Hello, My name is Ella Gerlach. My passion for social work is rooted in a lifelong commitment to social justice, human dignity, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Throughout my academic, professional, and volunteer experiences, I have been drawn to supporting individuals and communities facing systemic inequities. I believe every person deserves access to opportunities, resources, and support regardless of their socioeconomic background, race, identity, or life circumstances. Social work provides a meaningful pathway for me to contribute to creating a more equitable society while empowering individuals to reach their full potential. I have completed graduate-level studies focused on peace, social transformation, and human rights, which have strengthened my understanding of the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to inequality. My experiences working with diverse populations, including individuals affected by poverty, discrimination, and exploitation, have reinforced my desire to become a social worker. I have also volunteered and conducted research related to human trafficking and social justice issues, experiences that have deepened my awareness of how systemic barriers can impact people's lives and limit their opportunities. What motivates me most to work with underserved communities is the belief that meaningful change occurs when individuals are heard, respected, and empowered. Many marginalized populations face challenges that extend beyond individual circumstances, including inadequate access to healthcare, education, housing, employment, and social services. I am motivated by the opportunity to advocate alongside these communities, helping individuals navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming or inaccessible. I believe social workers play a vital role in amplifying the voices of those who are too often overlooked and ensuring that their experiences inform policies and practices that affect their lives. As a social worker, I view my responsibilities as extending beyond direct service provision. While supporting individuals and families is essential, I also believe social workers have a duty to address the broader systemic issues that contribute to social injustice. Effective collaboration requires listening to community members, recognizing their strengths, and working in partnership rather than assuming solutions on their behalf. Communities possess valuable knowledge about their own needs and challenges, and sustainable change is most successful when those directly impacted are involved in shaping solutions. I intend to contribute positively to society by combining advocacy, community engagement, and evidence-based practice. My goal is to work collaboratively with underserved populations to reduce barriers to opportunity, promote social inclusion, and support long-term community well-being. Whether through direct practice, policy advocacy, program development, or research, I hope to help create systems that are more responsive, equitable, and compassionate. I am also committed to pursuing continued education throughout my career, recognizing that social issues, best practices, and community needs are constantly evolving. By engaging in ongoing professional development, advanced training, and further academic study, I will be better equipped to serve diverse populations and advocate effectively for meaningful change. Ultimately, I aspire to be a social worker who not only supports individuals through difficult circumstances but also works to transform the conditions that create those challenges in the first place.

I was born into a military family. As I grew up, I also saw the negative impacts and effects that the military and war did to my dad. After being deployed 6 times to Afghanistan, he suffered from PTSD and depression along with anxiety. This also caused issues with our family. We went through a hard few years after his last deployment but worked hard to overcome it. It showed me the importance of being proactive, compassionate, and mission-driven when working toward a cause greater than oneself. Being a military kid is often overlooked. We go through our own struggles relating to the military, going through life without one of our parents im the house, constantly being anxious about my dads safety, and often going through no contact periods. I believe that with my background, academic preparation, and personal motivation, I am well-equipped to pursue this path. Every challenge I’ve faced so far has prepared me for the work I hope to do in the future. Much of this drive and resilience was instilled in me by my father, who served in the military for 25 years. His work ethic, discipline, and commitment to the service left a strong impression on me from a young age. He taught me and my siblings the value of persistence and how to approach life’s challenges with a determined and selfless mindset. Through his own struggles and our struggles in our family, it has shaped my approach to academics, athletics, and service. My dad was a surgeon in the military. His job was to help others. My dream job is to work with an organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking within the sports world. As I see the tramuas that circulate through my family from war and deployments, I want to help others who often battle with PTSD as well. This has been my passion since I was 13 years old, when I was first taught about human trafficking. That early calling motivated me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Global Studies, where I gained a deeper understanding of global issues, justice, and human rights. Through this calling, I also saw how my mom fought to help those in the foster care system which drove me to make her proud. Now, as a graduate student in Peace and Transformation, I’m building on that foundation with a focus on conflict resolution, social justice, and meaningful systemic change.

