Being a first-generation college student means more to me than earning a degree—it means changing the trajectory of my family's future. It means stepping into unfamiliar territory without a roadmap and pursuing opportunities that previous generations in my family never had the chance to experience. While that responsibility can feel overwhelming, it also motivates me every day. Growing up, stability was something I rarely knew. My father struggled with drug addiction and spent much of my life in and out of prison. My mother endured a domestically abusive relationship, and because of our circumstances, we moved frequently throughout my childhood. There were times when I felt uncertain about what the future would hold and whether I would be able to break the cycle of hardship that surrounded me. Despite these challenges, my mother worked tirelessly to provide for our family and taught me the importance of perseverance. One of the brightest lights in my life was my nana. She was my source of comfort, encouragement, and unconditional love. When life felt chaotic, she reminded me that I was capable of accomplishing great things. Losing her to cancer was one of the most difficult experiences I have ever faced, but the lessons she taught me continue to guide me. She believed education was something no one could ever take away from you, and I carry that belief with me today. School and basketball became my outlets. On the court, I learned discipline, teamwork, and resilience. In the classroom, I discovered that education could open doors that once seemed impossible to reach. Through hard work and determination, I earned the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career at the collegiate level. This fall, I will move from Texas to Jamestown, New York, to attend college and play basketball—a dream I have worked toward for years. My long-term goal is to become a teacher. Growing up, I was fortunate to have teachers and coaches who saw potential in me even when I struggled to see it in myself. They provided encouragement, stability, and guidance during some of the most difficult periods of my life. I hope to have that same impact on future students, especially those facing challenges at home. I want to create a classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving their goals. Although I have received a $7,000 scholarship, my tuition is approximately $25,000 per year, leaving a significant financial gap. This scholarship would help ease that burden and allow me to focus on my education, athletic commitments, and future career goals. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to becoming the first person in my immediate family to earn a college degree. Being first-generation is about more than being first. It is about creating opportunities for those who come after me, proving that difficult circumstances do not determine your future, and showing others that their dreams are worth pursuing. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and use my education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Being a first-generation college student means more to me than earning a degree; it means changing the trajectory of my family's future. It means stepping into unfamiliar territory without a roadmap and pursuing opportunities that previous generations in my family never had the chance to experience. While that responsibility can feel overwhelming, it also motivates me every day. Growing up, stability was something I rarely knew. My father struggled with drug addiction and spent much of my life in and out of prison. My mother endured a domestically abusive relationship, and because of our circumstances, we moved frequently throughout my childhood. There were times when I felt uncertain about what the future would hold and whether I would be able to break the cycle of hardship that surrounded me. Despite these challenges, my mother worked tirelessly to provide for our family and taught me the importance of perseverance. One of the brightest lights in my life was my nana. She was my source of comfort, encouragement, and unconditional love. Losing her to cancer was one of the most difficult experiences I have ever faced, but the lessons she taught me continue to guide me. She believed education was something no one could ever take away from you, and I carry that belief with me today. School and basketball became my outlets. On the court, I learned discipline, teamwork, and resilience. In the classroom, I discovered that education could open doors that once seemed impossible to reach. Through hard work and determination, I earned the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career at the collegiate level. This fall, I will move from Texas to Jamestown, New York, to attend college and play basketball—a dream I have worked toward for years. My long-term goal is to become a teacher. Growing up, I was fortunate to have teachers and coaches who saw potential in me even when I struggled to see it in myself. They provided encouragement, stability, and guidance during some of the most difficult periods of my life. I hope to have that same impact on future students, especially those facing challenges at home. I want to create a classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving their goals. Although I have received a $7,000 scholarship, my tuition is approximately $25,000 per year, leaving a significant financial gap. This scholarship would help ease that burden and allow me to focus on my education, athletic commitments, and future career goals. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to becoming the first person in my immediate family to earn a college degree. Being first-generation is about more than being first. It is about creating opportunities for those who come after me, proving that difficult circumstances do not determine your future, and showing others that their dreams are worth pursuing. