My experience with mental health has deeply shaped how I see the world, how I connect with others, and why I am pursuing a career in law enforcement. Coming from a Native American community, where trauma, grief, and generational hardship are often passed down in silence, mental health is something that many people don’t openly talk about. But it’s always there—just beneath the surface. I’ve seen how untreated pain leads to addiction, violence, hopelessness, and disconnection. I’ve felt the weight of anxiety and grief in my own life, and I’ve learned that true strength is not pretending to be okay it’s learning how to heal. Growing up in a low-income household on or near the reservation, I witnessed the emotional toll that poverty and loss can take. It’s not just about money it’s about watching people you love struggle, fall into depression, or numb their pain through substance use. It’s about carrying the grief of losing friends and family to violence, suicide, or neglect. And it’s about feeling like no one outside our community really sees us. For a long time, I believed I had to stay quiet and keep moving forward. But that silence took a toll on me, and I eventually realized that acknowledging my mental health wasn’t a weakness it was the first step toward reclaiming control over my life. This journey has changed how I treat others and how I build relationships. I’ve become more patient, more understanding, and more empathetic. I know that everyone is fighting something, even if they don’t show it. My experiences have taught me to listen deeply to really hear what people are saying and what they’re not saying. In my friendships, in my family, and even in my academic life, I try to be someone others can turn to when they’re struggling. That’s not just something I do it’s something I feel called to do. Most of all, my mental health journey has played a huge role in why I want to become a detective. I want to work in law enforcement not just to solve crimes, but to bring compassion into a system that too often overlooks people’s pain. In Native communities, we lose people every day and not just physically, but emotionally. We lose them to despair, to a lack of support, to systems that don’t understand or care. I want to change that. I want to be the kind of officer who sees people, who listens, who doesn’t rush to judgment. I want to be a protector not just of the law, but of people’s dignity and humanity. Mental health also taught me that justice isn’t just about solving a case it’s about restoring a sense of peace and safety to families and communities. It’s about helping people find answers and feel heard. It’s about building trust in places where it has been broken. Because of my lived experience, I feel uniquely prepared to do that work with empathy, cultural awareness, and strength. I believe healing and justice go hand in hand. That belief comes from what I’ve lived through and what I continue to work on every day. My mental health journey has made me more grounded, more resilient, and more determined to serve others with care and integrity. This is more than a career goal. It’s personal. I want to be part of the generation that brings healing and justice to Native communities not just through arrests and reports, but through understanding, support, and change.

My name is Dominique Smith, and I am a proud Native American student currently attending the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC). I am majoring in Criminal Justice and Criminology with the goal of becoming a detective who serves and protects Indigenous communities especially those most affected by violence and neglect. I chose this path because I’ve lived in a world where justice often feels out of reach. Coming from a low-income Native American family, I have witnessed the heartbreak that happens when lives are lost, and no answers come. People in my community go missing. Families suffer. Crimes go unsolved. It’s a painful cycle I know too well. On the reservation, it’s not uncommon to lose someone close and to never truly understand why. This painful reality has fueled my passion to work in law enforcement and become the kind of detective who doesn’t stop searching for the truth. For far too long, Indigenous communities have been overlooked by the very systems that are supposed to protect them. Jurisdictional challenges, underfunding, and lack of representation have allowed far too many cases to fall through the cracks. I don’t want to stand by while that continues. I want to be a voice from within the community, someone who understands the culture, respects our people, and fights for justice where it’s needed most. My long-term goal is to specialize in violent crime and missing persons investigations, focusing particularly on Native women and children. I want to bring answers to families who’ve been left in the dark and help rebuild trust between law enforcement and tribal nations. Through representation, cultural understanding, and dedication, I believe I can make a difference both in solving crimes and inspiring future Native students to pursue careers in justice and leadership. To me, going to college means more than just earning a degree. It means breaking generational cycles of hardship, standing up for my community, and proving that someone from my background can rise, lead, and protect others. Being a student at UMKC is a privilege I don’t take for granted. Every class, every assignment, and every opportunity brings me one step closer to fulfilling the purpose I’ve carried since I was young. This scholarship would mean the world to me and my family. It would help ease the financial burden that often weighs heavily on students like me who are working, studying, and supporting loved ones all at the same time. More than just financial support, it would be a reminder that others believe in me and my mission. I deeply admire my grandfather, who lived his life with strength and humility. He taught me that justice isn’t about power it’s about doing what’s right, standing up for others, and protecting the vulnerable. He didn’t wear a badge, but he was a true protector. I carry his lessons with me as I move forward. I’m not pursuing this career for recognition or authority. I’m doing it for healing, for justice, and for the generations still to come. With your support, I will continue this journey ready to serve, ready to lead, and ready to make a difference.

My name is Dominique Smith, and I am a Native American student currently attending the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC), majoring in Criminal Justice and Criminology. I come from a low-income Native family where hardship, loss, and resilience have shaped my values and direction in life. My goal is to become a detective who not only solves crimes but also brings justice, healing, and hope to communities like mine especially those living on reservations, where tragedies too often go unanswered. Growing up, I saw firsthand what it means when justice feels distant or denied. I come from a place where loss is a constant reality. People go missing. Families are left to grieve without closure. Lives are taken, and in many cases, no one is held accountable. On the reservation, we mourn too many mothers, daughters, brothers, and friends often with no investigations, no charges, and no resolution. That pain is personal to me. I’ve seen it up close, and I’ve carried it with me for years. It’s the reason I’ve chosen this path. For too long, Indigenous communities have been overlooked, especially by the systems that are supposed to protect us. Many cases involving Native people are dismissed, stalled by jurisdictional confusion, or buried under years of inaction. The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) is just one example of how our communities continue to suffer in silence. I don’t want to be another bystander to injustice. I want to be a part of the solution. I want to use my education, experience, and voice to fight for those who can’t speak for themselves. That is why I chose to study Criminal Justice at UMKC. This program is equipping me with the knowledge and skills I need to become an effective, ethical, and community-driven law enforcement officer. I am especially focused on building investigative skills that will help me work on cases involving missing persons, violent crime, and unresolved cold cases particularly those affecting Native women and children. My ultimate goal is to serve both on and off the reservation, helping bridge the gap between law enforcement and tribal communities. But I don’t just want to enforce the law I want to change how the law is experienced by my people. Too often, Native communities mistrust law enforcement, and understandably so. The lack of representation, cultural understanding, and accountability has created generations of fear and silence. I hope to be part of a new wave of officers those who come from the communities they serve, who understand the history and trauma, and who lead with respect, compassion, and determination. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because this journey isn’t just academic or professional for me it’s deeply personal. I carry the stories of those we’ve lost, the pain of those left behind, and the weight of knowing how often justice is denied in places like mine. I’ve also carried my own share of challenges financial hardship, family responsibilities, and the pressure of being one of the few from my community to make it to college. I’ve worked part-time jobs, helped support my family, and stayed focused on my education, even when it felt like the world was stacked against me. Through it all, I’ve remained committed. I’ve developed strong study habits, leadership skills, and the resilience it takes to push forward no matter what. I know how to listen, how to observe, and how to act with patience and clarity. These aren’t just skills for success in school they are traits that will help me become a strong, thoughtful, and dedicated detective. To me, going to college means everything. It means breaking generational cycles of poverty and despair. It means showing younger Native kids that they don’t have to choose between their culture and their future. It means proving that someone from a small, struggling community can rise up and lead change. Being a student at UMKC is more than a personal achievement it’s a symbol of what’s possible when someone dares to believe in more. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous help to me and my family. It would relieve financial stress, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and fieldwork. But more than that, it would be a vote of confidence a sign that others believe in my mission to create change from within. Your support would allow me to complete my education, build the skills I need, and return to the communities that raised me to fight for truth, justice, and healing. One person who inspires me deeply is my grandfather. He never wore a badge, but he lived his life like a true protector. He helped neighbors, stood up for what was right, and kept our family strong through times of hardship and grief. He always told me that justice isn’t about power it’s about doing what’s right when no one else will. I carry that lesson with me every day. This isn’t just a career for me it’s a calling. I’m ready to serve, to investigate, and to speak for those who have been silenced. I want to be the person who listens, who cares, and who never gives up. With your help, I can turn that vision into reality not just for myself, but for my community, and for future generations who deserve to feel safe, seen, and protected.

