
Hobbies and interests
Video Editing and Production
Hunting
Fishing
Spending Time With Friends and Family
ATV Riding
Gaming
Advocacy And Activism
Advertising
Aerospace
Astronomy
Movies And Film
Camping
Shopping And Thrifting
Reading
Dystopia
Academic
Business
Science
Science Fiction
I read books multiple times per month
Colton Hurst
2,585
Bold Points
Colton Hurst
2,585
Bold PointsBio
I am a first-generation, low-income, servant student leader at Oregon Tech majoring in business management with a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship. Having maintained a 4.0 since my junior year of high school, I've dedicated myself to intellectual curiosity and, after adopting my minor, looking for innovative ways to apply my knowledge to solve problems that were outside the classroom using the knowledge learned in all classes I took and am currently taking at Oregon Tech, employing a differentiated approach to Oregon Tech's applied learning curriculum. I am a suitable candidate for any scholarship due to my leadership experience in addressing problems others could not address because fear overcame them, aiding in the development of those around me, and for my conscientious effort to excel in my studies by applying what I learned in my endeavors. My ultimate life goal is to someday form the Charity Fighters Association, a conglomerate charity organization that consists of five charity businesses that work in different industries to support causes near and dear to their CEOs, classified within the Charity Fighters Association as leaders. Through my leadership endeavors utilizing an authentic, visionary, servant style of leadership, I build my legacy on the courage to stand up for others when none others possess enough of the courage needed to do so, inspiring those around me to conquer their fears and rise to become the next generation of leaders in academic and professional fields.
Education
Oregon Institute of Technology
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Mazama High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Career
Dream career field:
CEO
Dream career goals:
Form the Charity Fighters Association (CFA).
Content Creator
Freelance2022 – Present3 yearsVolunteer
Klamath Fish Hatchery2016 – 20226 yearsCEO/Content Creator
Hurst Entertainment2020 – 20222 years
Research
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Oregon Institute of Technology — Project Manager2023 – 2024Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
Oregon Institute of Technology — Director/Principal Investigator2023 – 2023
Arts
Mazama AC Choir
MusicCan't help falling in love pathway, Battle of Jericho pathway, Try to Remember Pathway, Concerts2019 – 2022Hurst Entertainment
Content CreationCharity livestreams and podcasts2020 – 2022
Public services
Advocacy
Oregon Institute of Technology — Project Manager/Servant Leader2023 – 2024Volunteering
Oregon Institute of Technology — Riding the float, waving hi, and spreading Christmas cheer2022 – 2022Volunteering
Oregon Institute of Technology — Fall Service with the Klamath Food Bank2022 – 2022Volunteering
Klamath Fish Hatchery — Volunteer2016 – 2022Volunteering
Hurst Entertainment — CEO and Content Creator2020 – 2022
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
Netflix and Scholarships!
Tekken Bloodline was a must-watch when I turned 18—it even premiered on my 18th birthday. Based on the popular video game series, the show focuses on the main story of the Mishima bloodline, specifically during the events of Tekken 3. In a twist of fate, after years of learning Kazama-style karate from his mother Jun Kazama, Jin Kazama loses his mother to a metaphysical being named Ogre. Under the direction of his mom, Jin seeks out his grandfather Heihachi Mishima to learn Mishima-style karate and get revenge on Ogre for killing his mother. He enters the King of Iron Fist Tournament 3, facing off against various opponents, including his rival Hwoarang, whom he encountered alongside Ling Xiaoyu and other characters before the tournament.
Tekken Bloodline accurately retells and adjusts Tekken 3's story with a few characters added to the mix, some of which weren't in Tekken 3 but in later games, like Leroy Smith in Tekken 7. Some characters are not supposed to appear in Tekken's story, provided the game in the Tekken timeline that the show's plot retells. However, my favorite parts of the show are the animated visuals and the replication of Tekken's visual effects whenever a punch or kick lands. When I first saw the fight scene between Jin and Hwoarang, I was shocked at how skilled both characters were in martial arts. Hwoarang trained in Tae Kwon Do, a style that prioritizes footwork, while Jin trained in Mishima-style karate, which relies heavily on aggression and vicious attacks as its rule. Tekken Bloodline expanded upon Tekken 3's story alongside retelling it too—the point being, in the original Tekken 3, Jin supposedly doesn't know who his father is until the events of Tekken 4 when G-Corporation revives him using fluids. In Tekken Bloodline, we are flashbacked to the events of the original Tekken game where Kazuya Mishima wins the first tournament against his father and tosses him off the cliff, and so, Jin learns about his father from Heihachi Mishima before he meets him in the events of Tekken 4.
This reveal of Jin's father puts into perspective how much his mother precautioned him about the delusions of the Mishima family, given that Heihachi threw Kazuya off a cliff before the events of the first Tekken game. I acknowledge the way they did the scene, which made this series a good show to watch, even for players who have not played Tekken before. This is especially significant because of the way it ties into the overarching story of the series. It reveals the motivations and relationships between the characters and shows how the events of the game series are all interconnected. This makes the series even more compelling and captivating for viewers, regardless of whether they are familiar with the game or not. Due to its stunning visuals, familiar characters, and a remarkable retelling of the original story, I would give this a 5 out of 5 stars. It was a well-crafted retelling of the story that ties seamlessly into the Tekken game series and I highly recommend the series to anyone who enjoys anime and the first season is only 5 episodes long. Season 2 is likely in the works and has a high probability it will retell Tekken 4's story.
Dr. Alexanderia K. Lane Memorial Scholarship
I have helped enough people to understand the benefits that lending a helping hand brings to us, humans. Helping others allows us to understand the world around us, builds up our professions, and makes us feel good inside. Many people are affected by tragedies such as loss, devastation, doubt, and others. However, when we help people, we not only help ourselves but also give relief and happiness to needy individuals. Helping people is a medicine meant to minister treatment to stress and despair. This healing effect is scientifically proven.
When we help people, we gain a better perspective of the world around us. In a study done on November 9th, 2012 by Dr. Melissa Withers et al., she found that 20% of volunteers in professions are undergraduates and 23% are community members. Undergraduate students and community members are constantly searching for understanding in our world. I am no stranger to that—I consistently seek to comprehend why tragedies happen on Earth and how we can provide comfort during times of need. My volunteer experience as CEO of Hurst Entertainment fundraising for Autism Speaks from April 7th, 2020 to June 18th, 2022 allowed me to step into the shoes of other people with autism like me and understand why we go through the negative experiences with autism and learn to overcome them. My understanding of the world is more comprehensive than before volunteering and helping people around me.
Helping humans also helps us become more professional. A study done in the journal known as Higher Education indicates
The ten networks in this study can be divided in those more formally organised, as
indicated by having a web page, and those whose organisation is based on an email list.
The highly organised networks are all quite straightforward in the descriptions of their
objectives and benefits of membership. In common for the ten networks studied is that
membership is voluntary. Ryttberg & Geschwind, 2019. When we volunteer, we are more organized and formal in the way we perform in the workplace and present ourselves. Being the CEO volunteer at Hurst Entertainment helped me develop public speaking skills and properly outfit and conduct myself in a business environment. For instance, I had to make sure to dress in appropriate clothing, arrive at shows on time, and be mindful of how I spoke and interacted with other people in the workplace and in the audience. I still employ these skills in university and in my current videos.
Helping people helps us feel good. In a study done by Jerf W. K. Yeung, his research states
Likelihood ratio estimates found that additional participation in voluntary services in the
form of other-oriented volunteering resulted in an 8.54% increase in mental health,
9.08% in physical health, 7.35% in life satisfaction, and 11.11% in social well-being, as
well as 4.30% decrease in depression, giving evidence that higher participation in
voluntary services pertinent to other-oriented volunteering contributes to better health
benefits cumulatively. Yeung et al., 2017 Volunteering has made me more outgoing and authorized me to get out and about and allow myself to benefit my physical health and improve my mood. Overall, helping people is good for knowledge, professionalism, and healthiness. It is clear that by volunteering, an individual can make a difference in the community and ultimately enhance their health. When we help people, we become more professional in our workplace, become more insightful of concepts, and give ourselves a boost in happiness.
Reasons To Be - In Memory of Jimmy Watts
My most iconic volunteer experience is being CEO of the non-profit charity organization I formed known as Hurst Entertainment. From April 7th, 2020 to June 18th, 2022, I worked with a team of volunteers ranging from promoters and content creators to produce charity content, primarily livestreams, and podcasts, to fundraise for Autism Speaks to help those with autism get by in their lives. My background was the justification I took up this mission, having had a tragic life with the condition myself, but I did not let that stop me. At the end of the campaign, I maintained a 4.0 from my junior year of high school to the time of graduation—and my 4.0 is still going to this day in college--, our team raised over $4,000 for Autism Speaks along with donations garnered from cans and bottles donated in our Bottle Drop Drives. Our Bottle Drop Drives allowed people to donate their cans and bottles that we redeemed to help gather donations for Autism Speaks while we do our part to help the environment and encourage others to do the same.
Volunteering has shaped my core values in three ways. First, I am a hard worker by nature. As a content creator, I am passionate about making a difference in people's lives by taking up clients and creating videos, podcasts, or streams fundraising for charities tailored to their causes to solve society's problems. With every job done, another life is changed, my portfolio grows, and I become more professionally experienced. I enhance my understanding through my education at Oregon Institute of Technology; I am proud to be a business management student who studies a comprehensive range of topics from supply & demand, monopolistic competition, continuity & montage editing, writing, and even in the upcoming term, copyright law. My dedication to my work is authentic, and I seek to improve my skills with each recording, job, and video done.
Volunteering has shaped my loyalty. I am a person who remembers his roots—my roots as a creator come from being the CEO of Hurst Entertainment and giving other volunteers experience they can apply in their lives. Once I get comfortable with something, and that includes my clients & work, I am eternally faithful to it. This commitment will serve my community well, including my institution, city, and my country's communities. This loyalty has led me to the position I am in today, allowing me to continue my profession while nourishing the community that has helped me become what I am today.