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and use my education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Education and athletics have given me opportunities that have changed the direction of my life, and my goal is to use both to create those same opportunities for others. Growing up, I faced challenges that often made the future seem uncertain. Financial struggles, family hardships, and personal loss taught me resilience, but they also showed me how important it is to have people who believe in you. The teachers, coaches, and mentors who encouraged me during difficult times inspired my passion for education and my desire to become a teacher. This fall, I will be moving from Texas to Jamestown, New York, to pursue my college education and continue playing basketball at the collegiate level. Being recruited to play college basketball is a dream I have worked toward for years. The opportunity represents countless hours of dedication and perseverance. However, the financial burden of higher education remains a challenge. My tuition is approximately $25,000 per year, and although I received a $7,000 scholarship, I am still working to find ways to cover the remaining costs. Despite these obstacles, I am determined to earn my degree because I know it will allow me to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. My vision is to become an educator who creates a safe and supportive environment where students feel valued, encouraged, and capable of achieving their goals. Just as my teachers and coaches helped me discover my potential, I hope to inspire students to believe in themselves and pursue opportunities they may never have thought possible. My passion for helping young people comes from the challenges I faced growing up. As a child, I moved frequently and rarely had the stability that many children take for granted. My father struggled with drug addiction and spent much of my life in and out of prison, leaving my family to navigate difficult circumstances on our own. At the same time, my mother endured a domestically abusive relationship, and I often witnessed the fear, uncertainty, and emotional toll it placed on our family. There were many nights when I worried about what would happen next or whether life would ever feel normal. Through those experiences, I learned resilience at a young age, but I also learned how important it is for children to have safe, supportive adults in their lives. The teachers, coaches, and mentors who encouraged me during those difficult years gave me hope and helped me see a future beyond my circumstances. Their impact inspired my desire to become an educator who can provide the same support, encouragement, and stability to students facing challenges of their own. The people who inspire me most are those who invested their time, patience, and care into helping me succeed. Through teaching, mentoring, and community involvement, I hope to continue that legacy by helping young people develop the skills and self-belief needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Like Sloane Stephens, who has used her success to create opportunities for underserved youth through education and athletics, I hope to use my education to give back to my community and help level the playing field for future generations. My goal is not only to teach academic subjects but also to encourage resilience, confidence, and a love of learning. By investing in young people, I hope to create a ripple effect of positive change that strengthens communities and helps students build brighter futures for themselves and those around them.

Selected Passage: "Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good. Everything is only for a day, both that which remembers and that which is remembered. Soon you will have forgotten all things, and all things will have forgotten you." Essay: In this passage, Marcus Aurelius argues that the inevitability of death gives life its meaning, and that people waste their lives when they pursue recognition, postpone personal growth, or live as though time is unlimited. Rather than viewing mortality as a source of fear, Aurelius presents it as a reason to live with urgency, virtue, and gratitude. The emotional weight of this passage comes from its confrontation with a truth that most people spend their lives trying to avoid. Human beings know they will die, yet they often structure their lives as though death is a distant possibility rather than an unavoidable certainty. When Aurelius writes, "Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years," he is criticizing this tendency toward denial. The phrase is intentionally exaggerated. No one literally believes they will live ten thousand years, but many people behave as if there will always be another tomorrow. They delay pursuing their goals, avoid difficult decisions, and postpone becoming the person they wish to be. Aurelius suggests that this illusion is one of humanity's greatest mistakes because it causes people to waste the limited time they actually possess. The passage becomes even more powerful when considering who wrote it. Marcus Aurelius was one of the most powerful men in the ancient world. As a Roman emperor, he possessed wealth, influence, and authority beyond what most people could imagine. Yet despite having access to nearly everything society associates with success, he repeatedly reflected on death and impermanence. This context reveals an important underlying message: external achievements do not protect people from mortality. Whether someone is rich or poor, famous or unknown, every person faces the same destination—Aurelius, therefore, strips away the illusion that status can provide lasting significance. The second sentence, "Death hangs over you," introduces an image that is both unsettling and intimate. Death is not portrayed as a distant event waiting