High school football players often play offense and defense. I had been the freshman team quarterback, but on the varsity squad, I played safety and running back and was the holder for our place kicker. There was one very special game in my senior year. Our cross-town rivals were moving down the field when I intercepted a pass. Switching to offense, the quarterback handed me the ball on the next play, and I ran for 50 yards. The next play was a halfback pass. The quarterback pitched the ball to me; I passed it downfield, and the receiver caught it in the end zone. Finally, I was the holder for the extra point. I was a solid varsity player, but that was definitely my highlight, my five minutes of fame. I was a dual athlete in high school with football and lacrosse, but I focused on lacrosse in college. “Never lose – either win or learn” is my training mantra. I work hard on my lacrosse skills and my game IQ. Studying the game is as important as conditioning before the season, and that discipline helped me earn a starting position on my college varsity squad. I was a first-line offensive midfielder. I enjoyed the fast pace and the mix of offense and defense when playing "middy." One of my best plays happened in a blink of an eye. I was near midfield, jumped as high as possible, and intercepted a downfield pass from the opponent's goalie. I landed, took one step toward the goal, shot, and scored from nearly 30 yards away. The goalie was caught flat-footed; he looked up and saluted. Everyone wants to win, but good sportsmanship is always appropriate. Unfortunately, my playing days are over. My current college does not have a lacrosse team; however, I'm transitioning to coaching. I am an assistant coach with the middle school boy's lacrosse team. My dad has been an assistant coach for several years, and I enjoy working beside him. Mom and Dad were college athletes, and good sportsmanship is the Golden Rule at home. My sisters and I were taught to play hard and take pride in our accomplishments, but being competitive does not have to become corrosive. No matter the outcome, exit the field with head high and hand outstretched to the opponent. Eventually, I want to coach the high school lacrosse team and work with teenagers. I want to teach them more than lacrosse skills. I want to teach them the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and honesty. I want the players to become more than good athletes; I want them to become good people. Leading by example and genuinely caring for each student is the best way to make that happen. Respect, commitment, and integrity are valuable life lessons that transcend sports. Success in life is not measured by a bank account. Living a successful life is when you make a positive impact on other people's lives. I'm a college junior majoring in economics. My internship at a local bank evolved into a job. I'm not especially excited about my current job duties, but I really like the company. I want to earn a different position within this company, but wherever my business degree takes me, I will carry my sense of decency and fair play into my career. My integrity is fundamental to me; it is who I am. If I don't have principles to live by, I have nothing. Without ethics and principles, I might as well be dandelion fluff floating on the wind, influenced by everything but anchored to nothing. Thank you.

Lacrosse is the fastest-growing new (old) sport currently sweeping the country. Lacrosse is an ancient sport that almost faded away. However, it has experienced a revival, first in the Northeastern portion of the USA, and now it is the fastest-growing high school and college sport. Youth leagues are becoming popular and have become feeder teams for high schools and, eventually, colleges. Nine years ago, I watched my first professional lacrosse game, and I was hooked. However, I live in the Midwest, and lacrosse is just getting started in my area. I want to change that. In 2019, I wanted to stimulate interest in lacrosse in my hometown. I began organizing an Intro to Lacrosse event for 8-to-12-year boys and girls. I went to local businesses and got donations to purchase equipment for the kids. Refreshments were donated. I reached out to a local university's lacrosse team, and several players graciously agreed to help teach the various skills. I worked on the details all winter; the event was scheduled to take place in the spring. I worked hard and was excited to see it all coming together. Two weeks before the event, COVID arrived and canceled everything. I was devastated. I was only 17 years old and nearly made it happen for the kids; imagine what I can do as an adult. I would love to make it an annual event. "Never lose – either win or learn" is my training mantra. I work hard on my lacrosse skills and my game IQ. Studying the game is as important as conditioning before the season, and that discipline has helped me earn a starting position on my college varsity squad. I am a first-line offensive midfielder. I like the mix of offense and defense when playing "middy" and the fast pace. One of my best plays happened in a blink of an eye. I was near midfield, jumped as high as possible, and intercepted a downfield pass from the opponent's goalie. I landed, took one step towards the goal, shot, and scored from 20+ yards away. The goalie was stunned - even he congratulated me. Unfortunately, my days as a lacrosse player will end, but I'm looking forward to coaching. I help coach the middle school players when I am home. Next year, I will transfer to a college closer to home, so my availability will increase. I am ok with assisting for now, but someday, I want my own team, preferably a high school team. I want to work with teenagers. I want to teach them more than lacrosse skills. I want to teach them the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and honesty. If you can't win with integrity, the stats become pointless numbers on a meaningless page. I want the players to become more than good athletes; I want them to become good people. Leading by example and genuinely caring for each student is the best way to make that happen. Being successful in life is when you make a positive impact on other people's lives. The concepts of respect, commitment, and integrity are valuable life lessons that transcend sports. I plan to carry my sense of decency and fair play into my career. My integrity is fundamental to me; it is who I am. If I don't have principles to live by, I have nothing. Without ethics and principles, I might as well be dandelion fluff floating on the wind, influenced by everything but anchored to nothing. Thank you for your consideration.

