taught me more about myself than any subject in school, book, or experience. In eighth grade, soccer taught me the sacrifice of teamwork. As I experienced firsthand the bullying of an older player on my club team, my confidence was shattered on the field. I struggled with overcoming her incessant negative talk and struggled to focus on defending, dribbling, and supporting my team. After a difficult game, I decided that I was sick of allowing her to treat me poorly. I noticed that my teammates on the field were also enduring her constant negativity, and I realized it was time to step up and silence the pessimistic energy she brought. It marked my inaugural experience using my voice to lead on the field. While some of my favorite moments occurred while I played club soccer, nothing compares to the impact four years of playing high school soccer had on my life. Freshman year I played a total of 5 minutes. I hid in the shadows of a team of seniors who consistently diminished my worth as a person and player. I was put in miserable conditions during practice, and after sitting in freezing temperatures on the bench was given thirty seconds to "prove my worth" before the referee blew his whistle to end the game. I wanted to quit. I spent another season of my life crying to a mother with too much pride to allow me to give up. I'm forever grateful that I continued to show up and play. In my junior and senior years, I became a captain on the field, and I learned to be a leader before a player. I always worried that being a captain would mean that I would have to perform flawlessly day in and day out. I also worried that the only reason I was a captain was because my twin sister was phenomenal in goal and deserved more than anyone to wear the badge. I quickly learned that leadership was the meaning behind the armband. On March 28, 2024, I played my last soccer game. After traveling four hours to Midland, Texas, I found myself frozen with panic. I had previously experienced anxiety before games, but I knew that something was wrong. I could not focus while warming up, my head felt heavy, and seconds before running onto the field my left knee began to ache. Ten minutes later, I stepped over my opponent’s leg and forcefully placed my leg down. All my body weight landed on my knee, and my ACL was torn before I landed on the ground. After 14 years of playing soccer, I felt my hands shake as trainers drove me off the field. I felt helpless and was forced to watch my team adjust. I became a sympathetic supporter throughout the final two rounds and learned how to love a sport that was no longer available to me. Through this experience, I learned the value of lifting and leading others through words. I am forever grateful for the lessons soccer has taught me.