at the end of life. Instead, it is described as something constantly present. The wording creates a sense of urgency by reminding readers that life can change without warning. Aurelius is not trying to frighten his audience. Rather, he is encouraging awareness. By recognizing that time is uncertain, individuals are more likely to appreciate the present moment and act intentionally instead of carelessly. This idea leads directly into the command, "While you live, while it is in your power, be good." The placement of this sentence is significant. Aurelius does not say, "While you live, become famous," or "While you live, accumulate wealth." Instead, he focuses entirely on character. The phrase suggests that goodness is the most meaningful response to mortality. Since people cannot control how long they live, they should focus on controlling how they live. Aurelius argues that virtue is one of the few things truly within human power. The passage, therefore, shifts the reader's attention away from external success and toward personal integrity. The emotional depth of this idea lies in its challenge to modern definitions of achievement. Society often teaches people to measure their worth through accomplishments, possessions, or public recognition. Aurelius rejects these standards because they are temporary. Wealth can disappear. Fame can fade. Accomplishments can be forgotten. Character, however, shapes every action and relationship throughout a person's life. By emphasizing goodness, Aurelius implies that the true value of a life is found not in what a person possesses but in how a person treats others. The next sentence expands this theme of impermanence: "Everything is only for a day, both that which remembers and that which is remembered." This line contains one of the passage's deepest insights. Aurelius is not only claiming that people are temporary; he is claiming that memory itself is temporary. Most individuals find comfort in the belief that they will be remembered after death. Yet Aurelius points out that even those who remember us are themselves mortal. Eventually, entire generations disappear. The distinction between "that which remembers" and "that which is remembered" emphasizes the fragile nature of human legacy. This observation carries a profound emotional impact because it confronts a universal desire. Most people want their lives to matter. They want to leave behind evidence that they existed. Aurelius understands this longing, but he also recognizes its limitations. If every memory eventually fades, then a life cannot derive its value solely from how long it is remembered. The passage forces readers to reconsider where meaning comes from. The final sentence delivers the passage's most striking conclusion: "Soon you will have forgotten all things, and all things will have forgotten you." At first glance, this statement appears almost pessimistic. It seems to erase the significance of human effort altogether. However, a closer reading reveals that Aurelius is offering liberation rather than despair. If everyone is eventually forgotten, then people are free from the burden of constantly seeking validation from others. They no longer need to obsess over reputation, popularity, or historical recognition. The deeper emotional message is that meaning does not depend on permanence. A beautiful moment remains valuable even if it does not last forever. An act of kindness matters even if no one remembers it centuries later. A loving relationship is meaningful even if it eventually exists only in memory. Aurelius argues that people often undervalue the present because they are obsessed with preserving themselves for the future. By accepting impermanence, they can appreciate life more fully. Another layer of the passage concerns fear. Many human fears originate from the desire to control outcomes that cannot be controlled. People fear aging because they cannot stop time. They fear death because they cannot prevent mortality. They fear being forgotten because they cannot guarantee a lasting legacy. Aurelius confronts each of these fears by exposing their inevitability. Rather than encouraging resistance, he encourages acceptance. In doing so, he transforms mortality from an enemy into a teacher. Death becomes the force that reminds people to cherish life, value relationships, and focus on what truly matters. On a personal level, I find that this passage challenges the way I think about success, failure, and the limited time we are given. Marcus Aurelius reminds me that life is not measured by how long we live or how many people remember us, but by the character we display and the choices we make each day. As I pursue my education and future goals, I often feel pressure to achieve certain milestones or worry about outcomes that are beyond my control. This passage encourages me to focus instead on what I can control—my effort, my integrity, and the way I treat others. It reminds me that time is precious and that postponing growth, kindness, or meaningful action is a risk none of us can afford to take. By accepting that life is temporary, I am inspired to make the most of every opportunity, live with greater purpose, and strive to leave a positive impact on those around me rather than simply seeking recognition for my accomplishments. Ultimately, the underlying meaning of this passage is not about death but about how to live. Marcus Aurelius argues that awareness of mortality should inspire people to act with purpose, cultivate virtue, and appreciate the present moment. By recognizing that life is temporary and that even memory fades, individuals can stop chasing empty forms of immortality and instead devote themselves to living well. The passage's enduring power comes from its paradoxical message: it is precisely because life is finite that it becomes precious. Mortality does not diminish the value of life; it creates it.

