For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach, and my mental health suffered. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. My doctor told me I was close to facing organ failure from my weight loss and lack of nutrition. I was facing a time in my life when starving hurt less than eating. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. This experience gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. Now, I want to use my education and career to help other people realize their own inner strength and reach their full potential. I have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle has always been a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I hope one day to use my history degree to lift the silenced voices of our society - women, people of color, natives - and encourage them to learn their roots, their stories, their heritage, and a love of learning. My goal is to have this outreach give them confidence in their own abilities. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by assisting me in paying for my classes. My medical expenses are not cheap and take a large portion of my budget. I get an IV injection every 8 weeks, on two daily medications, and have multiple tests and scans numerous times a year. These costs add up and are a real financial burden on my life.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach, and my mental health suffered. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. My doctor told me I was close to facing organ failure from my weight loss and lack of nutrition. I was facing a time in my life when starving hurt less than eating. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. This experience gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. Now, I want to use my education and career to help other people realize their own inner strength and reach their full potential. I have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle has always been a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I hope one day to use my history degree to lift the silenced voices of our society - women, people of color, natives - and encourage them to learn their roots, their stories, their heritage, and a love of learning. My goal is to have this outreach give them confidence in their own abilities. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by assisting me in paying for my classes. My medical expenses are not cheap and take a large portion of my budget. I get an IV injection every 8 weeks, on two daily medications, and have multiple tests and scans numerous times a year. These costs add up and are a real financial burden on my life.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach, and my mental health suffered. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. My doctor told me I was close to facing organ failure from my weight loss and lack of nutrition. I was facing a time in my life when starving hurt less than eating. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. This experience gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. Now, I want to use my education and career to help other people realize their own inner strength and reach their full potential. I have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle has always been a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I hope one day to use my history degree to lift the silenced voices of our society - women, people of color, natives - and encourage them to learn their roots, their stories, their heritage, and a love of learning. My goal is to have this outreach give them confidence in their own abilities. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by assisting me in paying for my classes. My medical expenses are not cheap and take a large portion of my budget. I get an IV injection every 8 weeks, on two daily medications, and have multiple tests and scans numerous times a year. These costs add up and are a real financial burden on my life.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach, and my mental health suffered. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. My doctor told me I was close to facing organ failure from my weight loss and lack of nutrition. I was facing a time in my life when starving hurt less than eating. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. This experience gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. Now, I want to use my education and career to help other people realize their own inner strength and reach their full potential. I have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle has always been a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I hope one day to use my history degree to lift the silenced voices of our society - women, people of color, natives - and encourage them to learn their roots, their stories, their heritage, and a love of learning. My goal is to have this outreach give them confidence in their own abilities. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by assisting me in paying for my classes. My medical expenses are not cheap and take a large portion of my budget. I get an IV injection every 8 weeks, on two daily medications, and have multiple tests and scans numerous times a year. These costs add up and are a real financial burden on my life.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach, and my mental health suffered. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. My doctor told me I was close to facing organ failure from my weight loss and lack of nutrition. I was facing a time in my life when starving hurt less than eating. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. This experience gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. Now, I want to use my education and career to help other people realize their own inner strength and reach their full potential. I have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle has always been a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I hope one day to use my history degree to lift the silenced voices of our society - women, people of color, natives - and encourage them to learn their roots, their stories, their heritage, and a love of learning. My goal is to have this outreach give them confidence in their own abilities. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by assisting me in paying for my classes. My medical expenses are not cheap and take a large portion of my budget. I get an IV injection every 8 weeks, am on two daily medications, and have multiple tests and scans numerous times a year. These costs add up and are a real financial burden on my life.

My experience as a Navy wife, and now as a veteran's wife, has helped define who I am and my goals for the future as I continue to grow alongside my husband. Four months after my husband and I started dating, he left for deployment. Deployment was not a new concept to Tim, my then boyfriend, and now husband. He grew up in a military household with a Navy father who completed countless deployments. This was also not Tim’s first deployment either, as he had already been gone before we met. However, for me, this was my first plunge into a new world. Our relationship was new; we were fairly young – in our early twenties – and I had never had a close tie to any active military member. This was an immediately growing experience for me. I had to learn to put Tim before myself in many ways, as he put this country before himself in every way. I had to learn to communicate and nurture our relationship with handwritten letters and become as comfortable as I could with long periods of silence. I had to learn to live with constant heartache, grief, anxiety, and fear. I had to learn to live with these challenging emotions, and without any other military friends or family who understood what I was going through. I learned that many of the people on Tim’s ships did not have the support they deserved back home, so I learned ways to put a smile on a sailor’s face with care packages. Silly greeting cards, fun stickers, hot sauces, and yummy snacks go a long way. The most important part, though, was that these fellow Navy sailors felt included each time Tim got a box, and that they knew someone – even someone they had yet to meet – cared about them and their experiences while they were gone. Mostly, though, I learned hard work and dedication to a passion through watching my husband serve the United States. If he could work twelve-hour days on a Navy ship, with little rest, in the middle of nowhere, without being able to communicate home, even in emergency situations, there should be no hurdle too large for me to cross for my own goals. If I could survive and thrive through the fear of having my loved one deployed and having no word of their safety, there was no reason for me to fear a career change. If they could risk their lives, I could risk my ego if I failed. Due to this and my husband’s unwavering support, I decided to go to school to get my bachelor’s and master’s in history. I am now studying how to preserve the memory of our country, and some of the stories I uncover and protect are about other veterans. It is my honor to serve in this small way, and my largest honor to be married to a man who served in the largest way possible.

My passion for history started at a young age when I visited my first history museum on a school field trip. My class visited Washington D.C., and the trip included going to see an array of the Smithsonian museums. Seeing the passion of the museum workers, the personal stories, and looking directly at items from our past was a unique experience that grabbed me more than any class had before then. I was hooked. Now, as a college history major, my love has only grown. I have learned that history is not just telling stories, but analyzing past events that led to current society. It is also about exploring information to tell new stories, and find out new information about our collective past. It is about rejuvenating the field to be more inclusive, and to include the voices of women, people of color, the LGBT+ community, and other historically silences minorities. It is about expanding on the work of other historians, and finding new evidence to add to their thesis, to better understand our collective past. I am currently finishing my undergrad in History, and have been accepted to a graduate program in Public History. My career goal is to work in a museum, and I am currently volunteer as a docent and interning in the collections management department at the North Carolina Museum of History. I plan to continue to apply for various internships for each semester of my education in order to gain the most experience in different roles in public history. My next goal is to apply for an internship at the North Carolina Archives. I have also done an internship remotely with the Hays Area Children’s Center, a nonprofit daycare, in Grant Writing. My classes have taught me to do original research, and I focus my attention on groups that have had the lowest amount of historical coverage. I have published an article on food and culture in the Japanese American WWII Concentration Camps, as well as the Vietnam War taking advantage of the women’s movement when recruiting females. Both of these have been published in The Historian’s Magazine, a publication that is public facing. It is important for me to practice writing and publication for the people, not just for other historians, if I want to shed light on minority stories. My advisor has proof read these articles and continues to give me advice in reaching my career goals. Even my classes and internship experience in Grant Writing, in which I received a certificate, will benefit my future career. Most museums, archives, and historical sites run on a nonprofit basis, and are always in need of funding for new projects. This experience will help me to add value to a team of historians by having the skills necessary to acquire funding for our important work. When a group of people do not know their history, where they came from, the fights of their ancestors, the battles, the wins, the loses, the culture, the myths and legends, the everyday life – they cannot fully understand the world around them or how it came to be shaped the way it is today. That is why as a historian, I intend to better my community by focusing on telling the stories that have so often been left out of history curriculum, to challenge stereotypes in the field, to push boundaries, and to engage the public in a love of learning and curiosity. This scholarship will help to fund that journey.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I am a volunteer with Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge here in North Carolina, as well. I educate the community on the impact of industrial farming, and give tours around our property. It is amazing to see children learn about animals up close and personal, where they can interact and ask questions. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. With my education, I plan to make an even larger impact on my community. I have completing a grant writing certificate at FSHU, which is three courses that will prepare me to raise money for non-profits that I volunteer with, and my future goals at working at a museum or historical site will benefit, as well. I am a history major and want to connect my community with their past. When the history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history every day. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum, and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past—the truth of the past of their people. I plan to use my social media skills to reach more of the public so they are aware of the education programs of the institution where I end up working. I want to make more accessible programs so children and adults of all ages and economic backgrounds have a place to explore their love of learning without having to worry about judgment, cost, or prior knowledge. I have multiple auto-immune diseases such as Crohn's, Arthritis, and Psoriasis that sometimes slow me down. I have had multiple back and abdominal surgeries in the past few years. However, this just makes me learn to adapt my skills more proficiently and find new ways to contribute. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I am a volunteer with Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge here in North Carolina, as well. I educate the community on the impact of industrial farming, and give tours around our property. It is amazing to see children learn about animals up close and personal, where they can interact and ask questions. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. With my education, I plan to make an even larger impact on my community. I have completing a grant writing certificate at FSHU, which is three courses that will prepare me to raise money for non-profits that I volunteer with, and my future goals at working at a museum or historical site will benefit, as well. I am a history major and want to connect my community with their past. When the history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history every day. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum, and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past—the truth of the past of their people. I plan to use my social media skills to reach more of the public so they are aware of the education programs of the institution where I end up working. I want to make more accessible programs so children and adults of all ages and economic backgrounds have a place to explore their love of learning without having to worry about judgment, cost, or prior knowledge. I have multiple auto-immune diseases such as Crohn's, Arthritis, and Psoriasis that sometimes slow me down. I have had multiple back and abdominal surgeries in the past few years. However, this just makes me learn to adapt my skills more proficiently and find new ways to contribute. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I am a volunteer with Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge here in North Carolina, as well. I educate the community on the impact of industrial farming, and give tours around our property. It is amazing to see children learn about animals up close and personal, where they can interact and ask questions. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. With my education, I plan to make an even larger impact on my community. I have completing a grant writing certificate at FSHU, which is three courses that will prepare me to raise money for non-profits that I volunteer with, and my future goals at working at a museum or historical site will benefit, as well. I am a history major and want to connect my community with their past. When the history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history every day. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum, and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past—the truth of the past of their people. I plan to use my social media skills to reach more of the public so they are aware of the education programs of the institution where I end up working. I want to make more accessible programs so children and adults of all ages and economic backgrounds have a place to explore their love of learning without having to worry about judgment, cost, or prior knowledge. I have multiple auto-immune diseases such as Crohn's, Arthritis, and Psoriasis that sometimes slow me down. I have had multiple back and abdominal surgeries in the past few years. However, this just makes me learn to adapt my skills more proficiently and find new ways to contribute. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach, and my mental health suffered. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. My doctor told me I was close to facing organ failure from my weight loss and lack of nutrition. I was facing a time in my life when starving hurt less than eating. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. This experience gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. Now, I want to use my education and career to help other people realize their own inner strength and reach their full potential. I have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle has always been a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I hope one day to use my history degree to lift the silenced voices of our society - women, people of color, natives - and encourage them to learn their roots, their stories, their heritage, and a love of learning. My goal is to have this outreach give them confidence in their own abilities. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by assisting me in paying for my classes. My medical expenses are not cheap and take a large portion of my budget. I get an IV injection every 8 weeks, am on two daily medications, and have multiple tests and scans numerous times a year. These costs add up and are a real financial burden on my life.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach, and my mental health suffered. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. My doctor told me I was close to facing organ failure from my weight loss and lack of nutrition. I was facing a time in my life when starving hurt less than eating. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. This experience gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. Now, I want to use my education and career to help other people realize their own inner strength and reach their full potential. I have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle has always been a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I hope one day to use my history degree to lift the silenced voices of our society - women, people of color, natives - and encourage them to learn their roots, their stories, their heritage, and a love of learning. My goal is to have this outreach give them confidence in their own abilities. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by assisting me in paying for my classes. My medical expenses are not cheap and take a large portion of my budget. I get an IV injection every 8 weeks, am on two daily medications, and have multiple tests and scans numerous times a year. These costs add up and are a real financial burden on my life.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I am a volunteer with Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge here in North Carolina, as well. I educate the community on the impact of industrial farming, and give tours around our property. It is amazing to see children learn about animals up close and personal, where they can interact and ask questions. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. With my education, I plan to make an even larger impact on my community. I have completing a grant writing certificate at FSHU, which is three courses that will prepare me to raise money for non-profits that I volunteer with, and my future goals at working at a museum or historical site will benefit, as well. I am a history major and want to connect my community with their past. When the history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history every day. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum, and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past—the truth of the past of their people. I plan to use my social media skills to reach more of the public so they are aware of the education programs of the institution where I end up working. I want to make more accessible programs so children and adults of all ages and economic backgrounds have a place to explore their love of learning without having to worry about judgment, cost, or prior knowledge. I have multiple auto-immune diseases such as Crohn's, Arthritis, and Psoriasis that sometimes slow me down. I have had multiple back and abdominal surgeries in the past few years. However, this just makes me learn to adapt my skills more proficiently and find new ways to contribute. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

