I have had quite a life journey that has gotten me to present day. It has been undeniably hard but I know that because of this I am stronger and more determined than ever before. In my short 18 years of life I have been on both sides of poverty and I have vowed that I will never go back to living like I was forced to the first half of my life and I will try to help all children going through similar circumstances as myself going forward. My brother and I were taken from our parents due to drug abuse, at the time it was such a relief to get out of the prison our life had become although at the same time it was really hard because we didn't know what to expect. This turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to us. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for other children and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have been given. I have struggled with many mental health obstacles due to the way my life started, but thankfully with the continuous help of my therapist, friends and family, I feel like I am really making progress towards better mental health. Im also aware that this will be ongoing throughout my life but im ready for the challenge.

I have had quite a life journey that has gotten me to present day. It has been undeniably hard but I know that because of this I am stronger and more determined than ever before. In my short 18 years of life I have been on both sides of poverty and I have vowed that I will never go back to living like I was forced to the first half of my life and I will try to help all children going through similar circumstances as myself going forward. My brother and I were taken from our parents due to drug abuse, at the time it was such a relief to get out of the prison our life had become although at the same time it was really hard because we didn't know what to expect. This turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to us. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for other children and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have been given. I am super passionate about my future in psychology because I want to be remembered as someone who had a tough start in life and overcame the obstacles and went on to help others. I believe we get out of life what we put into it and because of that I have persevered my troubled youth.

I have had quite a life journey that has gotten me to present day. It has been undeniably hard but I know that because of this I am stronger and more determined than ever before. In my short 18 years of life I have been on both sides of poverty and I have vowed that I will never go back to living like I was forced to the first half of my life and I will try to help all children going through similar circumstances as myself going forward. My brother and I were taken from our parents due to drug abuse, at the time it was such a relief to get out of the prison our life had become although at the same time it was really hard because we didn't know what to expect. This turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to us. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for other children and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have been given. Im blessed to have the opportunity to go forth and make my life better and in turn help others that face some of the roadblocks I too have faced and proudly overcome. I feel honored to be one reason that a child or someone in the grips of addiction may turn to me and ill be able to help them to turn their lives around for the better and live the kind of life thwy deserve and were meant to live. I know my education will help me but I also know that it will be hard but I have the ambition and drive to better myself and live the rest of my life as I deserve to live it. I want to be a positive role model for others and I believe furthering my education will help with that.

I have had quite a life journey that has gotten me to present day. It has been undeniably hard but I know that because of this I am stronger and more determined than ever before. In my short 18 years of life I have been on both sides of poverty and I have vowed that I will never go back to living like I was forced to the first half of my life and I will try to help all children going through similar circumstances as myself going forward. My brother and I were taken from our parents due to drug abuse, at the time it was such a relief to get out of the prison our life had become although at the same time it was really hard because we didn't know what to expect. This turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to us. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for other children and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have been given. I believe we have to help in making our own future a great one regardless of what's happened to us in the past. I definetly didn't have a great start to a life but I'm going to make sure that I always strive for better for myself and my loved ones. If the past has taught me anything g it's that I can overcome anything that is thrown at me and come out better and stronger for having to fight to get where I want to be. I will always be so very thankful for the people in my life that have helped me achieve my goals and better my life, without them Im not sure where I would be. Im so glad they seen the worth in me and helped me to continue on my journey.

I have had quite a life journey that has gotten me to present day. It has been undeniably hard but I know that because of this I am stronger and more determined than ever before. In my short 18 years of life I have been on both sides of poverty and I have vowed that I will never go back to living like I was forced to the first half of my life and I will try to help all children going through similar circumstances as myself going forward. My brother and I were taken from our parents due to drug abuse, at the time it was such a relief to get out of the prison our life had become although at the same time it was really hard because we didn't know what to expect. This turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to us. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for other children and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have been given.

I have had quite a life journey that has gotten me to present day. It has been undeniably hard but I know that because of this I am stronger and more determined than ever before. In my short 18 years of life I have been on both sides of poverty and I have vowed that I will never go back to living like I was forced to the first half of my life and I will try to help all children going through similar circumstances as myself going forward. My brother and I were taken from our parents due to drug abuse, at the time it was such a relief to get out of the prison our life had become although at the same time it was really hard because we didn't know what to expect. This turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to us. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling or those with drug abuse and dependence issues to get back on the right track moving forward. The drug abuse was what tore our family apart and if my parents would have sought the help they needed we all wouldve benefited from that. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return, i also want to be able to help others with drug and alcohol dependence. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for others and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have been given.

I have had quite a life journey that has gotten me to present day. It has been undeniably hard but I know that because of this I am stronger and more determined than ever before. In my short 18 years of life I have been on both sides of poverty and I have vowed that I will never go back to living like I was forced to the first half of my life and I will try to help all children going through similar circumstances as myself going forward. I have realized that education is the most valuable tool you can have. It is also something that there is no completion of as I know I will continue to learn for the rest of my life. I know exactly what I want to do with the continued education that I will receive in college. I will help others that have been forced to live their life as mine first began at no fault of their own. My brother and I were taken from our parents due to drug abuse, at the time it was such a relief to get out of the prison our life had become although at the same time it was really hard because we didn't know what to expect. This turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to us. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for other children and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have been given.

