If you ask the closest people in my life, “Who is Brooke”, then they would tell you about what has made me, me. The first person you might ask is the closest person to me, my mom. The first thing she would say is I am kind, but that I am a strong survivor. The reasons behind it are what make me who I am. When I was just four months old, I was diagnosed with stage 3-4 cancer. With the surgical odds of 50/50 against me, the doctors weren’t sure that I was going to survive, but my mom knew I was going to. To the doctor's surprise I survived the risky surgery that saved my very life. I view life as a gift we shouldn't take for granted, so I live every day with appreciation and determination to live each day to the fullest. I know there are many that won't get the chance to live out the next day, so I want to appreciate every hug, every friendship, and every opportunity I am given and to use those opportunities to help others. I am currently pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity in a goal to protect people - like older people - from having their hard-earned belongings stolen and from being taken advantage of monetarily. If given the opportunity to be considered for a scholarship, I want to assure you I will use my education to help others in every possible way. I am a strong, determined person who is kind and considerate. I have worked extremely hard on my resilience when difficulties have arisen (especially that my brother has terminal cancer). Even if difficulties come up in life, I have learned that resilience is key to being successful when you are knocked down.