Without that focus and internal motivation, I would not be where I am today. Much of this drive and resilience was instilled in me by my father, who served in the military for 25 years. His work ethic, discipline, and commitment to the service left a strong impression on me from a young age. He taught me and my siblings the value of persistence and how to approach life’s challenges with a determined and selfless mindset. His example shaped my approach to academics, athletics, and service. As a Graduate Assistant and collegiate athlete, I’ve had to rely heavily on my leadership, communication, determination, resilience, and selflessness to overcome the challenges that come my way. My dad’s work ethic in the military has influenced me to be a hard worker. Whether I’m coordinating with my supervisor, supporting fellow students, or pushing through tough workouts with my teammates—or even alone—I constantly strive to meet and exceed the expectations placed in front of me. I believe having the pressure on work harder than everyone else is something a lot of military kids experience, having us strive more than others. Balancing these responsibilities requires discipline and mental toughness, especially while also pursuing my Master’s degree. Graduate-level coursework is demanding in itself, and combining it with my other roles means I need to stay focused, organized, and driven at all times. My dad was a surgeon in the military. His job was to help others. My dream job is to work with an organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking within the sports world. This has been my passion since I was 13 years old, when I was first taught about human trafficking. That early calling motivated me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Global Studies, where I gained a deeper understanding of global issues, justice, and human rights. Through this calling, I also saw how my mom fought to help those in the foster care system which drove me to make her proud. Now, as a graduate student in Peace and Transformation, I’m building on that foundation with a focus on conflict resolution, social justice, and meaningful systemic change. As I grew up, I also saw the negative impacts and effects that the military and war did to my dad. After being deployed 6 times to Afghanistan, he suffered from PTSD and depression along with anxiety. This also caused issues with our family. We went through a hard few years after his last deployment but worked hard to overcome it. It showed me the importance of being proactive, compassionate, and mission-driven when working toward a cause greater than oneself. I believe that with my background, academic preparation, and personal motivation, I am well-equipped to pursue this path. Every challenge I’ve faced so far has prepared me for the work I hope to do in the future.

Currently, I am giving back by serving as the graduate assistant for my university’s Campus Ministries, where I am helping create spaces for student to connect, reflect, and grow in their faith. By having one-on-one meetings with some of the students, I am able to pour into their lives while trying to guide them in the best way possible. This role has allowed personal and spiritual growth in myself as well as the students that I come in contact with. Additionally, as a leader on my Cross Country/Track and Field team, I strive to set an example of hard work, maturity, accountability, and perseverance. On the rough and good days, I try to show up with a smile and a good attitude. I make it a priority to uplift my teammates with jokes, words, and silly social media trends. Through this past season of Cross Country, I have suffered a season ending injury but instead of doing my own thing, I show up every day, every race, to cheer on my teammates, no matter how hard it is. Looking ahead, I plan to continue making a positive impact by combining my love for leadership, athletics, and service with a combination of coaching as well as advocating for those who do not have a voice. In my studies, I am focusing on anti-human trafficking which I can use my leadership skills and service skills to do the best that I can do. I hope to mentor people of all aspects of life, building confidence and balance. My goal is to use the lessons that I have learned through faith and athletics - discipline, teamwork, compassion, and resilience - to inspire others and help create environments where everyone feels values and empowered to reach their potential. Through my knowledge and own experiences, I want to make people feel loved and cared for. Whether it is helping athletes or helping those who cannot fight for themselves, I want to make a difference in their lives. I have experienced what it feels like in life to not have anyone fighting for you and to have a whole community fighting for you. I never want the people that I meet to feel like they do not have people pushing and praying for them to overcome any barriers and to continue fighting. I make it a priority to help foster a culture of encouragement and unity.

