I am extremely fascinated by science and how the human body intricately works to make our daily functions possible, which is why I chose to double major in two scientific topics that I am intrigued by, and that will be good stepping stones to medical school. I am also immensely interested in the fundamental goal of medicine, which is to help people, but more specifically, to help those whose needs are not already being met. Up until high school, I did not know exactly what I wanted to focus my future on, but I have always known that whatever I did, it would be helping the people around me. I believe that I have been given a love of science for a reason, and that reason is to use it to grow my knowledge and then, in turn, serve those around me. My community is doing an amazing job already in helping people get the medical care they need, yet cannot afford, and I would love to join them in their pursuits. However, in exploring the community over the past few years, I have noticed some gaps in the services being provided, which many low-income families could have fallen victim to. My goal after I finish my schooling is to provide urgent medical care to financially vulnerable patients in my community, which will be achieved through starting an income-based urgent care clinic, which will help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and provide same-day, affordable care for services not commonly provided by free primary care clinics. Volunteering in the emergency room this past summer showed me that many people utilize it for non-emergent needs, which blocks up service, but going to a traditional urgent care instead is usually not location-friendly and has high visit fees. For a lower cost, the patients could go to a low-income primary care service, but same-day visits aren’t always available, and free clinics are limited in their scope and time available. I would aim to cover all of these issues by offering treatment for illnesses like the flu, injuries like sprains, suturing for lacerations, simple procedures like wound care, possible diagnostic imaging like ultrasounds, and basic lab testing. I also believe that mental health is an important issue that I would aim to address by working it into the basic visits by using the background I will have in neuroscience, and by bringing in volunteer physicians and nurse practitioners to provide a more formal service. Eventually, I would love to expand the services to include a shelter and health care for women and children who are victims of sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse. I have seen the impact that can have on a family, and I could find no greater fulfillment than being able to support and heal these patients without them having to choose between safety and finances. Serving a community means aiming to serve everyone, and this plan strives to do that through covering the low-end issues emergency rooms deal with, offering more than free clinics, and bringing in other aspects of health in a way that makes it possible for everyone in the community to get the care they deserve.

I am extremely fascinated by science and how the human body intricately works to make our daily functions possible, which is why I chose to double major in two scientific topics that I am intrigued by, and that will be good stepping stones to medical school. I am also immensely interested in the fundamental goal of medicine, which is to help people, but more specifically, to help those whose needs are not already being met. Up until high school, I did not know exactly what I wanted to focus my future on, but I have always known that whatever I did, it would be helping the people around me. I believe that I have been given a love of science for a reason, and that reason is to use it to grow my knowledge and then, in turn, serve those around me. My community is doing an amazing job already in helping people get the medical care they need, yet cannot afford, and I would love to join them in their pursuits. However, in exploring the community over the past few years, I have noticed some gaps in the services being provided, which many low-income families could have fallen victim to. My goal after I finish my schooling is to provide urgent medical care to financially vulnerable patients in my community, which will be achieved through starting an income-based urgent care clinic, which will help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and provide same-day, affordable care for services not commonly provided by free primary care clinics. Volunteering in the emergency room this past summer showed me that many people utilize it for non-emergent needs, which blocks up service, but going to a traditional urgent care instead is usually not location-friendly and has high visit fees. For a lower cost, the patients could go to a low-income primary care service, but same-day visits aren’t always available, and free clinics are limited in their scope and time available. I would aim to cover all of these issues by offering treatment for illnesses like the flu, injuries like sprains, suturing for lacerations, simple procedures like wound care, possible diagnostic imaging like ultrasounds, and basic lab testing. I also believe that mental health is an important issue that I would aim to address by working it into the basic visits by using the background I will have in neuroscience, and by bringing in volunteer physicians and nurse practitioners to provide a more formal service. Eventually, I would love to expand the services to include a shelter and health care for women and children who are victims of sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse. I have seen the impact that can have on a family, and I could find no greater fulfillment than being able to support and heal these patients without them having to choose between safety and finances. Serving a community means aiming to serve everyone, and this plan strives to do that through covering the low-end issues emergency rooms deal with, offering more than free clinics, and bringing in other aspects of health in a way that makes it possible for everyone in the community to get the care they deserve.

