I have always believed that making a difference in the world does not require being wealthy, famous, or having a powerful position. Sometimes, it begins with something as simple as volunteering your time, helping someone through a difficult situation, or showing kindness when someone needs it most. Growing up in Charlotte County, Florida, I learned that giving back to my community is not just about completing volunteer hours. It is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Throughout high school, I participated in community service through organizations such as Key Club, Parrot Outreach, and the Punta Gorda Library. Volunteering at the library allowed me to contribute to a place that provides educational resources and opportunities for people of all ages. These experiences taught me responsibility, patience, and the importance of supporting organizations that bring communities together. I realized that even small contributions can have a lasting impact when people work toward a common goal. One of my most meaningful experiences was participating in hurricane cleanup efforts following Hurricane Helene in 2024. Living in Southwest Florida, I witnessed how devastating natural disasters can be for families and communities. Seeing people struggle with the aftermath motivated me to help with recovery efforts. Although I could not fix every problem caused by the storm, I wanted to contribute whatever time and energy I could. This experience taught me that giving back is especially important when people are facing circumstances beyond their control. In Fall 2026, I began my freshman year at Nova Southeastern University, majoring in Biology with a pre-dental focus. Since arriving on campus, I have joined two dental clubs to expand my knowledge of dentistry and connect with students who share similar professional goals. I am also considering joining a dental fraternity and plan to shadow professionals at dental and orthodontic offices during Summer 2027. Through these experiences, I hope to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a compassionate healthcare professional. My ultimate goal is to become an orthodontist and eventually open my own practice. My passion for orthodontics began when I saw my smile after having my braces removed. The confidence I gained from that experience made me realize how much dental care can change someone's life. However, I also recognize that not every family can afford orthodontic treatment. I want to help change that. In the future, I hope to establish a program through my practice that provides free or reduced-cost orthodontic treatment to children from low-income families. I want to create opportunities for children who might otherwise go without treatment because of financial barriers. I also hope to mentor students interested in dentistry, especially those who may not have access to the resources or guidance needed to pursue higher education. To me, positively impacting the world means using the opportunities I have been given to create opportunities for others. Whether I am volunteering in my hometown, helping families recover after a hurricane, or eventually providing orthodontic care to children in need, I want my actions to reflect compassion and service. My goal is not simply to become successful, but to use that success to improve the lives of others and inspire them to do the same.

Growing up in Charlotte County, Florida, I have witnessed how natural disasters can affect families and entire communities. In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding and destruction to Southwest Florida, leaving many residents facing damaged homes, lost belongings, and uncertainty. Seeing the impact on my community motivated me to become involved in recovery efforts because I believed that even small acts of kindness could make a difference. One of the biggest challenges my community faced was recovering from the damage left behind by the hurricane. Many families were overwhelmed by the destruction and the amount of work needed to return to their normal lives. Rather than standing by, I wanted to contribute my time and energy to helping my community recover. I participated in hurricane cleanup efforts, doing what I could to support the recovery process. Although I could not undo the damage caused by the storm, I knew that helping in any way was better than doing nothing. This experience taught me the importance of compassion, teamwork, and community involvement. I realized that helping others does not always require money or special resources. Sometimes, simply being willing to volunteer your time can have a meaningful impact. My involvement in organizations such as Key Club, Parrot Outreach, and volunteering at the Punta Gorda Library further strengthened my commitment to serving others. Since beginning college at Nova Southeastern University in Fall 2026, I have continued looking for opportunities to grow personally and professionally. In the future, I hope to expand my community involvement by organizing volunteer opportunities, encouraging other students to participate in service projects, and supporting families facing difficult circumstances. My long-term goal is to become an orthodontist and eventually establish a program that helps children from low-income families receive orthodontic treatment they otherwise could not afford. I want to use my education and future career to address another important community issue: access to affordable dental care. Hurricane Helene showed me that a strong community is built by people who are willing to help one another. I hope to carry that lesson throughout my education, career, and life, continuing to make a positive difference wherever I can.

The first time I saw my smile after getting my braces removed, I could not stop smiling. For the first time, I felt truly confident in my appearance. That experience taught me that dental care is about much more than having straight teeth. It is about improving oral health, building confidence, and changing lives. My experience with orthodontic treatment inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry, where I hope to give others the same confidence I gained. I began my freshman year at Nova Southeastern University in Fall 2026, majoring in Biology with a pre-dental focus. Although my ultimate goal is to become an orthodontist, I recognize that dental hygiene plays an essential role in maintaining oral health. Preventive care, patient education, and proper dental hygiene can make a lasting difference in someone's overall well-being. Since starting college, I have joined two dental clubs to expand my knowledge of the profession, connect with students who share similar goals, and explore opportunities in dentistry. I am also considering joining a dental fraternity to further develop my professional connections. During Summer 2027, I plan to shadow professionals at general dental offices and an orthodontist's office. These experiences will allow me to observe patient care firsthand, understand daily responsibilities, and learn how dental professionals work together to improve oral health. My academic journey has taught me determination and responsibility. At sixteen, I began taking college courses through dual enrollment while completing high school. In Spring 2026, I graduated with both my high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree. Balancing these responsibilities required discipline, time management, and perseverance, qualities I continue to apply to my college education. In the future, I hope to establish my own orthodontic practice and create a program that helps children from low-income families receive orthodontic treatment they otherwise could not afford. I believe everyone deserves access to quality dental care regardless of their financial circumstances. Financial preparedness is an important part of achieving these goals. Pursuing dentistry requires years of education, careful budgeting, and significant financial commitment. As a college student, I understand the importance of managing expenses, applying for scholarships, and preparing financially for dental school. Receiving this scholarship would reduce my educational expenses and allow me to focus on academics, shadowing opportunities, and professional development. My ultimate goal is not simply to become an orthodontist, but to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Just as my orthodontic experience transformed my confidence, I hope to help others discover the power of a healthy smile.

Entering higher education has been both exciting and intimidating because I have often felt like an outsider learning how the system works while moving through it. As a second-generation immigrant, my educational journey has been shaped by my family’s sacrifices and by the responsibility I feel to make the most of the opportunities available to me. Rather than viewing higher education as simply the next step after high school, I see it as an opportunity to build a future that reflects both where my family came from and where I hope to go. One of the biggest challenges has been learning to navigate an educational system that can feel complicated even when you are doing everything you are supposed to do. College applications, financial aid, scholarships, course requirements, and planning for a professional career all come with expectations that are not always obvious. I have had to become comfortable asking questions, researching opportunities, and advocating for myself. That experience has made me more independent and has taught me that not knowing how something works does not mean I do not belong there. It simply means I have to be willing to learn. My family background has also influenced how seriously I approach education. I understand that the opportunities I have today are connected to sacrifices made before I ever entered a classroom. That perspective motivated me to challenge myself academically. I attended a collegiate high school, began taking college courses at sixteen, and graduated with both my high school diploma and an associate degree. Taking that path was not always easy. There were moments when I struggled, especially with standardized testing and balancing demanding coursework, but those experiences taught me persistence. I learned that my abilities cannot be defined by one test score or one difficult class. Now, as I continue my education, my goal is to become an orthodontist. I am pursuing biology on the pre-dental track and understand that reaching that goal will require years of education, dental school, and specialized training. Being a second-generation immigrant has made that goal feel bigger than simply earning a degree or choosing a career. I want to create stability for my future while also using my education to serve others. Eventually, I hope to own a practice and create opportunities for children from lower-income families to receive orthodontic care that might otherwise be financially out of reach. My greatest hope for higher education is that it continues to push me beyond what feels familiar. My concern is that there will still be moments when I feel as though everyone else understands the system better than I do. However, my journey so far has shown me that being an outsider does not prevent me from succeeding within that system. It has taught me to be resourceful, persistent, and willing to ask for help. Higher education represents more than a personal accomplishment to me. It is a way to honor the opportunities my family worked to create and eventually use those opportunities to open doors for others.