Hello, my name is Ella Gerlach, and I am currently in the final year of my Master’s program in Peace and Social Transformation. This academic journey has been deeply personal and transformative, especially as it relates to my own experiences with mental health, financial hardship, and personal growth. I am applying for this scholarship with the hope that I can continue my education and deepen my calling to support others—especially those who have endured trauma—as I navigate my own challenges. During my undergraduate years as a Global Studies major, I relied heavily on financial aid, such as the Pell Grant and athletic scholarships, to pursue my education. These resources were vital, and without them, I would not have been able to afford school. Now, in graduate school, many of those resources are no longer available, and I am constantly seeking alternative support systems to continue my studies. This financial strain has created significant stress and anxiety, but I remain committed to my education because I believe it is the key to fulfilling my purpose: serving survivors of human trafficking and promoting healing on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. My relationship with my parents has deteriorated. We have grown incredibly distant and virtually non-communicative. This shift has not only left me financially independent, but also emotionally isolated during some of the most challenging years of my life. I have had to navigate paying for both my educational and personal expenses alone, all while managing the mental toll of feeling disconnected from those who once formed my core support system. This experience has been both painful and formative. The anxiety I have felt about finances and my future has often felt overwhelming, but it has also pushed me to rely more deeply on my faith, my friendships, and on the healing tools I have been learning through counseling. I began therapy through my university’s mental health services, which has been a critical support in helping me manage my emotional well-being. Through counseling, I have learned coping strategies that help me address anxiety, build resilience, and stay grounded in my long-term goals. I am incredibly grateful for these resources, which have kept me mentally and emotionally afloat during turbulent times. Despite the personal hardships, I have remained academically strong. I have been on the Dean’s List for the past two years due to my high GPA. I was honored with a dedication award for my commitment to Track and Field, and I graduated early from my undergraduate program. These accomplishments reflect not only academic discipline but also emotional perseverance. I have been told I have to choose between my faith and my professional aspirations, but I believe they go hand in hand. My faith fuels my compassion, and my education equips me to turn that compassion into action. As a student-athlete, I also understand how mental health is intricately tied to physical well-being. Recently, I suffered an injury that has kept me from running for over three months. For someone who found emotional clarity and peace through running, this injury has felt like losing a major coping mechanism. Running was my safe space—where I processed emotions, cleared my mind, and reconnected with myself. Its absence has been deeply challenging, but it has also forced me to explore new ways to care for my mental health. I have leaned into practices like prayer, journaling, walking, talking to trusted friends, and therapy. These tools have helped me regulate my emotions and build inner strength. Through all of these challenges, I continue to fight hard for my education, my mental health, and my personal growth. Two summers ago, I interned with a nonprofit organization that combats sex trafficking and advocates for the decriminalization of survivors. That experience was life-changing. I saw firsthand how trauma affects survivors' mental health, and how holistic care—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual—is essential in their recovery journey. It affirmed my belief that healing is possible, but it requires advocates who understand the complex interplay of trauma, systemic injustice, and mental health.