When I was 10 days old, I stopped breathing; the scariest day of my mom's life, I don't remember. However, because of the hard work of the emergency team, I could grow up to be inspired by the story. For years, I have explored various AP science courses in hopes of discovering what I am truly passionate about, in addition to my passion for helping people. Through this process, my love for science as a whole has only grown. This has led me to double major in biochemistry and neuroscience on a pre-med track. I am immensely fascinated by both, and I am extremely excited to be in classes with like-minded people who share the same joy science brings me. No matter what field of medicine one is in, an understanding of neuroscience is beneficial, but it is extremely beneficial in the emergency setting, which I am planning to pursue. There will be many times I must pass the psychiatric obstacle before I can tackle the health-care obstacle. Furthermore, volunteering in the emergency department of The Medical Center this past summer has solidified my desire to go to medical school and become an emergency medicine physician. Eventually, I plan to open my own income-based urgent care clinic that provides same-day services that are wider in scope than free clinics. It would also take some of the unnecessary load off of current emergency rooms by providing some of the same lower-level services, but at a price possible for everyone who needs the care to get it. Additionally, I like finding calm in the chaos and helping people whenever they feel overwhelmed. When I was volunteering, if I made an impact on even one person, it was a successful shift. I hope to take this belief, along with my scientific ambitions, and reach as many people as I can, finding fulfillment in the peace I bring them. I am extremely fascinated by science and how the human body intricately works to make our daily functions possible, which is why I chose to double major in two scientific topics that I am intrigued by, and that will be good stepping stones to medical school. I am also immensely interested in the fundamental goal of medicine, which is to help people, but more specifically, to help those whose needs are not already being met. Up until high school, I did not know exactly what I wanted to focus my future on, but I have always known that whatever I did, it would be helping the people around me. I believe that I have been given a love of science for a reason, and that reason is to use it to grow my knowledge and then, in turn, serve those around me. My community is doing an amazing job already in helping people get the medical care they need, yet cannot afford, and I would love to join them in their pursuits. However, in exploring the community over the past few years, I have noticed some gaps in the services being provided, which many low-income families could have fallen victim to. My goal after I finish my schooling is to provide urgent medical care to financially vulnerable patients in my community, which will be achieved through starting an income-based urgent care clinic, which will help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and provide same-day, affordable care for services not commonly provided by free primary care clinics. Volunteering in the emergency room this past summer showed me that many people utilize it for non-emergent needs, which blocks up service, but going to a traditional urgent care instead is usually not location-friendly and has high visit fees. For a lower cost, the patients could go to a low-income primary care service, but same-day visits aren’t always available, and free clinics are limited in their scope and time available. I would aim to cover all of these issues by offering treatment for illnesses like the flu, injuries like sprains, suturing for lacerations, simple procedures like wound care, possible diagnostic imaging like ultrasounds, and basic lab testing. I also believe that mental health is an important issue that I would aim to address by working it into the basic visits by using the background I will have in neuroscience, and by bringing in volunteer physicians and nurse practitioners to provide a more formal service. Eventually, I would love to expand the services to include a shelter and health care for women and children who are victims of sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse. I have seen the impact that can have on a family, and I could find no greater fulfillment than being able to support and heal these patients without them having to choose between safety and finances. Serving a community means aiming to serve everyone, and this plan strives to do that through covering the low-end issues emergency rooms deal with, offering more than free clinics, and bringing in other aspects of health in a way that makes it possible for everyone in the community to get the care they deserve.

