I enjoy playing golf because it challenges me in a completely different way than any other sport I play. As a soccer player, I am used to speed, contact, noise, and reacting quickly with my teammates around me. Golf is almost the opposite. It is quiet, personal, and mental. When I am standing over the ball, there is no teammate to pass to and no clock to blame. It is just me, my preparation, my focus, and my ability to trust myself. My favorite part of golf is that it always tells the truth. Some days, I feel confident and everything connects. Other days, I feel completely off and have to fight for every decent shot. Golf has humbled me more than almost anything else because it reminds me that you can prepare, practice, and still have to deal with disappointment. But it has also taught me that one bad shot, one bad hole, or one bad round does not define me. What matters is how I respond. As a female golfer, one of the biggest challenges I have faced is being underestimated or feeling like I have to prove that I belong. I have had the opportunity to play regularly with some of the top-ranked boys in Arizona, and that experience has been both humbling and motivating. They hit farther, they play aggressively, and they bring a level of confidence that can be intimidating at first. There were definitely times when I felt behind or outmatched, and I had to learn not to compare my game shot-for-shot against theirs. At the same time, playing with them has made me stronger. I have learned from their good habits: their competitiveness, their commitment to practice, their ability to recover quickly, and the way they walk onto the course expecting to perform well. Watching them taught me that confidence is a skill, not just a personality trait. I also learned from some of their bad habits. I have seen how frustration, ego, and trying to overpower every shot can hurt a round. That helped me understand that being a strong golfer is not only about distance or talent. It is about patience, discipline, and emotional control. Being a girl in those environments has pushed me to find my own style of confidence. I do not have to play exactly like the boys to be successful. I can be competitive and composed. I can be strong without being reckless. I can learn from them without losing my own identity as a golfer and an athlete. Golf has impacted my character because it has taught me humility without making me feel small. It has shown me how to compete with people who are better than me, learn from them, and use that experience to improve instead of being discouraged. It has also taught me that respect is earned through effort, attitude, and consistency. As I move into college and continue my athletic and academic journey, I know I will carry these lessons with me. I will be entering new rooms, new teams, and new challenges where I may not always feel like the most experienced person. Golf has prepared me for that. It has taught me to stay calm, stay coachable, keep learning, and never be afraid to compete.

My favorite part of playing golf is the quiet. In so many sports, everything is loud, fast, and reactive. Golf is different. It gives you space to think, breathe, reset, and learn who you are when no one else can take the shot for you. I love being outside, walking the course, noticing the small details, and feeling that mix of focus and calm before I swing. Golf has taught me that peace is not the absence of pressure. Sometimes peace is learning how to stay steady inside of it. Golf has impacted my character because it has taught me patience, honesty, and emotional control. You cannot fake your way through golf. The scorecard tells the truth, but so does your attitude. Some days you feel confident and everything connects. Other days, your swing is off, your timing is wrong, and you have to fight frustration after every hole. Golf has taught me not to let one bad shot become my whole story. I have learned to pause, adjust, and move forward. That lesson has helped me not only as a golfer, but as a student, a soccer player, a leader, and a person. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is dealing with breathing issues. I have had difficulty breathing normally and often have to breathe mostly through my mouth. That may sound small to someone who has never experienced it, but it affects more than people realize. When you are not taking in oxygen the way your body should, it can make physical activity harder and more exhausting. As an athlete, that has been frustrating because I never want to feel limited by my body. I have had to learn how to manage it, push through discomfort, listen to myself, and still show up with the mindset that I can compete. Golf has been especially meaningful because it is a sport that requires both physical discipline and mental strength. When breathing is difficult, staying calm matters even more. Golf has helped me slow down, control what I can control, and not panic when something feels hard. Every round reminds me that challenges do not have to take away my confidence. They can build it. I also believe golf has made me more resilient. It has taught me to respect progress, even when it is slow. It has shown me that improvement does not always happen in big dramatic moments. Sometimes it happens quietly, through repetition, discipline, and choosing not to quit after a disappointing day. As I prepare to graduate from Notre Dame Preparatory and attend the University of Tampa, where I will continue my athletic career playing collegiate soccer and studying business with a focus on media and communications, I know the lessons I have learned through golf will stay with me. I will need patience when college feels overwhelming. I will need focus when I am balancing academics and athletics. I will need character when things do not go my way. Golf has taught me that strength is not always loud. Sometimes strength is taking a breath, stepping up again, and trusting yourself enough to take the next shot.