I have owned dogs my entire life. When I was born, my parents already had a small dog that was constantly trying to escape the yard and a larger mixed breed that loved to snuggle up with me. Since we always had at least two dogs, I never had a period of not living with a dog. When I moved out of my family’s home, I took my dog, Rascal, with me. My parents had gotten him when I was nine, and we were instant best friends. Neither of us would have been able to live separated. I often joke I was raised half by my parents and half by the dogs I spent my days growing up beside. There are many ways that dogs have brightened my life. However, the first three that come to mind are teaching me about unconditional love, giving me a sense of responsibility, and allowing me the opportunities to meet other dog lovers. Dogs are creatures full of trust and love for their humans and for life. I have rescued and foster dogs that came from the worse situations, abused, neglected, hit by a car and left alone, left in an abandoned house, and the list goes on. Things that, if I had to suffer, would have absolutely broken my heart and spirit. Dogs never lose their power to love, though. I have pet a dog that could not walk but still wagged his tail and licked the hands of his caretakers. I have watched my own dogs be excited to see me every day as if it was for the first time, the last time, or after a long absence – even when I just went to get the mail and come back. I have carried a dog with a broken hip to the yard to use the bathroom after surgery and watched him gleefully try to catch a passing bee. Dogs’ ability to live life absolutely in the moment and never stop loving it, or the people around them, has taught me to be more patient, more fun-loving, and never take life so seriously that I forget to slow down and enjoy the small moments. Most importantly, it has taught me the value of unconditional love: having a companion that is there for me always, no matter what, for every day of their life. Growing up with dogs also taught me responsibility. For all their tricks, love, and learned habits, they can not fend for themselves. I learned how, when I love someone, I have to make sacrifices to come home early and make sure they are fed and let outside. I have to make sure I have enough money to take care of emergencies and pay that extra bit of rent to keep them. This helped me to learn to manage time and finances. Dogs have been such a big part of my life since the day I was born that I would not be the strong, independent, loving, social woman I am not without being half-raised by the dogs my family adopted. I continue to be taught life lessons every day by my own dogs and every rescue I foster. For me, a life with dogs is the only life I will ever know, and I would not have it any other way.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

Wet Noses and Warm Hearts I have owned dogs my entire life. When I was born, my parents already had a small dog that was constantly trying to escape the yard and a larger mixed breed that loved to snuggle up with me. Since we always had at least two dogs, I never had a period of not living with a dog. When I moved out of my family’s home, I took my dog, Rascal, with me. My parents had gotten him when I was nine, and we were instant best friends. Neither of us would have been able to live separated. I often joke I was raised half by my parents and half by the dogs I spent my days growing up beside. There are many ways that dogs have brightened my life. However, the first three that come to mind are teaching me about unconditional love, giving me a sense of responsibility, and allowing me the opportunities to meet other dog lovers. Dogs are creatures full of trust and love for their humans and for life. I have rescued and foster dogs that came from the worse situations, abused, neglected, hit by a car and left alone, left in an abandoned house, and the list goes on. Things that, if I had to suffer, would have absolutely broken my heart and spirit. Dogs never lose their power to love, though. I have pet a dog that could not walk but still wagged his tail and licked the hands of his caretakers. I have watched my own dogs be excited to see me every day as if it was for the first time, the last time, or after a long absence – even when I just went to get the mail and come back. I have carried a dog with a broken hip to the yard to use the bathroom after surgery and watched him gleefully try to catch a passing bee. Dogs’ ability to live life absolutely in the moment and never stop loving it, or the people around them, has taught me to be more patient, more fun-loving, and never take life so seriously that I forget to slow down and enjoy the small moments. Most importantly, it has taught me the value of unconditional love: having a companion that is there for me always, no matter what, for every day of their life. Growing up with dogs also taught me responsibility. For all their tricks, love, and learned habits, they can not fend for themselves. I learned how, when I love someone, I have to make sacrifices to come home early and make sure they are fed and let outside. I have to make sure I have enough money to take care of emergencies and pay that extra bit of rent to keep them. This helped me to learn to manage time and finances. My desire to make sure my dogs were always taken care of led to me having a savings account because I never wanted to let them down. It caused me to dream of owning my own home, so my dogs would have a larger yard to play in. Due to the responsibility they taught me, I was able to be a homeowner when I was 23, and they got their big ½ acre yard to romp around in wildly every day. I have always had social anxiety, and dogs have given me opportunities to get out and meet people. When I volunteered and fostered with a dog rescue, it gave me a network of other dog lovers to connect with and grow closer to, with the safety net of volunteer work to make the social interactions easier. When I take my dogs for walks or go to the park, it is easier to talk to other people who want to pet them or have dogs of their own than if I was alone. My dogs assuming that every single person they see is there solely to pet them has caused me to have to come out of my shell and greet strangers. This has been great for my social life and my self-esteem, making me more confident in going out and seeking new people with whom I have things in common. Some may think it was crazy to see a 23-year-old living alone in her new house with four dogs. For me, this was normal life. Dogs have been such a big part of my life since the day I was born that I would not be the strong, independent, loving, social woman I am not without being half-raised by the dogs my family adopted. I continue to be taught life lessons every day by my own dogs and every rescue I foster. For me, a life with dogs is the only life I will ever know, and I would not have it any other way.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

My career goal once I am finished with my education is to work at a museum or historical site, in order to engage the community with their own heritage and history. I am dedicated to telling the untold stories of women, people of color, members of the LGBT+ community, Native Americas, and Asian Americans. These communities have had little chance to access the stories that made their ancestors and families. Connecting students, and even adults, with stories to which they can personally relate also sparks an interest in both history and learning in general. I also have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help in which I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle is a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I currently volunteer remotely to transcribe documents for both the Densho Japanese American History project as well as National Parks Service for their historical sites. Getting these documents not online scanned online, but transcribed, allows users to search the text by keywords - such as an ancestor's name - to quickly and easily find the information they need. This makes historical information much more accessible to everyday people.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

My role model from history is Clara Breed, who impacted the lives of children locked in WWII Japanese-American Concentration Camps. In the 1940s, the US government locked 120,000 Japanese-Americans from the West Coast into concentration camps. This was due to the government suspecting anyone of Japanese heritage of ties to the Japanese government. They were assumed to be spies or in any way connected to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Men, women, and children of all ages were evacuated from their homes with only a few days' notice. Many lost their jobs, farms, businesses, schooling, friends, and entire life they knew before the camps. They were angry, confused, lost, and alone. Ms. Clara Breed was a librarian in California in the 1940s, in a town that served many Japanese-American students. She felt helpless to stop her students from being locked up like prisoners. What she could do, though, was love. On the day of the evacuation, Ms. Breed arrived at the train station with self-addressed stamped envelopes for all of the children. She promised that any who wanted to talk to her, she would keep in touch with any students who wanted to talk to her. Through the months, and sometimes years, that her students lived in the camps, Ms. Breed never broke her promise. Hundreds of letters reamin, showing the love she poured into the camps. She visited when she was allowed, and when she could not, she sent in presents. Her packages of books helped to establish libraries, and her small gifts of candy and clothes gave the children a reason to smile. Ms. Breed did not make much money, but she had more to offer the children: hope. Still today, 80 years later, she gives me the same hope for humankind through any disaster and cruelty.

My favorite book is Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks. Growing up, I was a lonely child. I did not take to social cues quickly in my young years, my parents did not take me out of the house often, and I was smart but awkward. I turned to books, and dogs, more often than other kids to entertain myself. When I did not have a book, I lived in my own imagination, getting lost in my tales with friends who never left me. My imaginary friends did not think I could say the wrong thing, that I was weird, or that my hair was too short for a girl. Imaginary friends did not even care when I wore shabby hand-me-downs or did not own any jeans. Imaginary friends were whatever I needed them to be. When I read Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend, I connected with the main characters, Max, and Budo. Budo may be imaginary, but he is real to Max. The book demonstrates this perfectly by telling the entire story from Budo's point of view. We see Max learn, grow, and change through his interactions with his imaginary friend. We see him grow confidence and social skills through their interactions. Most importantly, we see Max experience acceptance and unconditional love in the moments he needs it the most. The fact that Budo lives in Max's head does not make that love feel any less real. The story made me nostalgic for my own complicated childhood, which was a bitter-sweet feeling to experience as an adult. It made me realize how far I came with my own imaginary friends. It also reminded me why I love reading - even though the stories are in our heads, they are no less real and meaningful to our lives.