I am extremely fascinated by science and how the human body intricately works to make our daily functions possible, which is why I chose to double major in two scientific topics that I am intrigued by, and that will be good stepping stones to medical school. I am also immensely interested in the fundamental goal of medicine, which is to help people, but more specifically, to help those whose needs are not already being met. Up until high school, I did not know exactly what I wanted to focus my future on, but I have always known that whatever I did, it would be helping the people around me. I believe that I have been given a love of science for a reason, and that reason is to use it to grow my knowledge and then, in turn, serve those around me. My community is doing an amazing job already in helping people get the medical care they need, yet cannot afford, and I would love to join them in their pursuits. However, in exploring the community over the past few years, I have noticed some gaps in the services being provided, which many low-income families could have fallen victim to. My goal after I finish my schooling is to provide urgent medical care to financially vulnerable patients in my community, which will be achieved through starting an income-based urgent care clinic, which will help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and provide same-day, affordable care for services not commonly provided by free primary care clinics. Volunteering in the emergency room this past summer showed me that many people utilize it for non-emergent needs, which blocks up service, but going to a traditional urgent care instead is usually not location-friendly and has high visit fees. For a lower cost, the patients could go to a low-income primary care service, but same-day visits aren’t always available, and free clinics are limited in their scope and time available. I would aim to cover all of these issues by offering treatment for illnesses like the flu, injuries like sprains, suturing for lacerations, simple procedures like wound care, possible diagnostic imaging like ultrasounds, and basic lab testing. I also believe that mental health is an important issue that I would aim to address by working it into the basic visits by using the background I will have in neuroscience, and by bringing in volunteer physicians and nurse practitioners to provide a more formal service. Eventually, I would love to expand the services to include a shelter and health care for women and children who are victims of sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse. I have seen the impact that can have on a family, and I could find no greater fulfillment than being able to support and heal these patients without them having to choose between safety and finances. Serving a community means aiming to serve everyone, and this plan strives to do that through covering the low-end issues emergency rooms deal with, offering more than free clinics, and bringing in other aspects of health in a way that makes it possible for everyone in the community to get the care they deserve.

Volunteering in the emergency department at the Medical Center of Bowling Green has had the greatest impact on my life because it has given me a glimpse into my future and has helped develop the skills needed to make that future possible. Walking in on the first day was overwhelming, but exactly what you would expect; there were people yelling, nurses speedwalking between rooms, and a palpable energy in the air. I volunteered three days a week, for 4-hour shifts, and quickly became accustomed to the environment. Each shift brought something new, and I was constantly learning. I made connections with many of the staff members, and they went out of their way to let me take a break from working and observe a procedure. One of my recurring tasks was to reorganize and restock the medicine, needles, and other medical supplies. The names of everything rapidly became second nature, and I was thrilled every time I figured out exactly what something was used for. Even though I wasn't the one specifically using the supplies, I could visualize myself in the physician's shoes, and was filled with an excitement of knowing someday in the future I would be helping someone in a similar way. I learned that in the emergency room, you must work as a team, and everyone has a specific role they have to play for there to be efficiency, which is critical for patient care. The leadership that I witnessed from a multitude of healthcare providers was not one that was bossy, but instead showed that leadership involves taking care of and guiding those around you, and being resilient when others want to give up. I was given the opportunity on multiple occasions to be a sitter for patients who were prone to trying to get out of bed, which taught me patience and grew my ability to communicate effectively. Hearing stories and advice from the people around me gave me knowledge that I could never learn in a classroom, and made me feel one step ahead as I move forward to the next chapter of my education. As the track and cross-country team captain at Greenwood High School, I have witnessed how bonds and teamwork can transform an average group into an unstoppable force. Everyone brings their own unique experiences and perspectives, which can grow into something that would not be possible to achieve alone. A good leader in this situation creates an environment where everyone knows that it is not one person vs the workout...it's the team vs the workout, so when we're struggling, we can lean on each other to persevere. There is little in life that is done better alone, which was a hard thing to accept as someone who had always avoided asking for help, because I thought it made me seem weak; however, being on a cross-country team has taught me that leadership is actually the opposite; asking for help is the strongest thing you can do. It means that you're putting your ego aside for the bigger goal, and setting that example is the epitome of being a good captain. Sometimes being vulnerable is necessary to lead, not only in sports but also in the real world.