Through golf, the biggest life lesson I have learned is that confidence cannot only exist when things are going well. It has to stay with you when your swing feels off, when the ball does not go where you planned, and when you have to stand over the next shot after making a mistake. Golf is one of the most honest sports I have ever played. Some days, everything feels easy. Your timing is right, your focus is sharp, and the game feels fun and natural. Other days, you feel like you are fighting yourself more than the course. That is what makes golf such a mental game. It teaches you that being successful is not about being perfect. It is about how quickly you can reset, breathe, adjust, and keep going. That lesson has shaped the way I see challenges in every part of my life. As a student, an athlete, and a leader, I have learned that I will not always have my best day. I may not always get the grade I wanted, play the game I hoped for, or feel completely confident walking into a new opportunity. But golf has taught me that one bad shot does not define the round, and one hard moment does not define who I am. What matters is the next decision, the next effort, and the ability to stay composed when things are not going my way. I think that is what Tom LoCasale seemed to understand so beautifully through his love of golf and his work with First Tee. Golf builds more than skill. It builds patience, perseverance, humility, and character. It teaches young people how to respect the game, respect others, and respect themselves even when they are struggling. Those are lessons I plan to carry with me as I graduate high school, attend the University of Tampa, and continue growing as a student-athlete. In college, I plan to study business with a focus on media and communications, while also playing collegiate soccer and playing gold recreationally. My long-term goal is to build a career in sports media or broadcasting, where I can tell stories that inspire people and highlight the discipline, emotion, and humanity behind athletics. Golf has taught me the kind of mindset I will need for that future: stay calm under pressure, prepare with intention, recover from mistakes, and never let one difficult moment take away your belief in yourself. This scholarship would be meaningful to me and my family because college comes with a significant financial commitment. Any support would help ease that burden and allow me to focus more fully on my education, athletics, and future career goals. I am ambitious, but I also understand that opportunities like this can make a real difference. Golf has taught me that character is revealed when things are not easy. I plan to use that lesson for the rest of my life.

Sabrina Carpenter has impacted my life because, honestly, she feels like proof that the Disney girl dream does not have to end when you grow up. It can actually evolve into something bigger, cooler, and way more powerful. When I was little, I fully wanted to be a Disney star. Not casually. Not in a “that would be fun” way. I mean really wanted it. I grew up on Disney Channel, High School Musical, all of it. That whole world felt magical to me. It was sparkly and dramatic and funny and emotional, and it made being talented look like the most exciting thing in the world. I loved the idea of performing, being on camera, making people laugh, making people care, and being someone people watched and remembered. And honestly… I still want to be famous. Maybe not in the cheesy little-kid way I imagined it back then, but in the sense that I want to do something big with my life, be seen, and make an impact. Sabrina Carpenter is one of the biggest reasons that dream still feels alive to me. I first loved her because of her Disney era. Maya Hart on Girl Meets World was everything. She was funny, iconic, chaotic, gorgeous, and somehow always had the best one-liners while still having actual depth. She was not boring for one second. I feel like so many girls loved Maya because she had that perfect mix of confidence and vulnerability. She was cool, but she also cared deeply. And Sabrina played her in a way that felt effortless, which made me admire her even more. Then watching Sabrina grow up and completely level up has been so inspiring. She did not stay stuck in the “Disney girl” box. She turned into a real pop star and actress with her own sound, her own look, her own energy, and a career that feels completely hers. That is what makes her so impactful to me. She is proof that you can start in one place and still become even more than people expected. Her music is also everything. “Nonsense” was already elite, but “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” were full-on takeovers. She knows how to make a song fun, addictive, clever, and still full of personality. But my personal favorite will always be “Read your Mind.” That song is such a run-around in the best way. It is flirty, chaotic, confident, and so Sabrina. I love music that feels like it has attitude, and she does that so well. Her songs are not just catchy, they have a point of view. You hear them and instantly know it is her. What I admire most is that Sabrina owns her brand instead of letting people define it for her. As a girl who loves broadcasting, media, performance, and being creative, that is really inspiring to me. She makes me feel like it is okay to dream big, be a little extra, want the spotlight, and still work hard enough to deserve it. Sabrina Carpenter has impacted my life because she reminds me of the version of myself that always wanted more. More creativity, more confidence, more stage, more story, more life. She makes fame feel less like vanity and more like possibility. Like maybe being seen is not a bad thing when you actually have something to say. And for every girl who grew up on Disney, lived for High School Musical, and secretly believed she was meant for something big, Sabrina kind of feels like the blueprint.

