My little brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was only nine years old. He went from being a normal five-year-old boy to being in a medically induced coma for days. During his treatment I accompanied him to radiation appointments where he was placed under anesthesia every morning. I witnessed many other children fighting cancer by enduring radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. I saw my brother struggle every day, but I also saw people who were helping my family. The doctor who told him jokes, and the nurses that gave us stickers and candy, to somehow make it more comfortable for us. I saw volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for my family, and the social worker who used a children’s book to inform me about my brother's cancer that helped me to understand his treatment and surgeries. All of these people helped my family, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Once my brother recovered, I realized I wanted to help people too. In fifth grade I recruited friends and planned a Gray Out, an event to raise awareness about childhood cancer and funding for research. We raised over $1,000 to fund pediatric brain tumor research. The following year my brother and I planned a coin drive at our elementary school and raised over $8,000. I realized I could do more in other areas of my life as well. I became more involved with service projects around my community. I started teaching children's Sunday School at my church and attended service trips to help communities in need. I found my calling during my freshman year, when my high school soccer team volunteered and coached children with special needs. I quickly realized that I loved working with people with different disabilities. Through research I found Helping Hand, an organization for adults and children with special needs. I contacted Helping Hand seeking a volunteer opportunity. Since that time I have consistently volunteered during any break from school, including in the summers when I teach art classes for adults with special needs. I love working with our special needs clients and helping them recognize their self worth. While I am passionate about the special needs community, I never stopped advocating for pediatric brain tumor research. My sophomore year, I created the Junior Board for Winning With Wyatt, a nonprofit organization that raises money to support pediatric brain tumor research. As president, I focus on organizing meetings, motivating the Junior Board and volunteers, and accomplishing our goals. The Junior Board has planned multiple events targeted towards elementary school children as well as teenagers, and are currently planning a Go Gold fundraiser for our schools homecoming varsity soccer game. We plan two fundraisers a year, and both require a sponsor and donations. I communicate with business owners and adult community members to recruit them to support our cause. In addition, I search for sponsors and donations for our raffle. The Junior Board has been able to raise over $30,000 for pediatric brain tumor research to date. Through this activity I have learned about leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Experiencing people supporting and caring for my family during a time of need led me to discover my interest in helping others. Through advocacy and fundraising for pediatric brain tumor research, and working with people within the special needs community, I was able to make a positive impact and develop important skills. I intend to pursue a degree in social work so that I can make a career out of helping others thrive, despite their challenges and needs.

My little brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was only nine years old. He went from being a normal five-year-old boy to being in a medically induced coma for days. During his treatment I accompanied him to radiation appointments where he was placed under anesthesia every morning. I witnessed many other children fighting cancer by enduring radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. I saw my brother struggle every day, but I also saw people who were helping my family. The doctor who told him jokes, and the nurses that gave us stickers and candy, to somehow make it more comfortable for us. I saw volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for my family, and the social worker who used a children’s book to inform me about my brother's cancer that helped me to understand his treatment and surgeries. All of these people helped my family, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without them. I realized I could do more in other areas of my life as well. I found my calling during my freshman year, when my high school soccer team volunteered and coached children with special needs. I quickly realized that I loved working with people with different disabilities. Through research I found Helping Hand, an organization for adults and children with special needs. I contacted Helping Hand seeking a volunteer opportunity. Since that time I have consistently volunteered during any break from school, including in the summers when I teach art classes for adults with special needs. I love working with our special needs clients and helping them recognize their self worth. While I am passionate about the special needs community, I never stopped advocating for pediatric brain tumor research. My sophomore year, I created the Junior Board for Winning With Wyatt, a nonprofit organization that raises money to support pediatric brain tumor research. As president, I focus on organizing meetings, motivating the Junior Board and volunteers, and accomplishing our goals. The Junior Board has planned multiple events targeted towards elementary school children as well as teenagers. We plan two fundraisers a year, and both require a sponsor and donations. I communicate with business owners and adult community members to recruit them to support our cause. In addition, I search for sponsors and donations for our raffle. The Junior Board has been able to raise over $30,000 for pediatric brain tumor research to date. Through this activity I have learned about leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Experiencing people supporting and caring for my family during a time of need led me to discover my interest in helping others. Through advocacy and fundraising for pediatric brain tumor research, and working with people within the special needs community, I was able to make a positive impact and develop important skills. I intend to pursue a degree in social work so that I can make a career out of helping others thrive, despite their challenges and needs.