"Will that be cash, check, or charge?" Economics is a fundamental part of our lives, even though we might not recognize it. We deal with economics whenever we buy something, plan a budget, pay a bill, or save for retirement. I am a college sophomore majoring in economics and finance; I want to make intelligent decisions with my money. I am only 20 years old; do I really need to think about my financial future already? The short answer is yes. Time flies by quickly, and the future has a habit of sneaking up on us. If we don't learn to manage our money when we are young, we could be digging a deep hole that will take a lifetime to crawl out of. Educational loans are the biggest student expense most young adults will encounter, and I am no different, but we students need to be smart about where we get our loans and how much we borrow. Federal subsidized and unsubsidized loan options should be exhausted before contacting private student loan companies. First, I used my federal loans; then, I shopped around to find the best deals from other companies - take time to compare. Dad graciously offered to co-sign, which was a big help. I wish I didn't need any loans, but at least we got a decent rate. Like any good salesperson, a loan company will try to upsell their product. Don't get talked into borrowing more than you need; stay with the minimum. Consolidation and refinancing should help pay down student loans faster, but remember - you can't borrow your way out of debt. The details of my financial plans may fluctuate, but I am forming a basic outline now and will stick to it as closely as possible. The first step in my plan is to get a good education; the second step is to apply for scholarships. One does not have to be a business major to understand the value of scholarships. I plan to study straight through to my MBA, but I'm also trying to keep my student debt under control. To that end, I regularly apply to as many scholarships as time allows. Thank you for sponsoring this generous contest. Step three: a budget - everyone needs a budget. Planning a budget is easy, but sticking to it is much more challenging. Learning the difference between wants and needs takes maturity. A budget must include sufficient funds to cover monthly expenses, but consistent deposits should go into a savings account. I use my checking account to cover my regular bills, plus a few minor extras, and I try not to touch my savings account. That is my emergency/rainy day fund. Unfortunately, I had to tap into it for a flat tire last month. It was frustrating, but at least the money was there, and I didn't have to charge it. Step four: debit cards are alright if you track the expenses, but avoid charge cards. They can be like quicksand. It would be easy for frivolous charges to accrue significant interest rates. It only takes a short time before the interest becomes larger than the original purchase. I stay away from charge cards as much as possible. From personal finances to the global economy, the science of economics permeates our lives. We can study it and learn, or it can become a runaway truck that runs over us, trashing our financial plans and flattening our futures. I want to drive that truck rather than be a speed bump under its wheels. Thank you for considering my application.

"So, you want to be a businessman; okay, you had better learn to play golf. A lot of networking happens on a golf course, and you don't want to be left out." That was my grandmother's advice, and it became an inauspicious beginning to my adventures with golf. I was a sophomore in high school and a multi-sport athlete, but somehow golf had never been on my radar. Dad and grandpa played golf occasionally, so I started tagging along on Sunday afternoons. It didn't take long until I was hooked! Dad gave me a few of his clubs and I would tee up the ball and smack it with more enthusiasm than plan or purpose. I lost a lot of golf balls in the rough and the river that first year. Hook, slice, and occasionally down the middle of the fairway; it was all good. I was having fun with my family and enjoying the fresh air. Golf is a deceptive game. It looks so simple - hit a little ball and chase it, but golf is actually a very complex game involving physical skills, concentration, and strategy; and having the proper equipment can be very helpful too. As my skills improved, I began to take my game more seriously and eventually invested in a new set of clubs. My birthday and Christmas gift cards were put to good use. I had outgrown my dad's hand-me-down clubs; he is 5'7", and I am 6'2". I was hesitant to spend all that money on golf clubs, but I finally realized that the proper club length is essential for proper form. As a result, my game has dramatically improved. I took my golf clubs with me to college, and it didn't take long to find other students who enjoyed the game. We are not an organized team, just several friends who enjoy taking long walks in the fresh air. However, my walks have gotten shorter over the years. I tend to hit the ball straighter down the fairway now, rather than the zig-zag patterns I used to hit. I still struggle with the occasional sand trap, but I don't lose as many golf balls in the weeds or the river anymore. My golf game will never attain pro status, but I plan to enjoy golfing for the rest of my life. The fresh air and exercise are healthy, and golfing presents multiple opportunities to connect with other people, whether they are co-workers or casual acquaintances. Building relationships is an integral part of being human. We are meant to be connected and need to feel like we belong to something outside our own individual bubbles. We need to rejuvenate our sense of community. COVID restrictions pushed us toward solitary endeavors, and now we need to rebuild the bonds of cooperation and regain the feeling that we can depend on each other in crisis. There is strength in numbers, and golfing can help us reconnect with one another. My grandmother's advice came well before COVID, but it has current implications, plus it led me to a very enjoyable, lifelong hobby. Thanks, grandma.