I believe I should be considered for this scholarship because I have worked hard to build a life that reflects commitment, discipline, leadership, and service, and because financial support would make a real difference as I pursue my college education. I am not someone who takes opportunity lightly. Everything I have done in high school, academically, athletically, and personally, has required effort, sacrifice, and consistency. I have learned how to balance a demanding schedule, lead in different environments, and keep moving forward even when things feel overwhelming. This scholarship would not only help support my future, but also invest in someone who is determined to make the most of every opportunity she is given. I am currently a senior at Notre Dame Preparatory in Scottsdale, Arizona, where I have maintained a 3.6 GPA while taking on a full schedule of academics, athletics, leadership, and extracurricular activities. I will graduate in May 2026 and attend the University of Tampa, where I will continue both my education and athletic career as a collegiate soccer player. I plan to study business with a focus on media and communications because I am passionate about storytelling, broadcasting, and creating meaningful content that connects with people. One of my proudest accomplishments has been learning how to succeed in multiple areas at once. Athletics have been a major part of my life for years. I have played competitive soccer at a high level, including with SC Del Sol Girls Academy and Notre Dame Varsity Soccer. Being part of teams that won a regional championship in 2023 and a state championship in 2024 taught me the value of discipline, preparation, and teamwork. Soccer has shaped me into a stronger person. It has taught me how to lead under pressure, stay mentally tough, and keep showing up even when I am tired or discouraged. It has also shown me that success is never only about talent. It is about work ethic, consistency, and being willing to do your part for something bigger than yourself. Outside of athletics, I have worked to be involved in ways that reflect my interests and values. I am a member of my school’s broadcasting team, where I have served as on-air talent, producer, editor, and digital marketer. That experience has helped me grow in confidence and communication and has strengthened my interest in pursuing a future in media. I love the process of creating something that informs, inspires, or brings a community together. I have also served as Student Government House Prefect, where I have helped initiate student programs, assemblies, and social media content while representing my peers in leadership decisions. In addition, I founded Pickle Club, which became a highly social and inclusive club on campus. Starting something from the ground up taught me how to organize people, create excitement, and build community. Service has also been one of the most important parts of my high school experience. Through Faith Adventure Camp and my church involvement, I have completed more than 320 hours of community service mentoring younger students and helping lead activities. Those experiences have taught me that leadership is not just about being in charge. It is about serving others well, being dependable, and making people feel seen and supported. I have come to understand that some of the most meaningful work happens in small moments, when you choose to encourage someone, include someone, or help someone believe in themselves. One challenge I faced during school was learning how to manage the pressure of balancing everything at once. High school can already feel demanding on its own, but balancing academics with competitive soccer, leadership roles, service commitments, and broadcasting responsibilities pushed me in ways I had never experienced before. There were times when it felt like every part of my life needed my full attention all at once. I had practices, games, assignments, projects, events, and responsibilities stacking up, and it would have been easy to feel discouraged or fall behind. What helped me overcome that challenge was learning how to be disciplined with my time, honest with myself, and focused on what mattered most. I had to become more organized and intentional. I learned how to plan ahead, use my time wisely, and stay calm under pressure. I also learned that I did not have to be perfect to be successful. I just had to stay consistent. Instead of letting stress shut me down, I learned how to take things one step at a time and keep moving forward. That experience made me stronger, more mature, and more confident in my ability to handle the demands of college and beyond. What I would consider most noteworthy about my story is not just one award or one title, but the way I have tried to approach every part of my life with purpose. I care deeply about doing things well. I care about being a good teammate, a strong student, a faithful leader, and a person who shows up for others. I want to use my education to build a future in media and communications where I can tell meaningful stories, inspire others, and create positive impact. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden of college and allow me to focus more fully on my education, athletics, and future goals. More importantly, it would support someone who is ready to work hard, grow, and make the most of the opportunity. I am proud of what I have accomplished so far, but I am even more excited about what lies ahead.

I believe a life of service is built in the small, consistent choices to show up for others with humility, compassion, and purpose. For me, service is not just something I do to check a box or add to a resume. It is part of who I am, how I was raised, and how I want to live my life. Throughout high school, I have tried to embody service by being involved in my church, my school, and my community in ways that allow me to encourage and support others. Through my church and camp leadership, I have spent more than 320 hours serving, mentoring younger students, helping lead activities, and creating environments where kids feel welcomed, valued, and included. Those experiences have taught me that service is often less about doing something big and more about being willing to be present, dependable, and kind. Sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply showing up with a good attitude, listening well, and making someone feel seen. At school, I have also tried to serve through leadership. As a student leader, broadcaster, and club founder, I have looked for ways to bring people together, create connection, and contribute to the culture of my campus. I love being part of something bigger than myself, whether that means helping lead events, creating content that informs and encourages others, or building communities where people feel like they belong. Service, to me, means using whatever gifts I have to make life better for the people around me. My faith is a major reason why service matters so much to me. I have learned that leadership is not about status or recognition. It is about responsibility. It is about being willing to go first, work hard, and care for others in a real way. Mrs. Marion Makins’ legacy of faith, education, and service is inspiring to me because those are the same values I hope to carry into my own future. Like her, I want my life to be defined not only by what I accomplish, but by how I help others grow. As I pursue my college education, I plan to study media and communications and build a career in sports broadcasting and media. I want to use my education to serve others by telling meaningful stories, creating positive influence, and using media as a tool to uplift and connect people. In today’s world, communication has incredible power. It can shape how people see themselves, how communities come together, and whose voices are heard. I want to use that power with purpose. My goal is to represent others well, especially young women, athletes, and people whose stories deserve more visibility. I also hope to continue mentoring and serving in my community throughout college and beyond. Education will give me the skills and platform to make a greater impact, but service will always be the reason behind what I do. To me, a life of service means living in a way that leaves people stronger, more hopeful, and more supported than before. That is the kind of life I want to lead.

