When I think about my biggest dream, the one that feels bold, exciting, and just a little out of reach, I picture a future where I’m working hands-on with animals and using science to make their lives healthier, safer, and better. My “Pie in the Sky” dream is to build a career in animal science or a related STEM field where I can blend compassion, research, and real-world problem solving. I want to be someone who doesn’t just love animals, but someone who understands them deeply and can use that knowledge to help create healthier communities and a healthier world. This dream didn’t show up all at once. It grew slowly through everyday moments that didn’t seem big at the time. It started the first morning I stepped into the barn as an FFA student, nervous and unsure of what I was doing. It grew on the days when I found myself asking questions about animal behavior, nutrition, or health and then working until I found the answers. It strengthened every time I stayed late to clean stalls, helped younger members with their projects, or found myself explaining something I had learned in a way that made someone else feel more confident. More than 2,200 hours of community service helped shape this dream too. Those hours taught me that service isn’t just about giving time, it’s about giving heart. They taught me that even small actions matter. They taught me how meaningful it feels to help others grow. And somewhere along the way, I realized that this is exactly what I want my future to look like: a life where I’m continually learning, continually serving, and continually working toward something bigger than myself. But dreaming about the future also means being brave enough to move toward it, even when the path isn’t perfectly clear. I don’t have every step figured out yet, and honestly, I don’t think I’m supposed to. What I do know is that courage doesn’t mean having all the answers, it means taking the next step with heart. For me, that next step is pursuing a STEM-focused education where I can learn the science behind the work I love. I want to study biology and animal science, explore research opportunities, and keep pushing myself to grow even when it feels challenging or intimidating. I also know that pursuing a dream this big requires community. All the people who have helped me along the way have shown me the power of learning together and lifting each other up. That same sense of community is something I hope to build throughout college. I want to collaborate with other women who are dreaming big, share ideas, support each other, and grow together as we take brave steps into our futures. My “Pie in the Sky” dream is still evolving, but I’m not afraid of that. In fact, I think the best dreams change as we grow. What matters is that I’m willing to step forward with courage, stay curious, work hard, and trust that the combination of heart, effort, and community will take me where I’m meant to go. Thank you for considering my application. I’m excited for the chance to keep growing, to keep dreaming boldly, and to take the next courageous steps toward the future where I am rising higher, serving others, and making a lasting impact in the world.

When I look back at the moment my education first started shaping my sense of direction, I always come back to the day I joined FFA. At the time, it didn’t feel like anything life-changing. I was a freshman walking into a class that felt completely new, and I was just trying to survive high school like everyone else. If someone had told me that this one decision would change the way I see myself, the way I serve others, and even the kind of future I want to build, I never would have believed them. But that’s exactly what happened. FFA didn’t just introduce me to agriculture, it introduced me to leadership, responsibility, and the kind of hands-on problem-solving that sparked my interest in STEM before I even realized it. It became the part of my education that taught me the most about who I am and what I’m capable of. It pushed me past my comfort zone, encouraged me to lead, and showed me the importance of paying attention to the details. I learned how to think critically, how to communicate clearly, and how to solve problems not just with effort, but with curiosity. Those skills slowly grew into a fascination with how things work and how science can create real solutions in everyday life. All of that came together in more than 2,200 hours of community service. Those hours were early mornings at the barn, late nights preparing for events, weekends volunteering at fundraisers, and countless moments spent working with animals, kids, and community members. I learned patience through animal care, empathy through working with children, and collaboration through group projects. One of my proudest accomplishments, the Illinois FFA State Degree, represents all of that growth. Fewer than 2% of members in Illinois receive it, and standing on that stage made me realize just how far I had come. It wasn’t just an award; it was proof that dedication, curiosity, and consistency matter. It also helped me understand something bigger: that the same qualities I developed through FFA are the qualities that build strong leaders in STEM fields. They are people who ask questions, solve problems, and work toward something better than what exists now. The journey wasn’t always easy. Balancing schoolwork, service projects, and animal responsibilities meant learning real time-management skills and figuring out how to push through challenges. But those hard moments showed me that I’m someone who doesn’t back down from a problem That mindset is exactly what drew me to STEM. I love the way science connects compassion and logic, the way it allows me to help both animals and people, and the way it turns curiosity into something meaningful. As I look toward my future, I know I want to pursue a STEM-based path that blends science, service, and impact. Whether I’m studying biology, animal science, or another STEM field, I’m excited by the idea of being part of a community of women who are driven by curiosity and committed to solving real-world problems. The Women in STEM Scholarship feels especially meaningful because it supports exactly the kind of student I’ve grown into, one who wants to keep learning, keep serving, and keep using science to make a difference. Thank you for considering my application. Everything I’ve learned through FFA has helped shape the person I am becoming, and this scholarship would help me take the next steps toward a career where I can rise higher, give back, and contribute to a stronger and more compassionate future through STEM.

