I am able to support equality and diversity due to my position in student government. I have been an active member of the ASUAF Senate (UAF student government) since my first semester, and in that short time I have worked to make the senate more diverse and inclusive to all students. I want to see more BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ representation on ASUAF, and I have been working to promote a safe and welcoming community for all students. There is much more work to be done, but I am leading the charge. Just over a week ago, my resolution 'ASUAF Recognition of Black History Month' gained unanimously approval. I was the primary sponsor and authored the resolution. The purpose of the resolution was "To celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and learn more about black and American history." Due to my membership on the ASUAF Senate (a position I am only able to hold if I am a currently enrolled UAF student), I am able to promote diversity, inclusion, and representation of all students. Other than that resolution, I have sponsored and authored legislation creating a first generation scholarship, honoring veterans, recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day and fighting all forms of hatred and discrimination, and celebrating religious liberty/freedom/diversity on campus. I am only able to write legislation, advocate for underrepresented students, and continue to use my position to promote diversity and inclusion if I am able to afford college. This scholarship will assist me with that, and allow me to continue doing all of the above while working and maintaining straight A's.

My name is Cole Osowski. I am a 17 year old finishing up my first year of college. I have a background as a legal assistant and student. I am a member of ASAF (Student Senate) for my college, and I am also the chairman of our Rules Committee. I am struggling to pay for college because my family isn't going to be able to keep helping me pay for college in the future. I am working a part-time job and am looking into starting a second job. When I was 16 my family situation deteriorated and I was forced to graduate early in hopes of moving away from my family. Because I graduated high school when I was 16, I was unable to apply for scholarships and plan for college like most Juniors and Seniors. Receiving scholarships will assist me in paying for college. Growing up in Alaska, I have learned the importance of community. When I was visiting family in Colorado, I noticed that people didn't know each other. As a lifelong Alaskan I have experienced the close knit community we form. I have lived in Anchorage, Sitka, Wrangell, and Fairbanks. In every instance the community gets to know me and I am able to fit in without having to worry about being who I am. When I was 13 I went to a behavioral health program based in Wrangell. It was extremely scary to have that level of independence so soon, but I was able to maintain a 4.0 and receive college credit. I learned that I was capable of dealing with my own issues and that I was more mature than I gave myself credit for. After that program I attended two more public boarding schools. At each one I felt anxious and was less than pleased to be in a completely new environment. But I was able to adapt and ended up enjoying both experiences (while maintaining an A average). When I moved to Fairbanks for college, I was extremely anxious. I was almost certain that I wasn't prepared for college. Whenever I did something I had to look over my shoulder, and I always felt like I was messing up. Because I was so worried that I was messing up, I actually paid attention during new student orientation. I took the three tips to college success Dr. Prakash gave us to heart. I have not missed a single class except for when I was in quarantine. I have not missed an assignment (or turned one in late). I have asked for help when I needed it. Those three things all led me to learn self-management. Before moving to Fairbanks I'd stay up past 2:00 AM. Now I plan ahead so I am able to get enough sleep. I know that may seem like an insignificant skill, but so far it's led to straight A's and an amazing college experience!