My little brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was only nine years old. He went from being a normal five-year-old boy to being in a medically induced coma for days. During his treatment I accompanied him to radiation appointments where he was placed under anesthesia every morning. I witnessed many other children fighting cancer by enduring radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. I saw my brother struggle every day, but I also saw people who were helping my family. The doctor who told him jokes, and the nurses that gave us stickers and candy, to somehow make it more comfortable for us. I saw volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for my family, and the social worker who used a children’s book to inform me about my brother's cancer that helped me to understand his treatment and surgeries. All of these people helped my family, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Once my brother recovered, I realized I wanted to help people too. In fifth grade I recruited friends and planned a Gray Out, an event to raise awareness about childhood cancer and funding for research. We raised over $1,000 to fund pediatric brain tumor research. The following year my brother and I planned a coin drive at our elementary school and raised over $8,000. I realized I could do more in other areas of my life as well. I became more involved with service projects around my community. I started teaching children's Sunday School at my church and attended service trips to help communities in need. I found my calling during my freshman year, when my high school soccer team volunteered and coached children with special needs. I quickly realized that I loved working with people with different disabilities. Through research I found Helping Hand, an organization for adults and children with special needs. I contacted Helping Hand seeking a volunteer opportunity. Since that time I have consistently volunteered during any break from school, including in the summers when I teach art classes for adults with special needs. I love working with our special needs clients and helping them recognize their self worth. While I am passionate about the special needs community, I never stopped advocating for pediatric brain tumor research. My sophomore year, I created the Junior Board for Winning With Wyatt, a nonprofit organization that raises money to support pediatric brain tumor research. As president, I focus on organizing meetings, motivating the Junior Board and volunteers, and accomplishing our goals. The Junior Board has planned multiple events targeted towards elementary school children as well as teenagers, and are currently planning a Go Gold fundraiser for our schools homecoming varsity soccer game. We plan two fundraisers a year, and both require a sponsor and donations. I communicate with business owners and adult community members to recruit them to support our cause. In addition, I search for sponsors and donations for our raffle. The Junior Board has been able to raise over $30,000 for pediatric brain tumor research to date. Through this activity I have learned about leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Experiencing people supporting and caring for my family during a time of need led me to discover my interest in helping others. Through advocacy and fundraising for pediatric brain tumor research, and working with people within the special needs community, I was able to make a positive impact and develop important skills. I intend to pursue a degree in social work so that I can make a career out of helping others thrive, despite their challenges and needs.