My educational goal is to become an orthodontist and use my career to make a difference in the lives of others. I am currently studying Biology on the pre-dental track at Nova Southeastern University. After earning my bachelor's degree, I plan to attend dental school to earn my D.D.S. or D.M.D. and then complete an orthodontic residency. Although I know this path will require many years of hard work and dedication, I am excited about the future I am working toward. My interest in orthodontics comes from wanting a career that combines science, healthcare, and helping people feel more confident in themselves. I have always enjoyed science and learning how things work, which led me to pursue biology and the pre-dental pathway. Starting college coursework at a young age through dual enrollment also challenged me academically and helped prepare me for the responsibility and independence that come with college. I graduated high school while also earning my Associate of Arts degree, and that experience showed me how much I can accomplish when I stay committed to a goal. At Nova Southeastern University, I am continuing to challenge myself through courses such as chemistry, calculus, and biology while becoming involved in my campus community. I am also gaining experience balancing academics with work and extracurricular activities. These experiences are helping me develop skills that will be important throughout dental school and my future career, including time management, communication, perseverance, and leadership. In the future, I hope to own an orthodontic practice and give back to the community that helped me reach my goals. One of my biggest goals is to create a program or fund that helps provide orthodontic treatment to children and families who otherwise may not be able to afford braces. Orthodontic treatment can have an important impact on someone's oral health and confidence, and I want finances to be less of a barrier for families who need care. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue working toward these goals by reducing the financial burden of my undergraduate education. Becoming an orthodontist requires undergraduate school, dental school, and additional specialty training, making it a long and expensive educational journey. Scholarship support would allow me to focus more of my time and energy on succeeding academically, gaining meaningful experiences, and preparing for dental school. More than financial assistance, this scholarship would be an investment in the future I am working to create. I am determined to make the most of my education and eventually use it to serve others. My goal is not only to become an orthodontist, but to become one who gives back, creates opportunities for others, and makes quality orthodontic care more accessible in my community.

My name is Emma Borrego, and I am an undergraduate student studying biology on the pre-dental track at Nova Southeastern University. My goal is to become an orthodontist and eventually use my career to help people who may not otherwise have access to orthodontic care. I have always believed that hard work and helping others can open doors, and those values have shaped the student and person I am today. My path to college required a lot of determination. During high school, I was also dual enrolled in college courses, which allowed me to graduate with both my high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree. Balancing the responsibilities of high school and college at the same time taught me discipline, time management, and how to keep going when things became difficult. Now that I have started at NSU, I am continuing to challenge myself through my biology and pre-dental coursework while becoming involved on campus and preparing for my future in dentistry. Outside of academics, sports and service have also played an important role in my life. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been a major commitment of mine for years, and I recently earned my purple belt. I have competed in the sport and have also helped teach younger students. Jiu-Jitsu has taught me that improvement does not happen overnight. You have to show up, learn from your mistakes, and continue working even when something is difficult. I try to carry that same mindset into school and other parts of my life. Community service has shown me the importance of using my time to help others. I have volunteered through organizations and my local library, as well as helped my community following hurricanes. In college, I want to continue serving others while becoming more involved in pre-dental organizations and opportunities that prepare me for my career. In the future, I hope to create a program through my orthodontic practice that helps provide braces and orthodontic care to children and families who cannot afford treatment. Receiving this scholarship would help reduce the financial burden of my undergraduate education and allow me to focus more of my time and energy on academics, service, and preparing for dental school. Becoming an orthodontist requires many years of education, and the costs associated with undergraduate school, dental school, and eventually residency can add up quickly. Every scholarship I receive helps make that journey more manageable. Most importantly, this scholarship would support a goal that goes beyond earning a degree. I want to build a career where I can make a meaningful difference in people's lives and eventually give back to the community that helped me reach my own goals. I know there is still a long road ahead, but I am willing to continue putting in the work to get there.

Mental health is something I have learned to take more seriously as I have gotten older. For a long time, I thought being strong meant handling everything on my own and continuing to push forward no matter how overwhelmed I felt. Between school, work, sports, planning for college, and trying to reach the goals I set for myself, there have been times when I put a lot of pressure on myself. Those experiences have taught me that taking care of your mental health is just as important as working hard toward your future. I have always been someone who sets high expectations for myself. I completed college courses while I was still in high school, worked while going to school, volunteered in my community, and stayed committed to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I am proud of those accomplishments, but they also taught me that constantly focusing on the next goal can become overwhelming. I have had to learn that it is okay to slow down, ask for help, talk to someone, or simply admit that I am stressed instead of pretending everything is fine. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has played a big role in changing the way I handle difficult moments. There are days when nothing seems to work and you feel frustrated with yourself, but you still come back and try again. Over the years, I have learned that progress does not happen perfectly. That lesson has carried over into the rest of my life. A difficult day does not erase everything I have accomplished, and struggling with something does not mean I should give up. My experiences have also changed the way I look at other people. You never completely know what someone else is dealing with. A person can look happy, successful, or confident while struggling with something privately. Because of that, I try to be more understanding and patient with people. It has also influenced the relationships I have with my friends, family, teammates, and the younger students I have helped in Jiu Jitsu. Sometimes helping someone does not mean solving their problem. It can simply mean listening to them, encouraging them, or making sure they know someone cares. This understanding is something I want to carry into my future career. I am studying Biology on a pre dental track with the goal of becoming an orthodontist. I love the idea of helping people smile and feel more confident, especially children. I know that walking into a healthcare office can sometimes be stressful or intimidating. I want my future patients to feel like they are being treated as people, not just as another appointment. My experiences with mental health have taught me that success is about more than grades, accomplishments, or reaching the next goal. It is also about learning how to take care of yourself, being willing to ask for help, and showing compassion toward people whose struggles you may not be able to see. Those are lessons I plan to carry with me throughout college, dental school, and eventually into the way I care for my own patients.

My family is a huge part of the person I am today and the reason I have such big goals for my future. Growing up, I learned early that life is not always going to be easy, but my family taught me that difficult circumstances do not have to stop you from accomplishing what you want. My dad has been one of my biggest examples of hard work and determination. He served in the United States Air Force, including during the Iraq War, and his experiences taught me the meaning of sacrifice and service. He has always pushed me to keep going, especially when I doubt myself. One thing I have learned from him is that failing at something does not mean you are a failure. You figure out what went wrong, work harder, and try again. That mindset has stayed with me throughout school and has helped me get through some of my hardest moments. My mom has shown me another kind of strength. Watching her care for our family while facing challenges of her own has taught me how important compassion and patience are. She is one of the reasons I care so much about helping others. My younger siblings have also shaped me. Being their older sister has made me want to set a good example and show them that they can go after goals that might seem impossible at first. My family was a major motivation behind pushing myself academically. At sixteen, I began taking college courses while still completing high school. It was not always easy balancing college classes with work, volunteering, jiu-jitsu, and everything else in my life. There were definitely moments when I questioned whether I could handle it all. However, I kept going and eventually graduated from high school with my Associate of Arts degree already completed. Seeing how proud my family was made every stressful night and difficult class worth it. Now, I am beginning my next chapter at Nova Southeastern University, where I am studying Biology on the pre-dental track. My ultimate goal is to become an orthodontist and eventually own my own practice. I want my career to be about more than having a successful business. I hope to create a program through my practice that helps children from lower-income families receive orthodontic care they may otherwise be unable to afford. My family has taught me that success means more when you use it to help someone else. Everything they have sacrificed and taught me motivates me to keep pushing toward my goals. One day, I hope to make them proud not only by becoming an orthodontist, but by becoming someone who uses her career to give other families opportunities too.