Speech and debate and broadcasting have both played a huge role in preparing me to share my Christian faith because they have taught me how to communicate clearly, stay grounded in what I believe, and connect with people in a genuine way. For me, faith is not just something private or something I only talk about at church. It is the foundation of how I try to live, lead, and treat other people every day. At the same time, I have learned that sharing your faith is not about being the loudest person in the room or having a perfect answer for every question. It is about being confident, thoughtful, compassionate, and willing to speak truth with love. Speech and debate and broadcasting have helped me grow in exactly those areas. Speech and debate taught me how to organize my thoughts, speak with confidence, and communicate with purpose. It pushed me to think critically, listen carefully, and understand different perspectives. Those skills matter so much when it comes to sharing Christianity. Faith conversations can be meaningful and powerful, but they can also be sensitive. Not everyone comes from the same background or has had the same experiences. Because of speech and debate, I have learned how to talk about important topics without shutting people down. I have learned how to defend what I believe while still showing respect, patience, and humility. That has prepared me to talk about my faith in a way that invites conversation instead of conflict. Broadcasting has shaped me in a different but equally important way. Being involved in broadcasting taught me how to speak to an audience, tell stories that matter, and use my voice with intention. It helped me become more comfortable being seen and heard. It also taught me that how you say something is just as important as what you say. Tone, authenticity, and presence all matter. When I share my faith, I want people to feel that it is real in my life, not rehearsed or forced. Broadcasting has helped me become a more natural communicator, which gives me confidence to speak openly about what God has done in my life. Both experiences have also taught me the importance of preparation. In speech, debate, and broadcasting, you cannot just show up and hope for the best. You need to know your message and be ready to communicate it well. That has challenged me to take my faith seriously, to know what I believe, and to be prepared to explain it. First Peter 3:15 says to always be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have, but to do so with gentleness and respect. I feel like speech, debate, and broadcasting have helped train me to do exactly that. Most importantly, these experiences have shown me that words have power. They can encourage, inspire, comfort, and lead people toward truth. As a Christian, that matters deeply to me. I want to use my voice well. I want to speak in a way that reflects Christ, whether I am in front of a camera, speaking one-on-one, or simply encouraging a friend who needs hope. Speech and debate and broadcasting have not just made me a better speaker. They have made me more prepared to be a bold, thoughtful, and compassionate witness for my faith.