Hello, my name is Ella Gerlach, and I am currently in the final year of my Master’s program in Peace and Social Transformation. This academic journey has been deeply personal and transformative, especially as it relates to my own experiences with mental health, financial hardship, and personal growth. I am applying for this scholarship with the hope that I can continue my education and deepen my calling to support others—especially those who have endured trauma—as I navigate my own challenges. During my undergraduate years as a Global Studies major, I relied heavily on financial aid, such as the Pell Grant and athletic scholarships, to pursue my education. These resources were vital, and without them, I would not have been able to afford school. Now, in graduate school, many of those resources are no longer available, and I am constantly seeking alternative support systems to continue my studies. This financial strain has created significant stress and anxiety, but I remain committed to my education because I believe it is the key to fulfilling my purpose: serving survivors of human trafficking and promoting healing on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. I come from a middle-class Christian military family, which once provided a foundation of support and stability. However, over the past two years, my relationship with my parents has deteriorated. We have grown incredibly distant and virtually non-communicative. This shift has not only left me financially independent, but also emotionally isolated during some of the most challenging years of my life. I have had to navigate paying for both my educational and personal expenses alone, all while managing the mental toll of feeling disconnected from those who once formed my core support system. This experience has been both painful and formative. The anxiety I have felt about finances and my future has often felt overwhelming, but it has also pushed me to rely more deeply on my faith, my friendships, and on the healing tools I have been learning through counseling. I began therapy through my university’s mental health services, which has been a critical support in helping me manage my emotional well-being. Through counseling, I have learned coping strategies that help me address anxiety, build resilience, and stay grounded in my long-term goals. I am incredibly grateful for these resources, which have kept me mentally and emotionally afloat during turbulent times. My passion for mental health advocacy and healing stems from a deep personal conviction. Since I was thirteen, I have felt called to work with survivors of human trafficking. I vividly remember attending a conference where the speaker—an anti-human trafficking activist—opened my eyes to the horrors of modern-day slavery. Since then, I have committed my academic and professional life to this cause. That calling has remained steadfast, even when my own mental, physical, and spiritual health has been tested. Despite the personal hardships, I have remained academically strong. I have been on the Dean’s List for the past two years due to my high GPA. I was honored with a dedication award for my commitment to Track and Field, and I graduated early from my undergraduate program. These accomplishments reflect not only academic discipline but also emotional perseverance. I have been told I have to choose between my faith and my professional aspirations, but I believe they go hand in hand. My faith fuels my compassion, and my education equips me to turn that compassion into action. As a student-athlete, I also understand how mental health is intricately tied to physical well-being. Recently, I suffered an injury that has kept me from running for over three months. For someone who found emotional clarity and peace through running, this injury has felt like losing a major coping mechanism. Running was my safe space—where I processed emotions, cleared my mind, and reconnected with myself. Its absence has been deeply challenging, but it has also forced me to explore new ways to care for my mental health. I have leaned into practices like prayer, journaling, walking, talking to trusted friends, and therapy. These tools have helped me regulate my emotions and build inner strength. Through all of these challenges, I continue to fight hard for my education, my mental health, and my personal growth. Two summers ago, I interned with a nonprofit organization that combats sex trafficking and advocates for the decriminalization of survivors. That experience was life-changing. I saw firsthand how trauma affects survivors' mental health, and how holistic care—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual—is essential in their recovery journey. It affirmed my belief that healing is possible, but it requires advocates who understand the complex interplay of trauma, systemic injustice, and mental health. Currently, I also serve as a Spiritual Life graduate assistant at my university. This role has opened doors to mentor and support other students as they navigate their own mental and emotional challenges. It has deepened my empathy and affirmed my belief that faith-based support, when approached with love and openness, can be a powerful tool for healing. Today, I stand at the intersection of my passion and purpose. I am determined to use my experiences, both painful and powerful, to advocate for others—especially those who feel forgotten or unseen. I hope to work in the nonprofit sector, supporting survivors of trafficking through trauma-informed care that includes mental health services. I want to be someone who not only understands the importance of mental health but also lives it out in how I lead, support, and serve. This scholarship would mean more than just financial help. It would be an affirmation of my journey—of the many nights I spent worrying, the tears I shed in silence, the therapy sessions that kept me going, and the dreams that refused to die even when everything else felt like it was falling apart. With your support, I can continue to pursue my education, grow in my calling, and advocate for healing—both my own and that of others. Thank you for considering my application and for investing in the mental well-being of students like me.

