My father is a Pastor and he and my mother have alway taught me to give back to others. While we may not have a million dollars in our bank account - we have food, clothing, shelter, an education and access to healthcare - this is something many people in my own community and across the world do not have, so I was taught to share our blessings. I volunteer for many organizations - All Things Wild, Williamson County Animal Shelter , The NEST, as well as for organizations within my school such as the EVHS choir program and the National Honor Society. However, my favorite volunteer activity is for Operation Christmas Child through the Samaritan's Purse Organization. At each volunteer organization I have had different experiences, been impacted in different ways, and learned life long lessons. While fostering dogs and one kitten for the Animal Shelter I was impacted by how much animals can love people. When you see a scared, abused animal finally settle into their new “home” and they look at you with love and kindness it makes the hard times worth it when they get adopted by their forever family. My family loves taking in fosters, especially old dogs who do not have tons of time left, because we get to help an animal who might not otherwise get adopted. Working with Operation Christmas Child has probably had the most impact on my life. Operation Christmas Child is a project run by the Samaritans Purse Organization, they send shoe boxes filled with toys, clothes, school supplies and hygiene supplies to third world countries. When I first started packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child in 2018, I had no idea how much of an impact a little box could have. On Youtube there are videos of children all over the world opening Operation Christmas Child boxes. The kids are always cheering and laughing. Knowing I am making children this happy makes me feel like I have truly made a difference in this world. I don't think any service project has brought me more joy and purpose. I can not wait to continue helping others as I go into my adult life. I know I have good opportunities and life experiences coming my way and I can not wait to take chances on life. I am very excited to continue shaping and impacting others' lives. I know I still have lots to learn and I know I am optimistic but I truly believe that I can make a big difference in the world.

I have chosen to study Political Science and minor in American Sign Language. However, I do not want to be a Politician, I want to help people that do not get fair representation thru lobby groups or by running political campaigns. I have always loved politics and watching campaign results on election night. I can recall being mad at my mom for making me go to bed early as a second grader because I did not know who won the Presidential election. So, I guess it was just natural for me to want to be in politics. I was selected as one of three female students from my High School last summer to attend Texas Bluebonnet Girls State. It was a week-long camp where we created our state from the ground up. I learned so much about how politics and the government work that week. I even make lifelong friends that are just as passionate about politics as I am. This last fall I participated in an online group called Civics Unplugged. We meet weekly to discuss issues and how to solve them. Also, several times we were matched with fellow participants from around the world to video chat. That was eye-opening and interesting to see how different places can be so different, yet so similar. I have decided to pair my major with American Sign Language since I struggle with hearing issues. I felt so hopeless at times, and it wasn't until I got my hearing aids that I began to see that I could go far in life. I want others in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community to be able to have access to medical care and devices to help them better navigate the hearing world.

I love being involved in my community by giving back. It is such a simple thing, but it means so much. My father is a Pastor and he (along with my disabled mother) has always taught me to give back to others. While we may not have a million dollars in our bank account - we have food, clothing, shelter, education and access to healthcare - this is something many people in my community and across the world do not have, so I was taught to share our blessings. Giving back not only helps the person or organization you are providing goods or services to, but the feeling that you helped can be immeasurable. Giving back can be simple or not so simple. Simple ways to give back include: smiling at people, holding a door open, taking in the trash can for a neighbor or even donating food to a food pantry. Then, there are bigger ways to give back - hosting a donation drive, volunteering as a foster parent, or even spending time with animals in need. I value the times and places I volunteer for because the world needs good things to happen to help offset the way the world works at times. Helping others and giving back is a cornerstone of my beliefs - it was just the way I was raised! I do not do volunteer work for the rewards or to post on social media - I do it because I like to make a difference and help other people or animals along the way. I have learned a lot from volunteering - how to organize things, how to communicate with others from different backgrounds, how to clean a floor properly, how to manage time more effectively, and how to have more compassion for people and animals than beforehand. I feel being able to help and give back to others will go a long way in my life journey. I plan to run Political Campaigns or work for a Lobby group to help the deaf and hard-of-hearing community get better rights and resources. For a person who wears hearing aids, the road to obtaining devices and help can be long and expensive. Everyone deserves to hear about the amazing world we live in, no matter the cost. I hope to continue my volunteering during college and beyond. It is the best quality I have and I hope it helps me make the world a better place!