One thing I do to improve the lives of elderly people in my community is by volunteering for a food-based non-profit. The elderly as especially susceptible to hunger for multiple reasons: living on a fixed income, inability to get to the grocery store, or not caring about eating healthy due to loneliness leading to mental health issues. The non-profit I volunteer with is The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. Our mission is to bring affordable, healthy food shares to those who can afford it - and donate free food to those who do not have the funds to purchase any. Every pickup day, which is currently every Wednesday and Thursday, our team buys produce in bulk from the Farmer's Market. This produce is divided into shares for pick up. The extra produce, along with what we can buy from selling $18 shares, is donated for free to those in need. To make sure we can reach individuals, such as the elderly, who may not be able to make it to our pick up days, we partner with other non-profits in the area. Our partners take our free donations and also deliver or distribute them to those in need. By taking on partners, we can expand to make sure individuals all over Raleigh can have access to healthy food shares. I am very passionate about helping the elderly as I was extremely close to my grandparents, who helped to raise me. After I grew up and moved away, I saw how loneliness impacted their desire to care for themselves, and mobility issues dampened their ability to go grocery shopping farther away from home. They were stuck with the options close by. Due to this, I began to have meals delivered to them, and became devoted to helping others as well.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach, and my mental health suffered. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. My doctor told me I was close to facing organ failure from my weight loss and lack of nutrition. I was facing a time in my life when starving hurt less than eating. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. This experience gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. Now, I want to use my education and career to help other people realize their own inner strength and reach their full potential. I have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle has always been a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I hope one day to use my history degree to lift the silenced voices of our society - women, people of color, natives - and encourage them to learn their roots, their stories, their heritage, and a love of learning. My goal is to have this outreach give them confidence in their own abilities. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by assisting me in paying for my classes. My medical expenses are not cheap and take a large portion of my budget. I get an IV injection every 8 weeks, am on two daily medications, and have multiple tests and scans numerous times a year. These costs add up and are a real financial burden on my life.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach, and my mental health suffered. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. My doctor told me I was close to facing organ failure from my weight loss and lack of nutrition. I was facing a time in my life when starving hurt less than eating. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. This experience gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. Now, I want to use my education and career to help other people realize their own inner strength and reach their full potential. I have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle has always been a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I hope one day to use my history degree to lift the silenced voices of our society - women, people of color, natives - and encourage them to learn their roots, their stories, their heritage, and a love of learning. My goal is to have this outreach give them confidence in their own abilities. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by assisting me in paying for my classes. My medical expenses are not cheap and take a large portion of my budget. I get an IV injection every 8 weeks, am on two daily medications, and have multiple tests and scans numerous times a year. These costs add up and are a real financial burden on my life.

After spending years in pain, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by assisting me in paying for my classes. My medical expenses are not cheap and take a large portion of my budget. I get an IV injection every 8 weeks, am on two daily medications, and have multiple tests and scans numerous times a year. These costs add up and are a real financial burden on my life.

Hobbies are so important for everyone - to relax, unwind, and just have fun after a stressful day of work or school. Sometimes, our best skills are not the ones we get paid to do, or have even studied to perfect. They're the skills we do just for ourselves, just out of pure enjoyment. Occasionally, we can take those skills and apply them to other areas of our lives. That is what I did with my hobby of graphic creation and photo editing. I was gifted photoshop in highschool, and started dabbling learning how to edit photos I took in my backyard. I made funny graphics - turning my friends and I into sims, and my dogs purple. Eventually, I started to get better at taking photos on manual mode in RAW, and was able to learn to do impressive editing for photos for my friends and family, and my own Christmas cards! A few years ago I bought the Adobe Photographer package, which included Adobe Spark for creating graphics. I began practicing by making fun designs for personal use. I printed a fancy menu for our at-home thanksgiving meal and handed them out to everyone in my family. I made little graphics for instagram... Until one day, I started volunteering with a nonprofit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. Then my graphic-making took off! Now I use my skills and hobby to create all of the website and social media graphics for the non-profit. I also design flyers and additional marketing materials. It has been amazing growing my small skill over the years, slowly, on my own terms, with no pressure or examinations to worry about - just me and my laptop, having fun. Now that I have improved, I am using my hobby to help others!

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach, and my mental health suffered. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. My doctor told me I was close to facing organ failure from my weight loss and lack of nutrition. I was facing a time in my life when starving hurt less than eating. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. This experience gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. Now, I want to use my education and career to help other people realize their own inner strength and reach their full potential. I have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle has always been a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I hope one day to use my history degree to lift the silenced voices of our society - women, people of color, natives - and encourage them to learn their roots, their stories, their heritage, and a love of learning. My goal is to have this outreach give them confidence in their own abilities. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by assisting me in paying for my classes. My medical expenses are not cheap and take a large portion of my budget. I get an IV injection every 8 weeks, am on two daily medications, and have multiple tests and scans numerous times a year. These costs add up and are a real financial burden on my life.

My career goal once I am finished with my education is to work at a museum or historical site, in order to engage the community with their own heritage and history. I am dedicated to telling the untold stories of women, people of color, members of the LGBT+ community, Native Americas, and Asian Americans. These communities have had little chance to access the stories that made their ancestors and families. Connecting students, and even adults, with stories to which they can personally relate also sparks an interest in both history and learning in general. I also have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help in which I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle is a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I currently volunteer remotely to transcribe documents for both the Densho Japanese American History project as well as National Parks Service for their historical sites. Getting these documents not online scanned online, but transcribed, allows users to search the text by keywords - such as an ancestor's name - to quickly and easily find the information they need. This makes historical information much more accessible to everyday people.

I would tell the world, "you have no idea the strength that lies within you." For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. We have to remember we are strong, we can fight through, and we can make our goals happen. Oftentimes, we have no idea how strong we are until our strength is tested.

Hobbies are so important for everyone - to relax, unwind, and just have fun after a stressful day of work or school. Sometimes, our best skills are not the ones we get paid to do, or have even studied to perfect. They're the skills we do just for ourselves, just out of pure enjoyment. Occasionally, we can take those skills and apply them to other areas of our lives. That is what I did with my hobby of graphic creation and photo editing. I was gifted photoshop in highschool, and started dabbling learning how to edit photos I took in my backyard. I made funny graphics - turning my friends and I into sims, and my dogs purple. Eventually, I started to get better at taking photos on manual mode in RAW, and was able to learn to do impressive editing for photos for my friends and family, and my own Christmas cards! A few years ago I bought the Adobe Photographer package, which included Adobe Spark for creating graphics. I began practicing by making fun designs for personal use. I printed a fancy menu for our at-home thanksgiving meal and handed them out to everyone in my family. I made little graphics for instagram... Until one day, I started volunteering with a nonprofit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. Then my graphic-making took off! Now I use my skills and hobby to create all of the website and social media graphics for the non-profit. I also design flyers and additional marketing materials. It has been amazing growing my small skill over the years, slowly, on my own terms, with no pressure or examinations to worry about - just me and my laptop, having fun. Now that I have improved, I am using my hobby to help others!

My motivation every day is remembering how far I have come with my health issues. I have overcome too much to give up now. For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

My husband is a veteran of the United States Navy, which makes me a proud military spouse and Navy wife. When I met him, I did not ever expect to become a military spouse or keep up with the lifestyle his job required. However, we fell in love, and I embraced my new role. While my husband is worth it, it has not always been easy. Four months after we entered a relationship, he deployed for the first time since I met him. Since he was on navy ships, he had very little contact over the phone or internet, and I rarely knew his address to mail him a care package. I was alone, scared, and worried. Instead of having the "honeymoon phase" of a new relationship, I was struggling to keep my emotions composed when writing letters telling him how much I missed him every day. I remember one day hearing a terrifying news story of a navy ship having men stolen, and not being able to get in touch with him to make sure he is okay. I do not wish anyone to have to live with fear if their spouse will make it home to them or not. He came home, and our relationship continued to flourish. We eventually moved in together, bought a house, and got married. I was happy to take a back seat to his career, knowing that for right now, where we lived had to be decided by the military. My husband got out of active duty in 2020, and we settled down in a new city. He still travels once a month, at least, for his military reserves duty. However, now it is time I can focus more on myself - as I have done my duty to stand by him and his career - and now I can stay in one place and go to school for my own dreams. We sacrificed for this country, but it was all worth it.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive. Winning this scholarship would relieve some of the financial burdens of school and allow me to focus on my studies. With my medical bills, medication costs, the rising cost of living and rent, having one less bill on my plate could be life-changing. I have big goals for my education and future and would be grateful for any help reaching those goals.

I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. Education was not a big focus of my childhood, nor was it very encouraged. I am the first in my family to attend college. It was hard not to fall into the pattern of going from grade school straight to work, thinking college was just an unneeded detour. I am now a first-generation student, navigating the in-and-outs of being a non-traditional, adult college student on my own. It has not always been easy. I did not have anyone in my life to ask about FAFSA, how to register for classes, how to pick a major or minor, or what to expect from my college experience. There are so many things I had to on my own, or from my advisor mentioning them in passing, in which I would have been familiar if I had anyone in my family to talk to about school. I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. I am also seeking a degree in History to help lift the voices of the under-represented. Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history every day. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum, and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past—the truth of the past of their people. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

My career goal once I am finished with my education is to work at a museum or historical site, in order to engage the community with their own heritage and history. I am dedicated to telling the untold stories of women, people of color, members of the LGBT+ community, Native Americas, and Asian Americans. These communities have had little chance to access the stories that made their ancestors and families. Connecting students, and even adults, with stories to which they can personally relate also sparks an interest in both history and learning in general. I also have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help in which I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle is a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I currently volunteer remotely to transcribe documents for both the Densho Japanese American History project as well as National Parks Service for their historical sites. Getting these documents not online scanned online, but transcribed, allows users to search the text by keywords - such as an ancestor's name - to quickly and easily find the information they need. This makes historical information much more accessible to everyday people.

My career goal once I am finished with my education is to work at a museum or historical site, in order to engage the community with their own heritage and history. I am dedicated to telling the untold stories of women, people of color, members of the LGBT+ community, Native Americas, and Asian Americans. These communities have had little chance to access the stories that made their ancestors and families. Connecting students, and even adults, with stories to which they can personally relate also sparks an interest in both history and learning in general. I also have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help in which I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle is a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I currently volunteer remotely to transcribe documents for both the Densho Japanese American History project as well as National Parks Service for their historical sites. Getting these documents not online scanned online, but transcribed, allows users to search the text by keywords - such as an ancestor's name - to quickly and easily find the information they need. This makes historical information much more accessible to everyday people.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. My career goal once I am finished with my education is to work at a museum or historical site, in order to engage the community with their own heritage and history. I am dedicated to telling the untold stories of women, people of color, members of the LGBT+ community, Native Americas, and Asian Americans. These communities have had little chance to access the stories that made their ancestors and families. Connecting students, and even adults, with stories to which they can personally relate also sparks an interest in both history and learning in general. I also have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help in which I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle is a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I currently volunteer remotely to transcribe documents for both the Densho Japanese American History project as well as National Parks Service for their historical sites. Getting these documents not online scanned online, but transcribed, allows users to search the text by keywords - such as an ancestor's name - to quickly and easily find the information they need. This makes historical information much more accessible to everyday people. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. My career goal once I am finished with my education is to work at a museum or historical site, in order to engage the community with their own heritage and history. I am dedicated to telling the untold stories of women, people of color, members of the LGBT+ community, Native Americas, and Asian Americans. These communities have had little chance to access the stories that made their ancestors and families. Connecting students, and even adults, with stories to which they can personally relate also sparks an interest in both history and learning in general. I also have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help in which I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle is a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I currently volunteer remotely to transcribe documents for both the Densho Japanese American History project as well as National Parks Service for their historical sites. Getting these documents not online scanned online, but transcribed, allows users to search the text by keywords - such as an ancestor's name - to quickly and easily find the information they need. This makes historical information much more accessible to everyday people. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

Who are we? Who are we as a collective people? Are we our country's history? Are we the pain of the past? Or the lessons learned from it? Are we the pride of our ancestors, and how far we have come since then? Are we are heritage? Our religion? Are we all of these things? So what happens when these stories are lost? When the history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history every day. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum, and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past—the truth of the past of their people. I would tell the world, "Shine a light on the hidden stories."

