I am Brooklyn Skaltsis, a sister, a friend, and a daughter. Qualities that describe me include caring, compassion, and hard work. Born in NH, I came to Maine in 6th grade, moving in with my Dad after a year of foster care. I became part of the foster care system because of my mom’s addiction problem and inability to provide a safe environment for our family. Her husband at the time was very abusive to her, my siblings, and me. After this experience, my brother and I finally came to reside with Dad and stepmom. Through this experience, I learned lessons relating to work ethic and survival from a young age. Some of these survival skills included l being creative and conservative with resources, the importance of education, and choices. Early in my high school experience, I had to overcome peer pressure, stress, and yes, the importance of choices. Once entering the work force, the importance of knowing the type of person I want to be and those characteristics that make a good citizen has become more apparent to me. It is my goal to not just settle for the minimum idea of survival in today's society, but to better myself to be a candidate for future opportunities in my community. During the next four years, I aspire to earn my college degree and then be able to enter the academy to become a law enforcement officer. While exploring career opportunities, I considered becoming a Veterinarian, but realized that was an unrealistic goal, mainly because it would be a major struggle, as an animal lover, to euthanize any animal. I love animals very much, and this was just too hard. In addition, math and science are not subjects that come easily for me. Another area of interest and passion is justice and doing the right thing. As a result, I have decided to explore and pursue law enforcement and criminal justice. One possible career is to become a police officer, giving back to the community and protecting individuals and their rights. This is why I have chosen to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Thomas College starting in the fall of 2026. I am one of 3 kids in my household and the eldest. I currently work 20-24 hours a week during the school year and full-time in the summer, so I can help my parents by contributing rent, and to save up to attend college. I have been involved with the softball program at my high school until having to choose between working and athletics. It is a goal to demonstrate responsibility and be able to make my parents proud, while at the same time building confidence in myself and my ability to succeed. It is my goal to achieve through the college experience knowledge, experience, and networking to pursue a career, not just a job. Though my family has a safe living situation and both of my parents are employed, finances and the challenges to pay for college are a reality. Seeking my college degree is a positive experience in acquiring future employment with advancement and growth opportunities. The financial assistance from this scholarship would help me greatly to help me follow my dreams of completing my degree and working in the area of law enforcement and criminal justice.

I am Brooklyn Skaltsis, a sister, a friend, and a daughter. Qualities that describe me include caring, compassion, and hard work. Born in NH, I came to Maine in 6th grade, moving in with my Dad after a year of foster care. I became part of the foster care system because of my mom’s addiction problem and inability to provide a safe environment for our family. Her husband at the time was very abusive to her, my siblings, and me. After this experience, my brother and I finally came to reside with Dad and stepmom. Through this experience, I learned lessons relating to work ethic and survival from a young age. Some of these survival skills included l being creative and conservative with resources, the importance of education, and choices. Early in my high school experience, I had to overcome peer pressure, stress, and yes, the importance of choices. Once entering the work force, the importance of knowing the type of person I want to be and those characteristics that make a good citizen has become more apparent to me. It is my goal to not just settle for the minimum idea of survival in today's society, but to better myself to be a candidate for future opportunities in my community. During the next four years, I aspire to earn my college degree and then be able to enter the academy to become a law enforcement officer. While exploring career opportunities, I considered becoming a Veterinarian, but realized that was an unrealistic goal, mainly because it would be a major struggle, as an animal lover, to euthanize any animal. I love animals very much, and this was just too hard. In addition, math and science are not subjects that come easily for me. Another area of interest and passion is justice and doing the right thing. As a result, I have decided to explore and pursue law enforcement and criminal justice. One possible career is to become a police officer, giving back to the community and protecting individuals and their rights. This is why I have chosen to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Thomas College starting in the fall of 2026. I am one of 3 kids in my household and the eldest. I currently work 20-24 hours a week during the school year and full-time in the summer, so I can help my parents by contributing rent, and to save up to attend college. I have been involved with the softball program at my high school until having to choose between working and athletics. It is a goal to demonstrate responsibility and be able to make my parents proud, while at the same time building confidence in myself and my ability to succeed. It is my goal to achieve through the college experience knowledge, experience, and networking to pursue a career, not just a job. Though my family has a safe living situation and both of my parents are employed, finances and the challenges to pay for college are a reality. Seeking my college degree is a positive experience in acquiring future employment with advancement and growth opportunities. The financial assistance from this scholarship would help me greatly to help me follow my dreams of completing my degree and working in the area of law enforcement and criminal justice.