Education is important to me because it represents opportunity, stability, and the chance to create a different future than the one I grew up with. As a first-generation college student, I am pursuing something that no one in my immediate family has had the opportunity to achieve. Earning a college degree is about more than personal success; it is about breaking barriers and creating a legacy that future generations of my family can build upon. Growing up, my family faced many challenges. My father spent much of my life in prison, and my mother worked tirelessly to provide for me despite financial hardships and difficult circumstances. We moved frequently, and there were times when life felt uncertain. While my family always encouraged me to work hard and value education, they were unable to guide me through the college process because they had never experienced it themselves. One of the most influential people in my life was my nana. She provided stability, encouragement, and unconditional love during difficult times. When she passed away from cancer, I struggled deeply with grief and depression. There were moments when I felt lost and unsure of my future. However, I knew that giving up would not honor the sacrifices my family had made for me. Instead, I chose to push forward. Education became my pathway to a better future. Through hard work and determination, I maintained my focus in school while balancing athletics, work, and personal challenges. Basketball taught me discipline and perseverance, and those lessons helped me earn the opportunity to continue my education while playing college basketball. Being recruited to play at the collegiate level showed me that obstacles do not have to determine outcomes. As a first-generation college student, I hope to leave a legacy of resilience and possibility. I want younger members of my family to see that higher education is attainable, regardless of where they come from or what challenges they face. I want them to know that difficult circumstances do not define their potential. By earning a degree, I hope to become an example that encourages others to dream bigger and pursue opportunities that may have once seemed out of reach. My goal is not only to succeed for myself but also to honor my family’s sacrifices and open doors for those who come after me. Education allows me to create lasting change in my life, and I hope my journey will inspire future generations of my family to believe in themselves, pursue their goals, and continue building upon the foundation I am working to create today.

Growing up, I learned early that success is not determined by where you start but by how hard you are willing to work to overcome obstacles. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds deserve opportunities such as scholarships and grants because many of us face challenges that make reaching our goals far more difficult than simply earning good grades. Financial hardship, unstable family situations, and limited resources can create barriers that talented and motivated students should not have to face alone. My childhood was marked by uncertainty. My father spent much of my life in prison because of drug-related offenses, and my family struggled financially. My mother worked hard to provide for me while also navigating an abusive relationship. We moved frequently, and there were times when I never knew what challenges would come next. As a young child, I often worried about things that most kids never have to think about. One of the hardest moments in my life was losing my nana to cancer. She was my safe place and the person who always made me feel supported. After her passing, I fell into a deep depression and struggled to find hope. During that difficult time, I even questioned whether my life would get better. Eventually, I realized that if I wanted a different future, I had to keep moving forward despite the pain. Rather than allowing my circumstances to define me, I chose to work harder. I was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and often had to put in extra effort to stay focused and succeed academically. I got my first job in eighth grade to help support myself and learn responsibility. I also volunteer with my grandfather at a local food bank because I understand what it feels like when families need support from their community. Basketball became another outlet that helped shape my future. Through countless hours of practice, discipline, and perseverance, I earned the opportunity to continue my education while playing college basketball. I have been recruited to play at Jamestown in New York, a milestone that once seemed impossible considering the obstacles I faced growing up in Wills Point, Texas. While I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, the financial burden of attending college remains significant. This scholarship would help cover educational expenses and allow me to focus on my studies and athletic commitments instead of worrying about how to afford them. More importantly, it would be an investment in someone who has worked relentlessly to overcome adversity and create a better future. Students from underserved backgrounds deserve opportunities because potential exists everywhere, even when resources do not. With support from scholarships like this one, hardworking students can turn their determination into achievement and use their success to inspire others facing similar challenges.

