The adversity I have faced has shaped who I am today, but service is what drives me every day. From the moment I first stepped onto a field as a kid, sports became more than just a pastime; it became my escape, my motivation, and it taught me my first lesson in resilience. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges that many of my peers may have never encountered. My upbringing wasn't easy, but it instilled in me a work ethic and sense of purpose that continues to fuel me every day. I am a proud student at California State University, San Bernardino, working towards a career as a physical therapist, a profession that perfectly combines my passion for movement recovery and giving back to others. Having played sports throughout my life taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. More importantly, it showed me the power of physical health in overcoming mental and emotional barriers. When I got injured during my football season in high school, it was the physical therapist and trainers who helped me not just heal my body, but also regain my confidence. That experience planted the seed for my career goal: to become a physical therapist who not only rehabilitates injuries but also restores hope. Now, my passion for physical therapy stems from that personal experience and my deep desire to give back. After sustaining my football injury in high school, I had to go through physical therapy myself and witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact it can have, not just on my body, but on my confidence and outlook. Having those experiences made me realize that I want to be the source of healing and hope for others, particularly in communities that often face barriers to quality healthcare. I believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, knowledgeable care regardless of their background. Beyond my academic goals, I love to give back to my community. Whether that be volunteering at local events or supporting youth sports programs, I find fulfillment in serving others. My dream is to ultimately work with sports teams as a physical therapist, while also offering affordable care and educational workshops in underrepresented neighborhoods. I want to inspire the next generation to believe in their ability to heal, grow, and succeed, no matter where they come from. With all that being said, pursuing higher education comes with financial challenges. As a full-time student working towards a career in Kinesiology, I often juggle school and part-time work to make ends meet. A scholarship would make a meaningful difference by easing the burden of tuition and allowing me to focus fully on my studies, clinical hours, and community involvement. It helps me reach my goal of becoming a physical therapist, but also empowers me to pay it forward to those would not only who need it most. This journey isn't just about me, it's about every person who has ever been told they can't rise above the circumstances they are in. I'm here to prove that they can. With the help of this scholarship, I will continue pushing forward, not just for myself, but for the communities I aim to serve.

What had started as a painful sports injury became the moment that introduced me to the healing capability of physical therapy, which sparked my passion that's grown ever since. As a high school athlete, I prided myself on pushing my body to its limits, never giving much thought to what would happen if it just shut down. That all changed when I suffered a major knee injury during football practice. In a split second, I went from sprinting across the field to struggling to walk without pain. It was an extremely frustrating and humbling experience, but also a life-changing one. Throughout my recovery, I worked closely with a physical therapist who not only helped me physically but also lifted my spirits when I felt defeated. Not only did he treat my injury, he treated me like a person, someone with goals, fears, and the drive to improve my health. I started to look forward to each session, not just because I was making the progress I wanted, but because I saw how deeply this career impacts people's lives. Having that experience lit a spark in me. At that moment, I realized that I wanted to do for others what had been done to me. What inspires me the most about physical therapy is its unique combination of science, service, and human connection. It's not just about understanding the mechanics of the body, it's about guiding people through some of their toughest challenges and guide people through some of their toughest challenges and helping them find their strength that they may have lost. I'm driven by the opportunity to support individuals of all ages and of all backgrounds, whether it's an athlete returning to the field, an elderly person trying to regain their mobility, or a child learning to move with confidence. Since that injury, I've immersed myself in learning about the field. I've shadowed a physical therapist, volunteered in clinics, and taken coursework in anatomy and kinesiology to help build a solid foundation. Having each experience has deepened my appreciation for the profession and confirmed that I'm on the right path. I've learned that PTs must be patient, adaptable, and constantly compassionate. These are all qualities I've worked hard to develop in myself. I'm pursuing this career not just because of my own personal journey, but because I truly believe in the transfromative power physical therapy can have on an individual. I want to be part of a profession that restores hope, improves lives, and reminds people of what their bodies are capable of. Receiving this scholarship would help me take that next step in that journey with furthering my education, gaining hands-on experience, and ultimately becoming a physical therapist myself who uplifts others the way mine once uplifted me.

