For a long time, I thought home was a place. I thought it was the walls, the rooms, and the familiar things that surrounded me every day. Then my house burned down, and I learned how quickly a place can disappear. Losing my home was one of the hardest experiences I have faced. I lost things that could never be replaced, but more than that, I lost the feeling of security and familiarity that came with having a place that felt like my own. In the middle of so much uncertainty, I began spending more time outside. Nature became a place where I could breathe, think, and find peace when I did not know where else to look for it. I slowly realized that although I had lost a physical home, I could still find a sense of home in the world around me. That experience changed the way I see landscapes and ultimately led me to landscape architecture. I realized that the spaces we create can affect people in ways that go far beyond how they look. A garden, park, courtyard, or trail can become a place to heal, connect, make memories, or simply feel at peace. I want to create those kinds of spaces for other people. I am passionate about landscape architecture because it combines the things I love most: creativity, nature, and making a meaningful impact on people's lives. I do not want to design spaces simply because they are beautiful. I want to understand how they make people feel. I want to create environments that bring communities together and give people a place to slow down when life becomes overwhelming. My path has not always been easy or certain. After experiencing the loss of my home, I have also faced the challenges of figuring out who I am, what I want from my future, and whether I am capable of handling the uncertainty that comes with change. There have been moments when I felt overwhelmed and unsure of my direction. But adversity has taught me that rebuilding is not about returning to exactly what existed before. It is about taking what you have learned and using it to create something stronger and more meaningful. I believe I am deserving of this scholarship because I am pursuing this field with purpose. I know firsthand that the environments around us can help people through difficult moments. I want to turn that understanding into a career dedicated to creating beauty, connection, and peace. I cannot rebuild the home I lost. But I can build places where other people find a sense of home. That is the future I am working toward, and that is the impact I hope to leave behind.

One thing that definitely makes me a little awkward is my love for dance and music. I've been dancing for most of my life, and whenever I hear a song I like, I immediately start choreographing a dance to it in my head. Sometimes I don't even realize I'm moving along to the music until someone points it out. More than once, classmates have called me out for "dancing" during class while I had my headphones in. In reality, it probably looked more like me awkwardly wiggling in my seat, tapping my feet, or subtly moving my arms while trying to stay focused. I've accepted that if there's music playing, there's a good chance I'm unconsciously creating choreography. At this point, my brain never really stops dancing, even in the middle of class. Although this habit can be a little embarrassing, I have come to appreciate it because it reflects something much deeper about who I am. Dance has been one of the most important parts of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up as a competitive dancer and trained in many different styles, including hip-hop, lyrical, jazz, contemporary, and tap. Dance was one of the first things I was ever truly passionate about, and it quickly became much more than just an extracurricular activity. Throughout my life, no matter what I have been going through, I have always known that I could turn to dance and music. In times of stress, uncertainty, or personal challenges, dance has been a constant source of comfort and stability. One of the things I love most about dance is that all you need is yourself. No matter where I am or what is happening in my life, I know I can put on a song and instantly feel more grounded. Music and movement have always helped me process emotions, clear my mind, and reconnect with myself. Dance has also taught me discipline, resilience, creativity, and perseverance. Competing for many years required dedication, hard work, and countless hours of practice, but it also gave me confidence and taught me the value of pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. Even though I no longer compete, dance continues to shape who I am every day. It keeps me creative, inspired, and happy, and I know it will always be part of my life. Receiving this scholarship would have a meaningful impact on my educational journey. As a college student pursuing my degree, financial support would allow me to focus more fully on my academics and future goals. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of higher education, but it would also support me as I continue pursuing the passions and career aspirations that have been shaped by creativity, dedication, and perseverance—qualities that dance has instilled in me throughout my life.