Hello my name is Dominique Smith, I want to pursue a career in law enforcement because I’ve seen firsthand what it means when justice feels out of reach especially for Native families like mine. I come from a Native American community where loss is far too common. People go missing. Lives are taken. And in too many cases, there are no answers. We lose mothers, sisters, brothers, and friends on the reservation, and far too often, no one is held accountable. That reality has shaped who I am and inspired my determination to become a detective not just to solve crimes, but to give families the closure and justice they deserve. For generations, Indigenous communities have been overlooked or ignored by the very systems that are supposed to protect us. Cases involving missing or murdered Native people often go unresolved or are pushed aside due to jurisdictional confusion or lack of attention. I don’t want to watch this happen anymore. I want to be part of the change. I want to be someone who understands Native communities from the inside who respects our culture, recognizes our trauma, and believes we deserve answers, safety, and peace. My goal with my law enforcement degree is to return and serve Native communities, both on and off the reservation. I want to specialize in solving violent crimes and missing persons cases, especially those involving Native women and children. At the same time, I hope to rebuild trust between law enforcement and tribal communities by showing that we can protect and serve with compassion, respect, and accountability. Representation matters, and I want to be the kind of officer my community can believe in. This is more than a job for me it’s personal. I carry the stories of those we’ve lost and the pain of those left behind. I bring lived experience, cultural understanding, and a true passion for justice. I’ve faced financial hardship and community trauma, but I’ve always stayed focused on my goals. I’ve learned to listen, observe, and persist skills that are essential for a good detective. I believe I am a strong applicant because I know what’s at stake, and I’m ready to do the hard work. I deeply admire my grandfather, a man who lived with quiet strength and integrity. Though he never wore a badge, he protected our family and community in every way he could. He showed me that justice isn’t just about laws it’s about doing what’s right. I hope to carry his spirit with me in this work. Law enforcement is evolving, and we need more people who care deeply about the communities they serve. I am one of those people. I’m ready to serve, to investigate, and to bring justice to those who’ve gone too long without it.

Hello my name is Dominique Smith, I want to pursue a career in law enforcement because I’ve seen firsthand what it means when justice feels out of reach especially for Native families like mine. I come from a Native American community where loss is far too common. People go missing. Lives are taken. And in too many cases, there are no answers. We lose mothers, sisters, brothers, and friends on the reservation, and far too often, no one is held accountable. That reality has shaped who I am and inspired my determination to become a detective not just to solve crimes, but to give families the closure and justice they deserve. For generations, Indigenous communities have been overlooked or ignored by the very systems that are supposed to protect us. Cases involving missing or murdered Native people often go unresolved or are pushed aside due to jurisdictional confusion or lack of attention. I don’t want to watch this happen anymore. I want to be part of the change. I want to be someone who understands Native communities from the inside who respects our culture, recognizes our trauma, and believes we deserve answers, safety, and peace. My goal with my law enforcement degree is to return and serve Native communities, both on and off the reservation. I want to specialize in solving violent crimes and missing persons cases, especially those involving Native women and children. At the same time, I hope to rebuild trust between law enforcement and tribal communities by showing that we can protect and serve with compassion, respect, and accountability. Representation matters, and I want to be the kind of officer my community can believe in. This is more than a job for me it’s personal. I carry the stories of those we’ve lost and the pain of those left behind. I bring lived experience, cultural understanding, and a true passion for justice. I’ve faced financial hardship and community trauma, but I’ve always stayed focused on my goals. I’ve learned to listen, observe, and persist skills that are essential for a good detective. I believe I am a strong applicant because I know what’s at stake, and I’m ready to do the hard work. I deeply admire my grandfather, a man who lived with quiet strength and integrity. Though he never wore a badge, he protected our family and community in every way he could. He showed me that justice isn’t just about laws it’s about doing what’s right. I hope to carry his spirit with me in this work. Law enforcement is evolving, and we need more people who care deeply about the communities they serve. I am one of those people. I’m ready to serve, to investigate, and to bring justice to those who’ve gone too long without it.

Supporting others with their mental health has always been important to me, both in my personal life and in the direction I’ve chosen for my education and career. Throughout my life, I’ve been the person friends, family, and even classmates turn to when they’re struggling whether they just need someone to talk to, advice on handling stress, or help finding the right resources. I’ve learned that sometimes simply listening without judgment can make a huge difference in someone’s life, and those experiences have inspired me to be more intentional about learning how to support others in meaningful, lasting ways. One of the reasons I chose to pursue a minor in Psychology is because I want to understand more about human behavior, emotions, and mental health challenges, so I can offer better support not only to the people I care about, but to the community I hope to serve as a future law enforcement officer. Mental health struggles are often invisible and misunderstood, especially in high-stress environments, and I believe having the knowledge and compassion to recognize these issues can change the outcome of many difficult situations. In my future career, I plan to apply what I’ve learned through both lived experience and academic study to emotionally support those around me whether they are coworkers, community members, or people in crisis. Law enforcement professionals often encounter individuals at their most vulnerable, and being trained in both de-escalation and empathy is critical to ensuring those people are treated with dignity and understanding. I want to be an officer who doesn’t just respond to problems, but one who can recognize when someone is struggling emotionally and guide them toward the help and resources they need. I also hope to be an advocate for mental health awareness within law enforcement itself, a field where emotional struggles are common but too often left unspoken. By using my education, personal empathy, and future leadership roles, I want to create spaces where it’s normal and encouraged to seek help both for officers and for the community. At the heart of my goals is the belief that mental health matters in every situation, and I’m committed to using my knowledge and career to support, uplift, and protect the emotional well-being of those around me.

From a young age, I’ve been drawn to the idea of serving others and making a positive difference in my community. Growing up, I saw firsthand how public service can shape lives not only through big decisions and policies, but through small everyday actions by individuals who care deeply about the well-being of the people around them. That early exposure is what inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement, and it is what continues to motivate me today as I work toward my educational and professional goals. For me, public service is more than a job; it is a lifelong commitment to protecting others, standing up for what’s right, and helping people through some of their most difficult moments. I chose the path of law enforcement because I want to be the kind of officer who leads with integrity, empathy, and respect. I believe that the relationship between the police and the community can and should be built on trust, fairness, and open communication. As a future officer, my goal is to show my community that law enforcement is not only about enforcing rules, but about providing support, compassion, and real solutions. Through my college education, I know I will gain the knowledge and skills that are essential for modern public service. My studies will prepare me for the legal, ethical, and practical challenges that come with working in law enforcement, and they will strengthen my ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions under pressure. Education will also prepare me to work with diverse groups of people, understand cultural differences, and approach every situation with professionalism and care. Once I graduate and begin my career, I plan to apply these skills directly to improving the safety and strength of my local community. I hope to be involved in programs that go beyond policing programs that focus on prevention, education, and community engagement. Whether it’s speaking to students about making positive choices, helping victims of crime find the support they need, or working with community leaders to address public safety concerns, I want to be a visible, reliable, and approachable presence in the neighborhoods I serve. My passion for public service comes from the belief that every person deserves to feel safe, heard, and respected. My goal is to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the people it serves by being a voice for fairness and understanding, especially in difficult moments. I want to be the kind of officer who makes a positive impact not only through action, but through example inspiring others to treat one another with kindness and respect. In the end, I believe that true service is about lifting others up and making sure no one is left behind. My education will give me the tools to do that, and this scholarship will give me the opportunity to pursue that path with focus and determination. I am committed to using what I learn to protect and strengthen my community, and I am excited to take this next step toward a meaningful career in public service.