Lastly, volunteering has, and still does, aid my understanding of love's connotation. As long as I am making a difference, I am receiving and giving love to those I come across in my wake. And I love what I do—it has given me liberation and a chance to be myself and make a difference, removing a label's power to define who I am. Volunteering has shaped my loyalty, work ethic, and understanding of love to a degree where I am suitable for this scholarship. This scholarship will allow me to further my training and continue to reach many more lives that need my services. Volunteering fills me with life and joy, and I can't bear seeing people that need critical aid go without it. My work ethic, love for the world, and my loyalty to those around me drive me to empower my community and provide salvation to those seeking it. And I bring that salvation in Jesus' name.
Cheryl Twilley Outreach Memorial Scholarship
I come from a family with a low-income background. Ever since my mom retired from the credit union, things have not been the same for me and my family. Mom has been struggling to make ends meet. Even trying to keep our healthcare, social security, and SNAP benefits active has been a nuisance for her—she has to go through an arduous paperwork hurdle to keep these benefits. She is also a recovering alcoholic. I am not employed myself, but I am a content creator who aims to make a difference in many people's lives.
I am also a business management student at Oregon Tech. It's tough experiencing socioeconomic adversity; it impacted affording my education and it also impacted how I could help my mother cover for us. There were even times when I felt helpless to help her. There were times when I wanted to stand up and take matters into my hands, but my mom wouldn't let me. I have high-functioning autism, a reason why she probably didn't let me try to help her, but she knows that I will stand by her through what I do for the world with my videos, streams, and podcasts. Recently, there has been a wildfire in Maui that killed at least 36 individuals according to an article from the American City & County Exclusive Insight journal. I recently turned 19 and one of the things I want to do once I get the new video editor that I received for my birthday installed is make a gaming montage that will raise funds to provide relief through the Maui United Way charity organization.
I am not just fundraising for that; to help with socioeconomic hardship amongst students that were affected by the wildfire, I am also going to raise funds for the basic needs hub at my institution through a GoFundMe. Aside from doing what I can through producing videos to help provide alleviation to the less fortunate, in the academic world, I plan to be an inspiration to many low-income, first-generation students. Some of these students even come from Maui, making these two movements more important than what they seem on the surface. It's like putting a pebble in a pond. The pebble makes a small ripple at first, but as it spreads outward, its impact can be felt in increasingly larger circles. The same is true with providing relief and inspiring those less fortunate. What may start as a small gesture can have a far-reaching impact.
I may be disabled, and my household may be low-income, but I don't let socioeconomic status stop me from supporting those in need through my services. Someday, when I finish my degree and hopefully go viral on the internet, I plan to create a conglomerate charity organization that will serve as an oligopoly of charity organizations known as the Charity Fighters Association. It will fundraise for five charity organizations across the country and potentially the world. Even when I get there, I must remember my roots as CEO of Hurst Entertainment, which fundraised for Autism Speaks raising over $4,000 for the cause, and as a freelance content-creating college student who changes lives locally through small acts of kindness done in the form of media entertainment. I know honor and loyalty to those I care about thanks to these roots—I plan to use those roots to support my community, no matter what it takes.
Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship
From April 7th, 2020 through June 18th, 2023, I was CEO of a nonprofit during my years in high school. The organization was named "Hurst Entertainment." What we did was we conducted charity livestreams and podcasts for Autism Speaks with the expectancy of advocating for those who can't do so for themselves. I instituted this organization because I have autism myself, and I didn't want anyone else to go through the same experience I did—even though they will face hardships, I could at least save them unnecessary ones. We were all committed to that same goal; every one of our staff members were volunteers—they put in their time for the company to ensure a brighter future for the individuals affected by autism and their families.
Each member had distinguishable roles to play. For example, we had a promotion team who spread the word about our content and what would be coming up and we had a team of creators who would practice gaming and coordinate the company's content alongside me. These volunteers even helped pick out equipment that would make my streams higher quality. Hurst Entertainment also did a local event called the Bottle Drop Drive where now and then, people would donate their bottles and cans for the cause and we would redeem them at our local Bottle Drop departments. This not only helped us reach our goals, but we also did our part to help the environment and preserve natural habitats. According to The Recycling Partnership on their website, we know that
Recycling helps our planet and our economy. If all 37.4 million tons of recyclable
materials from households were recycled each year, it would reduce greenhouse gas
emissions equal to removing 20 million cars from U.S. highways and supporting the creation
of 370,000 jobs. The Bottle Drop Drives Hurst Entertainment did have been instrumental in helping to reduce the amount of waste in the environment. The number wasn't that prominent, but it still impacted the environment. The efforts of Bottle Drop Drives orchestrated by Hurst Entertainment were a great example of how my team and I could make a difference. In the end, with all of the charity content we did and all of the bottles we collected, we raised over $4,000 for Autism Speaks. We were proud of the money we raised and the difference that we made.
After discovering that getting a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and a master's in mechanical engineering would bring too much pressure for me, I remembered the impact Hurst Entertainment provided, and I switched my major to business management. I plan to make a difference by continuing to create content that will change many people's lives. There definitely will be some nonprofit work—most of all, however, it will be my profession. With my newfound skills and knowledge, I aspire to become a successful entrepreneur and social media influencer. I want to use my platform to bring about positive and meaningful changes in society so that people can live in a better world. I am passionate about making a difference and I believe that I have the skills and knowledge to do so. I am determined to make an impact and be a successful entrepreneur and social media influencer. This scholarship will provide me with the resources to make this dream a reality and I am grateful for this opportunity. I am prepared to put in the hard work and dedication to make sure that I can make a positive impact on society.
Corrick Family First-Gen Scholarship
My future career aspirations revolve around content creation: making videos, doing livestreams, and creating podcasts that people can enjoy. For that matter, I currently am one but aim to further that ambition and become renowned by many. I started my career in 2020 when I began a fundraising campaign for Autism Speaks by doing charity streams and podcasts under a charity organization I established called "Hurst Entertainment." This had turned gaming from my recreation to part of my career, and I treasure it. At the end of the campaign, we raised over $4,000 for Autism Speaks that went into everything we did, including Bottle Drop drives; whereas the name implies, every day, locals donate their bottles and cans to us, and we redeem them at Bottle Drop centers to garner money for donations that go towards Autism Speaks—and this not only helped us meet our goals but also cleaned up the environment.
After the campaign, I initially wanted to be the first person on Mars after graduating valedictorian with a master's in mechanical engineering and a Ph.D. in astrophysics. However, the goal was too advanced for my taste. Instead, I want to support my local community. The two-and-a-half years of streaming and podcasts scintillated the idea of me being a freelance content creator who changes lives one video at a time through all means necessary, even through educational and informative videos such as my most recent film "The Advanced Technological Philosophy. My film oriented people's ethics surrounding AI and ray tracing and how to utilize it to benefit humanity. The video took 2-3 months to edit, and the rewards were spectacular.
Although I did not go viral, I got more experience and at least reached a small audience who could learn about AI ethics and problems surrounding such technology. I was able to reach an audience who may not have been exposed to the topic before and I believe it was a meaningful experience for them. I also gained valuable insights into the challenges of creating content on this topic and I can now apply those lessons to the next project. The film's results show my passion for making videos goes beyond helping people: I am also fascinated with upgrading my technology and learning new things every day. The project was like a seed planted in the ground: I was able to help it grow through careful nurturing, and in the end, I was rewarded with a beautiful flower that I can marvel at and learn from.
This scholarship will help me pursue my degree in business management which goes hand-in-hand with what I am currently doing. The purpose of enterprise is to change lives—and the same applies to content creation. Content creation has the prospect to inform, enlighten, and motivate people to take action. Through my degree in business management, I can gain the necessary skills to shape the content of the future and make a positive impact on the world. Earning this scholarship would allow me to pursue my aspirations and conceivably prompt someone to do the same thing.
Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship
I embody selflessness through my ambitions, courage, and belief in God. He sent his son, Jesus, to strengthen me in all of my actions as a content creator. I always manifest selflessness, even outside my professional world. There have been a couple of deaths in my community of those close to a couple of beloved friends that I knew needed support during these trying times. Both times, I made or am making a tribute video to these individuals. These are both examples that make me an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
First, I am very close to the Klamath Fish Hatchery manager, Greg Lipsiea. Greg lost his mother during the winter term of my freshman year of college. I immediately rushed to his assistance and even took a day off from college to grieve the loss myself. I knew her through my interactions with Greg and his friends and family. On top of taking the day off from university, after some time had passed since the loss, I took the obligation, as someone who produces videos, podcasts, and livestreams, to produce a tribute video for his mom. It paid homage to her impact on Greg's family and mine. It also highlighted the things she loved like elephants and traveling to casinos. It brought a tear to my mom's eye. Greg was proud that I took the time out of my schedule to make such a video for his mom—a video I would make regardless of circumstances.
I was currently doing the same thing at the time this essay was typed for his friend, and mine, Bill Tinniswood. Bill recently lost his dad a month ago. In Klamath Falls, he was an inspiration to many people, serving in the National Guard for our country. He operated Denny's restaurant, drove for the Klamath County School District, and coached Henley's soccer games. Making a tribute video to him was quite a procedure. Bill himself was the assistant coach for my college's soccer games from 2007-2009; I was hoping to find a clip of him leading these games. So far, no success. However, I have plenty of leads that will likely earn me rare footage of him coaching the women's soccer team. This is during the time he coached. I am currently 2 minutes 30 seconds into the video at the time this essay was typed. I anticipate finishing the video by the end of the week. My goal is to make a heartfelt tribute that captures the wonderful memories of Bill's coaching. I also want to honor the legacy his dad left behind. I am hoping to complete the video by the end of the week so Bill can play it during his dad's service on Monday, June 24th.