What gives me an advantage over other applicants is not one award, one grade, or one accomplishment. It is the amount I have been willing to take on at a young age and the determination I have shown while doing it. At eighteen, I am beginning my first year at Nova Southeastern University already holding both my high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree. I started taking college courses at sixteen, worked more than twenty hours a week while finishing school, completed over 165 hours of community service, trained and competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, helped coach younger athletes, and continued working toward a goal I have had for years: becoming an orthodontist. None of these things happened easily or overnight. They happened because when I decide that something matters to me, I am willing to work for it. One of the things that best represents this is my education. Instead of following a traditional high school schedule, I attended Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School and became a dual-enrollment student. At sixteen years old, I was sitting in actual college courses and being held to the same expectations as adult college students. There was no separate standard because I was younger. I had to learn quickly how to manage college-level exams, assignments, professors, deadlines, and responsibilities while still completing high school. There were definitely times when it became overwhelming. I was balancing courses like biology, chemistry, statistics, and trigonometry while also working and staying involved outside of school. I was not perfect at everything, either. There were tests that did not go the way I wanted and subjects that required much more effort from me than others. However, I learned that one difficult grade does not determine what I am capable of doing. I became someone who asks questions, studies differently when something is not working, and keeps trying until I understand it. By graduation, all of that work allowed me to walk across the stage not only with my high school diploma, but also with my associate degree. That is something I am extremely proud of because I know how much work happened behind the scenes to make it possible. At the same time, school was never my only responsibility. I worked at Empire Bagels throughout high school, often working more than twenty hours each week. Many of my shifts started around 6:00 in the morning. Working in customer service taught me things that I could never learn from a classroom. I learned how to communicate with all different types of people, stay calm when we were extremely busy, work as part of a team, and show up even on mornings when I would have rather stayed in bed. Another major part of my life has been Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I have spent years training several days a week, competing, progressing through belts, and eventually helping teach younger students. I earned first place in both Gi and No-Gi divisions at a NAGA competition, but some of the most important things Jiu-Jitsu has given me have nothing to do with medals. Jiu-Jitsu has taught me how to lose, struggle, get frustrated, and still come back the next day. There is always someone stronger, faster, or more experienced than you. You can spend days struggling with one technique before it finally makes sense. That experience changed the way I respond to challenges in other parts of my life. When something is difficult academically, I do not automatically see difficulty as a reason to quit. I see it as something I have not figured out yet. That mindset is something I will carry with me through college, dental school, and eventually orthodontic residency. Service has also been important to me. I have completed more than 165 hours of community service through different organizations and projects. I have volunteered at my local library, helped make food for people experiencing homelessness, participated in community cleanups, and helped people in my community following hurricanes. I have also spent time coaching younger children in Jiu-Jitsu. Those experiences taught me that helping people does not always have to involve some huge gesture. Sometimes it is cleaning up after a storm. Sometimes it is making food. Sometimes it is spending extra time helping a younger student understand something they have been struggling with. What matters is being willing to notice when someone needs help and actually doing something about it. Now I am beginning the next part of my journey at Nova Southeastern University, where I am studying Biology on the pre-dental track. My long-term goal is to become an orthodontist. I know that means years of difficult science courses, the DAT, dental school, and an orthodontic residency. I am not choosing an easy path, but I am choosing something I genuinely want. My goal also goes further than earning the title of orthodontist. One day, I hope to have my own practice and create a way to help children and families who cannot easily afford orthodontic treatment. Braces can be incredibly expensive, and I do not want finances to automatically prevent someone from receiving care that could improve their dental health and confidence. I want the education I receive to eventually become something that benefits people beyond myself. That is why I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship. I cannot say that I am more deserving than every person applying because I do not know their stories. I am sure many of them are hardworking students with incredible goals of their own. What gives me an advantage is that I already have a record of pushing myself beyond what was required of me. At sixteen, I chose to take college courses. While completing high school and my associate degree, I continued working. While working and going to school, I continued volunteering and training. When things became difficult, I learned how to adjust instead of immediately giving up. I am proud of what I have accomplished, but I also know I am nowhere near finished. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue an educational journey that I have already invested years of work into. It would reduce some of the financial pressure of college and allow me to put more energy toward preparing for dental school and becoming the strongest student I can be. Most importantly, I would treat this scholarship as an investment that I have a responsibility to make worthwhile. What separates me is not that everything has come easily to me. It hasn't. What separates me is that I keep showing up. Whether that means walking into an 8:00 a.m. chemistry class, working an early shift, stepping onto a Jiu-Jitsu mat, volunteering in my community, or eventually walking into dental school, I know how to commit myself to something even when it becomes difficult. I have already accomplished more than the younger version of myself probably would have imagined, but my biggest goals are still ahead of me. This scholarship would not be a reward for reaching the end of my journey. It would be support for someone who is just getting started.

Selected Passage — Plato, The Republic, Book VII, Allegory of the Cave “And now, I said, let me show in a figure how far our nature is enlightened or unenlightened:—Behold! human beings living in an underground den, which has a mouth open towards the light and reaching all along the den; here they have been from their childhood, and have their legs and necks chained so that they cannot move, and can only see before them, being prevented by the chains from turning round their heads.” In this passage from Plato's Republic, I believe Plato is showing that one of the biggest things holding people back from understanding the truth is not a lack of intelligence but becoming too comfortable with what they already know. The prisoners have lived in the cave their entire lives, so they do not realize how limited their view of the world actually is. To me, the cave represents the limits we sometimes place on our own thinking, while the light represents the knowledge and understanding that become possible when we are willing to question what we have always believed. One of the first things that stood out to me was Plato saying that the prisoners had been chained “from their childhood.” I think that detail is extremely important. If someone has been in the same situation for their entire life, they have nothing else to compare it to. The prisoners do not wake up every day thinking about how trapped they are because being trapped is normal to them. They have never experienced anything different. I think Plato is using this to show how easily people can accept something as true simply because it is what they have always known. We learn so much from the people and environments around us. Our families, schools, friends, communities, and experiences all affect how we see the world. That does not mean everything we learn from them is wrong, but it does mean our perspective can be limited. If we never question anything or listen to another point of view, we can become like the prisoners who can only look straight ahead. Another part of the passage that stood out to me is that the prisoners physically cannot turn their heads. There is more around them, but they cannot see it. I think this is one of Plato's strongest ideas because something can exist even if we have never personally seen or experienced it. Sometimes it is easy to believe that our own experience is the full picture when it is really only one part of it. This is why I think Plato's passage is really about the importance of being open-minded. Being open-minded does not mean immediately believing everything someone tells you. Instead, it means being willing to listen, ask questions, and admit that there may be something you do not understand yet. I think that takes maturity because it is much easier to stay with an idea that feels familiar than to admit you could be wrong. The light outside of Plato's cave also has an important meaning. I see the light as knowledge, truth, and a deeper understanding of the world. However, reaching that light is not supposed to be easy. Someone who had spent their entire life in darkness would not immediately be comfortable stepping into bright sunlight. Their eyes would need time to adjust. I think learning can work the same way. Sometimes learning something new is exciting, but other times it can be uncomfortable. It can challenge something you thought you understood or make you realize that a situation is more complicated than you originally believed. That does not make the learning bad. In fact, I think those moments can teach us the most because they force us to think instead of simply accepting an answer. This also changes how I think about education. Education is obviously about learning information, but I do not think that is the only purpose. Memorizing facts can help someone pass an exam, but being educated should also mean knowing how to think for yourself. It should teach you how to ask better questions, look at evidence, listen to different perspectives, and understand why you believe something. That is one reason this passage stood out to me as I begin college. College is a new chapter where I know I am going to meet people with different experiences and perspectives from my own. I will also take classes that challenge me and learn things that I have never been exposed to before. I do not expect every new idea to completely change what I believe, but I do want to be willing to listen and learn. I think refusing to consider something simply because it is unfamiliar would be another version of refusing to turn around in Plato's cave. The chains can also represent fear. Sometimes people stay with what they know because changing their perspective can be scary. There is comfort in feeling certain. Admitting that you do not know something, asking for help, or realizing that you were wrong can make you feel vulnerable. However, I have learned that growth usually requires being uncomfortable at some point. You cannot improve if you are unwilling to recognize that there is still something you need to learn. I also do not think Plato is saying that we should question everything just for the sake of questioning it. There needs to be a purpose behind it. If we automatically assume everything is false, we are not necessarily becoming wiser. Instead, I think Plato wants us to examine what we believe and be willing to search for a better understanding when there is more to learn. That message still matters today. We have access to an unbelievable amount of information through our phones, social media, school, news, and the internet. Having access to more information does not automatically mean we understand more. We still have to decide what is trustworthy, recognize when we do not have the full story, and be willing to look beyond what is immediately in front of us. Ultimately, I think Plato's cave represents something everyone experiences in some way. None of us begins life knowing everything, and there will always be things outside of our current understanding. The important part is whether we are willing to turn around and look. For me, Plato's message is that real growth begins when we stop assuming that what we currently see is all there is to see. The prisoners are limited because they cannot turn toward something different. Education gives us the opportunity to do exactly that. It allows us to question, discover, and understand more than we did before. We may never know everything, but we can continue moving toward the light by staying curious, being willing to learn, and never becoming so comfortable with what we know that we stop looking for what we do not.

