Growing up in the city of Springfield, Illinois, I have always encouraged and helped individuals of all diverse backgrounds. I made an effort to be involved in multiple clubs, sports, and organizations to uplift and engage with those of all diversities throughout middle and high school. Without these experiences, I would not be the same individual I am today, being able to go out of my comfort zone and experience new opportunities. Here at Iowa State University, my engagement in WiSE, SWE, and Habitat for Humanity Club, I have met countless individuals of all backgrounds and am always interested in their stories. I have continued to learn, develop, and pursue my interest in obtaining my degree. As a female civil engineering student, I want to empower the younger generations of females interested in STEM careers and mentor them in the development and knowledge of the field. Furthering my personal development, community service is an essential part of my life. All throughout high school, I was highly involved in volunteering in my community through the St. John’s Breadline, Vachel Lindsay Elementary School, and coaching third-grade girls basketball. After my sister was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, I realized the true importance of community. We could navigate through life with the Springfield community's support and help. Appreciation, thankfulness, and gratitude are genuine words we felt during this time, and I further realized the importance of what one act of kindness could do for somebody’s life. Wanting to continue to uplift and help inspire others, I have continued to volunteer through multiple acts of service. Transitioning to Iowa State University, I wanted to continue giving back to the community of Ames, and I started volunteering at Food at First. Being in a college town, the food insecurities are not highlighted where the focus is directed toward the big game or some upcoming event. Volunteering at Food at First has opened my eyes to how fortunate I am to know where my next meal is coming from. Donating four hours a week to help prepare, serve, and clean up meals for the less fortunate allows me to feel I am helping to provide support in an area where there is a lack of in the community. Through acts of service of volunteering to give back to the community, I can inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of generosity and kindness.

Studying abroad will allow me to grow in these aspects as an individual who loves to explore, broaden my horizons, learn, and develop. I have always loved exploring new places, whether checking out a new spot in Springfield or going on family vacations. I have been privileged to have the opportunity to travel within the United States to states like Florida, Oregon, South Carolina, and Massachusetts. Traveling and experiencing new places is essential for an individual to grow and learn about new places. Traveling has allowed me to appreciate and have gratitude for each day I have the opportunity to learn new things. With always having a strong desire to explore and learn more throughout my history classes, I have taken both in high school and college, studying abroad will allow me to see the places I have read about in books, in real life. It is so important to understand the background and making of a country. There is much to explore and learn about through places, culture, and people. Growing up in Springfield, Illinois, I have always encouraged and helped individuals of all diverse backgrounds. I tried to be involved in multiple clubs, sports, and organizations to uplift and engage with individuals of all backgrounds. This allowed me to be the individual I am today, dedicated to giving back to my community. After my sister was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, I realized the true importance of community. We could navigate life through this rough time with the Springfield community's support and help. Appreciation, thankfulness, and gratitude are genuine words we felt during this time, and I further realized the importance of what one little act of kindness could do for somebody's life. Through high school, I participated in various volunteer opportunities, such as St. John's Breadline, raking leaves for veterans, Lindsay Elementary School, and coaching a third-grade girls basketball team, all allowing me to give back to the community of Springfield, wanting to make an impact on individuals' lives. As I continued into college at Iowa State University, I continued my love for helping others in a community through volunteering at Food At First and Society of Women Engineers Elementary Learn Days. I have experienced enormous joy and thankfulness through these volunteer opportunities, allowing me to grow as an individual. Studying abroad will allow me to expand my desire to help give back to individuals in another country, as I will find opportunities where I can give back. The one word that immediately comes to mind when I hear the phrase study abroad is opportunity. This experience allows you to become a well-rounded individual for life and professionally. Understanding how to develop connections with any individual is extremely important in Civil Engineering. Working on projects, several individuals are from different backgrounds, and the ability to communicate is pivotal. Studying abroad will allow me to submerge myself in various cultures, history, and knowledge in one semester. The opportunities I will be able to experience all within one semester will allow me to grow in enormous ways, which will help me down the road in my professional career. Being in a male-dominated field, I always look for ways to improve and be the best individual I can be. Life-long learning is significant, and studying abroad will allow me to grow in ways I never thought possible. As an individual dedicated to giving back, personal growth, and exploring, studying abroad will allow me to immerse myself in endless opportunities.