These two tribute videos honoring Greg's mom and Bill's dad are exemplary acts of selflessness in motion. As a content creator, I selflessly change lives one video at a time. It's my passion to concoct pieces of art that bring a smile to someone's face and support my local community. I am heralded to be part of these stories and help others share their special rememberings. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference. This scholarship will allow me to expand upon the techniques that I learned to make videos and support people in need. A huge thanks go to the funders for considering my application.
Bright Lights Scholarship
I originally wanted to be the first person on Mars—for that matter, I am seriously driving and still am to this day. I originally planned to get a master's in mechanical engineering and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics, graduating valedictorian and fulfilling that grandiloquent dream I had; the anticipations were too high, to say the least. Today, I am majoring in business management and am heeding a career I had since the pandemic: making videos, podcasts, and livestreams to change the lives of many individuals. I plan to make a small business out of it and transform lives in my local community to sustain my family and selflessly aid individuals overcome tribulation and toil. As a freelance content creator, I make all kinds of videos from tribute videos to ceremonies and especially livestreams that endorse for causes and societal adaptation.
Earning this scholarship will help me pay my tuition and fees as I am a first-generation college student and my family is low-income. I had not earned any scholarships aside from the FAFSA Pell Grant and the Winston Purvine Scholarship awarded at Oregon Tech for maintaining a 3.75 GPA or greater and renewed by preserving that GPA and taking at least 12 credits per term at Oregon Tech. This scholarship will help me cover my fees and from the restitution I get from the school, be better able to purchase textbooks that are required from my studies and grow my career professionally & my dexterities academically. This will be a great service as books are expensive and, without a scholarship, it would be difficult to afford them. Additionally, this scholarship will also allow me to focus on my studies and not bother about financial stress.
I am appreciative that this scholarship and opportunities like this are available. I actively search for these prospects and use these opportunities to grow as a person—and not just as a student or a businessman, but as a son, as a friend, as a family member, and as a simple man trying to make a difference. I am grateful that this scholarship and opportunities like this are available. I actively search for these opportunities and use these opportunities to grow as a person—and not just as a student or a businessman, but as a son, as a friend, as a family member, and as a simple man trying to make a difference. Outside of my career, I am a family man. My lineage is the most important thing in my life and this scholarship will help me provide them with the best possible life, especially my soon-to-arrive nephew. I want to set the standard for my nephew that anything is possible if you work hard and remain focused. I want him to understand education is a priority and that he can achieve his ambitions. The same can be said for my niece, whom I sadly don't get to visit much today, as well as any future nieces, nephews, and children of my own that I might have someday. I plan to use this scholarship to show them all the possibilities available to them and demonstrate to them that hard labor and faithfulness pay off.
Dylan's Journey Memorial Scholarship
Autism is never easy. I, myself, can attest to that—it has come with many challenges, especially socializing with others and asking for help in the classroom when you don’t understand a concept or topic. This is something I struggled with a lot of my life, academically, personally, and professionally. It was when I became a content creator during the pandemic as a sophomore in high school that I began putting my heart into everything I do—and as such, being passionate and ambitious in any opportunity and challenge I come across. Becoming passionate comes from actively participating, working hard, and reaping extraordinary achievements from the fruitful labors of hard work. This allowed me to earn a 4.0 GPA starting my junior year of high school. With clever wits and passion in everything I did to make it this far, I completed my first year of college with a 4.0 GPA after graduating from Mazama High School with a cumulative GPA of 3.86. For example, I explained the concept of behavioral economics called the “Ultimatum Game” in my ECO 201 class and how employers and labor unions play it every day during minimum wage negotiations.
What people see on the exterior is an extraordinarily intelligent man who could solve some of the problems no one could solve on their own; what they didn’t see on the inside was the struggles I took to get to where I am now and at the point where I look to go farther than I have been. Despite the challenge, I persevered. It gives me the strength to keep going. My ambition to keep going and to aim higher is one of the reasons I am a good applicant for this scholarship. I always tackle my problems with a sense of determination in my heart and soul; which, today, more people need to see in their lives. There's more to it than just powering through the day with nothing lost and nothing gained—that'd be dull; it's about standing up, releasing the potential, and showing a heated spirit in everything we do. As they enter college themselves and transition into the challenging world of "real life", future generations can guide themselves through tougher obstacles ordinary students cannot overcome.
Earning this scholarship would be a testament that even someone who dealt with the toughest living conditions can rise above the odds and live by a motto that I created: "There will be disappointments in life, but we humans can turn those disappointments into accomplishments.” Students that put in that work to improve themselves despite the conditions laid out to accomplish merely the smallest thing is enough to make a difference in someone’s life, particularly if that someone still has yet to go through middle school or even high school. As my motivation to pursue higher education, I hope to become a leader in my community by striving to improve my knowledge and skills. People follow society's cultural norms too often, and with people like me who have the skills to lead disabled students and make other disabled students leaders, we can drive the idea that disabled people are just as successful and influential. I also want to break down the stigma around disabled people and show that they can be respected and valued members of society.
Arthur and Elana Panos Scholarship
God has guided me through many academic challenges already presented to me. I got a 4.0 GPA starting my junior year of high school and maintained it ever since. Having such knowledge, I felt pretty skilled and sharp—a little too much, for that matter. Arrogance nearly cost me my 4.0 GPA; coupled with a lack of a social life outside of school and my line of work as a content creator, I realized what despair truly meant. God spoke to me and guided me out of this loop of despair, pride, and guilt. He provided me the initial way out of my original ambitious and admirable goal of being Valedictorian with a master's in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics to be the first person on Mars.
In my line of work, I started my career as CEO of Hurst Entertainment and conducted charity streams and podcasts for Autism Speaks. I also helped those who could not administer themselves. God saw the civilities I was doing for these individuals, and he saw the potential I had on Earth, not in the stars. He had something better planned for me. He guided me to opportunities to help even more people through my work and use social media for good. In His sacred name, I must use my platform to make the world a better dwelling, and I strive to do this every day as a freelancer. As the Bible says in Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." I do all things through Christ who strengthens me; I do all things through God who strengthens me in the name of the Holy Spirit in His glorious name.
My faith assists me in my education and work every day. Everywhere I look, the Lord directs me to opportunities to make a difference in someone's life and transform it through any video or stream. Be it to honor someone God recently brought home to his domain in heaven, help him answer a prayer for medical healing in Jesus' name, or provide a change in society as prescribed by the Lord, He guides me to these opportunities, clues me to how I can create the finishing touches, and bring upon another satisfied client. As I am still striving for a 4.0 GPA to this day, He also guides me to help if I find myself academically struggling to understand a concept, apply it to real-world situations and my line of work as a content creator. If I find myself in despair, God will provide me with a way out of my suffering through any peaceful means. He has never failed me, and I know He will continue to help me through my toils. I greatly respect Him and His power to help me through anything. I am forever grateful for His guidance—He strengthens me through Christ, whom I have embraced unto my heart.
Will Johnson Scholarship
As an individual with high-functioning autism, a condition that affects communication between individuals, the college has brought out my adventurous side; I am willing to try new experiences, socialize more, and diversify my tastes—even appetite-wise as I have sensitivity to textures. Autism was always a challenging experience for me and it still is. Although I have not overcome autism, I have overcome the surrounding stigma. This newfound confidence has led me to explore different communities and find a place where I feel accepted. I have also found solace in friendships with other individuals with autism.
College brought out my adventurous side, but to overcome the surrounding stigma, I had to stand up for myself and people like me. I started a charity organization called Hurst Entertainment that did charity streams to fundraise for Autism Speaks and raised over $4,000. Creating content and entertaining the public brought me out of my shell. It made me rise above expectations. I had to learn to manage my time between work, study, and leisure during high school, which was quite formidable. But I was determined to make it work and I'm glad I did-- helped me become more organized and disciplined.
I'm furthering my education at Oregon Institute of Technology and studying Business Management. My study ties in nicely with what I accomplish as a content creator. Content creators can expertly create a niche and sell their content to clients and like-minded individuals who want to change their lives through videos, podcasts, and film. Everything I learn in my courses helps me further my abilities as a creator. I discover what makes things relatable and appealing to my audience and marketing firms, further building my public brand. In ECO 201 for example, I learned that what I am doing provides a positive externality to charities that I support and the people these charities benefit and that I am competing in a monopolistically competitive industry—an industry where only many people can take everything they possess from college and creator courses and the material they find from trends and online media can create videos that go viral and make economic profits from assembling videos and constructively & allocatively overseeing the budget and meeting the expectations made by the demands of the audience. It taught me how to make decisions that benefit myself and the people around me.
After pursuing higher education, given that I become viral, I want to start an expanded charity organization that includes Hurst Entertainment brought back as Hurst Entertainment NEO. It will consist of five charity businesses fundraising for different causes; each charity will tie in with each CEO, and leader of the organization's personal experiences and resonate with their presumptions in what needs to change. I will name the organization the "Charity Fighters Association" and become the "Amazon" of charity organizations. However, at the very least, I can follow what my film professor taught me and manage my expectations of what I should accomplish. Above all else, I wish to change lives after completing my degree, even if it's just a few. By creating the Charity Fighters Association, I can impact multiple lives in much the same way as Amazon does. Even if the plan falls through, I have no pressure to succeed to that degree. I will never forget my professor's advice about managing my expectations. However, ultimately, I hope to touch others' lives by finishing my degree.
Mental Health Importance Scholarship
Mental health is not just important for me but for everyone around me as well. I quickly discovered after my first year of college that my mental health not only affects myself but those around me as well. I maintained a 4.0 GPA through my first year of college, a truly tremendous feat. However, it came at the cost of my free time and mental health; my constant ambition and drive to do better and work hard turned me into a minor workaholic—someone who works compulsively. My mental health started to impact my relationships with those around me, as I became less available to spend time with the people I loved; I was too focused on my work as a creator and my academics to even notice. My friends and family started to feel neglected. It was only after a few candid conversations with some of them that I realized the full extent of my mental health's impact on them—and my habits may have influenced the work habits of those around me as well.