My understanding of service did not begin in a classroom or through a single volunteer event. It began at home, by watching my dad live a life that turns pain into purpose. My father, Luke Kayyem, has shaped my values, perspective, and goals more than he probably realizes. He did not grow up with the kind of father figure every child deserves, and because of that, he made a decision that changed not only his own life, but the lives of so many others: the cycle would stop with him. Instead of allowing that absence to define him, he chose to become the kind of man, father, mentor, and leader that he himself never had. Watching him break that generational curse has taught me one of the most important lessons of my life: your past may shape you, but it does not have to limit you. You can choose healing. You can choose service. You can choose to become something better for the sake of others. One of the clearest examples of that is his work with Fathers of the Future. My dad has committed himself to mentoring young boys and coaching them not just in sports, but in life. He understands how much a strong male role model matters, especially for boys who may be missing one. He shows them consistency, discipline, encouragement, and belief. He teaches them that strength is not about ego or image. It is about responsibility, character, and showing up for others. Watching him pour into young people with patience and purpose has deeply influenced me. It has shown me that true leadership is not about power or attention. It is about using your life to lift someone else’s. My parents have also shown me that service is not something you do when it is convenient. It is something you do when people need you. After the Lahaina fires in Maui, I watched both my mom and dad step into action through Mission to Maui. They did not look away from devastation. They leaned in. They helped support relief efforts and poured their hearts into serving families who had lost so much. Seeing that up close gave me a broader understanding of what community service really means. It means responding with compassion when people are hurting. It means using your resources, time, and energy to meet real needs. It means understanding that even if a tragedy is not happening in your own backyard, it is still your responsibility to care. Because of my parents, especially my dad, I have grown up with a strong belief that life is not just about personal success. It is about impact. Their example has shaped the way I approach leadership, service, and my future. In my own life, I have tried to live out those same values through mentoring younger students, volunteering in my church community, serving at camp, and taking on leadership roles at school. I want to be someone who not only achieves my goals, but brings others with me and uses my platform for good. As I prepare to attend the University of Tampa and pursue a degree connected to media and communications, I hope to build a career in sports broadcasting and media. I want to use storytelling to connect people, highlight meaningful voices, and create positive influence. My experiences have taught me that media has power. It can inspire, unite, inform, and amplify stories that matter. I want to use that power responsibly and purposefully. Receiving the Meritus Legacy of Service Scholarship would support both my educational and career aspirations in a meaningful way. It would help ease the financial burden of college and allow me to focus more fully on my studies, athletics, and service opportunities as I transition into this next chapter. More than that, this scholarship would feel like an investment in the values my family has worked hard to live out—service, resilience, leadership, and compassion. It would affirm that the legacy my dad is building, one of breaking cycles and pouring into others, is a legacy worth carrying forward. Because of him, I have learned that service is not just something you do. It is who you become. And that is the legacy I hope to continue.

The art I uploaded is a video compilation of the first semester of my senior year, and the inspiration behind it came from a simple but meaningful desire: I wanted to preserve a season of life that I knew would never come again. Senior year has been full of movement, emotion, growth, friendship, faith, and big milestones, and I wanted to capture those moments in a way that would let me hold onto them and reflect on them later. For me, creating this video was more than just putting clips together. It was a way of telling the story of a year that shaped me. I have always loved creating content, editing videos, and finding ways to turn everyday moments into something beautiful and memorable. I love being behind the camera, but I also love the editing process just as much. There is something really special about taking a collection of clips, music, and memories and shaping them into a story that feels honest and emotional. It allows me to slow down and really notice what God is doing in my life through the people, experiences, and opportunities He has given me. This piece was inspired by gratitude. As I looked back on my senior year of high school, I realized how much of God’s presence can be found in moments that might seem ordinary at first: laughing with friends, showing up for my team, celebrating milestones, serving others, and growing through both exciting and difficult moments. Putting this video together helped me reflect on how faithful God has been through every part of this season. It reminded me that art can do more than entertain. It can help us remember, give thanks, and see meaning more clearly. What I am trying to achieve with this work is to help people feel something real. I want this video to remind others that life moves quickly and that there is value in noticing the moments that matter. I also want my work to reflect joy, connection, and purpose. My faith is a big part of why I create. When I create, I feel like I am using a gift God placed in me to bring light, tell stories, and help people connect more deeply with what matters most. This video is personal, but I also hope it is relatable. My goal is not just to document memories for myself, but to create something that encourages other people to reflect on their own lives and see God’s hand in their story too. Through art, I want to preserve meaning, inspire gratitude, and create work that points people toward beauty, truth, and the presence of God. Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Hi, my name is Camille Kayyem, and I am a senior at Notre Dame Preparatory in Scottsdale, Arizona. I’ve always been someone who loves being involved, meeting people, and bringing energy into whatever I do. My biggest interests are sports, broadcasting, leadership, faith, and creative communication. I’m especially drawn to storytelling and media, which is why I love being part of my school’s broadcasting team as on-air talent, a producer, an editor, and a digital marketer. I also play competitive soccer and will continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Tampa, in Florida where I plan to study business with a focus on media and communications while playing collegiate soccer. In high school, I’ve tried to take advantage of every opportunity to grow and lead. I’m the founder of Pickle Club, which became a fun and social way for students to connect, and I serve as Student Government House Prefect, where I help create student programs, assemblies, and content for our school community. Outside of school, my faith is a huge part of my life. I serve as an activity leader at Impact Church and as a counselor and activities coordinator at Faith Adventure Camp, where I’ve completed more than 320 hours of community service mentoring younger kids. Those experiences have taught me how much I love encouraging others, especially younger girls, and helping people feel included, confident, and supported. After high school, I plan to attend the University of Tampa, continue playing soccer, and grow in the world of communications, media, and storytelling. My goal is to build a career where I can connect with people, use my voice, and create content that has a positive impact. If I could start my own charity, it would focus on mentoring and uplifting young girls through faith, leadership, and confidence-building. My mission would be to create a safe, encouraging space for girls who may feel overlooked, unsupported, or unsure of themselves. I would want to serve girls from all different backgrounds, especially those facing challenges at home, at school, or in their communities. A big part of the curriculum would be focused on general life skills like finance, communication and insurance, which unfortunately are not taught in high school. The charity would offer mentorship programs, leadership workshops, creative activities, team-building experiences and internships that help girls find their voice, gain some experience and believe in their value. Volunteers would serve as mentors, tutors, camp leaders, employers and event coordinators. They would help lead small groups, organize activities, provide encouragement, jobs, and create real relationships with the girls involved. More than anything, I would want the charity to remind young girls that they are seen, capable, and created with purpose.

