Softball has been more than just a sport for me—it has been a foundation for personal growth, resilience, and leadership. From the moment I first stepped onto the field, I felt a sense of purpose and belonging that I hadn’t found elsewhere. The game has taught me discipline, teamwork, and the value of hard work, and it has been a place where I could challenge myself while building lifelong friendships. Playing softball has helped me develop confidence in ways that extend beyond the field. I’ve learned how to handle pressure, both in games and in life, by trusting my preparation and staying focused in the moment. Every practice and match has reinforced that improvement comes from persistence, dedication, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. These lessons have shaped how I approach academics, personal challenges, and relationships, reminding me that success is earned through effort and resilience. Currently, I am an active member of my school’s softball team, where I play shortstop. Over the past season, I have worked not only to refine my own skills but also to support my teammates and build a positive, inclusive team culture. I mentor younger players, encourage my teammates during difficult games, and help maintain a spirit of respect and sportsmanship. These experiences have taught me that leadership is not just about performing well individually—it’s about lifting others up and helping the entire team succeed. Softball has also allowed me to give back to my community. I have participated in clinics and youth programs where I help younger players develop their skills and confidence. Teaching others has given me perspective, patience, and a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of mentorship. Seeing the excitement on a young athlete’s face when they master a new skill reminds me why softball is so much more than a game—it’s a tool for growth, connection, and empowerment. Looking ahead, I aspire to continue playing softball at the collegiate level. My goal is not only to compete at a higher level but also to continue developing leadership skills that I can bring to my team and community. I want to use my experience in softball to inspire others, demonstrating that dedication, teamwork, and a positive attitude can overcome obstacles both on and off the field. Softball has shaped me into a more confident, resilient, and empathetic person. It has taught me the value of discipline, the importance of teamwork, and the impact of mentorship. The sport has given me more than skills—it has given me purpose, a sense of belonging, and the drive to continue challenging myself and helping others along the way. Through softball, I have learned that success is measured not only by wins but by growth, connection, and the positive influence we can have on those around us.

The activities I’m involved in aren’t just things I do after school—they’re the places where I’ve discovered who I am and what I care about most. My involvement in Capernaum and Not On Our Watch (NOOW) has taught me the importance of compassion, inclusion, and advocacy, and both have shaped my sense of purpose in profound ways. Through Capernaum, a branch of Young Life that serves individuals with disabilities, I’ve learned that community is built on love and acceptance. When I first joined, I wanted to help others feel included, but I quickly realized that I was the one being changed. Spending time with my Capernaum friends—sharing meals, playing games, and laughing together—has shown me that joy comes from connection, not perfection. Each person brings something unique and beautiful to our group, and I’ve learned how powerful it is to make others feel seen and valued. Capernaum has also deepened my understanding of empathy and service. It’s taught me that inclusion isn’t about giving people a seat at the table—it’s about making sure their voices are heard and celebrated once they’re there. Every event reminds me that kindness and patience can create real change. I’ve seen it in the smiles of friends who finally feel accepted for who they are, and that’s what keeps me coming back week after week. My passion for mental health and inclusion also inspired me to start Not On Our Watch (NOOW), a mental health club at my high school. After struggling with my own mental health, I wanted to create a space where others felt safe to be honest about what they were going through. NOOW’s mission is simple but powerful: to remind students that no one should ever feel alone. We host awareness events, share resources, and lead discussions about stress, anxiety, depression, and social pressure. One of our biggest focuses is helping students navigate bullying and online safety. Social media can be both a comfort and a danger—it connects people, but it can also amplify negativity. Through NOOW, we educate students about empathy online, the impact of words, and how to respond when someone is being cyberbullied. We’ve worked closely with counselors to ensure students know where to turn for help and that kindness is always our first line of defense. Both Capernaum and NOOW have shown me the importance of using my voice for good. They’ve given me leadership opportunities that taught me to listen before speaking, to lead with compassion, and to believe that small actions can create big change. I’ve seen firsthand how inclusion and kindness can transform a community—from a single friendship to a school-wide culture shift. These activities have not only shaped who I am but also what I want to do in the future. I hope to pursue a career in a field that allows me to continue advocating for others, such as occupational therapy or mental health counseling. My experiences have taught me that purpose isn’t found in perfection—it’s found in serving others with heart. I’m passionate about these activities because they’ve shown me that compassion can ripple outward, creating hope where it’s needed most. Through Capernaum and NOOW, I’ve learned that when we choose kindness, inclusion, and empathy, we’re not just changing lives—we’re building stronger, safer communities for everyone.