My work habits had taken a toll on me and those around me; this upcoming college year and throughout the summer, as this application was submitted before my sophomore year of college started, I plan on changing these habits. I want to create a better balance between my studies and social life so that I can be more successful academically and have stronger relationships with my peers and loved ones. To do this, I plan on being more intentional in my time management, setting aside specific blocks of time for studying, leisure, and socializing. I also plan on utilizing resources like tutors, advisors, and study partners to help me stay on track.
We, humans, are social creatures; when that aspect of health falls, the other aspects fall as well. Therefore, I must make time for socializing to maintain a balanced life. I also need to make time for myself as well—regarding that, whenever I am not studying, working, or engaging with other human beings, I will prioritize self-care time such as taking an enjoyable warm bath or treating myself to a movie to analyze and keep my brain sharp. It is not just about taking care of the mind but exercising it. And as the famous philosopher and physician Albert Schweitzer once said: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will succeed." I've tried the other way around and it never worked; I am done trying to overachieve and not getting anything back in return for my accomplishments.
Lastly, I will keep a strong support system on hand. I have established a list of emergency contacts on my phone; those contacts include my family, a couple of my friends, the mother of one of my past love interests, a counselor, and the number for Workaholics Anonymous if I ever need professional help with my work habits. These people are my "recovery squad." I will turn to them whenever I feel overwhelmed or need a strong shoulder to cry on or a soothing voice to cry to. I know I can rely on their support to get through tough times. I will also contact them for advice and constructive criticism. Workaholism is a mental illness; addictions are mental illnesses. I'm sure that with their help, I can overcome this challenge and move forward. I'm done being a workaholic in the absence of my social life. There’s no problem with overachieving, but it should not go above all forms of health.
I Can Do Anything Scholarship
My future self is someone who uses all forms of content—not just livestreams, but podcasts, videos, and film too; to change society by supporting clients through the Klamath community and changing the lives of everyone including college students, elders, the disadvantaged, and those with disabilities one video at a time.
Neal Hartl Memorial Sales/Marketing Scholarship
I am a content creator. In the world of business, I focus on all aspects of the media industry. Podcasts, livestreams, films, gaming montages, you name it and I can create it. I have a knack for understanding the needs of my clients and creating content that is engaging and effective. I work hard to ensure my content is of the highest quality and meets my clients' expectations. Recently, I made a documentary film on ray tracing and artificial intelligence called "The Advanced Technological Philosophy."
The film focuses on artificial intelligence and ray tracing. It also focuses on the ethics of how we can leverage technology to benefit humanity rather than launch us into a worldwide dystopia. Through the research process in my WRI 122 course while taking ECO 201, and HUM 125 & 235, I quickly discovered and learned that there is more to producing videos than just an idea or a concept—one needs to think and ask themselves “Where are the viewers’ eyes in the image? How can I make a smooth transition into another scene?” Those were all questions I asked myself when making the film and communicating my idea to my audience.
My “Intro to Film” professor taught me something crucially important when making films: the learning curve is tremendous. One minute you’re just discovering what worked and what didn’t and if you had fun in the production process. Another minute, whatever project you were working on took off on the internet and went viral somewhere. This taught me that filmmaking is a journey, and that success can come at any time and in any form. What matters is staying humble, enjoying the creative process, and being open to unexpected outcomes. My biggest motivation is to make a difference in the lives of many—my big inspiration is to change lives one video at a time. Even when success comes, it is important to remember to stay humble and remember why I started this journey in the first place: to make a difference, to inspire, and to create meaningful content that resonates with people.
This same message is true in any business. I’m sure Neal enforced this concept throughout his business life. He was successful in his endeavors and I am sure his humility and motivation kept him motivated. Having heard he passed away in the scholarship description encouraged me to carry on his legacy. This is similar to the Olympic torch that is passed from one athlete to the next, carrying on the spirit of excellence and pushing them to excel in their endeavors. Neal’s spirit of hard work and dedication will live on through the scholarship, inspiring future generations of leaders.
In the future, I hope to be as influential as the likes of PewDiePie who has earned over 107 million subscribers, and Markiplier, who made "Markiplier in Space" and "A Heist with Markiplier." This is why I'm passionate about creating meaningful content that can make people learn and grow—and I hope that I can be an inspiration to others and help support those who aspire to be content creators in the future. This scholarship allows me to continue to pursue my dream and create content that can make positive changes in the world. I am excited to join other creators and be a leader in the content creation community after finishing my studies. By empowering young people to use their talents to make a difference, I will continue Neal's legacy.
Douglass M. Hamilton Memorial Scholarship
I am a first-generation college student with high-functioning autism. Communication usually is a barrier for me; however, I have overcome that barrier as a content creator. Alongside having a 4.0 GPA in college, I have used my experiences to create entertaining, educational, and inspirational content. I have also connected with other college students like me, helping them succeed in their classes through group study. Through my content, I can help those with similar experiences while also learning more about myself and gaining the confidence I need to pursue my dreams. It has been a mutually beneficial experience.
My family is low-income and disabled, and I have used my journey to break the stigma of these disadvantages. It is never easy. My mom has two terminal illnesses, and I have been taking care of her and helping her get around. I have had to balance a complicated schedule of managing my education, creating videos and podcasts, and taking care of my mother. It is a lot to juggle and often I feel overwhelmed, but I have managed to stay resilient and make it work. I have also had to prioritize self-care, which is often difficult when there is so much going on. I try to take a few moments each day to relax.
My dad works hard to provide for us. My dad had a serious accident years ago and fell from a great height. Since then, he's had an injured hand and can't do as much as he used to. Despite his disability, my dad has always been determined to give us the best he can. He works tirelessly to make sure we have everything we need. My dad has to manage a tight budget to make ends meet. He's had to make some difficult decisions to ensure that we have all the essentials and he often has to sacrifice his own needs to ensure that we have what we need.
Despite all of this, my dad has always encouraged me to pursue my education and has been a huge source of inspiration in my journey toward college. He always says that no matter what, education is the best investment you can make, and it will open up so many possibilities in life. He also encouraged me to apply for grants and scholarships that could help me cover the cost of college. He said that even small amounts of financial aid can make a big difference in the long run, and I'm thankful that he encouraged me to do this. My education will serve me well as a content creator.
I am pursuing a degree in business management. I'm confident that this degree will give me the knowledge and skills I need to be successful. At some point when I graduate, I plan on starting a conglomerate charity business organization called the Charity Fighters Association. The Charity Fighters Association will be composed of five charity businesses dedicated to assisting those in need. These businesses will focus on providing goods and services and paying their efforts forward to charity organizations across the nation and potentially the world. Each business in the Charity Fighters Association will have an independent mission and purpose and will work together to create a unified force for good. The goal of the organization is to make a lasting change in the world by providing people with the resources they need to succeed.
Cariloop’s Caregiver Scholarship
I am the caregiver for my mother. She was once a loan officer at the Klamath Public Employees Federal Credit Union. She worked there for over 20 years before she retired due to health issues. Since then, I have taken over the responsibility of caring for her. She has a disability called fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas.
As her caregiver, I take the time to ensure her needs are met and that she is comfortable. I am constantly searching for new ways to help her manage her condition, from finding alternative therapies to learning about the latest medical research and treatments. In the event of an emergency, I always make sure to call emergency services as soon as possible. I always look for ways to help improve her living circumstances. Meanwhile, I am simultaneously appealing to her social and mental well-being. I make sure to provide her with activities that she enjoys, such as dining out, shopping, or assisting her with running errands. I also encourage her to stay in touch with friends and family, and I help her find ways to stay socially connected. I also try to identify any mental health issues that may arise and provide her with the resources and support she may need.
My mom has been sober for a few months now, and she's looking to improve her ways of living, and I act as her moral support. Having a solid support system is essential for someone trying to make a positive change in their life. I want my mom to have a safe space to express her emotions and struggles. I also want her to be surrounded by people who will be there for her throughout her journey. This is why I try to provide her with guidance and resources to reach out to people who can help her. Things haven't been easy for me either.
My family is low-income and my father also sustained a hand injury from falling when I was young. I find it difficult to afford college as a result. However, I will not let circumstances such as this prevent me from making the most of my college education. My goal is to graduate top of my class with a 4.0 GPA, a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics. I plan to take advantage of scholarships and grants available to low-income students to finance my education.
I am also determined to work hard and make the most of the opportunity. This will enable me to build a successful career and provide a better life for my family. Being a caregiver has only made me a better person overall. I have a newfound appreciation for how imperative it is to be able to provide for your family and friends. I also understand how diligent work and dedication can help you achieve your goals. I believe that by leveraging the skills I have acquired, I can make a meaningful contribution to my family and community.
I have a strong commitment to making a positive impact on the world around me. I know that I can apply what I have learned to build a successful career as an astronaut preparing to be the first person on Mars. I am confident that with the right resources and dedication, I can use my skills to create a better life for myself and my family. Additionally, I am inspired by the strength and resilience of the people I have cared for and I am motivated to use my experience to help others.
Maverick Grill and Saloon Scholarship
I am unique in many ways. At Oregon Tech, I am one of the only students who are neurodiverse but maintain a 4.0 GPA. I balance my academics and getting involved in college with content creation and making time for myself and my friends. This shows my strong determination and resilience in the face of challenges and my commitment to excellence in all aspects of my life. I have developed a strong sense of self-awareness and can manage my time and energy well. It’s like walking a tightrope - balancing the demands of school, work, and personal life while maintaining excellence in each. I have learned how to step carefully, make adjustments as needed, and keep my footing as I progress through my life.
