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Growing up as a military child, I’ve learned how to adapt to new environments and connect with different kinds of people. These experiences have helped shape who I am today and have inspired my desire to pursue a career where I can make a difference. I am currently majoring in criminal justice, while I’m still exploring what path I wanna take. I am very interested in investigations and forensics, and in potentially working for the FBI. As a little kid, I’ve always been interested in using science and technology to uncover the truth. I have found a passion for forensic science, and I love that it can help solve crimes, bring justice to victims and their families, and provide answers when people need them most. But what drives me most about STEM is its focus on problem-solving. There are so many rules for problem-solving, such as analyzing evidence, using technology to aid investigations, and finding patterns in information. STEM gives people the opportunity to turn questions into answers. This has allowed me to enjoy learning how things work and to challenge myself to think critically. These are the skills I believe will help me succeed in both college and my future career. My education means a lot to me because it represents opportunities that past generations in my family may not have had. During this past spring semester, I earned a 4.0 GPA and was named to the Dean’s list . Making the Dean’s list was truly an honor, as it reminded me that hard work pays off. Balancing school, work, and other responsibilities has definitely not been easy, but it has taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of staying focused on my goals. I plan to use my degree to uplift my community by helping to create a safer environment and serving others with integrity. I want to be someone whom people can trust, someone who can bring answers, support justice, and contribute to the well-being of the community. Whether that is through forensic science, criminal investigations, or another related work field, I want my work to have a positive impact on others. That’s why the idea behind the Lift as We Climb scholarship resonates so strongly with me: success is not just about personal achievement. It is about helping others along the way. As I continue my education at work towards my career goals, I hope to encourage others to believe in themselves, pursue higher education, and explore opportunities in STEM and public service. My goal is not only to build a successful future for myself, but also to use my education and experience to help those around me.