My little brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was only nine years old. During his treatment I accompanied him to radiation appointments where he was placed under anesthesia every morning. I witnessed many other children fighting cancer by enduring radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. I saw my brother struggle every day, but I also saw people who were helping my family. The doctor who told him jokes, and the nurses that gave us stickers and candy, to somehow make it more comfortable for us. I saw volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for my family, and the social worker who used a children’s book to inform me about my brother's cancer that helped me to understand his treatment and surgeries. All of these people helped my family, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Once my brother recovered, I realized I wanted to help people too. I became more involved with service projects around my community. I started teaching children's Sunday School at my church and attended service trips to help communities in need. I found my calling during my freshman year, when my high school soccer team volunteered and coached children with special needs. I quickly realized that I loved working with people with different disabilities. Through research I found Helping Hand, an organization for adults and children with special needs. I contacted Helping Hand seeking a volunteer opportunity. Since that time I have consistently volunteered during any break from school, including in the summers when I teach art classes for adults with special needs. I love working with our special needs clients and helping them recognize their self worth. While I am passionate about the special needs community, I never stopped advocating for pediatric brain tumor research. My sophomore year, I created the Junior Board for Winning With Wyatt, a nonprofit organization that raises money to support pediatric brain tumor research. As president, I focus on organizing meetings, motivating the Junior Board and volunteers, and accomplishing our goals. The Junior Board has planned multiple events targeted towards elementary school children as well as teenagers. We plan two fundraisers a year, and both require a sponsor and donations. I communicate with business owners and adult community members to recruit them to support our cause. In addition, I search for sponsors and donations for our raffle. The Junior Board has been able to raise over $30,000 for pediatric brain tumor research to date. Through this activity I have learned about leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Experiencing people supporting and caring for my family during a time of need led me to discover my interest in helping others. Through advocacy and fundraising for pediatric brain tumor research, and working with people within the special needs community, I was able to make a positive impact and develop important skills. I intend to pursue a degree in social work so that I can make a career out of helping others thrive, despite their challenges and needs.

My little brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was only nine years old. He went from being a normal five-year-old boy to being in a medically induced coma for days. During his treatment I accompanied him to radiation appointments where he was placed under anesthesia every morning. I witnessed many other children fighting cancer by enduring radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. I saw my brother struggle every day, but I also saw people who were helping my family. The doctor who told him jokes, and the nurses that gave us stickers and candy, to somehow make it more comfortable for us. I saw volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for my family, and the social worker who used a children’s book to inform me about my brother's cancer that helped me to understand his treatment and surgeries. All of these people helped my family, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Once my brother recovered, I realized I wanted to help people too. In fifth grade I recruited friends and planned a Gray Out, an event to raise awareness about childhood cancer and funding for research. We raised over $1,000 to fund pediatric brain tumor research. The following year my brother and I planned a coin drive at our elementary school and raised over $8,000. I realized I could do more in other areas of my life as well. I became more involved with service projects around my community. I started teaching children's Sunday School at my church and attended service trips to help communities in need. I found my calling during my freshman year, when my high school soccer team volunteered and coached children with special needs. I quickly realized that I loved working with people with different disabilities. Through research I found Helping Hand, an organization for adults and children with special needs. I contacted Helping Hand seeking a volunteer opportunity. Since that time I have consistently volunteered during any break from school, including in the summers when I teach art classes for adults with special needs. I love working with our special needs clients and helping them recognize their self worth. While I am passionate about the special needs community, I never stopped advocating for pediatric brain tumor research. My sophomore year, I created the Junior Board for Winning With Wyatt, a nonprofit organization that raises money to support pediatric brain tumor research. As president, I focus on organizing meetings, motivating the Junior Board and volunteers, and accomplishing our goals. The Junior Board has planned multiple events targeted towards elementary school children as well as teenagers, and are currently planning a Go Gold fundraiser for our schools homecoming varsity soccer game. We plan two fundraisers a year, and both require a sponsor and donations. I communicate with business owners and adult community members to recruit them to support our cause. In addition, I search for sponsors and donations for our raffle. The Junior Board has been able to raise over $30,000 for pediatric brain tumor research to date. Through this activity I have learned about leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Experiencing people supporting and caring for my family during a time of need led me to discover my interest in helping others. Through advocacy and fundraising for pediatric brain tumor research, and working with people within the special needs community, I was able to make a positive impact and develop important skills. I intend to pursue a degree in social work so that I can make a career out of helping others thrive, despite their challenges and needs.