I believe values are shown through our actions, not just our words. The values that guide my life are compassion, perseverance, and integrity. They have been shaped by my experiences and will continue to influence the kind of healthcare professional I hope to become. Growing up with hearing loss taught me compassion from a young age. There were times when I struggled to hear conversations or communicate with others, which could be frustrating. Those experiences helped me realize that everyone is facing challenges that aren't always visible. Because of that, I try to treat people with patience, kindness, and respect. As a future orthodontist, I want every patient to feel heard and comfortable. A smile can change someone's confidence, but so can the way they are treated. Perseverance has also been one of the biggest lessons in my life. While attending a collegiate high school and earning college credits, I faced many setbacks with standardized testing. I studied for months, worked with a tutor, and refused to give up until I reached my goal. That experience taught me that success isn't about never failing—it's about continuing to work hard even when things don't go as planned. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu reinforced that lesson. Training and coaching younger students showed me that improvement takes patience and consistency. It also reminded me that everyone learns differently, and sometimes the greatest difference you can make is believing in someone when they don't yet believe in themselves. Integrity is the third value that guides me. To me, integrity means being honest, taking responsibility, and always putting others first. In healthcare, patients trust providers with some of the most important moments of their lives. I want to earn that trust by always treating people with honesty, respect, and compassion. These values also shape how I want to give back to my community. My dream is to become an orthodontist and provide quality care while making treatment more accessible for families who may not be able to afford it. I want my career to be about more than straightening teeth. I want to improve people's confidence, help them smile without hesitation, and make a positive impact that lasts long after they leave my office. At the end of my career, I hope people remember me not only for my skills but also for the way I treated them. Compassion, perseverance, and integrity will continue to guide every decision I make, helping me build a career centered on serving others with kindness and purpose.

When I think about the future, I don't think about having the biggest office or making the most money. I think about the people I want to help. That's one of the biggest reasons I want to become an orthodontist. Most people see braces as a way to straighten teeth, but I see them as something that can change the way a person feels about themselves. A smile can make someone feel more confident, and I want to be part of that. A lot of my inspiration comes from my own experiences growing up. Because of my hearing loss, I spent a lot of time at doctor appointments. I met healthcare providers who were kind, patient, and made me feel comfortable, even when I was nervous. They always took the time to explain things instead of rushing through the appointment. Those are the people I remember the most. They showed me that being a great healthcare provider isn't just about knowing the answers. It's about making people feel like they matter. That's the kind of person I hope to become. Right now, I'm studying Biology at Nova Southeastern University because it's the first step toward my dream of becoming an orthodontist. I know there's still a long road ahead with dental school and years of training, but I'm excited for it. Every class I take is helping me get closer to the career I've wanted for a long time. One thing I hope to do someday is make orthodontic care more affordable for families who need it. I know there are kids who need braces but never get them because the cost is just too much. I'd love to create a program in my future practice that helps those families receive treatment at a lower cost or even for free. I don't think someone should miss out on feeling confident simply because they can't afford care. The people who inspire me the most are my parents. They've always pushed me to work hard and never give up, even when things didn't go the way I planned. When I struggled with standardized tests, they reminded me that one bad score didn't define me. They encouraged me to keep trying, ask for help when I needed it, and trust that my hard work would eventually pay off. That's something I'll always be thankful for. I also hope my story encourages other students who feel like they're falling behind. I've learned that everyone has challenges, and mine have taught me to keep moving forward instead of giving up. Looking back, I wouldn't change those experiences because they've helped shape the person I am today. At the end of the day, the impact I want to make is pretty simple. I want my patients to leave my office feeling better than when they walked in. I want them to know they were listened to, treated with kindness, and genuinely cared about. If I can help someone smile with confidence while making my community a little better along the way, then I'll know I've made the kind of difference I always hoped to make.

When people ask me what I want to build in the future, my answer is simple: I want to build an orthodontic practice that changes lives. Most people think of braces as something that simply straightens teeth, but I see them as a way to build confidence. I want to create a place where every patient feels comfortable, respected, and supported, no matter their background or financial situation. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in doctors' offices because of my hearing loss and other medical conditions. Those experiences taught me that healthcare is about much more than treatment. The doctors who made the biggest impact on me were the ones who took the time to listen, explain things clearly, and make me feel valued. I want to build that same kind of environment for my own patients one day. Building this dream will not happen overnight. It starts with the education I am receiving now as a Biology student at Nova Southeastern University. Every class I take and every opportunity I have to learn brings me one step closer to becoming an orthodontist. I know there will be challenges along the way, but I have learned that growth often comes from overcoming obstacles. Living with hearing loss has taught me resilience, patience, and determination. Instead of letting those challenges define me, I have used them as motivation to work harder and pursue my goals. Beyond building a successful practice, I hope to build stronger communities. Orthodontic treatment can be expensive, and many families are unable to afford it. As my practice grows, I want to create a program that provides free or reduced-cost treatment for children whose families need financial assistance. Every child deserves the opportunity to smile with confidence, regardless of their financial situation. I also want to build meaningful relationships with my patients. Trust is one of the most important parts of healthcare, and I want every person who walks into my office to know they are more than just an appointment on my schedule. Whether that means taking extra time to answer questions or making my office more accessible for patients with hearing loss, I want people to leave knowing they were genuinely cared for. When I look toward my future, success is not measured by the size of my business or the number of patients I see. It is measured by the lives I improve and the community I help strengthen. If I can build a practice where patients feel understood, children gain confidence through their smiles, and families know they are receiving compassionate care, then I will know I have built something that truly matters.

Growing up, I learned that not every medical condition is easy to recognize. Some illnesses have visible symptoms, while others remain hidden because they are misunderstood or mistaken for something else. As I have prepared for a career in healthcare, I have realized that one of the most important qualities a healthcare provider can have is the ability to listen. Every patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and believed, especially when they are struggling with symptoms that are often overlooked. Before learning about Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME), I did not realize how many people are affected by these conditions or how frequently they go unrecognized. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently published clinical guidelines emphasizing the importance of properly diagnosing and treating premenstrual disorders because they can significantly affect a person's emotional well-being, relationships, school, and work. Learning this made me realize that awareness is just as important as treatment. If healthcare professionals are not trained to recognize these conditions, many patients may spend years searching for answers instead of receiving the care they need. My goal is to become an orthodontist because I enjoy helping people improve both their health and their confidence. Although PMDD and PME are outside the specialty of dentistry, I believe every healthcare professional shares the responsibility of recognizing when something is beyond their area of expertise. Patients often see their dentist regularly, creating opportunities to notice changes in their overall health, ask thoughtful questions, and encourage them to seek additional medical evaluation when necessary. One concrete way I hope to help move PMDD and PME into routine clinical care is by continuing to educate myself about conditions outside my specialty while promoting communication between healthcare providers. I want to understand how physical and mental health are connected so I can recognize when a patient may benefit from a referral to their primary care physician, gynecologist, or mental health professional. Rather than dismissing concerns that fall outside dentistry, I want every patient to know their symptoms deserve to be taken seriously. Recent research has also highlighted that menstrual cycle-related mental health conditions remain underrecognized in clinical practice and that improving provider education can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes. That reinforces my belief that meaningful change begins with education. When healthcare professionals understand conditions like PMDD and PME, patients are more likely to receive timely treatment instead of being misunderstood or overlooked. As I continue my education, I hope to become the kind of healthcare provider who listens first, treats every patient with compassion, and never assumes that a symptom is "normal" simply because it is common. Medical advancements will continue to improve healthcare, but lasting change begins when providers take the time to listen, collaborate, and advocate for their patients. By increasing awareness, encouraging interdisciplinary communication, and always taking patients seriously, I believe we can help bring PMDD and PME from the margins of healthcare into the routine care every patient deserves. References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42162940/ https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/clinical-practice-guideline/articles/2023/12/management-of-premenstrual-disorders?utm_source=chatgpt.com