Earning a college degree is more than just a personal milestone for me, it is the foundation of the life I want to create and the future I hope to build for my community. It represents years of dedication, sacrifice, and the desire to rise above obstacles in order to create lasting change in the world around me. My passion for law enforcement isn’t only rooted in a career ambition, but in a deep commitment to serving and protecting others while helping to restore trust and understanding between communities and the police. From a young age, I have been drawn to the idea of standing up for others and making sure the people around me feel safe and supported. Growing up, I witnessed both the positive and negative sides of law enforcement’s presence in people’s lives. I saw moments where good officers changed lives through kindness and fairness, and I also became aware of the ways in which fear and distrust can shape the relationship between communities and law enforcement. These experiences are what first inspired me to pursue this path. I believe in being part of the solution. I believe law enforcement can be a force for good, and I want to contribute to that mission by becoming an officer who leads with empathy, integrity, and courage. Once I achieve my college degree, I plan to apply to a respected police academy, where I will continue developing the technical, tactical, and ethical skills needed for the role. My education will prepare me not only for the physical and legal demands of the profession but also for the personal and emotional challenges it requires. I want to become the kind of officer who never stops learning, growing, and improving, because the responsibility that comes with wearing the badge is too great for complacency. I hope to be the type of officer who earns the community’s trust through everyday actions treating every person fairly, making thoughtful decisions in the face of stress, and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. But my ambitions don’t stop at earning a badge. My long-term goal is to help reshape the way law enforcement interacts with the communities it serves, especially by focusing on education, youth outreach, and community engagement. I believe that real change begins at the individual level — one conversation, one action, and one decision at a time. Whether that means mentoring a teenager who is at risk, helping a family in crisis, or working behind the scenes to develop better community policing practices, I want to be fully involved in making the world safer and more compassionate. I believe law enforcement officers should be more than just a presence during emergencies; they should be active, visible, and accessible members of the community on both good days and bad. Receiving this scholarship would play a crucial role in helping me accomplish these goals. Like many students, I face financial limitations that can make it difficult to fully focus on my studies. Tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses create a constant balancing act between academic success and financial survival. This scholarship would relieve much of that burden and allow me to dedicate more time to excelling in the classroom, participating in professional development, and gaining real-world experience through internships, volunteer programs, and community leadership opportunities. More importantly, this scholarship would represent more than just financial aid; it would symbolize belief in my future. It would remind me that others see potential in my passion, my goals, and my commitment to service. That kind of support strengthens not only my determination but also my sense of responsibility to give back. I see scholarships as more than assistance. I see them as partnerships between students and those who believe in a better future. I want to honor that partnership by working hard and using every opportunity I’ve been given to serve others. In addition to financial help, this scholarship would allow me to invest time and energy in experiences that shape me into a better leader, both on and off duty. I plan to participate in programs focused on conflict resolution, cultural awareness, de-escalation tactics, and mental health first aid, which are all essential for modern law enforcement professionals. I want to approach every call for service with the right training and mindset to create peaceful resolutions whenever possible, while also upholding the safety and well-being of all involved. My education, combined with hands-on experience, will prepare me for the complexities and nuances of the job from handling high-stress situations to building long-term relationships with community members. As I continue toward my future career, I also hope to focus on breaking down the barriers that exist between the police and the public. I believe one of the most important social challenges of our time is rebuilding the relationship between law enforcement and marginalized communities, where mistrust has grown from generations of unequal treatment, misunderstanding, and lack of representation. My personal experiences have shown me that the only way to heal these divides is through consistent action, open communication, and the willingness to admit mistakes and grow from them. I want to be part of this change by being an officer who people see as approachable and fair, someone who shows through their actions what real service looks like. In the future, I also see myself taking on leadership roles within my department and community. Whether serving as a field training officer, leading community outreach initiatives, or helping develop programs that focus on crime prevention and restorative justice, I want to help shape the future of policing for the better. I believe the most effective way to create lasting change is to lead by example to show future recruits that integrity, patience, and compassion are just as important as physical strength and tactical knowledge. I want to be part of the conversation about how to move law enforcement forward, and my college degree is the first step in equipping myself for that role. Ultimately, my future plans revolve around building trust, creating safety, and serving others with respect and fairness. Law enforcement is a career where every choice can affect someone’s life, and I am ready to take on that responsibility. I am committed to growing into a professional who uses education, training, and life experience to make every decision carefully, thoughtfully, and with the intent to help rather than harm. I know the path ahead will not be easy, but I believe it is one of the most meaningful ways I can leave a positive impact on the world. This scholarship would be an essential part of that journey. It would provide me with the resources, support, and encouragement to reach my full potential, and it would allow me to focus fully on my studies and preparation for a life of public service. I am ready to meet this challenge and to use my education and career not only for personal success but for the safety, growth, and well-being of everyone around me.

One of the most important social issues I believe we face today is the need to build trust, fairness, and understanding between law enforcement and the communities they serve. This issue is close to my heart, as I aspire to become a law enforcement officer not only to enforce the law but also to represent integrity, compassion, and accountability in a role that deeply affects people’s daily lives. Throughout my life, I have seen how much influence police officers have in shaping the safety and well-being of a community. Law enforcement officers are often the first to arrive in times of crisis, and the way they handle each situation can leave a lasting impact, both positive and negative. Over the years, I’ve also become more aware of the deep challenges surrounding this profession including cases where trust has been broken, and communities have been left feeling unsafe not because of crime, but because of a lack of connection and understanding between people and the officers sworn to protect them. I want to be part of the solution. I believe that one of the most powerful ways to address these social challenges is to become an officer who leads with respect, patience, and empathy. Law enforcement is about more than enforcing rules; it's about being a fair and steady presence in the community, someone who listens and treats everyone with dignity regardless of their background, status, or personal struggles. Even before beginning my official journey into law enforcement, I’ve worked to embody these values in my own life. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or helping people resolve conflicts peacefully, I have always looked for ways to bring people together and approach problems with both strength and understanding. I believe that leadership is not about power, it's about service. It’s about showing people, through your actions, that you care about their safety and their humanity. Education is also part of how I am preparing myself to address this social issue. I am committed to learning not only the technical and legal aspects of law enforcement, but also the social and psychological skills that allow officers to de-escalate conflict, build trust, and recognize the deeper needs behind people’s actions. I want to bring these tools into my future career, so I can represent the kind of law enforcement officer our communities deserve: someone who enforces the law fairly, but also listens carefully and treats people as human beings, not just as situations to control. My ultimate goal is to be the type of officer who helps shift the perception of law enforcement for the better one who builds positive relationships, mentors youth, and shows through consistent actions that the badge is a symbol of service, not fear. I believe change starts with individuals, and I am committed to doing my part to make law enforcement more compassionate, professional, and community-centered. Through hard work, training, and a genuine desire to help people, I believe I can make a lasting difference. Law enforcement is a career that carries great responsibility, and I am ready to rise to that challenge. I am working to be the kind of officer who makes a community safer not just by fighting crime, but by strengthening the trust between people and the police.

One of the most important social issues I believe we face today is the need to build trust, fairness, and understanding between law enforcement and the communities they serve. This issue is close to my heart, as I aspire to become a law enforcement officer not only to enforce the law but also to represent integrity, compassion, and accountability in a role that deeply affects people’s daily lives. Throughout my life, I have seen how much influence police officers have in shaping the safety and well-being of a community. Law enforcement officers are often the first to arrive in times of crisis, and the way they handle each situation can leave a lasting impact, both positive and negative. Over the years, I’ve also become more aware of the deep challenges surrounding this profession including cases where trust has been broken, and communities have been left feeling unsafe not because of crime, but because of a lack of connection and understanding between people and the officers sworn to protect them. I want to be part of the solution. I believe that one of the most powerful ways to address these social challenges is to become an officer who leads with respect, patience, and empathy. Law enforcement is about more than enforcing rules; it's about being a fair and steady presence in the community, someone who listens and treats everyone with dignity regardless of their background, status, or personal struggles. Even before beginning my official journey into law enforcement, I’ve worked to embody these values in my own life. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or helping people resolve conflicts peacefully, I have always looked for ways to bring people together and approach problems with both strength and understanding. I believe that leadership is not about power, it's about service. It’s about showing people, through your actions, that you care about their safety and their humanity. Education is also part of how I am preparing myself to address this social issue. I am committed to learning not only the technical and legal aspects of law enforcement, but also the social and psychological skills that allow officers to de-escalate conflict, build trust, and recognize the deeper needs behind people’s actions. I want to bring these tools into my future career, so I can represent the kind of law enforcement officer our communities deserve: someone who enforces the law fairly, but also listens carefully and treats people as human beings, not just as situations to control. My ultimate goal is to be the type of officer who helps shift the perception of law enforcement for the better one who builds positive relationships, mentors youth, and shows through consistent actions that the badge is a symbol of service, not fear. I believe change starts with individuals, and I am committed to doing my part to make law enforcement more compassionate, professional, and community-centered. Through hard work, training, and a genuine desire to help people, I believe I can make a lasting difference. Law enforcement is a career that carries great responsibility, and I am ready to rise to that challenge. I am working to be the kind of officer who makes a community safer not just by fighting crime, but by strengthening the trust between people and the police.

In Chapter Two of Real Insights: The No-Nonsense Guide to Success as a Real Estate Agent, John Graff emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation for a successful career in real estate. He discusses the critical early steps new agents must take, such as selecting the right brokerage, understanding the licensing process, and developing essential skills like effective communication and client relationship management. One key takeaway from this chapter is the significance of choosing a brokerage that aligns with an agent's goals and values. Graff advises new agents to thoroughly research potential brokerages, considering factors like training programs, mentorship opportunities, and company culture. This guidance is particularly relevant to my career aspirations in real estate, as starting with the right support system can greatly influence long-term success. Another important aspect highlighted in Chapter Two is the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability. Graff points out that the real estate industry is constantly evolving, and agents must stay informed about market trends, legal regulations, and technological advancements. This insight resonates with me, as I plan to leverage ongoing education and professional development to stay competitive and provide the best service to my clients. Furthermore, Graff underscores the value of building strong relationships with clients by being trustworthy, responsive, and knowledgeable. He suggests that agents who prioritize their clients' needs and maintain open lines of communication are more likely to earn repeat business and referrals. This client-centric approach aligns with my personal commitment to integrity and excellence in service. In conclusion, Chapter Two of Real Insights offers practical advice that is directly applicable to my desired career in real estate. By carefully selecting the right brokerage, committing to lifelong learning, and focusing on building meaningful client relationships, I can establish a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in the industry.