Many people tend to do what is necessary. They tend to focus on one thing and then move on with their lives. I am not like most people. Instead, I have strived to be more intentional with my time and resources. I have prioritized the tasks that are most critical and have learned how to delegate and outsource some of the smaller tasks. I have also learned to accept help from others, which has been instrumental in helping me to achieve a more balanced life. Sure, part of what I enjoy doing is aiming to be on social media famous; but while I strive for recognition, I don't just put myself on the back burner.
Through the process of becoming more popular, I aim to change society as we know it. I aim to do this by creating content through podcasts and livestreams, maintaining my 4.0 GPA throughout college, and making time for my close friends and family. I believe the content I create will bring awareness to the changes I want to see in society. The 4.0 GPA I maintain will give me the credibility to be taken seriously. Additionally, making time for close friends and family will help me remain grounded and focused on my goals, while also providing me with a support system. I currently do a podcast called "Life of a Content-Creating College Student" with one of Oregon Tech's TOP Advisors collaborating with me as the co-host and we do a good job at sharing tips and tricks on how to succeed in college all while introducing people to content creation by sharing my experience in both fields.
I can learn from others with similar interests and experiences and gain valuable insight into how to achieve my goals by talking to them. Even when things get tough, I can turn to my close friends and family for motivation and support. I also come prepared to all of my classes and practice and study consistently and frequently unlike the majority of my classmates. I aim to graduate top of the class in college. This way, I can stay ahead of the curve, anticipate any roadblocks I may face, and develop strategies for overcoming them. I also develop better problem-solving skills and become a better critical thinker, which will be essential for achieving my goals.
These traits make me a maverick because I give back to the community in a truly extraordinary way. I look for popularity, not ways to blend in! By having the foresight to anticipate and plan for any roadblocks, I can develop methods to overcome them quickly and effectively. This allows me to think more strategically and creatively and come up with solutions to problems faster. This sets me apart from the crowd and allows me to make a positive impact in the community.
Veterans Next Generation Scholarship
My dad served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. During his time in the army, he was an engineer who worked on tanks and helicopters. His job was to maintain and repair the vehicles, which required him to have a deep knowledge of how the machines work and how to diagnose and fix any problems. He also had to be prepared to respond to any emergencies that occurred in the field. 9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the Vietnam Era, with 8,744,000 of them serving during the actual war.
Out of all these soldiers, only a tiny percentage of them were engineers, with 23% being civil engineers, and 36% being mechanical and industrial engineers combined. We have seen that engineering is not easy; thus I saw my dad as someone with extraordinary capabilities. He used them especially well during his time in service. Despite what he had done in the past, he kept finding a way to incorporate engineering into every job he had. This included his current specialization in carpentry and house painting. Despite his many skills, my dad is disabled. One day while on a job, he fell from a high place and broke his right hand.
Despite his physical disabilities, my dad has never given up; he has continued to work, from carpentry to house painting, and has never lost his determination. However, he still struggles to make an income to support me, and my family, and make a living because he does require help at some times. There were also days when he even got injured and had to take a quick vacation, some of which I accompanied him on. Yet, despite these setbacks, his indomitable spirit kept him motivated, and he never allowed himself to be defeated by his circumstances. His passion for engineering was part of what inspired me to choose my major in mechanical engineering. I want to do similar work to what my dad did as well as invest in the development of spacecraft that can get us to Mars.
I have a disability myself. It's called high-functioning autism which impairs communication between other individuals. However, I have found that many people with disabilities, such as myself, can excel in engineering. This is because we often have great attention to detail and are very good at problem-solving. So, I would argue that my dad's passion for engineering inspired me to choose a major that I now excel in, despite my disability. This is because engineering requires a great deal of attention to detail, which is something that people with autism often excel at. Additionally, many people with disabilities tend to be very good at problem-solving, which is an essential skill in the engineering field. Having my dad passionate about engineering and inspiring me to pursue it demonstrates how powerful parental support and encouragement can be in empowering individuals with disabilities.
In addition, my unpredictability allowed me to earn my 4.0 GPA in my junior year of high school and maintain it ever since. Keeping this quality has also carried over to college, where I strive for academic excellence. For instance, I have worked closely with my professors to understand the material and make sure I get the best grade possible on every test and project by studying my own Quizlet study sets. As a result, I have achieved success academically, both in high school and college. I am blessed that my dad is a Vietnam veteran. I don't know what I would have done without him.
Sean Carroll's Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship
I was always fascinated by the idea of expanding our knowledge of space and what the universe contains. Outside of Earth is space, or in other words, part of the entirety of the universe. For example, I always think about the endless possibilities that could exist within the universe, such as the possibility of discovering new planets, galaxies, and even extraterrestrial life. Our universe is 13.7 billion years old. Our understanding of what the universe contains is constantly growing and evolving, offering us new and exciting possibilities to explore.
I am not just fascinated by our universe, but by the possibility of other universes and alternate timelines. The idea of parallel universes has been explored in scientific theories such as the multiverse theory and string theory. These theories state that our universe is just one of many possible universes. This means that countless alternate timelines and realities could exist, and it is this potential for new discoveries that fascinates me. For instance, the multiverse theory suggests that every possible outcome or decision in life could happen in a different universe, and these universes could collide, creating new phenomena.
To understand the multiverse theory, we must understand quantum physics. Quantum physics states that particles can exist in multiple states at once and can interact with each other across parallel universes. This means that particles can be in two places at once, and the same particle can have different characteristics in different universes. This theory is the basis for the multiverse theory. This idea is known as quantum superposition.
When I finish my Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, I am aiming to get a Ph.D. in Astrophysics. The major will likely deal with quantum physics in some way. As such, I can take on research projects to better understand how the universe works. By furthering my studies, I will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the laws of quantum physics and how they affect our universe. This will allow me to contribute to the research and knowledge that is being developed in the field of astrophysics and make a lasting impact.
With that Ph.D. in Astrophysics and my Master's in Mechanical Engineering, I also plan on becoming the first person to step foot on Mars. To explore different galaxies, we must first cross the barrier of traveling to other planets. It is similar to the barrier that needs to be broken before we can explore the depths of the ocean. This can only be done by those brave enough to venture into the unknown. It calls for a combination of expertise, knowledge, and dedication to make this goal a reality. The journey to Mars will be far from easy and will require the development of cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced propulsion and life-support systems, to make it a success. It also requires a daring spirit and an unwavering commitment to exploration and discovery.
I must also complete my studies to ensure this mission is a success. Maintaining the 4.0 GPA that I have maintained since my junior year of high school will better help me retain my memory of these concepts. By keeping a high GPA, I can ensure that I have a thorough understanding of the material I am learning so that I can apply it to my mission. Additionally, having a solid GPA shows employers that I am capable and have a thorough grasp of the material. This will be invaluable when I am applying for jobs after graduation. Overall, I am more than qualified for this scholarship. In conclusion, I'm confident I'll use the scholarship award wisely.
Holt Scholarship
I am a mechanical engineering student at Oregon Tech who aspires to become the first person on Mars. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science at Oregon Tech. Once I finish this task, I am looking at obtaining a Master’s Degree at Portland State University. Once I finish my Mechanical Engineering studies, I am looking to attend Oregon State University for four years and get a Ph.D. in Astrophysics. My education will get me in the door for a job at NASA or SpaceX. I have dreamed of being the first person on Mars since I was a child.
This is a dream I am passionate about because I am to be an inspiration to many people across the country and hopefully, the world. I look to inspire the next generation of students to do something similar if not more than what I hope to accomplish. I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my ambition and because of my accomplishments. I have high academic standing at Oregon Tech, earning a 4.0 grade point average at the end of the last term. I have carried that 4.0 since I was a junior at Mazama High School.
I take serious strides in learning the material in my classes and acing the quizzes and exams whipped up by my instructors. Of course, I have faced many obstacles in my journey to pursue my degree. I have high-functioning autism, which makes it difficult for me to communicate with others. However, I did not let that stop me. In the past, I did a fundraising campaign for my favorite charity, Autism Speaks through my charity organization, Hurst Entertainment.
We did charity livestreams and podcasts with a group of dedicated volunteers to support the cause. The team helped me with producing the videos and podcasts, purchasing better equipment, spreading the word, and mailing donations to Autism Speaks. We also did a Bottle Drop Drive. We collected bottles and cans that people donated to us and redeemed them at Bottle Drop in green bags we purchased. The cans and bottles were 10 cents each. All donations we earned from the drive were donated alongside the donations we got from our content to Autism Speaks.
Through our success, raising over $4,000, we provided aid for a worthwhile cause, gave everyone valuable experience, and cleaned up the environment. Getting my 4.0 GPA from my junior year of high school to this very day and helping those who are like me allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and stand out among the rest. I have shown that people with disabilities shouldn’t be underestimated because of what they’re struggling with. I am pursuing my degree because I believe I can make a difference in this world. Also, I aim to graduate top of the class in college.
After seeing the success I left in my wake through my endeavors, I realized that I have significant potential in this world. I aim to leave my mark and be an inspiration to many students including people with autism like me, even those who are struggling. Everyone can contribute something to their community regardless of their circumstances. I have a saying that resonates with that belief. There will be disappointments in life, but us humans have the power to turn those disappointments into accomplishments.
Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
My mental health experience changed my outlook. When I was 2 years old, I was diagnosed with high-functioning autism at Doernbecker’s children’s hospital. As a child, I didn’t care much about it because I had my grandmother alongside me. She always took care of me when my mom worked 9 to 5 as a loan officer. My bond with her was unlike any other.
On August 29th, 2016, she passed away when I was 12 years old. It was then that I realized that my experience with autism wasn’t the most pleasant. I had trouble communicating and reaching out to other people and with my grandmother not physically present, I found it challenging to have a meaningful connection. Despite my desire to connect, I couldn't open up because of autism stigma. I felt like a piece of me was missing.
