I thought I knew what strength was until I faced the battle of reclaiming my life after a devastating accident. The last three years have felt like a relentless chase, much like a lion pursuing a gazelle. Like a gazelle caught in the lion’s grasp, I felt immobilized and vulnerable after the accident, but it was in that stillness that I found the strength to fight for my recovery. Of course, the gazelle has the advantage of their instincts. But nothing could have prepared me for the day my car was crushed by an 18-wheeler. At 19, I was on track, working with City Year, an education nonprofit that allowed me to help students living in under-resourced communities. Then, in an instant, my life changed. I remember the screech of the brakes and the impact as if my whole world stopped. The sound of metal bending around me filled the air, and all I could do was pray. In that stillness, I thought, if I survive this, I will dedicate my life to something meaningful. Just please let me survive this. My car was crumpled like paper. When I was pulled from the wreckage, I was terrified that my life would never be the same. I was in shock the whole way to the hospital, my mind struggling to catch up with the reality of what had just happened. The firefighter asked if I had any personal items in the wreckage, but I couldn’t process his words. The paramedic gently checked my spine, but I felt nothing. The nurse commented on how calm I seemed for someone who had just faced death. But her words didn’t register. All I could focus on was my heart's slow, steady beating—a fragile, rhythmic reminder that I was still alive. It soothed me, like a mother’s embrace, cradling me in a moment when the world felt completely shattered. I couldn’t make sense of what had just happened to me or how I was supposed to feel about it. I imagine that’s how the gazelle feels too. So instead, I focused on my heart - my still beating heart - and slowly it started to fill with gratitude and determination. The road to recovery was long. Physically, despite having minor injuries getting around was harder for me. Emotionally, I struggled with fear and doubt. Would I ever feel normal again? What if this accident had taken more from me than I thought? These questions haunted me. I had seen the impact I could make in my community through my work with the non-profit, and that gave me hope. I still had a purpose, and I was kept here for a reason. With this fresh start I've been gifted, I will dedicate my life to giving back to the community. In the aftermath, I have taken up traveling and collecting postage stamps as a hobby. It is important to me to see the world around me because every day isn't promised. And it is just as important to me to keep a postage stamp from everywhere that I've been. Collecting postage stamps is not only a fascinating hobby but also a wonderful way to learn about history, geography, and art. Each stamp tells a unique story, reflecting the culture and heritage of its country of origin. I would encourage anybody to pursue this hobby but especially young minds seeking more to learn. The accident may have shaken me, but it didn’t break me. If anything, it made me more resilient and more committed to my path of helping others overcome their challenges too.

I thought I knew what strength was until I faced the battle of reclaiming my life after a devastating accident. The last three years have felt like a relentless chase, much like a lion pursuing a gazelle. In the aftermath of the accident, I felt immobilized and vulnerable, much like the gazelle caught in the lion’s grasp. Yet, in that stillness, I discovered the profound importance of mental health, not just for myself, but for the community around me. Unlike the gazelle, which relies on instinct, I had to confront not only physical pain but also the emotional toll of the accident. This experience underscored for me how essential mental health is in navigating life's adversities. The day my car was crushed by an 18-wheeler, my world seemed to stop. As the metal crumpled around me, I could do nothing but pray, reflecting on how crucial it was to find meaning in such a crisis. My car was reduced to rubble, and as I was pulled from the wreckage, I feared my life might never be the same. In shock and unable to fully process what was happening, I fixated on the steady beating of my heart—a fragile reminder of life’s persistence—this moment of vulnerability made me realize how important mental health is in healing and how it can profoundly impact one's recovery and resilience. The road to recovery was not only about physical healing but also about addressing the emotional and psychological aftermath. The fear and doubt about whether I would ever feel normal again were daunting. The experience illuminated how crucial mental health support is, not just for myself but for others who face similar struggles. Through my nonprofit work with City Year, I had seen the impact of providing support to those in need, and this fueled my resolve to advocate for mental health. I realized that by pursuing a degree in Social Work, I could make a meaningful difference in helping others navigate their own emotional and psychological challenges. To anyone facing a similar experience, my advice is to prioritize your mental health. Healing, both physical and emotional, takes time and support. Lean on your community, and don’t hesitate to seek help. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed but remember that your inner strength can help you overcome even the toughest obstacles. The accident tested my resilience, but it didn’t break me. Instead, it deepened my commitment to advocating for mental health and helping others find their strength through adversity.

