In my view, community work stands as more than just a line on a CV or an item to check off. It is deep-seated in our duty to lift society higher, and shows how we feel and care for the folks we live with. This service acts as proof of our bond; people come together to face tough times, help those who fall short, and shape a fairer world filled with care. From early days, I learned that aiding others isn't optional but essential. As I grew up, small kind deeds and big plans alike showed me their power. Such actions became the base for what I now see: community efforts spark real change. This work rests on give-and-take—knowing we're all linked and our welfare hinges on each other's well-being. Service means offering freely—not looking for quick gains but knowing its worth lies beyond measure. While giving time to various groups—from those at society's edge to nature's guardians—I've seen needs differ vastly; yet when folks join forces, they can move mountains. For me, helping out cuts deep into societal flaws—it aims far beyond here-and-now fixes by tackling core problems head-on (like providing food aid locally), urging environments to bloom alone over time (through clean-up drives), or lifting youths from hard spots through guidance). True community effort digs into each group’s unique struggles—and works hand-in-hand for lasting answers. In my view of what lies ahead on my work road, serving the folk is core to it all. I aim for a path where I'm not just content with my job but also rooted in helping others. Merging service into my work life is one key goal. Should teaching call me, I dream of forging plans to close gaps in learning. With tools and guidance, students facing tough odds can reach academic heights they might otherwise miss. In roles like educator or policy-shaper, ensuring each young mind—no matter their start—grasps chances to learn will be at the heart of what I do. Or say health care becomes my field; here too, I plan steps that boost health aid for those less served by it. Teaming up with nonprofits and med pros could be how this unfolds; using know-how gained along the way to shrink health divides and lift community health as a whole. And let's not overlook advocacy—a strong force for deep change. My intent: join forces with lawmakers near and far to help shape rules that favor fairness, justice that lasts, and growth we can sustain. This form of push aims to raise unheard voices high—and shake the very ground beneath issues social at their source. Community service blends with who I am; it defines me. Far more than just projects, this pledge infuses my life's work and private paths. Aiming high, I seek to mirror Allison Thomas Swanberg—her legacy of care deeply marked her town. This award lights the way to a future where my career aids others—not just me. Service is not an act; it’s a core belief that molds how I see duty and ties that bind. With each step in my career path, giving back stays front of mind—a deep promise to support those around me in lasting ways. More than money, this scholarship affirms our common ideals: together we strive for kindness and fairness on a broader scale.

My path to this point weaves through a mix of wins, trials, and leaps in growth. At this fork in the road between past and future, Evan T. Wissing's tale echoes, showing me how deep learning can shape us and how tough we must be to deal with life's tests. In my youth in Colorado, high school halls first showed me the ways of wisdom. Each class I took, each guide who taught me, each club I joined; all these built up my mind’s frame and sparked my thirst for more know-how. What I learned then was the bedrock that sent my dreams flying towards higher studies. As an undergrad student later on, I dove into broader fields of thought. My search for truth grew sharp—eager to grasp more about what drives me and see links between subjects. Here is where paths like those of Evan Wissing crossed mine: times full of doubt but ripe for personal strides toward renewal. His life’s tale hits home hard; it warns us how quick our time can end and just how much power lies in using schools as stepping stones to better days ahead. Though his journey faced bumps—choices he wished to rise above—he lost his chance too soon before his hope could spark real shifts. Forward-looking, my path is steered by the resolve to honor Evan's legacy through the power of learning. I am driven not only to gain knowledge but also to use it for growth and good within society. Like Evan who sought renewal, I too see education as a key—unlocking self-growth, tenacity, and beneficial impact. Peering into my future desires, I discern a life carved out with unending study and steadfastness; one that gives back in big ways. For me, school means more than degrees—it's about gaining tools and insights that help steer through hard times while sparking change for the better. Be it via local involvement, research quests or job goals; my aim is to transform educational gains into paths that reach beyond myself—and touch our world. Evan's story propels me to tackle schooling with thanks and intent—aware of the rare chance to learn and its linked duties. His tale highlights how grit stands up against tough odds—and how learning can shift lives off-track from well-worn roads. This scholarship bid is much more than a plea for funds—it aligns me with Evan's quest for rebirth by way of scholastics. The award shines light on a road ahead—a road where honoring Evan means giving scholars like myself the chance to spark vast shifts through education. To sum up, the path I've walked is a tale told in parts, each one shaping my present self. Evan T. Wissing left behind a key truth: learning serves as more than just an earned right—it's a mighty force for good change. Gazing ahead to where I aim to be, my drive stems from the view that schooling acts as both a route to uplift and sharpen oneself and as homage to souls like Evan who chased brighter days by way of books and study. This grant stands for more than aid with cash; it reflects guts, dreams, and big shifts that learning brings to folks on their journey anew.

