I love Marine Biology. As a Montessori and kinesthetic learner who struggles with ADHD, Marine Biology possesses a magical element that allows me to learn with a hands-on approach. In pursuing Marine Biology, I will have access to these opportunities and allow myself to thrive as both a student and an individual. Marine Biology provides me with an understanding of human actions in our environment, encourages me to live in nature, and experience the unfamiliar ways of species and ecosystems around me. I strengthened my passion for Marine Sciences over the summer, where I interned as a science and nature specialist at my summer camp. I ran an activity where campers collected water samples from nearby creeks. I taught the kids how to make a correlation between environmental health and water quality by showing them the microorganisms we found that prefer to live in clean water. We determined that the water quality was low, and the cause was contaminated runoff from the camp's farm. This experience was all the campers could talk about for the rest of the day. When word eventually got around to the camp director, I was provided with the opportunity to improve our animal waste disposal. I came up with the idea to produce nutrient-rich compost and fertilizer from farm wastes. At the end of camp, we ran the experiment again and found new microorganisms that typically exist in higher quality water! I was excited to share my passion with these children. It changed my perspective on what’s possible and ignited a passion within me to continue learning about marine science that will last a lifetime. Not only do I care deeply about protecting our environment, but I have a passion for caring for our oceans and have a clear plan for how I will use my degree in Marine Biology to make a difference. With my passion for marine sciences and the knowledge I will gain from further education, I plan to actively contribute to conservation efforts. Whether it's conducting research on endangered species, advocating for sustainable fishing practices, or working with local communities to raise awareness about marine pollution, I am committed to making a positive impact. I believe I should be awarded this scholarship because of my unwavering commitment to using Marine Biology to positively influence our beloved environment and help the world in facing challenges. With my passions combined with my degree, I will have the opportunity to collaborate with like - minded individuals and organizations, I strive to ensure the longevity and health of our precious oceans. Ella Typrin

My journey with therapy dogs stems from an unfortunate event when I was only 10. My guitar teacher unexpectedly passed away due to suicide, and I struggled with the concept of death. Fortunately, my two dogs Holly and Esther became my source of comfort, lifting my spirits and helping me navigate through a hardship I wish never had to be experienced. Upon entering high school and witnessing the tragic suicides of five peers, I knew I needed to make a meaningful difference. I came up with the idea to utilize the therapeutic impact of my dogs to help those struggling with mental health. This commitment led to working with a full time professional therapy dog trainer, and after months of training and practicing, my dogs and I passed the exam. This gave me the title as a certified therapy dog handler, and my dogs as certified therapy dogs. I used the certification as my gateway into my school. I contacted the superintendent of my school district, the school board, and the principal. I presented them with my idea and my desire to help prevent suicide. After getting the “yes” I was praying for, I looked for any way I could to get involved with clubs to get my dogs on campus. I needed my dogs to help be the happiness for those who felt like they had none. It was this drive that pushed me into founding a therapy dog nonprofit named Healing Puppy Project. The nonprofit opened up volunteer opportunities at the Children’s Levine Hospital, the Charlotte Airport, the Jewish Community Center and more. I’ve made connections with children waiting for a heart transplant, teenagers my age who have been abandoned at the hospital, retired military workers with severe PTSD, and people who just need some puppy love. Focusing specifically on my volunteer shifts at the Children's Levine Hospital, I shadow physical therapists and nurses, actively assisting with children's therapy sessions. One particular experience stands out. Through dedicated sessions and personalized exercises, I worked closely with a paralyzed child, aiming to improve their mobility and get them back home. Witnessing the gradual progress and eventual breakthrough as the child regained movement in their hands was immensely rewarding. It reaffirmed my passion for rehabilitation and inspired me to pursue a career within the medical field. This internship provided invaluable hands-on experience, reinforcing classroom learning with real-world application. It taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and perseverance in the field of healthcare. Moreover, it solidified my commitment to serving others and advocating for those in need. My time at Children's Levine Hospital is undoubtedly shaping my academic and professional trajectory, instilling in me a profound sense of purpose and determination. I am eager to continue my journey in higher education at a university, where I aspire to further develop my skills and contribute positively to the local community and the world.

My journey with therapy dogs stems from an unfortunate event when I was only 10. My guitar teacher unexpectedly passed away due to suicide, and I struggled with the concept of death. Fortunately, my two dogs Holly and Esther became my source of comfort, lifting my spirits and helping me navigate through a hardship I wish never had to be experienced. Upon entering high school and witnessing the tragic suicides of five peers, I knew I needed to make a meaningful difference. I came up with the idea to utilize the therapeutic impact of my dogs to help those struggling with mental health. This commitment led to working with a full time professional therapy dog trainer, and after months of training and practicing, my dogs and I passed the exam. This gave me the title as a certified therapy dog handler, and my dogs as certified therapy dogs. I used the certification as my gateway into my school. I contacted the superintendent of my school district, the school board, and the principal. I presented them with my idea and my desire to help prevent suicide. After getting the “yes” I was praying for, I looked for any way I could to get involved with clubs to get my dogs on campus. I needed my dogs to help be the happiness for those who felt like they had none. It was this drive that pushed me into founding a therapy dog nonprofit named Healing Puppy Project. The nonprofit opened up volunteer opportunities at the Children’s Levine Hospital, the Charlotte Airport, the Jewish Community Center and more. I’ve made connections with children waiting for a heart transplant, teenagers my age who have been abandoned at the hospital, retired military workers with severe PTSD, and people who just need some puppy love. Focusing specifically on my volunteer shifts at the Children's Levine Hospital, I have had the opportunity to shadow physical therapists and nurses, actively assisting with children's therapy sessions. One particular experience stands out. Through dedicated sessions and personalized exercises, I worked closely with a paralyzed child, aiming to improve their mobility and get them back home. Witnessing the gradual progress and eventual breakthrough as the child regained movement in their hands was immensely rewarding. It reaffirmed my passion for rehabilitation and inspired me to pursue a career within the medical field. My time at Children's Levine Hospital is undoubtedly shaping my academic and professional trajectory, instilling in me a profound sense of purpose and determination. I am eager to continue my journey in higher education at a university, where I aspire to further develop my skills and contribute positively to the local community and the world.