Things got grimmer as time marched on. I started having distressing memories of her passing and my past meltdowns and shutdowns regarding autism. Sooner or later I started having trust issues with my parents too. The reasons for my distrust will not be disclosed. The pandemic hit just when I thought things couldn't get uglier during my sophomore year.
I was in complete and utter despair. However, a part of me wanted to fight back against the stigma surrounding autism, even autism itself. That was when I believed in the power of success, and ambitiously formed a charity organization called Hurst Entertainment in honor of people like me. The organization did charity livestreams and podcasts to support my favorite charity, Autism Speaks, and allowed me to develop practical skills I could use in any given situation. The content creation industry motivated me to honor my interpretation of my grandmother’s last wish: to be kind to other human beings, for we don’t know what each individual is suffering through.
I wasn’t alone; I had a group of volunteers working alongside me. That team was once three members, all of them Klamath Fish Hatchery workers, including myself and it turned into around ten. That team helped me run my livestreams, spread the word about them, improve my content with better equipment, and mail donations to Autism Speaks. We also held a Bottle Drop Drive where people could donate their cans and bottles to us. We would redeem them using green bags purchased at Bottle Drop.
Each can and bottle contained 10 cents, which we deposited into our Bottle Drop accounts. We withdrew them and mailed them alongside the donations we got from our content. Our team supported individuals with autism and encouraged better recycling habits to clean up the environment. Along the way, I stood out in school, earning a 4.0 GPA in my junior year of high school. This is because I had the motivation to work and study hard. We lend an external hand to Mazama High School’s Sparrow Club. Students donate $10 per hour to their sparrows, who are children with rare illnesses. This meant that all volunteers within Hurst Entertainment that attended Mazama High, including myself, could pay forward their work.
This allowed Hurst Entertainment to expand its efforts to help those in need. In the end, we raised over $4,000 for Autism Speaks and helped provide additional relief for children in need. Every volunteer also gained practical experience much like myself. As for my relationship with my parents, every trust issue I experienced had been cleared away because of the president of Hurst Entertainment, Jessilynne Beeman. I loved and trusted her with every fiber of my being, and even forged a connection with her throughout the campaign before she even became president.
She said these words while I was suffering through my rough patch in the early parts of the campaign: “Be kind to your mom and dad for me, okay?" Those words stuck out to me and helped me realize that my mom and dad cared about me in everything I did despite everything that happened. Through the campaign, I decided I was done running away from my problems. I forged my dreams from there, some of them coming from when I was a kid. I aim to get a Ph.D. in Astrophysics, graduate top of the class, and become the first person on Mars as an astronaut for NASA or SpaceX. I also aim to graduate debt-free, which is why I am continuing my content-creating endeavors through college.
I plan to resume livestreams on Twitch instead of Facebook to help pay for college expenses alongside applying for scholarships and grants. If the scholarships cover the expenses, some of the money earned from streams will be donated to a 501(c)(3) charity, providing relief to those more unfortunate than others. I also plan to resume my charity work for Autism Speaks and beyond when I begin my Ph.D. in Astrophysics by forming the Charity Fighters Association. Through it, Hurst Entertainment will be reborn as Hurst Entertainment NEO, and four other charity organizations will be formed. Doing this will expand the outreach to charity organizations aside from Autism Speaks Hurst Entertainment NEO would support. These include the ASPCA, St. Jude, Wounded Warriors Project, and mental health charities.
My story illustrates the fact that suicide only causes grief for others and costs the ability to change the world in a positive manner. It is a shame that Ethel Hayes, your mother, had to go through all of that. I am sure she made a difference in the world throughout her lifespan, however. My mother struggles with mental health issues, too. As long as I am around, she continues to be a shining beacon of light for others, including her loved ones. My dream is to inspire the next generation of students to put forth as much work as I did to achieve their goals. I hope to carry forward Ethel Hayes' legacy by fulfilling my grandmother's last wishes. In addition, I hope to fulfill another part, which is to love myself and accept grace when I need it most.
Coleman for Patriots Scholarship
As a proud citizen of the United States, I have contributed significantly to my community. When I was in high school, along with maintaining a 4.0 GPA starting my junior year of high school, I ran a charity organization called Hurst Entertainment. The organization ran charity livestreams and podcasts to support Autism Speaks to spread Autism Awareness and advance research on the condition. I have the condition myself, and I didn’t want anyone to have a rough experience with it as I did. I wanted to entertain my family and friends while supporting those that I cared about along the way.
I was not alone. I was joined by a group of dedicated volunteers that helped me support the cause. They helped me purchase equipment to improve my content, spread the word about my work, and mail the donations we received to Autism Speaks. Some of the volunteers even livestreamed alongside me. We also did a Bottle Drop Drive to promote recycling habits while gathering additional donations for Autism Speaks.
People would donate their cans and bottles to us and we would redeem them in green bags we purchased from Bottle Drop. Every can and bottle, worth 10 cents each, would be deposited into our Bottle Drop accounts. We would withdraw and mail those donations alongside the donations we got from our content. These weren’t the only donations we made. Some of the volunteers, including myself, attended Mazama High School, which had a Sparrow Club.
As a result, we externally cooperated with the Sparrow Club by paying forward our hours to the school’s sparrow. For every hour we were at work, $10 would be donated to the sparrow. Not only did we support individuals with autism, but we also supported children with rare illnesses. To top it off, we raised over $4,000 for Autism Speaks, and everyone that volunteered gained practical experience from the fundraising campaign. I plan on resuming content creation to help pay for college expenses alongside applying for scholarships. If the scholarships cover the expenses, I’d be more than happy to donate some of the money earned from streams to a 501(c)(3) charity.
While I am in college, I’ll be pursuing a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics. While I am studying Astrophysics, I plan on resuming my charity work and restarting Hurst Entertainment. I will team up with four of my friends, and form the Charity Fighters Association. This will spread my outreach not just to Autism Speaks, but to other charities as well. These can include the ASPCA, Wounded Warriors Project, St. Jude, and a charity dedicated to mental health. Hurst Entertainment will become Hurst Entertainment NEO and four other charity businesses will be formed as well.
At the end of my college experience, I plan on becoming the first person to step foot on Mars. I would launch the United States in a brand-new direction. This is because we would provide more local relief for this country and advance our technology further than what we already have. I will not only promote charity entrepreneurship, content creation, and providing aid to those in need. However, I will also inspire the next generation of students to step forward and achieve their dreams and benefit this country as well. I can’t be the only one helping this country out. Starting now, I shall carve a path that every American patriot can follow and be proud of! Thank you, Nolan, for recognizing the proud patriots that make America better.
John J Costonis Scholarship
I am attending Oregon Tech to study mechanical engineering. I plan to attend there for four years to earn my Bachelor's degree. Then, I will spend another year at Portland State University for my Master's. Then, I will spend four years at Oregon State University getting my Ph.D. in Astrophysics. Once I finish my education, I plan on working for NASA or SpaceX and becoming the first person to set foot on Mars. I have had that dream since I was a kid, and I am looking to make it a reality.
I experienced on rare occasions, the inability to find a tutor to help me solve a problem or not get clarity when needed. I learned to overcome that by utilizing the peer consultant center and scheduling multiple peer tutor appointments in one day, and giving variety when receiving help from my tutors. I also had to adjust to a college setting. Changing from one setting to another wasn’t as tough as not getting the help I needed. Despite this, I managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA since my junior year of high school.
The Fall term of college ended, and I still have my 4.0 to this day. It may not be cumulative, but it helped me raise my cumulative; I aim to maintain that throughout college and graduate at the top of my major class. I also realize that I will have to face the challenge of affording to return to college. I got plenty of scholarships last year which paid for most of, if not my entire first year at Oregon Tech. Not only am I looking to graduate top of the class, but I am also looking to graduate college debt-free.
I am doing this by applying for numerous scholarships and grants and resuming my content-creating endeavors. If my scholarships cover the expenses, some of what I get to help pay for college from my content will be donated to charities. This will benefit those who may be less fortunate than others. I care about my success, but I also care about giving back to other people when the opportunity arises. I always take the initiative to get out there, ace my quizzes and exams, and take the extra mile to get a little bit more done. I also help other people along the way. I have been helping people for a long time; I even started a charity organization called Hurst Entertainment, which launched my side career as a content creator. We did charity livestreams and podcasts to fundraise for my favorite charity, Autism Speaks.
Autism is another challenge that I had to overcome not just in college, but in high school as well. With everything I did, however, I overcame the stigma surrounding autism as I transitioned into college. I have much higher ambitions. However, I need to focus on my college work so those more ambitious dreams can be realized. With my skill set, I have no doubt that I can overcome what I may face.
Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
I am an individual with high-functioning autism. I was diagnosed when I was 2 years old at Doernbecker’s children’s hospital. When I was a child, I didn’t care about it. All that I cared about was my grandmother being with me the entire time. She always took care of me when my mother worked 9 to 5 as a loan officer.
My grandmother sadly passed away when I was 12 years old on August 29th, 2016. Her passing negatively affected me. I started to see my disability as an illness, and there was a lot of stigma surrounding it. I started to have regretful memories of my childhood with autism come my sophomore year of high school. I also had flashbacks about my grandmother’s death whenever a situation came up that reminded me of her. Such as the scent of food she always cooked, trips to the Goodwill thrift store, etc.
I even searched for someone who loved me just as much or more than my grandmother did, but to no avail. The covid pandemic hit, and things were downhill; I also had a sense of distrust toward my parents at the time. At that moment, I acted on my thoughts about autism. Although I never had a pleasant experience with the condition, I didn’t despise those with the condition. My beliefs only encouraged me to help them, to ensure they didn’t have the same or similar experience as me.