My life's fabric bears the mark of my grandfather—a man whose tough spirit, tireless grind, and steady backing have deeply etched themselves into who I am. His story starts with modest roots, yet through countless trials, he shone as a beacon for me, showing the weight of real grit and the strength found in resolve. As a child of migrants, my granddad braved tests that pushed his firmness to its edge. He tread new soil in an unknown land—grappling with strange tongues, shifting norms and constant money woes. Yet amid these trials, he held fast with a zeal that could only inspire awe. Not just his deeds but his whole way shaped how I saw our world. He taught me young: to win takes more than luck; it needs sweat, staying power—and never swaying from what you seek. I can still see him after long hours at rough jobs where fatigue struck deep yet left him unbeaten. Rough hands and lines on his face told tales of a lifetime spent not just for us now but for kin in days ahead. My grandfather's teaching on "sweat equity" stays with me. To him, effort paid off both for oneself and those held dear. Every drop of sweat fell as proof of his pledge to better the lives around him—whether in the garden, fixing things at home, or doing extra work to help pay bills. His belief went beyond mere muscle strain; discipline and rhythm marked his days like a well-oiled clock. He woke early, seizing each moment with intent and careful focus that never cut corners. This steadfast manner reached into all life parts—from a tidy house to strong bonds among kin. When tough times hit, my grandfather stood firm; challenges sparked more will to push through than pull him down. His poise amid trouble taught me: hurdles aren't signs of defeat but chances for growth and wisdom. Grandfather's unwavering backing on my path of learning hit me deep. In the face of cash woes common to immigrant kin, he placed my thirst for wisdom at the fore. He saw how school could change lives and open doors wide to bright futures. His giving and steadfast aid stoked the fire in me to rise high in school; each win I had shone as proof of his own gift. With every step through tough college halls, Grandfather's lessons stay with me. More than just sweat or rough hands mark his legacy; it's a life view that holds up work with pride, stays strict on rules, and never flinches from tough trials ahead. This scholarship stands not only as cash help but also nods to souls like him who carve our course toward growth. In summing up, no one left a mark on my life quite like Grandfather did - sharing gems that reach past mere jobs. His guide formed my grit for work, planted firm rules within me, and gave strength needed for life's maze of twists and turns. The grant is much more than funds—it salutes those who spur us to learn against steep odds by their living tale.

Shifting to a new school often feels like tackling a mountain of unseen hurdles. It shakes up social ties, leisure pursuits, and can even dent your confidence. Many students face this shift without choice, and it proves tough on their study path. Such moves call for support—a key point this award aims to address. The goal here is clear: honor the grit it takes to rise above these trials and help keep those shifts from blocking one's path to college. This grant beckons seniors in high school who hold at least a 3.0 GPA; it invites them to ponder how their "new kid" status during high school years has molded bonds, life overall, and plans ahead. In crafting my response to this scholarship theme, I blend tales of personal growth with wider effects that such changes bring about. At high school, as the fresh face, my first true test was forging bonds. New groups, old ties—these were hurdles to leap over with a mix of ease and grit. At the start, feeling alone hit hard; the threat of not fitting in always there. Yet with each day came insight: new bonds can bloom past any 'new kid' label. Such trials honed my skills to deal with others and taught me much about varied walks of life. School life shook up more than just pals for me; it tossed my study world upside down too. Getting a grip on strange class plans and ways of teaching meant I had to stay quick on my feet and keep at it through thick and thin. It took real perseverance, but soon enough resilience grew in me like a sturdy tree. Thanks to these trials I learned how vital it is to lean into shifts in life—to be open, agile in thought—a mindset sure to serve well down all roads ahead. Looking ahead, the "new kid" label echoes in my dreams and aims. The knack to adapt, a trait I honed in those days, is now a key part of who I am—it drives my quest for knowledge that never ends and the urge to always be better than before. It sparked an eagerness to seek out college life—not just for diplomas but as a path of growth in both heart and mind. My time as the new one taught me much: how vital it is to understand others, not give up, and find your way when lost—skills that I take with me as I step toward tomorrow. This SCHOLARSHIP means more than cash; it stands for knowing the hurdles "new kids" jump over in high school halls. It shows faith—that every pupil should have their shot at higher ed no matter what shakes up their study trail. This grant lifts money woes but also says we see you—we know your story—and cheers on that spirit that keeps you going when things get tough. To wrap up: being labeled the "new kid" has deep effects—it crafts bonds with peers, shapes how you live and sets goals for times yet unseen. This SCHOLARSHIP gives voice to those tales—more than aid with fees; it salutes their gutsy ways. It cements this truth—all learners deserve a chance at their dreams no matter where life's road may twist or turn. With this fund’s help, "new kid" stories are not about setbacks—they’re about might, change-ready minds, and firm steps toward scholarly peaks.