Community has always been at the heart of who I am. I’ve grown up believing that kindness, inclusion, and empathy can change lives—and that even small acts of compassion can make a big impact. My involvement in both Capernaum and Not On Our Watch (NOOW) has given me the chance to live out those values, helping me grow as a leader, advocate, and friend to those who need it most. Capernaum, a branch of Young Life that serves individuals with disabilities, has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life. Through Capernaum, I’ve had the privilege of forming relationships with people who experience the world differently but radiate more joy and authenticity than anyone I’ve ever met. Spending time with them—whether at meetings, events, or camp—has taught me that love and patience are powerful languages that everyone understands. I’ve learned that inclusion isn’t just about inviting someone to the table; it’s about making sure they feel seen, heard, and valued once they’re there. Capernaum has shaped how I view service—it’s not about checking a box or earning hours, but about building genuine relationships rooted in compassion and respect. The laughter, the shared moments, and the lessons I’ve learned from my Capernaum friends have changed me. They’ve shown me what resilience looks like and reminded me that kindness doesn’t require perfection, only presence. Those lessons also inspired me to create Not On Our Watch (NOOW), a mental health club at my high school dedicated to promoting awareness, kindness, and safety—both in person and online. After facing my own mental health struggles, I wanted to make sure no one else ever felt alone the way I once did. NOOW focuses on creating safe spaces where students can open up about their challenges without fear of judgment. We hold events, share resources, and lead campaigns about online safety, digital responsibility, and supporting peers who may be struggling with bullying or mental health issues. One of the most important parts of NOOW’s mission is protecting youth from in-person and online bullying. We teach students how to identify harmful behavior, how to respond safely, and how to support someone being targeted. In today’s world, where so much of our connection happens online, it’s easy for words to cause harm. Through NOOW, I’ve led conversations about empathy and accountability—helping students realize that what we post, comment, or share can have lasting effects. We encourage kindness as a daily habit, not just an idea. I’ve also partnered with school counselors to provide students with resources if they experience cyberbullying or emotional distress, ensuring that help is always available. Beyond school, I try to lead by example. Whether it’s standing up for someone being excluded, checking in on a friend, or volunteering my time with organizations that promote inclusivity, I’ve learned that keeping youth safe starts with showing them they matter. I want to be the kind of person who makes others feel supported and capable of being themselves. My goal is to study a field that allows me to continue advocating for others—whether through psychology, occupational therapy, or community health—so I can keep making a difference in people’s lives. Community involvement has shaped my identity, given me purpose, and taught me the power of compassion. Through Capernaum, I’ve learned the beauty of inclusion. Through NOOW, I’ve learned how to turn empathy into action. And through both, I’ve discovered that keeping others safe—physically, emotionally, and digitally—isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a calling.

Sports have always been more than just a game to me—they’ve been a source of strength, confidence, and belonging. Growing up with challenges related to my disability, I often felt like I had to work harder than everyone else just to keep up. There were moments when I doubted myself, when my body didn’t cooperate, or when I felt like I didn’t fit in. But sports gave me something I couldn’t find anywhere else: a place where I could prove to myself that I was capable of more than I ever imagined. My challenges have shaped me into someone who doesn’t give up easily. Living with a disability has forced me to be adaptable and creative, to find new ways to reach goals that others might take for granted. It has also given me empathy—a deeper understanding of what it feels like to struggle and still keep going. I’ve learned to advocate for myself and for others, and to celebrate the small victories that often go unnoticed. Sports also opened the door to something much bigger than competition: the opportunity to help others. Through my involvement with Morgan’s Message, I’ve become an advocate for mental health awareness among student-athletes. The organization’s mission—to end the stigma surrounding mental health—deeply resonated with me. I know what it feels like to seem strong on the outside while struggling internally, and I wanted to use my voice to create change. Through Morgan’s Message, I’ve helped organize events and lead conversations that encourage athletes to speak openly about mental health. I’ve seen how powerful it can be when someone realizes they aren’t alone in what they’re feeling. Inspired by that impact, I started Not On Our Watch (NOOW), a mental health club at my school focused on awareness, support, and kindness. I founded NOOW because I never wanted anyone else to feel unseen or like their struggles didn’t matter. We’ve created a safe community where students can talk, share, and heal together—and seeing that growth has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life. In the classroom, sports have influenced how I approach challenges. I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from talent alone—it comes from discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. When I face setbacks academically or personally, I approach them the same way I do on the field: by pushing forward, learning, and not giving up. Looking ahead, I want to continue combining my love for sports with my passion for helping others. I plan to pursue a career in a field like occupational therapy or sports psychology, where I can support people in overcoming their own physical and mental challenges. I want to remind others—especially those living with disabilities—that their struggles don’t limit them; they prepare them to rise stronger. This scholarship would help me continue that journey. It would allow me to further my education, strengthen my advocacy, and continue proving that there truly are no limits to what’s possible. Sports have taught me that courage isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up every time you do. They’ve shown me that strength comes from persistence, compassion, and the willingness to keep showing up, no matter what. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has shaped me into someone who believes in possibility, who leads with empathy, and who knows that with heart and determination, there are no limits to what I can achieve.