My little brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was only nine years old. During his treatment I accompanied him to radiation appointments where he was placed under anesthesia every morning. I witnessed many other children fighting cancer by enduring radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. I saw my brother struggle every day, but I also saw people who were helping my family. The doctor who told him jokes, and the nurses that gave us stickers and candy, to somehow make it more comfortable for us. I saw volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for my family, and the social worker who used a children’s book to inform me about my brother's cancer that helped me to understand his treatment and surgeries. All of these people helped my family, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Once my brother recovered, I realized I wanted to help people too. In fifth grade I recruited friends and planned a Gray Out, an event to raise awareness about childhood cancer. We raised over $1,000 to fund pediatric brain tumor research. The following year my brother and I planned a coin drive at our elementary school and raised over $8,000. I realized I could do more in other areas of my life as well. I became more involved with service projects around my community. I started teaching children's Sunday School at my church and attended service trips to help communities in need. I found my calling during my freshman year, when my high school soccer team volunteered and coached children with special needs. I quickly realized that I loved working with people with different disabilities. Through research I found Helping Hand, an organization for adults and children with special needs. I contacted Helping Hand seeking a volunteer opportunity. Since that time I have consistently volunteered during any break from school, including in the summers when I teach art classes for adults with special needs. I had to sacrifice time with my friends, and experiences that "normal" teenagers have over the summer such as going to the beach or an amusement park. Despite missing out on certain activities, I love working with our special needs clients and helping them recognize their self worth. While I am passionate about the special needs community, I never stopped advocating for pediatric brain tumor research. My sophomore year, I created the Junior Board for Winning With Wyatt, a nonprofit organization that raises money to support pediatric brain tumor research. As president, I focus on organizing meetings, motivating the Junior Board and volunteers, and accomplishing our goals. The Junior Board has planned multiple events targeted towards elementary school children as well as teenagers, and are currently planning a Go Gold fundraiser for our schools homecoming varsity soccer game. We plan two fundraisers a year, and both require a sponsor and donations. I communicate with business owners and adult community members to recruit them to support our cause. The Junior Board has been able to raise over $30,000 for pediatric brain tumor research to date. Through this activity I have learned about leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Experiencing people supporting and caring for my family during a time of need led me to discover my interest in helping others. Through advocacy and fundraising for pediatric brain tumor research, and working with people within the special needs community, I was able to make a positive impact and develop important skills. I intend to pursue a degree in social work so that I can make a career out of helping others thrive, despite their challenges and needs.

My little brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was only nine years old. During his treatment I accompanied him to radiation appointments where he was placed under anesthesia every morning. I witnessed many other children fighting cancer by enduring radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. I saw my brother struggle every day, but I also saw people who were helping my family. The doctor who told him jokes, and the nurses that gave us stickers and candy, to somehow make it more comfortable for us. I saw volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for my family, and the social worker who used a children’s book to inform me about my brother's cancer that helped me to understand his treatment and surgeries. All of these people helped my family, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Once my brother recovered, I realized I wanted to help people too. In fifth grade I recruited friends and planned a Gray Out, an event to raise awareness about childhood cancer and funding for research. We raised over $1,000 to fund pediatric brain tumor research. The following year my brother and I planned a coin drive at our elementary school and raised over $8,000. I realized I could do more in other areas of my life as well. I became more involved with service projects around my community. I started teaching children's Sunday School at my church and attended service trips to help communities in need. I found my calling during my freshman year, when my high school soccer team volunteered and coached children with special needs. I quickly realized that I loved working with people with different disabilities. Through research I found Helping Hand, an organization for adults and children with special needs. I contacted Helping Hand seeking a volunteer opportunity. Since that time I have consistently volunteered during any break from school, including in the summers when I teach art classes for adults with special needs. I love working with our special needs clients and helping them recognize their self worth. While I am passionate about the special needs community, I never stopped advocating for pediatric brain tumor research. My sophomore year, I created the Junior Board for Winning With Wyatt, a nonprofit organization that raises money to support pediatric brain tumor research. As president, I focus on organizing meetings, motivating the Junior Board and volunteers, and accomplishing our goals. The Junior Board has planned multiple events targeted towards elementary school children as well as teenagers, and are currently planning a Go Gold fundraiser for our schools homecoming varsity soccer game. We plan two fundraisers a year, and both require a sponsor and donations. I communicate with business owners and adult community members to recruit them to support our cause. In addition, I search for sponsors and donations for our raffle. The Junior Board has been able to raise over $30,000 for pediatric brain tumor research to date. Through this activity I have learned about leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Experiencing people supporting and caring for my family during a time of need led me to discover my interest in helping others. Through advocacy and fundraising for pediatric brain tumor research, and working with people within the special needs community, I was able to make a positive impact and develop important skills. This scholarship would allow me to pursue a degree in social work so that I can make a career out of helping others thrive, despite their challenges and needs.