My father's sage advice is: "A savings account is you paying you – pay yourself first." I had never thought of it in those terms, but I know he is right. He took the analogy one step further and compared it to my sports, where the strategy is to focus on the end game. Planning for financial security is focusing on the end game – keeping my eye on the prize. I am a sophomore at the University of Mount Union, majoring in economics and finance. Do I need to think about retirement already? Yes. Unfortunately, time flies by quickly, and the future has a habit of sneaking up on us. The details of my financial plans may fluctuate, but I am forming a basic outline now and will stick to it as closely as possible. The first step in my plan is to get a good education. I have a dual major in economics and finance. Economics is a fundamental part of our lives, even though we might not recognize it. We are dealing with economics whenever we buy something, plan a budget, pay a bill, or save for retirement. I decided to study economics because it can be applied to my life and everywhere within the business world. Finance will also be part of my career, and I will learn how to handle my personal fiscal concerns, such as repaying student loans, purchasing my future home, and understanding the risk analysis of my investment portfolio. I don't want my financial decisions to come from a dartboard. The second step in my plan is to apply for scholarships. One does not have to be a business major to understand the benefits of scholarships. I plan to study straight through to my MBA, but I am also trying to keep my student debt under control. It's a Catch-22. I need my education to pay for my education. To that end, I regularly apply to as many scholarships as time allows. Thank you for sponsoring this generous contest. The third step in my plan is learning to budget wisely. Planning a budget is easy, but sticking to that budget is much more challenging. Understanding the difference between wants and needs takes maturity. A budget must include sufficient funds to cover the monthly expenses, plus a few extras for fun, but regular deposits need to be made into one or two savings accounts. My great-grandfather used two-savings accounts; one had money set aside for emergencies, and the second had money he was saving for investing. He only accessed the second savings account when he had enough money to buy another government savings bond. He purchased at least one bond a year for 20 years until he was in his early forties. Then he let them sit until they reached their various maturity dates. When he passed away, my great-grandma slowly cashed the bonds to augment her social security income, and she had enough money to remain comfortable until her passing at 96. Great-grandpa accomplished his goal of making sure great-grandma was financially secure. I might not use my great-grandfather's exact methods, but my plan is similar, enjoy life but continue to set money aside for the future. My dad's advice will be my game plan; my savings account(s) will be "me paying me." Thanks, dad, for changing my life by giving me the plan to pay myself first. Thank you for considering my application.