I thought I knew what strength was until I faced the battle of reclaiming my life after a devastating accident. The last three years have felt like a relentless chase, much like a lion pursuing a gazelle. Like a gazelle caught in the lion’s grasp, I felt immobilized and vulnerable after the accident, but it was in that stillness that I found the strength to fight for my recovery. Of course the gazelle has the advantage of their natural instincts. But nothing could have prepared me for the day my car was crushed by an 18-wheeler. At 19, I was on track, working with City year, an education non profit that allowed me to help students living in under-resourced communities. Then, in an instant, my life changed. I remember the screech of the brakes and the impact, as if my whole world stopped. The sound of metal bending around me filled the air, and all I could do was pray. In that stillness, I thought, if I survive this, I will dedicate my life to something meaningful. Just please let me survive this. My car was crumpled like paper. When I was pulled from the wreckage, I was terrified that my life would never be the same. I was in shock the whole way to the hospital, my mind struggling to catch up with the reality of what had just happened. The firefighter asked if I had any personal items in the wreckage, but I couldn’t process his words. The paramedic gently checked my spine, but I felt nothing. The nurse commented on how calm I seemed for someone who had just faced death. But her words didn’t register. All I could focus on was the slow, steady beating of my heart—a fragile, rhythmic reminder that I was still alive. It soothed me, like a mother’s embrace, cradling me in a moment when the world felt completely shattered. I couldn’t make sense of what had just happened to me or how I was supposed to feel about it. I imagine that’s how the gazelle feels too. So instead, I focused on my heart - my still beating heart - and slowly it started to fill with gratitude and determination. The road to recovery was long. Physically, despite having minor injuries getting around was harder for me. Emotionally, I struggled with fear and doubt. Would I ever feel normal again? What if this accident had taken more from me than I thought? These questions haunted me. I had seen the impact I could make in my community through my work with the non-profit, and that gave me hope. I still had a purpose, and I was kept here for a reason. In the process of healing, I realized how much adversity has shaped me. The accident taught me to appreciate life’s fragility and to find strength in vulnerability. It also reinforced my desire to help others in need. I’ve now decided to pursue a degree in Social Work so I can continue serving communities in meaningful ways, particularly in communities facing their own adversity. To anyone facing a similar experience, my advice is to be patient with yourself. Healing, whether physical or emotional, takes time. Surround yourself with a strong support system and don’t be afraid to lean on them. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but know that your strength is greater than the obstacles in front of you. The accident may have shaken me, but it didn’t break me. If anything, it made me more resilient and more committed to my path of helping others overcome their challenges too.

At 16, I discovered my brother trying to take his own life. It was very late at night, and I could hear crying coming from the bathroom. I thought it was odd given it was almost 2 in the morning, I dismissed it at first thinking I was just half asleep and hearing things. It started to get louder and that's when I realized it sounded like my older brother. I got up and went to the bathroom to see what was going on. The moment I opened the door changed everything for me. I never thought that I would open the bathroom door to see my brother trying to hang himself. The shock and fear I felt that day triggered a deep, lingering depression that has shadowed me ever since. But over time, that darkness has also shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in profound ways. My experience with mental health has played a significant role in shaping my goals. After witnessing my brother’s struggles and confronting my own, I became determined to pursue a career in psychology, specifically clinical psychology. I realized how critical it is for people to have access to mental health support and to feel understood in their darkest moments. My goal is to become a clinical psychologist so that I can help others navigate the overwhelming and often isolating experience of mental illness. I want to be the person who can offer a lifeline to someone who feels like they are drowning, just as I wished someone had been there for my brother and me when we were struggling. My own battle with depression has fueled my desire to break the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within the Black community, where mental health issues are often overlooked or misunderstood. My relationships have also been deeply impacted by my experience with mental health. For a long time, I found it difficult to open up to others, fearing that they wouldn’t understand or would judge me for my depression. I became more withdrawn and isolated, pushing people away even when I needed them most. But over time, I learned the importance of vulnerability and honesty in building genuine connections. I realized that I couldn’t heal on my own and that it was okay to lean on others for support. This realization has allowed me to develop deeper, more meaningful relationships with the people in my life. I’ve become more empathetic and understanding, recognizing that everyone has their own struggles, even if they aren’t visible on the surface. My experience has taught me the importance of being there for others, not just when it’s convenient, but when they need it most. Finally, my understanding of the world has been fundamentally altered by my experiences with mental health. I used to see the world in black and white, with clear lines between success and failure, happiness and sadness. But my struggles with depression have shown me that life is much more complex and nuanced than that. I’ve come to understand that everyone is fighting their own battles, even if they don’t show it. I’ve learned that strength isn’t just about putting on a brave face, but about acknowledging your pain and finding the courage to seek help. My experience has also made me more aware of the systemic issues that contribute to mental health challenges, particularly in marginalized communities. I’m now passionate about advocating for better mental health resources and support systems, especially for those who may not have the means or knowledge to access them on their own. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has profoundly shaped who I am today. It has driven me to pursue a career in psychology, deepened my relationships, and given me a more compassionate and nuanced understanding of the world. While I wouldn’t wish my struggles on anyone, I’ve come to see them as a source of strength and purpose. They have shaped my path and motivated me to make a difference in the lives of others.

