I did not come to K-State expecting to find my people quickly. Gamma Phi Beta changed that. Being surrounded by women who push each other academically, show up for their communities, and celebrate each other's wins makes me want to be that kind of woman too, the kind Margot Bogner was. That desire has shaped how I've spent my time here. As past academics and community service chairwoman for Gamma Phi, I got to do the work that made sure our members had the resources and encouragement they needed to succeed along with showing up in meaningful ways beyond Greek life. Volunteering at Cats' Cupboard has also been one of the most grounding parts of my college experience. Volunteering there consistently reminded me that community service is not a box to check but a relationship and commitment to my community. This year I took on the role of Vice President of Recruitment Experience for the Panhellenic Council, overseeing the recruitment process for our newest women joining the Greek community. Recruitment is often someone's first real impression of Greek life, and I feel strongly that it should be welcoming, honest, and human. I want women going through that process to feel like they are finding their forever home, just like I did. Academically, I am a Finance and Accounting major with a 4.0. I am proud of this, but what I have found to value more is what I am learning to do with it. Being selected for the K-State Finance Scholars program, an organization where we meet with industry professionals and travel to visit firms in major finance cities, has pushed me to think seriously about the kind of career I want and the kind of person I want to be in that career. I am often one of the few women in the room and I noticed early on that I had a choice about what to do with that. I could shrink, or I could let it push me. I chose the latter. Being underestimated has had a way of showing me exactly what I am capable of and built a confidence in myself that is hard to shake. Finance is not known for being a field that leads with empathy, and I think that is exactly why it needs women who do. Before I ever thought about finance, I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a nursing home. That job taught me more about people than anything else. I learned quickly what actually matters in life and I have carried that with me since. I also spent a summer as an Orientation Leader helping welcome new students to K-State. That role mattered to me because I remembered what it felt like to arrive somewhere new and need someone to make you feel like you belonged. If I could be that for even a few people, it was worth it. Margot believed that empowered women empower women, and I have seen what that looks like through my chapter and through the women who have invested in me here. I want to spend my career and life paying that forward. In a quiet, consistent way that changes things. Whether it be mentoring someone younger, advocating for others, and maybe, most importantly, being a woman in rooms where there are not many of us yet, I hope to make things at least a little easier for the women to come, just as Margot did. I do not take lightly what this scholarship represents, and I would be honored to carry her legacy forward.

Hearing about Margot's story, I feel seen. I identify deeply with Margot's aspirations and can see parts of myself in each of her endeavors. I too have a passion for others and am continually working to better myself. This past school year, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in all the opportunities that Kansas State has to offer. These opportunities have allowed me to explore and discover some of my true passions. This has, and will, allow me to be able to strive for excellence as I know I am truly passionate about my goals and interests. Like that of Margot, I have found inspiration through community service, professional development, and my sisters in Gamma Phi. Community service is an aspect of my life that keeps me grounded and grateful for my personal experiences. I have been lucky enough to be able to volunteer at Via Christi hospital, Cat's Cupboard, and contribute to Girl's on the Run. Being involved in Greek life has put me amongst strong women who consistently seek out opportunities to serve. This culture continues to inspire me and is something I am sure Margot would be endlessly grateful for. I strive to contribute to this culture of service given my position and involvement at this university. I feel it is my obligation to model and uphold these standards. Through the coercion of some of my sisters in Gamma Phi, I have also become involved in several campus organizations that have encouraged my professional growth. I am currently involved in Quest Freshman Honorary, a mentorship with Senior Blue Key members. This organization has allowed me to meet so many amazing people and gain valuable skills; additionally leading me to apply to the Student Alumni Board. Through acceptance, I found I enjoyed building networks and serving as a role-model on campus. I recently switched to the College of Business to focus on finance, following up with desires I had in high school to understand financial responsibility. I have seen my parents struggle with finances and understand the stress that can come with that. Being financially independent and paying for my own schooling has made me that much more appreciative of my education and opportunities. Just as Margot had a passion for helping underprivileged clients through her time in law school, I too look forward to being able to help future clients, who I may share similar financial stress with, manage their money. Lastly, the amazing women in Gamma Phi Beta have been the best support system I could ask for. I have found my best friends in Gamma Phi who share similar goals and expectations for our sisterhood, along with mentors who consistently empower and motivate me to strive for excellence. I was recently nominated by my sisters to represent Gamma Phi Beta in Delta Upsilon's annual Miss K-State Pageant. This was a great experience, and I am so proud to be able to say I represented my sorority in such a way. I built so many new friendships across the panhellenic community with other high-achieving women. I am constantly in awe of the women surrounding me at Kansas State University all of whom embody parts of Margot Bogner. This scholarship provides the opportunity to continue working towards goals Margot had for her community, and it would be an honor to be considered amongst all the capable women with similar dreams and aspirations.