One issue I’ve taken the initiative to address in my community is the lack of connection, confidence, and belonging that many younger students and children feel. I’ve seen how easy it is for kids to feel overlooked, left out, or unsure of themselves, especially when they are trying to find their place socially, emotionally, or spiritually. That motivated me to step in, because I know how much of a difference it makes when someone older chooses to encourage you, include you, and make you feel seen. A big part of this work has been through Faith Adventure Camp, where I have served as a counselor and activities coordinator since 2021 and completed more than 320 hours of community service. In that role, I have mentored younger kids, led activities, and tried to create an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and safe. I have also taken initiative at school and church by serving as an Impact Church activity leader and as Student Government House Prefect, where I help create programs, assemblies, and content that bring people together and build school spirit. These experiences have taught me that leadership is not just about organizing events. It is about noticing where people feel disconnected and doing something about it. So far, I am proud that I have helped create spaces where younger students and kids can feel more included and encouraged. Whether I am mentoring at camp, leading activities at church, or helping strengthen community at school, I try to lead in a way that makes people feel welcomed and important. I have learned that even small actions, like remembering someone’s name, inviting them in, or encouraging them to participate, can have a lasting impact. If I were able to expand my efforts, I would love to create a more intentional mentorship and leadership program for younger girls that combines encouragement, faith, confidence-building, and creative expression. I would want it to include mentorship, group activities, and opportunities for girls to use their voices and develop leadership skills early. My goal would be to keep building communities where people do not just participate, but truly feel that they belong.

Faith plays a central role in my life because it gives me direction, purpose, and a foundation that stays steady no matter what season I am in. My relationship with God shapes how I try to live each day, how I treat other people, and how I think about my future. It is not just something I practice occasionally. It is part of who I am. Through weekly church at Impact, serving at Faith Adventure Camp, reading my Bible daily, and trying to lead by example, my faith has become the lens through which I see my goals, my opportunities, and my responsibilities. Academically, faith has taught me that excellence matters. I believe God calls us to work hard with the gifts we have been given, which is why I try to approach school, leadership, and extracurricular activities with discipline and gratitude. My faith reminds me that success is not only about recognition or achievements, but also about character. It has helped me stay grounded and motivated, even when life feels busy or challenging. Whether I am in the classroom, on the soccer field, or working on content for broadcasting, I want to represent myself in a way that reflects integrity, consistency, and purpose. My future goals have also been shaped by faith because I want my life and career to have meaning beyond just personal success. I am interested in communications, media, and storytelling because I believe words and stories are powerful. They can encourage people, bring attention to important issues, and help others feel seen and understood. My faith has strengthened that desire in me. I want to use my voice and creativity in a way that is positive, truthful, and impactful. I hope to build a future where I can work hard, be independent, and succeed, while also honoring God in the way I live and lead. One of the biggest ways faith has impacted me is through service. At Faith Adventure Camp, I have had the opportunity to mentor and encourage younger kids, helping create an environment where they feel supported, included, and valued. That experience has shown me how important it is to lead by example. Faith is not just about what I believe privately. It is about how I show up for other people. Serving through church and camp has taught me patience, compassion, and responsibility, and those lessons will stay with me as I move into college and beyond. In addition to my faith, my parents have been a major reason I want to pursue higher education. They have always encouraged me to work hard, stay committed, and take advantage of the opportunities in front of me. By the way they have lived, they have shown me the value of consistency, sacrifice, and setting high standards. They have pushed me to believe that college is not just the next step, but an important investment in my future. Their support, combined with my faith, has given me both the motivation and the confidence to keep moving forward. As I prepare for college, I know my faith will continue to guide me. It will help me stay focused on who I am, why I am working toward my goals, and how I can use my life to make a difference. I want to keep growing academically, personally, and spiritually, trusting that God has a plan for me and that every step of my journey can serve a greater purpose. Social media handles IG, TT, YT: @CamilleKayyem @CamilleKayyemSoccer10