I am Brooklyn Skaltsis, a sister, a friend, and a daughter. Qualities that describe me include caring, compassion, and hard work. Born in NH, I came to Maine in 6th grade, moving in with my Dad after a year of foster care. I became part of the foster care system because of my mom’s addiction problem and inability to provide a safe environment for our family. Her husband at the time was very abusive to her, my siblings, and me. After this experience, my brother and I finally came to reside with Dad and stepmom. Through this experience, I learned lessons relating to work ethic and survival from a young age. Some of these survival skills included l being creative and conservative with resources, the importance of education, and choices. Early in my high school experience, I had to overcome peer pressure, stress, and yes, the importance of choices. Once entering the work force, the importance of knowing the type of person I want to be and those characteristics that make a good citizen has become more apparent to me. It is my goal to not just settle for the minimum idea of survival in today's society, but to better myself to be a candidate for future opportunities in my community. During the next four years, I aspire to earn my college degree and then be able to enter the academy to become a law enforcement officer. While exploring career opportunities, I considered becoming a Veterinarian, but realized that was an unrealistic goal, mainly because it would be a major struggle, as an animal lover, to euthanize any animal. I love animals very much, and this was just too hard. In addition, math and science are not subjects that come easily for me. Another area of interest and passion is justice and doing the right thing. As a result, I have decided to explore and pursue law enforcement and criminal justice. One possible career is to become a police officer, giving back to the community and protecting individuals and their rights. This is why I have chosen to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Thomas College starting in the fall of 2026. I am one of 3 kids in my household and the eldest. I currently work 20-24 hours a week during the school year and full-time in the summer, so I can help my parents by contributing rent, and to save up to attend college. I have been involved with the softball program at my high school until having to choose between working and athletics. It is a goal to demonstrate responsibility and be able to make my parents proud, while at the same time building confidence in myself and my ability to succeed. It is my goal to achieve through the college experience knowledge, experience, and networking to pursue a career, not just a job. Though my family has a safe living situation and both of my parents are employed, finances and the challenges to pay for college are a reality. Seeking my college degree is a positive experience in acquiring future employment with advancement and growth opportunities. The financial assistance from this scholarship would help me greatly to help me follow my dreams of completing my degree and working in the area of law enforcement and criminal justice.

I am Brooklyn Skaltsis, a sister, a friend, and a daughter. Qualities that describe me include caring, compassion, and hard work. Born in NH, I came to Maine in 6th grade, moving in with my Dad after a year of foster care. I became part of the foster care system because of my mom’s addiction problem and inability to provide a safe environment for our family. Her husband at the time was very abusive to her, my siblings, and me. After this experience, my brother and I finally came to reside with Dad and stepmom. Through this experience, I learned lessons relating to work ethic and survival from a young age. Some of these survival skills included l being creative and conservative with resources, the importance of education, and choices. Early in my high school experience, I had to overcome peer pressure, stress, and yes, the importance of choices. Once entering the work force, the importance of knowing the type of person I want to be and those characteristics that make a good citizen has become more apparent to me. It is my goal to not just settle for the minimum idea of survival in today's society, but to better myself to be a candidate for future opportunities in my community. During the next four years, I aspire to earn my college degree and then be able to enter the academy to become a law enforcement officer. While exploring career opportunities, I considered becoming a Veterinarian, but realized that was an unrealistic goal, mainly because it would be a major struggle, as an animal lover, to euthanize any animal. I love animals very much, and this was just too hard. In addition, math and science are not subjects that come easily for me. Another area of interest and passion is justice and doing the right thing. As a result, I have decided to explore and pursue law enforcement and criminal justice. One possible career is to become a police officer, giving back to the community and protecting individuals and their rights. This is why I have chosen to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Thomas College starting in the fall of 2026. I am one of 3 kids in my household and the eldest. I currently work 20-24 hours a week during the school year and full-time in the summer, so I can help my parents by contributing rent, and to save up to attend college. I have been involved with the softball program at my high school until having to choose between working and athletics. It is a goal to demonstrate responsibility and be able to make my parents proud, while at the same time building confidence in myself and my ability to succeed. It is my goal to achieve through the college experience knowledge, experience, and networking to pursue a career, not just a job. Though my family has a safe living situation and both of my parents are employed, finances and the challenges to pay for college are a reality. Seeking my college degree is a positive experience in acquiring future employment with advancement and growth opportunities. The financial assistance from this scholarship would help me greatly to help me follow my dreams of completing my degree and working in the area of law enforcement and criminal justice. Just because I suffered a tragedy does not mean that I should be treated less than others. I am hoping that I can show other people that went through similar situations can learn from me and can speak up and take control of their lives as I have.