I have had quite a life journey that has gotten me to present day. It has been undeniably hard but I know that because of this I am stronger and more determined than ever before. In my short 18 years of life I have been on both sides of poverty and I have vowed that I will never go back to living like I was forced to the first half of my life and I will try to help all children going through similar circumstances as myself going forward. This scholarship will help greatly in my endeavors that I am determined to succeed in making this one life I have the best version of itself. My brother and I were taken from our parents due to drug abuse, at the time it was such a relief to get out of the prison our life had become although at the same time it was really hard because we didn't know what to expect. This turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to us. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for other children and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have been given.

I have had quite a life journey that has gotten me to present day. It has been undeniably hard but I know that because of this I am stronger and more determined than ever before. In my short 18 years of life I have been on both sides of poverty and I have vowed that I will never go back to living like I was forced to the first half of my life and I will try to help all children going through similar circumstances as myself going forward. Mrs.Allen, my English teacher has changed my outlook on life, she has really influenced me for the better. She knew that I was struggling and took me under her wing and helped me in several ways. She taught me that I was worth fighting for and that I needed to stand up and work really hard for the things I wanted in my life. She never doubted my abilities and was always by my side if I needed anything. I will forever be grateful for her. My brother and I were taken from our parents due to drug abuse, at the time it was such a relief to get out of the prison our life had become although at the same time it was really hard because we didn't know what to expect. This turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to us. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for other children and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have been given.

I have had quite a life journey that has gotten me to present day. It has been undeniably hard but I know that because of this I am stronger and more determined than ever before. In my short 18 years of life I have been on both sides of poverty and I have vowed that I will never go back to living like I was forced to the first half of my life and I will try to help all children going through similar circumstances as myself going forward. My foster parents seen the potential that I have and have helped me so much in realizing that for myself. They took my brother and I into their home with no questions asked and love us as their own children. They push me to be better in every area and pick me up when I fall and get me back on track. I will be forever grateful for the people that were placed in my life. My brother and I were taken from our parents due to drug abuse, at the time it was such a relief to get out of the prison our life had become although at the same time it was really hard because we didn't know what to expect. This turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to us. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is also really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for other children and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have been given.

I have had quite a life journey that has gotten me to present day. It has been undeniably hard but I know that because of this I am stronger and more determined than ever before. In my short 18 years of life I have been on both sides of poverty and I have vowed that I will never go back to living like I was forced to the first half of my life and I will try to help all children going through similar circumstances as myself going forward. My brother and I were taken from our parents due to drug abuse, at the time it was such a relief to get out of the prison our life had become although at the same time it was really hard because we didn't know what to expect. This turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to us. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for other children and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have been given.

I think being a West Virginian means having pride and understanding where you came from. I believe West Virginia is full of good people that are willing to show up for others when times get rough and will stand by each other for what is right. I grew up in WV and have a big sense of pride for the state. It is a beautiful place to live and has endless possibilities for adventure. Living in WV has shaped my view of the world into thinking there are still good people out there willing to help others. I believe that WV is a very tight knit group of people since the state is smaller and because of that we seem to be closer. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for other children and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have been given.

I think being a West Virginian means having pride and understanding where you came from. I believe West Virginia is full of good people that are willing to show up for others when times get rough and will stand by each other for what is right. I grew up in WV and have a big sense of pride for the state. It is a beautiful place to live and has endless possibilities for adventure. Living in WV has shaped my view of the world into thinking there are still good people out there willing to help others. I believe that WV is a very tight knit group of people since the state is smaller and because of that we seem to be closer. I needed help growing up and received that through the foster care system and I believe the state did the best they could for me and my brother. We were placed in a loving home and quickly became true family members. I am so thankful that we grew up in the state and home that we did, we received the help we desperately needed and now we also have the opportunity to go to college and continue our education so we can go forth and help other children that are struggling. I never thought that college was going to be a possibility for me but I'm so excited that my life has changed for the better. I have been accepted at fairmont state university and cannot wait to start classes in the fall of 2026. I will be majoring in psychology and minoring in art. I want to become a counselor and be able to help children through tough times and help them see that good times will return. Therapy and counseling really helped me in my tough times when I first arrived at my foster home. My foster parents really helped and supported me. I was started in therapy and really came to love going to my sessions. My therapist is really important to me and we have formed a mutual friendship built on trust. She has helped put things into perspective for me and finally I was able to agree that what happened to me in my childhood was not my fault. I want to be that change for other children and help them be able to cope with life situations and be able to help them understand that they will have the same opportunities as I have been given and I really hope they make the best out of the available opportunities that they have.