One book that has had a lasting impact on me is Stuffed Courage: The Halloween Child by Jason Borrego. Although it tells a fictional story, the lessons about courage, perseverance, and believing in yourself felt very real to me. The biggest lesson I learned from the book is that courage is not about never being afraid. It is about continuing to move forward even when life becomes difficult. That message connected with me because it reminds me of my own experiences and the challenges I have had to overcome. Throughout high school, I challenged myself by attending a collegiate high school with the goal of graduating in just two years. While I worked hard and earned good grades, standardized testing became one of the biggest obstacles I had ever faced. I spent countless hours studying, completing practice tests, and trying different study methods, but I still struggled to earn the scores I needed. Watching classmates succeed while I continued to fall short was frustrating, and there were times when I questioned whether I was capable of reaching my goal. Reading Stuffed Courage reminded me that everyone faces challenges, but what matters most is how we respond to them. Instead of giving up, I changed the way I prepared. I asked for help from a tutor, stayed disciplined, and continued working even when I felt discouraged. Progress didn't happen overnight, but each small improvement brought me closer to my goal. Eventually, all of that hard work paid off, and I earned the scores I needed to graduate high school early and begin college at sixteen years old. That experience completely changed the way I view obstacles. I no longer see failure as something to fear. Instead, I see it as an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow stronger. Just like the message in Stuffed Courage, I learned that courage is choosing to keep going, even when the journey feels overwhelming. The lessons from this book continue to shape my future goals. I plan to earn my bachelor's degree in biology before attending dental school to become an orthodontist. I know the road ahead will not be easy. Dental school will require years of dedication, long hours of studying, and perseverance. However, my experiences have taught me that difficult challenges are often the ones that help us grow the most. Whenever I face setbacks, I remind myself that every obstacle is another opportunity to become a better student, a stronger person, and eventually a compassionate healthcare professional. One day, I hope to make a positive difference in the lives of my patients by giving them confidence in their smiles and helping them improve their oral health. Just as my family, teachers, and tutor believed in me when I struggled, I hope to encourage others to believe in themselves as well. Stuffed Courage reinforced a lesson that I will carry with me throughout college, dental school, and my career: success is not determined by how many times we fail, but by having the courage to keep moving forward no matter what challenges stand in our way.

My name is Emma Borrego, and this fall I will begin studying Biology at Nova Southeastern University with the goal of becoming an orthodontist. I am a Deaf and Hard of Hearing student, and throughout my life I have learned to overcome challenges with determination and perseverance. I earned my Associate of Arts degree while still in high school, worked while balancing my education, volunteered in my community, and recently earned my purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where I also help coach younger students. While I am proud of these accomplishments, one of the biggest challenges I have faced has been my mental health. During high school, I struggled with anxiety and depression. There were times when I felt invisible, even when I was surrounded by people. I questioned my worth, my friendships, and whether I was good enough. Because so much of what I was feeling was invisible, it often seemed like no one knew how much I was struggling. Going to school, keeping up with assignments, and planning for my future became difficult when I was carrying those emotions every day. What helped me through those difficult moments was my faith in God. Even when I felt lost, I believed He had a purpose for my life. My faith gave me hope when I could not find it on my own and reminded me that my struggles did not define who I was. It also taught me that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it takes courage to be honest about what you are going through and to lean on the people who care about you. Living with anxiety and depression has changed the way I see others. I know that many people are fighting battles that cannot be seen, which is why I try to be someone who listens without judging. I make an effort to check in on friends, encourage open conversations about mental health, and remind people that they are not alone. Sometimes a simple conversation or kind word can make a bigger difference than we realize. These experiences have shaped the person I am today and the future I hope to build. As a future healthcare professional, I want every patient to feel heard, respected, and cared for. I know what it feels like to struggle in silence, and I never want someone to leave my care feeling unseen. My journey has taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of supporting others through difficult times. I hope to use both my education and my personal experiences to make a positive difference in the lives of those I serve while continuing to remind others that there is always hope.

Growing up, I watched my mom live with systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as lupus. Seeing someone you love live with a chronic illness changes the way you look at healthcare. I saw the doctor appointments, the medications, the pain, and the days when she had very little energy. I also saw how unpredictable lupus can be. Some days she felt okay, and other days a flare could completely change her plans. I refuse to accept that people with lupus have to go through so much without better support and understanding. I wanted to learn more about why lupus is so difficult to diagnose and treat. I researched how lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect almost any part of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and brain. I also learned that its symptoms are different for every person, which is one reason many patients wait months or even years before getting the correct diagnosis. Reading stories from other people living with lupus helped me realize that my mom's experience was not unique. Many patients felt like they were not being heard or that their symptoms were dismissed because they did not always "look sick." That is something I never want people to experience. As I learned more, I started thinking about what I would change. I believe healthcare should focus on the whole person, not just the disease. Patients with lupus often have to see several different doctors, and it can be frustrating when those providers are not always on the same page. I would like to see healthcare teams communicate better so patients do not have to keep repeating their medical history or worry that something important will be missed. I also think patients should have easier access to reliable information, mental health resources, and support groups because living with a lifelong illness affects every part of their life. Watching my mom has shaped the future I hope to create. I plan to become an orthodontist, but no matter what area of healthcare I work in, I want my patients to know they are being listened to. I want to create an environment where every patient feels respected, understood, and comfortable asking questions. Good healthcare is not only about treating a condition. It is about treating the person. Lupus may not have a cure yet, but that does not mean we cannot improve the lives of the people living with it. I hope to be part of a future where patients are diagnosed sooner, receive better coordinated care, and are treated with the compassion they deserve. That is a future worth working toward, and it is one I refuse to accept as impossible.

Growing up, I learned that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact. Whether it was helping someone find a book at the library, encouraging a child during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practice, or volunteering at community events, I realized that serving others is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference. These experiences have shaped who I am and inspired the career I hope to build in healthcare. One of the most rewarding ways I have served my community has been through coaching younger students in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While I enjoy competing, teaching has become even more meaningful. Many of the children I work with are learning confidence and discipline for the first time. I enjoy encouraging them when they become frustrated, celebrating their accomplishments, and reminding them that progress comes through patience and perseverance. Watching them grow both on and off the mats has shown me that leadership is about helping others believe in themselves. I have also dedicated my time to volunteering in my community. At the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, I assisted staff by organizing materials, helping with daily operations, and supporting community programs. Although these tasks may seem simple, they helped create a welcoming environment where people of all ages could learn and connect. Through the Parrot Outreach Society, I participated in outreach events and helped care for rescued parrots while educating visitors about conservation and responsible animal care. These experiences taught me that every volunteer plays an important role in strengthening the community. Through Key Club, I participated in fundraising efforts and community service projects that supported local organizations. Working alongside other students showed me how much can be accomplished when people come together with a shared purpose. I also worked part-time while attending school, which strengthened my appreciation for serving others with patience, respect, and professionalism every day. These experiences have shaped my future goals. As a Biology major at Nova Southeastern University, I am working toward becoming an orthodontist. I hope to build a practice where I can improve not only my patients' smiles but also their confidence and overall well-being. I also want to continue giving back by mentoring students, volunteering in my community, and providing compassionate care to those who need it most. Service has taught me that making a difference is not about one extraordinary act. It is about consistently showing up, helping others, and using your skills to strengthen the community around you. Those lessons will continue to guide me throughout my education, my career, and my life.

Hard work, perseverance, and faith have shaped the person I am today. I am a Biology major at Nova Southeastern University with the goal of becoming an orthodontist and one day opening my own practice. Every challenge I have faced has strengthened my determination to keep moving forward and make a positive impact on others. Some of my biggest challenges started before I could even remember them. I was born at 32 weeks, weighing just over three pounds and without a heartbeat. After spending weeks in the NICU, I continued to face obstacles and was later diagnosed with hearing loss. Wearing hearing aids and learning to adapt to a world that was not always designed for someone with hearing loss taught me resilience at a young age. Instead of letting those challenges hold me back, I used them as motivation to work harder and prove to myself that I could achieve my goals. My family has always been my biggest source of support. They have encouraged me to work hard, stay humble, and never give up, even when life became difficult. Because of their encouragement, I challenged myself academically by earning my Associate of Arts degree through dual enrollment while still completing high school. Balancing college classes, high school coursework, a part-time job, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities was not easy, but it taught me discipline, responsibility, and time management. One of the biggest influences in my life has been Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Competing has taught me that success is earned through preparation, consistency, and perseverance. Winning first place in both Gi and No-Gi divisions was exciting, but my proudest accomplishment has been helping coach younger students. Teaching kids has strengthened my leadership, patience, and communication skills while allowing me to give back to a sport that has given me so much. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my education through dental school and become an orthodontist. My goal is to help people gain confidence through their smiles while providing compassionate, high-quality care. I also hope to mentor future students and continue serving my community through volunteer work and leadership. The lessons I have learned from my family, my education, and athletics have prepared me for the future. No matter what challenges come my way, I know that hard work, faith, and perseverance will continue to guide me. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue pursuing my education and move one step closer to achieving my dream of making a difference in the lives of others.

