ALS entered my life in June 2025, when my father was diagnosed with progressive bulbar ALS, the same disease that took his aunt years earlier. Knowing his prognosis has forced me to confront how fragile time is and sharpened my focus on what matters most: family, friends, mentors, and the opportunities I have right now. Instead of letting fear define me, ALS has pushed me to become more intentional, resilient, and determined to turn my education and leadership into something that makes a difference. I am an accounting major and Division I college athlete with a 3.9 cumulative GPA. Balancing a demanding sport with a rigorous major has always required discipline, but my path became even more challenging when I tore my ACL during freshman year. I chose to fight back through months of rehab, returned stronger, and earned the role of co-captain for my team as I enter my senior year. That experience taught me how to lead under pressure, support teammates through adversity, and stay focused on long-term goals when circumstances feel overwhelming—skills I now rely on as my family faces ALS. Financially, ALS has changed everything for us. In the last year, my family has had to manage mounting medical bills, increased care-related expenses, my college tuition, and everyday costs all at once. My dad’s diagnosis has affected our ability to plan for the future, and money that might have gone toward my education is now needed to support his care and quality of life. I work hard to maximize scholarships, internships, and academic opportunities, but there is still a real gap between what we can cover and the true cost of my education. A scholarship would directly relieve that burden, allowing my family to prioritize my father’s medical needs without sacrificing my ability to complete my degree. I am not just asking for support. I am committed to using your support to create impact. At my dad’s urging, I secured a summer internship, and I have now completed two, earning a full-time job offer after graduation. In each role, I have tried to be more than “just an intern” by taking initiative, contributing meaningful work, and building relationships that reflect my character and work ethic. On campus and on my team, I lead by example—showing up prepared, encouraging others, and modeling how to respond when life feels unfair. Beyond school and work, my family and I are determined to help other ALS families. My sister and I are organizing an ALS awareness and fundraising event in Columbia, South Carolina, partnering with the ALS community to promote education and support research. My mother is working to engage legislative officials and advocate for better policies and resources for ALS patients and caregivers. Through these efforts, I am learning how to bring people together around a cause, communicate clearly, and turn personal hardship into collective action. This scholarship would do more than pay bills. It would be an investment in a student-leader who has already demonstrated resilience, academic excellence, and a commitment to serving others. It would help me finish my degree, step confidently into my full-time role after graduation, and continue growing as an advocate and leader for families affected by ALS. Most of all, it would allow me to carry my father’s strength and values forward into every team I lead, every workplace I join, and every community I serve.