A recipe for love: lots of hair, wagging tails, and doggie smiles. Dogs love their owners unconditionally even when it isn't deserved. For example, we adopted an older Golden Retriever from owners that neglected her. They didn't beat her; she had adequate food and water, but she was starving for attention. She didn't receive regular health care, and she lived her life on a chain. Her entire world was a 12-foot chain! It was a sad life, but when the rescuers took her, she whined and was reluctant to leave. That's unconditional love. Ellie was nine years old when we adopted her, and it didn't take long for her love to shine through. Ellie tried to make each of us feel like we were her favorite. She was playful and cuddly, and no more chains! Ellie had a fenced backyard and the run of the house. I don't think she understood being indoors, but she adapted quickly. The surprising thing about rescued dogs is they often rescue their new owners. Ellie saved us from ourselves. We adopted Ellie in March 2020, shortly before COVID closed the world. The lockdown was so frustrating! We had no school functions; no sports; mom was off work, but dad, who is a principal, went into the school each day to help set up e-learning. Four of our five family members were stuck at home. Cabin fever is a real phenomenon, and it can get ugly. Thankfully, Ellie was there to save the day. She brought new life and love into our home, providing entertainment and a much-needed distraction. Her smile and wagging tail brightened our moods. She acted goofy and kept us laughing or curled up when we needed comfort. She always knew what we needed. Ellie was a good conversation partner too. I would tell her my most diabolical schemes to "get back" at my sisters or how I was going to wreak havoc on the world with my COVID revenge plan. She listened attentively, didn't judge me, and her tail kept a slow, rhythmic thumping on the floor. When I finished my tirade, she would cock her head sideways as if to say, "Really?" But it was her one arched eyebrow that would get me. "No, Ellie, not really. I'm just blowing off steam." Then I would stretch out on the floor, and she would lay across me, comforting me, reassuring me that everything was going to be ok. Ellie taught me a lot about myself and how I accept responsibility. It's important to learn how to care for others and how to figure out what to do when someone else is depending on me for survival. I think she was teaching me how to be a good parent someday. Unfortunately, Ellie also taught me how to handle grief. We only had her for one year when her poor health caught up with her. We were devastated, but we took comfort in knowing that we made her final year her best year, and she was here when we needed her most. We have another dog now, a Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenes mix. Aspen is a year old and acts like an overgrown puppy. She is full of love, energy, and mischief. Her smiles fill the room. She isn't Ellie; isn't trying to be, but Aspen has many of the same traits. She knows when to act crazy and when to snuggle up for reassurance. When Aspen cocks her head at an angle as if she is listening, I wonder if Ellie is whispering instructions.

"Will that be cash, check, or charge?" Economics is a fundamental part of our lives, even though we might not recognize it. Every time we buy something, plan a budget, pay a bill, or save for retirement, we deal with economics. I am a sophomore at the University of Mount Union, majoring in the science of economics, and I plan to study straight through to my MBA. I decided to study economics because it can be applied to my life and everywhere within the business world. I want to be "marketable" after graduation, and I plan to enter the business world at full gallop. My interest in economics began in early high school when I was selected to join a small class called Startup Moxie. Every morning before our regular classes, we met with local business professionals to discuss a variety of business concepts. We examined ideas from various perspectives and learned how to present ourselves professionally. Oddly, one of my biggest challenges was dressing professionally. I grew nearly a foot in height during the three-year program and constantly needed new clothes. Thank goodness for quality/economical second-hand stores. I debated attending a business school, but decided to study economics at a liberal arts university. Obviously, the economics courses are fundamental to my career, but the other classes are equally important. Having a liberal arts background makes a person more broad-minded, allowing for a more expansive view that encompasses more than the immediate numbers on a page. There is an ebb and flow to a business. Short-term goals are critical, but having a broad vision for the future will keep a business sustainable. Another consideration for studying economics at a liberal arts school is I want to improve my communication skills. Developing good communication skills is essential in any work environment. I will learn how to blend conflicting ideas and become a group leader even when I am not the boss. In my economics and finance classes, I will gain experience through real and hypothetical challenges that will help develop my project management skills. Studying economics will also teach me how to handle my personal finances, such as repaying student loans, purchasing my future home, and understanding the risk analysis of my investment portfolio. I don't want my financial decisions to come from a dartboard. From personal finances to the global economy, the science of economics permeates our lives. We can study it and learn or be run over like a truck. Personally, I would rather be driving that truck than be a speed bump under its wheels. Thank you for considering my application.