Who are we? Most of us would agree we are a collection of our past experiences, the lessons learned from those experiences, the knowledge gained, the pride of the accomplishments, and the joy of moving forward. So who are we as a collective people? Are we our country's history? Are we the pain of the past? Or the lessons learned from it? Are we the pride of our ancestors, and how far we have come since then? Are we are heritage? Our religion? Are we all of these things? So what happens when these stories are lost? When the history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can one learn from mistakes that are hidden from them? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history every day. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum, and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past—the truth of the past of their people. That is the legacy I want to leave behind: connecting people with their untold stories, shining a light on hidden history.

Fitness and health are essential to me. I have an autoimmune disease, so staying as healthy as possible can help control my symptoms and put me in control of my body and life. I stay fit by having an exercise plan a few times a week, which I do at home now. I have apps on my phone and youtube videos I follow. One way to stick to a routine is to experiment with different workouts and switch it up to keep it challenging and fun. Staying fit has built my confidence. It has made my body stronger, which shows me I have the ability to reach my goals and do anything I set my mind to do. It has allowed me to feel in control of my body. Having an incurable illness makes me feel so helpless. Doing things I can control, such as eating healthy, exercise, and staying active, allows me to do everything I can to lessen the symptoms' impact and focus on the aspects I can change. Staying active also helps relieve my stress and gives me an outlet for anxiety. When I am worried and anxious, I can go for a long hike or a challenge cycle class, and it gives my brain time to relax as my body takes over. Staying fit in healthy is great for all aspects of my life. It keeps me in control of my body, teaches me hard work, gives me goals to achieve and helps my mental health. I am grateful every day I decided to get more fit and healthy and stick to it.

I have an autoimmune disease, so staying as healthy as possible can help control my symptoms and put me in control of my body and life. I stay fit by having an exercise plan a few times a week, which I do at home now. I have apps on my phone and youtube videos I follow. One way to stick to a routine is to experiment with different workouts and switch it up to keep it challenging and fun. Staying fit has built my confidence. It has made my body stronger, which shows me I have the ability to reach my goals and do anything I set my mind to do. It has allowed me to feel in control of my body. Having an incurable illness makes me feel so helpless. Doing things I can control, such as eating healthy, exercise, and staying active, allows me to do everything I can to lessen the symptoms' impact and focus on the aspects I can change. Staying active also helps relieve my stress and gives me an outlet for anxiety. When I am worried and anxious, I can go for a long hike or a challenge cycle class, and it gives my brain time to relax as my body takes over. Staying fit in healthy is great for all aspects of my life. It keeps me in control of my body, teaches me hard work, gives me goals to achieve and helps my mental health. I am grateful every day I decided to get more fit and healthy and stick to it.

Thank you for taking the time to process my application. While I am attaching a video, I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself in writing as well. I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. Education was not a big focus of my childhood, nor was it very encouraged. I am the first in my family to attend college. It was hard not to fall into the pattern of going from grade school straight to work, thinking college was just an unneeded detour. However, now I see more clearly the vast benefits of a college degree. I also really enjoy studying and am passionate about my major - history. I am seeking a history degree with the eventual goal of working in a museum or historical site. I am also completing a minor in sociology, which helps with the studying of historical populations. After graduation, I plan to attend a public history graduate program to further study museum and historical site work. I am thrilled to seek a path where I can help connect my community with their past and heritage. As well as majoring in History, I am minoring in Sociology and will be completing two certificates: Women's & Gender Studies and Grant Writing. I have a big passion for volunteering and giving back, so I know Grant Writing will open up more opportunities to do that. As you can see below on my profile, I try to seize every opportunity I can to volunteer and help my community. I have a 4.0 GPA and am in Honor Society, Student Senate, Tigers Forever (philanthropy organization), History Club, Holocaust Education and Remembrance Committee, and Phi Alpha Theta. I have also joined the National Council on Public History. I suffer from Crohn's disease, psoriasis, chronic back pain, and anxiety, but nothing stops me from success!

I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. Education was not a big focus of my childhood, nor was it very encouraged. I am the first in my family to attend college. It was hard not to fall into the pattern of going from grade school straight to work, thinking college was just an unneeded detour. However, now I see more clearly the vast benefits of a college degree. I also really enjoy studying and am passionate about my major - history. I am seeking a history degree with the eventual goal of working in a museum or historical site. I am also completing a minor in sociology, which helps with the studying of historical populations. After graduation, I plan to attend a public history graduate program to further study museum and historical site work. I am thrilled to seek a path where I can help connect my community with their past and heritage. As well as majoring in History, I am minoring in Sociology and will be completing two certificates: Women's & Gender Studies and Grant Writing. I have a big passion for volunteering and giving back, so I know Grant Writing will open up more opportunities to do that. As you can see below on my profile, I try to seize every opportunity I can to volunteer and help my community. I have a 4.0 GPA and am in Honor Society, Student Senate, Tigers Forever (philanthropy organization), History Club, Holocaust Education and Remembrance Committee, and Phi Alpha Theta. I have also joined the National Council on Public History. I suffer from Crohn's disease, psoriasis, chronic back pain, and anxiety, but nothing stops me from success!

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease of the small intestine, including fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. Eating and drinking were extremely painful, and I had no idea why. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my husband and dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. Eventually, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease that had attacked my small intestine to the point of having fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I remember hiking near Stone Moutain, Georgia, when I had to stop and sit down on a large piece of rock. The intense pains were making it hard to stand, and not having eaten enough was making me weak and tired. I was no longer at my peak physical fitness, and I felt as if I had no control over my body any longer. I sat with my husband, and we chatted as our dogs drank water and relaxed in the shade. I knew then that while I may have to make changes to my life to accommodate my pains and illness, I was determined to adjust instead of giving up. My life was still worth living and enjoying, and I would never stop finding ways to do the things I loved with the family I loved. I learned that if I can concur being sick every day for years with no answers, and then go through tests, surgeries, and many treatments to find a way to control my symptoms that there is no physical or mental cliff I can not climb in life. I had endured, and I would continue to endure. Once my Crohn's was stabilized, I looked back over everything I had gone through, and still go through on bad days. At my lowest weight, I was being told I could be facing organ failure if I did not get more nutrients and calories. This taught me to appreciate life to the fullest and never let the fear of failure stop me from doing the scariest things in life. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. Eating and drinking were extremely painful, and I had no idea why. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my husband and dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, the risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. Eventually, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease that had attacked my small intestine to the point of having fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I remember hiking near Stone Moutain, Georgia, when I had to stop and sit down on a large piece of rock. The intense pains were making it hard to stand, and not having eaten enough was making me weak and tired. I was no longer at my peak physical fitness, and I felt as if I had no control over my body any longer. I sat with my husband, and we chatted as our dogs drank water and relaxed in the shade. I knew then that while I may have to make changes to my life to accommodate my pains and illness, I was determined to adjust instead of giving up. My life was still worth living and enjoying, and I would never stop finding ways to do the things I loved with the family I loved. I learned that if I can concur being sick every day for years with no answers, and then go through tests, surgeries, and many treatments to find a way to control my symptoms that there is no physical or mental cliff I can not climb in life. I had endured, and I would continue to endure. Once my Crohn's was stabilized, I looked back over everything I had gone through, and still go through on bad days. At my lowest weight, I was being told I could be facing organ failure if I did not get more nutrients and calories. This taught me to appreciate life to the fullest and never let the fear of failure stop me from doing the scariest things in life. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to be flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

I am currently in my undergrad, majoring in History with a minor in Sociology. I am also completing two certificates here at FHSU: Women & Gender Studies as well as Grant Writing. My goal is to complete a Master's degree in Public History once I am finished with my Bachelor's. My career goal once I am finished with my education is to work at a museum or historical site, in order to engage the community with their own heritage and history. I am dedicated to telling the untold stories of women, people of color, members of the LGBT+ community, Native Americas, and Asian Americans. These communities have had little chance to access the stories that made their ancestors and families. Connecting students, and even adults, with stories to which they can personally relate also sparks an interest in both history and learning in general. I also have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help in which I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle is a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I currently volunteer remotely to transcribe documents for both the Densho Japanese American History project as well as National Parks Service for their historical sites. Getting these documents not online scanned online, but transcribed, allows users to search the text by keywords - such as an ancestor's name - to quickly and easily find the information they need. This makes historical information much more accessible to everyday people. I am currently working on a research project about the WWII Japanese American Internment Camps - I want to help tell the untold story of the tragedy, and shed light on how cruelly Asian Americans, specifically Japanese Americans, were treated by the hands of our government. Thank you for taking the time to read my application and consider me for your generous scholarship.

My career goal once I am finished with my education is to work at a museum or historical site, in order to engage the community with their own heritage and history. I am dedicated to telling the untold stories of women, people of color, members of the LGBT+ community, Native Americas, and Asian Americans. These communities have had little chance to access the stories that made their ancestors and families. Connecting students, and even adults, with stories to which they can personally relate also sparks an interest in both history and learning in general. I also have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help in which I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle is a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I currently volunteer remotely to transcribe documents for both the Densho Japanese American History project as well as National Parks Service for their historical sites. Getting these documents not online scanned online, but transcribed, allows users to search the text by keywords - such as an ancestor's name - to quickly and easily find the information they need. This makes historical information much more accessible to everyday people.

My career goal once I am finished with my education is to work at a museum or historical site, in order to engage the community with their own heritage and history. I am dedicated to telling the untold stories of women, people of color, members of the LGBT+ community, Native Americas, and Asian Americans. These communities have had little chance to access the stories that made their ancestors and families. Connecting students, and even adults, with stories to which they can personally relate also sparks an interest in both history and learning in general. I also have a huge passion for giving back, and my certificate in Grant Writing will allow me to advance the type of help in which I give to non-profits. I have volunteered with numerous dog rescues in the past as both a foster and on the leadership board to help run the organizations. The biggest obstacle is a limitation with funds, and being able to write successful grant applications can completely change how an organization is able to function. I currently volunteer with a local non-profit that tackles food insecurity by donating over 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need every week. I also volunteer with my local museum to gain skills to enrich my education my career goals. I currently volunteer remotely to transcribe documents for both the Densho Japanese American History project as well as National Parks Service for their historical sites. Getting these documents not online scanned online, but transcribed, allows users to search the text by keywords - such as an ancestor's name - to quickly and easily find the information they need. This makes historical information much more accessible to everyday people.