Since 2005, the field of education has been reshaped by digital means. In my quest for knowledge, I've found Quizlet—a cornerstone in this shift—vital for my studies. It has transformed how I grasp and use theory in real-world cases. This platform makes it easy to build and share flashcards online; a game-changer for learners everywhere. With Quizlet's simple design, vast options, and shared use, it stands out as key for many students globally. Making flashcards on Quizlet proves easy; just add queries one side and replies on the other. This mirrors old-school cards but goes further—it boosts my concept grip as an active learning drill. The choice to mix in pics or charts deepens and clears up what I know. Quizlet's cards go beyond plain text; they let you make ones with pictures, sounds, even drawings. This blend of media stirs up interest and fits all kinds of study ways. Like when I dive into anatomy: labeled body sketches or sound bites with medical terms forge a rich multi-sense study path that's fun yet works well. Flashcards aside, Quizlet offers various modes to suit how we learn. With "Learn," adaptive questions focus on weak spots, bolstering comprehension. Modes like "Match" and "Test" prompt us with quizzes; they spur active recall, key for academic and real-life tests. Shared study sets via Quizlet enhance our group studies. This feature allows users to swap decks of flashcards which helps build a community feel around learning. As exams loom or tough topics arise, shared sets shine: they provide new views and tactics for study, while teaching peers cements my grasp of the material. Such group work brings us together as classmates; it turns studying into a team effort. Quizlet's app adds yet another layer – mobile learning on the go. Now I can have digital cards with me at all times – during transit waits or brief breaks alike—melding education seamlessly into life's flow boosts both the impact and frequency of my studies, aiding in long-term memory. Linking up with online platforms simplifies things further; it places Quizlet at my routine’s core - making it easier than ever to sync classwork with study sessions. In the end, Quizlet proves key for my e-study needs. This tool brings life to learning with smart flashcards, mixed media options, and ways to study that suit each learner. With it on my phone, I can join others in study no matter where I go. Thus, a full-circle learning path forms. Delving deep into Quizlet's offerings strengthens not just book smarts but real-world know-how too. As web-based tools remake how we learn, Quizlet stays vital—boosting school success and savvy out there in the big world.

Since day one at CSU, my eyes were set on a deep dive into the world of bones and joints. My drive for med studies is clear; I want to change lives as an orthopedic doc. Every step toward my Anatomy and Physiology degree was taken with care, thirsting after wisdom and striving for peak performance in health care. CSU courses guide me through body secrets that few can tell. The choice to study this field—strategic. It's all about a rock-solid base for my orthopedic future; this program is key, offering insights into the musculoskeletal system crucial for surgery success. One day I'll be the surgeon who fixes limbs and eases pain—a dream fueled by the joy of giving folks back their freedom of movement. But there's more: I'm aiming high to push health care norms further, merging classic methods with full-circle healing tactics to lead in bone fixing ways. This path demands real grit—a sweltering quest—but every lecture hall hour gets me closer (and eager) to predict patient outcomes better than ever before; all set to revolutionize orthopedic medicine someday soon! Dreams of slicing through flesh and bone to mend the broken - this is what drives me toward a future as an orthopedic surgeon. Yet, the steep cost tied to such dreams in medicine often looms large. This scholarship stands tall as my beacon; its value lies not just in easing financial strain but also in its bet on my future success. It's more than mere aid this scholarship gives—it’s a nod to my grit, a wager on the bright path I aim to tread. Each penny will chip away at walls built by costs that might otherwise stall my quest for surgical expertise. Books with their lofty price tags, tools for study that cut deep into pockets—these are where scholarship funds will go first. Medicine studies ask much of one's wallet, and these grants can make it less daunting—for me and those like me eager yet strapped for cash. Beyond bare needs, this award frees