A recipe for love: lots of hair, wagging tails, and doggie smiles. Dogs love their owners unconditionally even when it isn't deserved. For example, we adopted an older Golden Retriever from owners that neglected her. They didn't beat her; she had adequate food and water, but she was starving for attention. She didn't receive regular health care, and she lived her life on a chain. Her entire world was a 12-foot chain! It was a sad life, but when the rescuers took her, she whined and was reluctant to leave. That's unconditional love. Ellie was eight years old when we adopted her, and it didn't take long for her love to shine through. Ellie tried to make each of us feel like we were her favorite. She was playful and cuddly, and no more chains! Ellie had a fenced backyard and the run of the house. I don't think she understood being indoors, but she adapted quickly. The surprising thing about rescued dogs is they often rescue their new owners. Ellie saved us from ourselves. We adopted Ellie in March 2020, shortly before COVID closed the world. The lockdown was so frustrating! We had no school functions; no sports; mom was off work, but dad went into the school to help set up e-learning. Four of our five family members were stuck at home. Cabin fever is a real phenomenon, and it can get ugly. Thankfully, Ellie was there to save the day. She brought new life and love into our home, providing entertainment and a much-needed distraction. Her smile and wagging tail brightened our moods. She acted goofy and kept us laughing or curled up when we needed comfort. She always knew what we needed. Ellie was a good conversation partner too. I would tell her my most diabolical schemes to "get back" at my sisters or how I was going to wreak havoc on the world. She listened attentively, didn't judge me, and her tail kept a slow, rhythmic thumping on the floor. When I finished my tirade, she would cock her head sideways as if to say, "Really?" But it was her one arched eyebrow that would get me. "No, Ellie, not really. I'm just blowing off steam." Then I would stretch out on the floor, and she would lay across me, comforting me, lifting my spirits, reassuring me that everything was going to be ok. Ellie taught me a lot about myself and how I accept responsibility. It's important to learn how to care for others and how to figure out what to do when someone else is depending on me for survival. I think she was teaching me how to be a good parent someday. Unfortunately, Ellie also taught me how to handle grief. We only had her for one year when her poor health caught up with her. We were devasted! But we took comfort in knowing that we made her final year her best year, and she was here when we needed her most. We have another dog now, a Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenes mix. Aspen is only ten months old but already weighs 85 lbs. She doesn't look like a puppy, but she is full of energy, mischief, and unconditional love, and her smile fills the room. She isn't Ellie; isn't trying to be, but Aspen has many of the same traits. She knows when to act crazy and when to snuggle up for reassurance. When Aspen cocks her head at an angle as if she is listening, I wonder if Ellie is whispering instructions. Thank you for considering my application.

"When you guard your man, you stick so close that if he runs to the concession stand for a hotdog, you get there to put the mustard on it!" That was my high school football coach's favorite saying. I started playing football in the first grade. It was flag football at first; tackling began in the 6th grade. I continued to play through high school but not in college. I enjoyed every minute of my football career, but my true love is lacrosse. I have been playing lacrosse for six years. Being a dual-sport athlete, I have had many coaches over the years, but there are two that will remain my most inspirational - my high school defensive football coaches. Coach Perri was the coach with the hotdog humor. Coach Smith's battle cry was "Lights Out Defense!" Both coaches preached hard work and discipline but warned us to keep a balance in life. "Stay focused and stay balanced. Get a good education now because your glory days in football will end. Go to church, hit the books, and get your butts into the weight room." They taught us skills, sportsmanship, and integrity. They were men of strength and character. They taught us more than just football; they were teaching us how to be good people. Our coaches often yelled at us, but they mixed in a bit of humor too. They wanted to build our skills and self-confidence, not beat us down. When I coach someday, I will follow their lead by telling a player what he did right, what he did wrong, and finish with how he can do better next time. Don't beat down the player; instead, help build his confidence and character. I hope I can live up to my coaches' standards. Sadly, both of these coaches have passed away. Coach Perri was older and had health issues that he hid from us. Unfortunately, he died shortly after his retirement. It seems a shame that he didn't enjoy a lengthy retirement, but on the other hand, he was doing what he loved until the end. Coach Smith died way too young as a result of a fall from a ladder. Both men will be greatly missed. I wrote a letter to Coach Smith and posted it online in memoriam. "Dear Coach Smith, I want to thank you for the impact you had on my life and the lives of thousands of young adults in our community. You were an outstanding teacher, an amazing coach, and an even better father. When I talked with other people about you, the first comment was your character. There aren't many people like you with your combination of humor, respect, charisma, and your capacity to care about everyone. You genuinely cared about all of the kids being successful. It didn't matter if it was someone you just met or someone you had coached for ten years. You were a great person. I am applying one of your favorite sayings to my life – "Whatever you do in life, compete and give it 100%." I know that you gave 100% in your life. We all miss you and look forward to seeing you again someday on the other side. Lights Out Defense." I recently got a tattoo to honor Coach Smith. When I get overwhelmed, I look at the letters L.O.D on my leg and remember how much Coach Smith wanted us to give 100% and be successful - I will set my jaw, lower my shoulder and go. Thanks coach. Thank you for considering my application.