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the RonranGlee Literary Scholarship! My name is Callista Hovis, and I’m from Decatur, Illinois. I will be attending Millikin University to study biology and animal science with a minor in politics. I am passionate about animals, community service, and leadership, and I actually think it’s fun to talk about deeper topics like this one. Most kids my age probably wouldn’t say writing a philosophy essay sounds exciting, but I think it’s interesting to really think about what stories mean and how they connect to real life. I can’t wait to take a philosophy class in college and have these kinds of conversations in class. The passage I chose comes from Aesop’s Fables. This was an easy and perfect choice for me because of how these stories use animals to teach lessons. These are so fun to really think about animals and the way they can represent human behavior. The story I have picked is called “The Dog and Its Reflection.” “A dog, crossing a bridge over a stream with a piece of meat in his mouth, saw his own reflection in the water and thought it was another dog with a bigger piece of meat. He opened his mouth to snatch it and dropped what he had into the stream.” — Aesop’s Fables This story is short, but it really makes you think. The dog loses what he already has because he gets distracted by what looks better. To me, the story isn’t just about greed. It’s about being grateful for what we already have and staying focused on what matters. During high school, I learned how easy it is to compare yourself to others. Whether it’s grades, sports, leadership positions, or college plans, it’s so easy to look at someone else and think they have something better. But what I’ve realized is that real success comes from doing your own best work and being proud of it. Leading FFA meetings, volunteering with animals, serving my community, and co-captaining my golf team have taught me that joy comes from purpose, not from comparison. I think this story also connects really well to life today. Social media makes it so easy to look at someone else’s highlights and start feeling like you’re missing out. But if we get caught up in chasing what looks better, we risk losing the good things that are already right in front of us. For me, that’s the 2,000 hours of community service I’ve given, the friendships I’ve built, and the lessons I’ve learned from helping others. What I really like about this story is how it reminds us to appreciate the present. In science, we learn that animals act on instinct, but humans get to make choices and reflect on them. I think that’s what philosophy is really about, thinking about why we do what we do and how we can make better choices. My goal is to work in veterinary medicine or animal conservation, I love the connection between animals and human nature. Aesop used animals to make people think about themselves, and that’s something I can really relate to. It’s simple but powerful. Sometimes animals can show us the truth about ourselves better than people can. The lesson I take from this story is that wisdom isn’t about chasing more or being better than someone else. It’s about recognizing what’s already valuable in your life. That’s something I try to practice every day. Whether I’m volunteering with PawPrint Ministries, studying biology, or helping my community, I try to focus on gratitude and purpose. I think philosophy and science actually fit together more than people realize. Science helps us understand how things work, and philosophy helps us think about why they matter. Both help us grow as people. That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited to get to college. I can’t wait to take a philosophy class and talk with people who want to ask big questions, even if we don’t have all the answers yet. Thank you again for giving me the chance to share my thoughts and apply for this scholarship. Writing this essay made me think about how even a simple story can teach a big lesson. I hope to keep learning, serving, and growing as I take these next steps into college. And who knows, hopefully I will be the student who starts a philosophy conversation right in the middle of a biology lab!