I believe education is one of the most powerful tools we have for addressing and reducing intimate partner violence. At its core, IPV often stems from cycles of learned behavior, power imbalances, and deep-rooted social norms that go unquestioned. Education can break that cycle. When people are taught about healthy relationships, consent, emotional regulation, and mutual respect early and consistently it builds a foundation for safer, more empathetic communities. Education doesn’t just happen in the classroom; it happens in conversations, stories, cultural traditions, and lived experiences. When schools, families, and communities provide space for open, honest dialogue about relationships and personal boundaries, people develop the emotional literacy needed to prevent harm, recognize abuse, and seek help when necessary. Comprehensive education can also help challenge the stigma and silence that often surround intimate partner violence, creating supportive environments where survivors are believed, empowered, and connected to resources. In my own educational journey, I’ve seen how learning about different cultural perspectives, social systems, and human behavior can shape our understanding of relationships and power dynamics. Through research and coursework, I’ve become especially interested in the ways culture and storytelling influence how people think about relationships and identity. For example, when stories normalize respect and equality, people learn to expect and demand those same values in their personal lives. On the other hand, when harmful stereotypes or controlling behaviors are left unchecked in media, communities, and relationships, cycles of abuse can continue for generations. Education is the bridge to changing those patterns. My personal experiences have also shaped how I approach this issue. Growing up, I witnessed the ways that silence, fear, and lack of support can make it difficult for someone to break free from unhealthy or abusive relationships. Seeing people I cared about struggle with these situations made me want to understand the problem on a deeper level and work toward real solutions, both personal and societal. That motivation is what drives my academic and career goals. I plan to use my degree to help create spaces where people can learn, share, and heal. Whether through research, advocacy, or teaching, I want to support efforts that promote healthy relationships and prevent intimate partner violence. I believe that when people are empowered with knowledge about their rights, about emotional well-being, about communication they become more capable of protecting themselves and others. In particular, I want to focus on work that addresses the intersection of culture and violence prevention. Too often, marginalized communities face extra barriers to safety, whether through systemic discrimination, underrepresentation in services, or cultural stigma. I hope to use both my academic training and personal empathy to support solutions that are not only practical but culturally sensitive and community-driven. Ultimately, I believe education is about more than preparing for a career it’s about creating the conditions for a more just and compassionate world. My goal is to use the lessons I’ve learned, both inside and outside the classroom, to help others see the value of empathy, communication, and healthy connection. By doing so, I hope to be part of a generation that helps reduce the cycle of intimate partner violence and empowers people to live safe, fulfilling lives.

Storytelling has always played an important role in shaping who I am, even before I fully understood its power. Though I was first introduced to formal storytelling through books and school lessons, it wasn’t until I began learning about Native American traditions that I truly grasped how stories shape identity, preserve history, and pass on wisdom. The deeper I’ve studied Native storytelling, the more I’ve reflected on the stories in my own life, especially the ones shared by my family and how they’ve influenced my goals and values. One story from my own background that has stayed with me comes from my grandfather. Growing up, he would tell me about his early life, facing hardship with quiet strength and finding ways to persevere through challenges. He didn’t have the opportunity to complete his education, but he valued learning above all else and taught me that knowledge is something no one can ever take away from you. His stories weren’t written down in textbooks or spoken in classrooms, but they taught me lessons about patience, resilience, and the importance of community. I now understand that these stories were more than family memories; they were oral traditions in their own way, meant to pass on lessons and keep our family connected to its values. This personal experience with storytelling helped me appreciate the beauty and depth of Native American traditions even more when I began studying them in school. In many Native cultures, stories are far more than entertainment; they are living archives, holding history, cultural identity, ethical lessons, and the voices of ancestors. Learning about this perspective shifted the way I approach education. I started to see knowledge not just as facts and data but as a human connection, something meant to be shared, understood, and passed forward. This connection between storytelling and identity has helped shape my career goals as well. I want to work in a field where I can preserve and amplify underrepresented voices, especially those of Indigenous communities and other marginalized groups. Whether through teaching, research, or advocacy, I hope to help others see the value in diverse stories and lived experiences, and to challenge the systems that too often silence them. My own experience with the stories of my family taught me the power of listening, and my academic journey has taught me the responsibility that comes with sharing. I believe stories are a reminder that every person’s life holds lessons worth learning, and that we all exist in a web of histories some written, some spoken, some still waiting to be heard. Understanding this has shaped not only who I am, but who I strive to become: someone who listens deeply, learns constantly, and helps others tell their stories too.

Throughout my academic journey, I have dedicated myself to both personal growth and academic excellence. Education has always been a core value in my life, and I’ve worked hard to maintain strong grades while taking on challenging courses that push me to think critically and expand my understanding of the world. One of my proudest accomplishments was undertaking an independent research project on Native American storytelling and symbolic writing practices. This project not only allowed me to sharpen my research and writing skills but also deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of preserving Indigenous voices in both academic and public spaces. Being able to connect classroom learning to real-world conversations has shaped how I see the world and reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning. Looking ahead, I am determined to pursue a career where I can apply what I have learned to create meaningful change in both academic and community settings. I am passionate about studying culture, society, and human behavior, and I want to use this knowledge to amplify marginalized voices, challenge social inequalities, and foster greater understanding across communities. Whether through teaching, research, or advocacy, I hope to contribute to a world where diverse perspectives are valued and where education can serve as a powerful tool for both individual growth and collective progress. Outside of academics, I have always believed in the importance of community involvement. I have given back in many ways, from tutoring classmates and helping peers navigate difficult coursework, to mentoring younger athletes on my school’s track and field team. I’ve also volunteered for local organizations and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and creating supportive environments for students of all backgrounds. These experiences have taught me the importance of empathy, teamwork, and leadership qualities that I strive to carry into every aspect of my life. Financially, this scholarship would make a significant difference for me. I come from a family where higher education is a shared dream but also a financial challenge. Like many students, I’ve had to balance work and school, and while I take pride in my ability to manage both, I know that additional financial support would allow me to focus more deeply on my studies, research opportunities, and community involvement. Your investment would not only help cover tuition and educational expenses but would also give me the freedom to dedicate my full energy to reaching my academic and professional goals. I believe I deserve this scholarship because I approach both my education and community work with genuine passion and a strong sense of purpose. I am not only committed to academic excellence but also to using my skills to make a positive impact in the lives of others. My curiosity, resilience, and drive to contribute meaningfully to my community set me apart. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue working hard to honor the opportunities I’ve been given and to help create new ones for others.

Someone who has been the most impactful in my life is my grandmother. From the earliest days I can remember, she has been a strong, steady figure in my life, constantly teaching me what it means to be respectful, responsible, and compassionate. She’s always told me that we don’t walk through life alone, our choices affect others, and the way we treat people can shape not only our future, but the future of an entire community. My grandmother showed me the importance of patience and empathy, even in difficult situations. Whether it was handling family challenges or guiding me through school struggles, she always demonstrated that strength isn’t just about being physically tough it’s about emotional balance, knowing when to stand firm and when to be understanding. Those lessons shaped who I am today. I’ve grown up in an environment where violence, loss, and hardship have unfortunately become normal. I’ve lost friends and neighbors to circumstances that no young person should ever have to face. At times, I felt like the world was trying to harden me, but the voice of my grandmother and the teachings of my culture helped me hold onto empathy and stay grounded in who I am. Through these life experiences, I have developed habits and values that I know would apply to making a meaningful impact in the community, especially through law enforcement. One of the most important is resilience, the ability to stand strong even when faced with overwhelming pressure or personal loss. I’ve had to overcome bullying, isolation, and grief, and each of these experiences taught me to stay calm in moments of emotional and physical stress. I believe this will help me approach situations in law enforcement with both a clear mind and steady heart. Another habit I have developed is communication. Whether it’s with elders in my Native community, school teachers, or peers from different backgrounds, I’ve learned that open and honest conversations can change the way people view each other. In law enforcement, communication can mean the difference between a peaceful resolution and unnecessary conflict. I’ve seen how misunderstandings can escalate situations, and I know that as a future officer, strong communication and active listening are powerful tools for building trust with the community. Lastly, I’ve adopted a mindset of service before self. My elders have always reminded me that we must live a life deserving of more than just personal success. We should aim to uplift others. My family has a long history of working in schools, cultural programs, and public service, and I plan to continue that legacy by helping protect, guide, and support people through a career in law enforcement. I want to be the kind of person who not only enforces the law, but also bridges gaps between people and communities. I believe that the qualities I’ve developed patience, empathy, resilience, and a strong sense of service will allow me to make a real and lasting difference as an officer.

