I never would have imagined my life to change in this way. In September 2024, my father received his ALS diagnosis at just 58 years old. Since then, our lives have shifted in ways we could never have anticipated. Due to the rapid progression of the disease, my dad will be forced to retire from his full-time job June 30th of 2025, much earlier than intended. Due to ALS, I’ve watched my dad lose parts of himself far too quickly. Seeing his body weaken has been heartbreaking in ways I never imagined. My dad has always been strong, the one who lifts heavy boxes, cheers me on at games, and works incredibly hard every day to support our family. He is still working incredibly hard but now for everyday movements and simple tasks that leave him exhausted. Each day brings new physical challenges none of us were prepared for. I’ve struggled with the sadness of losing the future I had always envisioned. I imagined my dad walking me down the aisle at my wedding, helping me move into my dorm, and standing proudly in the crowd at my graduation. I pictured him by my side as I navigated life’s decisions and milestones. Now, with some of these moments approaching, I am faced with the painful reality that they may not look the way I imagined, or happen at all. This disease has changed so much in my life. It’s redefined our family roles, shifted our priorities, and placed an emotional weight on everything we do. Yet, in the middle of the sadness, I have also found encouragement. Although he has physically weakened, watching my father’s strength as he has endured this disease has only deepened my motivation to pursue my education and my desire for helping others. My father, much like Sandra spent his life serving in schools, dedicating himself to education and his community. He served as an educator the past 34 years. His love and passion for his job have instilled in me a love for learning and a belief that education is not just a path, but a way to uplift others. Even as his health declines, his unwavering belief in the power of education continues to inspire me every day. His beliefs are why I am so committed to pursuing a career in mental health counseling. I want to support others through their most difficult moments, just as my family has had to navigate ours. Similarly, I dream of working in a school setting, with the opportunity of helping kids. In addition to the emotional toll, my family has faced significant financial strain. As the primary provider for our family, his retirement has placed an enormous financial burden on us. My mother, who is self-employed as a massage therapist, has taken on the role of my father’s caregiver. While this has been an act of love, it has also meant stepping back from her work, further reducing our household income. Due to where we live, traveling to these appointments is a 3 hour drive one-way making this whole process extremely costly. We’ve received an initial estimate of 23,000 dollars for ADA housing modifications. This includes wheelchair accessibility upgrades like widened doorways, bathroom adaptations, new flooring, ramps, and safety railings. With much uncertainty ahead, this scholarship would not only help alleviate my financial burdens but also assist me in pursuing my dreams. I sincerely appreciate your consideration of me for the Sandra West scholarship.

As an aspiring counselor, I am deeply committed to advocating for progress and positive social change within both my school and broader community. In the classroom, I’ve used my leadership roles to help create inclusive, supportive environments where students feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether serving as a captain on my sports teams or representing my peers in Student Council, I’ve worked to lead with empathy, kindness, and integrity. Beyond the classroom, my involvement in youth mentorship through coaching, teaching, and interning has allowed me to witness firsthand the emotional challenges many students face. As well as see the gaps in mental health support in need for change. These experiences have opened my eyes to the urgent need for accessible care for everyone, especially adolescents. They’ve also revealed to me, my passion lies within working with youth and helping others. This work fulfills my heart and is something I am excited to continue exploring and growing in. I have always had an itch for counseling, longing for others to experience the love for life that I am instilled with. I want to help young people discover the beauty in life and find joy, even when facing hardship. I’ve seen how bullying and mental health struggles can affect a student’s ability to thrive. I want to be a steady, trusted presence others can rely on for guidance and support. However, I also want to take that mission further. I aim to help shift the experience of seeking mental health care from something overwhelming into something approachable, empowering, and healing. Today, the process of accessing mental health support is fragmented and overwhelming. My goal is to simplify and improve the process by advocating for early intervention programs, expanding school-based counseling resources, and normalizing emotional support as an essential priority for all. I believe every student should feel safe and comfortable asking for help without any judgment or delay. I also believe help should be provided easily and immediately upon requesting. Through combining my passion for helping others and my commitment to creating meaningful change I believe counseling is my calling. Additionally, I hope to honor Ryan’s legacy by becoming a voice for hope, healing, and progress in mental health awareness. I am ready to do the work and am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue learning and growing within this field. I am excited for my future and can't wait to serve others in this way.