I have realized that I carry two generations of sacrifice on my back and a future of opportunity in my hands. As a first-generation Mexican American college student, I am not only earning a degree, but I am fulfilling the dreams of my parents, honoring the resilience of my culture, and paving the way for generations to come. My passion for becoming a college graduate stems from the sacrifices made by my family, the pride I have in my heritage, and the belief that education is the key to breaking generational barriers. My grandparents came to this country with little more than hope and determination. They worked long hours in physically demanding jobs that are often unseen, unheard, and underappreciated, to provide my parents and me with a shot at something better. My parents had to live through the hardships of my grandparents, but that is what taught them valuable lessons to persevere through adversity. College wasn't an option for my parents as they worked constantly throughout their youth. They had to grow up fast and survive just to help their parents. Hearing of these struggles, but they never quit, taught me the value of hard work, humility, and perseverance. Every time I step into a classroom, I remember that I'm there because they gave everything they had for me to get there. Being Mexican American means being rooted in a culture that values family, community, and strength through adversity. It means understanding that every achievement is bigger than just me; it's about showing my younger siblings, cousins, and nephews that we can succeed in spaces where we've historically been underrepresented. I've seen how a lack of role models or guidance discourages so many first-gen students from pursuing higher education. I want to change that. I want to be an example that I didn't always have. College is not just a personal goal; it's a responsibility. I am passionate about earning my degree because I know what it means for my family's future. It means financial stability, opening doors that were closed to my parents, and helping my community rise with me. I plan to use my education to give back, whether through mentoring students like me, working in underserved communities, or building programs that support minority students in school and beyond. Although the journey hasn't been easy. I've had to navigate the college process alone and juggle work with school to help at home. But those challenges haven't discouraged me; they've only fueled me. They've reminded me why I'm doing this and who I am doing it for. Being a first-generation, Mexican American college student is more than a label; it's my identity, my motivation, and my mission. I will carry that with pride every step of the way.

You never really know what someone is going through until it's too late. That is a phrase that I have heard countless times after a tragedy caused by untreated mental health struggles. One global health issue I am deeply passionate about is mental health, especially among the youth and young adults. While the world has made strides in physical healthcare, mental health remains stigmatized, misunderstood, and under-prioritized. I care deeply about this issue because I've seen firsthand how mental health struggles can silently affect the lives of friends, family, and even myself. Mental health doesn't discriminate by age, race, gender, or income; it is a silent challenge that millions face daily, and it's time that we treat it with the urgency and attention it deserves. Growing up, I witnessed people close to me struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma without ever speaking up about it. In many communities, especially within minority and low-income ones, seeking help is often seen as a weakness and shame. Instead of receiving the support, people are usually told to "tough it out," "pray it away," or "just get over it." These harmful messages keep individuals suffering in silence, sometimes with tragic consequences. I believe this silence is what makes mental health one of the most dangerous public health issues of our time. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the events intensified this crisis. Isolation, grief, and uncertainty pushed millions into mental health struggles, and yet access to support remained limited due to constraints. I ran into a source by the World Health Organization, and according to the site, depression is now one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and suicide is a top cause of death among adolescents. These aren't just statistics to me, but they represent real people who needed help and couldn't get it in time. What inspires me the most is the possibility of change. I've seen how open conversations, education, and access to resources can truly save lives. When someone realizes they're not alone, that it's okay to ask for help, and that treatment is available, it can spark a transformation. I want to be a part of creating that spark. My goal is to pursue a career in healthcare or public health, where I can advocate for accessible mental health resources, especially for underserved populations. My vision is creating programs in schools, communities, and workplaces that promote early mental health education and normalize seeking therapy or support. I believe we need more culturally competent providers, more mental health awareness campaigns, and stronger policies to protect people in this crisis. Mental Health truly matters, just as much as heart disease or cancer. Until we treat it that way, too many lives will continue to suffer in silence.