I am very passionate about giving back to my community. Helping others is extremely rewarding, and we should all be more focused on building each other up in our society. There are multiple ways in which I focus my attention on those around me. First, I volunteer for a local non-profit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. The Produce Project has two missions: sell affordable produce shares every Wednesday and Thursday to those who can afford to purchase them, making fresh, healthy food more affordable to families. The second aspect is that we donate over 1000 pounds of fresh food every week for free. These boxes of produce get distributed to families in our community that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Food deserts are a huge issue in large cities, as well as food banks only being able to stock shelf-stable inventory. Being able to give out produce, as well as educate on how to cook it and store it to last longer, is an amazing service to the community. I also volunteer for historical organizations like Densho project. Right now I am going though WWII Japanese American documents and transcribing all of the names mentioned. This will allow people to search by name through the database and locate all files and documents that mention that name. This helps communities learn about their ancestors so much easier. I have also volunteered for dog rescues, museums, and National Park Services. No matter our abilities, we can all find ways to help one another and build a stronger community - together.

These pups are Murphy, Conner, and Bella. All three of my dogs are rescues and were adopted from a shelter after neglect situations. Conner and Murphy are biological brothers that came in together after animal control investigated an abuse case. Bella came in with an entire litter of puppies who were left in a box in an empty house alone. I am so glad I was volunteering on these days, as the love of my dogs has changed my life for the better and they even inspired me to buy my own house with a huge yard to run together.

When I was considering going back to school, I was nervous and felt too old. I was 29, and I had not been a student since I received my GED when I was 16. I was full of self-doubts and worried that graduating with my under undergrad at age 33 would put me too far behind my peers in my new career field. I expressed my doubts to my friends, telling them I was too old, too out of practice, I did not know how to study, change was hard, and my time to pick a new career had flown by in my early 20s. While some of these things were true: change was hard, and I was a bit out of practice in being a student, they were also excuses to try to convince myself I was not up to the challenge so I should quit before I even got started. However, one of those friends told me something I will never forget. She looked me in the eyes and said, "In four years, you will be 33. You will be 33 if you get a degree, or you will be 33 if you stay in a job you are not passionate about any longer. So will you be 33 doing the same behavior, or 33 fighting for your future happiness?" At that, I stopped the excuses and applied to school to behind my degree in the field I wanted, not the field I felt stuck in due to my age. Her words gave me the courage to grow into the future I wanted for myself. I cannot change the fact that I will be 33 at graduation, but I can make sure I am happy and exceling at age 33.

Who are we? Most of us would agree we are a collection of our past experiences, the lessons learned from those experiences, the knowledge gained, the pride of the accomplishments, and the joy of moving forward. So who are we as a collective people? Are we our country's history? Are we the pain of the past? Or the lessons learned from it? Are we the pride of our ancestors, and how far we have come since then? Are we are heritage? Our religion? So what happens when these stories are lost? When the history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can one learn from mistakes that are hidden from them? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history every day. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum, and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past—the truth of the past of their people. I grew up in a family that did not prioritize - or even encourage - education. Quite the opposite. Now that I am an adult with my own goals and dreams, the financial burden of getting my degree has always held me back from enrolling. I have put my fear aside, but financial assistance will help ease some of the anxiety of paying for classes. This scholarship speaks to me as I needed to be courageous to grow at my age and step outside of my comfort zone. I am now a sophomore with a 4.0 GPA and looking forward to the future.

Who are we? Most of us would agree we are a collection of our past experiences, the lessons learned from those experiences, the knowledge gained, the pride of the accomplishments, and the joy of moving forward. So who are we as a collective people? Are we our country's history? Are we the pain of the past? Or the lessons learned from it? Are we the pride of our ancestors, and how far we have come since then? Are we are heritage? Our religion? Are we all of these things? So what happens when these stories are lost? When the history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can one learn from mistakes that are hidden from them? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history every day. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum, and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past—the truth of the past of their people. I grew up in a family that did not prioritize - or even encourage - education. Quite the opposite. Now that I am an adult with my own goals and dreams, the financial burden of getting my degree has always held me back from enrolling. I have put my fear aside, but financial assistance will help ease some of the anxiety of paying for classes. This scholarship speaks to me as I needed to be courageous to grow at my age and step outside of my comfort zone. I am now a sophomore with a 4.0 GPA and looking forward to seeing where this road takes me.

Who are we? Most of us would agree we are a collection of our past experiences, the lessons learned from those experiences, the knowledge gained, the pride of the accomplishments, and the joy of moving forward. So who are we as a collective people? Are we our country's history? Are we the pain of the past? Or the lessons learned from it? Are we the pride of our ancestors, and how far we have come since then? Are we are heritage? Our religion? Are we all of these things? So what happens when these stories are lost? When the history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can one learn from mistakes that are hidden from them? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history every day. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum, and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past—the truth of the past of their people. I grew up in a family that did not prioritize - or even encourage - education. Quite the opposite. Now that I am an adult with my own goals and dreams, the financial burden of getting my degree has always held me back from enrolling. I have put my fear aside, but financial assistance will help ease some of the anxiety of paying for classes.

Who are we? Most of us would agree we are a collection of our past experiences, the lessons learned from those experiences, the knowledge gained, the pride of the accomplishments, and the joy of moving forward. So who are we as a collective people? Are we our country's history? Are we the pain of the past? Or the lessons learned from it? Are we the pride of our ancestors, and how far we have come since then? Are we our heritage? Our religion? Are we all of these things? So what happens when these stories are lost? When history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can one learn from mistakes that are hidden from them? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history everyday. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past. The truth of the past of their people. That is what drives me. Connecting people to their past. Their culture. Their heritage. Their ancestors. Unlocking the stories that would have otherwise been forgotten. Showing the public the voice of those who have been silenced. It is what drives me to have straight As, to go to school, to want a career in history. It is what drives me to want to work in public history. It is what drives me to study everyday. Connection. People. Stories. History.

Who are we? Most of us would agree we are a collection of our past experiences, the lessons learned from those experiences, the knowledge gained, the pride of the accomplishments, and the joy of moving forward. So who are we as a collective people? Are we our country's history? Are we the pain of the past? Or the lessons learned from it? Are we the pride of our ancestors, and how far we have come since then? Are we our heritage? Our religion? Are we all of these things? So what happens when these stories are lost? When history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can one learn from mistakes that are hidden from them? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history everyday. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past. The truth of the past of their people. That is what drives me. Connecting people to their past. Their culture. Their heritage. Their ancestors. Unlocking the stories that would have otherwise been forgotten. Showing the public the voice of those who have been silenced. It is what drives me to have straight As, to go to school, to want a career in history. It is what drives me to want to work in public history. It is what drives me to study everyday. Connection. People. Stories. History.

Who are we? Most of us would agree we are a collection of our past experiences, the lessons learned from those experiences, the knowledge gained, the pride of the accomplishments, and the joy of moving forward. So who are we as a collective people? Are we our country's history? Are we the pain of the past? Or the lessons learned from it? Are we the pride of our ancestors, and how far we have come since then? Are we our heritage? Our religion? Are we all of these things? So what happens when these stories are lost? When history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can one learn from mistakes that are hidden from them? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history everyday. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past. The truth of the past of their people.

Who are we? Most of us would agree we are a collection of our past experiences, the lessons learned from those experiences, the knowledge gained, the pride of the accomplishments, and the joy of moving forward. So who are we as a collective people? Are we our country's history? Are we the pain of the past? Or the lessons learned from it? Are we the pride of our ancestors, and how far we have come since then? Are we our heritage? Our religion? Are we all of these things? So what happens when these stories are lost? When history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can one learn from mistakes that are hidden from them? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history everyday. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past. The truth of the past of their people.

Who are we? Most of us would agree we are a collection of our past experiences, the lessons learned from those experiences, the knowledge gained, the pride of the accomplishments, and the joy of moving forward. So who are we as a collective people? Are we our country's history? Are we the pain of the past? Or the lessons learned from it? Are we the pride of our ancestors, and how far we have come since then? Are we are heritage? Our religion? Are we all of these things? So what happens when these stories are lost? When the history of a group of people is overshadowed, never to be taught? How can anyone be proud of a past they do not know? How can one learn from mistakes that are hidden from them? How can we know we are moving forward if we do not know from where we came? Many minorities in the US live without full knowledge of their history every day. I will use this scholarship to go towards my history degree, to work in a museum, and help people of all walks of life find the truth of their past—the truth of the past of their people. I grew up in a family that did not prioritize - or even encourage - education. Quite the opposite. Now that I am an adult with my own goals and dreams, the financial burden of getting my degree has always held me back from enrolling. I have put my fear aside, but financial assistance will help ease some of the anxiety of paying for classes.

My favorite scientist is Katherine Johnson. She broke barriers for both women and people of color at NASA, while making it possible for the USA to land a man on the moon.

The pandemic has caused many grief and pain, but it has had positive aspects as well that can not be overlooked. During this pandemic, I have sheltered in place for most of 2020 and so far in 2021. I have to be extra careful with getting sick, as I am immune-compromised and on immune suppressant medication. So, that has meant much of my time spent at home. However, all of this time at home has not been a bad thing. Over the course of this pandemic, I have read more than I have in any year of my adult life. I have rediscovered my love of libraries and have soaked up stories from all over the world. Tapping into my passion for reading and learning inspired me to go to college. Without this break from my everyday life to sit, reading, thinking, and really being alone with myself - I do not feel I would have stopped to consider such a big life change. I decided that if the world can deal with a global pandemic, I can deal with leaving my job and starting my education. The pandemic has changed the world in many ways, but the break from the rush of reality to slow down and mull over what I really want out of life has been the greatest blessing to me.

My superhero teacher is my professor, Ms. Hollie Marquess. I decided to go to college for the first time at age 29 - and it was an extremely intimidating and scary decision to make. I packed up my desk at the job I had spent almost a decade at, waved goodbye to my co-workers I sat by every day, and walked into a new life. During my first semester, I was nervous, anxious, and lacked confidence. I wondered if I made the right choice, if it was unwise to quit my job, and if I was going to fail in this new role of "student". That is when Ms. Marquess entered my life. Ms. Marquess is an instructor at Fort Hays State University and has become my mentor. She has given me the confidence needed to look forward to my new life as a student. She has taken the time to sit down with me and give me advice not only on her classes but on others at the school as well. She is not my advisor, but has gone over my school schedule with me and made sure I understand how to meet all requirements for my degree. Ms. Marquess has also sent informational videos on careers in the field of History and tips on getting a job after college. Without the guidance she has offered me, I would not have ended my freshmen year with a 4.0 GPA and a goal to knock out my next three years just as strong. Ms. Marquess has shed a little bit of her superhero powers onto me to help me succeed in school, and I am forever grateful.

