Essay: Community Involvement, Financial Need, and Youth Safety By Carter Elder My name is Carter Elder, and I am currently a high school senior in the graduating class of 2026. As I prepare to begin my journey into higher education, I reflect not only on my goals and ambitions but also on the ways I have served my community, the financial challenges I face, and the responsibility I feel to help keep children and youth safe—both in-person and online. Community involvement has always been a key part of who I am. Whether through school events, service clubs, or volunteer work, I try to use my time and energy to make a difference for others. I believe that even small actions can have a big impact. I’ve participated in local clean-up events, volunteered at school functions, and helped support classmates who may be struggling socially or emotionally. I try to be someone who listens, who supports, and who leads by example. I don’t do these things for recognition—I do them because I care about people and I want my community to be a place where everyone feels welcome and safe. As I enter higher education, financial need is one of the biggest obstacles I face. Like many students, I come from a family that is doing its best, but college is expensive. Between tuition, textbooks, housing, and transportation, the costs add up quickly. I would be incredibly grateful for any financial aid available to help ease this burden. I am determined to succeed in college, and financial assistance would allow me to focus more on my studies and less on how I will afford them. One area I care deeply about is the safety of children and youth, especially when it comes to bullying and cyberbullying. I believe everyone deserves to feel safe, whether they are walking through the school hallways or browsing the internet at home. That’s why I make it a personal responsibility to step up if I see someone being mistreated. I follow the principle: “If you see something, say something.” I report bullying to trusted adults, support the victim, and do my best to discourage others from spreading negativity or hate. Online, I speak out against cyberbullying and encourage my peers to treat others with respect and kindness. Silence only allows bullying to grow—speaking up can stop it in its tracks. In everything I do, I aim to build a better, kinder, and more inclusive community. With support through financial aid and the opportunity to continue my education, I hope to expand my ability to give back and help even more.

ADHD, Generalized Anxiety, NVLD (bet this is one you are not familiar with, most are not), and unilateral hearing: THESE “DIFFERENCES” DO NOT DEFINE ME! Living with a learning difference has taught me more about perseverance than any textbook. From the beginning, school was never easy. While my classmates seemed to breeze through reading and writing assignments, I struggled to keep up. Even though I tried my hardest, I often felt frustrated, behind, and misunderstood. But those early challenges shaped me into a person who doesn’t give up easily. I’ve had to work harder, advocate for myself, and discover what truly motivates me to continue learning. One of the most difficult challenges I’ve faced is processing information at a slower pace than others. In a typical classroom setting, everything moves quickly—lectures, assignments, tests—and it can be overwhelming. I’ve often needed extra time on exams or further clarification in understanding instructions, which sometimes made me feel different or even embarrassed. There were days when I doubted myself and I felt like no matter how hard I tried, I would always fall short. On top of that, it was hard to stay organized and manage due dates, which added more pressure and stress. As I got older the learning differences extended beyond the classroom and into social settings (NVLD). I could present an entire essay on this language based learning difference, but for the purpose of this essay I want the readers to understand that not all “disabilities” are recognized by the schools. Having a language based learning difference, such as NVLD, has greatly impacted my ability to create and sustain positive relationships with my peers. Therefore, impacting what school looked like for me. My education settings have not been traditional. From brick and mortar, a private school, and eventually to an online education platform the past two years. In 2026, I will graduate high school with an Honors Diploma and an Indiana College Core Certificate. Despite these struggles, I’ve learned to adapt and find strength in the support systems around me. My IEP has given me helpful tools, such as extended time on tests, one-on-one support, and the ability to break assignments into smaller parts. My teachers and family have played a big role in encouraging me not to give up. I’ve also learned how to advocate for myself by speaking up about what I need. Over time, I started seeing small successes, and those victories reminded me that progress is possible—even if it takes longer. I’ve become more organized, better at managing my time, and more confident in my abilities. What keeps me going is my desire to succeed and prove to myself that I am capable of reaching my goals. I want to show others—and myself—that a learning difference doesn’t define who I am or what I can achieve. I dream of building a career that I’m passionate about and will use my experiences to help others who may be struggling too. Higher education is my path forward, and I’m committed to continuing the journey, no matter how challenging it gets.

How I Will Make a Positive Impact on the World Each person has the power to make a difference, no matter how small their actions may seem. I believe that creating a positive impact on the world doesn’t always require grand gestures—it starts with the mindset of wanting to help others, improve lives, and leave the world a little better than I found it. I plan to make a meaningful impact by combining compassion, action, and a commitment to learning and leadership. One of the most important ways I hope to make a difference is through service to others. I am passionate about volunteering, as I volunteer at a local food pantry every week. I’ve seen firsthand how a small act of giving can brighten someone’s day, whether it’s helping them carry groceries or simply offering a smile and a kind word. In the future, I plan to expand my involvement by volunteering at more non profits as well as animal shelters. Leadership will also be a big part of how I try to improve the world. I believe good leaders use their voice to uplift others, promote justice, and unite people around a common goal. I strive to be that kind of leader—someone who listens, collaborates, and inspires action. By leading with integrity and compassion, I hope to create a ripple effect in my community that encourages others to do the same. Whether it’s leading a student club or helping mediate conflicts, I want to be someone others can trust and look to for support and guidance. Another way I aim to make a positive impact is through education and awareness. I want to keep learning about global issues like climate change, inequality, and mental health, and then share that knowledge with others. Raising awareness and starting conversations—especially with young people—can lead to greater understanding and change. I believe that change often begins with education and empathy. Finally, I will make a positive impact by always being a kind and thoughtful person. The world needs more kindness, and I believe that even small acts—like being respectful, listening to someone who’s struggling, or standing up against bullying—can make a big difference in someone’s life. In the end, my goal is to leave the world better than I found it—not through fame or fortune, but by helping others, acting with integrity, and doing my part to make the world more compassionate, sustainable, and just. I know the journey won’t always be easy, but I’m ready to start making a difference—one step at a time.