My little brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was only nine years old. During his treatment I accompanied him to radiatIon appointments where he was placed under anesthesia every morning. I witnessed many other children fighting cancer by enduring radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. I saw my brother struggle every day, but I also saw people who were helping my family. The doctor who told him jokes, and the nurses that gave us stickers and candy, to somehow make it more comfortable for us. I saw volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for my family, and the social worker who used a children’s book to inform me about my brother's cancer that helped me to understand his treatment and surgeries. All of these people helped my family, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Once my brother recovered, I realized I wanted to help people too. In fifth grade I recruited friends and planned a Gray Out, an event to raise awareness about childhood cancer and funding for research. We raised over $1,000 to fund pediatric brain tumor research. The following year my brother and I planned a coin drive at our elementary school and raised over $8,000. I realized I could do more in other areas of my life as well. I became more involved with service projects around my community. I started teaching children's Sunday School at my church and attended service trips to help communities in need. I found my calling during my freshman year, when my high school soccer team volunteered and coached children with special needs. I quickly realized that I loved working with people with different disabilities. Through research I found Helping Hand, an organization for adults and children with special needs. I contacted Helping Hand seeking a volunteer opportunity. Since that time I have consistently volunteered during any break from school, including in the summers when I teach art classes for adults with special needs. I love working with our special needs clients and helping them recognize their self worth. While I am passionate about the special needs community, I never stopped advocating for pediatric brain tumor research. My sophomore year, I created the Junior Board for Winning With Wyatt, a nonprofit organization that raises money to support pediatric brain tumor research. As president, I focus on organizing meetings, motivating the Junior Board and volunteers, and accomplishing our goals. The Junior Board has planned multiple events targeted towards elementary school children as well as teenagers, and are currently planning a Go Gold fundraiser for our schools homecoming varsity soccer game. We plan two fundraisers a year, and both require a sponsor and donations. I communicate with business owners and adult community members to recruit them to support our cause. In addition, I search for sponsors and donations for our raffle. The Junior Board has been able to raise over $30,000 for pediatric brain tumor research to date. Through this activity I have learned about leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Experiencing people supporting and caring for my family during a time of need led me to discover my interest in helping others. Through advocacy and fundraising for pediatric brain tumor research, and working with people within the special needs community, I was able to make a positive impact and develop important skills. I intend to pursue a degree in social work so that I can make a career out of helping others thrive, despite their challenges and needs.

