Going into education in America right now is quite a scary feat. With the lack of proper compensation/salary and with current political policies being put into place, a lot of people are becoming more and more discouraged from joining the field. However this, along with many other reasons continues to push me to pursue education. I have experienced firsthand how it can change your trajectory in school when you have staff, teachers, and faculty willing to go out of their way to create a better learning environment for all their students! I know what it's like to be a child sitting in a classroom, feeling completely alone. Everyone around you seems to be consistently moving forward, overcoming obstacles with such ease and grace, while you're silently struggling just to keep up. When I was in elementary school, I was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. At the time, I didn't fully understand what was happening. I just knew that I was very sick, in pain, and unable to keep up with the world around me. Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. I spent so much time in hospitals and at doctors' offices, and even more time recovering at home, that I missed out on crucial time at school, with friends, building connections, and experiencing the normalcy of childhood routines. Returning to school was arguably more difficult than being away. I felt out of place, behind in every subject, and unsure of how to reconnect. My classmates had moved forward, but I was stuck in the aftermath of something they couldn’t see or understand. The emotional toll was heavy, and at that young age, I didn’t have the words to explain how I was feeling or the confidence to ask for help. What got me through this time were the teachers who saw me—who were patient, gentle, and encouraging. They didn’t just help me with math or reading; they made me feel safe. Their kindness helped me regain my footing and, eventually, my confidence. That experience planted my love for education and teaching future generations. Today, I am an undergraduate student at the University of New England, pursuing a degree in Marine Science and Education. I want to be a teacher because I know firsthand how powerful an educator's support can be. I want to be the person who notices when a student is struggling, and who understands that a child's challenges in the classroom often reflect struggles happening outside of it. I want to make space for every student to feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow at their own pace. Beyond the emotional challenges I have faced, I have also experienced ongoing financial hardship. Paying for college has meant balancing multiple jobs, handling student loans, and applying for every opportunity I can find to stay on track. It hasn’t been easy, but I have never lost sight of my goal. These hardships have taught me resilience and deepened my passion for teaching, as I know how important it is to have someone who believes in you when life gets hard. The Ed and Flora Pellegrini Scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of furthering my education but also allow me to focus more fully on becoming the teacher I am determined to be. I am not just pursuing a career; I am following a calling shaped by genuine passion and real experiences. I want to be the kind of teacher who leaves a real, beneficial impact on lives because I know what it feels like to have your life changed by someone who cares.

Mental health is a topic often overlooked or misunderstood, yet it has a profound impact on individuals and society. Despite the resources and information available today, we continue to struggle with providing proper support for those in need. I understand this better than most, having faced my own battles with anxiety, bulimia nervosa, and suicide attempts. As an undergraduate student at the University of New England, studying Education and Marine Sciences, I’ve experienced firsthand the ways mental health struggles can affect every part of life. These challenges have not only shaped who I am, but also pushed me toward a career in education where I can help others who are facing similar hardships. Growing up, anxiety was a constant companion. It was a feeling that often overwhelmed me and left me isolated. The pressure to succeed academically, combined with the fear of letting others down, was suffocating. As my anxiety deepened, I developed bulimia nervosa as a way to cope. This disorder became my attempt to regain some control over the chaos I felt inside. But it wasn’t until I hit rock bottom and attempted suicide that I fully realized how much my mental health struggles had taken over my life. After the attempt, I had no choice but to face the reality of my situation. Recovering was neither quick nor easy, but it was life-changing. Therapy, medication, and the support of my loved ones helped me rebuild my life. But the biggest shift for me came when I learned to be vulnerable and open about my struggles. Talking about my mental health didn’t just help me heal; it helped me connect with others. I realized I wasn’t alone, and that so many people around me were dealing with the same kinds of challenges. That was when I knew I needed to speak out, not just for myself, but for others too. These experiences have deeply influenced my path forward. I want to become a teacher because I know how important it is to feel seen, heard, and supported when you’re struggling. Through my studies in Education and Marine Sciences, I aim to combine my love for teaching with my desire to help students who are dealing with mental health challenges. I want to create a classroom environment where every student feels safe, supported, and valued. I want to be the teacher who notices when a student is struggling and provides the help and care they need, both in and out of the classroom. In addition, I want to raise awareness about the connection between mental health and the environment. As someone passionate about marine sciences, I believe that nature can be a powerful tool for healing. Whether it's the calm of the ocean or the quiet of a forest, I’ve personally experienced the restorative power of the natural world. I want to encourage my students to find peace in nature and use it as a way to support their mental well-being. The Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship would help me focus on my education and continue my work toward raising mental health awareness. My personal experiences with anxiety, bulimia, and suicidal thoughts have shaped who I am today and sparked my passion for helping others. I’m committed to using my story to create a supportive environment for those who need it most. In memory of my mom, Sheri Rosser, who struggled with her own mental health challenges and tragically lost her life to suicide, I am determined to honor her legacy. I want to help others overcome the obstacles she faced, and I believe that through awareness, compassion, and action, we can change how society views and responds to mental health. I am ready to be part of that change, and I hope to make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering in silence.

I know what it's like to be a child sitting in a classroom, feeling completely alone. Everyone around you seems to be consistently moving forward, overcoming obstacles with such ease and grace, while you're silently struggling just to keep up. When I was in elementary school, I was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. At the time, I didn't fully understand what was happening. I just knew that I was very sick, in pain, and unable to keep up with the world around me. Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. I spent so much time in hospitals and at doctors' offices, and even more time recovering at home, that I missed out on crucial time at school, with friends, building connections, and experiencing the normalcy of childhood routines. Returning to school was arguably more difficult than being away. I felt out of place, behind in every subject, and unsure of how to reconnect. My classmates had moved forward, but I was stuck in the aftermath of something they couldn’t see or understand. The emotional toll was heavy, and at that young age, I didn’t have the words to explain how I was feeling or the confidence to ask for help. What got me through this time were the teachers who saw me—who were patient, gentle, and encouraging. They didn’t just help me with math or reading; they made me feel safe. Their kindness helped me regain my footing and, eventually, my confidence. That experience planted my love for education and teaching future generations. Today, I am an undergraduate student at the University of New England, pursuing a degree in Marine Science and Education. I want to be a teacher because I know firsthand how powerful an educator's support can be. I want to be the person who notices when a student is struggling, who understands that a child's challenges in the classroom often reflect struggles happening outside of it. I want to make space for every student to feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow at their own pace. Beyond the emotional challenges I have faced, I have also experienced ongoing financial hardship. Paying for college has meant balancing multiple jobs, handling student loans, and applying for every opportunity I can find to stay on track. It hasn’t been easy, but I have never lost sight of my goal. These hardships have taught me resilience and deepened my passion for teaching, as I know how important it is to have someone who believes in you when life gets hard. The Ed and Flora Pellegrini Scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of furthering my education but also allow me to focus more fully on becoming the teacher I am determined to be. I am not just pursuing a career; I am following a calling shaped by genuine passion and real experiences. I want to be the kind of teacher who leaves a real, beneficial impact on lives, because I know what it feels like to have your life changed by someone who cared.