Receiving this scholarship would be a life-changing opportunity that would help me continue my education and become the first person in my family to graduate from college. I am currently majoring in Kinesiology with the goal of attending graduate school to become an Occupational Therapist. I’ve always felt a strong calling to help others, and this career path will allow me to make a real difference in people’s lives by helping them adapt to challenges and regain independence. This scholarship would ease the financial burden that often weighs heavily on my mind. It would allow me to focus on my studies and future career without constantly worrying about how many hours I need to work each week or how much I’ll need to borrow in student loans—loans I know will be difficult to repay. I am actively working to build my resume and professional experience by applying to be a Kinesiology Ambassador and joining both the Kinesiology and Sports Medicine clubs. These opportunities will help me gain valuable connections and insights into the field. Financial support is essential for me because my family is unable to contribute to my education. My mother has struggled with a chronic illness since I was 11 and has been in and out of the hospital for years. Recently, my father was diagnosed with two types of cancer—one in his prostate and one in his brain. We have always been a low-income household, and I’ve been working since I was 14 to help support my family. In fact, I’ve often paid our monthly rent using the paycheck from my part-time job—all while being a student-athlete. Growing up with that kind of responsibility was difficult, but it taught me the value of perseverance and compassion. These personal challenges are what led me to healthcare. I chose occupational therapy because it’s a field that combines hands-on care with emotional support, and allows me to work closely with people from all walks of life. I want to be the kind of provider who can offer both practical help and hope to patients and families going through difficult times—just like mine has. In five years, I see myself holding a master’s degree and working in a hospital as a licensed occupational therapist. My dream is to contribute to my community while also creating a better, more stable life for myself. Stability is one of my biggest goals. After growing up in an environment filled with financial and emotional uncertainty, I want to build a future where I feel secure—personally and professionally—and where I can give back to others the same way so many have helped me.