I am extremely fascinated by science and how the human body intricately works to make our daily functions possible, which is why I chose to double major in two scientific topics that I am intrigued by, and that will be good stepping stones to medical school. I am also immensely interested in the fundamental goal of medicine, which is to help people, but more specifically, to help those whose needs are not already being met. Up until high school, I did not know exactly what I wanted to focus my future on, but I have always known that whatever I did, it would be helping the people around me. I believe that I have been given a love of science for a reason, and that reason is to use it to grow my knowledge and then, in turn, serve those around me. My community is doing an amazing job already in helping people get the medical care they need, yet cannot afford, and I would love to join them in their pursuits. However, in exploring the community over the past few years, I have noticed some gaps in the services being provided, which many low-income families could have fallen victim to. My goal after I finish my schooling is to provide urgent medical care to financially vulnerable patients in my community, which will be achieved through starting an income-based urgent care clinic, which will help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and provide same-day, affordable care for services not commonly provided by free primary care clinics. Volunteering in the emergency room this past summer showed me that many people utilize it for non-emergent needs, which blocks up service, but going to a traditional urgent care instead is usually not location-friendly and has high visit fees. For a lower cost, the patients could go to a low-income primary care service, but same-day visits aren’t always available, and free clinics are limited in their scope and time available. I would aim to cover all of these issues by offering treatment for illnesses like the flu, injuries like sprains, suturing for lacerations, simple procedures like wound care, possible diagnostic imaging like ultrasounds, and basic lab testing. I also believe that mental health is an important issue that I would aim to address by working it into the basic visits by using the background I will have in neuroscience, and by bringing in volunteer physicians and nurse practitioners to provide a more formal service. Eventually, I would love to expand the services to include a shelter and health care for women and children who are victims of sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse. I have seen the impact that can have on a family, and I could find no greater fulfillment than being able to support and heal these patients without them having to choose between safety and finances. Serving a community means aiming to serve everyone, and this plan strives to do that through covering the low-end issues emergency rooms deal with, offering more than free clinics, and bringing in other aspects of health in a way that makes it possible for everyone in the community to get the care they deserve.

I am extremely fascinated by science and how the human body intricately works to make our daily functions possible, which is why I chose to double major in two scientific topics that I am intrigued by, and that will be good stepping stones to medical school. I am also immensely interested in the fundamental goal of medicine, which is to help people, but more specifically, to help those whose needs are not already being met. Up until high school, I did not know exactly what I wanted to focus my future on, but I have always known that whatever I did, it would be helping the people around me. I believe that I have been given a love of science for a reason, and that reason is to use it to grow my knowledge and then, in turn, serve those around me. My community is doing an amazing job already in helping people get the medical care they need, yet cannot afford, and I would love to join them in their pursuits. However, in exploring the community over the past few years, I have noticed some gaps in the services being provided, which many low-income families could have fallen victim to. My goal after I finish my schooling is to provide urgent medical care to financially vulnerable patients in my community, which will be achieved through starting an income-based urgent care clinic, which will help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and provide same-day, affordable care for services not commonly provided by free primary care clinics. Volunteering in the emergency room this past summer showed me that many people utilize it for non-emergent needs, which blocks up service, but going to a traditional urgent care instead is usually not location-friendly and has high visit fees. For a lower cost, the patients could go to a low-income primary care service, but same-day visits aren’t always available, and free clinics are limited in their scope and time available. I would aim to cover all of these issues by offering treatment for illnesses like the flu, injuries like sprains, suturing for lacerations, simple procedures like wound care, possible diagnostic imaging like ultrasounds, and basic lab testing. I also believe that mental health is an important issue that I would aim to address by working it into the basic visits by using the background I will have in neuroscience, and by bringing in volunteer physicians and nurse practitioners to provide a more formal service. Eventually, I would love to expand the services to include a shelter and health care for women and children who are victims of sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse. I have seen the impact that can have on a family, and I could find no greater fulfillment than being able to support and heal these patients without them having to choose between safety and finances. Serving a community means aiming to serve everyone, and this plan strives to do that through covering the low-end issues emergency rooms deal with, offering more than free clinics, and bringing in other aspects of health in a way that makes it possible for everyone in the community to get the care they deserve.