Entrepreneurship appeals to me because it turns ideas into action and creates real value for other people. I do not see business as simply a way to make money. I see it as a way to solve problems, build opportunities, and strengthen communities. My goal is to become an entrepreneur who creates a business at the intersection of media, communications, branding, and digital strategy, helping organizations grow while also making a meaningful impact on the people they serve. I plan to give back to my community by building a business that helps schools, youth sports programs, nonprofits, and local organizations communicate more effectively and operate more strategically. Many great community-based organizations struggle not because their mission is weak, but because their marketing, storytelling, and visibility are limited. I want to help close that gap. By offering branding, content creation, social media strategy, and digital communications support, I would help these organizations reach wider audiences, attract more support, and expand their impact. My long-term vision is to build a company that not only serves clients, but also invests back into the community through mentorship, internships, and creative opportunities for young people. Academically, I plan to study business with a focus on media and communications at the University of Tampa while continuing to play collegiate soccer. My education will help me build a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, management, and digital media. I want to understand how to grow an idea into a sustainable business, how to lead teams, and how to create strategies that drive measurable results. As an entrepreneur, I want to be prepared not only to create strong content, but also to understand operations, financial growth, brand development, and long-term business strategy. My career goal is to launch and lead a communications and media company that serves both commercial clients and mission-driven organizations. I am especially interested in businesses that need help standing out in competitive markets and telling their stories in a way that builds loyalty and trust. Over time, I would like to expand that business into a larger platform that develops young talent, creates jobs, and gives emerging creators and communicators hands-on experience. I also hope to dedicate a portion of my business each year to supporting community organizations that may not otherwise be able to afford professional media and marketing services. I have already started developing the leadership and service mindset that entrepreneurship requires. As a Faith Adventure Camp counselor and activities coordinator, I have contributed more than 320 hours mentoring younger students and helping create a positive environment where they feel encouraged and included. Through Impact Church, I have helped lead youth engagement activities. At school, I serve as Student Government House Prefect, where I help represent students, support events, and contribute to school communications. I also founded Pickle Club, which grew into a popular and inclusive social club on campus. These experiences taught me how to take initiative, organize people, build community, and turn ideas into something real. Entrepreneurship is the path that best fits my goals because it allows me to combine leadership, creativity, and business in a way that creates lasting impact. I want to build a business that grows successfully, creates opportunities for others, and gives back to the community that helped shape me.

“Boldly, Unapologetically Me” One of the most important lessons I have learned in high school is that being true to yourself is not always the easiest choice, but it is always the most meaningful one. There can be a lot of pressure to fit into a single identity or stay inside the version of yourself that other people expect. For me, that pressure often showed up in being seen only as an athlete. Soccer has been a huge part of my life, and I am proud that it has helped shape my discipline, resilience, and work ethic. But it has never been the only part of who I am. I have also always loved communication, creativity, and storytelling. Joining my school’s broadcasting team allowed me to explore that side of myself as an on-air talent, producer, editor, and digital marketer. At first, that felt vulnerable. It would have been easier to stay in the lane people already understood and avoid the possibility of being judged for stepping into something different. Instead, I chose to lean in. I embraced the fact that I am both competitive and creative, both a leader on the field and someone who loves being behind the camera, editing content, or telling stories in front of it. Choosing not to conform helped me become more confident in every area of my life. It reminded me that I do not have to shrink parts of myself just to fit someone else’s expectations. Being unapologetically myself has meant owning all of my interests, trusting what makes me different, and realizing that the strongest version of me is the most authentic one. “Creating Connection” That same commitment to authenticity has shaped the way I build community. Because I know how important it is to feel seen and valued, I have tried to create spaces where other people feel that way too. One of the clearest examples of that was founding Pickle Club at my school. What started as a fun idea became a way to bring together students from different grades, friend groups, and activities who may not have otherwise connected. I wanted it to feel welcoming, lighthearted, and inclusive. It was never about being the best player or belonging to a certain crowd. It was about creating an environment where people could show up, have fun, and feel like they were part of something. As the club grew, it became one of the most social and connected communities on campus, and I was proud to help create that sense of belonging. I have worked to do the same thing in other areas of my life, whether through student leadership, church activities, or mentoring younger kids at Faith Adventure Camp. In each of those roles, I have learned that connection does not happen by accident. It happens when someone takes the time to notice who feels left out, invite people in, and create an atmosphere where others feel comfortable being themselves. To me, creating connection and being unapologetically yourself go hand in hand. When you are secure in who you are, you make it easier for others to feel accepted too. That is the kind of leader I want to be: someone who brings people together, celebrates individuality, and helps others feel like they belong.