The first time I witnessed a family holding a patient's hand as they cried, is when I realized that healthcare wasn't just a career, but it was a calling. That moment, was simple but profound, it changed everything for me. Being in a healthcare setting has shown me more depth of human vulnerability and the incredible impacts small acts of care can have on people. It's what inspired me to pursue this path and what continues to fuel my commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. My first hands on experience came as a volunteer in a local hospitable during high school. I assisted staff with patient check-ins, transported visitors, and brought comfort items to those in recovery. More than any task, that truly stayed with me were the stories, patients who were scared and alone, families who were uncertain, and nurses who worked tirelessly with empathy and strength. I had learned that healthcare isn't just about medicine, but it's about people helping people during their most difficult moments. Most recently, I've had the opportunity to work as a medical assistant in a clinic that primarily serves undeserved communities. I've seen firsthand how poverty, language barriers, and lack of access to to care can create enormous health disparities. I have also seen how compassionate, culturally care can truly change someone's outlook and sometimes their life. Either that be helping a patient understand their diagnosis, translating for a family in need, or just simply offering an open ear, I knew I was doing something meaningful. What inspired me to get involved in healthcare was the desire to serve and help others. What has driven me now is the understanding that healthcare is a powerful tool for healing and equity. I plan to work in the medical field in the future which I am still evaluating my choices, but I want to focus on improving access to care for marginalized populations. I one day hope to work in community health settings and eventually help develop outreach programs that focus on prevention, education, and early intervention. On to of all of that I plan to advocate for health equity. I want to use my voice to support policies that address systemic barriers and promote person centered care. Healthcare every year is evolving and I want to be a part of a new generation of professionals who lead with knowledge and heart. With every patient I have met, I have seen not just a chart or condition, but a human being. Having that understanding has shaped my purpose. I believe with the right education and support, I am ready to grow into the kind of healthcare professional who makes a lasting impression, meaningful change for everyone, one person at a time.

I believe that Education is not just power, but the opportunity for prevention. Having that belief fuels my passion to not only pursue a higher education, but to use it as a tool to break the endless cycle of intimate partner violence. When it comes to intimate partner violence, it often thrives from silence, shame, and lack of awareness. Through education, we can breakdown the myths that have normalized abuse, empower survivors, and give the future generation the knowledge and tools to create safe and healthy relationships. I have witnessed from firsthand how the absence of education and resources can trap individuals within abusive relationships. Having has these experiences, it has shaped my desire to be a voice for those who feel unheard and unseen. Education can play a powerful role in intimate partner violence prevents and not just in classrooms but in community workshops, social media campaigns, and school based programs. When we go out and teach young people how to look out for red flags, set boundaries, and understand consent, we lay the foundation for a much more respectful and empathetic society. I am currently pursuing a degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science. My long term goal is to become a Physical Therapist who specializes in recovery, rehabilitation, and assisted movements. I want to partner with schools and non profit organizations to provide educational programs that really focus on healthy relationships, emotional regulation, and helping individuals break generational cycles of abuse. Academics aside, my personal experience is what drives me the most. I understand the feeling what it feels to be like when your voice feels small, and all your choices feel limited. That's why I am determined to help others realize that they are never alone and that healing is possible. My story gives me empathy, and my educations will give me the tools to possible turn that empathy have into effective support! This topic of Intimate Partner Violence is not just a personal issue, it's a public health crisis. Education is the most sustainable solution we have. Through continued learning, advocacy, and diet services, I plan to stand for health and education, working to empower individuals and change our culture toward compassions, safety, and respect. This issue does not need to be a life long sentence for people suffering from it. With testimonies and help from survivors, we can break those generational cycles. We could build communities of love and respect for the present and for many generations later down the road.

When it comes to golf it has been more than a sport to me, but it has been more of a foundation for my personal growth, discipline, and perseverance. I had first picked up a club at around the age of 10/11 years of age, without realizing that this game would shape my overall mindset, character, and life goals. As the years have gone by, golf has taught me patience, mental toughness, and the importance of staying focused even when things do go as I plan them to go. Unlike other team sports, golf really places full responsibility on the person individually, and the having that pressure has pushed me to mature both on and off the course. Through all of the countless hours of practice, early morning tournaments, and the tough losses, I've learned how to bounce back from the minor setbacks and remain composed when I am under pressure.These lessons have carried over into my academics, relationships, and even my leadership roles in school. Golf has introduced me to a large community of coaches, teammates, and mentors who supported me and inspired me to keep growing. As I look ahead, I plan to continue playing golf at the collegiate level. Being a part of college team I believe will allow me to continue challenging myself, competing at a higher level, and represent my school with pride. I have taken time off from golf in my first year to prioritize school, but I believe my time is ready! Now although I won't be pursuing a golf-specific major, I am studying Kinesiology in Exercise Science which I can combine with the sport to understand my body and the science behind everything I do in the sport to keep myself healthy to compete. I want to stay connected to the golf industry and help grow the game by possibly working behind the scenes and helping golfers with their health as well. Golf without a doubt has been an anchor in my life, which is something I've turned to in times of joy, stress, and uncertainty. It's helped me build confidence and character, and I know it will remain part of who I am, either that be in college or beyond.