I am Brooklyn Skaltsis, a sister, a friend, and a daughter. Qualities that describe me include caring, compassion, and hard work. Born in NH, I came to Maine in 6th grade, moving in with my Dad after a year of foster care. I became part of the foster care system because of my mom’s addiction problem and inability to provide a safe environment for our family. Her husband at the time was very abusive to her, my siblings, and me. After this experience, my brother and I finally came to reside with Dad and stepmom. Through this experience, I learned lessons relating to work ethic and survival from a young age. Some of these survival skills included l being creative and conservative with resources, the importance of education, and choices. Early in my high school experience, I had to overcome peer pressure, stress, and yes, the importance of choices. Once entering the work force, the importance of knowing the type of person I want to be and those characteristics that make a good citizen has become more apparent to me. It is my goal to not just settle for the minimum idea of survival in today's society, but to better myself to be a candidate for future opportunities in my community. During the next four years, I aspire to earn my college degree and then be able to enter the academy to become a law enforcement officer. While exploring career opportunities, I considered becoming a Veterinarian, but realized that was an unrealistic goal, mainly because it would be a major struggle, as an animal lover, to euthanize any animal. I love animals very much, and this was just too hard. In addition, math and science are not subjects that come easily for me. Another area of interest and passion is justice and doing the right thing. As a result, I have decided to explore and pursue law enforcement and criminal justice. One possible career is to become a police officer, giving back to the community and protecting individuals and their rights. This is why I have chosen to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Thomas College starting in the fall of 2026. I am one of 3 kids in my household and the eldest. I currently work 20-24 hours a week during the school year and full-time in the summer, so I can help my parents by contributing rent, and to save up to attend college. I have been involved with the softball program at my high school until having to choose between working and athletics. It is a goal to demonstrate responsibility and be able to make my parents proud, while at the same time building confidence in myself and my ability to succeed. It is my goal to achieve through the college experience knowledge, experience, and networking to pursue a career, not just a job. Though my family has a safe living situation and both of my parents are employed, finances and the challenges to pay for college are a reality. Seeking my college degree is a positive experience in acquiring future employment with advancement and growth opportunities. The financial assistance from this scholarship would help me greatly to help me follow my dreams of completing my degree and working in the area of law enforcement and criminal justice.