I am extremely fascinated by science and how the human body intricately works to make our daily functions possible, which is why I chose to double major in two scientific topics that I am intrigued by, and that will be good stepping stones to medical school. I am also immensely interested in the fundamental goal of medicine, which is to help people, but more specifically, to help those whose needs are not already being met. Up until high school, I did not know exactly what I wanted to focus my future on, but I have always known that whatever I did, it would be helping the people around me. I believe that I have been given a love of science for a reason, and that reason is to use it to grow my knowledge and then, in turn, serve those around me. My community is doing an amazing job already in helping people get the medical care they need, yet cannot afford, and I would love to join them in their pursuits. However, in exploring the community over the past few years, I have noticed some gaps in the services being provided, which many low-income families could have fallen victim to. My goal after I finish my schooling is to provide urgent medical care to financially vulnerable patients in my community, which will be achieved through starting an income-based urgent care clinic, which will help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and provide same-day, affordable care for services not commonly provided by free primary care clinics. Volunteering in the emergency room this past summer showed me that many people utilize it for non-emergent needs, which blocks up service, but going to a traditional urgent care instead is usually not location-friendly and has high visit fees. For a lower cost, the patients could go to a low-income primary care service, but same-day visits aren’t always available, and free clinics are limited in their scope and time available. I would aim to cover all of these issues by offering treatment for illnesses like the flu, injuries like sprains, suturing for lacerations, simple procedures like wound care, possible diagnostic imaging like ultrasounds, and basic lab testing. I also believe that mental health is an important issue that I would aim to address by working it into the basic visits by using the background I will have in neuroscience, and by bringing in volunteer physicians and nurse practitioners to provide a more formal service. Eventually, I would love to expand the services to include a shelter and health care for women and children who are victims of sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse. I have seen the impact that can have on a family, and I could find no greater fulfillment than being able to support and heal these patients without them having to choose between safety and finances. Serving a community means aiming to serve everyone, and this plan strives to do that through covering the low-end issues emergency rooms deal with, offering more than free clinics, and bringing in other aspects of health in a way that makes it possible for everyone in the community to get the care they deserve.

When I was 10 days old, I stopped breathing; the scariest day of my mom's life, I don't remember, however, because of the hard work of the emergency team, I could grow up to be inspired by the story. For the past few years, I have explored various advanced scientific placement courses in the hope of discovering what I am truly passionate about, and through this process, my love for science as a whole has only grown. This has led me to decide to double major in biochemistry and neuroscience on a pre-med track. I am immensely fascinated by both, and I am extremely excited to be in classes with like-minded people, who are also filled with the same joy science brings me. Furthermore, volunteering in the emergency department of the Medical Center of Bowling Green this past summer has solidified my desire to go to medical school and become an emergency medicine physician. I like finding calm in the chaos and helping people whenever they feel overwhelmed. When I was volunteering, if I just got to make an impact on even one person, I felt fufilled and it was a successful shift. I desire to take this belief in addition to my scientific ambitions and reach as many people as I can, finding peace in the peace I help create in them. However, to make this influence on the future world, I will need to complete various internships and research opportunities to have the best chance of continuing my studies in medical school. I currently have a part-time job lined up with an Applied Behavioral Analysis therapist, once I complete my boards when I turn 18, and another job at my church doing lighting and sound. While these jobs contribute, they do not completely cover my future expenses. I have saved as much money as I have been able to, worked hard to max out the academic merit scholarships, and have applied to every scholarship, no matter how small, in the hopes of putting myself through college without having to take out loans or picking up excessive jobs that take away from my academic pursuits. I love working hard and making the most out of what I have. If I get these scholarships, I can instead focus my time, energy, and ambition on excelling in my classes, killing the MCAT, and immersing myself in research and internships, which will ultimately benefit the community around me and make all of my aspirations not dreams but reality.

