Mental health is important to me as a student because it is the foundation for everything I do which includes how I learn, how I manage stress, how I build relationships, and how I stay motivated through difficult times. Without mental well-being, it becomes almost impossible to stay focused or perform at my best. I’ve learned this through personal experience, and it’s made me passionate about advocating for mental health in both my school and home communities. As a student pursuing a demanding field, I’ve faced many high-pressure situations such as late nights studying for exams, the pressure to meet deadlines, and the emotional weight of balancing academics with personal responsibilities. I’ve also struggled with anxiety, which at times made even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. I used to think pushing through without rest made me stronger, but I’ve come to realize that ignoring my mental health only led to burnout and self-doubt. Once I started making my mental health a priority (by getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, and reaching out for support when I needed it), I noticed real improvements in my focus, academic performance, and overall happiness. Because of what I’ve experienced, I’m committed to making mental health a more open and accepted topic in the communities I’m part of. In my school community, I try to advocate for mental health by being a source of encouragement and understanding for others. When classmates share that they’re struggling, I offer a listening ear or share resources like counseling services or self-care strategies that have helped me. I believe small actions like starting honest conversations or reminding someone they’re not alone can create lasting change. I also speak up about the importance of balance. Sometimes, we’re made to feel that our worth is tied to productivity or grades. I challenge that mindset by reminding myself and others that rest is not a weakness. I lead by example by taking breaks when I need them and by respecting others when they need space or time to regroup. I’ve learned that we can still be successful without pushing ourselves to the edge and that taking care of our mental health actually allows us to thrive. At home, I try to create a space where mental health is not a taboo topic. I’ve talked with my family about anxiety, stress, and the importance of seeking help. These conversations haven’t always been easy, but they’ve helped us better support one another. I’ve also made sure that younger siblings or cousins know that emotions are valid and that there is no shame in needing support. It’s important to me that they grow up in a home where they feel safe being open about how they feel. Mental health is not just a personal issue; it’s a community one. When we support each other mentally and emotionally, we create environments where people can grow, learn, and live fully. As a student and future healthcare provider, I carry that belief with me. I want to help break down the stigma around mental health, encourage others to care for their minds as much as their bodies, and continue building a future where mental wellness is seen as essential and not optional.

One of the most defining moments in my health journey happened after I had my wisdom teeth removed. At first, I thought it would be a routine procedure that would include some swelling, a few days of soft foods, and then be back to normal. But that was not the case. What followed was a months-long struggle that forced me to pay closer attention to my physical health than ever before, and in doing so, it changed how I now approach life, school, and my future career goals. Immediately after the surgery, I found it nearly impossible to eat solid foods. Every time I tried, I would feel nauseous or even regurgitate what I had managed to swallow. For weeks, I was limited to liquids such as broths, protein shakes, and small amounts of yogurt. I told myself it was temporary, but as the weeks turned into months, I noticed a concerning amount of weight loss. I wasn’t just losing a little fat; I was losing muscle and energy. Tasks that once felt easy began to take more effort. I would get dizzy often, and I felt weaker than I had in a long time. That was my wake-up call. I realized that if I didn’t make my health a priority, I would continue to deteriorate. I couldn’t afford to wait for things to fix themselves. I began tracking my nutritional intake, researching how to get the calories and nutrients I needed from liquids and soft foods. I consulted with a healthcare professional to develop a plan that would help me slowly reintroduce solid foods and regain the strength I had lost. It wasn’t easy. I had to eat frequently, plan every meal, and be intentional about protein and vitamin intake. There were setbacks, but I stayed committed because I knew my body needed it. This experience taught me a lot more than how to manage recovery after oral surgery. It taught me the value of listening to my body, of not brushing off warning signs, and of the discipline it takes to restore health once it’s been compromised. It also gave me a deep respect for the power of nutrition and how it directly impacts every other part of life—energy levels, focus, mood, and overall well-being. Today, I carry those lessons with me into every part of my life. As a student, I make time for healthy meals and regular movement. I’ve learned that caring for my body isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity if I want to succeed academically and emotionally. As someone preparing for a future in healthcare, I now see health not just as the absence of illness but as a balance that must be protected and maintained. That experience with my wisdom teeth turned into something much more meaningful. It pushed me to grow, to take responsibility for my own wellness, and to develop habits that support me long term. I know that prioritizing my health will always be a foundation for how I live, study, and work. And as I step into a career focused on helping others, I bring with me a personal understanding of what it means to fight for your own well-being and why it is so vital to one's life.