Having the autism diagnosis was not just a moment of clarity, it was a turning point that truly redefined how I had understood myself and how I would go on to approach the world. Before the diagnosis, it felt like I was always falling behind and had the feeling of being "different", which is something I still can't explain. Having Social interactions were confusing, overwhelming, and hard for me to express what I was thinking or feeling in the moment. I tried my hardest to keep up , but it often felt like I was left out the picture of everything. Before the diagnosis, I had a hard time with things that should've been easy to navigate with, which were social cues, changes in routine, group projects, and noisy environments. Multiple times I felt as though I was falling behind, not because I had lacked the ability, but the classroom's structure didn't match the way I learned. I often misunderstood my peers and at times my teachers. This would lead to a lot of frustration, anxiety, and moments where I would questions my intelligence and worth. After the diagnosis, a lot of things began to make sense. I started to realize my brain just works differently, which is being more detail focused, pattern based, and taking things more literal. Having that knowledge, I start pushing myself in school. I began to use resources that would help me like extended time, quite test environments, and written instructions that would help my learning style. These slight changes had a big impact. I started to see a better performance academically, not because the work was easier, but because all the resources to help me do better were accessible. When it comes to Education, autism has pushed me to find new ways to stay organized and work through my social anxiety. It really has helped me develop greater self awareness and resilience. I've learned how to speak up when I am in need of support and to adapt to challenging situations without losing myself throughout the process. I've also found many strengths I didn't notice before with my deposit focus, strong memory, and my unique way of problems solving. When I am outside of the classroom, the diagnosis has made me super empathetic towards others who feel different or misunderstood. I want to use my experiences to help, support, and inspire other that have gone through the same things I have. Autism has not made life easy, but it has made it clearer. I now have the voice to understand my struggles and the confidence to pursue my goals. This journey with autism has shaped not how I learn, but the person I am becoming. I has influenced my educational path by giving me constant reminders that success isn't the same for everyone and that is fine with me. What matters is showing up, pushing forward, and embracing who you are.

My journey with my mental health has been one of the most important aspects of my personal growth. What had first started off as a silent struggle became a powerful force that has reshaped my beliefs, deepened my relationships, and has clarified my career path. Throughout my life I have health with anxiety and depression that forced me to face parts of myself I tried to ignore, but ultimately it taught me to lead with compassions and purpose. Growing up, I thought mental strength meant have to silence my emotions and staying in control of them. I viewed my anxiety as something I had to push through, and depression I needed to hide. Having this mindset left me isolated, ashamed, and disconnected from not only others but from myself. Over time, the pressure to seem "fine" really broke me down. I reached a point where I could no longer ignore the signs and went out to look for help. This decision changed everything for me. Having gone through therapy it has taught me that my vulnerability isn't a weakness, but it's courage. It helped me reframe how I see myself and others. I started opening up to the people close to me, and instead of rejection, I was met with understanding and support. That experience strengthened my relationships in ways I had never expected. I also made me a better listener, become more emotionally available, and more present with the people I care about. I learned tat many of us are quietly fighting our own battles, and just a little bit of compassion can go a long way. Having had these experiences have had a profound impact on my career aspirations. I want to be someone someone can come to with their mental health problems and aim for the youth and the young adults who may be silencing their mental health. I want to be the kind of support I once needed, someone who listens without judgment, validates emotions, and helps others build the tools to manage and grow their challenges. I am passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and creating spaces where people can feel seen, heard, and safe. My experience with mental health hasn't been easy, but is has given me a sense of direction and a desire to help others. I believe the struggles I faced can be transformed into something meaningful, but not just for me, but for those I hope to help in the future. This scholarship would help me continue my education and move one step closer to turning that purpose into something more.

