The performance from The Life of a Showgirl that resonates with me the most is "Eldest Daughter." Even though I'm not the oldest child, I am the only daughter, and many of the emotions in the song feel deeply familiar. Taylor's performance shows the weight of trying to meet expectations that are pushed upon a person, even a child. The emotion in her voice makes it like she's sharing a true piece of herself. As the baby of the family, I've always felt a different kind of responsibility. My older brother chose to earn his GED instead of following the traditional college path, which in a way broke my moms heart (as an educator for 21 years she felt like she let him down) and because of that, my mom placed a heavy emphasis on education for me. She encouraged me to finish high school and attend college, and I never wanted to let her down. But, that expectation sometimes felt heavy. My journey through school wasn't always easy. I struggled during my early years in education and received special education services. Learning didn't come as naturally to me as it seemed to for some of my classmates, and there were moments when I questioned whether I was capable of reaching the goals she and I had for myself. As I grew older, I learned how to advocate for myself, adapt to the way I learn best, and use the support available to me. Throughout high school, I successfully navigated my education with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), proving to myself that my challenges did not define my potential. Now, as I prepare to leave home for college, this song takes on an even deeper meaning. I'm excited to begin this new chapter, but I'm also carrying the hopes and sacrifices of my family with me. Leaving home means stepping into the unknown while knowing my mom is trusting me to make the most of the opportunities she's worked so hard to provide. I know this moment represents more than just my future—it represents years of sacrifice, encouragement, and faith. Watching Taylor perform "Eldest Daughter" reminds me that strength doesn't always look loud or fearless. Sometimes strength is quietly carrying expectations, pushing through self-doubt, and continuing to move forward because the people who love you believe in you. That performance moved me because it mirrors my own journey. Like the song, my story is about perseverance, responsibility, and finding strength through vulnerability.

"Submitted via a video link"

Growing up, reading did not come easily to me. As someone with a learning disability, I often struggled to keep up with my classmates. I used to think that because reading was difficult, books were not meant for me. When asked what my favorite subject in school was I would always reply with math because having dyslexia made reading seem impossible. I would pretend to read during independent reading periods and would struggle with anxiety when the teacher said we would be reading aloud. I believe these experiences made it hard for me to love reading for pleasure, even the books I wanted to read in my free time. It took all of the enjoyment of books away from me, unless I was being read to. At the start of my sophomore year of high school my mother joined a book club and I learned that reading is not about how fast you finish a book but about the enjoyment of reading and the lessons learned from it. With the help of audio books, every one I completed became a reminder that I was capable of overcoming challenges through patience, determination, and persistence. I’ve learned that my favorite genre is biographies, autobiographies, and self help books. Those are the books that have impacted me the most, they tell stories of people who refused to let obstacles define their future. Reading about individuals who overcame adversity taught me that success is rarely a straight path. It’s built through resilience, hard work, and the willingness to keep going even when things feel impossible. These stories helped me realize that everyone faces challenges, but what matters most is how we respond to them. These books have shaped my goals because they inspire me to want to achieve more in life. Outside of books, I have gained confidence through modeling, where I learned to express myself and believe in my abilities. The lessons I found in books reinforced what modeling taught me: confidence is built over time, and growth happens when you are willing to step outside your comfort zone. Those experiences have encouraged me to face new challenges instead of avoiding them. These lessons have shaped my goals for the future. I plan to attend Lincoln University, where I hope to earn my degree and prepare for a career in forensic science. My dream is to use science to help solve crimes, seek justice for victims, and make a positive impact in my community. The books I have read have shown me that knowledge is a powerful tool for creating change. They have inspired me to keep learning, believe in my potential, and never allow my challenges to define what I can accomplish. Every page I turn brings me one step closer to the future I hope to build.

Growing up in New Jersey can be summed up in one chorus for me: “Flashing Lights, Lights, Lights” (Kanye West). I loved being able to visit New York City whenever I wanted because it was right next door, but I could also visit farms and ride horses in my hometown. Through modeling, I was given so many opportunities to meet new people from around the world, and I can honestly say their states do not compare. Jersey corn, the Jersey Shore, and Hoboken’s breathtaking views of the New York City skyline have given me memories that I will always cherish and remind me how unique my home truly is. Living in New Jersey has allowed me to experience the best of both city life and peaceful countryside, giving me a deep appreciation for diversity and opportunity. As a woman of color with special needs from the inner city, I face challenges daily. Reading has always been a struggle for me, but with practice, patience, and perseverance, I have continued to improve. I also struggled with class participation and had extremely low confidence in myself, but modeling helped me build my confidence and learn to express myself. It taught me to always be my best self despite any challenges and to never let obstacles define my future. Those experiences have shown me that growth comes from stepping outside my comfort zone and believing in my own abilities. This scholarship would help me reach my educational goals because, unfortunately, financial aid was not able to cover all of my housing expenses. Receiving this support would allow me to focus more on my studies, campus involvement, and preparing for a successful future while reducing the financial burden on my family. Attending college is an investment not only in my future but also in my community. My goal is to earn my degree, build a meaningful career, and inspire others who face similar challenges to believe that their circumstances do not determine their success. Every opportunity brings me one step closer to achieving my dreams.

As a student with a specific learning disability, language arts has always been a huge challenge for me. Reading, writing, and expressing myself in my Language Arts classes have often felt overwhelming. Reading aloud and public speaking would cause extreme anxiety. Despite these difficulties, I have found a place where I can truly feel capable and that was in science classes. The hands-on experiments and the critical thinking involved in my high school science classes such as chemistry and forensics have provided me with an outlet to showcase my creativity and problem-solving skills. Unlike language arts, science allows me to understand the material, using models, drama, and interactive activities. Competing in science fairs and other scientific situations give me confidence and a sense of accomplishment. One example of how creative thinking and science have provided an innovative solution to a basic challenge for me was during a biology project. I struggled to grasp complex concepts through reading alone, so with the help of my mom I created a physical model to represent the process we were studying. By building a three-dimensional representation and acting out the steps with my mom, I was able to understand and remember the material much better. This creative approach transformed a difficult learning experience into an engaging and successful one. This is something I have done with many of my assignemnts in multiple classes because it makes it easier for me to learn. I believe my pursuit of a degree in a STEM field will benefit my society in many ways. I plan to graduate and join the police department as a forensic scientist and forensic psychologist in Newark, New Jersey. In this role, I hope to use my scientific knowledge and analytical skills to help reduce the crime rate in my very own community. I want the younger kids in my neightborhood and schools to feel safe. Additionally, as a Hispanic and African American student from Newak NJ with an IEP, pursuing a career in STEM, I want to serve as a positive role model for younger girls from similar backgrounds. By demonstrating that success in science is possible despite challenges, I hope to inspire others to pursue STEM careers. Science and creative thinking have helped me overcome personal challenges and will continue to help me get through my collegiate years. Through attending college and my future career, I hope to continue my love for science.