I am part of a new generation of my people Winnebago, Lakota, Omaha, and Salish and Kootenai are the beginning roots of my history. Confidence is one of the most important qualities a person needs to work with such diversity, especially within our Native communities. My “roots” come from a vast blend of Native American nations, and with these traditions come the values and morals that are the backbone of my personality. I am dedicated to my goals and thrive on the experiences life offers. Even at my young age, I have already seen the impact I can have on others, and the changes that can happen within myself. My elders have always reminded me that we are meant to live a life deserving of bigger changes than just the ones that affect us personally. For generations, my family has worked side by side with the public — whether in school districts as teachers, by producing Native American cultural programs, running multiculturalism clinics, or through other careers serving our community. One of the most meaningful places for us has been the Kansas City Indian Center, where we help support Native children and the larger community through events, resources, and outreach. Sadly, the reality is that only about 3% of Native people make it off reservations and into opportunities where they can thrive and make a lasting, positive impact on society. I aim to be part of that rare percentage and help shift those odds for others too. Growing up in South Kansas City, Missouri, I have witnessed both the beauty and the hardship of my neighborhood. Our community has faced its share of violence and loss. To this day, I know 13 students and 22 community members from the area who have lost their lives not just distant names, but friends, family, and neighbors. These are people I’ve laughed and cried with, people I’ve celebrated and mourned. In my school, the student body is about 85% African American and 15% other minorities, and I am the only enrolled Native American student. Because of this, I have often been misunderstood, bullied, and isolated. Many students and even some teachers and administrators carry misconceptions or simply lack knowledge about my culture and history. This has caused emotional challenges, but these experiences have shaped me, making me stronger and more determined. One event, above all, changed my life forever. On May 15, 2012, just after 12:15 a.m., I witnessed a house fire that claimed the lives of my best friend Donnica, her father, and her baby brother. In the blink of an eye, three lives were gone. Donnica was more than a friend she was like family. The mischief we got into brought our parents together often, especially when we had to figure out how to survive our “grounding days” without each other. Her passing taught me a lesson that no classroom or book ever could: the world is bigger than me. Even through grief, I knew I had to find strength. I returned to school with tears in my eyes, but I also carried a new mission in my heart. I realized that I couldn’t live for just myself anymore I had to live for her too. That moment fueled my determination to help others, to stand strong for those who cannot, and to make the kind of positive change my elders always spoke about.

Caregiving has been an important part of my life, shaping not only how I spend my time but also who I am as a person. For me, caregiving has meant stepping up for my family, especially for my siblings and my grandfather, and supporting them emotionally, physically, and practically in any way I can. At home, I help take care of my family, especially during times when they are needing guidance with everyday complications. Whether it’s preparing meals, helping with cleaning the house, or making sure they feel heard and cared for after a hard day, I’ve learned that caregiving is about consistency and showing up even in small ways. My grandfather has also needed special care as his health has declined over the years with diabetes. I’ve accompanied his to doctor’s appointments, helped him manage medications, and been his emotional support during moments of fear, loneliness, or frustration. These are not always easy tasks, but caregiving has taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and showing love through action. Being a caregiver has profoundly shaped the way I see the world and the person I am becoming. It has shown me that responsibility doesn’t always wait until you’re "ready," and that true strength is found in compassion. I’ve learned to manage my time, balancing schoolwork, caregiving, and personal growth. I’ve become more understanding of other people’s struggles, and I approach both family and strangers with more kindness and open-mindedness because of it. This experience has also helped me clarify my goals. I want a future where I can not only succeed for myself but also lift others up. Caregiving taught me the deep satisfaction of helping someone feel safe, supported, and understood and that’s something I want to build my life around. Whether I go into healthcare, counseling, social work, or community leadership, I know that the lessons I’ve learned from caring for my family will follow me. I want to be someone who makes a difference in the lives of others, whether that’s on a personal level or through a future career where I can be a guide, a helper, or an advocate for those who need it most. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous help to me as I work toward that future. Financial stress is one of the biggest obstacles for students like me who are trying to balance school, family responsibilities, and the hope of building a better life. This scholarship would allow me to focus more on my education without the constant worry of how to cover tuition, books, and other expenses. It would also help ease the pressure on my family, who have done everything they can to support me despite their own financial struggles. More importantly, this scholarship would help me take the caregiving mindset, the ability to be present for others, to listen, and to act with compassion into the next chapter of my life. Whether I am sitting in a college classroom, interning for a community organization, or helping someone through a personal challenge, the lessons caregiving has taught me will be with me. And with the support of this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to being able to give back, not only to my family but to the world around me. Caregiving has shaped me into someone who understands the power of kindness and responsibility, even when life feels overwhelming. It’s taught me that no act of care is ever wasted, and it’s inspired me to pursue a future where I can make sure others feel seen, supported, and safe just like I’ve tried to do for my family. This scholarship would be an investment not only in my education but in my ability to continue caring for others in bigger and more meaningful ways. I’m ready to take what I’ve learned from caregiving and turn it into something even greater.

Growing in a diverse community we learn to understand the natural sharing of behaviors, and conducts of morals and values becoming a tradition of working families. Our daily schedules are in sync, students find there are school preparations for educated teachers to distribute lessons. On the South Side of Kansas City Hickman Mills School District and Ruskin area have had members lost in the streets and funeral homes serving their purposes. Organizations that show support of the working growing communities move to settle in their part of the world and call it home. Poverty is one of the key components, finding lack of judgments by many uneducated members with mental health conditions. The options are few and jobs come and go with a hurting economy. Finding peace of mind in my home has been taught to me at an early age and we find our friends and family enjoying our comfortable home. I am a young woman who strives for excellence and prepares for the opening of a fierce society that comes with living a hard part of happenings around you. Purity of honor, diligence and rolling with knowledge (thank you to the veterans of Services) focused on my goals. Living in a home with great support and respected indigenous relatives. Combinations of the melting pot of society have taught me to multitask with understanding of multiculturalism. Charish about different walks of life including using my strength to volunteer and working part - time in the local grocery store. Golden opportunities that come from working with a public job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual communicates with class utilizing my trusted leaders' teachings. Officially this year I will be a student in Herndon Career Center Law Enforcement Police Science Program, focused on Forensics, as a Senior coming from Ruskin High School. Angeleic Huth is our Instructor including a dual credit from Missouri State. Collecting the tasks at each level is a balance while enjoying a productive and forward thinking. Looking at a complex of services provided within our city, state, and lack of women Officers, Laboratory Technicians and Detectives with different perspectives, finding my ultimate goals. My instructors advocate the itinerary needed for the program to incorporate life lessons preparing future terms. College will educate a student that will need to learn the fundamentals already put in place for the career that already has momentum of completing action. Applying myself by hands on learning, excelled by helping my peers with homework or difficulties in social environments. This also makes time to email, text, or just a simple phone call to check on them, due to outside issues at school, work or home life. There are too many peers that don’t have a shoulder to cry on or don’t know what direction they are going. This also goes for “my girls” at Youth Camp for the Indigenous Children and the meetings at Kansas City Indian Center. Enjoying a plate of food or two with my elders, just to hear stories and eat some food or exchange jokes are my favorite memories and learned lessons.

First and foremost, as a Native American young woman, it's clear to say that being exposed to my classmates, eighty- five percent are African American. May 15, 2012 was a house fire that took the lives of my best friend, father and little brother, and changed my outlook on life. This past year 2022 I lost the only father (Step-parent) I knew due to a critical condition, alcoholism. Just to begin to describe the things that give me strength to know to be humbled, respected and outspoken, are always consistent in every day. Being inspired by my dad, staying in school and leaving a legacy with pride in my work. Giving my time and effort in problem solving and assisting a friend when they ask. The love from my family, grandparents and good friends is the last to graduate. This guidance came from a long line of successful relatives that led battles and conversations to begin many changes over the course of time. Leaning on the mistakes and criticism our leaders have faced has shown me the opportunity to speak up. I have engaged with my teachers and community leaders to improve the Native American idea, we are still here. Working with our native youth is where I shine the most because of the difficulties we share as students, not living on the reservation. Being honest, the history of my people has launched me to speak for our youth and elders that can no longer keep up the fire. Do my best to show the wisdom passed down from generation to generation, just like my grandparents did for me. Golden opportunities that come from working with the public in a part -time job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual, can talk with them and that they will respect my opinions. To earn the coveted title of a teacher or leader, one must possess very special qualities, abilities, attitudes, and skill. Above all, they know how to get along with others, including their supervisors and the rest of the faculty. It's a gift I have possessed since I was younger, was to learn to listen first and be mindful of the education you may receive and do right by it. My actions speak louder than just words. My focus continues through my life to enjoy my leaders and learn from them as much as possible. Being a student striving for a voice and teaching others that will listen, knowing that one voice can make a difference.

