Ive always been an academically curious person. As I finished my sophomore year of high school, I had a difficult decision to make. Should I take the easy path and do running start classes for the next 2 years of high school? Or, should I take on more responsibilities and push myself by joining the International Baccalaureate programme, which is a rigorous, globally recognized, academic curriculum that challenges students to think critically across a wide variety of subjects? While the Running Start Programme at the local community college was tempting, I realized that I would regret the challenges and opportunities that the IB programme offers. Ultimately, I made this decision based on not what was easier, but what would make me a better student, a harder worker, and a more active person. I didn't just want to skate by high school; I wanted to fully experience it by enrolling in the IB programme. I hope that this essay can reveal how I rose to the challenge of the IB programme and how this decision altered my present and future life. The choice to do the IB programme for 2 years meant that I was going to have to prioritize academics. Because I was doing cross country, wrestling, and track, I decided I needed to make a change. My junior year, instead of doing wresting, I joined the swim team because it is not a year-round sport. This decision led me to make new friends, create new skills, and push myself harder. Swimming taught me the importance of trying new things and being uncomfortable. Because I do 3 sport seasons each year in addition to IB, it has made me a better time manager, better at managing my school work, improved my faith in Jesus, and social life. Although IB is affecting my present life, it is also affecting my future self. Because I need a certain number of IB classes, I took IB Sports-Exercise-Health-Science, and I was fascinated. IB requires an extended essay to be written by IB students. I wrote mine on a sports exercise topic, stretching. The year-long paper that I wrote further pushed my enthusiasm for exercise science. Now, heading into college, I want to study exercise science and help people one day as a physical therapist. I became compassionate about helping people after injuries. Each step I took toward majoring in exercise science stemmed from my decision to be a full IB student. You mentioned that every person that Jory touched is part of his legacy. This can be seen through my father's success. After many years of working in the Seattle fire department with Jory, my father has told me that Jory had a large influence on him. After talking with my dad about Jory, I can see that Jory clearly was a strong, caring, and passionate man. I hope to continue his legacy by working hard in college with a positive attitude that focuses on people, teamwork, and not being afraid of hard work.

I believe the people that you surround yourself with shape the person you are. Community is important to me, as the people that are in my community can build me up and help me pursue my dreams. The people that I surround myself with have made me the man I am today. Because of the rigorous IB program I am a part of, the people who are involved in it are driven and have equal goals. We all push ourselves academically, which enables us to reach our goals. This community of academically inclined people has taught me to manage my time well and the importance of learning. Because of them, I can pass the IB programme and get my IB diploma. I am the only male student in the IB program who does all 3 sport seasons. Not only do I have a community of academically like-minded individuals, but I also have a community of athletically like-minded people I can count on to push me physically. Throughout high school, I have tried out for 5 school sports and made 4 of them. Cross country, swimming, wrestling, and pole vaulting. This group of athletic people has taught me the importance of trying new things and pushing myself to the max. They have taught me the importance of self-motivation. Every Sunday, I go to my church's youth group from 6-8:30. The community that I have joined in my youth group is incredibly close. We share our life experiences and our experiences with faith. It is with this community that I go on mission trips to help people through outreach and service. This community has grown me immensely in my faith and in being a better man. Because of this community, I have not only survived the hardship of high school life but thrived under it. This community has helped me choose my college. Northwest University is a faith-driven college, and I plan to create communities that will drive my faith and improve my character, just like in high school. I believe that this mix of communities has made me a unique person. Each community helps build my character and values. The Susan Jeanne Grant Heart Scholarship will make a significant difference in my life. Not just for the money, but it will also reaffirm how hard work and staying true to myself will be rewarded eventually.