I would like to break down doors and barriers so that all people are free to follow their dreams in life. For me, the idea of being a minority woman in a sport like ice hockey, where the vast majority of participants are white, is both challenging and inspiring. The change I would make to the world is to make sports, especially ice hockey, more accessible and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their background. Growing up as an Asian and Hispanic woman, I often felt out of place in many spaces, especially in sports. I was always passionate about ice hockey, but I rarely saw anyone who looked like me on the ice. This lack of representation made it hard to feel like I truly belonged. However, it also fueled my desire to change the narrative and create opportunities for others who might feel the same way. I am currently a rising freshman at the University of Massachusetts-Boston, majoring in Business Administration, Economics, Management, and Sports Management. I believe that my studies will equip me with the skills needed to make a real impact in the world of sports. I want to become involved in team or league management within the NHL and help spearhead diversity and inclusion initiatives. The first step in making sports more accessible is to create programs that introduce underrepresented communities to ice hockey. This means providing affordable equipment, access to rinks, and mentorship programs. Many children from minority backgrounds do not have the financial means or exposure to try out a sport like ice hockey. By removing these barriers, we can open up a world of opportunities for them. Another important aspect is fostering a welcoming environment within the sport. This involves educating current players, coaches, and fans about the importance of diversity and inclusion. It is crucial to create a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. This can be achieved through workshops, training sessions, and community events that promote understanding and acceptance. I also believe that representation matters. Seeing someone who looks like you in a position of success can be incredibly motivating. By working towards a more diverse and inclusive NHL, we can inspire the next generation of players from all backgrounds. Representation can break down stereotypes and show that anyone can excel in any field, regardless of their race or gender. In conclusion, the change I would make to the world is to make sports, particularly ice hockey, more accessible and welcoming to everyone. My goal is to break down barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented communities to follow their dreams. Through my studies and future career in sports management, I hope to lead initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the NHL. This change is not only important for the growth of the sport but also for the empowerment of individuals who, like me, have often felt out of place. By working together, we can create a world where everyone is free to follow their dreams.

My name is Cassidy Morrison, a senior from Fairbanks, Alaska and I would appreciate your consideration for the Bettis Memorial Scholarship. I will be attending UMass Boston in the fall of 2024 to play hockey and study business. My desire to major in business was inspired by two sources, my Uncle James, and the kindness that the Fairbanks community has shown me. My Uncle James immigrated to the United States with nothing. He lived in poverty for many years while working to get himself on his feet in America. James believed in the American dream and eventually, he was able to purchase a small corner store where he worked 7 days a week for decades. Growing up, I loved to visit his store and he loved to tell us about the local causes he was sponsoring. It meant the world to him. Even though he worked tirelessly, he gave so freely within the community. He taught us that it was important to give back and owning a business allowed him to do that. He said, “How can I not give back, this country has given me so much.” I was also impacted by the kindness and generosity of business owners in my community. My parents are both public school teachers, and we all know that teachers are not exactly highly paid. As I gained opportunities to play hockey at higher levels, it quickly became more than my parents could handle. They did all they could to support me, but when trips to Anchorage became trips to the lower 48, they just couldn’t afford it. Faced with the reality of either quitting or playing at a level far below my ability, I had a conversation with my coaches and they offered to help me find support. Eventually, the community of Fairbanks stepped up and allowed me to continue chasing my dream. My teams did a lot of fundraisers and I worked tirelessly to earn every penny possible. I also walked into over one hundred Fairbanks businesses, (everything from doctors' offices to welding shops) and I told my story and asked for support. Amazingly, the business community of Fairbanks saved my dream when it seemed lost. Not only did they help me fund my season payments and travel, but they also helped me go to several USA Hockey camps that I was individually selected for. It was the business community, as well as countless coaches and parents who gave so generously to our teams, that allowed me to achieve my goal of playing NCAA hockey. I could not have done it without them. I’ve worked hard to reach my goals on and off the ice. I’ve maintained a 4.0+ GPA, I’m in the top 5 of my graduating class and it was the inspiration of my Uncle James and his tireless work ethic, combined with the generosity of my community that allowed me to reach my goals. It was also the inspiration of my Uncle and the business community that led me to choose business as a major with the hopes that someday my success might allow me to pay it forward, or in this case, pay it back to the next generation. The only thing that would make me happier than to be coaching the next generation of hockey players would be to find success in business that would allow me to help some little boy or girl save their chance at living their dreams. As my Uncle would say, after all the blessings I’ve received in my life, how could I not want to give back?

Few films resonate as deeply as "The Shawshank Redemption," an adaptation of Stephen King's novella of the same name. Beyond the captivating story of Andy Dufresne escaping a life sentence, the film serves as a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and the timeless power of hope. For me, this film holds a particular significance, not only as a source of inspiration but also as a bridge that connects the worlds of literature and film in a meaningful way. On its surface, "The Shawshank Redemption" depicts the harsh realities of prison life and the struggle for survival. Andy, falsely convicted of murder, navigates the treacherous waters of Shawshank, befriending fellow inmate Ellis "Red" Redding and clinging to the faint flicker of hope for freedom. The film, directed by Frank Darabont, masterfully translates the essence of King's story, capturing not just the bleakness of incarceration but also the quiet resilience of the human spirit. While the film deviates from the novella in specific details, the core themes of hope, perseverance, and redemption remain central. The film's brilliance lies in its ability to evoke a profound emotional response while remaining loyal to King’s original work. Tim Robbins portrays Andy with a quiet strength and unwavering determination, while Morgan Freeman's Red narrates the story with a gravitas that resonates deeply. The film's pacing allows the audience to invest in the characters, witnessing the emotional toll of imprisonment and the gradual erosion of hope for many inmates. Yet, Andy's unwavering belief in himself and his relentless pursuit of freedom serve as a beacon in the darkness, inspiring both Red and the audience to hold onto hope. The power of the adaptation lies in its ability to enhance one's understanding of the story. While the book offers a more introspective glimpse into Andy's thoughts and motivations, the film uses powerful visuals and subtle silences to communicate his emotions. The symbolic use of music, particularly the operatic piece played over the PA system, serves as a powerful reminder of Andy's connection to a world beyond prison walls, a world where freedom and beauty still exist. More importantly, "The Shawshank Redemption" instilled in me a profound appreciation for both literature and cinema. The film ignited my curiosity to explore the original novella, allowing me to delve deeper into the complexities of the characters and the nuances of King's prose. The experience enriched my understanding of the story, revealing the emotional depth that the film captured so eloquently. Conversely, revisiting the film after reading the book adds a layer of appreciation for the cinematic craftsmanship and the powerful performances that brought the story to life. "The Shawshank Redemption" serves as a testament to the powerful synergy between literature and film. It is a story that transcends the medium in which it is experienced, its message of hope and perseverance leaving a lasting impact. Moreover, it stands as a reminder that the gap between reading and viewing experiences can be beautifully bridged by stories that resonate with the very core of our being. Just like Andy's determination to escape the confines of Shawshank, the film continues to inspire and motivate me, reminding me of the power of hope and the importance of fighting for what we believe in.