Not sure what to say - I am the oldest child of a traditional nuclear family - dad, mom and little sister. So, I guess I am kind of boring in that sense! I enjoy singing (I have been in choir for all 4 years); I founded the All Girls barbershop Quartet this year at my high school; I love to write; help others (I was one of 7 students who earned the senior service award); and reading (I just LOVE reading). I have been selected by several organizations for further leadership training, which I think shows a lot about me and the type of person I am. In the 2021-2022 school year, I was selected as one of 30 students to participate in the Junior Leadership Academy through my local Chamber of Commerce. We meet monthly and learn all about the community we live in and our leadership roles. In the summer of 2022, I was selected as one of three female students from my High School to attend American Legion Auxiliary - Texas Bluebonnet Girls State. During the week I was there, we learned how to create an entirely new government. In the Fall of 2022, I was selected to participate in Civics Unplugged. An online group of students from around the world meet weekly to discuss important issues and ways to help. I have overcome a lot - I have a chronic autoimmune disorder (Fibromyalgia), survived a global pandemic, and I have auditory processing issues (I was finally able to get hearing aids last Spring) - all of these things have made High School more challenging for me, however, I am super proud of myself for maintaining a 3.9 GPA despite every challenge I have faced. The college I will be attending does not have dorms, so I will be in a private dorm. As a young single female, my family and I want to ensure I am as safe as possible and have people around me to help if needed (the dorm I selected has staff on-site at all times). While we got a great deal by signing an early lease, private dorms are pricey, but it is something out of my control since the college does not offer any on-campus housing. Getting this scholarship, it will allow me to worry less about financing college and all its expenses and be able to focus on my studies. By focusing on my studies, I will have more opportunities to pursue things that will help me start my career as a campaign manager and start helping others.

How has volunteering changed your mindset? The quality I value most in myself and others is giving back. It is such a simple thing, but it means so much. My father is a Pastor and he (along with my disabled mother) has always taught me to give back to others. While we may not have a million dollars in our bank account - we have food, clothing, shelter, education and access to healthcare - this is something many people in my community and across the world do not have, so I was taught to share our blessings. Giving back not only helps the person or organization you are providing goods or services to, but the feeling that you helped can be immeasurable. Giving back can be simple or not so simple. Simple ways to give back include: smiling at people, holding a door open, taking in the trash can for a neighbor or even donating food to a food pantry. Then, there are bigger ways to give back - hosting a donation drive, volunteering as a foster parent, or even spending time with animals in need. I value the times and places I volunteer for because the world needs good things to happen to help offset the way the world works at times. Helping others and giving back is a cornerstone of my beliefs - it was just the way I was raised! I do not do volunteer work for the rewards or to post on social media - I do it because I like to make a difference and help other people or animals along the way. I have learned a lot from volunteering - how to organize things, how to communicate with others from different backgrounds, how to clean a floor properly, how to manage time more effectively, and how to have more compassion for people and animals than beforehand. I feel being able to help and give back to others will go a long way in my life journey. I plan to run Political Campaigns or work for a Lobby group to help the deaf and hard-of-hearing community get better rights and resources. For a person who wears hearing aids, the road to obtaining devices and help can be long and expensive. Everyone deserves to hear about the amazing world we live in, no matter the cost. I hope to continue my volunteering during college and beyond. It is the best quality I have and I hope it helps me make the world a better place! Why do you need this scholarship financially? Getting this scholarship will allow me to worry less about financing college and all its expenses and be able to focus on my studies. By focusing on my studies, I will have more opportunities to pursue things that will help me start my career as a Campaign Manager or Lobbyist. Also, after we filled out the FAFSA application, my family income dropped almost $12,000 (we are in the process of getting updated), which means my college expenses are even more challenging to help with than before, so any extra help we can get would be amazing.

The quality I value most in myself and others is giving back. It is such a simple thing, but it means so much. My father is a Pastor and he (along with my disabled mother) has always taught me to give back to others. While we may not have a million dollars in our bank account - we have food, clothing, shelter, education and access to healthcare - this is something many people in my community and across the world do not have, so I was taught to share our blessings. Giving back not only helps the person or organization you are providing goods or services to, but the feeling that you helped can be immeasurable. Giving back can be simple or not so simple. Simple ways to give back include: smiling at people, holding a door open, taking in the trash can for a neighbor or even donating food to a food pantry. Then, there are bigger ways to give back - hosting a donation drive, volunteering as a foster parent, or even spending time with animals in need. I value the times and places I volunteer for because the world needs good things to happen to help offset the way the world works at times. Helping others and giving back is a cornerstone of my beliefs - it was just the way I was raised! I do not do volunteer work for the rewards or to post on social media - I do it because I like to make a difference and help other people or animals along the way. I have learned a lot from volunteering - how to organize things, how to communicate with others from different backgrounds, how to clean a floor properly, how to manage time more effectively, and how to have more compassion for people and animals than beforehand. I feel being able to help and give back to others will go a long way in my life journey. I plan to run Political Campaigns or work for a Lobby group to help the deaf and hard-of-hearing community get better rights and resources. For a person who wears hearing aids, the road to obtaining devices and help can be long and expensive. Everyone deserves to hear about the amazing world we live in, no matter the cost. I hope to continue my volunteering during college and beyond. It is the best quality I have and I hope it helps me make the world a better place!

