One of the most meaningful parts of my life has been serving as a peer helper in the life skills class for the last nine semesters of middle school and high school. It has become much more than a class. I have built genuine friendships and grown as a person. Looking at the picture of Wesley Beck, I can tell we would have been friends and that he was well-loved by his team. I have spina bifida and use a wheelchair. I don't struggle cognitively, but I know what it feels like to be on the periphery. Working as a peer helper has grounded me and given me perspective. I sit with my peers in life skills classes at lunch, attend their birthday parties, take them to dances, and support them however I can. I have learned that people do not want to be defined by their challenges. They want to be known, included, and valued. I have also spent three summers tutoring elementary students who were behind in reading and math. This experience taught me patience, creativity, and how to meet students where they are. Watching their confidence grow as their skills improved strengthened my desire to work with children in an educational setting. I value hard work, independence, and leadership. These qualities were strengthened through my experience as captain of the Utah Rush wheelchair basketball team. This past season was challenging after we lost many experienced players, and at first, I felt discouraged. I chose to shift my focus from winning to supporting my teammates. I encouraged them, led practices, and worked to build a positive team culture. Although we did not win many games, it became my favorite season because of the growth and relationships we built. I learned that making a difference is not always about outcomes, but about how you lift others. I plan to continue working with the wheelchair team as an assistant coach during college. One of the most important influences in my life is my younger sister, Maggie. She also has spina bifida, but it impacts her more significantly. She needs support with schoolwork, daily tasks, and emotional needs. She works hard in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. I help her every day, and she is one of my best friends. Supporting Maggie has deepened my desire to work with children with disabilities in a school setting. I am interested in becoming an adaptive physical education teacher, special education teacher, or school counselor. My dad is an elementary school principal, and I love seeing how he advocates for students with disabilities. I have been accepted into my dream college, and I look forward to exploring career paths further. I have a job at a local children's museum. Earning my own money has been amazing. I work as many shifts as possible and save each paycheck. This year, I saved enough to buy hand controls and a lift for my car so that I can drive independently. College comes with many expenses, and my disability adds extra costs like specialized housing and adaptive equipment. I have worked hard to contribute, and this scholarship would ease much of that financial burden. My experiences have shaped me into someone resilient, service-oriented, and committed to making a difference. I am excited to continue using what I have learned to positively impact the lives of others, especially those with special needs.