Hello, my name is Callista Hovis, and I am a senior at Eisenhower High School in Decatur, IL. Reading about Kalia instantly reminded me a lot of myself. Her work ethic and being someone her friends could count on for encouragement, or just being there when it mattered really stood out to me. I also love traveling and going to the beach, and I feel like that shows how to find joy in both the big and small things. Even though we’re different in some ways, I feel a connection to the way she lived her life with purpose, kindness, and a heart for others. Being considered for a scholarship that honors someone like Kalia would be a true honor. This scholarship represents qualities I’ve always tried to live by: working hard, being kind, pushing myself to do my best, and finding ways to help others along the way. For me, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up, putting in the effort, and trying to make a difference wherever I can. I used to think “giving back” only meant big charity events or food drives. But over the years, I’ve learned it can look like a lot of different things. Sometimes it’s getting up early to care for animals, helping a nervous new FFA member at their first event, or encouraging kids at gymnastics practice. I’ve found that giving back often just means being present, helpful, and kind. One of the most meaningful ways I’ve given back is through Ag in the Classroom. I created fun, hands-on lessons to teach younger students about animals and agriculture. Sometimes we brought bunnies or chickens into classrooms, and other times students visited our barn to meet pigs, goats, or cows. A lot of them had never even been on a farm before. Seeing their excitement as they asked questions and made connections reminded me why this work matters, not just to teach facts, but to spark curiosity and understanding. I’ve also been part of the Andreas Ag Academy all through high school and now serve as a student leader and tour guide. I love showing visitors how our program connects agriculture, leadership, and service. It’s one of the ways I give back to something that’s helped me grow so much. FFA has shaped so much of who I am. As chapter president (and before that, secretary), I’ve helped plan events, lead meetings, and build a chapter where everyone feels welcome. One of my favorite events is Greenhand Boot Camp, where I get to help new members feel confident and included. I’ve also helped with garden bed projects for senior citizens and led workshops at leadership training schools. Last year, I received the Illinois FFA State Proficiency Award in Agricultural Education, which was a really amazing honor. And this year, I earned the Illinois FFA State Degree, something only 2–3% of FFA members receive. That achievement meant a lot. It reflects the time, effort, and passion I’ve put into leadership and service. As I look ahead to college, I hope that scholarships like this will help me continue focusing on what matters most. I want to continue giving back, serving my community, and striving for excellence in everything I do. I appreciate your consideration of this scholarship. Thank you so much.

When I first started high school, I didn’t have a sport. I wasn’t sure where I would fit in, but I knew I wanted to get involved in something that would keep me active and help me meet new people. At our school’s involvement fair, I noticed the golf team’s table. I had never played before, but something about it caught my interest. I decided to give it a try, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made. Joining the golf team helped me find my place in high school. From the very beginning, I made friends who encouraged me, supported me, and made every practice something to look forward to. I also realized that golf was more than just a sport, it was also a way to relieve stress, clear my head, and enjoy being outdoors. After busy school days filled with classes, meetings, and responsibilities, there was something peaceful about spending time outside, walking the course, and focusing on each swing. Even though I started later than most of my teammates, I was determined to catch up. Golf isn’t easy, especially when you’re new to it. It takes a lot of patience, focus, and mental strength. There were times I felt behind or frustrated with my progress, but I stuck with it, practiced hard, and kept pushing myself. Over time, I saw real improvement in my score and also in my confidence. One of my proudest accomplishments has been serving as co-captain of the team for two years. That role gave me the chance to support younger players, lead warm-ups and drills, and help set the tone for a positive, team-focused environment. It also taught me how to lead by example, keep a positive attitude even on tough days, and make sure everyone felt like they belonged, just like others did for me when I started. Being a female golfer also comes with its own set of challenges. There are fewer girls in the sport, and sometimes people underestimate our level of competitiveness and skill. But I’ve learned not to let those opinions get in the way of my progress. If anything, it has pushed me to work harder and take pride in representing female athletes. I have also made it a point to encourage other girls to give golf a try, especially those who, like me, may not have thought of it as “their” sport. Today, golf is something I truly enjoy, not just as a competitive sport, but also as something that I can do for fun or in a work setting. I hope to carry with me through college and in my life after school. It’s taught me discipline, balance, and resilience. But most importantly, it gave me a place to belong when I needed it most. I may not have grown up playing golf, but now I can’t imagine my high school experience without it.

Hello! My name is Callista Hovis, and I am a Senior at Eisenhower High School in Decatur, Illinois. Growing up, I was raised by a single mom who did everything she could to provide for me and my two brothers without any financial support. She worked hard every day to give us a good life. Even though money was always tight, we never felt like we went without love, support, or encouragement. Watching her strength and resilience made a lasting impact on me. To this day, she’s the strongest person I know, and I carry that with me in everything I do. Three years ago, my mom got remarried, and life became more stable in some ways. But I’ll never forget the years she spent doing it all on her own. She never complained about working long hours, juggling responsibilities, and she would still show up for everything we needed. Her example taught me the value of hard work and made me determined to make the most of every opportunity I’m given. Throughout high school, I’ve worked hard to stay involved, challenge myself academically, and give back to others. I’ve been active in FFA, serving as Chapter President, Section 16 Treasurer, and other leadership roles that allowed me to plan events, mentor younger members, and help out in the community. I’ve also been a member of my school’s golf team for three years and was honored to serve as co-captain. Golf has taught me about consistency, patience, and focus. These are lessons that have helped me both on and off the course. One of my proudest accomplishments was earning my Illinois State FFA Degree. This award is given to only about two percent of FFA members across the state. It represents years of commitment, record-keeping, service hours, leadership, and agricultural experience. Reaching that milestone took time, effort, and persistence, and it reminded me that big goals are possible when you stay focused and keep pushing forward. Academically, I’ve taken dual credit classes, earned certifications like CPR and OSHA 10, and completed a research project in biology with Dr. Travis Wilcoxen at Millikin University. That hands-on experience helped me realize how much I enjoy learning, especially when science connects to real-world situations. It also helped me decide to major in biology and minor in politics at Millikin. I’m excited to learn how science and public policy can work together to create change, especially in areas like conservation, animal welfare, and education. I’ve always believed that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll go. Being raised by a strong, independent mom showed me that you can rise to any challenge with determination and heart. Support through this scholarship would help me keep moving forward, without putting extra strain on my family. I’m ready to work hard and make the most of the opportunity. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and for considering me for this scholarship.