Higher education represents much more to me than earning a degree; it represents freedom from the life I grew up in. Growing up in a low-income household, financial stress was something my family constantly lived with. I remember nights when I did not know if we would have enough food in the house or whether bills were going to get paid on time. Money was always a source of stress, uncertainty, and pressure that I could feel even as a child. Those experiences forced me to grow up faster than most people my age and understand responsibility early. Because of that, I got my first job in eighth grade. From that point on, I learned how to balance school, work, athletics, and personal struggles all at once. There were days I would walk from school to practice to work, then come home exhausted and repeat the same cycle. Even when it felt overwhelming, I kept going because I knew education was my only real path toward changing my future. At home, instability was something I lived with every day. My stepdad struggled with anger and mental instability, my father spent most of my life in and out of prison because of drugs, and I moved frequently growing up. On top of that, I experienced deep emotional loss after my nana passed away from cancer. She was my safe place, and losing her made everything in my life feel even more uncertain. Eventually, my mental health reached a point where I had to step away from traditional school and attend online classes for a period of time during my freshman year. Leaving behind my friends and basketball was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but I knew I needed time to rebuild myself. During that time, and throughout my life, I also found purpose in helping others. I have participated in volunteer work, including serving at a local food bank with my papa. Those experiences meant a lot to me because I understand what it feels like to struggle financially and not always have what you need. Being able to help provide food and support for other families reminded me that even small acts of service can make a real difference in someone’s life. It also taught me gratitude and strengthened my desire to give back to my community in any way I can. When I returned to school, I came back stronger than before. I improved my grades significantly, rebuilt my confidence, and continued working hard in basketball, eventually earning opportunities to be recruited to play at the college level. That moment meant everything to me because it showed that my struggles did not define my future. As one of the first people in my family pursuing college alongside my sister, higher education represents breaking cycles of poverty and instability. It represents creating a life where I am no longer just surviving, but building something stable and meaningful. I plan to pursue a career in elementary education because I want to be the kind of support system I once needed: a teacher who sees students beyond their circumstances and reminds them that they are capable of more. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve financial stress as I continue working toward my degree and future goals. More importantly, it would allow me to continue building a future where I can give back, serve others, and show students that their circumstances do not define their potential.

I learned at a young age that home is not always a place where you feel safe. Growing up, I lived in an environment filled with instability, emotional stress, and domestic violence. My stepdad struggled with anger and mental instability, and there were many nights filled with fear, arguments, and uncertainty. As a child, I never knew which version of him I would come home to, and that constant unpredictability affected every part of my life. Because we moved so often, I never truly felt settled anywhere, and instead of feeling safe at home, I spent much of my childhood anxious and emotionally exhausted. At the same time, my father spent most of my life in and out of prison because of drugs, which left me feeling abandoned and confused about what a stable family was supposed to look like. During those years, my nana became my safe place. She was the one person who made life feel calm and normal when everything else around me felt chaotic. Losing her to cancer was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced. After she passed away, it felt like I lost the only place where I could truly breathe and feel at peace. As I got older, the emotional weight of everything around me began affecting my mental health deeply. I struggled with depression and often felt alone because when I tried expressing my emotions, many people around me either did not fully understand or dismissed how I felt. By the beginning of my freshman year, everything became overwhelming, and I made the difficult decision to switch to online schooling for a period of time so I could focus on my mental health. That decision broke my heart because I had to step away from my friends, normal school life, and basketball, which had always been my escape. At the time, it felt like my life was falling apart. But looking back, that season of my life taught me one of the most important lessons I could have learned: healing is not weakness, and taking time to rebuild yourself takes strength. When I eventually returned to school, I came back stronger than before. I became more focused academically, worked harder athletically, and stopped allowing my past to define what my future could become. Basketball became more than a sport to me; it became proof that I could keep moving forward no matter what I had been through. Today, I am proud to say that I have improved my grades tremendously, will be graduating high school this year with a 3.5 GPA, and have earned opportunities to be recruited to play college basketball, something I once thought was impossible for someone like me. The challenges I faced shaped me into someone resilient, compassionate, and determined to create a different future for myself. Living in a home affected by domestic violence taught me how important stability, kindness, and support truly are. Pursuing higher education means more to me than earning a degree. As one of the first people in my family pursuing college alongside my sister, college represents freedom, healing, and the chance to break cycles that have affected my family for generations. Although my past shaped me, it does not define me. Instead, it has given me the strength to build a future filled with peace, purpose, and hope.