I am extremely fascinated by science and how the human body intricately works to make our daily functions possible, which is why I chose to double major in two scientific topics that I am intrigued by, and that will be good stepping stones to medical school. I am also immensely interested in the fundamental goal of medicine, which is to help people, but more specifically, to help those whose needs are not already being met. Up until high school, I did not know exactly what I wanted to focus my future on, but I have always known that whatever I did, it would be helping the people around me. I believe that I have been given a love of science for a reason, and that reason is to use it to grow my knowledge and then, in turn, serve those around me. My community is doing an amazing job already in helping people get the medical care they need, yet cannot afford, and I would love to join them in their pursuits. However, in exploring the community over the past few years, I have noticed some gaps in the services being provided, which many low-income families could have fallen victim to. My goal after I finish my schooling is to provide urgent medical care to financially vulnerable patients in my community, which will be achieved through starting an income-based urgent care clinic, which will help reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and provide same-day, affordable care for services not commonly provided by free primary care clinics. Volunteering in the emergency room this past summer showed me that many people utilize it for non-emergent needs, which blocks up service, but going to a traditional urgent care instead is usually not location-friendly and has high visit fees. For a lower cost, the patients could go to a low-income primary care service, but same-day visits aren’t always available, and free clinics are limited in their scope and time available. I would aim to cover all of these issues by offering treatment for illnesses like the flu, injuries like sprains, suturing for lacerations, simple procedures like wound care, possible diagnostic imaging like ultrasounds, and basic lab testing. I also believe that mental health is an important issue that I would aim to address by working it into the basic visits by using the background I will have in neuroscience, and by bringing in volunteer physicians and nurse practitioners to provide a more formal service. Eventually, I would love to expand the services to include a shelter and health care for women and children who are victims of sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse. I have seen the impact that can have on a family, and I could find no greater fufillment then being able to support and heal these patients without them having to choose between safety and finances. Serving a community means aiming to serve everyone, and this plan strives to do that through covering the low-end issues emergency rooms deal with, offering more than free clinics, and bringing in other aspects of health in a way that makes it possible for everyone in the community to get the care they deserve.

Working as a physician in a Level 1 trauma emergency room is a fast-paced yet organized experience, where you must expect the unexpected and be a jack of all trades. While I have not simultaneously managed 20 high-risk patients, my high school career mirrors the more fundamental qualities this profession demands: balancing responsibilities, leading diverse groups, and staying adaptable. Outside the classroom, I have spent six years on my school's varsity cross country and track teams and served as team captain for the past two years. I have seen how strong bonds and teamwork can turn an average group into an exceptional one, as everyone brings unique experiences and perspectives. In this environment, I have earned multiple school records, region championships, and awards, including the region's 2025 Girl Track Athlete of the Year. I have taken an active role in clubs such as National Beta Club, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (in which I hold a certificate), and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In my faith community, I am part of the Presbyterian Church’s Youth Group and recently became an ordained church elder, where I participate in meetings, help make decisions that support our congregation, and take a leadership role in service projects like Room in the Inn. I have also demonstrated leadership through volunteer positions aligned with my future career goals, including serving at The Medical Center ER. There, I took initiative, looked for ways to support staff and patients, and trained new volunteers so they could contribute confidently, creating a ripple effect of service. This has solidified my desire to attend medical school and become an emergency medicine physician. I enjoy finding calm in chaos and helping people when they feel overwhelmed, considering each shift a success if I made a difference for even one person. In the classroom, I have pushed myself in all subjects, especially the sciences. Taking advanced placement (AP) biology in my