Growing up, I never imagined that I would one day be conducting scientific research or pursuing a degree in a STEM field. I am a first-generation college student, and there were many times when higher education felt out of reach. Despite those challenges, I developed a curiosity about the natural world that eventually led me to pursue an Associate of Science in Agriculture, Food, and Life Sciences at NorthWest Arkansas Community College. What excites me most about STEM is the opportunity to discover something new. Science is not just a collection of facts. It is a way of asking questions and finding answers. As a student, I have become especially interested in plant biology, plant tissue culture, and laboratory research. I enjoy learning how living systems function and how scientific research can be used to solve real-world problems. The more I learn, the more I realize how much there is still to discover. One of the most meaningful experiences in my education has been participating in research. I worked on a project that examined the effects of magnetic fields on the germination and viability of radish seedlings. Through this experience, I gained hands-on experience with experimental design, data collection, and scientific analysis. I also participated in a soil sampling project that contributed to environmental research and conservation efforts. These opportunities allowed me to see science beyond the classroom and helped me develop confidence in my ability to contribute to research. My journey has not always been easy. While attending college, I have balanced coursework, employment, and personal challenges. There have been times when health issues and other obstacles made it difficult to stay on track. However, those experiences strengthened my determination to succeed. Rather than allowing setbacks to define me, I used them as motivation to continue moving forward. Each challenge reinforced the importance of persistence, adaptability, and hard work. As a woman pursuing a STEM degree, I hope to contribute to a future where more women feel confident entering scientific fields. Representation matters. When young women see others succeeding in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, it becomes easier to imagine themselves doing the same. I want to be part of that change by continuing my education, pursuing research opportunities, and encouraging others who may doubt their abilities. My long-term goal is to build a career in biological or agricultural research, particularly in areas related to plant science and laboratory work. I am driven by curiosity and a desire to contribute meaningful knowledge that can benefit others. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing that goal and would support my journey toward becoming a scientist. More importantly, it would allow me to continue proving that determination, curiosity, and hard work can open doors that once seemed impossible.

Working part-time while pursuing my degree has been both rewarding and challenging. I am currently pursuing an Associate of Science in Agriculture, Food, and Life Sciences at NorthWest Arkansas Community College while working part-time on campus. Like many college students, I work because I need the income, but I also value the experience and skills that come with having a job. Balancing work and school often means making sacrifices with my free time, staying organized, and learning how to prioritize what needs to be done first. Most weeks require careful planning. There are times when I leave class and go straight to work, then spend the evening studying or completing assignments. It can be exhausting, especially during weeks when multiple assignments and exams fall at the same time. There have been moments when I wished I could focus only on school, but working has taught me responsibility and helped me become more independent. It has also given me a better appreciation for the opportunities I have as a college student. One of the most difficult periods I faced while balancing work and school was during the Spring 2026 semester. During that time, I experienced health issues and medication changes that affected my concentration, energy level, and overall well-being. I found myself struggling to keep up with coursework while still meeting my responsibilities at work. There were days when even simple tasks felt harder than usual, and I worried about falling behind academically. What made the situation especially difficult was that I had always been a strong student. It was frustrating to put in effort and still feel like I was not performing at the level I expected from myself. Instead of giving up, I focused on taking things one step at a time. I stayed in communication with my instructors, completed assignments whenever I could, and continued showing up to both work and class even when I felt discouraged. I also relied on organization tools such as calendars and reminders to keep track of deadlines and responsibilities. Although that semester was one of the hardest I have experienced, it taught me a lot about perseverance. I learned that sometimes success is not about doing everything perfectly. Sometimes it is about continuing to move forward when things are difficult. Looking back, I am proud that I did not quit. I was able to overcome those challenges, maintain my progress toward my degree, and continue working toward my long-term goal of building a career in science. The experience made me more resilient and gave me confidence that I can handle future challenges both in school and in my career.

I was raised by my grandmother, Billie, but to me, she was always just Mom. She signed my birth certificate and took care of me on her own. My birth mother was never around, and my dad died in prison when I was five. I still remember her taking me to visit him. I didn’t fully understand what was going on at the time, but I knew it wasn’t normal. That memory stuck with me. Mom worked at Whirlpool for 30 years. After she retired, we got by on her retirement check and food stamps. We didn’t have extra, but we had what we needed. She made sure of that. I didn’t have the type of mom you see on TV. She wasn’t always sweet, and she wasn’t the type to say “I love you” all the time. But she was tough, and she did what needed to be done no matter how hard it was. She raised me when no one else would, and for that, I’ll always respect her. She passed away in 2017. Toward the end, I remember her telling me not to let the world make me bitter like it did her. That really hit me. Life wasn’t kind to her, and she carried a lot of anger because of it. But she didn’t let that stop her from showing up for me. She could be hard on me, but I know she wanted me to be strong enough to survive on my own. Looking back, I realize now how much she sacrificed to make sure I had a chance. Growing up with a single mom taught me how to take care of myself early. I had to figure things out fast and learn how to keep going even when things felt heavy. It wasn’t always easy, but it made me who I am. I’m more independent, more aware, and more determined because of it. I have learned not to expect things to be handed to me. I know I have to work for what I want, and I’m ready to do that. This scholarship would give me a real chance to move forward and continue building a life I know my mom would have wanted for me, even if she never said it out loud. I want to take everything I’ve been through and use it to make something better. I want to be the kind of person who doesn’t give up, even when life isn’t fair. Just like she didn’t.