“Come with me.” That was a powerful message I learned at church camp that completely changed the way I view faith and spiritual battles. Earlier in the week, the speaker had boldly said “come at me” while talking about Satan and spiritual warfare, but after experiencing his own struggles during camp, he changed the phrase on the final night to “come with me.” He explained that challenging darkness with anger and pride is not the answer. Instead, we are called to walk with God, lead others with love, and stand together in faith. That message stayed with me because it reminded me that faith is not about fighting people with judgment or negativity, but about guiding others with compassion, understanding, and God’s love. Growing up, my faith became especially important during difficult seasons of my life. My family struggled financially at times, and there were nights when I did not know if we would have enough food to eat. I also faced a lot of spiritual warfare and emotional struggles that challenged my faith and strength. Even through those hardships, I continued to trust God and believe He had a purpose for my life. Those experiences taught me compassion because I understand what it feels like to struggle silently. Because of that, I always try to notice when someone may be hurting and do what I can to brighten their day. One of the ways I give back is by helping my papa at a food bank once a month. Serving there means a lot to me because I know firsthand how much a simple meal or act of kindness can help someone going through hard times. The food bank has taught me that community service is not just about donating food; it is about giving people hope, dignity, and love. I believe God calls us to serve others, and I want to continue answering that call throughout my life. Church has also taught me not to judge people for where they are in life. I have learned that many people are simply lost or hurting and need someone to guide them with kindness instead of criticism. When I talk to others about faith, I try to remind them that God’s love has no limits and that having an open heart matters more than being perfect. Through love, faith, and community service, I hope to inspire others, help those in need, and reflect the same kindness and grace that God has shown me. The greatest lesson my faith has taught me is that even the smallest act of love can change someone’s life. Whether it is helping at a food bank, encouraging someone who feels alone, or simply showing kindness in everyday moments, God can use ordinary people to make an extraordinary impact. I want to continue living with compassion, faith, and a servant’s heart so that others may see God’s love through my actions. As it says in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” That verse reminds me to keep trusting God, keep serving others, and never stop spreading love, even during difficult times.

My experience with mental health has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in a way I never could have imagined growing up. There was a time when my depression brought me to a very dark place, especially after my nana passed away. She was my safe place, and losing her felt like losing the one person who gave me peace in the middle of everything else happening in my life. Around the same time, I was dealing with a father who spent most of my life in and out of prison for drugs, a mother who was in a domestic abusive relationship, and a childhood that involved constantly moving from place to place without stability. When I tried to express how I was feeling, it was often misunderstood or shut down by my family, who were dealing with their own struggles and didn’t always know how to respond. I started to fall under addiction and get into trouble at school as a cry for help. Eventually, everything became overwhelming, and I decided to try to take my own life. After I got out of the hospital, I could tell it hurt my family because it scared everyone so bad that they decided to have me step away from traditional school and switch to online schooling so I could focus on my mental health. That choice was not easy; it broke my heart to leave my friends, my normal school experience, and especially basketball behind, but it was definitely for the best. For once, I actually felt seen. Even though that time was painful, it became a turning point in my life. It gave me space to reflect, rebuild, and start learning how to take care of my mental health in a healthier way. When I returned, I came back with a completely different mindset. I was more focused, more disciplined, and more determined not to let my past define my future. I poured that energy into both academics and athletics, working to rebuild what I felt I had lost. That growth changed everything. I improved my grades significantly and worked my way back into basketball at a higher level than before. Eventually, I was recruited to play college-level basketball, something I never would have believed was possible during my lowest moments. I am also now on track to graduate from high school with a 3.5 GPA, which represents a major accomplishment considering everything I have overcome. These experiences have shaped how I see the world. I understand that people are often carrying pain that others cannot see, and that being unheard can affect someone deeply. My relationships now are built on empathy and appreciation for those who truly support me, because I know how important that support can be. Overall, my mental health journey has taught me resilience, self-awareness, and strength. It has shaped my goals by pushing me to want a future where I can create stability for myself and help others who may feel the way I once did. I no longer see my past as something that holds me back, but as something that has built the strength I carry with me today.