Education, education, education - that repetitive phrase usually refers to the location as an integral part of a successful business, but for me, my education will be an integral part of my business success. By 2027, five years from now, I will be two years into my career or just finishing my MBA. I hope to study straight through to my MBA, but finances might dictate stopping after four years and continuing later. Either way, I want to hit the working world at full gallop. In ten years, I hope to be a rising corporate executive with innovative ideas and the leadership skills to guide the company toward a sustainable, “green” business model that provides jobs without sacrificing our planet. Goals, goals, goals - as a businessman, I want to be successful, make my family proud, and be a leader in my community. Does that mean I have to become a millionaire? Not by my standards. Being successful in life is more than just a bank account. Of course, I want to get a good job, make enough money to support my future family, send kids to college, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, but I want to do more. I need to do more. I plan to give back to my community through financial donations, volunteer work, coaching, and mentoring high school students. I want to teach teenagers the importance of good grades, maybe share some business ideas, but most importantly, I want to teach them how to be good people. Leading by example is the best way to influence young minds. A successful life is having a positive impact on other people’s lives, and that is my lifetime goal. Thank you for considering my application.

1. I should be awarded this scholarship because I want it. I'm good looking and I'm used to having things just handed to me; hello - silver platter. Actually, I really want this money for my parents. This money would help ease their burden of debt after my graduation. I would feel guilty if they used their retirement savings for my school loans while I'm off somewhere finding myself. 2. I don't have any exact goals, graduation (probably) and eventually getting some type of job. I'm sure my daddy will find a place for me in his company. Everyone knows that the boss' son is a "walk on player" in the business world. I really want a position where I get paid a lot of money without having to work very hard - or at all. 3. I have encountered no major obstacles. I have been very lucky. I have had a bubble wrapped childhood with no injuries, obstacles or challenges to overcome. That's good because I don't like to work very hard. Life can be unfair, but so far, it has been unfair in my favor. That's great! The idea of learning life lessons by overcoming challenges is highly overrated.

"Hey boss, check out the new products the R&D lab thought up." Oh man. I like the sound of that - "hey boss." I like being the boss, the man in charge, the one who gets things done. I was a business major in college, and I had always dreamed of owning my own company. My dream has finally materialized, and it feels good. Then buzz - oops- there goes the alarm. I'm awake - I'm awake. I reluctantly return to the conscious world. Darn it; I wanted to see the new products that the research and development staff designed. I am a business major at the University of Mount Union, and my professional dream is to start my own company. Soft music is playing, the lights are low, and I reach my arms out to the nurse. "Congratulations. Meet your beautiful new baby." Someday, I hope to be happily married and start a family. "La Famiglia e Tutto". That is Italian for "Family is Everything." Like most Americans, I have many cultural ethnicities in my ancestral heritage, but Italian is a prominent one and having children is an important part of my future plans. I would like to have two children, a home with a good sized yard, and a dog to run around in it. I have big dreams for my professional life and my family life. I want to raise a family, coach lacrosse, and mentor teenagers. I would teach them techniques, emphasize good sportsmanship, and maybe share a few business ideas if they are interested, but mostly I want to teach them how to be good people. If I accomplish all of this, it will be because I had the best role model anyone could imagine - my dad. Thank you for considering my application.

"If you can't be here, be there." My mother said this was the wisest advice my grandmother ever gave her. Explanation: my parents were married in college. When they finished school, they began considering options for job hunting and where to settle down. Mom's parents live in Buffalo, New York, and dad's parents live in South Bend, Indiana. They are approximately 7 hours apart. Mom suggested settling in Ohio, halfway in between the two families. Grandma said that was not a good idea. "Someday, you will start a family, and you will need help from the grandparents. Of course, I want you here near me, but if you don't stay here, you need to be out there. Trust me; the extra pair of hands will come in handy." Truer words were never spoken! Long story made short, my dad's student teaching experience evolved into a job offer, and they stayed in Indiana. I am the oldest of three children, and my grandmother has done a great deal of babysitting and transporting over the years. She has taken us to school, brought us home from school, stayed with us when we were ill, taken us to doctor and orthodontist appointments - the list is long. Mom is an administrative assistant at a local junior high school, and dad is the principal at an elementary school. It would be very difficult for either of them to miss work because we needed something. So it has always been "Grandma to the rescue." My parents are so grateful for grandma's wisdom. Living three and a half hours away from either set of grandparents would have been a challenge. I will remember grandma's sage advise when I am planning my future family. Thank you for considering my application.