Landscape architecture stood out to me because it combines so many things I have always loved: creativity, design, nature, and making spaces that positively impact people's lives. I have always been drawn to creative outlets, whether that was through art, gardening, decorating, or simply paying attention to the way spaces make people feel. I have always been someone who notices details and appreciates aesthetics, from thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces to interior design and the way natural elements can completely transform an environment. When I discovered landscape architecture, I realized it was a field where I could turn those passions into a career. My connection to nature has been one of the most constant and meaningful parts of my life. Throughout both joyful and difficult times, nature has always been there for me. During periods of change, uncertainty, or personal struggles, I have often found myself turning to the outdoors for comfort. While people and places can change, I have always known that I could step outside, take a walk, and reconnect with nature. Whether it was sitting outside, walking through a park, or simply spending time in a garden, being in nature has always brought me a sense of peace, clarity, and stability. This experience has shown me firsthand how powerful outdoor spaces can be in supporting mental and emotional well-being. Because of this, I believe access to thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces is incredibly important. Everyone deserves places where they can feel safe, connected, and restored. My personal experiences have inspired me to pursue landscape architecture because I want to create spaces that provide others with the same sense of comfort and belonging that nature has provided me throughout my life. As a student in Penn State's Landscape Architecture program, I have learned that landscape architecture is about much more than designing attractive spaces. It is about creating places that bring people together, support communities, and improve quality of life. Through my coursework and design projects, I have developed a deeper appreciation for how thoughtfully designed landscapes can encourage social interaction, promote mental well-being, and strengthen the connection between people and nature. My experiences in studio have challenged me to think critically, solve problems creatively, and consider the environmental impact of every design decision. I want to make a difference in the landscape industry by designing spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful. I am especially interested in creating public spaces that are welcoming, accessible, and sustainable. As communities continue to grow and face environmental challenges, landscape architects have an important role in creating resilient and sustainable spaces, and I hope to contribute to that effort throughout my career. Although studying landscape architecture has been challenging at times, those challenges have only strengthened my passion for the field. The program has pushed me to grow creatively, think critically, and develop new skills. Every project has reinforced that this is the right path for me. Receiving this scholarship would help support my education and allow me to continue pursuing my goal of becoming a landscape architect who designs spaces that positively impact both people and the environment. I am excited to continue learning, grow as a designer, and use my creativity to make a meaningful difference in the communities I serve.

My “pie in the sky” dream is to create places that make people feel grounded, welcomed, and connected to the world around them. I want to design landscapes that are not just visually beautiful, but emotionally meaningful. Spaces where people can pause, breathe, and feel like they belong. While this dream feels deeply inspiring to me, it also feels just out of reach because it asks me to trust my creativity, step into uncertainty, and believe that my voice has value in shaping the world. This dream was sparked slowly, not through one dramatic moment, but through noticing how certain environments made me feel. I have always been sensitive to my surroundings. I notice how a shaded walkway can calm anxiety, how a park bench can become a place for quiet reflection, and how thoughtfully designed spaces encourage connection without forcing it. I began to realize that places shape people more than we often acknowledge. When I learned about landscape architecture, it felt like a language for something I had always intuitively understood. It gave form to my desire to create spaces that support both mental and environmental well being. At the same time, this dream feels intimidating. Landscape architecture requires confidence, technical skill, and the ability to put ideas into the world knowing they will be seen, critiqued, and sometimes changed. I am someone who values reflection and growth, and I sometimes struggle with self doubt. The idea of leading projects or advocating for sustainable design can feel overwhelming. Yet that fear is also what tells me this dream matters. If it did not challenge me, it would not feel worth pursuing. I believe reaching this dream will take both patience and courage. Academically, it means committing fully to my education, seeking out internships, and learning from professionals who are already doing the work I admire. It means developing technical skills while also trusting my creative instincts. Personally, it means becoming more comfortable with uncertainty. I will need to speak up, take creative risks, and accept that growth often comes from mistakes. I also know I will need to remain grounded in my values, especially my belief that design should serve people and the environment equally. Most importantly, this dream requires me to believe that I am allowed to imagine a meaningful future for myself. For a long time, I measured success by comparison or external validation. Now, my definition of success is quieter but stronger. It is creating work that feels purposeful and honest. It is knowing that something I designed helped someone feel more at ease in the world. My pie in the sky dream may feel just out of reach, but I am learning that dreams do not need to feel easy to be possible. They simply need commitment, curiosity, and the willingness to keep going even when the path feels uncertain. That is the kind of future I am working toward, one thoughtful step at a time.

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. Throughout high school, I have 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.

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 emotional well-being come together. I graduated from Souderton Area High School, where I served on the student council, danced for years, and took on leadership roles that allowed me to support others. Through these experiences, I also learned how mental health affects nearly everyone in some way. Friends, classmates, and even teachers struggled silently, afraid to speak up because of the stigma surrounding their emotions. It made me realize that the first step toward ending that stigma is talking openly about mental health, not as a weakness but as a part of being human. As a society, I believe we can end the stigma around mental health by creating spaces, both physical and emotional, where people feel safe to be themselves. That means encouraging honest conversations, integrating mental health education into schools, and designing environments that promote calm and connection. We can normalize seeking help just as we do for physical health, and we can model empathy in our communities and workplaces. Through landscape architecture, I want to play a part in that change. I hope to design spaces that nurture peace, reflection, and belonging, places that remind people they are grounded and supported. My journey has taught me that healing can come from the spaces we build and the compassion we share. This scholarship would mean the world to me, not just financially but as recognition of the journey I’ve taken and the purpose I’m pursuing. I’m committed to using my creativity and resilience to create meaningful change both in landscapes and in lives.

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.

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.