While not a single mother myself, my world views have been changed by an important member of my life: my older sister. Growing up, neither of us had a close relationship with our parents, who were very vaguely involved in their children's lives. However, I always had my older sister to rely on and count on; she was always a second mother to me, always looking out for me. When my sister was 21, she became a single mom to my nephew. I watched her priorities change, her juggle work and a baby, and saw her grow up overnight. Her hard work was an inspiration to me. When I was a teenager, I would usually leave work and head to my sister's house to watch my nephew when she went to her job. As I held him and watched her kiss him goodbye, I realized if she could do it all while raising a child on her own, I could reach my goals with less on my own plate. Helping out with my nephew taught me responsibility and love at a young age. I wanted, and still want, to be a good role model for him. If I could help keep this tiny life alive, teach him about the world, and later help tutor him in his studies -- then I could go back to school myself, as well. My goal is to get a Bachelor's Degree in History with a minor in Sociology. I will also graduate with two certificates: Women's & Gender Studies as well as Grant Writing. For my future, I am planning to seek out work in a museum or historical site. I would love to be involved in community outreach and help children like my nephew learn to enjoy learning while on school trips or a family outing. I would love to help single mothers, like my sister, find more affordable ways in their community to add enrichment to their children's lives. I would also like to use my certificate in Grant Writing to help my community and nonprofits. I have a passion for helping people, giving back, and volunteering. I am volunteering with a local nonprofit called The Produce Project here in Raleigh, NC. We sell shares of produce every week to those who can afford to buy them. However, our main mission is to donate 1000s of pounds of fresh produce every week to people in need. Many of those families are single moms who are just trying to help their children have healthy eating habits. Winning this scholarship would help keep me on track with my goals. I want to show my nephew that anyone can succeed in life, and if you try hard, you do not need to go into debt to open up opportunities in life. I want to make sure I can afford to stay in school full time to graduate on time, and any financial assistance I can receive will help me do that. While I am not a single mother, my journey has been paved by the one I will follow throughout my life, as I hold a constant hand out for her son. The best thing a single mother can have in her life is a community surrounding her, and I have gained so much more from being part of her community than she has from my help. I am proud to set an example for my nephew with my school, goals, and accomplishments. This one is for him.

This meme is personal to me because I was 29 when I decided to start college for the first time. I often feel like the oldest student in the room and like it will be "too late" by the time I graduate with my BA and MA. However, I remind myself that it is NEVER too late. I may be older, but I am still worthy and still going to rock school and my new career once I graduate. I have much more experience now than I did when I was 18. I have grown, matured, gotten work and volunteer experience, and figured out what I wanted in life. College right out of high school is excellent for many people. For others, it can take some time to get ready for the college chapter. I have learned that every timeline is valid and impressive in its own way. We are all on our individual journey and what matters is I am doing it - not when I am doing it.

I was 29 years old when I decided to go to college for the first time. For most of my 20s, I worked in Quality Assurance for a software company. It was a great opportunity for me, I learned a lot about software and technology, I was able to advance to the trainer and team lead, and the company had great benefits for their employees. However, I just was not passionate about the work I was doing. I knew that it was time to close that chapter of my life and start a journey to something new. I enrolled in school as a history major, with a goal of one day working in a museum or at a historical site. When I picked my major, I did not want to limit myself to one road in life. I have many passions, including non-profit volunteer work. In fact, I am currently the volunteer social media manager for a local non-profit called The Produce Project. That is why I decided to also enroll in a certificate for grant writing along with my major and minor. I am currently working on learning to write grants so I can not only have an extra career path to fall back on, but also help out non-profits that are doing great work for their communities. Winning this scholarship would not only help me pay for the grant writing classes but would allow me to add a class for non-profit management to my degree plan as well. This would help me graduate in a position to always be able to help those in need as much as possible.

My dogs' names are Conner, Murphy, and Bella. They are definitely family to me and have been since the day I adopted each of them from the shelter. Conner and Murphy came into the shelter I was volunteering at together. They are biological brothers and were taken from an abuse case. I did not want them separated so I adopted both. A few months later, Bella came into the shelter with her entire abandoned litter. Home she went to heal up! These three are my best friends and go through everything with me. I couldn't imagine life without them.

My role model in my life has always been my grandmother, Connie Spencer. To all her grandchildren, and many children that felt like her grandchildren, she was known simply as "nan". My nana was a compassionate person who always put others before herself. She taught me the value of giving back, hard work, and cheered me on to follow my dreams. Nan always told stories from her past, which inspired me to not only be a better person but also sparked my love of my now major - history. When my mother and her siblings were growing up, nan and her husband did not have much money. However, they never turned away a hungry child in the neighborhood from staying for dinner. "There were many evenings," my nan told me, "Where I told everyone I was too full for the main course. I would slide the chicken off of my plate to our visitors, and eat my share of vegetables. No one left my table hungry." This display of thoughtfulness inspired me to learn to give back to my own community. I know have a passion for nonprofit charities and volunteering. One of my current volunteer roles is with a non-profit called The Produce Project, which has a mission to provide healthy shares of fresh food to those in need each week. Every time I pack a box, I think of my nan, and smile to myself that I am helping others to never go hungry as well. My nan always told me that life would not be easy - and that it was up to me to make the hard work worth it. She told me how her children were better off than she was at their age, and she dreamed about how far all of her grandchildren would go. Sitting with me as I did homework, she would pour love over every letter I wrote, every book I read, and every math problem I solved. She would always ask me about my future goals and listen to me talk for hours. Her advice was always to do whatever it took to reach those goals, no matter how hard it got. While she required me to try my hardest - and would settle for nothing less - she also taught me that my best was always good enough. Whenever I had good news, Nan was the first person I ran to, knowing she would be my loudest cheerleader. She showed me every day that no accomplishment was too small to celebrate, because everything brought me one step forward in life. She made me realize I was worth those celebrations. One thing I always enjoyed when growing up was listening to my nan tell stories about her children on a farm in West Virginia. While she did not grow up with much money, she grew up surrounded by love. It was always fascinating to me how different life had become in just a few generations. As I grew older, I began to ask more and more questions about my ancestors and daily life in society years before I was born. This sparked a lifetime love of learning about history. My nan may have not lived to see the day I enrolled in college as a history major, but I am certain she always expected it to happen. My role model no longer walks on this earth, but she left behind so many life lessons wrapped up in the type of love only a grandmother can give to her grandchildren. I know that no matter how far in life I go, it is because of the foundation she helped me build as I sat between her feet on the floor of her living room all those years ago. I will meet many inspiring people in my life, but none will ever be quite like my nan. I am grateful I was able to learn so much from her, and now able to live my life in a way that can make her proud.

My role model in my life has always been my grandmother, Connie Spencer. To all her grandchildren, and many children that felt like her grandchildren, she was known simply as "nan". My nana was a compassionate person who always put others before herself. She taught me the value of giving back, hard work, and cheered me on to follow my dreams. Nan always told stories from her past, which inspired me to not only be a better person but also sparked my love of my now major - history. When my mother and her siblings were growing up, nan and her husband did not have much money. However, they never turned away a hungry child in the neighborhood from staying for dinner. "There were many evenings," my nan told me, "Where I told everyone I was too full for the main course. I would slide the chicken off of my plate to our visitors, and eat my share of vegetables. No one left my table hungry." This display of thoughtfulness inspired me to learn to give back to my own community. I know have a passion for nonprofit charities and volunteering. One of my current volunteer roles is with a non-profit called The Produce Project, which has a mission to provide healthy shares of fresh food to those in need each week. Every time I pack a box, I think of my nan, and smile to myself that I am helping others to never go hungry as well. My nan always told me that life would not be easy - and that it was up to me to make the hard work worth it. She told me how her children were better off than she was at their age, and she dreamed about how far all of her grandchildren would go. Sitting with me as I did homework, she would pour love over every letter I wrote, every book I read, and every math problem I solved. She would always ask me about my future goals and listen to me talk for hours. Her advice was always to do whatever it took to reach those goals, no matter how hard it got. While she required me to try my hardest - and would settle for nothing less - she also taught me that my best was always good enough. Whenever I had good news, Nan was the first person I ran to, knowing she would be my loudest cheerleader. She showed me every day that no accomplishment was too small to celebrate, because everything brought me one step forward in life. She made me realize I was worth those celebrations. One thing I always enjoyed when growing up was listening to my nan tell stories about her children on a farm in West Virginia. While she did not grow up with much money, she grew up surrounded by love. It was always fascinating to me how different life had become in just a few generations. As I grew older, I began to ask more and more questions about my ancestors and daily life in society years before I was born. This sparked a lifetime love of learning about history. My nan may have not lived to see the day I enrolled in college as a history major, but I am certain she always expected it to happen. My role model no longer walks on this earth, but she left behind so many life lessons wrapped up in the type of love only a grandmother can give to her grandchildren. I know that no matter how far in life I go, it is because of the foundation she helped me build as I sat between her feet on the floor of her living room all those years ago. I will meet many inspiring people in my life, but none will ever be quite like my nan. I am grateful I was able to learn so much from her, and now able to live my life in a way that can make her proud.

I grew up with Crohn's disease that impacted my ability to eat, and with crippling anxiety issues. My anxiety often manifested into social anxiety, which made it hard to interact with other kids and make new friends. It could be lonely when I was sick, or when I was too scared to venture out to an event. I learned to spend a lot of time with myself, my dogs, and my books. I learned to read for escapism when I was young. I started off with fantasy books but quickly turned to historical fiction. Reading about kings and queens of long ago pulled me out of my pain and into a fanatic story. I could run away in far off lands and dream about court life as if I was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne herself. Eventually, I wanted to know the true stories behind the fiction books I had become obsessed with, so I began to check out non-fiction historical reads from my local library. I realized the search for truth and learning about what really happened in the past was even better than fiction. I started to tie together how every action of humans has led us to our current society. I spent countless time daydreaming about how small changes could have changed the path of human life. Escaping my reality brought me a love of history. I am now a history major with big goals of working in a museum or at a historical site. I want to help children like me to dive into their love of learning. If they forget about a bad day or some pain for a while, the way I have, that will make my goals all the better.

What does being a misfit mean? Is it being different? Unusual? Not fitting in with your peers? I have always been bookish, then add being vegan, and my obsession with the kings and queens of ancient Europe and "misfit" has been written all over me my entire life. I plan to use my veganism to change the world as it is the center of my compassion and drives me to make the world a better place for both animals and humans. In college, I plan to get a certificate in grant writing. This will allow me to help out non-profits even more and help them get the money they need to continue their mission. My love of books and history has set me on the path of my history degree. I am confident I will succeed in working in a museum one day. There, my passion will not make me a misfit but a perfect fit. I will be able to comfort and educate young children that may also be obsessed with the past. I will be around others, constantly, that have the same goals and interests as I do. Being a misfit is never a bad thing. It means you follow your own brain, no one else's. It means you may have to work a little harder to find the tribe of people who celebrate the same things you do, but also means you will appreciate them that much more when you have them. Misfits are the people who think outside of the box, come up with new ideas, challenge the status quo, and make new paths in life. I am proud to be a misfit.

I took a deep breath and clicked on the email. I wanted this job; I needed this job. Is an email good news? What would I do if they did not want me? The page loaded. "We regret to inform you..." and I read all I needed to know. Losing out on an opportunity that you desperately need can be heart-crushing. I spent days, weeks, analyzing my job interviews and thinking about what could have gone wrong. What could I do to get better? What did I need to improve to land the next job? Why did they not want me? Then I asked myself, "Why am I wondering why they do not want me, instead of asking myself if I want them?" If I had gotten the job as manager of a retail store, I would most likely still be there today. It would be a fine job, but it would not align with my interests very much. Instead, I took a hard look at my own goals and decided to follow my passions. Not only will a degree help me in the job market, but it will help me land a career I want, not just one I need. I learned that sometimes when you miss out on something, you truly have to step back and figure out how to make your new path even better. I now focus on the things I want out of life and how to get myself there. I know I do not just want a job, but want to love life every day. Due to that rejection and failure, I changed my goal. I made the goal my own happiness. I enrolled in school and threw my whole self into it. I have joined clubs, societies, and the student senate. I am determined that this new path, this path that truly matters, will not end in a failure. This is my path. This is the path I am creating from the desires of my heart. This is the path I will keep on, no matter how long it takes. I am glad I did not get a job I would not love because when the tears dried, I set out for something even greater.