My little brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was only nine years old. He went from being a normal five-year-old boy to being in a medically induced coma for days. During his treatment I accompanied him to radiatIon appointments where he was placed under anesthesia every morning. I witnessed many other children fighting cancer by enduring radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. I saw my brother struggle every day, but I also saw people who were helping my family. The doctor who told him jokes, and the nurses that gave us stickers and candy, to somehow make it more comfortable for us. I saw volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for my family, and the social worker who used a children’s book to inform me about my brother's cancer that helped me to understand his treatment and surgeries. All of these people helped my family, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Once my brother recovered, I realized I wanted to help people too. In fifth grade I recruited friends and planned a Gray Out, an event to raise awareness about childhood cancer and funding for research. We raised over $1,000 to fund pediatric brain tumor research. The following year my brother and I planned a coin drive at our elementary school and raised over $8,000. I realized I could do more in other areas of my life as well. I became more involved with service projects around my community. I started teaching children's Sunday School at my church and attended service trips to help communities in need. I found my calling during my freshman year, when my high school soccer team volunteered and coached children with special needs. I quickly realized that I loved working with people with different disabilities. Through research I found Helping Hand, an organization for adults and children with special needs. I contacted Helping Hand seeking a volunteer opportunity. Since that time I have consistently volunteered during any break from school, including in the summers when I teach art classes for adults with special needs. I love working with our special needs clients and helping them recognize their self worth. While I am passionate about the special needs community, I never stopped advocating for pediatric brain tumor research. My sophomore year, I created the Junior Board for Winning With Wyatt, a nonprofit organization that raises money to support pediatric brain tumor research. As president, I focus on organizing meetings, motivating the Junior Board and volunteers, and accomplishing our goals. The Junior Board has planned multiple events targeted towards elementary school children as well as teenagers, and are currently planning a Go Gold fundraiser for our schools homecoming varsity soccer game. We plan two fundraisers a year, and both require a sponsor and donations. I communicate with business owners and adult community members to recruit them to support our cause. In addition, I search for sponsors and donations for our raffle. The Junior Board has been able to raise over $30,000 for pediatric brain tumor research to date. Through this activity I have learned about leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Experiencing people supporting and caring for my family during a time of need led me to discover my interest in helping others. Through advocacy and fundraising for pediatric brain tumor research, and working with people within the special needs community, I was able to make a positive impact and develop important skills. I intend to pursue a degree in social work so that I can make a career out of helping others thrive, despite their challenges and needs.

I personally have not had a brain tumor, but my little brother did. I was only nine years old watching my five-year-old brother go from being a normal child to being in a medically induced coma for days. It scared me as I saw him lying in a coma with numerous tubes going in and out of his body. During his treatment I accompanied him to radiatIon appointments where he was placed under anesthesia every morning. I witnessed many other children fighting cancer by enduring radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. I saw my brother struggle every day, but I also saw people who were helping my family. The doctor who told him a joke everyday, and the nurses that gave us stickers and candy, to somehow make it more comfortable for us. I saw volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for my family, and the social worker who used a children’s book to inform me about my brother's cancer that helped me to understand his treatment and surgeries. All of these people helped my family, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Once Wyatt recovered, I realized I wanted to help people too. I became more involved with service projects around my community. I started teaching children's Sunday School at my church and attended service trips to help communities in need. I found my calling during my freshman year, when my high school soccer team volunteered and coached children with special needs and other physical disabilities. I quickly realized that I loved working with people with different disabilities. Through research I found Helping Hand, an organization for adults and children with special needs. I contacted Helping Hand seeking a volunteer opportunity. Since that time I have consistently volunteered during any break from school, including in the summers when I teach art classes for adults with special needs. I love working with our special needs clients and helping them recognize their self worth. While I am passionate about the special needs community, I never stopped advocating for pediatric brain tumor research. My sophomore year, I created the Junior Board for Winning With Wyatt, a nonprofit organization that raises money to support pediatric brain tumor research. As president, I focus on organizing meetings, motivating the Junior Board and volunteers, and accomplishing our goals. The Junior Board has planned multiple events targeted towards elementary school children as well as teenagers, and are currently planning a Go Gold fundraiser for our schools homecoming varsity soccer game. We plan two fundraisers a year, and both require a sponsor and donations. I communicate with business owners and adult community members to recruit them to support our cause. I search for sponsors and donations for our raffle. The Junior Board has been able to raise over $30,000 for pediatric brain tumor research to date. Through this activity I have learned about leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Experiencing people supporting and caring for my family during a time of need led me to discover my interest in helping others. Through advocacy and fundraising for pediatric brain tumor research, and working with people in the special needs community, I was able to make a positive impact and develop important skills. I intend to pursue a degree in social work so that I can make a career out of helping others thrive, despite their challenges and needs.