Hi! I am Callista Hovis, and I’m from Decatur, Illinois. During my time at Eisenhower high school, I have grown through all kinds of experiences that have shaped who I am like leading FFA chapter meetings, cleaning stalls at our Ag Academy barn, volunteering with animals, or even helping plan community fundraisers. I have always felt most motivated when I’m helping others, learning something new, or being part of a team. That’s also why I’ve loved being on the golf team for three years and serving as co-captain. That taught me how to stay focused, encourage others, and show up even when things get tough. Science has always been one of the subjects I enjoy most, especially when it connects to animals and the environment. I really loved getting to be on campus and work with Dr. Travis Wilcoxen at Millikin University on a research project that showed me how biology applies to real-world situations. That experience helped me realize just how much I enjoy hands-on learning and how much more I want to explore. I’ve also taken dual credit classes and earned certifications like CPR and OSHA 10, just trying to build skills that will help me later on. Over time, I’ve realized how much I enjoy being someone others can rely on, whether that’s encouraging a teammate, helping a younger FFA member, or answering questions during a classroom ag visit. I love seeing how science and leadership can work together, especially when it helps others grow or feel supported. I think that’s part of what draws me to both biology and politics. They are different fields, but both have the power to create change and improve lives when used with care and purpose. In college, I plan to major in biology and minor in politics at Millikin University. I am excited to learn more about how science and policy can work together to create change, especially in areas like conservation, animal welfare, and education. I would also love to study abroad at some point (Australia is at the top of my list!) and eventually go to grad school. I am not totally sure where I will end up yet, but I do know I want a career where I can keep learning, give back, and do work that matters. Thank you so much for taking the time to get to know me and for considering me for this scholarship.

When I look back at my high school years, what I’m most proud of is how each opportunity helped shape who I am and who I want to become. From leading FFA chapter meetings to volunteering in my community, every experience has pushed me to grow in confidence, purpose, and passion. I’ve learned how to serve, how to lead, and how to keep showing up even when things get tough. One of the biggest influences in my high school journey has been golf. I’ve been part of my school’s golf team for three years and was so glad to be able to serve as co-captain. Golf has taught me patience, focus, and the value of showing up and being consistent, even when the results don’t come right away. It's a sport that challenges you mentally just as much as physically, and I grew a lot through the ups and downs of competition. Off the course, I tried to bring those same values to my leadership roles in FFA and in the classroom. Through FFA, I had the chance to lead in roles like Chapter Secretary, President, and Illinois Section 16 Sentinel and Treasurer. These experiences gave me a front-row seat to the power of service and leadership. I have been able to organize Greenhand Boot Camp for new members, helping raise pigs for "Pigs for a Purpose," and leading Ag in the Classroom lessons for younger students. I especially loved the opportunities that allowed me to combine my love for animals, agriculture, and education in meaningful ways. Academically, I’ve always enjoyed science and took every chance I could to challenge myself through dual credit courses and hands-on learning. One of the most exciting experiences was working with Dr. Travis Wilcoxen, the Head of Biology at Millikin University, on a supervised research project. It showed me how biology connects to the real world, and it made me even more excited to pursue a future in this field. Looking ahead, I plan to study biology with a minor in politics at Millikin University. I believe these two areas of study will give me the tools to make a difference, not just in animal science or conservation, but in how policies and education shape those fields. Whether I go into research, public policy, or community outreach, I want to be someone who brings people and science together for the greater good. I also hope to study abroad, possibly in Australia, and explore conservation work on a global scale. I’m so thankful for the mentors, teachers, and family members who believed in me, even before I fully believed in myself. Because of them, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about listening, learning, and showing up with purpose. I’m excited for the next chapter, and I’m ready to take all that I’ve learned on the golf course, in the barn, in the classroom and use it to make an impact wherever life takes me. And when I need a break, you can find me on the golf course. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me, and for considering me for your scholarship.