Growing in a diverse community we learn to understand the natural sharing of behaviors, and conducts of morals and values becoming a tradition of working families. Our daily schedules are in sync, students find there are school preparations for educated teachers to distribute lessons. On the South Side of Kansas City Hickman Mills School District and Ruskin area have had members lost in the streets and funeral homes serving their purposes. Organizations that show support of the working growing communities move to settle in their part of the world and call it home. Poverty is one of the key components, finding lack of judgments by many uneducated members with mental health conditions. The options are few and jobs come and go with a hurting economy. I am a young woman who strives for excellence and prepares for the opening of a fierce society that comes with living a hard part of happenings around you. Purity of honor, diligence and rolling with knowledge (thank you to the veterans of Services) focused on my goals. Living in a home with great support and respected indigenous relatives. Combinations of the melting pot of society have taught me to multitask with understanding of multiculturalism. Cherish about different walks of life including using my strength to volunteer and working part - time in the local grocery store. Golden opportunities that come from working with a public job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual communicates with class utilizing my trusted leaders' teachings. Officially this year I will be a student in Herndon Career Center Law Enforcement Police Science Program, focused on Forensics, as a Senior coming from Ruskin High School. Angeleic Huth is our Instructor including a dual credit from Missouri State. Collecting the tasks at each level is a balance while enjoying a productive and forward thinking. Looking at a complex of services provided within our city, state, and lack of women Officers, Laboratory Technicians and Detectives with different perspectives, finding my ultimate goals. My instructors advocate the itinerary needed for the program to incorporate life lessons preparing future terms. College will educate a student that will need to learn the fundamentals already put in place for the career that already has momentum of completing action. Applying myself by hands on learning, excelled by helping my peers with homework or difficulties in social environments. This also makes time to email, text, or just a simple phone call to check on them, due to outside issues at school, work or home life. There are too many peers that don’t have a shoulder to cry on or don’t know what direction they are going. This also goes for “my girls” at Youth Camp for the Indigenous Children and the meetings at Kansas City Indian Center. Enjoying a plate of food or two with my elders, just to hear stories and eat some food or exchange jokes are my favorite memories and learned lessons. This guidance came from a long line of successful relatives that led battles and conversations to begin many changes over the course of time. Leaning on the mistakes and criticism our leaders have faced has shown me the opportunity to speak up. I have engaged with my teachers and community leaders to improve the Native American idea. We are still here and adapting to modern changes, but not letting go of traditions. Working with our native youth is where I shine the most because of the difficulties we share as students, not living on the reservation.

Growing in a diverse community we learn to understand the natural sharing of behaviors, and conducts of morals and values becoming a tradition of working families. Our daily schedules are in sync, students find there are school preparations for educated teachers to distribute lessons. On the South Side of Kansas City Hickman Mills School District and Ruskin area have had members lost in the streets and funeral homes serving their purposes. Organizations that show support of the working growing communities move to settle in their part of the world and call it home. Poverty is one of the key components, finding lack of judgments by many uneducated members with mental health conditions. The options are few and jobs come and go with a hurting economy. I am a young woman who strives for excellence and prepares for the opening of a fierce society that comes with living a hard part of happenings around you. Purity of honor, diligence and rolling with knowledge (thank you to the veterans of Services) focused on my goals. Living in a home with great support and respected indigenous relatives. Combinations of the melting pot of society have taught me to multitask with understanding of multiculturalism. Cherish about different walks of life including using my strength to volunteer and working part - time in the local grocery store. Golden opportunities that come from working with a public job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual communicates with class utilizing my trusted leaders' teachings. Officially this year I will be a student in Herndon Career Center Law Enforcement Police Science Program, focused on Forensics, as a Senior coming from Ruskin High School. Angeleic Huth is our Instructor including a dual credit from Missouri State. Collecting the tasks at each level is a balance while enjoying a productive and forward thinking. Looking at a complex of services provided within our city, state, and lack of women Officers, Laboratory Technicians and Detectives with different perspectives, finding my ultimate goals. My instructors advocate the itinerary needed for the program to incorporate life lessons preparing future terms. College will educate a student that will need to learn the fundamentals already put in place for the career that already has momentum of completing action. Applying myself by hands on learning, excelled by helping my peers with homework or difficulties in social environments. This also makes time to email, text, or just a simple phone call to check on them, due to outside issues at school, work or home life. There are too many peers that don’t have a shoulder to cry on or don’t know what direction they are going. This also goes for “my girls” at Youth Camp for the Indigenous Children and the meetings at Kansas City Indian Center. Enjoying a plate of food or two with my elders, just to hear stories and eat some food or exchange jokes are my favorite memories and learned lessons. This guidance came from a long line of successful relatives that led battles and conversations to begin many changes over the course of time. Leaning on the mistakes and criticism our leaders have faced has shown me the opportunity to speak up. I have engaged with my teachers and community leaders to improve the Native American idea. We are still here and adapting to modern changes, but not letting go of traditions. Working with our native youth is where I shine the most because of the difficulties we share as students, not living on the reservation.

Growing in a diverse community we learn to understand the natural sharing of behaviors, and conducts of morals and values becoming a tradition of working families. Our daily schedules are in sync, students find there are school preparations for educated teachers to distribute lessons. On the South Side of Kansas City Hickman Mills School District and Ruskin area have had members lost in the streets and funeral homes serving their purposes. Organizations that show support of the working growing communities move to settle in their part of the world and call it home. Poverty is one of the key components, finding lack of judgments by many uneducated members with mental health conditions. The options are few and jobs come and go with a hurting economy. I am a young woman who strives for excellence and prepares for the opening of a fierce society that comes with living a hard part of happenings around you. Purity of honor, diligence and rolling with knowledge (thank you to the veterans of Services) focused on my goals. Living in a home with great support and respected indigenous relatives. Combinations of the melting pot of society have taught me to multitask with understanding of multiculturalism. Cherish about different walks of life including using my strength to volunteer and working part - time in the local grocery store. Golden opportunities that come from working with a public job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual communicates with class utilizing my trusted leaders' teachings. Officially this year I will be a student in Herndon Career Center Law Enforcement Police Science Program, focused on Forensics, as a Senior coming from Ruskin High School. Angeleic Huth is our Instructor including a dual credit from Missouri State. Collecting the tasks at each level is a balance while enjoying a productive and forward thinking. Looking at a complex of services provided within our city, state, and lack of women Officers, Laboratory Technicians and Detectives with different perspectives, finding my ultimate goals. My instructors advocate the itinerary needed for the program to incorporate life lessons preparing future terms. College will educate a student that will need to learn the fundamentals already put in place for the career that already has momentum of completing action. This guidance came from a long line of successful relatives that led battles and conversations to begin many changes over the course of time. Leaning on the mistakes and criticism our leaders have faced has shown me the opportunity to speak up. I have engaged with my teachers and community leaders to improve the Native American idea. We are still here and adapting to modern changes, but not letting go of traditions. Working with our native youth is where I shine the most because of the difficulties we share as students, not living on the reservation.

Growing in a diverse community we learn to understand the natural sharing of behaviors, and conducts of morals and values becoming a tradition of working families. Our daily schedules are in sync, students find there are school preparations for educated teachers to distribute lessons. On the South Side of Kansas City Hickman Mills School District and Ruskin area have had members lost in the streets and funeral homes serving their purposes. Organizations that show support of the working growing communities move to settle in their part of the world and call it home. Poverty is one of the key components, finding lack of judgments by many uneducated members with mental health conditions. The options are few and jobs come and go with a hurting economy. I am a young woman who strives for excellence and prepares for the opening of a fierce society that comes with living a hard part of happenings around you. Purity of honor, diligence and rolling with knowledge (thank you to the veterans of Services) focused on my goals. Living in a home with great support and respected indigenous relatives. Combinations of the melting pot of society have taught me to multitask with understanding of multiculturalism. Cherish about different walks of life including using my strength to volunteer and working part - time in the local grocery store. Golden opportunities that come from working with a public job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual communicates with class utilizing my trusted leaders' teachings. Officially this year I will be a student in Herndon Career Center Law Enforcement Police Science Program, focused on Forensics, as a Senior coming from Ruskin High School. Angeleic Huth is our Instructor including a dual credit from Missouri State. Collecting the tasks at each level is a balance while enjoying a productive and forward thinking. Looking at a complex of services provided within our city, state, and lack of women Officers, Laboratory Technicians and Detectives with different perspectives, finding my ultimate goals. My instructors advocate the itinerary needed for the program to incorporate life lessons preparing future terms. College will educate a student that will need to learn the fundamentals already put in place for the career that already has momentum of completing action. Applying myself by hands on learning, excelled by helping my peers with homework or difficulties in social environments. This also makes time to email, text, or just a simple phone call to check on them, due to outside issues at school, work or home life. There are too many peers that don’t have a shoulder to cry on or don’t know what direction they are going. This also goes for “my girls” at Youth Camp for the Indigenous Children and the meetings at Kansas City Indian Center. Enjoying a plate of food or two with my elders, just to hear stories and eat some food or exchange jokes are my favorite memories and learned lessons. This guidance came from a long line of successful relatives that led battles and conversations to begin many changes over the course of time. Leaning on the mistakes and criticism our leaders have faced has shown me the opportunity to speak up. I have engaged with my teachers and community leaders to improve the Native American idea. We are still here and adapting to modern changes, but not letting go of traditions. Working with our native youth is where I shine the most because of the difficulties we share as students, not living on the reservation.