up room for growth outside lectures: joining research teams, sharing thoughts at big meets, lending hands where help's most needed. Through these acts come lessons no book could teach about care beyond clinic doors. With funds from this prize backing me up against cash woes’ constant siege—my focus stays true: labs and patient wards over ledgers and bills—a rare gift granting peace when diving into medical arts’ deep seas. This award fuels my quest for varied learning. It opens doors to elective classes, skill-building workshops, and extra certs beyond my core medical courses. Gaining knowledge across a broad spectrum not only deepens my grasp of health care but also arms me with diverse abilities. Looking forward, this scholarship stands as an investment in those I'll heal one day. It lightens the load of costly education bills and frees me up to chase down advanced training plus special courses and ongoing ed options. Such investments pay off in better skills and know-how, which will aid the folks who'll rely on me for bone and joint care. To wrap it up: my educational aims are tied tight to both my love for healing arts and my drive to slice through bone as an orthopedic doc. This scholarship isn't just cash help; it's a powerful force that lifts me past money hurdles so I can focus hard on schoolwork and clear the path toward meaningful changes in bone surgery work. With this funding behind me, I'm set on a shared mission—to push health care ahead and boost the well-being of all who need help.

A well-worn box of tools, a treasure trove from my dad's past days, sat in our garage. Each time I saw those marked-up wrenches and hammers, stories unfolded—of fixes and hard graft that held our world together. As a kid on that chilly floor, eyes wide at every word he said, I found joy in repair; this seed grew into my aim to mend bones as an orthopedic surgeon. At Colorado State University now; here I chase dreams in Anatomy and Physiology. With heart and grit—and faith in learning's power—I strive to turn what drives me into something real. Yet money stands tall like a wall; it might block the path to where I yearn to be. CSU seemed right for me—to study Anatomy and Physiology there is a key move toward the job of healing as an orthopedic surgeon. In these classes lie secrets of flesh and bone: stuff you must know to shine in fixing frames that walk or run or hug or hold. For someone like me—whose folks had thin wallets—the cost looms large as Everest's peak. It could snuff out hopes for school without aid. This grant though—it means light shines through clouds; it gives way through rough patches made by lack of cash. It shows someone sees the fight within—a fight not lost on me—and helps clear paths so lessons can shape future triumphs with care and steel tools much like Dad's old set back home. In my home, the thought of college was a distant dream. My folks, who worked hard but knew little of school ways, saw such dreams as out of reach. Yet I kept faith in learning's power to change lives—a hope that drove me in school. This grant fits with my goals like hand in glove. It gets how tough it can be to chase after knowledge and echoes my own path well. This help lifts weight off us and sparks change from a life where chances are few due to lack of cash. I see orthopedic surgery not just as work but as my true call—to bring real aid to those in need. With this award, CSU is within reach; it hands me tools for the road ahead. Now I can throw myself into books and clubs—all free from money woes that used to tie me down. In sum, I aim to chase a future as an orthopedic doc with zest. My heart is set on mending bones and lifting the weight of pain from folks' lives. This grant means more than just cash help; it's a nod to grit, a salute to high hopes, and key aid in shattering blocks that halt one's quest for learning. Aid like this lets me bet on my own path while helping clear the road for others who dream big within tight bounds. My drive doesn't end at getting funds; it's about giving back through bone fix know-how. Eager as ever, I look ahead: can AI foretell how folk will fare? Will 3D tech change our field whole? Each step brings me closer—through sweltering study halls and long lab nights—to grasp these tools and use them well. As I walk this tough but thrilling trail (high-vis Huk shirt drenched in sweat), each stride reminds me: real work pays off; school doors open wide with hard-earned wins. Every small victory sparks joy deep down—an eager heart beats for what lies next in this fast-evolving realm of skeletal care.