With that, I formed Hurst Entertainment, which proceeded to do charity livestreams and podcasts to raise funds for my favorite charity, Autism Speaks. We raised over $4,000 to spread Autism Awareness and advance research. At the time, I also struggled to keep up in my sophomore year of high school but managed to pass every class. I was determined to do well in all of my classes. Along with doing my charity work, I also poured my heart and soul into my studies starting my junior year of high school.
My dedication earned a 4.0 GPA, which I still have to this day with the Fall term of my freshman year at Oregon Tech having closed. Things did get better. I overcame the stigma surrounding autism, became beloved by the public, learned to deal with loss, got along with my parents with no disbelief, and have people who do care about me and where I want to go. Although my beliefs about my experience with autism remain the same, I am not about to let my disability define who I am as a person. My decisions, dedication, effort, and moral choices determine who I am as a person.
I chose to walk the road of a hero. I am currently attending Oregon Tech, and I am still creating content. I plan on resuming livestreaming when Winter term rolls around along with applying for scholarships to remain debt-free in college while remaining the star student and celebrity I am. If the scholarships cover the expenses, I’d be glad to donate some of the money garnered from my content to charity. I am also committed to community service for Oregon Tech on their service days along with any opportunity presented to me that I can handle. No matter where I am, however, I realize and remember that there’s always someone to talk to about my mental health. This is especially true if I feel a bit under the weather. I can’t imagine what Sherri Rosser went through, but I am certain she was a good person. My work will show the same kindness and empathy she did!
Financial Literacy Importance Scholarship
I need to manage my finances as a student because I see so much potential in what I could be doing in the future. It is not just meant for me, but for those around me. I am a first-generation student financially dependent on my parents, but that doesn’t mean I am not financially responsible for my finances. The most stressful things about college would be not graduating and winding up in debt in your bank account. I am passionate about graduating college debt-free.
I have a comprehensive understanding of federal and private loans as well as the benefits of work-study. I am in the TOP Program at OIT, which helps me to succeed on the path that I chose, even with finances. To get admitted to TOP, I attended an intake appointment and completed a course on personal finance literacy with a 100% grade. The course allowed me to assess my financial situation and the stress that comes with it. According to the course's examination results, I had only a minimal amount of financial stress during the course.
Unlike many, I do not have a credit card. Instead, I have a debit card. It allows me to purchase items online without the worry of interest. Regarding my purchasing habits, however, I am not so reckless. I am only willing to purchase if it will better present myself or will aid me in my studies at OIT or efforts in content creation. For better quality, I also look for the most advantageous deals.
Content creation is another thing I am doing to remain debt-free. I plan on resuming livestreaming in the winter term to help pay for college expenses or reduce the amount of family contribution my dad has to put in. As long as my scholarships pay for all my expenses for the rest of my life, I am not afraid to provide support for others in need. Therefore, if none of that money is used to fund my college expenses, I can donate some of it to charity and save the rest for next year. I know the steps I need to take to succeed in society, and I am working with all of my heart and soul to meet my goals. My ambition allows me to do remarkable things, including managing my finances using strategic thinking. I don’t apply for student loans because I know it's going to put me in debt in the long run.
Mikey Taylor Memorial Scholarship
I am an individual with high-functioning autism. I was diagnosed when I was 2 years old at Doernbecker’s children’s hospital. When I was a child, I didn’t care about it. All that I cared about was my grandmother being with me the entire time. She always took care of me when my mother worked 9 to 5 as a loan officer.
My grandmother sadly passed away when I was 12 years old on August 29th, 2016. Her passing negatively affected me. I started to see my disability as an illness, and there was a lot of stigma surrounding it. I started to have regretful memories of my childhood with autism come my sophomore year of high school. I also had flashbacks about my grandmother’s death whenever a situation came up that reminded me of her. Such as the scent of food she always cooked, trips to the Goodwill thrift store, etc.
I even searched for someone who loved me just as much or more than my grandmother did, but to no avail. The covid pandemic hit, and things were downhill; I also had a sense of distrust toward my parents at the time. At that moment, I acted on my thoughts about autism. Although I never had a pleasant experience with the condition, I didn’t despise those with the condition. My beliefs only encouraged me to help them, to ensure they didn’t have the same or similar experience as me.
With that, I formed Hurst Entertainment, which proceeded to do charity livestreams and podcasts to raise funds for my favorite charity, Autism Speaks. We raised over $4,000 to spread Autism Awareness and advance research. At the time, I also struggled to keep up in my sophomore year of high school but managed to pass every class. I was determined to do well in all of my classes. Along with doing my charity work, I also poured my heart and soul into my studies starting my junior year of high school.
My dedication earned a 4.0 GPA, which I still have to this day with the Fall term of my freshman year at Oregon Tech having closed. Things did get better. I overcame the stigma surrounding autism, became beloved by the public, learned to deal with loss, got along with my parents with no disbelief, and have people who do care about me and where I want to go. Although my beliefs about my experience with autism remain the same, I am not about to let my disability define who I am as a person. My decisions, dedication, effort, and moral choices determine who I am as a person.
I chose to walk the road of a hero. I am currently attending Oregon Tech, and I am still creating content. I plan on resuming livestreaming when Winter term rolls around along with applying for scholarships to remain debt-free in college while remaining the star student and celebrity I am. If the scholarships cover the expenses, I’d be glad to donate some of the money garnered from my content to charity. I am also committed to community service for Oregon Tech on their service days along with any opportunity presented to me that I can handle. No matter where I am, however, I realize and remember that there’s always someone to talk to about my mental health. This is especially true if I feel a bit under the weather. I can’t imagine what Mikey Taylor went through, but I am certain he was a good person. My work will carry on his legacy, as I aspire to be an Astronaut in 2035!
Dr. Samuel Attoh Legacy Scholarship
To me, legacy is the foundation of our identity as individuals. We build upon that legacy and depending on the type of legacy it is, it can either advance our civilization or lead us to our downfall. It can come from a family or from oneself. I am proud of my family’s legacy. My dad was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
He was an engineer in the U.S. Army who worked on tanks and helicopters. After his honorable discharge, he continued on to work for a few companies, but eventually, he became his boss, taking up carpentry and house painting. He has been helping customers with different jobs alongside different people for many years. My passion for engineering was ignited by him. My desire to become the first person on Mars expanded that passion. As for my legacy, I built it through my proficiency as a student and how I balanced life in the educational world and the content-creating world.
Not only did I carry a 4.0 GPA from my junior year of high school to the Fall term as a freshman at Oregon Tech. I had recently retained it, but during my junior and senior years at Mazama High School, I also ran a charity organization called Hurst Entertainment. This organization did charity livestreams and podcasts for my favorite charity Autism Speaks to advance Autism Awareness and research. We raised over $4,000 through our content and the Bottle Drop Drive. During the drives, people would donate bottles and cans to us and we would redeem them at the Bottle Drop Department using green bags we purchased from them. It also helped raise donations for Autism Speaks in the form of cash and cleaned up the environment.
As we continued our content-creating endeavors, our team of dedicated volunteers gained applicable experience through promoting Hurst Entertainment’s livestreams and podcasts, creating this content alongside me, helping me purchase better equipment for my streams, and mailing the donations to Autism Speaks. It also contributed to the sparrow club. For every hour we were at work, $10 was given to the sparrows that Mazama High School took up. My work as a charity creator and my dad’s hard work as an engineer provided a solid legacy for the Hurst bloodline. As a result, I wish to continue and expand it.
I will honor my family’s legacy by cultivating my deep interest in my major, mechanical engineering. I will also instill the same family rules and values in any children I should have in the future that dad instilled in me. I will be a supportive family man, and I will expand upon my family’s legacy by pursuing my content-creating endeavors, eventually creating a more substantial charity organization known as the Charity Fighters Association; which fundraises for different charity organizations, consisting of five charity businesses, and getting my Ph.D. in Astrophysics then becoming the first person to step foot on Mars. However, continuing my legacy is up to any children I have in the future. I am planning to indirectly continue my legacy by giving them the skills they need to continue my family’s and my legacy.
Charlie Akers Memorial Scholarship
I have given back to my community through my volunteer experience as CEO of the charity organization Hurst Entertainment. We did charity livestreams and podcasts for Autism Speaks to support individuals on the spectrum. Everything we raised was donated toward Autism Speaks to spread Autism Awareness and advance research. I wasn’t alone. A group of dedicated volunteers helped me through the campaign.
They helped promote our unique content, purchase better equipment to improve my streams, stream alongside me, and mail donations to Autism Speaks. This experience allowed us to gain applicable experience, support the weak and defenseless, and help improve the environment through the Bottle Drop Drive. We utilized the Bottle Drop Department by gathering can and bottle donations from other people and redeeming them in green bags provided by Bottle Drop. The cans and bottles, worth 10 cents each, would become donation money for Autism Speaks to be mailed alongside the donations we get from our content.
Our content did not just support Autism Speaks. However, for each hour we were at work, $10 would be donated to the sparrows at Mazama High School. Through our external support, we helped raise money for the Sparrow Club. This money allowed very ill children to receive the treatment they need to function and live happy lives regardless of their circumstances. Individuals with autism and youth with rare illnesses benefitted from our work and those that volunteered gained valuable experience they could use daily. We raised over $4,000 for Autism Speaks in total; we were successful, but I felt as though we could have done more.
So even now, I am doing more to help the community. I am volunteering through Oregon Tech. This could be helping gather food for the Klamath Food Bank, helping in the snowflake parade, or any opportunity that has not yet been presented to me. I have applied for Oregon Tech’s leadership and diversity scholarship, which requires me to commit 10 hours of community service every year. I am allowing this to serve as part of my motivation to continue my community service. I am also continuing to create livestreams to help pay for college. If my scholarship funds cover the expenses, I am more than willing to give some of the money to charities with a 501(c)(3). Even if I am not the CEO of an organization, I am still a valiant hero for the community. I will continue my community service as I get closer to finishing my Ph.D. in Astrophysics and even in my career as an astronaut.