My father is an elementary school principal. He has told me many disturbing stories about how the lack of discipline and respect at home will negatively affect a child’s development. If those parents insist on preparing their children to be failures as adults, I thought they might like some guidance, so I am introducing my new book: "Juvenile Delinquents for Dummies - a beginner’s guide to raising juvenile delinquents". Chapter 1. Early training – birth to two years; the first step is to strengthen your resolve in becoming a completely nonconfrontational parent. Accept the idea that disagreements and discipline are outdated and are no longer considered viable parenting options. Chapter 2. Terrible twos and toddlers – consistency is the key. The terrible twos present the perfect opportunity to begin serious training. As children grow, their vocal cords develop, and their volume increases. Use that to your advantage. Temper tantrums will become more frequent as the child wants to touch everything in sight. Be patient, don’t give in immediately. Wait until the screams reach a fever pitch, then hand them the toy or candy that they so desperately want. The important lesson here is to teach them early that the louder they scream, the more likely they are to be rewarded. Chapter 3. Preparing for pre-school - socialization begins at home. If there are two or more children in the home, make sure all of their toys are duplicated so each child can have identical toys at any given moment, thereby eliminating sharing. It only leads to arguments. Chapter 4. Elementary to middle school – this is a two-part endeavor encompassing classroom activities and sports. First, classroom confrontations - always accept your child’s version of the story as the absolute truth and never listen to the teacher’s explanation. Teachers might be trained professionals, but they don’t really know your child and everything is always someone else’s fault. Second, sports - you always know more than the coaches and don’t pass up any opportunity to share that information. When the season ends, each child on every team deserves the same exact trophy. It doesn’t matter if the child did well or did nothing except complain. Everyone gets rewarded equally, so there will never be any incentive to work hard and excel. Chapter 5. High school – those wonderful teenage years. As a teenager, your child will embrace increasing levels of independence. Curfews have always been mere suggestions anyway. Some teenagers wait to get a driver’s license before driving, but not all. A teenager’s first car is a source of pride. A set of wheels means freedom! If your teenager is unhappy with his current vehicle, plenty of unattended cars are parked all around town. By now, your child has probably adopted the “I want it, so I will take it, and you can’t stop me” way of life. Congratulations! You have successfully raised a delinquent. Coming soon - The Dummies’ Guide to Finding the Best Public Defenders

What inspires me? T-shirts! Many people look to books, poetry, and the Bible for inspiration, all good choices, but I look in my closet. I have many inspirational/motivational T-shirts, but my favorite is “The will to win is not enough. You must be willing to prepare to win.” This quote is a loose interpretation of a famous speech by Vince Lombardy. Coach Lombardy wanted to inspire his athletes to work harder at practice and, hopefully, win more football games. I am a multi-sport athlete, and I use those words to motivate myself into doing extra reps and honing my skills for improved performance on the field. Practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect. Practice makes permanent. You must perfect your techniques first, then practice, practice, practice. Having the will to win and being willing to prepare to win are concepts that apply to sports and life in general. Don’t expect to have success just handed to you. It takes hard work and dedication to make good things happen, and it doesn’t happen overnight. For example, I have played lacrosse for six years, and I practice hard. I am usually the first one to arrive at practice and the last one to leave. If the coach wants 10 reps, I give him 20. When I get tired, I replay that quote in my head like a broken record; “...you must be willing to prepare to win.” When I return home after practice, I continue my shooting drills with a lacrosse net that dad and I set up in the backyard. During the day, I carry my lacrosse stick approx 75% of the time. It seems like part of my hand now. My parents tell me to put it away at mealtime, but I merely switch it to my other hand. My lacrosse stick has become an extension of me, and I need that during a game. I usually play in the attack position, and I need to have a 6th sense of where I am and where my stick is in space. All of my hard work is paying off. Now, I can shoot accurately with either hand. I was the second-leading scorer on our team this year, and my strong work ethic and playing skills got me noticed by college recruiters. I want to be successful off the field too. As a businessman, I want to be prosperous, of course, but success is more than just a bank account. A successful person makes a difference in other people’s lives. Success is giving back to the community through financial donations, volunteering with various organizations, and possibly mentoring high school students. I want to make an impact in my community, but none of this will happen without effort on my part. My college degree will help me be prepared for life. I have the will to win, and I am willing to work hard and prepare to win. I will make good things happen. Thank you for considering my application.