In my early days, the intricate workings of our bones and joints held a deep fascination for me. This captivated gaze steered me towards an orthopedic vocation brimming with intent and heart. Fierce health struggles reveal human resilience; medics deliver solace, strength, kindness. Observing loved ones in their grip, I was moved by such compassion from health warriors. This carved out my purpose - to extend a helping hand where it's most needed. Rapid evolution marks medical technology – it fuels my eager pursuit within this realm. Participating in groundbreaking healing methods excites me! In this arena, one must constantly adapt to novel techniques (consider AI), committing to lifelong education. Furthermore, contributing through healthcare service holds great significance for me; it's central to the physician I aspire to become. Accessible care stands as a fundamental right; wealth should not dictate wellness opportunities. My aspiration? Offer aid where scarcity prevails – strive for equity in treatment delivery and amplify voices often overlooked or ignored. Driven by more than mere care for the needy, I'm drawn to the realm of medical study. Its clout in reshaping health care strikes me as deep and vast. Eager am I to delve into research that widens our understanding of disease—charting courses for healing's next wave, bolstering defenses against ailments yet unknown. My mission: enrich our collective medical wisdom; offer succor across continents. Cross-discipline collaboration proves vital within medicine’s broad scope. Poised to forge alliances, I seek connection with comrades from diverse healthcare spheres. In concert, we unite our disparate talents and perspectives—to tackle formidable maladies; tailor treatments with patient focus at their heart. Entering this sphere known for its healing arts comes heavy with responsibilities—and demands righteous conduct. Steadfast adherence to honor, kindness toward all, staunch professional integrity—these are my bedrock principles. Living these values molds public perception of us as healers—fortifies bonds between caretakers and those they serve in communities far and wide. So what stirs this yearning for a medic’s life? A blend it is—of personal narratives craving scientific leaps forward; promises pledged for others’ aid; targets set on profound shifts at an intimate level. Gazing forward excites me greatly—for shaping healthcare's future through direct patient support melded with spirited investigative endeavors lies before me—with aspirations lofty: uplift health, multiply joys universally.The yearning for a career in medicine is fueled by a combination of personal stories seeking advancements in science, a commitment to helping others, and a desire to make a meaningful impact on a personal level. For example, many individuals are inspired to pursue a career in medicine after witnessing a loved one's struggle with a medical condition and feeling a deep desire to contribute to finding a cure. Additionally, the promise of being able to directly improve the lives of others and the opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research in the field of healthcare are also driving forces behind this yearning. Ultimately, the goal is to elevate the overall well-being of society by improving health outcomes and spreading happiness. This multifaceted motivation is what propels individuals towards a career in medicine.

I am Brock Hillary. The bond with my dog Jax has reshaped both my world and the drive to earn a degree at CSU in Anatomy and Physiology. Jax, a winsome white lab, came into our lives quite by chance – a twist of fate that would reshape all my future study and work goals. Years back, we chose to be foster folks for pets at a nearby shelter. We had no clue this choice would bring Jax to us: A spry white lab pup with deep eyes full of soul, bursting with life's zest. With his arrival at our home, one thing stood clear - he was far from just any pup; he was meant to be ours. As time went on while fostering him, our ties grew strong. His bright spirit and true heart gave me solace and drove me on. Seeing him evolve from a small curious ball of fur into a loyal friend sparked in me not only care but also keenness for the details within canine frames. This growing passion steered me toward CSU’s Anatomy and Physiology path. Grasping the inner workings of living forms held such appeal for me—and Jax's role in my day-to-day was an ever-present nudge towards how vital anatomy is for all beings' health—people as well as pups. My path at CSU, steeped in rigor, excites me as I aim to grasp our body's complex nature—my stepping stone to becoming an orthopedic surgeon. This choice for my career path springs not from chance but a blend of deep-seated experiences and the urge to truly change lives. A fervor for skeletal anatomy drives me toward orthopedics; this field fits like a glove with both my zeal for body science and my earnest wish to aid those battling physical woes. My future shines bright: academic insights paired with surgical prowess will surely uplift those troubled by bone and joint pains. Throughout this educational trek, Jax has been by my side—a vivid symbol of the profound effects pets imprint on us. His company underscores our duty—not just towards our animals but also within our larger circle. I vow to use what I learn, sharpening skills that benefit people and their furry friends. In summing up, Jax's journey from temporary care into our home’s heart sparked my love for anatomy—now driving me toward a CSU degree—and honed my ambition in orthopedic surgery realms. With excitement brewing for the trials ahead, I trust that my resolve fused with scholarly pursuits shall empower me to leave marks of good in orthopedic medicine’s ever-changing landscape.