Walking In Authority International Ministry Scholarship
I believe serving your community makes a substantial difference in society. It is the foundation of what makes us caring and intelligent human beings. It not only benefits society as we know it, but it also builds skills we can use in many applications. I have committed two-and-a-half years of community service by fundraising for my favorite charity, Autism Speaks. I did this by forming my charity organization, Hurst Entertainment. Its mission was to do charity livestreams and podcasts on Facebook to help spread Autism Awareness and advance research.
I led a group of dedicated volunteers to accomplish this. Some streamed alongside me, helped spread the word about our work, improved my streams with better equipment, and helped mail donations to Autism Speaks. This campaign gave volunteers who worked for the cause experience they can use daily. Not only did I contribute to the cause and impart knowledge, but I also helped the environment. During the campaign, we also did a Bottle Drop Drive. People would donate their cans and bottles and we would redeem them at the Bottle Drop Department in green bags.
The cans and bottles were 10 cents each. With all of the donations we received, the cans and bottles became donation money for Autism Speaks. We would withdraw the money from our Bottle Drop accounts and mail those donations along with the stream donations we received. Doing the Bottle Drop Drive not only helped rack up donations for Autism Speaks, but also promoted recycling habits in the community. Everything we did for the community made Hurst Entertainment beloved by the community.
Although we weren’t as successful as I hoped, we made a lasting impression on the community. I even helped raise money for the Sparrow Club at Mazama High School indirectly through my charity livestreams. For every hour we were at work, $10 would be given to the school’s sparrow. Through our actions, we helped defend the weak and defenseless and gave experience to the strong and willing.
I am currently getting involved in my community through Oregon Tech. I attended the Fall service event for the Oregon Institute of Technology and helped gather food for the Klamath Food Bank. I also volunteered to help out in the snowflake parade. I joined a group of Oregon Tech students, faculty, and staff and rode the float designed for Oregon Tech. I waved at everyone and spread Christmas cheer downtown. Other volunteers handed out candy. It is never easy supporting the community and being a college student, but I have the skills and consistency to succeed in both tasks. Through my dedication to Oregon Tech, my service to my community will continue.
Do Good Scholarship
I am pursuing a career as an astronaut. I am looking to get a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. The journey isn’t going to be easy though. I have already overcome many hardships throughout this journey, including learning how to live with loss and a disability. Through my willingness to overcome obstacles and challenges, I have already learned so much about the world of engineering and developed a strong work ethic.
I plan on making a positive impact on the world by being the first person to step foot on Mars. I have had that dream since I was a child, and I aim to make that dream a reality. I was always fascinated by the idea of space travel and now I am also fascinated by how to assemble spacecraft and maintain its condition. I would like to advance space travel research, perhaps expanding upon the warp drive. My ambition to become the first person on Mars will not only make history for the United States and the world, but it will also change the fabric of how we travel in space.
I plan on expanding my skills every chance I get by applying for internships in the future. In addition, I plan on expanding my job resume with skills that can prove to be useful. My skills as an engineer can be enhanced through internships. I also look at doing some research on Astrophysics as I go through my studies in the major. While pursuing my degree, I also aim to remain debt-free. I am applying for as many scholarships as I can and continuing my current side career as a content creator.
Being a content creator has its benefits. I will have the opportunity to expand upon my technical prowess and delve deep into how technology works. I also gain public speaking skills that help me apply for jobs and deliver speeches through my experiences. Not to mention, the opportunity also gives me a public image and in some cases, pays for college tuition. If my scholarships cover the expenses, some of the money earned as a content creator will be given to charity, further supporting our community.
I aim to provide a more substantial difference than what some of the other students have. I bring a fresh perspective to the world and show ambition through my goals in my desire to become the first person on Mars and my plans to remain debt-free while I am in school preparing to become an astronaut. I am currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA as of now, having recently retained it during my Fall term in college. I aim to graduate top of the class and prove my skills to potential employers. As soon as I graduate from college, I see myself working with NASA or SpaceX to become the first person to step foot on Mars. My end goal is to inspire the next generation of students.
@normandiealise #GenWealth Scholarship
Generational wealth means looking at opportunities to remain debt free, make a stable income, and give back to the community by donating to charity organizations. In college, I am looking to balance a 4.0 GPA while creating content to help pay my tuition and fees for each term. If the scholarships cover the expenses I also plan on donating some of the money to charities that need it most. I plan on filing for plenty of scholarships and grants each year.
I have the assistance of my TOP Advisors and Oregon Tech faculty to review my essays so they're clear and concise. I look to apply for more scholarships than what I need to minimize the family contribution my dad needs to utilize to pay for college. Another way I'm minimizing my debt and remaining debt-free is by doing gaming and video reaction content on Twitch. I am going to resume livestreaming once the Fall term ends and all streamer income goes toward paying off any expenses that are left over after the scholarships have been embursed. In addition to paying off tuition expenses, I am also gaining applicable experience and building my fanbase with admirers who will be shouting my name and looking up to me with inspiration.
The possibilities are endless when you are filing for scholarships and making a difference in your community through content creation. It is a journey with roads and bumps, and a dance that we partake in with grace. I have the drive and ambition to remain debt-free in my goals of maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout college and graduating top of the class. I'm also looking at getting a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics to be the first person on Mars. I also plan on forming a charity organization known as the Charity Fighters Association during my studies in Astrophysics, where five charity businesses fundraise for charity organizations.
Generational wealth, to me, means more than staying debt-free. Generational wealth means utilizing your resources and giving back to the community while making a stable income. People can also use those skills to inspire the next generation of students and continue the cycle. Generational wealth is a cycle of maintaining financial stability in the community. By filing for scholarships and grants and creating content, we are doing work that will influence others to have ambition and strive to work towards meeting their goals. By filing for scholarships and doing livestreams to help pay for tuition and support charities, I am creating generational wealth.
Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship
When I lost my grandmother, I was in shock and agony. My life slowly turned into a miserable experience. However, I interpreted what her last wish for me would have been if I had the chance to see her in her final moments. She would have wanted me to be kind to other humans; to help those in need and most importantly, to love myself and not dwell on her loss. I only realized the second part of her wish as I transitioned into college. In my high-school days, I saw my disability as an illness, which resulted in the creation of my charity organization Hurst Entertainment and my campaign to help those who couldn't help themselves.
On top of that, I amplified my studies during the Covid-19 pandemic and got a 4.0 GPA and maintained it ever since. The problem was I was being too harsh on myself because of my circumstances and that led to my thoughts being somewhat negative about life. I hated how things turned out and I hated my disability, but not to a point where I hated the people who had it. However, through the work I had done in honor of my grandmother, I attained recognition, respect, and love from my fanbase. Despite that, I retained my kind and caring nature.
All I want to do is help out those in need and provide a better future for our country with my studies to help remember what my grandmother stood for. She always cared for me, and she didn't care that I had autism. My mom said she was in denial, but I saw that as acceptance. She always had a kind and nurturing personality; I inherited that trait from her. In high school, I had shown love to others, but not to myself.
Now that I am in college, I am going to prioritize deepening and broadening my studies and implementing those studies to give this country a brighter future. I am going to change the way things have been for all of us in the name of my grandmother. She always loved me, and I am going to show the world what her love was like. Now I am going to love, not just others and those who couldn't help themselves, but also myself. My grandmother wouldn't want to see me in agony.
She would want me to retain my outgoing, heroic, and loving personality. I am going to do everything to retain that nature. I will remain humble and hard-working. I am fighting to achieve prestigious knowledge of the world around us and recognition and praise for my accomplishments. Regardless of what anyone says or how depressing things may seem, I will keep fighting for what my grandmother believed in: a world where good times outnumber the bad ones, the weak are protected and safe, and the strong are being trained to pass on their skills to the next generation of individuals.
Electronic Shark Scholarship
I went through so much during the Covid-19 pandemic. I had overcome the stigma surrounding my condition, High-functioning Autism, by doing charity livestreams and podcasts and advocating for people like me. During the pandemic, my studies also suffered. I passed all of my classes, but just barely. The next year I was determined not to fail ever; I put in a ton of effort in all of my classes, did every right thing, and sooner or later I found that I had a 4.0 GPA. I maintained it ever since.
I also went through a personal loss and feelings of loneliness and despair. I lost my grandmother when I was 12, and I felt lonely not having someone significant to spend time with. By becoming a content creator and a 4.0 student, I garnered recognition, I felt loved and cared for. I always was loved and cared for, but I didn't feel that way all of the time. All that mattered to me was I helped other people and got help in return.
Furthering my education is important to me because I want to continue being an inspiration to other people; someone that people look up to with respect and for advice and recognition. I want to create a better future for America. I want to get a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and a master's in mechanical engineering, graduate top of the class and become the first person on Mars. My ambition outmatches that of my weaknesses. I look to ace my quizzes and exams and get internships as well as join Tau Beta Pi in my Junior year of college.
I have recognition from my professors like Professor Wagstaff, my chemistry professor. I dig into concepts and understand them on a deep level, making sure my data is correct from each experiment in the labs. I'm applying for numerous scholarships because I don't want to have the burden of dealing with student loans. I do not wish to wind up in debt by the time my college experience is over. Using my education and applying the concepts to create unique spacecraft and study the cosmos and understand how the universe works sticks out to me; I find myself fascinated with alternate timelines and universes.
It doesn't matter that I have autism, that my grandmother passed away, that my family struggles to make an income, and the pandemic affected my ability to learn. What matters is that I overcame my weaknesses and look to become more intelligent than I ever was before. I want to touch on concepts that others might not be able to comprehend. I am outgoing and am involved in extracurricular clubs and activities such as volunteering, Christian Fellowship, and Oregon Tech Gaming. Most of all, the effort I put in my academics corresponds to my desire to help humanity and inspire others to become better people.