My little brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was only nine years old. He went from being a normal five-year-old boy to being in a medically induced coma for days. It scared me as I saw him lying in a coma with numerous tubes going in and out of his body. During his treatment I accompanied him to radiatIon appointments where he was placed under anesthesia every morning. I witnessed many other children fighting cancer by enduring radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. I saw my brother struggle every day, but I also saw people who were helping my family. The doctor who told him a joke everyday, and the nurses that gave us stickers and candy, to somehow make it more comfortable for us. I saw volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for my family, and the social worker who used a children’s book to inform me about my brother's cancer that helped me to understand his treatment and surgeries. All of these people helped my family, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Once Wyatt recovered, I realized I wanted to help people too. I became more involved with service projects around my community. I started teaching children's Sunday School at my church and attended service trips to help communities in need. I found my calling during my freshman year, when my high school soccer team volunteered and coached children with special needs and other physical disabilities. I quickly realized that I loved working with people with different disabilities. Through research I found Helping Hand, an organization for adults and children with special needs. I contacted Helping Hand seeking a volunteer opportunity. Since that time I have consistently volunteered during any break from school, including in the summers when I teach art classes for adults with special needs. I love working with our special needs clients and helping them recognize their self worth. While I am passionate about the special needs community, I never stopped advocating for pediatric brain tumor research. My sophomore year, I created the Junior Board for Winning With Wyatt, a nonprofit organization that raises money to support pediatric brain tumor research. As president, I focus on organizing meetings, motivating the Junior Board and volunteers, and accomplishing our goals. The Junior Board has planned multiple events targeted towards elementary school children as well as teenagers, and are currently planning a Go Gold fundraiser for our schools homecoming varsity soccer game. We plan two fundraisers a year, and both require a sponsor and donations. I communicate with business owners and adult community members to recruit them to support our cause. I search for sponsors and donations for our raffle. The Junior Board has been able to raise over $30,000 for pediatric brain tumor research to date. Through this activity I have learned about leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Experiencing people supporting and caring for my family during a time of need led me to discover my interest in helping others. Through advocacy and fundraising for pediatric brain tumor research, and working with people in the special needs community, I was able to make a positive impact and develop important skills. I intend to pursue a degree in social work so that I can make a career out of helping others thrive, despite their challenges and needs.

The end of my junior year was rough, and there was a lot of blank space in my life. That is why I feel that Taylor Swift's song "Blank Space" fits my year so far. Let me just start off by saying, I have struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember. It was always a challenge focusing in school, but things got bad last year. I had panic attacks constantly, and wouldn't know when they were coming. Luckily, I had great friends who supported me, or so I thought. I have had the same friends for years, and I was perfectly fine with that. We had so much fun together, and it felt nice being part of a group. However, after struggling with my anxiety for months, something seemed off. I was no longer getting invited to hangout with them, and they stopped talking to me. Years of friendship ended one random Tuesday. It felt like a breakup and everything was gonna go down in flames. I was so lonley, and I realized that the high of once being friends with them was defienelty not worth the pain. I relate so much to Taylors song, because even though it is about a breakup with a boy, I broke up with my friends in a way. I was drunk on jealousy. How come I was struggling so much, and my best friends were having the best year ever? How were they so happy, and why wasn't I? The truth is, my anxiety was taking over. So I got the help and support that I needed. I went to therapy, and was able to learn to cope with my panic disorder. More importantly, I got closer with my parents. My parents and I have always had a great relationship, but they were my biggest support during this hard time. Well, them and Taylor's songs. Listening to “Blank Space” has made me realize that everything happens for a reason. Maybe I needed to struggle, so I could see who my true friends really were. I am getting a lot better, but I still stuggle from time to time and that is okay. I have always been a fan of Taylor Swift, but her music helped me through this hard time. She doesn't sugar coat it, break ups are difficult. Especially ones with your friends. I still have a lot of growing to do, but I work on myself everyday so that I never leave a nasty scar on someone else like those girls did to me.