Growing in a diverse community we learn to understand the natural sharing of behaviors, and conducts of morals and values becoming a tradition of working families. Our daily schedules are in sync, students find there are school preparations for educated teachers to distribute lessons. On the South Side of Kansas City Hickman Mills School District and Ruskin area have had members lost in the streets and funeral homes serving their purposes. Organizations that show support of the working growing communities move to settle in their part of the world and call it home. Poverty is one of the key components, finding lack of judgments by many uneducated members with mental health conditions. The options are few and jobs come and go with a hurting economy. I am a young woman who strives for excellence and prepares for the opening of a fierce society that comes with living a hard part of happenings around you. Purity of honor, diligence and rolling with knowledge (thank you to the veterans of Services) focused on my goals. Living in a home with great support and respected indigenous relatives. Combinations of the melting pot of society have taught me to multitask with understanding of multiculturalism. Cherish about different walks of life including using my strength to volunteer and working part - time in the local grocery store. Golden opportunities that come from working with a public job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual communicates with class utilizing my trusted leaders' teachings. Officially this year I will be a student in Herndon Career Center Law Enforcement Police Science Program, focused on Forensics, as a Senior coming from Ruskin High School. Angeleic Huth is our Instructor including a dual credit from Missouri State. Collecting the tasks at each level is a balance while enjoying a productive and forward thinking. Looking at a complex of services provided within our city, state, and lack of women Officers, Laboratory Technicians and Detectives with different perspectives, finding my ultimate goals. My instructors advocate the itinerary needed for the program to incorporate life lessons preparing future terms. College will educate a student that will need to learn the fundamentals already put in place for the career that already has momentum of completing action. Applying myself by hands on learning, excelled by helping my peers with homework or difficulties in social environments. This also makes time to email, text, or just a simple phone call to check on them, due to outside issues at school, work or home life. There are too many peers that don’t have a shoulder to cry on or don’t know what direction they are going. This also goes for “my girls” at Youth Camp for the Indigenous Children and the meetings at Kansas City Indian Center. Enjoying a plate of food or two with my elders, just to hear stories and eat some food or exchange jokes are my favorite memories and learned lessons. This guidance came from a long line of successful relatives that led battles and conversations to begin many changes over the course of time. Leaning on the mistakes and criticism our leaders have faced has shown me the opportunity to speak up. I have engaged with my teachers and community leaders to improve the Native American idea. We are still here and adapting to modern changes, but not letting go of traditions. Working with our native youth is where I shine the most because of the difficulties we share as students, not living on the reservation.

Growing in a diverse community we learn to understand the natural sharing of behaviors, and conducts of morals and values becoming a tradition of working families. Our daily schedules are in sync, students find there are school preparations for educated teachers to distribute lessons. On the South Side of Kansas City Hickman Mills School District and Ruskin area have had members lost in the streets and funeral homes serving their purposes. Organizations that show support of the working growing communities move to settle in their part of the world and call it home. Poverty is one of the key components, finding lack of judgments by many uneducated members with mental health conditions. The options are few and jobs come and go with a hurting economy. I am a young woman who strives for excellence and prepares for the opening of a fierce society that comes with living a hard part of happenings around you. Purity of honor, diligence and rolling with knowledge (thank you to the veterans of Services) focused on my goals. Living in a home with great support and respected indigenous relatives. Combinations of the melting pot of society have taught me to multitask with understanding of multiculturalism. Cherish about different walks of life including using my strength to volunteer and working part - time in the local grocery store. Golden opportunities that come from working with a public job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual communicates with class utilizing my trusted leaders' teachings. Officially this year I will be a student in Herndon Career Center Law Enforcement Police Science Program, focused on Forensics, as a Senior coming from Ruskin High School. Angeleic Huth is our Instructor including a dual credit from Missouri State. Collecting the tasks at each level is a balance while enjoying a productive and forward thinking. Looking at a complex of services provided within our city, state, and lack of women Officers, Laboratory Technicians and Detectives with different perspectives, finding my ultimate goals. My instructors advocate the itinerary needed for the program to incorporate life lessons preparing future terms. College will educate a student that will need to learn the fundamentals already put in place for the career that already has momentum of completing action. Applying myself by hands on learning, excelled by helping my peers with homework or difficulties in social environments. This also makes time to email, text, or just a simple phone call to check on them, due to outside issues at school, work or home life. There are too many peers that don’t have a shoulder to cry on or don’t know what direction they are going. This also goes for “my girls” at Youth Camp for the Indigenous Children and the meetings at Kansas City Indian Center. Enjoying a plate of food or two with my elders, just to hear stories and eat some food or exchange jokes are my favorite memories and learned lessons. This guidance came from a long line of successful relatives that led battles and conversations to begin many changes over the course of time. Leaning on the mistakes and criticism our leaders have faced has shown me the opportunity to speak up. I have engaged with my teachers and community leaders to improve the Native American idea. We are still here and adapting to modern changes, but not letting go of traditions. Working with our native youth is where I shine the most because of the difficulties we share as students, not living on the reservation.

Growing in a diverse community we learn to understand the natural sharing of behaviors, and conducts of morals and values becoming a tradition of working families. Our daily schedules are in sync, students find there are school preparations for educated teachers to distribute lessons. On the South Side of Kansas City Hickman Mills School District and Ruskin area have had members lost in the streets and funeral homes serving their purposes. Organizations that show support of the working growing communities move to settle in their part of the world and call it home. Poverty is one of the key components, finding lack of judgments by many uneducated members with mental health conditions. The options are few and jobs come and go with a hurting economy. I am a young woman who strives for excellence and prepares for the opening of a fierce society that comes with living a hard part of happenings around you. Purity of honor, diligence and rolling with knowledge (thank you to the veterans of Services) focused on my goals. Living in a home with great support and respected indigenous relatives. Combinations of the melting pot of society have taught me to multitask with understanding of multiculturalism. Cherish about different walks of life including using my strength to volunteer and working part - time in the local grocery store. Golden opportunities that come from working with a public job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual communicates with class utilizing my trusted leaders' teachings. Officially this year I will be a student in Herndon Career Center Law Enforcement Police Science Program, focused on Forensics, as a Senior coming from Ruskin High School. Angeleic Huth is our Instructor including a dual credit from Missouri State. Collecting the tasks at each level is a balance while enjoying a productive and forward thinking. Looking at a complex of services provided within our city, state, and lack of women Officers, Laboratory Technicians and Detectives with different perspectives, finding my ultimate goals. My instructors advocate the itinerary needed for the program to incorporate life lessons preparing future terms. College will educate a student that will need to learn the fundamentals already put in place for the career that already has momentum of completing action. Applying myself by hands on learning, excelled by helping my peers with homework or difficulties in social environments. This also makes time to email, text, or just a simple phone call to check on them, due to outside issues at school, work or home life. There are too many peers that don’t have a shoulder to cry on or don’t know what direction they are going. This also goes for “my girls” at Youth Camp for the Indigenous Children and the meetings at Kansas City Indian Center. Enjoying a plate of food or two with my elders, just to hear stories and eat some food or exchange jokes are my favorite memories and learned lessons. This guidance came from a long line of successful relatives that led battles and conversations to begin many changes over the course of time. Leaning on the mistakes and criticism our leaders have faced has shown me the opportunity to speak up. I have engaged with my teachers and community leaders to improve the Native American idea. We are still here and adapting to modern changes, but not letting go of traditions. Working with our native youth is where I shine the most because of the difficulties we share as students, not living on the reservation.