sophomore year confirmed my interest in this field. Since then, I have earned awards such as Greenwood High School's top student in advanced biology, advanced chemistry, advanced physics, forensic science, AP biology, advanced English 2, and 6x KHSAA Academic All-State. I have also earned 5s on most of my AP exams. I competed in the Distinguished Young Women program and received awards in scholastics, interview, and fitness. Currently, my GPA is 4.22 weighted and 4.0 unweighted, with an ACT score of 32 and a superscore of 34. This semester, I am participating in a work study at an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program to work with children with autism as I train to be a registered behavior technician (RBT). These experiences and accomplishments have led me to double major in biochemistry and neuroscience on a pre-med track. To make a lasting impact, I will need internships and research experiences that prepare me for medical school. I have a part-time job lined up with an ABA therapist once I complete my RBT certification, as well as another job at my church, managing lighting and sound. While these jobs help, they do not fully cover my future expenses. I have saved as much as possible, maximized my academic merit scholarships at Western Kentucky University, and applied for scholarships to avoid loans or excessive work that could distract from my studies. If I receive the Ogden Foundation Scholarship, I can focus my time and energy on learning, excelling on the MCAT, and immersing myself in research and internships, which will ultimately benefit the community around me and help turn my aspirations from dreams into reality.

Working as a physician in a Level 1 trauma emergency room is a fast-paced yet organized experience, where you must expect the unexpected and be a jack of all trades. While I have not simultaneously managed 20 high-risk patients, my high school career mirrors the more fundamental qualities this profession demands: balancing responsibilities, leading diverse groups, and staying adaptable. Outside the classroom, I have spent six years on my school's varsity cross country and track teams and served as team captain for the past two years. I have seen how strong bonds and teamwork can turn an average group into an exceptional one, as everyone brings unique experiences and perspectives. In this environment, I have earned multiple school records, region championships, and awards, including the region's 2025 Girl Track Athlete of the Year.  Anyone who is a runner can attest to the fact that once you start running, you are forever changed. I am so glad that I stumbled upon this sport, which has truly shaped who I am and who I will become. It is not just the physical action of pushing yourself to your limit, but also learning to rely on the community around you when you inevitably have setbacks. At first glance, cross country might look like an individual sport, and in some ways it is. However, when someone sees me running on an island mid-race or sprinting home, they do not see the coaches that made it all possible, or the teammates whose words of encouragement got me through some absolutely brutal 400-meter reps. Because it's not me vs the workout… It's the team vs the workout, so when we’re struggling, we can lean on each other to persevere. There is little in life that is done better alone, which was a hard thing to accept as someone who had always avoided asking for help because I thought it made me seem weak. But being on a cross-country and track team has shown me that it is actually the opposite. Asking for help is the strongest thing you can do. It means that you're putting your ego aside for the bigger goal, and I wish that I had realized this before I had to sit out half of my senior season, because when I knew I was getting injured, I was too scared to ask for help. I learned that there are actually so many people who want to support and help. In the following years, I will be using the perseverance running has given me to become a doctor, but I won’t be alone in my efforts. I've been taught now that I’ll need to lean on my colleagues if I truly want to succeed, because I will have to put my ego aside for the bigger goal of helping the patient. In addition to playing a dynamic role on my cross country and track teams, I have also taken an active role in clubs such as National Beta Club, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (in which I hold a certificate), and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In my faith community, I am part of the Presbyterian Church’s Youth Group and recently became an ordained church elder, where I participate in meetings, help make decisions that support our congregation, and take a leadership role in service projects like Room in the Inn. I have also demonstrated leadership through volunteer positions aligned with my future career goals, including serving at The Medical Center ER. There, I took initiative, looked for ways to support staff and patients, and trained new volunteers so they could contribute confidently, creating a ripple effect of service. This has solidified my desire to attend medical school and become an emergency medicine physician. I enjoy finding calm in chaos and helping people when they feel overwhelmed, considering each shift a success if I made a difference for even one person.  