As a current undergraduate student majoring in biopsychology with minors in biblical studies and chemistry, I have developed a strong foundation in both the scientific and humanistic aspects of health. My goal is to pursue a master’s degree in nutrition so that I can help individuals and communities live healthier, more informed lives. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous support as I continue my education and work toward a career focused on nutrition, wellness, and compassionate care. My interest in nutrition began with a fascination for the way the mind and body are connected. Through my biopsychology coursework, I have learned how deeply our physical health is tied to mental and emotional wellbeing. I have also come to understand how diet and lifestyle choices can influence everything from brain function to disease prevention. This interdisciplinary lens has helped shape my passion for nutrition and has strengthened my desire to study it at a graduate level. I believe that nutrition is not just about what we eat. It is about how we live, how we feel, and how we care for ourselves and others. My chemistry minor has provided me with a strong grasp of the scientific principles behind metabolism, digestion, and biochemical pathways. I know that this background will be essential as I continue my studies in nutrition and engage with research-based approaches to health. At the same time, my biblical studies minor has helped me develop empathy, integrity, and a heart for service. These values are central to the kind of healthcare professional I aspire to be which is someone who treats the whole person with respect and understanding. I plan to use my future degree to work as a registered dietitian or nutrition specialist, focusing on preventive care and community health. I am especially passionate about serving rural and underserved areas, where access to reliable nutrition education and resources is often limited. I want to be part of the solution by offering guidance, support, and hope to those who need it most. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of my studies and allow me to stay focused on my academic and professional goals. As someone who is funding much of my education independently, every bit of support makes a difference. It would give me the freedom to invest more time in internships, volunteer work, and research opportunities that will prepare me for graduate school and beyond. I am deeply committed to learning, growing, and using my education to make a meaningful impact. My academic path has not been easy, but it has been shaped by a deep sense of purpose. I am proud of the work I have done so far and excited for what lies ahead. With the help of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to fulfilling my calling in the field of nutrition and becoming a resource for individuals and families striving to live healthier lives.

Life is full of unpredictable challenges. While no one can avoid hardship, I have learned that true strength comes from the way we respond to adversity. Through perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to serving others, I have grown into someone who embraces challenges as opportunities for growth. My journey has not been easy, but each obstacle has shaped who I am today and fueled my desire to make a positive impact on my community. One of the most defining periods of my life came during my early years of college. I was balancing a full course load while working part time to support myself. I did not come from wealth or privilege. Everything I achieved came from determination and faith that my efforts would pay off. There were moments when the weight of it all felt overwhelming. I studied late into the night after long shifts and often questioned if I could keep up. But I kept going. I stayed disciplined, leaned on my values, and reminded myself of the purpose behind it all. I wanted to become someone who could care for others in their times of need. That kept me grounded. I maintained a strong GPA and never let go of my goal to pursue a career in healthcare. Beyond academics, I have always found strength in serving others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when fear and uncertainty touched every corner of life, I volunteered with a local food distribution center that provided meals to families in need. I helped organize deliveries, restock supplies, and comfort people who were struggling to get by. It was exhausting at times, but incredibly rewarding. It showed me how even small acts of kindness can lift people up when they are at their lowest. I did not need to have all the answers or resources. I just needed to show up, listen, and offer what I could. In my own neighborhood, I have mentored younger students who felt lost in school or overwhelmed by family pressure. I offered tutoring and encouragement, and I made sure they knew someone believed in them. Seeing them grow in confidence has been one of my proudest achievements. I know what it feels like to need support, and I have made it a mission to be the kind of person I once needed in my life. Resilience is not about being perfect. It is about getting up when life knocks you down and still choosing to move forward. I have faced financial stress, personal setbacks, and moments of deep self-doubt, but I have never let those moments define me. Instead, I used them to sharpen my resolve and remind myself why I am on this path.