I have chosen to study Political Science and minor in American Sign Language. However, I do not want to be a politician, I want to help people that do not get fair representation through lobby groups or by running political campaigns. There are many underserved communities and I would like to help the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities through my work. I have always loved politics and watching campaign results on election night. I can recall being mad at my mom for making me go to bed early as a second grader because I did not know who won the Presidential election. So, I guess it was just natural for me to want to be in politics. I was selected as one of three female students from my High School last summer to attend Texas Bluebonnet Girls State. It was a week-long camp where we created our state from the ground up. I learned so much about how politics and the government work that week. I even make lifelong friends that are just as passionate about politics as I am. This past fall I participated in an online group called Civics Unplugged. We meet weekly to discuss issues and how to solve them. Also, several times we were matched with fellow participants from around the world to video chat. That was eye-opening and interesting to see how different places can be so different, yet so similar. I have decided to pair my major with American Sign Language since I struggle with hearing issues. When I was young I wanted to do all sorts of things, however, any future goals were hindered by my hearing/auditory processing problems. I felt so hopeless at times, and it wasn't until I got my hearing aids that I began to see that I could go far in life. What a difference they made in my life and I now realize I can truly accomplish anything I want to do! I want others in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community to be able to have access to medical care and devices to help them better navigate the hearing world. I will be attending Blinn College at Bryan in the Fall to study Government and American Sign Language. When I leave Blinn, I know my strong character will propel me into my future career as both a student and a professional. I plan to transfer to a four-year college and complete my Bachelor's degree. I hope to manage political campaigns and use my ASL background to help represent the deaf community. Why choose me? I have overcome a lot - I have a chronic autoimmune disorder (Fibromyalgia), survived a global pandemic, and I have auditory processing issues - all of these things have made High School more challenging for me, however, I am super proud of myself for maintaining a 3.9 GPA despite every challenge I have faced. The college I will be attending does not have dorms, so I will be in a private dorm. As a young single female, my family and I want to ensure I am as safe as possible and have people around me to help if needed (the dorm I selected has staff on-site at all times). While we got a great deal by signing an early lease, private dorms are pricey, but it is something out of my control since the college does not offer any on-campus housing.

I have chosen to study Political Science and minor in American Sign Language. However, I do not want to be a Politician, I want to help people that do not get fair representation thru lobby groups or by running campaigns. I have always loved politics and watching campaign results on election night. I can recall being mad at my mom for making me go to bed early as a second grader because I did not know who won the Presidential election. Yes, I was coloring a map of the US with red and blue pencils, once each state had called its election. So, I guess it was just natural for me to want to be in politics. To help get more experience in the area of Politics, I have participated in several extracurricular events. For the 2021-2022 School year, I was one of 30 students selected to participate in the Junior Leadership Academy through my local chamber of commerce. We meet monthly to learn about our community and become more effective leaders. I was selected as one of three female students from my high school to attend the American Legion Auxiliary - Texas Bluebonnet Girls State in the summer of 2022. I ran my own Campaign for Lieutenant Governor. While I did not win, I learned so many things that will help me in the future. I also made lifelong friends. In the Fall of 2022, I was selected for the Civics Unplugged online program for students around the world to meet weekly to discuss politics and current issues. That was eye-opening to see how other countries run their government. All of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences have made me realize how much more I love politics and can not wait to help people while doing what I am passionate about. I have decided to pair my major with American Sign Language since I struggle with hearing issues. When I was young I wanted to do all sorts of things, however, any future goals were hindered by my hearing problems. I felt so hopeless at times, and it wasn't until I got my hearing aids that I began to see that I could go far in life. What a difference they made in my life and I now realize I can truly accomplish anything I want to do! I will be attending Blinn College at Bryan in the fall to study Government and American Sign Language. After my first two years at Blinn, I want to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin. Going straight to UT would be my dream but cost and experience are what I am concerned about. Getting an education when you are from an average family can be difficult. Junior Colleges offer the college experience for a fraction of the cost and have smaller class sizes, which will help me succeed and start to build professional relationships. This location does not have on-campus housing, so I am looking for a private dorm. The cost of a private dorm is more than my family can afford on a Pastor’s salary and because my mom can no longer work as she is disabled. Being a young female student, my family wants to make sure I am in a safe environment. When I leave Blinn, I know my strong character will propel me into my future career as both a student and a professional. I plan to transfer and complete my Bachelor's degree. I hope to manage political campaigns and use my ASL background to help represent the deaf community.