I am in multiple organizations at my school, such as the Political Science Club, History Club, Sociology Club, and the Student Senate. I am a member of the Society for American Archivists and volunteer with a group called The Produce Project. I am also on the waiting list to volunteer at two local museums once they bring back their volunteers. As a first-generation college student, I do not have a family with college experience to guide me or give the advice needed to reach my goals in life. Seeking out every opportunity I can participate in fills in these gaps and allows me to have experiences outside of the classroom that lead to a more well-rounded education, as well as put me at an advantage for reaching my career goals. I am a history major and would love to work in a museum or at a historic site one day. My activity in the history club will allow me more resources to further my knowledge in the field. Joining the Society for American Archivists has opened up a world of career knowledge for me. The society allows student members to sign up to receive a personal mentorship. This mentor can give me advice on classes to take, filling out my resume, and other opportunities to enrich my experience before applying for jobs. She has already shown me where to apply for volunteer opportunities in the society, which I am excited to check out. The Society for American Archivists also has daily discussions, which I can read to learn more about what is important in the field and the topics people deal with in museum work. Being more familiar will archives will help my application to graduate school, which will help me reach my career goals. I can also participate in meetings, lectures, and continuing education classes through this society and have access to books with information I would not otherwise know how to get easily. My volunteer experience with The Produce Project as the Social Media Manager gives me communication skills that will be valuable when working in a public setting such as a museum or historical site. It also gives me the experience of having a great deal of responsibility with a team counting on me to do my part. Once I am able to begin my volunteer positions at the local History Museum and Art Museum, I will be able to gain real-life work experience in the field. This will look good on my resume, helping me get hired one day and allow me to see what goes into different roles in museums and have a chance to try out different positions. Knowing what type of work I enjoy before I graduate will help me set precise goals to get the exact job I will love. When I was elected to the Student Senate, I knew I could gain leadership skills that would set me down a path to success in graduate school and my future career. The student senate also makes decisions for the school that give me a taste of what it is like to develop ideas to make an organization better. In museum work, it is important to always think of ways to make the establishment more inviting to the public so they want to come and learn with you. My clubs at school such as the Political Science Club, Sociology Club, and History Club, give me a more well-rounded education. I am offered more resources than just in the classroom, as well as different perspectives to consider. As a Historian, it is important to be able to analyze historical figures and the motives behind their actions. Debating and discussing issues in these clubs with students of all different backgrounds gives me a chance to practice that mindset. I can also make deeper connections with the staff members that overlook the clubs, which gives me a mentor relationship to utilize in the future. These professors will know me well enough to offer personalized advice as well as letters of recommendation when I apply for graduate school and, eventually, a job in the field. Higher education is an enriching experience, and each student gets out of it what they put into it. I know I am setting myself up for success by taking advantage of every in-classroom and out-of-classroom opportunities to learn, grow, gain experiences, and get advice from mentors who have been down this road before me. I am excited about my future, and I am grateful I am able to prepare myself for it with many different avenues.

Amazon.com - for most things. They have everything and great reviews! Chewy.com - for all things pets! I have three dogs, and I can find the best supplies here for the best prices. Costco.com - to price match with amazon. Sometimes their deals are actually better. Before shopping, I check: hip2save.com

I am thankful for my best friend, Vanise. We have been friends for so many years, through all of our ups and downs, and she has always been a steady rock in my life that has taught me so much. Vanise has stood by me through the lowest moments of my life, holding my hand and patiently guiding me. When I have anxiety attacks, she sits on the phone with me for hours. She does not judge me. She does not tell me I am silly, or wrong, or overreacting. She listens and is there for me, reassuring me that everything will eventually be okay. Vanise has taught me to trust myself and to be a stronger, more independent woman. Watching her be a single mother, raising her daughter with complicated health issues, has been a great example to me in life. We are each other's sounding boards, and it is amazing to know neither of us will ever have to make a life decision without someone to discuss it with first. Big or small, we will work together to talk about all of our options. When I decided to go to college as a non-traditional older student, Vanise was my biggest cheerleader. She has never wavered in her support and celebrates every small grade I get, and every milestone I pass. Vanise may not be my blood, but she is my family. Teaching me independence, unconditional love, giving me a female role model and support system, and being the image of a responsible, loving mother, has been a remarkable addition to my life. I do not know where I would be without my best friend to fall back on, laugh with, cry with, call in the middle of the night, without having her to cheer me on when I succeed or pick me up when I fall. I will forever be grateful that I will never be alone, no matter what happens in this crazy world. Vanise will always be by my side, holding my hand, and telling me to take the next jump forward.

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/ https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/ https://womenwhomoney.com/

instagram: @vegankiefer "paying off student loans be like..."

I took a deep breath and clicked on the email. I wanted this job; I needed this job. Is an email good news? What would I do if they did not want me? The page loaded. "We regret to inform you..." and I read all I needed to know. Losing out on an opportunity that you desperately need can be heart-crushing. I spent days, weeks, analyzing my job interviews and thinking about what could have gone wrong. What could I do to get better? What did I need to improve to land the next job? Why did they not want me? Then I asked myself, "Why am I wondering why they do not want me, instead of asking myself if I want them?" If I had gotten the job as manager of a retail store, I would most likely still be there today. It would be a fine job, but it would not align with my interests very much. Instead, I took a hard look at my own goals and decided to follow my passions. Not only will a degree help me in the job market, but it will help me land a career I want, not just one I need. I learned that sometimes when you miss out on something, you truly have to step back and figure out how to make your new path even better. I now focus on the things I want out of life and how to get myself there. I know I do not just want a job, but want to love life every day. Due to that rejection and failure, I changed my goal. I made the goal my own happiness. I enrolled in school and threw my whole self into it. I have joined clubs, societies, and the student senate. I am determined that this new path, this path that truly matters, will not end in a failure. This is my path. This is the path I am creating from the desires of my heart. This is the path I will keep on, no matter how long it takes. I am glad I did not get a job I would not love because when the tears dried, I set out for something even greater.

I love to travel, meet new people, see new things, and learn about new cultures. One of my favorite trips I have ever taken was London, where I went to all the museums -- historical art and contemporary art. It was amazing comparing these places to those in the USA. Traveling enriches our studies, broadens our perspective, and teaches us so much about the world. Before going to London, I knew very little about their politics or Brexit. I learned so much from talking to people, going to comedy shows, and viewing current art pieces. Art teaches the viewer about current events and gives an inner look into the artist's mind. There is so much more of the world I would love to see and learn about. I plan to study art history and would love to go to more places and see more cultures to study art in person. I dream of going to Greece, France, Italy, and even Korea, Japan, and India. I want to immerse myself in their cultures, to visit their museums and study their art, to see and learn everything I can. Travel will develop my own artistic mind by giving me new experiences to draw upon and new inspirations worldwide. I will learn about new genres and forms of expression I have not seen here in the USA. Travel will develop myself as a person by learning more about the world and my place in it. When you know nothing else besides where you live, you do not understand the world's issues. Expanding your culture allows you to take ideas back home to better your community and see opportunities around the world where you can contribute. The one barrier to travel is affording the financial burden to do so. With this scholarship, I could afford a trip to expand my cultural knowledge and bring that newfound expertise back home to my current college classes.

Growing up in Baltimore, no one in my family had gone to college. I was not taught the value of education. After high school, I went straight to work. I never thought of school as an option for me, it seemed like something for kids with money, or kids with family support, some other quality I just did not have to make it. My greatest accomplishment was buying a house on my own when I was only twenty-three years old. I had no help, and I lived alone with my four rescue dogs. Buying my house taught me so many things. First, it showed me how responsible I could be for my own life. It did not matter what my family has or has not done; I can pave my own way. I can work hard, save my money, and pay my bills. I can figure out how to fix things when they break and learn how to do small house projects independently. I learned I can be more independent than I ever thought possible. I am capable of achieving the skills I need to complete the goals I have for myself. Regardless of how many people told me I would not be able to afford a house, I made sure I could do it. I never gave up. And most importantly, it gave me a self-confidence I was lacking, the same lack of self-confidence that convinced myself I could not go to college after high school, the same lack of self-confidence that told me I could never do anything different than my family. My new-found confidence slowly grew as I took care of my home and gained more leadership at work. Eventually, it got to a point I was ready to apply for college. I now know I can achieve many things in my future. I will be the first in my family to have a college degree, and I plan to get my master's after I graduate. I would love to continue working with non-profits, as volunteering is a huge passion of mine. One of my goals is to inspire young people that school is an option for them if they want it, and I hope to fund my own scholarship one day to help that happen for them. I plan to have a career I am passionate about instead of just a job to pay my bills. I am studying history and will get a master's degree in public history. One day, when I am working in a museum and look over at a crowd of young children coming in on a school field trip, I will remember myself at that age. I will walk out to greet the class, and I am determined to give them a spark to remember -- a love of learning to take home with them. I am determined to show them how they can reach any goal they set for themselves. Most importantly, I hope to inspire people to learn what I have on my path: sometimes, you do not meet your goals when you think you should, but that does not make them less attainable. That means you readjust your path to get there. A detour is not a final destination. Keep going.