As a 21-year-old Black woman who has faced a near-death experience, my top three Billie Eilish songs are “everything i wanted,” “idontwannabeyouanymore,” and “when the party’s over.” Each of these songs resonates with me deeply, not just because of their haunting melodies, but because of the way they capture the fragility of life, the struggle with identity, and the search for meaning. When I was 19, I was on a road trip to visit my family, and my car was crushed by an 18-wheeler. By the grace of god, I made it out without any broken bones or life-altering injuries, but my life has been forever changed. “everything i wanted” holds a special place in my heart because it speaks to the feeling of being overwhelmed by life’s challenges and the desire to escape them. After my near-death experience, I often felt like I was living in a surreal reality, grappling with the weight of what had happened and the fear of what could have been. The song’s lyrics, “If I could change the way that you see yourself / You wouldn't wonder why you're here,” mirror my own struggles with self-worth and the intense introspection that followed my experience. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there are people who see us for who we truly are and who hold us together. “idontwannabeyouanymore” resonates with my journey of self-acceptance. After facing death, I went through a period of questioning everything about myself—my identity, my purpose, and my place in the world. This song captures the internal conflict of not wanting to be trapped by the expectations and pressures that come with being who you are. For me, it’s an anthem of shedding those layers and embracing vulnerability, even when it’s painful. Lastly, “when the party’s over” speaks to the loneliness and isolation that often follows traumatic experiences. The line, “I’ll only hurt you if you let me,” reflects the emotional barriers I built to protect myself after my accident. The song’s somber tone resonates with the sadness I felt, but also with the bittersweet realization that healing comes with letting go of those defenses and allowing others to be there for you. Each of these songs resonates with the complexities of my journey, capturing the emotions I’ve felt and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

My name is Azana Ammons. One lyric from Olivia Rodrigo's album *GUTS* that deeply resonates with my own teenage experience is from her song “ballad of a homeschooled girl,” where she sings, “Each time I step outside, it’s social suicide.” Growing up as a 21-year-old Black female in a predominantly white area, this line captures the essence of what it felt like navigating adolescence while constantly feeling out of place. In a community where I was often the only Black girl in my classes, I struggled to fit in and find my identity. I was hyper-aware of how different I was, not just in terms of appearance, but in the way I saw the world. The pressure to conform to the standards and norms of my predominantly white peers was overwhelming. Every social interaction felt like a minefield—I was terrified of saying or doing something that would further isolate me or reinforce stereotypes. The anxiety and self-consciousness that Rodrigo expresses in this lyric mirrors my own experiences of trying to find my place in a world where I often felt invisible or misunderstood. Adolescence is a time when we all crave acceptance and belonging, but for me, these feelings were intensified by my racial and cultural differences. I often felt like I was leading a double life—one where I tried to fit in at school by suppressing parts of my identity, and another where I was my true self at home with my family. This internal conflict led to a sense of loneliness and self-doubt that was difficult to navigate. The challenges of adolescence are universal, but they are compounded for those of us who grow up feeling like outsiders. Olivia Rodrigo’s lyric captures the struggle of trying to find one’s place in a world that often feels alien. It speaks to the universal adolescent experience of feeling awkward and out of sync, but also highlights the unique challenges faced by those who, like me, are navigating multiple identities. Looking back, I realize that these experiences shaped me in profound ways. They taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to myself, even when it’s difficult. Though it was a painful process, it helped me to develop a strong sense of self and a deep appreciation for my cultural identity. Like Rodrigo, I’ve come to understand that those moments of “social suicide” were actually steps toward discovering who I truly am.