My plan for the future is to become an orthodontist and eventually open my own orthodontic practice. Ever since I was younger, I have been interested in science and healthcare because I have seen firsthand how much medical professionals can change someone's life. Growing up with hearing loss gave me a different perspective and taught me the importance of caring for others with patience and compassion. It also inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a positive difference in people's lives every day. This fall, I will be attending Nova Southeastern University to major in biology as I begin my journey toward dental school. I know becoming an orthodontist won't be easy. It will take years of studying, hard work, and dedication, but I am ready for that challenge. Throughout high school, I pushed myself by attending a collegiate high school and earning my Associate of Arts degree while completing my high school diploma. There were times when balancing college classes, work, volunteering, and extracurricular activities felt overwhelming, but those experiences taught me how to manage my time, stay focused, and never give up when things became difficult. My dream goes beyond simply becoming an orthodontist. One day, I want to own my own practice where patients feel comfortable and welcomed from the moment they walk through the door. I want to build a place where people are treated with kindness and respect, especially those who may be nervous or have disabilities like I do. Having hearing loss has shown me how important good communication is in healthcare, and I want every patient to know they are being listened to and cared for. Receiving this scholarship would help me take another step toward achieving these goals. College and dental school are expensive, and I want to graduate with as little student loan debt as possible so I can focus on building my career instead of worrying about finances. This scholarship would help pay for tuition, books, and other educational expenses, allowing me to spend more time focusing on my classes and gaining the experience I need to become a successful healthcare professional. More than anything, this scholarship would be an investment in my future. My goal is to use my education to help people smile with confidence and improve their quality of life. I know there will be challenges along the way, but I have learned that hard work, determination, and perseverance can help me overcome them. I am excited to begin this next chapter at Nova Southeastern University, and I am committed to working hard to achieve my dream of becoming an orthodontist and giving back to my community.

Growing up, the thing that made me stand out wasn't my height or the way I held a pencil—it was my hearing loss. Because I wear hearing aids, people often noticed them before they got to know me. As a kid, that made me feel different. I was constantly asking people to repeat themselves, reading lips without even realizing it, and making sure I sat near the front of the classroom so I wouldn't miss what the teacher was saying. While those things became normal for me, they sometimes made me feel like I didn't quite fit in. When you're young, even small differences can feel huge. There were times when classmates would ask why I wore hearing aids or make comments that made me self-conscious. Sometimes I misunderstood jokes or missed parts of conversations, and everyone else laughed while I stood there trying to figure out what had happened. It was frustrating because I wanted people to see me for who I was, not for the hearing aids I wore. For a while, I wished I could blend in like everyone else. But as I got older, I realized my hearing loss had given me strengths that many people never have the chance to develop. I became a better listener because I had to pay close attention. I learned how to advocate for myself by explaining the accommodations I needed and speaking up when I didn't understand something. Most importantly, I became more patient and understanding of other people's struggles. Everyone has challenges that aren't immediately visible, and my own experience taught me never to judge someone based on what I see. My hearing loss also influenced the future I want to build. It inspired my interest in healthcare and reinforced my goal of becoming an orthodontist. I know what it feels like to sit in a medical office and depend on caring professionals who take the time to explain things clearly and treat you with kindness. One day, I want to provide that same experience for my own patients. Whether a patient is nervous, has a disability, or simply needs reassurance, I want them to leave my office feeling respected, confident, and cared for. Today, I no longer see my hearing loss as something awkward or embarrassing. Instead, I see it as one of the experiences that helped shape my character. It taught me resilience, empathy, and perseverance—qualities that have helped me succeed in school, at work, and in my community. The thing that once made me feel different has become one of my greatest strengths. If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I would tell them not to hide from what makes them unique. Sometimes the very thing that makes you stand out is the thing that prepares you to make the greatest impact on others.

Growing up, I learned that science is much more than a subject taught in school. It is a tool that changes lives, solves problems, and gives people hope. I was born prematurely at 32 weeks, weighing only three pounds, and spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit. As I grew older, I was diagnosed with hearing loss and have relied on hearing aids throughout my life. These experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals who use science and technology to improve the lives of others. They also inspired me to pursue a degree in biology and continue my education with the goal of becoming an orthodontist. I chose the STEAM field because I am fascinated by how the human body functions and how advances in medicine can transform a person's health and confidence. Orthodontics is the perfect combination of science, technology, engineering, and creativity. Every treatment plan requires scientific knowledge, precise problem-solving, and the ability to improve not only a patient's oral health but also their self-esteem. I want to build a career where I can combine technical skills with compassion, helping patients feel more confident every time they smile. Throughout high school, I challenged myself academically by attending a collegiate high school while simultaneously earning my Associate of Arts degree through dual enrollment. Balancing college-level coursework, work, volunteer service, and extracurricular activities taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance. Although the journey was demanding, it confirmed that I enjoy being challenged and that I am prepared for the rigorous education required for dental school. Every obstacle I have overcome has strengthened my determination to succeed in healthcare and reinforced my belief that hard work leads to meaningful opportunities. Receiving this scholarship would have a lasting impact on both my education and my future career. Like many students pursuing careers in healthcare, I know that earning a bachelor's degree, attending dental school, and completing specialized orthodontic training require a significant financial investment. This scholarship would help reduce that burden, allowing me to spend more time focusing on my education, gaining valuable clinical experience, and participating in volunteer opportunities instead of worrying about educational expenses. It would also bring me one step closer to graduating with less student loan debt, giving me greater flexibility to pursue my long-term goals. My dream is to one day open my own orthodontic practice where I can provide high-quality care while creating a welcoming environment for every patient. Because I have personally experienced how healthcare professionals can positively influence someone's life, I understand the importance of treating every patient with compassion, patience, and respect. I hope to be the kind of professional who not only improves smiles but also builds confidence and changes lives. This scholarship is more than financial assistance—it is an investment in my education, my future, and my commitment to serving others through science and healthcare.

As a Christian, my faith is a big part of who I am. I pray every night, attend church, and believe in God and His plan for my life. Because of this, I decided to have a meaningful conversation with my close friend, Kameron Surges, who is an atheist. Even though we have been friends for a while, we had never really talked deeply about our beliefs. I wanted to understand why she sees the world differently than I do and learn more about her perspective. During our conversation, Kameron shared that both of her parents are religious and that religion was a major part of her childhood. However, she explained that it often felt forced on her instead of being something she chose for herself. Over time, those experiences led her to identify as an atheist. Before talking with her, I assumed many atheists simply did not believe because they had rejected religion or never seriously thought about it. Listening to Kameron made me realize that her beliefs came from her own experiences and personal reflections, not from a lack of thought or understanding. One thing that surprised me was how respectful and open she was when discussing faith. She listened to my beliefs without judging me, and I tried to do the same for her. Toward the end of our conversation, she told me that while she is currently an atheist, she could see herself becoming more open to exploring religion in the future. She said she is willing to listen to people talk about their faith and learn from their experiences. At the same time, she believes everyone has their own path in life, and for now she wants to follow the path that feels right to her. That part of the conversation stayed with me. As a Christian, I still believe in God and continue to pray every night. I pray that one day Kameron experiences the same peace, comfort, and purpose that my faith has given me. However, our conversation also taught me that faith is a personal journey. While I hope she remains open to exploring spiritual questions, I learned that respecting someone means allowing them to come to their own conclusions. Another thing that surprised me was how much we actually had in common. Even though we disagree about religion, we both value kindness, honesty, helping others, and treating people with respect. I realized that people can share many of the same values even when they have very different beliefs. This conversation helped me better understand how cultural backgrounds, family experiences, and personal choices shape the way people see the world. Kameron's experiences with religion led her to view faith differently than I do, just as my relationship with God has shaped my own perspective. While my beliefs did not change, my understanding grew. I learned that meaningful conversations are not about winning arguments or changing someone's mind. They are about listening, learning, and seeing the world through someone else's eyes. Even when we disagree, we can still respect one another and grow from the experience. 2. I certify that I personally conducted the live interview described in my essay, and I confirm that the submitted photograph is an authentic, unedited image of me and the actual person I interviewed. I have read and agree to the Official Contest Rules. I certify this essay is my original, unpublished work, and it was not generated using Artificial Intelligence.