Extensive research has shown that what we eat plays a critical role in shaping our overall health and wellbeing. Nutritional habits can influence the development and progression of many chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases. As a future healthcare professional, I recognize the powerful impact that food choices can have on both preventing illness and supporting recovery. If given the opportunity to continue my education and serve in a clinical setting, I will prioritize equipping patients and their families with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed, lasting dietary changes that can significantly improve their lives. To educate effectively, I would begin by building trust and understanding each patient’s unique circumstances. Nutrition is deeply personal, and people often face real barriers such as cost, access, time, and cultural expectations. I would never expect someone to completely overhaul their diet overnight. Instead, I would provide realistic, sustainable suggestions tailored to their lifestyle. For example, I might recommend budget-friendly substitutions or encourage small changes like reducing added sugars or increasing fiber intake. Clear communication is also key. Many patients feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice about food. My goal would be to simplify nutritional concepts and present them in ways that feel manageable. Whether through handouts, visual aids, or practical examples, I would make sure patients and families understand how nutrition impacts the body and how they can make better choices one step at a time. In my work, I would place a strong focus on prevention. Helping individuals adopt healthier habits before a disease develops can reduce suffering and save lives. I would offer community classes, cooking demonstrations, and workshops to reach more people beyond the clinic walls. I also see value in collaborating with schools, workplaces, and local organizations to promote wellness more broadly. When working with patients already managing chronic illness, I would emphasize consistency and progress rather than perfection. Change takes time, and people need encouragement along the way. If a patient chooses to cook one more meal at home each week or swaps a sugary snack for a piece of fruit, that is a meaningful success. Celebrating these efforts builds confidence and reinforces positive habits. I also believe family involvement is essential. Healthier living becomes much more achievable when patients are supported by those closest to them. I would invite family members into discussions and help everyone feel included in the journey toward better nutrition. Together, they can create a home environment that encourages wellness and long-term success. Finally, I am committed to continuing my own education in the field of nutrition. Science is always evolving, and I want to ensure that the guidance I give is grounded in the most current research. My goal is to be a reliable and compassionate resource for the people I serve, helping them live longer and healthier lives through the power of food.

I have always felt a deep connection to the natural world. Whether it was hiking through the Smoky Mountains or simply watching the sunset over the hills near my home, I have come to value the peace and beauty that the environment offers. This appreciation has grown into a passion for protecting the environment and addressing the urgent threat of climate change. I believe that preserving our planet is not only a responsibility but also a moral duty to future generations. My academic journey has been shaped by this conviction. As I study health and nutrition, I am learning how climate change is not just an environmental issue but a public health crisis. Rising temperatures, poor air quality, and extreme weather events are all contributing to a range of health problems, especially in vulnerable communities. Through my coursework, I am gaining a deeper understanding of the connections between human health and the health of our planet. This perspective helps me see that fighting climate change also means advocating for better health outcomes for everyone. My studies also emphasize the importance of sustainable food systems. The way we grow, transport, and consume food has a major impact on the environment. I am learning how plant-based diets, reduced food waste, and responsible agriculture can all play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In my future career, I hope to educate others on how their dietary choices can support both personal wellness and environmental sustainability. If I were to give advice to my family and friends on how to reduce their carbon footprint, I would begin by encouraging small but meaningful changes. One of the most effective steps anyone can take is to cut back on single-use plastics. Reusable bags, water bottles, and containers are easy switches that can make a big difference over time. I would also suggest making conscious decisions about transportation. Carpooling, walking, biking, or using public transit can significantly reduce emissions. Even combining errands into a single trip can help. Another tip is to be mindful of energy use at home. Turning off lights when they are not needed, unplugging electronics, and investing in energy-efficient appliances are all ways to cut down on electricity use. I would also recommend supporting local farmers and eating more plant-based meals. This not only lowers the environmental cost of food but also supports the local economy and promotes healthier eating habits. Ultimately, I believe that real change happens when individuals commit to living with greater awareness. Protecting the environment does not require perfection. It requires intention, education, and a willingness to make better choices. My goal is to live out these values in both my personal life and my future profession. By combining my passion for health and my dedication to sustainability, I hope to inspire others to take action and help create a healthier, more resilient planet for us all.