From a young age, I began to experience mental health struggles, especially depression, that affected how I saw myself and how I moved through daily life. It did not always show on the outside, but internally, it made even simple things like school, motivation, and focus feel overwhelming. There were days when I felt disconnected, unmotivated, and like I was going through the motions. What made the biggest difference during that time was having support from my family, even when I didn’t fully understand what I was going through myself. My mother, in particular, has been my strongest support system. She noticed when I was struggling before I even had the words to explain it. She made sure I had what I needed emotionally and encouraged me to keep going even when I felt like I couldn’t. School was one of the areas most affected by my mental health, but with her support, I learned how to push through even on the hardest days. There were times when I had to learn how to show up for myself even when I didn’t feel my best mentally, and that shaped my mindset over time. As I got older, I began to understand my mental health better and started developing ways to cope and stay focused. I learned that progress does not always mean feeling perfect; it means continuing to try even when things are difficult. I focused on building discipline in my schoolwork, taking things step by step, and refusing to let my struggles define my future. Over time, I started to regain confidence in myself academically and personally by proving I could still succeed even while dealing with internal challenges. Now, as a high school student-athlete at Wills Point High School, I continue to balance mental health challenges with academics, athletics, and personal goals. Basketball has been one of the most important outlets in my life. It gives me structure, purpose, and a place to release stress in a healthy way. Even during times when my mental health has been difficult, I have continued to show up for my team and myself, because I know consistency is part of growth. My experiences with depression have also shaped how I treat other people. I have become more empathetic, more aware, and more understanding that everyone is fighting battles you may not see. It has taught me to value support systems and to be that support for others whenever I can. Whether in school, sports, or everyday life, I try to be someone who encourages others instead of judging what they are going through. Looking ahead, my mental health journey has influenced my goals and career aspirations. It has made me want to pursue something where I can help others, especially young people who may be struggling silently the way I once did. I want to create environments where people feel understood, supported, and not alone in what they are facing. In conclusion, my experience with depression has not only challenged me but also shaped my resilience, empathy, and determination. With the support of my family and my own commitment to growth, I have learned how to keep moving forward even on difficult days. As I continue my education and athletic journey in college, I am motivated to use my experiences to make a positive impact on others who may be going through similar struggles.

My name is Cassidy Kafka, and I am proud to be a female athlete. Basketball has been one of the biggest parts of my life for years, and it has shaped me into the person I am today. To me, being a “You Got It Girl” means continuing to show up for yourself and others no matter what obstacles are put in your way. It means being resilient, dependable, and refusing to let difficult circumstances define your future. I believe I represent those qualities because no matter what challenges I have faced, I have continued pushing toward my goals while staying determined to become a better athlete, student, and person. Growing up, stability was not something I could always rely on. There were many moments where life outside of basketball felt overwhelming, but the court became the one place where I felt focused and in control. Basketball gave me structure, confidence, and motivation during some of the hardest times in my life. Even when transportation issues, financial struggles, and personal challenges made things harder, I continued showing up because I knew the sport could help me build a better future. One of the biggest setbacks I faced happened during the middle of my junior year when my nana died due to cancer and I switched to homeschooling because of my mental health. At the time, it felt like everything I had worked for was slipping away, and it all felt like my fault. I lost valuable playtime, fell behind in skill development, and felt disconnected from my team and the sport I loved. Watching everyone continue improving while I felt stuck was discouraging, and there were moments where I questioned if I would ever catch back up. But that experience taught me one of the most important lessons of my life: setbacks do not define you. Instead of giving up, I worked on rebuilding myself mentally and physically. I kept training, stayed focused on my goals, and reminded myself why I loved basketball in the first place. That period of my life made me confident, more disciplined, and more understanding of the importance of mental health for athletes. I think that is one of the biggest ways I could represent YGIG is by being honest about struggles that athletes face while still proving that you can continue moving forward and chasing your goals. There were moments where I struggled mentally, and I saw how quickly it can impact confidence, performance, and motivation. Instead of hiding it, I learned the importance of speaking about it and being honest with myself and others. Over time, I used my experience to help bring awareness to mental health in sports by encouraging team dinners and venting on our groupchat to remind others that it is okay to not be okay. Despite everything, I continued working hard both academically and athletically because I knew education and sports could help me create opportunities for myself. As one of the first people in my family pursuing college alongside my sister, continuing my education means more to me than just earning a degree. It represents breaking cycles and creating a future that once felt impossible for me. Being recruited to play college basketball is something my younger self never would have imagined, which makes the journey even more meaningful. This scholarship would help relieve financial stress as I continue pursuing my education and athletic goals. More importantly, it would allow me to continue representing the message that YGIG stands for: resilience, confidence, and empowering female athletes to keep going no matter what obstacles they face. I want younger girls to see someone who has struggled, fallen behind, doubted herself, and still kept fighting for her future. I hope to continue inspiring other female athletes to believe in themselves and understand that where you come from does not determine where you can go.