As a 21-year-old African American woman and former track athlete, I admire LeBron James not just for his prowess on the basketball court, but for his ability to transcend the sport and make a significant impact on society. Growing up, I often watched his games, inspired by his athleticism, resilience, and leadership. But as I matured, I began to appreciate him even more for his contributions off the court, particularly his advocacy for social justice and his commitment to education and empowering the next generation. LeBron’s journey from a challenging upbringing in Akron, Ohio, to becoming one of the most successful and influential athletes in the world resonates deeply with me. As a Black woman from Arkansas, I understand the importance of representation and the power of seeing someone who looks like me excel at the highest levels. LeBron’s success, despite the odds, is a testament to the strength and determination of the Black community. His story inspires me to pursue my own dreams of becoming a clinical psychologist, knowing that with hard work and dedication, I too can overcome challenges and make a difference. When it comes to the debate over whether LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time, I believe he is certainly one of the greatest. While comparisons between players from different eras can be difficult, LeBron’s versatility, longevity, and consistency set him apart. His ability to excel in multiple positions, his high basketball IQ, and his leadership on and off the court are unmatched. Moreover, his influence extends beyond basketball—he has used his platform to speak out against injustice and create opportunities for others, such as through his I PROMISE School in Akron. However, the title of “greatest of all time” is subjective and depends on various factors, including personal preferences and the era in which a player competed. While some may argue that Michael Jordan or other legends hold that title, I appreciate LeBron for what he brings to the game and to the world. His legacy is not just about championships or statistics, but about the lives he has touched and the change he has inspired. In conclusion, I am a fan of LeBron James because he embodies excellence, both as an athlete and as a human being. Whether or not he is universally regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, he is undeniably one of the most impactful athletes of our generation, and for that, he will always have my admiration and respect.

Maya Angelou once said, "Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances". This is a quote that has helped me navigate through many different challenges in my life and still does to this day. In the face of adversity, it is easy to lose yourself and be left wondering who am I? Well, my name is Azana Ammons and I'm here to tell you who I am. My passion for physical therapy goes back to when I was 8 years old and facing my biggest adversity. At the time I was an avid track athlete and practiced every day after school. I had a very deep-rooted love for the sport. Even so, I was coming home with awful pain in my feet after practice, so my mom wasted no time in getting me to the doctor. The doctor examined my feet and determined that I had to have flat foot reconstructive surgery on both of my feet to continue running in the future. I felt like my entire world was coming to a very abrupt end and I wasn't able to make sense of it. The track was everything for me, so who was I without it? Nevertheless, determined to get back on the track, I went through the procedures and started on my road to recovery. This landed me directly in physical therapy for 2 months. I spent my time there in severe pain learning how to walk again and use my foot muscles, but this also gave me time to fall in love with it. I was infatuated with what they did and their passion for helping people. I knew instantly this is what I wanted to do in the future and I was already planning on how I would get there. If I could help anyone the way that they had helped me at the lowest point of my life I wanted to do it. Despite my newfound eagerness to be a physical therapist my rehabilitation was far from done and I still had a long way to go. During this time I had to remind myself that I was strong and if I ever wanted to see the track again I needed to take the time to heal. It was a very painful process physically and emotionally. With having to sit on the sidelines as I watched my friends do all of the things I wanted so badly to do. Yet I preserved and came out on the other side even stronger with a fierce determination to succeed. I got back on the track and felt alive again, it was as if a part of me that was taken had finally been given back. I immediately began planning my future in my head which ultimately leads to where I am now. A high school senior with an ending GPA of 3.6 and very high ambition. I plan to attend a 4-year university while majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Business Finance. My goal is to go to graduate school and become a physical therapist. I know that I have what it takes to complete these goals and more beyond that. I am ready to face any challenge I come across through the next 4 years of my life and I know I will succeed. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and considering me for this scholarship.