Mrs. Heather Padalecki is more than a math teacher - she is a “school mom” to many students at East View High School. Students like myself who never liked math, now love it and make wonderful grades in large part to her understanding and acceptance of all types of learners. She has been my math teacher for the better part of three years in three different subjects: Algebra one, Algebraic Reasoning and Statistics. Before she became my math teacher, I was making low B’s and even C’s in math, but since I have been in her classes, I am making straight A’s! She is so supportive and kind to all her students. She is the best teacher I have ever had and I am sad that more people don't get to have an amazing teacher like her. Mrs. Padalecki has brought so much joy to my life. I sit in her classroom during my lunches as the cafeteria is way too crowded and noisy. I am not the only one who likes to hang out in her room kids from all different social groups are there just as much as me, from football players to special education kids - we all have one thing in common at the end of the day and that is Mrs. Padalecki is one of our best, most trusted teachers! She has taught me two very valuable lessons: that it is ok to not understand something and that it is ok to be yourself. I now know that it's completely reasonable to not understand something, most math teachers I have had made me feel bad for being slower than the other kids, but she is completely ok with it as long as I get my work in and tries my best. She realizes that everyone learns at their rate and as long as you try, then you will eventually succeed. The other thing she taught me is that it is ok to be yourself. I always felt that I did not belong because I wasn't popular or perfect but I don't feel that way anymore. I'm ok being myself even if people think I'm a little bit odd. She accepts everyone for who they are and I am glad she helped me realize that being me is wonderful. I truly would not be where I am today without her. I am truly grateful for her as I know many other kids are. She is what a teacher strives to be. She always has a positive attitude and for her, I am truly and eternally grateful.

"College graduates spent 16 years gaining skills that will help them command a higher salary: yet little to no time is spent helping them save, invest and grow their money" Vince Shorb, CEO National Financial Educators ( NYT interview - article published July 10, 2016) Educating myself and others about financial literacy is a challenge. My parents have educated me and my sister about the different types of accounts, loans, credit cards and car payments - which is something I feel most parents do not teach their children. As the above quote says - we spend years gaining skills to get a job but no time managing money. So what should be done? Classes in schools? Apps on your phone? Trial and Error? Something else? I do not think there is one right solution - everyone is different, learns in different ways and has different financial goals. I think there need to be lots of ways to get the information into the hands of students. At my High School (and I think many others) they offer a class called Dollars and Sense. It talks about financial literacy and making smart money choices. Many students have found it very helpful. Sadly, I was not able to fit it into my schedule with my other courses. Maybe there are apps people can use on their phones or tablets - everyone has one and is on it all the time, so why not learn something useful instead of learning the latest TikTok challenge? Apps could have ways to make learning fun for all ages and could be adapted to different skill sets and needs. For a young child, it might teach about saving for a toy or going to a movie. For teens, it could teach you how to save for a car or future college expenses. For college students, it can teach the difference in the type of available loans, and how to budget for themselves. For younger couples, it could teach how to save for a house, how to merge accounts and how to file taxes. With the ways apps are being developed right now, this would work well for lots of people. Trial and error is one way to learn, but in my opinion, it has the most amount of risk. If you lose your money as a child that you were saving for a toy, that certainly does not have the same ramifications as losing your rent money when you decide to go on a vacation you can not afford. Unfortunately, I think most people learn by trial and error when it comes to financial issues. So, I think education - often and early - will help all types of people understand financial issues, and concerns and how to overcome unexpected expenses when they happen. As I said, I am blessed to have parents who have taught me the basics of financial literacy and I know they will continue to be there on my life’s journey to help any time I need some advice.