Helping someone in need has never felt like a single big moment to me. More often, it has looked like showing up consistently, paying attention, and choosing to care when it would be easier to stay in my own lane. One experience that stands out most happened through my work as a counselor and activities coordinator at Faith Adventure Camp, where I have spent multiple summers mentoring younger children. One week, I was assigned to a young girl who was clearly struggling. From the first day, she stayed quiet, avoided the other campers, and looked like she wanted to disappear into the background. While the other kids jumped into games and activities, she hesitated on the sidelines and barely spoke above a whisper. It was obvious she was homesick and overwhelmed, but I could also tell there was something deeper going on. She seemed unsure of herself and afraid that she would not fit in. At camp, it is easy to focus on the schedule and the big group energy, but I felt like what she needed most was not another loud activity. She needed someone to slow down, notice her, and make her feel safe. I made a point to sit with her during breaks, walk with her between activities, and include her in small conversations that did not put pressure on her. Instead of forcing her to open up, I tried to earn her trust little by little. I encouraged her when she participated, celebrated small wins, and helped connect her with other girls in the group in a natural way. One afternoon during a team activity, she finally started to come out of her shell. She smiled, joined in, and even volunteered to help lead part of the game. It may have seemed small to everyone else, but I knew how much courage that took for her. Later that week, she told me that she had been nervous no one would like her and that she almost asked to go home. Hearing that reminded me how powerful it can be when someone feels seen at the exact moment they need it most. By the end of camp, she was laughing with friends, participating confidently, and carrying herself differently. Her parents thanked me at pickup and told me they had not seen her so happy and comfortable in a new environment in a long time. That moment stayed with me because it showed me that helping someone in need does not always mean solving a huge problem. Sometimes it means offering patience, kindness, and consistency until someone begins to believe in themselves again. That experience shaped how I lead in every area of my life, whether in soccer, student leadership, broadcasting, or community service. I have learned that leadership is not just about being the loudest voice or taking charge. It is about recognizing when someone is struggling and choosing to step toward them rather than past them. Helping that camper reminded me that even small acts of compassion can change someone’s entire experience. It also reminded me of the kind of person I want to keep becoming: someone who uses her energy, voice, and heart to lift other people up.

I plan to make a positive impact on the world by using the things I care most about; leadership, communication, service, and encouragement to help people feel seen, supported, and inspired. I do not think making an impact always starts with something huge. I think it often begins in everyday moments: showing up consistently, helping where you are needed, and using your strengths to make life better for the people around you. That is the kind of impact I want to have. Service has already shaped a big part of who I am. Through volunteering as a counselor and activities coordinator at Faith Adventure Camp, I have spent hundreds of hours working with younger kids, helping create a positive environment, and learning how much small acts of kindness matter. That experience taught me that leadership is not about attention or recognition. It is about being dependable, encouraging others, and creating spaces where people feel included and valued. Kids remember how you treat them, and that has stayed with me. I have learned that when people feel supported, they grow in confidence, and that confidence can change the direction of their lives. I have also seen how much impact can come from simply being willing to step up. At school, I have taken on leadership roles and started a club because I wanted to build connection and bring people together. I enjoy creating energy, building community, and helping others feel like they belong. That matters to me because the world can feel disconnected, and I think one of the best ways to make a difference is by creating environments where people feel welcomed instead of overlooked. Whether that is on a team, in a classroom, in a church setting, or in the workplace someday, I want to be someone who makes the culture around me better. As I continue my education, I hope to use my interest in media, communications, and storytelling to make a larger impact. Communication is powerful because it shapes how people think, connect, and respond to the world around them. I want to use that power in a positive way. My goal is to build a career where I can inform, inspire, and connect people through media and storytelling. I am especially interested in areas like sports media, broadcasting, and strategic communication because those spaces reach wide audiences and influence culture. I want to create content that is meaningful, uplifting, and responsible. I also believe impact comes from the way you lead, not just the job you have. No matter what career path I follow, I want to be known as someone who works hard, treats people well, and uses opportunities to serve others. I want to lead with compassion and integrity, that could mean mentoring younger students, giving back to the communities that shaped me, supporting charitable causes, or using my platform to highlight stories and issues that matter. One of the biggest lessons I have learned through volunteering and leadership is that impact is often multiplied through example. When one person chooses kindness, responsibility, and service, it encourages others to do the same. That ripple effect is powerful. I may not be able to change the whole world at once, but I can influence the people around me in a positive way, and they can do the same for others. Ultimately, I plan to make a positive impact on the world by combining service with purpose. I want to keep showing up for people, keep building community, and keep using my voice in ways that encourage and uplift others.