This guidance came from a long line of successful relatives that led battles and conversations to begin many changes over the course of time. Leaning on the mistakes and criticism our leaders have faced has shown me the opportunity to speak up. I have engaged with my teachers and community leaders to improve the Native American idea, we are still here. Working with our native youth is where I shine the most because of the difficulties we share as students, not living on the reservation. Being honest, the history of my people has launched me to speak for our youth and elders that can no longer keep up the fire. Do my best to show the wisdom passed down from generation to generation, just like my grandparents did for me. Golden opportunities that come from working with the public in a part -time job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual, can talk with them and that they will respect my opinions. To earn the coveted title of a teacher or leader, one must possess very special qualities, abilities, attitudes, and skill. It's a gift I have possessed since I was younger, was to learn to listen first and be mindful of the education you may receive. My focus continues through my life to enjoy my teachers and learn from them as much as possible. Being a student striving for a voice and teaching others that will listen, knowing that one voice can make a difference. I am a young woman who strives for excellence and prepares for the opening of a fierce society that comes with living a hard part of happenings around you. Purity of honor, diligence and rolling with knowledge (thank you to the veterans of Services) focused on my goals. Living in a home with great support and respected indigenous relatives. Combinations of the melting pot of society have taught me to multitask with understanding of multiculturalism. Cherish about different walks of life including using my strength to volunteer and working part - time in the local grocery store. Golden opportunities that come from working with a public job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual communicates with class utilizing my trusted leaders' teachings. Officially this spring graduating student in Herndon Career Center Law Enforcement Police Science Program, focused on Forensics. Angeleic Huth is our Instructor including a dual credit from Missouri State University. Looking at a complex of services provided within our city, state, and lack of women Officers, Laboratory Technicians and Detectives with different perspectives, finding my ultimate goals. My instructors advocate the itinerary needed for the program to incorporate life lessons preparing future terms. Applying myself by hands on learning, excelled by helping my peers with homework or difficulties in social environments. This also makes time to email, text, or just a simple phone call to check on them, due to outside issues at school, work or home life. There are too many peers that don’t have a shoulder to cry on or don’t know what direction they are going. This also goes for “my girls” at Youth Camp for the Indigenous Children and the meetings at Kansas City Indian Center. Enjoying a plate of food or two with my elders, just to hear stories and eat some food or exchange jokes are my favorite memories and learned lessons.

This guidance came from a long line of successful relatives that led battles and conversations to begin many changes over the course of time. Leaning on the mistakes and criticism our leaders have faced has shown me the opportunity to speak up. I have engaged with my teachers and community leaders to improve the Native American idea, we are still here. Working with our native youth is where I shine the most because of the difficulties we share as students, not living on the reservation. Being honest, the history of my people has launched me to speak for our youth and elders that can no longer keep up the fire. Do my best to show the wisdom passed down from generation to generation, just like my grandparents did for me. Golden opportunities that come from working with the public in a part -time job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual, can talk with them and that they will respect my opinions. To earn the coveted title of a teacher or leader, one must possess very special qualities, abilities, attitudes, and skill. Above all, they know how to get along with others, including their supervisors and the rest of the faculty. It's a gift I have possessed since I was younger, was to learn to listen first and be mindful of the education you may receive and do right by it. My actions speak louder than just words. My focus continues through my life to enjoy my leaders and learn from them as much as possible. Being a student striving for a voice and teaching others that will listen, knowing that one voice can make a difference. I am a new generation of my people, Winnebago, Lakota, Omaha and Salish and Kootenai are the beginning roots of my history. Our tribes are still fighting a hard fight that most of the public that is unaware of and is close to my heart, our Indigenous women. Growing and learning about family members that have been touched by such tragic events. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) is a movement that has been around for a handful of years. It's a movement that advocates for the end of violence against Native women. Due to such a low turn around when the family is asking for help to find a guilty party, there is little being done to convict. The root causes of the MMIW injustice include colonization and historical trauma, racism, and sexual objectification of Indigenous women and girls. With this bloodshed still hits a mothers deep in her heart and the father can not hug his daughter, uncle can not crack jokes with his niece and that little brother can not get on her nerves at any moment. The young girl is gone, the last moments of her life were taken from her and was disposed of like a piece of trash. Red Dress Day was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black's Red Dress Project installation, in which she hung empty, red dresses to represent the missing and murdered women. Red dresses have become symbolic of the crisis as a result of her installation. Often you will find a symbol of a hand printed with red across the face of females to show support of our sisters that are considered MMIW. Sometime ago I decided that I want to be a part of that change, Detective Dominique Smith has a good ring to it!

Growing in a diverse community we learn to understand the natural sharing of behaviors, and conducts of morals and values becoming a tradition of working families. Our daily schedules are in sync, students find there are school preparations for educated teachers to distribute lessons. On the South Side of Kansas City Hickman Mills School District and Ruskin area have had members lost in the streets and funeral homes serving their purposes. Organizations that show support of the working growing communities move to settle in their part of the world and call it home. Poverty is one of the key components, finding lack of judgments by many uneducated members with mental health conditions. The options are few and jobs come and go with a hurting economy. I am a young woman who strives for excellence and prepares for the opening of a fierce society that comes with living a hard part of happenings around you. Purity of honor, diligence and rolling with knowledge (thank you to the veterans of Services) focused on my goals. Living in a home with great support and respected indigenous relatives. Combinations of the melting pot of society have taught me to multitask with understanding of multiculturalism. Cherish about different walks of life including using my strength to volunteer and working part - time in the local grocery store. Golden opportunities that come from working with a public job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual communicates with class utilizing my trusted leaders' teachings. Officially this year I will be a student in Herndon Career Center Law Enforcement Police Science Program, focused on Forensics, as a Senior coming from Ruskin High School. Angeleic Huth is our Instructor including a dual credit from Missouri State. Collecting the tasks at each level is a balance while enjoying a productive and forward thinking. Looking at a complex of services provided within our city, state, and lack of women Officers, Laboratory Technicians and Detectives with different perspectives, finding my ultimate goals. My instructors advocate the itinerary needed for the program to incorporate life lessons preparing future terms. College will educate a student that will need to learn the fundamentals already put in place for the career that already has momentum of completing action. Applying myself by hands on learning, excelled by helping my peers with homework or difficulties in social environments. This also goes for “my girls” at Youth Camp for the Indigenous Children and the meetings at Kansas City Indian Center. Enjoying a plate of food or two with my elders, just to hear stories and eat some food or exchange jokes are my favorite memories and learned lessons. This guidance came from a long line of successful relatives that led battles and conversations to begin many changes over the course of time. Leaning on the mistakes and criticism our leaders have faced has shown me the opportunity to speak up. I have engaged with my teachers and community leaders to improve the Native American idea. We are still here and adapting to modern changes, but not letting go of traditions. Being honest, the history of my people has launched me to speak for our youth and elders that can no longer keep up the fire. Do my best to show the wisdom passed down from generation to generation, just like my grandparents did for me.

First and foremost, as a Native American young woman, it's clear to say that being exposed to my classmates, eighty- five percent are African American. May 15, 2012, was a house fire that took the lives of my best friend, father and little brother and changed my outlook on life. This past year 2022 I lost the only father (Step-parent) I knew due to a critical condition, alcoholism. Just to begin to describe the things that give me strength to know to be humbled, respected and outspoken, are always consistent in every day. Being inspired by my dad, staying in school and leaving a legacy with pride in my work. I give my time and effort in problem-solving and assisting a friend when they ask. The love from my family, grandparents and good friends is the last to graduate. This guidance came from a long line of successful relatives who led battles and conversations to begin many changes over time. Leaning on the mistakes and criticism our leaders have faced has shown me the opportunity to speak up. I have engaged with my teachers and community leaders to improve the Native American idea, we are still here. Working with our native youth is where I shine the most because of the difficulties we share as students, not living on the reservation. To be honest, the history of my people has led me to speak for our youth and elders who can no longer keep up the fire. Do my best to show the wisdom passed down from generation to generation, just like my grandparents did for me. Golden opportunities that come from working with the public in a part-time job allow me to impact my customers with social interaction. Your patience and sympathetic understanding of me as an individual can talk with them and they will respect my opinions. To earn the coveted title of a teacher or leader, one must possess very special qualities, abilities, attitudes, and skills. Above all, they know how to get along with others, including their supervisors and the rest of the faculty. It's a gift I have possessed since I was younger, was to learn to listen first and be mindful of the education you may receive and do right by it. My actions speak louder than just words. My focus continues throughout my life to enjoy my leaders and learn from them as much as possible. Being a student striving for a voice and teaching others who will listen, knowing that one voice can make a difference.