I learned early that if I wanted a way out, I was going to have to earn it. Growing up, stability was not something I could count on. I remember being a second grader, walking home not knowing how long it would be before my stepdad went manic again. That kind of environment follows you, it doesn’t stay at home when you walk into school. It sits with you in class, in your thoughts, and in the way you see everything. At the time, I didn’t have the words to explain it, but I knew I needed something different. For a while, my only escape was my nana. When I would “visit my dad,” I was really spending weekends with her because he was too busy selling drugs to be around. She gave me a sense of normalcy that I didn’t have anywhere else. With her, things felt calm. Things made sense. But that didn’t last. Cancer came into her life and slowly took her away from me. Watching someone who was once strong become weaker every day changes you. When she passed, I didn’t just lose her, I lost the only place I felt safe. After that, my dad’s side of the family started falling apart. She had been the one holding everything together, and without her, everything unraveled. That was when I realized I couldn’t rely on things getting better at home. If I wanted something different for my life, I had to create it myself. I developed a strong drive to do well in school because I knew it was my only way out. To me, good grades weren’t just about success, they were about survival. They meant fewer problems at home and, more importantly, a future where I wouldn’t have to go back to the life I was living. Even with that drive, nothing came easy. I wanted to be involved in extracurricular activities to build a life outside of my situation, but something as simple as transportation became a constant obstacle. I didn’t have a stable ride, and there were countless days where I would wait hours just to be picked up. It was frustrating, exhausting, and at times discouraging. But it never stopped me. If anything, it made me more determined to keep going, because I knew giving up would only keep me stuck. Through all of this, school became more than just a place to learn, it became the one thing I could control. Over time, I began to notice the difference teachers made. Some simply did their job, but others went out of their way to understand their students, support them, and make sure they didn’t fall behind. Those teachers mattered more than they probably realized. They created an environment where students like me could feel seen, even if everything else in life felt invisible. That is why I have chosen to pursue a career in elementary education. I know what it feels like to sit in a classroom carrying more than you should have to at that age. I know what it’s like to need someone to notice, to care, and to give you a reason to keep going. I want to be that teacher. I want to create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and capable, no matter what they are going through outside of school.

I learned early that if I wanted a way out, I was going to have to earn it. Growing up, stability was not something I could count on. I remember being a second grader, walking home not knowing how long it would be before my stepdad went manic again. That kind of environment follows you, it doesn’t stay at home when you walk into school. It sits with you in class, in your thoughts, and in the way you see everything. At the time, I didn’t have the words to explain it, but I knew I needed something different. For a while, my only escape was my nana. When I would “visit my dad,” I was really spending weekends with her because he was too busy selling drugs to be around. She gave me a sense of normalcy that I didn’t have anywhere else. With her, things felt calm. Things made sense. But that didn’t last. Cancer came into her life and slowly took her away from me. Watching someone who was once strong become weaker every day changes you. When she passed, I didn’t just lose her, I lost the only place I felt safe. After that, my dad’s side of the family started falling apart. She had been the one holding everything together, and without her, everything unraveled. That was when I realized I couldn’t rely on things getting better at home. If I wanted something different for my life, I had to create it myself. I developed a strong drive to do well in school because I knew it was my only way out. To me, good grades weren’t just about success, they were about survival. They meant fewer problems at home and, more importantly, a future where I wouldn’t have to go back to the life I was living. Even with that drive, nothing came easy. I wanted to be involved in extracurricular activities to build a life outside of my situation, but something as simple as transportation became a constant obstacle. I didn’t have a stable ride, and there were countless days where I would wait hours just to be picked up. It was frustrating, exhausting, and at times discouraging. But it never stopped me. If anything, it made me more determined to keep going, because I knew giving up would only keep me stuck. Through all of this, school became more than just a place to learn, it became the one thing I could control. Over time, I began to notice the difference teachers made. Some simply did their job, but others went out of their way to understand their students, support them, and make sure they didn’t fall behind. Those teachers mattered more than they probably realized. They created an environment where students like me could feel seen, even if everything else in life felt invisible. That is why I have chosen to pursue a career in elementary education. I know what it feels like to sit in a classroom carrying more than you should have to at that age. I know what it’s like to need someone to notice, to care, and to give you a reason to keep going. I want to be that teacher. I want to create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and capable, no matter what they are going through outside of school. Like Jacob Wise, I believe the true impact of a teacher goes far beyond the classroom and into the lives of their students. His dedication to making every student feel seen and supported is exactly the kind of educator I strive to become.