In the classroom, I have pushed myself in all subjects, especially the sciences. Taking advanced placement (AP) biology in my sophomore year confirmed my interest in this field. Since then, I have earned awards such as Greenwood High School's top student in advanced biology, advanced chemistry, advanced physics, forensic science, AP biology, advanced English 2, and 6x KHSAA Academic All-State. I have also earned 5s on most of my AP exams. I competed in the Distinguished Young Women program and received awards in scholastics, interview, and fitness. Currently, my GPA is 4.22 weighted and 4.0 unweighted, with an ACT score of 32 and a superscore of 34. This semester, I am participating in a work study at an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program to work with children with autism as I train to be a registered behavior technician (RBT). These experiences and accomplishments have led me to double major in biochemistry and neuroscience on a pre-med track.  To make a lasting impact, I will need internships and research experiences that prepare me for medical school. I have a part-time job lined up with an ABA therapist once I complete my RBT certification, as well as another job at my church, managing lighting and sound. While these jobs help, they do not fully cover my future expenses. I have saved as much as possible, maximized my academic merit scholarships at Western Kentucky University, and applied for scholarships to avoid loans or excessive work that could distract from my studies. If I receive the Ogden Foundation Scholarship, I can focus my time and energy on learning, excelling on the MCAT, and immersing myself in research and internships, which will ultimately benefit the community around me and help turn my aspirations from dreams into reality.

September 9th, 2023 was the reason I can no longer listen to the song "Paper Rings" by Taylor Swift. My name is Claire Ellington and that cold fall day started with me getting up early to run a race and ended in a way I never could have expected. Abuse, whether it is emotional or physical, happens many times without warning, and sadly this is not an uncommon phenomenon for many people. While it can be unpredicted, it happens in a cycle---tension, incident, forgiveness, and then a time of peace. That night completely altered my view of relationships, families, and human psychology. I was quietly reading upstairs and then decided to come down for dinner. The screaming between my parents had gotten louder and more angry just in the time I had walked from the stairs to the kitchen. In a desperate attempt to get away from the situation, I went and hid out in the hallway bathroom. While crying, I realized I had to do something that would be very hard but was necessary. I quietly opened the door and crept upstairs to my siblings' room. They were both playing Roblox while lying on my brother's bed. I closed the door and then turned on "Paper Rings" to drown out the screaming and my sobs. Thankfully, I was successful in keeping their innocence, and they thought we were just having a dance party. I brought up abuse in the introduction because that is one of the things I viewed differently after this experience. Most people believe that the only kind of abuse is physical, which is one of the reasons so much emotional abuse occurs. Emotional abuse is also easier to hide and that's why for the first 15 years of my life I would have never thought my mom was being emotionally abused. The complexity of abusive relationships is the reason so many people can't leave them. It is not simple because there can be financial dependence, kids, and you can be tricked that it was a one-time thing or that they will change. I am however in a good place now and have learned so much in the process. Going through this experience changed my perspective on relationships, divorce, and the effect they have on families. My life experiences have a massive effect on my future career. A big part of me wants to be an emergency room nurse practitioner. I like the adrenaline you get from working in high stress environment and I can take care of kids who are freaking out. Another part of me wants to become a divorce attorney. I would want to do this to try and make sure the kids end up in the best environment possible. More specifically, I would want to do pro-bono work for mothers in abusive homes. I would work with a social worker and someone who can get the mom a job and somewhere to stay. In a weird way, I am thankful for the experiences and what I've learned because it has made me who I am today, but I would never wish this upon another person. I know a few big qualities of bad relationships and what to avoid. My family is safe and as healthy as it can be now. I wouldn't change how anything happened because then I would have a different perspective on life.