I am Brooklyn Skaltsis, a sister, a friend, and a daughter. Qualities that describe me include caring, compassion, and hard work. Born in NH, I came to Maine in 6th grade, moving in with my Dad after a year of foster care. I became part of the foster care system because of my mom’s addiction problem and inability to provide a safe environment for our family. Her husband at the time was very abusive to her, my siblings, and me. After this experience, my brother and I finally came to reside with Dad and stepmom. Through this experience, I learned lessons relating to work ethic and survival from a young age. Some of these survival skills included l being creative and conservative with resources, the importance of education, and choices. Early in my high school experience, I had to overcome peer pressure, stress, and yes, the importance of choices. Once entering the work force, the importance of knowing the type of person I want to be and those characteristics that make a good citizen has become more apparent to me. It is my goal to not just settle for the minimum idea of survival in today's society, but to better myself to be a candidate for future opportunities in my community. During the next four years, I aspire to earn my college degree and then be able to enter the academy to become a law enforcement officer. While exploring career opportunities, I considered becoming a Veterinarian, but realized that was an unrealistic goal, mainly because it would be a major struggle, as an animal lover, to euthanize any animal. I love animals very much, and this was just too hard. In addition, math and science are not subjects that come easily for me. Another area of interest and passion is justice and doing the right thing. As a result, I have decided to explore and pursue law enforcement and criminal justice. One possible career is to become a police officer, giving back to the community and protecting individuals and their rights. This is why I have chosen to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Thomas College starting in the fall of 2026. I am one of 3 kids in my household and the eldest. I currently work 20-24 hours a week during the school year and full-time in the summer, so I can help my parents by contributing rent, and to save up to attend college. I have been involved with the softball program at my high school until having to choose between working and athletics. It is a goal to demonstrate responsibility and be able to make my parents proud, while at the same time building confidence in myself and my ability to succeed. It is my goal to achieve through the college experience knowledge, experience, and networking to pursue a career, not just a job. Though my family has a safe living situation and both of my parents are employed, finances and the challenges to pay for college are a reality. Seeking my college degree is a positive experience in acquiring future employment with advancement and growth opportunities. The financial assistance from this scholarship would help me greatly to help me follow my dreams of completing my degree and working in the area of law enforcement and criminal justice. Nothing can stop me from achieving my goals, even if I have to work harder than everybody else. I belive will succeed in the end.

I am Brooklyn Skaltsis, a sister, a friend, and a daughter. Qualities that describe me include caring, compassion, and hard work. Born in NH, I came to Maine in 6th grade, moving in with my Dad after a year of foster care. I became part of the foster care system because of my mom’s addiction problem and inability to provide a safe environment for our family. Her husband at the time was very abusive to her, my siblings, and me. After this experience, my brother and I finally came to reside with Dad and stepmom. Through this experience, I learned lessons relating to work ethic and survival from a young age. Some of these survival skills included l being creative and conservative with resources, the importance of education, and choices. Early in my high school experience, I had to overcome peer pressure, stress, and yes, the importance of choices. Once entering the work force, the importance of knowing the type of person I want to be and those characteristics that make a good citizen has become more apparent to me. It is my goal to not just settle for the minimum idea of survival in today's society, but to better myself to be a candidate for future opportunities in my community. During the next four years, I aspire to earn my college degree and then be able to enter the academy to become a law enforcement officer. While exploring career opportunities, I considered becoming a Veterinarian, but realized that was an unrealistic goal, mainly because it would be a major struggle, as an animal lover, to euthanize any animal. I love animals very much, and this was just too hard. In addition, math and science are not subjects that come easily for me. Another area of interest and passion is justice and doing the right thing. As a result, I have decided to explore and pursue law enforcement and criminal justice. One possible career is to become a police officer, giving back to the community and protecting individuals and their rights. This is why I have chosen to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Thomas College starting in the fall of 2026. I am one of 3 kids in my household and the eldest. I currently work 20-24 hours a week during the school year and full-time in the summer, so I can help my parents by contributing rent, and to save up to attend college. I have been involved with the softball program at my high school until having to choose between working and athletics. It is a goal to demonstrate responsibility and be able to make my parents proud, while at the same time building confidence in myself and my ability to succeed. It is my goal to achieve through the college experience knowledge, experience, and networking to pursue a career, not just a job. Though my family has a safe living situation and both of my parents are employed, finances and the challenges to pay for college are a reality. Seeking my college degree is a positive experience in acquiring future employment with advancement and growth opportunities. The financial assistance from this scholarship would help me greatly to help me follow my dreams of completing my degree and working in the area of law enforcement and criminal justice.