Over the last decade, technology has reshaped nearly every aspect of our lives, from communication to healthcare. As a college junior working toward a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, I’ve been especially fascinated by the ways technology is influencing how we approach health and wellness. One invention that stands out to me is the continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This small, wearable device is a powerful tool that allows individuals to monitor their blood glucose levels in real time, offering insights that were once only available through occasional finger-prick tests. While originally designed for people with diabetes, CGMs are now becoming valuable tools in the broader field of nutrition, supporting more personalized and preventative care. What makes CGMs particularly exciting is their potential to revolutionize how we think about food and its effect on the body. Nutrition has often relied on general guidelines, but CGMs allow for a more individualized approach. For example, two people might eat the same meal and experience very different glucose responses due to factors such as genetics, microbiome composition, stress, and sleep. With CGMs, people can see how specific foods impact their blood sugar in real time and adjust their habits accordingly. For those managing chronic conditions, training for athletic events, or simply trying to improve their health, this kind of immediate feedback can be transformative. Beyond their clinical use, CGMs represent a broader shift in nutrition toward evidence-based, data-driven care. This aligns perfectly with my passion for promoting health through informed lifestyle choices. As someone studying nutrition, I see the potential to integrate technology into everyday counseling practices, helping people not only eat better but understand why certain foods work better for them. In rural and underserved communities, like the ones I hope to serve in the future, this could offer an affordable, proactive way to combat rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. My long-term goal is to become a registered dietitian and work in a rural healthcare setting where access to nutritional counseling is often limited. Many people in small or isolated communities struggle with chronic diseases that are heavily influenced by diet. However, they may lack reliable access to professionals who can guide them through sustainable, realistic changes. I want to help fill that gap. My aim is to provide science-based education, compassionate support, and culturally relevant advice to empower individuals to take charge of their health, regardless of where they live or what resources they have. In addition to one-on-one counseling, I hope to contribute to broader community wellness initiatives. This might include leading nutrition workshops, partnering with local clinics, or helping schools develop healthier meal plans. I also want to explore how mobile apps, telehealth, and wearable devices like CGMs can support rural healthcare systems. These tools can bridge the gap between patients and providers, allowing people to take a more active role in managing their health without needing to travel long distances. Ultimately, I believe that the future of nutrition lies at the intersection of science, technology, and human connection. Tools like CGMs are just the beginning. As I continue my education and begin my career, I want to be part of this movement which includes bringing innovation to communities that need it most, and helping people live longer, healthier lives through the power of nutrition. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me, and I’m committed to using both my education and compassion to make a meaningful impact.

For my seventeenth birthday, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Everything suggested seemed dull or like I had done it before or perhaps like something that they wanted for themselves. At this point, I had been a massive theatre buff for several years and knew about the show, Wicked. Through a quick Google search, I learned that Wicked was being performed in Atlanta, Georgia at the Fox Theatre. My mother and I were the only ones that went as tickets were very expensive (200 dollars each). However, once the show started, I fell in love. The lights, costumes, choreography, and music all worked together so well to create a story that was being told to the thousands of people in the audience. But what struck me the most was the passion of the actors. Oftentimes, people do not like their job or see a point in what they are doing. Those actors knew exactly what they were doing from countless hours of practice and hard work. So much so that only a never-ending amount of passion could persuade them to perform again and again for months at a time. Sometimes, they would perform multiple times a day. This is what drew me to the show of Wicked. Not so much the script, music, or a specific actor, but the passion gushing out of their performance. That is what makes any show great: the passion of those putting their hard work into it.