Sports has always been apart of my life and has always been more than a game to me, it's truly been life changing when it comes to building up my character, discipline, and resilience. Either that started off to my first sport on the baseball field to the football turf or the Jiu Jitsu mat, each sport has taught me unique lessons that have helped define who I am today and the man I hope to become. Baseball was the first sport that I first experienced the test of patience and precision. Either it was when I stepped up in the batters box or walked out to the infield, I learned that often comes from consistency, not just talent! It taught me that hard work beats talent. I remember I had a slump when I kept striking out consistently and felt like I was letting everyone around me down! I felt like I wasn't good enough! My coach at the time, a mentor who believed in me even when I doubted myself, reminded me that failure is just part of the game and what we experience in life. See sports like this have been more than just games for me! They have been a classroom where I can learn from teachers! Yes, there is a sense of competition, but through those experiences it has given me a new perspective on life and how to approach each obstacle I may face. Now football has taught me so much! I have valued teamwork, brotherhood, and grit. It was a game of accountability and responsibility, which I can remember so vividly every morning waking up at 5 am to practice under the heat, but no matter how hard it got we pushed through it as a team and motivated each other to keep going! We learned not to give up with the times got hard! Putting your body on the line for the team, fighting through adversity, and learning to lead by example when things weren't going our way. These lessons I apply today by keeping myself disciplined, making sure to communicate, and remain hard working. Those practices and lessons have honestly made me stronger mentally and physically, which I apply those qualities now in everything I do. From my academics to everything I am chose to involve myself in. Jiu Jitsu is something I took on in life after my high school days and it did help me exponentially! I was 19 years old when I joined and was overweight, depressed, and insecure! Even after all of that Jiu Jitsu restricted my confidence and help me focus on the good things about myself rather than the bad! It made me understand that in this world not everyone will be there to help you, sometimes it will be you vs everyone else! It taught me how to maintain calm in stressful situations and think critically in the moment! Even though we fight and have matches with opponents, respect was a key factor through it all. Respecting the opponents hard work and their craft was commendable! I do the same now with the people around me in their workspace and at my university. As I look to the future I hope to apply these lessons in the profession I am looking for to make an impact. To help other over come obstacles like I have. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my journey. It would support not only my education but the mission I've set for myself, which is to use the lessons I've learned in sports and uplift other to chase excellence!

My name is Christian Sifuentes, and I am a dedicated college student with a strong interest in the health, fitness, and physical therapy field. Throughout my academic journey, I've learned that success is not only about personal achievements but it's also about how we use our knowledge and experiences to uplift those around us. My end goal is to use the skills that I acquire to serve and uplift many communities, especially those that are often overlooked or underprivileged. As I grew up, I was a witness to many people in my community struggling to prevent health issues that were preventable due to the little to no access to education and resources needed. Having experienced these situations it has inspired me to pursue a career that is a mixture of science and compassion. Since I was a kid I have always been drawn to helping others regain their strength and confidence, whether it be physically or emotionally. My interest in physical therapy comes from my passion. I truly believe that our movement isn't just a function of the body, but it also reflects our freedom, healing, and hope for a better life. As it currently stands, I'm working hard to gain foundational knowledge and practical experience that is necessary to become a professional physical therapist. I plan on specializing in rehabilitation for individuals who are recovering from injuries, surgeries, or any chronic conditions. With the opportunities of internships, volunteer opportunities, and continuous learning, I aim to develop the proper expertise needed to support people in restoring their physical health and improving their overall quality of life. Outside of the clinic space, I truly was to advocate for preventive health care and fitness education. My hope is to one day help build up a wellness program that will offer affordable or free resources to our youth and low-income families, so that it will teach them the importance of remaining active, eating well, and listening to their bodies. I believe in promoting health literacy and accessibility, I hope to reduce disparities and help build healthier communities from the bottom to the top. What drives me the most is my deep sense of empathy. I believe that true impact comes not just from the knowledge you have, but from listening to people's stories, understanding what they go through, and meeting them where they are. I try my best to lead with kindness, interest, and integrity in everything I participate in. I aim for this leadership whether I'm helping someone with a workout plan, tutoring a classmate, or simply encouraging a friend, I always strive to leave the people around me feeling better than they were before. In conclusion, my goal is straightforward: to make a lasting, positive difference in people's lives. Whether that comes in the form of helping someone walk again, educating the youth about healthy living, or just simply showing up when someone needs my support, I want to be that source of strength and encouragement. With the help of my education and my work toward a future career in physical therapy, I plan to turn this goal into reality. All it takes is one person, all it takes is one step, and all it takes is one impact at a time.

