My time at Illinois State University ignited my love for learning and for service to others. When I was a freshman, I joined a group called Alternative Breaks. We traveled to different cities and completed volunteer projects on different social issues. I participated in 7 trips throughout college, both as a participant and student leader. On these trips I gained an understanding of people and cities from a different perspective. I believe I am deserving of the Glendale Women’s Club scholarship due to my dedication to serving others. Over the past 5 years, I have held numerous roles supporting low-income youth and helping them achieve their educational goals. After graduation from ISU, I moved to Chicago and dedicated a year of service to City Year, an AmeriCorps program. I was placed in North Lawndale, one of the city's most under-resourced neighborhoods. I supported students closely as an academic tutor and mentor and saw how this lack of resources affected their wellbeing and views of themselves. After City Year, I began working at Genesys Works, a nonprofit that provides professional training for high school seniors from under-resourced communities and connects them to corporate internships. I have seen students from similar communities as North Lawndale, transform personally and professionally through employment opportunities. I was a Program Coordinator, directly supporting students in their internships and a Program Manager, leading our recruitment and retention efforts. These experiences have influenced me to return to school and pursue a degree in Urban Planning. While I was nervous about returning after 5 years, I felt this would allow me to expand my impact and make systematic change. I often thought about the difference in education, access, and opportunities that were awarded to students based on where they lived, and I want to change that. When I envision my future career, I am hoping to engage with all members of a community and include them in the processes to improve their quality of life. I am interested in economic development and helping create more jobs for the community. I also want to explore how development can revitalize a community. This field is not only about access, but expansion. The decision to move from Chicago to Milwaukee was not an easy one. However, as I researched schools it was clear to me that this was the right fit. Milwaukee is a city that has been affected heavily by deindustrialization and segregation. However, there is so much hope and determination here! Everyone I have met is dedicated to improving this community and making Milwaukee and the surrounding area a better place to live. My experience living here has been amazing so far and I hope to give back to this community as much as I can. I am the first person in my family to pursue a master’s degree and am one of the few from my family to have a bachelor’s degree. I was able to attend undergrad because of the support I received through the Pell grant and scholarships. While I am currently working, the hours are limited to 20 a week which helps cover my day-to-day expenses and rent. I am pursuing this degree because I believe in work and improving others’ lives, but I want to be realistic about the amount of debt I am taking on relative to my future salary. I have actively been applying for scholarships and will continue to do so. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

Communities across the world are concerned with screen time and the effects social media can have on mental health and social anxiety. Originally designed as a way to connect us, social media has become a means of dividing us socially and culturally. However, TikTok has proven to be an outlet for people of all ages to connect and try new things. One of the most popular phenomena has been “BookTok”. BookTok is accessible to all, removing barriers and creating a platform where anyone, regardless of age or background, can share their love for books. Two books that have had an influence on me are, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid and "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara, which I discovered through TikTok. Both novels, though different in themes and settings, have resonated deeply with millions of people through TikTok. "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," with its intriguing narrative about a Hollywood starlet, captivates users with its exploration of love, identity, and ambition. Meanwhile, "A Little Life" dives into more intense themes of friendship, trauma, and the human condition. These emotional depths foster a sense of community among readers, encouraging them to share their experiences and find connection in each other's stories. Discussions around "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" has a unqiue set up. Each chapter represents a different husband in Evenlyn's life. I believe this story resonates with so many people because it addresses LGBTQ+ representation, women's roles in media, and the complexities of fame. Evenyln struggles between who she really is and who the media wants her to be. She struggles with maintaining a certain "image" of herself in order to advance her career. Women are held to different expectations than men, another theme through out the book. "A Little Life" prompts discussions on mental health, trauma, and healing, and male friendship. Through out the book, we dive deeper into Jude's condition and are shown how the various people in his life try to support him. This book addresses heavier topics which resonate with readers because of its raw approach. Both novels have become catalysts for dialogue on significant societal topics, reflecting TikTok's role in shaping cultural discussions. The impact of these novels highlights a new era in literary engagement. These novels illustrate how social media can amplify literary works and foster community. TikTok has proven to be a powerful connector between the digital and literary world. TikTok has become a haven for promoting diverse voices and stories. It actively champions books from varied genres, cultures, and authors, contributing to the spread of diverse narratives and fostering a more inclusive reading culture.