What is a book that has transformed your life? Why and how did it make such an impact on you? A book that transformed my life is a series - The Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingles Wilder. When I was in elementary school, my mom read me the first book “Little House in the Big Woods” and I was hooked! The stories were so wonderful, adventurous and all about a little girl who was making her mark on the world. As soon as we finished the first book, I begged my mom to get more books and she did - we read the entire 9 volumes in the set. They were magical books and I could imagine how life was like by the details in the stories. I loved the books so much that we got the audio versions and I would listen to them as I fell asleep at night. It was a wonderful way to end each day. As I grew a bit older, I would circle back to this series and read them on my own. Then, my mom started reading them to my sister and I would sit there and listen to the stories all over again! She fell in love with them as much as I did. We would talk about the stories and laugh at the funny things Laura did as a child. The biggest impact this book series had on me was when my parents took us on a road trip all the way up to South Dakota! We took two weeks and went to all but 2 of the Little House on the Prairie sites (the ones we did not see yet are Almazo’s childhood home and their place in Florida) - what an adventure - we saw houses, churches, main street, went to a reenactment play, and even saw the cottonwood trees Pa planted on each corner of their house in DeSmet, South Dakota! It was an amazing trip and one we will all treasure for a lifetime! I think the biggest impact these books had on me was the realization that life can be hard, but you have to make the best of any situation. Laura faced such hard times - blizzards, lack of food, fires, the loss of her son, multiple moves and very little money. Laura lived her life to the fullest of her abilities - she kept trying no matter what was going on in her life and I use that as an inspiration to me in my life.

The quality I value most in myself and others in giving back. It is such a simple thing, but it means so much. My father is a Pastor and he (along with my disabled mother) have alway taught me to give back to others. While we may not have a million dollars in our bank account - we have food, clothing, shelter, an education and access to healthcare - this is something many people in my own community and across the world do not have, so I was taught to share our blessings. Giving back not only helps the person or organization you are providing good or services to, but the feeling that you helped can be immeasurable. Giving back can be simple or not so simple. Simple ways to give back include: smiling at people, holding a door open, taking in the trash can for a neighbor or even donating food to a food pantry. Then, there are bigger ways to give back - hosting a donation drive, volunteering as a foster parent, or even spending time with animals in need. I value the times and places I volunteer for because the world needs good things to happen to help offset the way the world works at times. Helping others and giving back are a cornerstone of my beliefs - it was just the way I was raised! I do not do volunteer work for the rewards or to post on social media - I do it because I like to make a difference and help other people or animals along the way. I have learned alot from volunteering - how to organize things, how to communicate with others from different backgrounds, how to clean a floor properly, how to manage time more effectively, and how to have more compassion for people and animals than beforehand. I feel being able to help and give back to others will go a long way in my life journey. I plan to run Political Campaigns or work for a Lobby group to help the deaf and hard of hearing community get better rights and resources. As a person who wears hearing aids, the road to obtain devices and help can be long and expensive. Everyone deserves to hear the amazing world we live in, no matter the cost. I hope to continue my volunteering during college and beyond. It really is the best quality I have and I hope it helps me make the world a better place!

My journey with my health started when I was in eighth grade. At the start of that school year I was on the cross country team, I had really good friends and of course I was a little bit popular. One day I woke up feeling a strange sensation in my diaphragm, it felt like my ribs were popping and clicking. I didn't know what to do, I missed school almost that entire week. When I went to the doctor I was told it was “growing pains”. Everything just kept getting worse after that. I missed almost all of my eighth grade year, I was even put on homebound schooling. I went to doctor after doctor and all I was told is that I was just growing or it was all in my head. One day I finally got a diagnosis. I was told that I had fibromyalgia, a chronic pain and autoimmune disease. Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of elimination so there is almost no real way to know if you really have it, that is why people often dismiss it as “fake”, but I just kept going because that is all I could do even after this disease made me lose my sport and grow distant from my friends. Things got better by the time I got to my junior year, I had figured out lots of ways to help myself deal with my fibromyalgia. I had friends and was in an award winning choir program. Things got bad again at the start of this school year. My friends had all graduated and the choir program was going downhill because the program had a new director who was not running things the way they should be run. All of this new stress threw my life off balance and suddenly I was back to being that scared undiagnosed girl who was home in pain all the time. I decided that I would not let my body or any other factors dictate my life, so I started an all female barbershop quartet. I decided that other people in the choir program who weren't the show choir kids should be represented and be given a chance to perform. Now this wonderful group of girls meets every Thursday to work on music and to brainstorm ideas on how to make our choir program better. We are not going to let anyone or anything stop us. I can't wait to see what we can do!