Growing up in an Hispanic household I can say that it has shaped the way I view the world. My families values, their traditions, and experiences have instilled a deep appreciation for the resilience, community, and cultural identity of my people. As long as I can remember, I learned that family is the foundation of everything! Either that was preparing dinner, celebrating the holidays with distant relatives, or just being there for each other through tough times, my family has always made it a point that being together always makes us stronger. Learning this has heavily influenced the way value relationships, making me more empathetic and of the bonds I am able to build with others. One significant way my Hispanic background has influenced me and shaped who I am today is through the value of hard work. Growing up in Blythe, CA my family have faced challenges, my grandparents having a hard time immigrating to another country, working in the fields to provide for their families, and having to overcome societal barriers. When it comes to my parents I have seen firsthand the hard work they learned from their parents. I have seen the sacrifices they made to make future generations do better than they ever could. This resilience has inspired me to approach life with a lot of determination and gratitude. I grew up playing sports and something my dad would always tell me before a game was that success is not given, but it is earned through hard work and dedication. Having this mindset has pushed me in school, in my personal growth, and staying the course to my goals even when I face obstacles. I would like to add, my cultural background has given me a great perspective on diversity and inclusion. Growing up with a lot of my relatives speaking Spanish and being bilingual, I noticed how it can be a bridge and a barrier. Seeing my grandparents struggle with everyday activities with their english helped me understand the value of patience and respect for those trying their hardest to speak a different language. I take pride with my family speaking Spanish, although I know some of it! I take pride of what I know. I like to connect to my roots and take the chance to communicate with the older generations within my family. My Hispanic heritage has influenced the way I view the world through the way I value hospitality and generosity. Within my family and the culture of Hispanics, it is an unspoken rule that when someone comes into your home, you offer them food and make them feel at home. Even when life is hard and you may not have much, being generous is within our blood. Having this mindset has influenced the way I treat people, as I truly believe kindness and generosity should always be shared regardless of where you are in life. It’s always the small gestures like offering a meal or offering a hand could make a huge difference in someone’s life. Additionally, my cultural background has taught me the importance of resilience when facing adversity. My family has encountered struggle, but they never allowed those hardships to shape who they are today or define us. Instead, as a family we have used those experiences and used it as fuel to keep pushing forward. Learning these lessons have given a belief in perseverance, each day reminds me that no matter how hard life gets, there is always a way to overcome those obstacles. Rather than shying away from who I am, I embrace who I am.

Alzheimer’s disease is truly a devastating condition that affects not only the ones diagnosed but also their loved ones. In my personal life, I have witnessed the profound impact Alzheimer’s can impacts someone’s life, like my friends Grandfather. He was someone who was full of wisdom and had the warmest of hearts but slowly began to lose himself to the disease. When he was diagnosed it changed the whole dynamic for his family, forcing them to adapt to new roles, responsibilities, and emotional challenges. Through this experience and witnessing my friends struggles, I have gained a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by families that are affected by dementia and the value in compassion, patience, and awareness. When his grandfather was first diagnosed he said that he was unprepared for the changes that were to come. The simple tasks like remembering names, holding conversations, and even recognizing a familiar face had become difficult for him. Over time, he slowly forgot how perform daily activities, and my friends family had to step in as caregivers. His Grandmother, who had been married to him over fifty years, now had to take on the heaviest burden of them all. My friends said that it hurt him watching her struggle with the emotional and physical toll. He said that caregiving opened his eyes many sacrifices families have to make. Beyond families like my friends, I have seen how it can affect my community. I have gone to visit at senior centers where I would interact with individuals who had struggled with dementia. A lot of the individuals I interacted with felt alone and lost due to their memory loss. This experience had me feel gratitude for the life I have and I felt encouraged to help others dealing with these issues, while trying to educate others of this problem. So, people with this issue don’t have need feel alone, but rather people could include them in activities and understand where they are coming from. One valuable lesson I can say I learned through this journey is that it is important to have empathy and patience with these individuals. What needs to be understood is that Alzheimer’s doesn’t not erase memories, but it also damages a person’s dignity and independence. Could it be frustrating when someone you love forgets your name or they constantly ask the same question? Yes, it could be, but I have learned that being kind and understanding is way better than feeling frustrated. Having these experiences it has inspired me for the future. I hope to continue spreading the message and advocate for better resources and support systems for people who struggle with Alzheimer’s. Those options can range from research, community outreach, and many other options, I want to be able to aid in improving the lives of those battling Alzheimer’s. This disease has left an impact on me and it has given me an appreciation of how strong we are as humans and how our spirits are resilient. Learning from my friends grandfather, I have learned to cherish the ones you love because you never know when things can change forever. That regardless of what disease an individual may face, love will always be there. This is a lesson that will stick with me forever, and inspire me to make a change in the future!