Maya Angelou once said, "Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances". In the face of adversity, it is easy to lose yourself and be left wondering who am I? Well, my name is Azana Ammons and I'm here to tell you who I am. My passion for physical therapy goes back to when I was 8 years old and facing my biggest adversity. At the time I was an avid track athlete and practiced every day. I had a very deep-rooted love for the sport. Even so, I was coming home with awful pain in my feet after practice, so my mom got me to the doctor. The doctor examined my feet and determined that I had to have flat foot reconstructive surgery on both of my feet to continue running in the future. I felt like my entire world was coming to a very abrupt end and I wasn't able to make sense of it. The track was everything for me, so who was I without it? Nevertheless, determined to get back on the track, I went through the procedures and started on my road to recovery. This landed me directly in physical therapy for 2 months. I spent my time there in severe pain learning how to walk again and use my foot muscles, but this also gave me time to fall in love with it. I was infatuated with what they did and their passion for helping people. I knew instantly this is what I wanted to do in the future and I was already planning on how I would get there. If I could help anyone the way that they had helped me at the lowest point of my life I wanted to do it. Despite my newfound eagerness to be a physical therapist my rehabilitation was far from done and I still had a long way to go. During this time I had to remind myself that I was strong and if I ever wanted to see the track again I needed to take the time to heal. It was a very painful process physically and emotionally. With having to sit on the sidelines as I watched my friends do all of the things I wanted so badly to do. Yet I preserved and came out on the other side even stronger with a fierce determination to succeed. I immediately began planning my future in my head which ultimately leads to where I am now. A high school senior with an ending GPA of 3.6 and very high ambition. I plan to attend a 4-year university while majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Business Finance. My goal is to go to graduate school and become a physical therapist. I know that I have what it takes to complete these goals and more beyond that. I am ready to face any challenge I come across through the next 4 years of my life and I know I will succeed.

Maya Angelou once said, "Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances". This is a quote that has helped me navigate through many different challenges in my life and still does to this day. In the face of adversity, it is easy to lose yourself and be left wondering who am I? Well, my name is Azana Ammons and I'm here to tell you who I am. My passion for physical therapy goes back to when I was 8 years old and facing my biggest adversity. At the time I was an avid track athlete and practiced every day after school. I had a very deep-rooted love for the sport. Even so, I was coming home with awful pain in my feet after practice, so my mom wasted no time in getting me to the doctor. The doctor examined my feet and determined that I had to have flat foot reconstructive surgery on both of my feet to continue running in the future. I felt like my entire world was coming to a very abrupt end and I wasn't able to make sense of it. The track was everything for me, so who was I without it? Nevertheless, determined to get back on the track, I went through the procedures and started on my road to recovery. This landed me directly in physical therapy for 2 months. I spent my time there in severe pain learning how to walk again and use my foot muscles, but this also gave me time to fall in love with it. I was infatuated with what they did and their passion for helping people. I knew instantly this is what I wanted to do in the future and I was already planning on how I would get there. If I could help anyone the way that they had helped me at the lowest point of my life I wanted to do it. Despite my newfound eagerness to be a physical therapist my rehabilitation was far from done and I still had a long way to go. During this time I had to remind myself that I was strong and if I ever wanted to see the track again I needed to take the time to heal. It was a very painful process physically and emotionally. With having to sit on the sidelines as I watched my friends do all of the things I wanted so badly to do. Yet I preserved and came out on the other side even stronger with a fierce determination to succeed. I got back on the track and felt alive again, it was as if a part of me that was taken had finally been given back. I immediately began planning my future in my head which ultimately leads to where I am now. A high school senior with an ending GPA of 3.6 and very high ambition. I plan to attend a 4-year university while majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Business Finance. My goal is to go to graduate school and become a physical therapist. I know that I have what it takes to complete these goals and more beyond that. I am ready to face any challenge I come across through the next 4 years of my life and I know I will succeed. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and considering me for the Brandon Zylstra Road Less Traveled Scholarship.