I came into the world fighting for my life. I was born at just 32 weeks, weighing a little over three pounds, and without a heartbeat. Doctors worked to revive me, giving me a chance that many thought I would never have. My journey did not become easier after that. I spent time in the NICU, faced developmental challenges, and later learned that I had significant hearing loss. Throughout my life, I have had to work harder to overcome obstacles that many people never see. As a Latina student and future first-generation college graduate, these experiences have shaped my determination to succeed and help others. Growing up with hearing loss taught me resilience and self-advocacy. I wear hearing aids, rely on accommodations in the classroom, and have learned how to speak up for myself when I need support. There were times when I felt different from my peers, but instead of allowing those challenges to limit me, I used them as motivation to work harder. I pushed myself academically, maintained a strong GPA, participated in dual enrollment, and earned my Associate of Arts degree while still in high school. I also dedicated myself to service through volunteering in my community, helping at the local library, participating in outreach projects, and mentoring younger children through sports and other activities. My goal is to become an orthodontist and eventually open my own practice. I chose this career because I want to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Orthodontics combines science, healthcare, and personal connection. A confident smile can change how someone sees themselves, and I want to help patients improve both their oral health and their self-esteem. I am especially passionate about serving families who may not always have easy access to quality healthcare. As someone who has benefited from caring professionals who believed in me, I want to provide that same encouragement and support to others. Receiving the Concrete Rose Scholarship would help me continue pursuing these goals by reducing the financial burden of college and allowing me to focus on my education and professional development. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it represents an investment in students who have overcome adversity and are determined to create a better future. My journey has taught me that challenges do not define a person's potential. Through hard work, faith, and perseverance, I have transformed obstacles into motivation. I plan to carry those lessons with me throughout college, dental school, and my future career, using my experiences to inspire others and give back to my community. This scholarship would help me take another important step toward achieving my dream of becoming an orthodontist and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Women's empowerment means giving women and girls the confidence, support, and opportunities they need to achieve their goals. Throughout my life, I have tried to make a positive impact by encouraging others, serving my community, and demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges. I was born at only 32 weeks and weighed just over three pounds. Doctors did not expect me to survive, and throughout my childhood I faced additional obstacles, including hearing loss that required hearing aids and accommodations in school. These experiences taught me the importance of perseverance and self-advocacy. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire other young women to believe in themselves and understand that obstacles do not determine their future. One of the ways I contribute to women's empowerment is through volunteer work and mentorship. I have volunteered at my local library, participated in community service projects, and helped coach younger children through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In these roles, I strive to create an environment where girls feel valued, capable, and confident. Many young girls are hesitant to step outside their comfort zones, whether in sports, academics, or leadership opportunities. I encourage them to challenge themselves, ask questions, and believe in their abilities. As a female athlete, I understand the importance of confidence and determination, especially in spaces where girls may feel underestimated. By leading through example, I hope to show younger girls that they are capable of achieving great things when they work hard and believe in themselves. My future career goals are also connected to empowering others. I plan to become an orthodontist because I want to help people improve both their oral health and their confidence. A healthy smile can have a significant impact on self-esteem, especially for young people. I know firsthand how confidence can influence a person's willingness to participate in school, pursue opportunities, and build relationships. As a future healthcare professional, I hope to support patients not only through treatment but also through encouragement and compassion. I want to be someone who helps others feel comfortable, respected, and confident in who they are. I also hope to serve as a role model for young women who are interested in careers in healthcare and science, showing them that they can succeed in demanding and rewarding professions. Women's empowerment is not always about large public achievements. Sometimes it is found in everyday actions such as encouraging someone to keep trying, helping a young girl build confidence, or supporting others as they pursue their goals. Through my volunteer work, leadership experiences, academic dedication, and future career aspirations, I strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me. I believe every woman deserves the opportunity to reach her full potential, and I am committed to helping create a future where more women and girls feel empowered to pursue their dreams, overcome challenges, and succeed on their own terms.

Higher education means more to me than just earning a degree. To me, it represents opportunity, growth, and the chance to build a future where I can make a real difference in people’s lives. I am pursuing higher education because I want to work in healthcare and help others while proving to myself that challenges do not define a person’s future. My experiences throughout life have taught me resilience, discipline, and perseverance, and those lessons continue to motivate me every day. I was born prematurely at 32 weeks and faced medical challenges from the very beginning of my life. Growing up deaf also created obstacles that made communication and learning more difficult at times. There were moments where I felt behind or frustrated, but those experiences taught me how to adapt and keep pushing forward even when things were harder for me than they seemed for others. Instead of letting those challenges stop me, I used them as motivation to work harder and prove to myself that I was capable of succeeding. One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing dual enrollment coursework while trying to graduate high school early. Even though I did well academically, standardized testing became one of my biggest struggles. It was discouraging watching some of my classmates succeed easily while I spent countless hours studying and still fell short of the scores I needed. There were times I questioned myself and felt mentally exhausted, but I eventually realized that giving up would only hold me back further. I changed my study habits, asked for help, and worked with a tutor to improve my weaknesses. After months of preparation and sacrifice, I finally achieved the scores I needed to move forward with my goals. That experience taught me that success is not always immediate and that asking for help is sometimes necessary to grow. My “why” for pursuing higher education comes from my desire to help people feel confident and cared for. My own orthodontic experience inspired me to pursue a career in orthodontics because I saw firsthand how healthcare can affect someone physically and emotionally. Before getting braces, I felt insecure about my smile and nervous about the process. When my treatment was finally complete, I gained confidence I had never felt before. That experience made me realize how much healthcare professionals can impact someone’s self-esteem and quality of life. I want to become someone who can provide that same confidence and support to others. Outside of academics, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has also played a major role in shaping who I am. Training and helping coach younger students taught me discipline, patience, leadership, and how to stay calm under pressure. It also taught me that failure is part of growth. You learn more from setbacks than from easy victories, and that mindset helped me through difficult moments in both school and life. I believe I am deserving of this award because I understand the value of hard work and perseverance. I have faced challenges that could have discouraged me, but instead they pushed me to become stronger and more determined. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial burden of college and allow me to focus more fully on my education and future career goals. More importantly, it would support my dream of helping others through healthcare and making a positive impact on people’s lives.

Seeing my own smile change and gaining confidence during my orthodontic treatment made me realize how much a healthcare professional can impact someone’s life. That experience inspired me to pursue a career where I can combine science, precision, and compassion to improve both physical and emotional well-being. My long-term goal is to become an orthodontist because I have seen firsthand how a smile can affect confidence, self-esteem, and the way people interact with others. By helping patients improve their smiles, I hope to help them feel more confident, comfortable, and prepared to face challenges in their daily lives. At first, I was nervous about getting braces because of the pain and negative stories I had heard. Over time, however, the process changed my perspective. When my braces were finally removed, I felt a level of confidence I had never experienced before. That experience showed me the importance of patient care and how healthcare professionals can positively influence a person’s life far beyond physical treatment. It also made me interested in the connection between physical health and emotional well-being. To reach my goal, I plan to major in Biology on a pre-dental track while completing the courses required for dental school, including chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and advanced biology classes. I also plan to maintain a strong GPA and prepare for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). After completing my undergraduate degree, my next step will be attending dental school and later completing an orthodontic residency program. I understand that this path will take many years of commitment, discipline, and preparation, but I am prepared to dedicate myself fully to achieving this goal. Resources and experience are essential for success in healthcare, so I plan to continue volunteering in dental clinics, shadowing orthodontists, and learning from mentors in the medical and dental fields. These opportunities will help me strengthen both my technical knowledge and my communication skills with patients. I also plan to continue developing leadership and discipline through community involvement and coaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which has taught me patience, teamwork, and responsibility. Financial planning is also an important part of my future goals. I understand that college tuition, books, transportation, housing, dental school expenses, and residency costs can be expensive. To manage these costs, I plan to combine scholarships, financial aid, savings, and part-time work opportunities when possible. Receiving scholarships will allow me to focus more on academics, clinical experiences, and service opportunities without constantly worrying about financial stress. I also understand the importance of flexibility and considering all paths to success. While orthodontics is my primary goal, I remain open to related healthcare careers that would still allow me to help others through science and patient care. This career path will require years of hard work, sacrifice, and persistence, but I am motivated by the opportunity to improve lives. My goal is not only to help patients achieve healthier smiles, but also to help them gain confidence and improve their overall well-being. Through education, discipline, mentorship, and community support, I am committed to building a future where I can make a meaningful impact on others