As a Graduate Assistant and collegiate athlete, I’ve had to rely heavily on my leadership, communication, determination, resilience, and selflessness to overcome the challenges that come my way. Whether I’m coordinating with my supervisor, supporting fellow students, or pushing through tough workouts with my teammates—or even alone—I constantly strive to meet and exceed the expectations placed in front of me. Balancing these responsibilities requires discipline and mental toughness, especially while also pursuing my Master’s degree. Graduate-level coursework is demanding in itself, and combining it with my other roles means I need to stay focused, organized, and driven at all times. Without that focus and internal motivation, I would not be where I am today. Much of this drive and resilience was instilled in me by my father, who served in the military for 25 years. His work ethic, discipline, and commitment to the service left a strong impression on me from a young age. He taught me and my siblings the value of persistence and how to approach life’s challenges with a determined and selfless mindset. His example shaped my approach to academics, athletics, and service. My dream job is to work with an organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking within the sports world. This has been my passion since I was 13 years old, when I was first taught about human trafficking. That early calling motivated me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Global Studies, where I gained a deeper understanding of global issues, justice, and human rights. Through this calling, I also saw how my mom fought to help those in the foster care system which drove me to make her proud. Now, as a graduate student in Peace and Transformation, I’m building on that foundation with a focus on conflict resolution, social justice, and meaningful systemic change. During my time as an intern, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand how vital strong leadership and a solid work ethic are, especially in small nonprofit organizations. It showed me the importance of being proactive, compassionate, and mission-driven when working toward a cause greater than oneself. This experience reinforced my desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others—especially vulnerable populations exploited through sports. I believe that with my background, academic preparation, and personal motivation, I am well-equipped to pursue this path. Every challenge I’ve faced so far has prepared me for the work I hope to do in the future.

Hello. My name is Ella Gerlach and I am a senior studying Global Studies at my university. Growing up, my mother was always telling me to treat others how I would like to be treated. One thing that she loved to say was, “Kindness matters”. Even though this is such a small, short saying, it has shaped my own personality as well as how I view success and capabilities of others. I would say that this constant saying being spoken over me throughout my life has shaped the skills that I have now. For example, I love interacting and having conversations with people of all ages and of all different backgrounds. I find it easy to talk to others and love to hear their own stories and experiences in life. I am also a very hard worker and am passionate about my studies and my work. I believe this has also stemmed from my mother and her influence on my life. She was a very driven woman who earned her doctorate all while having 4 children to take care of under the age of 10. Her passion and dedication for the things that she loves has been passed down to me. As mentioned before, I am studying Global Studies with an emphasis in Children at Risk. I hope to eventually work with an anti-human trafficking organization after graduating. This has been my dream and passion since I was 13 years old after attending a conference with my mom. I am currently working as an Intern for the summer at an organization that fights against the criminalization of survivors of human trafficking in the United States. The experience and opportunities that I have been given while working here have been amazing. My knowledge around this topic has grown and expanded. I feel as though I have grown as a person as well through this experience. Learning about all the ways human trafficking makes its way into the world has motivated me even more to finish my education and receive my degree. I am so excited to use the skills that I have learned over the years to help others who have been abused and used by others. I am so excited to continue growing and maturing my own knowledge and skill set over the next year to help prepare me better for my future. Without the words spoken over my life by my mother, I do not know where I would be today.

Hello. My name is Ella Gerlach and I am a senior at my university. I am currently working on my Bachelor in Global Studies with a focus on Children at Risk. My dream would be to work with a non-profit organization that fights against human trafficking on all levels. For the past couple of months, I have been trying to figure out a way to tie my passion for soccer and my passion for anti-human trafficking together as sports globally play a huge role in trafficking. This scholarship will help me with my studies as I am now a dependent after my parents cut ties with me, leaving me alone to pay for my education. I have struggled to come up with ideas on how to pay for the remainder of my time at my university. However, finishing school is my main focus as of late and even in one of the most challenging years of my life, I have managed to obtain a 3.8 GPA for both semesters. Please take me into consideration for this scholarship as it would be most beneficial for my education. Thank you!