My name is Brock Hillary. I live in Erie Colorado, and have a lot of pride for my town and my community. I want to pursue a career in the medical field, and have a stable and successful career. Though I feel live had a relatively easy life, I’ve certainly had my fair share of adversity, with one experience in particular being the most notably challenging. During my junior year I participated in a program called Tigers Together or Peer Mentor. Tigers Together is built around fostering acceptance and understanding of students with differing abilities within Erie High School. As a mentor within the program, you’re expected to help your peer succeed academically with class work and build new relationships. At the start of the year I was assigned a student who nobody wanted to mentor. I was told he was stubborn, distracted, and uninterested. Initially I had a very difficult time working with my peer, It seemed day after day me and my peer were making no headway. Not only were his grades slipping, but our relationship too was put under stress. I came Into that class with a vision in my head of how my peer should act, and how I would be the one to finally help him achieve his academic goals. It quickly became clear that whatever images I had in my head were not how things were playing out. So far the extent of getting my peer to complete his school work was gently asking him to get on task, and reminding him the importance of school work, but I had gotten nowhere. I remember searching online for strategies to get kids to do their work, and short of hypnotism, I felt I had tried everything within the scope of what I was allowed to do. I spent the following week with my peer feeling really defeated and discouraged. What little class time that was spent on school work became video game time, and further my peer’s grades slipped. And while I felt I had been beaten, it was out of genuine respect and appreciation for the vibrant person that was my peer, I continued to work with him and work towards I proving his attitude towards education. With willingness to try a new approach I set my mind on the academic success of my peer, and set aside any preconceived notions I had about what he should be doing. Crucial to my peer’s success was putting more emphasis on building a friendship with him, not just as a mentor and peer, but as true friends, whether that be in or out of school. I had to find new and creative ways to effectively engage with my peer. I had to find a balance between fun and work, friendship as well as academic success. Creating rewards for completing work, like a 10-minute game break or a long walk around the hall, not only helped my peer academically but also began to build a friendship between the two of us. As I became more catering and flexible in my approach, so too did my peer begin to start working with me. At the end of the year I had gained so much from my experience. I had learned to persevere through adversity, and I had learned the value of friendship and the success that it can bring. I left the class not only with a peer who had raised his grades and finished his classes with Bs, but a true lasting friendship.

In High School everyone is pushed out of their comfort zone, whether that is socially in the lunchroom, or academically in the classroom. While I feel I’ve had a pretty smooth High School experience, I’ve certainly had my fair share of adversity, with one experience in particular being the most notably challenging. During my junior year I participated in a program called Tigers Together or Peer Mentor. Tigers Together is built around fostering acceptance and understanding of students with differing abilities within Erie High School. As a mentor within the program, you’re expected to help your peer succeed academically with class work and build new relationships. At the start of the year I was assigned a student who nobody wanted to mentor. I was told he was stubborn, distracted, and uninterested. Initially I had a very difficult time working with my peer, It seemed day after day me and my peer were making no headway. Not only were his grades slipping, but our relationship too was put under stress. I came Into that class with a vision in my head of how my peer should act, and how I would be the one to finally help him achieve his academic goals. It quickly became clear that whatever images I had in my head were not how things were playing out. So far the extent of getting my peer to complete his school work was gently asking him to get on task, and reminding him the importance of school work, but I had gotten nowhere. I remember searching online for strategies to get kids to do their work, and short of hypnotism, I felt I had tried everything within the scope of what I was allowed to do. I spent the following week with my peer feeling really defeated and discouraged. What little class time that was spent on school work became video game time, and further my peer’s grades slipped. And while I felt I had been beaten, it was out of genuine respect and appreciation for the vibrant person that was my peer, I continued to work with him and work towards I proving his attitude towards education. With willingness to try a new approach I set my mind on the academic success of my peer, and set aside any preconceived notions I had about what he should be doing. Crucial to my peer’s success was putting more emphasis on building a friendship with him, not just as a mentor and peer, but as true friends, whether that be in or out of school. I had to find new and creative ways to effectively engage with my peer. I had to find a balance between fun and work, friendship as well as academic success. Creating rewards for completing work, like a 10-minute game break or a long walk around the hall, not only helped my peer academically but also began to build a friendship between the two of us. As I became more catering and flexible in my approach, so too did my peer begin to start working with me. At the end of the year I had gained so much from my experience. I had learned to persevere through adversity, and I had learned the value of friendship and the success that it can bring. I left the class not only with a peer who had raised his grades and finished his classes with Bs, but a true lasting friendship.