My name is Edie Crandall, and I’m a Landscape Architecture major at Penn State. My passion for this field didn’t come all at once—it grew out of both joyful moments and painful ones. One of the most defining experiences of my life was a house fire that displaced me from my home. In the midst of that loss, I was overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure where I belonged. But during that time, I found unexpected peace and grounding in nature. Whether it was sitting in the grass, walking near trees, or just breathing in fresh air, I started to understand something powerful: even when everything else feels uncertain, the earth is still home. That experience shifted something in me. I began to see the environment not just as scenery, but as something deeply healing. I realized that the spaces around us affect our sense of safety, identity, and connection—and I knew I wanted to be someone who could create those spaces for others. That’s what led me to landscape architecture: a field where creativity, sustainability, and purpose intersect. I later took a gap semester in Hawaii, where I saw firsthand how the land is honored and deeply integrated into everyday life. It was a continuation of what I had started to feel after the fire—this desire to design with meaning and to protect the spaces that protect us. I came back with a new sense of direction, ready to build a life around creating environments that support people emotionally, socially, and environmentally. Throughout high school, I’ve always been someone who loves being involved. I served on student council, danced for years, and sought out leadership roles where I could support others. I find fulfillment in being part of something bigger than myself, and I carry that same spirit into my education now. I’m not just passionate—I’m resilient. I’ve faced uncertainty, loss, and personal growth, and I’ve come out of it more driven and more compassionate. I’ve also seen how mental health challenges can impact people I care about, and I’ve learned how important it is to create spaces—both physical and emotional—where people feel safe and supported. That’s what I hope to do through my work in landscape architecture. I want to design spaces that invite calm, connection, and care. This scholarship would mean the world to me—not just financially, but as recognition of the journey I’ve taken and the future I’m building. I’m committed to using my experiences, my creativity, and my heart to create meaningful change through design. Thank you for your time and for considering my story.

My name is Edie Crandall, and I’m a Landscape Architecture major at Penn State. My passion for this field didn’t come all at once—it grew out of both joyful moments and painful ones. One of the most defining experiences of my life was a house fire that displaced me from my home. In the midst of that loss, I was overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure where I belonged. But during that time, I found unexpected peace and grounding in nature. Whether it was sitting in the grass, walking near trees, or just breathing in fresh air, I started to understand something powerful: even when everything else feels uncertain, the earth is still home. That experience shifted something in me. I began to see the environment not just as scenery, but as something deeply healing. I realized that the spaces around us affect our sense of safety, identity, and connection—and I knew I wanted to be someone who could create those spaces for others. That’s what led me to landscape architecture: a field where creativity, sustainability, and purpose intersect. I later took a gap semester in Hawaii, where I saw firsthand how the land is honored and deeply integrated into everyday life. It was a continuation of what I had started to feel after the fire—this desire to design with meaning and to protect the spaces that protect us. I came back with a new sense of direction, ready to build a life around creating environments that support people emotionally, socially, and environmentally. Throughout high school, I’ve always been someone who loves being involved. I served on student council, danced for years, and sought out leadership roles where I could support others. I find fulfillment in being part of something bigger than myself, and I carry that same spirit into my education now. I’m not just passionate—I’m resilient. I’ve faced uncertainty, loss, and personal growth, and I’ve come out of it more driven and more compassionate. I’ve also seen how mental health challenges can impact people I care about, and I’ve learned how important it is to create spaces—both physical and emotional—where people feel safe and supported. That’s what I hope to do through my work in landscape architecture. I want to design spaces that invite calm, connection, and care. This scholarship would mean the world to me—not just financially, but as recognition of the journey I’ve taken and the future I’m building. I’m committed to using my experiences, my creativity, and my heart to create meaningful change through design. Thank you for your time and for considering my story.

When I stepped off the plane in Hawaii for my gap semester, I didn’t know that the natural beauty around me would redefine my goals. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, native plants, and a deep respect for the land, I realized how powerful space and design can be. It was there that I became certain I wanted to pursue Landscape Architecture—a field where art, nature, and impact meet. Now, as a student at Penn State majoring in Landscape Architecture, I’m excited to turn that inspiration into action. My goal is to design outdoor spaces that are sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful—spaces that people feel connected to. I’ve always loved art and design, but it was my time in Hawaii that helped me see how those passions could be used to help communities and the environment thrive together. Throughout high school, I made it a priority to be involved. I danced for years, served on student council, and always looked for ways to contribute to something bigger than myself. Whether it was organizing events or helping others feel seen, I loved working as part of a team. That same energy is what I bring to my studies now: I want to be part of shaping the world around me, and I know that Landscape Architecture is the path where I can do that creatively and with purpose. This scholarship would help relieve the financial pressure of college and give me more freedom to focus fully on my education and growth. I’m committed to making the most of my time at Penn State—not just in the classroom, but by getting involved, collaborating with others, and learning from every opportunity I can. Your support would mean more than just financial assistance—it would be a vote of confidence in who I am and the work I hope to do. Thank you for considering my application and helping students like me pursue their passions.