Hello. My name is Ella Gerlach and I am a senior in college working to get my undergraduate in Global Studies. I come from a middle, military class family. Growing up, we were living comfortably with still some money scarceness. My family and I had a very good relationship and I was close with all my siblings. As I got older, however, my dad moved up in his career, setting my family up for what seemed to be success. Over the past year, due to a personal belief leading me to come out to my family, my parents have disowned me. This has left me alone to complete my education and pay my education and personal bills. Throughout this year, I have been extremely anxious about how to pay for my education which I hold dearly. My dream would be to graduate from university and pursue my master's degree in Global Justice and Development. I believe that I have a calling to help human trafficking survivors after I graduate. This field of work has been in my heart since I was 13. I first heard about the evils of human trafficking at a conference put on by the founder of an organization that fights to end modern-day slavery. Over this year, this passion of mine did not dwindle. Instead, it has set me out to become more driven in my studies which has led me to be on the Dean's List for my high GPA. Not only have I struggled with not having a relationship with my family anymore but it has also been a struggle for me in my faith. I believe that I can carry out my faith and my sexuality together even though I have been told I have to choose one or the other. I have also struggled with injuries from being a student-athlete as well. Through all of these obstacles that have occurred in a year, I have still fought hard for my education, athletes, and friendships. I have been in counselling that has been provided through my school which I am utterly grateful for. I am also currently doing a summer internship with a non-profit that fights against sex trafficking and the criminalization of these survivors instead of their accusers. I am excited as to what God has for me in my future and I hope my education and skills will prepare me for the best in this line of work.

When I was 13, I fell into a dark hole of depression and anxiety which led to thoughts and almost attempts to end my own life. This eventually led to an eating disorder which has affected me to some degree to this day. After about two years of dealing with this by myself, I ultimately told someone I trusted the most in my life, my mother. We worked together to get a healthy mindset through counselling and talking together. Through counselling and eventually telling my closest friends, I realised how important it is to speak up about mental health. It set me back mentally and I was stuck until I spoke up. Over the years, I have shaped how I interact with others, even strangers. I do not want anyone to have to go through the thoughts and feelings that I thought. We never know what others are going through and offering a kind smile to a stranger we pass on the street could do for that person. This experience in my life has brought more meaning to my own life and my relationships with my friends and with my girlfriend. I think talking about such things brings awareness and understanding to others.

My name is Ella Gerlach and I am currently working on my Bachelors in Global Studies, emphasising Children at Risk. Before I attended Multnomah University, I completed my associates while I was still in high school. While I was also working on my associate's as well as my high school diploma, I was a nanny and also worked in a coffee shop on top of being a Program Assistant for an after-school program during the summers. The after-school program, Leaven Kids, also had a summer program that ran for seven weeks. During my high school years, I had to learn how to balance two or three jobs at one time while also being a part of my high school cross country and track team. Through my own mistakes, I had to learn not to procrastinate and to ask either my teachers or coaches for help when needed. This pushed me to not only receive high honours but also dream big dreams for myself. In between graduating high school and my first year at my current university, I took a gap year in England. This program was a Bible-focused program called Capernwary Bible School. During this time, I was able to look at a different form of education that I had not done before. My faith grew and so did my confidence in myself to keep pushing through the challenges that I faced in life. I developed deep connections with the people I came in contact with there. Since attending Multnomah University, I have continued to push myself in new ways such as collegiate running and receiving a 3.8 GPA in both semesters. I am also working two jobs on campus, one in Spiritual Life and the other in Athletics. Again, working two jobs on top of being a student-athlete has taught me how to balance things in my life. This year has brought many challenges in my life and being able to continue with my education and my running has been a struggle but also so rewarding. As I continue forward and get closer to graduating, my motivation grows stronger. My dream is to work with human trafficking victims and to help create a better life for them. I have felt called to this field of work since I was in 8th grade. I hope that I can be a light to others and show them how much they are loved and treasured.