One of the major issues facing my community is hunger. I grew up in a poor area in Baltimore, Maryland, and watched many of my classmates struggle to get enough food. We had free lunch programs, but I knew multiple classmates that would not eat dinner when they got home. Since watching so many children go without, I have always had a passion for feeding those in need and making healthy foods more readily available to everyone. While food banks are absolutely a great necessity, one issue is that many of them have mostly shelf-stable food in stock. These items can be great to fill a pantry, but with food deserts in lower-income urban communities becoming more of a widespread issue, fresh food is lacking. I currently live in Raleigh, North Carolina, and am proud to volunteer with a non-profit organization called The Produce Project. The Produce Project helps get fresh food to families in our community each week. The first way is by selling affordable produce shares. For only $18, a large share of produce can be bought every Wednesday or Thursday. This makes fresh, healthy foods more accessible to those with a tighter budget that may not have been able to buy all of these fruits and vegetables individually. We accomplish this by buying produce in bulk from local sellers at our farmers market. The second way is by donating thousands of pounds of fresh food, for completely free, to our community every week. We do not want anyone to go without healthy food due to their financial situation. The Produce Project partners with churches, food drives, and other nonprofits as well to provide them free fresh food to help their missions of feeding those in need. These partnerships help spread the reach of the charity even further. When people grow up not being able to access fresh food, they are often unaware of what to buy or how to use it. It can become intimidating to get a box full of fresh food when you are inexperienced in preparing it. As the volunteer Social Media Manager for The Produce Project, I reach out to all of our supporters with daily recipe ideas and information on all of the produce in their weekly share. I am also in charge of posting content to help spread the word about our volunteer opportunities. I have made great relationships with local groups and clubs that come out to help volunteer or that post our opportunities to their members. We have in-person volunteer days every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, where we sort produce, gather shares, and deliver to our non-profit partners. We also have produce pickup for our supports who have purchased their shares every Wednesday and Thursday from 3p-8p. I am proud to be apart of a nonprofit organization that works so hard to fight hunger. By offering discounted produce shares to those who can afford it, and completely free donations to those who can not, this charity is not only fighting hungry but spreading healthy eating habits in communities that are too often neglected. I have volunteered in the past at other charities, such as dog rescues, animal shelters, and food banks. One of the biggest challenges for me has been being able to afford to spend more time giving back instead of raising an income for myself. If I won this scholarship, it will help the burden of paying for my next semester in school and allow me to focus my attention on my community more often.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. Eating and drinking were extremely painful, and I had no idea why. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my husband and dogs seemed out of reach. I constantly worried about medical bills, risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. Eventually, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease that had attacked my small intestine to the point of having fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me that I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and that I can face any obstacle put in my way. I remember hiking near Stone Moutain, Georgia, when I had to stop and sit down on a large piece of the rock. The intense pains made it hard to stand, and not having eaten enough made me weak and tired. I was no longer at my peak physical fitness, and I felt as if I had no control over my body any longer. I sat with my husband, and we chatted as our dogs drank water and relaxed in the shade. I knew then that while I may have to make changes to my life to accommodate my pains and illness, I was determined to adjust instead of giving up. My life was still worth living and enjoying, and I would never stop finding ways to do the things I loved with the family I loved. I learned that if I can conquer being sick every day for years with no answers and then go through tests, surgeries, and many treatments to find a way to control my symptoms that there is no physical or mental cliff I can not climb in life. I had endured, and I would continue to endure. Once my Crohn's was stabilized, I looked back over everything I had gone through and still go through on bad days. At my lowest weight, I was being told I could be facing organ failure if I did not get more nutrients and calories. This taught me to appreciate life to the fullest and never let the fear of failure stop me from doing the scariest things in life. So, I decided to quit my job and pursue my dreams of getting a degree in history to work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

Instagram: @vegankiefer Student loan debt is a huge issue in this country. Many young people do not realize how long it will really take them to pay off their loans and how much the interest compounds.

Fitness and health are essential to me. I have an autoimmune disease, so staying as healthy as possible can help control my symptoms and put me in control of my body and life. I stay fit by having an exercise plan a few times a week, which I do at home now. I have apps on my phone and youtube videos I follow. One way to stick to a routine is to experiment with different workouts and switch it up to keep it challenging and fun. Another way I stay fit is just by staying active! I have three dogs, so I am always outdoors. We love to go on walks, hikes, and kayak. Living an active lifestyle helps you stay fit and healthy and can be a great way for people who do not like traditional exercise routines. Staying fit has built my confidence. It has made my body stronger, which shows me I have the ability to reach my goals and do anything I set my mind to do. It has allowed me to feel in control of my body. Having an incurable illness makes me feel so helpless. Doing things I can control, such as eating healthy, exercise, and staying active, allows me to do everything I can to lessen the symptoms' impact and focus on the aspects I can change. It has also taught me the value of hard work and not giving up. I am a tiny person, and when I started going to exercise classes, I was convinced I would never be as strong as anyone else in the class. I had to learn to judge myself only against the person I was the day before, work hard, believe in myself, and keep trying. Staying active also helps relieve my stress and gives me an outlet for anxiety. When I am worried and anxious, I can go for a long hike or a challenge cycle class, and it gives my brain time to relax as my body takes over. Staying fit in healthy is great for all aspects of my life. It keeps me in control of my body, teaches me hard work, gives me goals to achieve and helps my mental health. I am grateful every day I decided to get more fit and healthy and stick to it.

For years I had undiagnosed pain. Eating and drinking were extremely painful, and I had no idea why. I slowly got weaker and weaker as the pounds melted off of my body, and I became incapable of the activity I once enjoyed. The active lifestyle I lived with my husband and dogs seemed out of reach. I worried constantly about medical bills, risks of treatments, and what would happen if I continued to lose weight. Eventually, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease that had attacked my small intestine to the point of having fistulas, blockages, and internal bleeding. I dropped down to 83 pounds, was anemic from lack of nutrients, and was sick every day. Living with Crohn's disease, especially with such an aggressive case, has taught me I can overcome any challenge in life. Through my sickest months, I did not give up. I wanted to be more than my illness, and I did not want it to define my life. It has taught me to work hard and I can face any obstacle put in my way. I remember hiking near Stone Moutain, Georgia, when I had to stop and sit down on a large piece of the rock. The intense pains were making it hard to stand, and not having eaten enough was making me weak and tired. I was no longer at my peak physical fitness, and I felt as if I had no control over my body any longer. I sat with my husband, and we chatted as our dogs drank water and relaxed in the shade. I knew then that while I may have to make changes to my life to accommodate my pains and illness, I was determined to adjust instead of giving up. My life was still worth living and enjoying, and I would never stop finding ways to do the things I loved with the family I loved. I learned that if I can concur being sick every day for years with no answers, and then go through tests, surgeries, and many treatments to find a way to control my symptoms that there is no physical or mental cliff I can not climb in life. I had endured, and I would continue to endure. Once my Crohn's was stabilized, I looked back over everything I had gone through, and still go through on bad days. At my lowest weight, I was being told I could be facing organ failure if I did not get more nutrients and calories. This taught me to appreciate life to the fullest and never let the fear of failure stop me from doing the scariest things in life. So, I decided to quit my job and follow my dreams of getting a degree in history to eventually work in a museum. If I could survive everything my health threw at me, I could do this for myself. Life is unpredictable. Even if someone does everything right -- stays active, eats well, exercises -- life can throw a wrench in the plans. This means we each have to flexible to adjust our plans to our new reality, but it does not mean we need to give up those plans. In fact, being sick gave me an appreciation for every small victory in life that I did not have before my illness. While my journey has been long, hard, and painful, I have come out on top and have gained the confidence to know I will continue to thrive.

One of the major issues facing my community is hunger. I grew up in a poor area in Baltimore, Maryland, and watched many of my classmates struggle to get enough food. We had free lunch programs, but I knew multiple classmates that would not eat dinner when they got home. Since watching so many children go without, I have always had a passion for feeding those in need and making healthy foods more readily available to everyone. While food banks are absolutely a great necessity, one issue is that many of them have mostly shelf-stable food in stock. These items can be great to fill a pantry, but with food deserts in lower-income urban communities becoming more of a widespread issue, fresh food is lacking. I currently live in Raleigh, North Carolina, and am proud to volunteer with a non-profit organization called The Produce Project. The Produce Project helps get fresh food to families in our community each week. The first way is by selling affordable produce shares. For only $18, a large share of produce can be bought every Wednesday or Thursday. This makes fresh, healthy foods more accessible to those with a tighter budget that may not have been able to buy all of these fruits and vegetables individually. We accomplish this by buying produce in bulk from local sellers at our farmers market. The second way is by donating thousands of pounds of fresh food, for completely free, to our community every week. We do not want anyone to go without healthy food due to their financial situation. The Produce Project partners with churches, food drives, and other nonprofits as well to provide them free fresh food to help their missions of feeding those in need. These partnerships help spread the reach of the charity even further. When people grow up not being able to access fresh food, they are often unaware of what to buy or how to use it. It can become intimidating to get a box full of fresh food when you are inexperienced in preparing it. As the volunteer Social Media Manager for The Produce Project, I reach out to all of our supporters with daily recipe ideas and information on all of the produce in their weekly share. I am also in charge of posting content to help spread the word about our volunteer opportunities. I have made great relationships with local groups and clubs that come out to help volunteer or that post our opportunities to their members. We have in-person volunteer days every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, where we sort produce, gather shares, and deliver to our non-profit partners. We also have produce pickup for our supports who have purchased their shares every Wednesday and Thursday from 3p-8p. I am proud to be apart of a nonprofit organization that works so hard to fight hunger. By offering discounted produce shares to those who can afford it, and completely free donations to those who can not, this charity is not only fighting hungry but spreading healthy eating habits in communities that are too often neglected.

I am actually afraid of heights - so this was very bold! Stepping into that basket was one of the scariest things I had ever done. I looked around at our pilot, my husband, the basket holding us, and the flame that would raise us up. I thought they were all insane to think this basket could float us safely up into the sky. Once I was up there, I was so glad I conquered my fear to have such an amazing experience. If I let my fear of the unknown take over, I would have really missed out.

Our dogs are our family, so they are in our Christmas card photos every year. One photo with the whole family (human and dog) and then one photo with just the dogs! From left to right: Conner, Murphy, and Bella. Three of the stockings behind them are theirs and filled with goodies for Christmas morning. Conner and Murphy are biological brothers and came into the shelter together. While Bella is their younger big sister - she has no idea she is any larger than them! Dogs are absolutely family and need to be treated as such, always. Instagram: @vegankiefer

While not a single mother myself, my word views have been changed by one that is an important member of my life: my older sister. Growing up, neither of us had a close relationship with our parents who were very vaguely involved in their children's lives. However, I always had my older sister to rely on and count on, she was always a second mother to me, always looking out for me. When my sister was 21, she became a single mom to my nephew. I watched her priorities change, her juggle work and a baby, and saw her grow up overnight. Her hard work was an inspiration to me. When I was a teenager, I would usually leave work and head to my sister's house to watch my nephew when she went to her job. As I held him and watched her kiss him goodbye, I realized if she could do it all while raising a child on her own, I could reach my goals with less on my own plate. Helping out with my nephew taught me responsibility and love at a young age. I wanted, and still want, to be a good role model for him. If I could help keep this tiny life alive, teach him about the world, and later help tutor him in his studies -- then I could go back to school myself, as well. My goal is to get a Bachelor's Degree in History, with a minor in Sociology. I will also graduate with two certificates: Women's & Gender Studies as well as Grant Writing. For my future, I am planning to seek out work in a museum or historical site. I would love to be involved in community outreach, and help children like my nephew learn to enjoy learning while on school trips or a family outing. I would love to help single mothers, like my sister, find more affordable ways in their community to add enrichment to their children's lives. I would also like to use my certificate in Grant Writing to help my community and nonprofits. I have a passion for helping people, giving back, and volunteering. Right now I am volunteering with a local nonprofit called The Produce Project, here in Raleigh, NC. We sell shares of produce every week to those who can afford to buy them. However, our main mission is the fact that we donate 1000s of pounds of fresh produce every week to people in need. Many of those families are single moms who are just trying to be able to help their children have healthy eating habits. Winning this scholarship would help keep me on track for my goals. I want to show my nephew that anyone can succeed in life, and if you try hard, you do not need to go into debt to open up opportunities in life. I want to make sure I can afford to stay in school full time to graduate on time, and any financial assistance I can receive will help me do that. While I am not a single mother, my journey has been paved by the one I will follow throughout my life, as I hold a constant hand out for her son. The best thing a single mother can have in her life is a community surrounding her, and I have gained so much more from being part of her community than she has from my help. I am proud to be able to set an example for my nephew with my school, goals, and accomplishments. This one is for him.