Is it bold or brash to hit your father in the face with a pie? This picture was snapped just after I smashed a pie in my dad's face. Explanation - my dad is a local elementary school principal. Each year he challenges his students to excel at their prep work for the spring standardized testing. Any student who meets or exceeds the expectation is allowed to hit either dad or the assistant principal with a cream pie at the year end assembly. The students work hard to earn that reward. I drove across town to surprise him.

Jurassic Park is my all-time favorite movie. As a child, I loved dinosaurs. They were fascinating monsters, scary yet safe. I had multiple dinosaur toys in all sizes and colors. I was overwhelmed the first time I watched Jurassic Park. The dinosaurs were alive, moving and breathing, right there in my living room. They were amazing. They were also eating people. Jurassic Park explores the concept of genetically re-engineering dinosaurs to become zoo attractions. Of course, things go wrong, the dinosaurs escape, the situation spirals out of control, and people die. The reoccurring theme was "Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should." The author was drawing attention to unregulated genetic research potentially having dangerous consequences. In Jurassic Park, it was the accidental escape of the dinosaurs. A contemporary equivalent would be the accidental escape of the coronavirus. The movie's secondary thread was "Life finds a way” implying that life itself is a powerful force that can break through barriers in an attempt to survive. The dinosaurs in Jurassic Park were genetically engineered to be females so all breeding would be controlled in the lab. The storyline exploited the scientific fact that some reptiles can change sex and the dinosaurs began "unregulated" breeding. In one of my favorite scenes near the beginning of the movie, Dr. Grant struggled to fasten his seat belt during a helicopter ride. He had the female ends of two separate belts. They didn't fit, so he just tied them together. This was a setup, a well written metaphor for the movie. There were only female belts, but he made it work. "Life finds a way." Jurassic Park was a huge box office success, but I wonder if anyone is considering the real message, “Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.”

My favorite scientist is the American astrophysicist, Neil de Grasse Tyson. Tyson is an accomplished scientist, author and commentator. He is known for his wit and the “down to earth” ways that he explains complex ideas so the non-scientific community can understand them. I thoroughly enjoyed one of his most successful books,  Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, in which he explains complex theories of the cosmos to a general audience.

A rescued pet is often the one who rescues the new owner. This is Ellie, our Golden Retriever rescue. We got Ellie in March 2020 just as the whole world seemed to close due to COVID. Our family is very active with sports, school and work. The quarantine seemed like a lock-down and was very hard for us, but it would have been much worse if not for Ellie. She brought new life and love into our home. She provided entertainment and a much needed distraction. Her smile and wagging tail saved us from ourselves.

I plan to study business and economics in college. I want more than just a business degree. I want a degree that carries more weight. Economics can be applied to nearly every field in business and I am willing to work hard to achieve it. I have learned many things by playing sports, but probably the most important is that you have to work hard to make good things happen. I am a determined individual and I don’t back down from a challenge. I want to be successful and make my family proud. Does that mean I have to become a millionaire? Not in my book. Of course, I want to get a good job and make enough money to support my future family, send the kids to college and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. But I want to do more. I need to do more. I want to give back to my community, maybe through donations, but mostly by giving my time. I have volunteered at local food drives in high school. I plan to continue that. Habitat For Humanity is always looking for helpful hands. I would like to help out where the only payment at the end of the day is a smile and a handshake. What I would really like is to be a volunteer coach for lacrosse. I love playing lacrosse and plan to play in college. Lacrosse is just getting started here in the mid-west and I want to help increase it’s popularity in my home town. In 2019, I organized a free Intro To Lacrosse event. I went to local businesses and got donations to purchase equipment to give to the kids. Refreshments were donated. The University of Notre Dame graciously agreed to host the event and some of their lacrosse players volunteered to help teach the different skills. I worked so hard and was so excited to see it all coming together, then COVID came and canceled everything. I was devastated. However, I learned a valuable lesson that working at something you love, isn’t really working at all. I was just a 17 year old kid and I nearly made it all happen for the children. Imagine what I could do as an adult. Another thing I learned from playing sports is the value of good sportsmanship. If I can’t win with integrity, then it’s not a victory and the numbers on the page are meaningless. I plan to carry my sense of respect, honesty and fair play into my career. A business does not have to be cut throat to be successful. When I told my grandmother that I planned to study business in college, she had one simple piece of advise. Learn to play golf. Okay, grandma. I am trying, but it’s not easy. It’s much more natural for me to run and throw a ball with my stick than lean over and hit it with my club.