I have been a Christian for about 16 years now. I gave my life to God when I was 4 years old but had a very shallow and distant relationship with Him until about two years ago. I attended a Bible school program in England called Capernwray Bible School. My knowledge of the Bible and my understanding of it was expanded in so many different ways through this program. Through going to lectures with different speakers each week having group studies and building friendships, I was able to experience God's love on a more personal level. My childhood was not perfect on any level and I had this skewed idea of who God was and how powerful He was. I saw Him as a distant god, not one who wants a personal relationship with His children. Through this expansion of my knowledge and understanding of my faith, I have been able to experience His love on a much deeper level. It has brought me through some really difficult challenges that I have faced during my first year at my university. I know that I am not alone in the things that I struggle with and no matter what Satan has to tell me, God speaks over those lies and deceits. God has led me to a place where I feel called to help those who have been or who are still in human trafficking. I believe that there is a need for awareness and help in this area. I am currently studying Global Studies with an emphasis on Children at Risk. I hope to continue my knowledge by getting a Master's in this field as well so that I may do well in my field of work. There are so many ways I could pursue this field of work but one in particular way has been in my head for the past few months. I am also an athlete at my university and have a passion for sports. There are many large competitions (Super Bowl, The World Cup, The Olympics, etc.) that are known to be huge targets for trafficking opportunities as they attract people from all areas of life. I would love to be able to bring awareness during these events and work with different organizations to make them accessible and successful. I know that God has so much for me in the future and I am so excited to see how He uses me.

I recently came out to my family in March of this year. I had known I was bisexual for about a year and I had been dating my girlfriend for about 2 weeks. It was a rather unexpected time as I wanted a longer period to gather my thoughts and not rush into telling my family as they are very conservative when it comes to these things. My parents immediately attempted to pull me out of my university by sending me home after my brother had told them I was in danger if I were to stay with my girlfriend. Mind you, my girlfriend is one of the most loving people I have ever known and I have not been happier. I went home in hopes of having a civil conversation with my parents. However, it did not go the way I wanted it to. My parents disowned me and I have very limited contact with them and hardly any with my siblings. I was lucky enough to return to my university and have been quite stressed in finding ways to financially support myself and finish my university. I have one year left of my undergrad and a year after that to do my Masters. I could not have received more love from my friends and community at my university. They have been so supportive and helpful when all this happened. I have been working harder at my goals, in my academics and my athletics. I am currently studying global studies with an emphasis on children at risk. My dream would be to work with an anti-human trafficking organization internationally and also tie in sports with that. People either know about human trafficking and do nothing about it or they just really do not know the details of it. My goal is to help people understand the implications of this horrible business and to also help those who are in it.

Hello. My name is Ella Gerlach and I am a junior in college. I am on the cross-country team at my university and the track and field team. Some of my passions are running, reading, expanding my knowledge through learning, and spending time with loved ones. I also enjoy spending time outside in nature, whether that is going for a walk/hike or taking my studies outside. A positive impact that I had on my community was when I hosted an event against human trafficking during my senior year of high school. An international organization called A21 hosts a worldwide event called "Walk for Freedom" which peacefully spreads awareness for this issue. As someone who wants to work with fighting against human trafficking, this was an extraordinary event for me. My goal for this event was to have a small population of my fellow students attend this walk and expand their knowledge of human trafficking and what it is. I learned that a good amount of people my age do not know what human trafficking is. As the days were counting down, I got quite nervous that I was going to not be successful in hitting my goal. However, when the day came for the event, I was happily surprised as to how many people came in support. We had signs and walked to our town hall. Along the way, we had drivers and other walkers stop us to ask about our mission. It was a very fulfilling opportunity to educate people in my community on an issue that meant so much to me personally. In total, about 20 people attended which was not a lot but it meant more than anything to me. My goal in life is to now make more people aware and conscious of the evils that happen to vulnerable people. I believe this event has helped motivate me to continue in my studies and has helped me shape my own views. With the support of those 20 people, I was able to call this event a success in my community. We were able to share our motives with the people whom we passed on the streets and make my community aware as well. With the social media posts and announcements hanging around my high school and community, even the people who did not attend were still affected whenever they saw the published writings. I could not have been happier with myself in this turnout.