One song from Olivia Rodrigo that deeply resonates with my life is Teenage Dream. The song talks about pressure, insecurity, fear of growing up, and never feeling like you are enough. For me, it feels more than just a song about being a teenager. It feels like someone explaining emotions I have struggled to put into words for years. One of the biggest reasons I connect to this song is because I constantly feel pressure to prove myself. No matter what I accomplish, I rarely feel proud for long. I graduated high school, challenged myself academically through dual enrollment, stayed committed to jiu-jitsu, and worked hard toward my future goals, yet I still feel like I should be doing more. Even after accomplishing something important, I often feel numb instead of happy. My mind immediately focuses on the next thing I need to improve about myself. It becomes exhausting always feeling like I have to compete with everyone around me, including myself. Growing up deaf and hard of hearing also shaped a lot of my insecurities. In elementary school, some people I thought were my friends bullied me or made comments because of my hearing loss. At the time, I acted like it did not affect me, but looking back, it deeply damaged my confidence. Those experiences made me constantly overthink how people see me. Even now, I often feel like people secretly dislike me or think I am awkward, even if they have given me no reason to believe that. I also struggle with social anxiety and feeling disconnected from others. Sometimes it feels like nobody ever asks if I am okay because people assume I am fine. I hide my emotions well, so most people probably do not realize how much I overthink everything. On the outside, I usually seem calm, but internally I carry a lot of fear and self-doubt. I think years of criticism and negativity around me caused me to become my own worst critic. Jiu-jitsu is one of the few things that genuinely makes me feel alive and connected to something meaningful. I love the sport deeply and enjoy coaching others, but even there I still struggle with insecurity. I worry that I sound stupid, say the wrong thing, or that people do not actually like me. Even while helping coach, I sometimes feel like I am not doing enough. Still, I continue showing up because jiu-jitsu gives me purpose and reminds me that I am stronger than my fears. As I prepare to leave for college in Fall 2026, these emotions have become even stronger. I am excited, but I am also terrified of starting over somewhere new without knowing anyone. A part of me fears ending up lonely again or feeling like I do not belong. “Teenage Dream” resonates with me because it captures the fear of growing up while still feeling uncertain about yourself and your future. Even with these struggles, I continue pushing forward. I keep working hard, showing up for the things I care about, and trying to become the best version of myself. That is why this song means so much to me. It reminds me that even though I often feel alone in my thoughts, I am not the only person struggling with pressure, insecurity, and the fear of not being enough.

My dad, Jason Borrego, is a 100% disabled veteran of the United States Air Force, and his military service has shaped me in ways I did not fully understand until I got older. Growing up, he did not always talk in detail about what he went through, but the lessons were still there in how he carried himself. He showed me what discipline looks like, what sacrifice means, and what it means to keep going even when things are not fair or easy. One story he shared with me from his time in the Iraq War has stuck with me. He talked about being in situations where he had to stay calm under extreme pressure and make decisions quickly while carrying out missions. Hearing that made me realize that strength is not always loud. Sometimes it is just staying focused when everything around you is uncertain. That mindset has influenced how I handle challenges in my own life, especially in school. My dad’s military background also shaped my educational journey in a very real way. I was selected for a collegiate high school program and set a goal to graduate early. I was doing well in my classes, but standardized testing like the ACT, SAT, and Accuplacer became a major struggle for me. I would study and prepare, but my scores did not match the effort I was putting in. That was really frustrating because I felt like I was doing everything right but still falling short. During that time, I kept thinking about my dad and how he talks about not quitting just because something is hard. I realized I had to stop just working harder and start working differently. I changed my approach, organized my studying better, and eventually got a tutor to help me understand where I was going wrong. That was a turning point for me. Instead of trying to push through alone, I learned how important it is to ask for help and adjust your strategy. Over time, I started seeing progress. It was not instant, but small improvements built up. Eventually, I was able to meet my testing requirements and graduate high school early at 16. That experience taught me that success is not just about intelligence or effort, it is about persistence and being willing to change when something is not working. My dad’s military service also indirectly shaped my career goals. Watching his discipline and sense of responsibility made me want a career where I can serve others in a meaningful way. That is part of why I am pursuing orthodontics. I want to work in a field where I can help people feel more confident in themselves, not just physically but emotionally too. Overall, my dad’s service taught me that strength is showing up, adapting, and not giving up when things get difficult. My own experiences in school have reinforced that lesson. Together, they have shaped how I approach my education, my goals, and the kind of person I want to become.

To me, selflessness is not something you say, it is something you show through your actions every day. It means putting others first even when it is inconvenient, offering help without expecting anything in return, and being willing to step up when someone is in need. I try to live this out in both big moments and small ones, because I have learned that even simple actions can make a real difference. One of the most meaningful examples of selflessness in my life happened after Hurricane Milton in 2024. A member of my jiu jitsu gym had their home flooded, and I knew I wanted to help. I also knew that one person would not be enough, so I organized a group of teammates to come together. Before we started, I made sure everyone had food and drinks so we could stay focused and work effectively. Then we spent hours helping the family sort through damaged belongings, salvage what we could, and clean up their home. It was not easy work, but no one complained because we all understood we were there for something bigger than ourselves. Seeing how much it meant to that family reminded me that selflessness is about showing up and doing what you can, even when it is difficult. I have also practiced selflessness through coaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. When I help newer students, my focus is not on myself but on their growth. Many of them come in feeling unsure or frustrated, and I take the time to guide them, encourage them, and break things down in a way they can understand. I have learned that sometimes people do not just need instruction, they need someone who believes in them. Being patient and supportive has allowed me to help others build confidence, which is one of the most rewarding parts of my experience. Another way I embody selflessness is through community service. I have volunteered preparing food for people experiencing homelessness, helping at community events, and assisting at a local library with children’s activities. In those moments, I am reminded that service is not about recognition or hours, but about consistency and care. Whether I am organizing books, helping a child with an activity, or simply being present, I try to give my full effort because I know it matters to someone. Even in everyday situations, I try to put others first. Being deaf and hard of hearing has made me more aware of challenges that are not always visible. Because of this, I make an effort to be patient, understanding, and supportive of others. I take time to listen when someone needs help, and I try to create an environment where people feel comfortable and included. Selflessness, to me, is about choosing to care. It is about stepping up when it would be easier to stay back and giving your time and energy to make someone else’s life a little better. Through my experiences, I have learned that helping others not only impacts them but also shapes who you become. It is something I will continue to carry with me in everything I do.

Before orthodontic treatment, I was more aware of my smile than I wanted to be. As it slowly changed, I noticed something else changing too. I felt more comfortable talking to people, more willing to laugh without thinking about it, and more confident just being myself. That experience stuck with me. It made me realize that healthcare is not just about physical changes, it can completely shift how someone feels inside. That is what drew me to orthodontics. My life has not followed an easy or typical path, but it has taught me a lot about who I am. I was born prematurely at 32 weeks, and from the start I had to fight through challenges just to grow and develop. As I got older, I also dealt with hearing and vision difficulties. I had to learn how to adjust in school and everyday life in ways that were different from most people. Using hearing aids and figuring out how to communicate effectively was not always easy, especially when I was younger. There were moments where I felt frustrated or behind, but those experiences forced me to grow. I learned how to speak up for myself, ask for help, and keep going even when things felt uncomfortable. Over time, those challenges became something that made me stronger, not something that held me back. One of the biggest parts of my growth has come from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I joined at first to learn self-defense, but it quickly became something much deeper. Jiu Jitsu teaches you very quickly that you are not always going to win. You get put in tough positions, you mess up, and sometimes you feel stuck. But you learn to stay calm, think, and try again. That mindset has carried into other parts of my life. As I improved, I started helping newer students. Teaching them made me realize how important patience and encouragement are. Sometimes all someone needs is a little support to keep going, and I liked being that person for others. Through Key Club and volunteering, I have also spent time helping in my community, whether that was preparing food for people experiencing homelessness or helping care for animals. Those moments reminded me that helping others does not have to be something big or dramatic. It is often the small, consistent actions that make a real difference. All of these experiences have led me to where I am now. I plan to major in Biology on a pre dental track because I want to become an orthodontist. What draws me to this field is not just the science, but the impact. I know what it feels like to gain confidence from something that seems small on the outside but means everything on the inside. This scholarship would make a real difference for me. It would help ease the financial pressure of college and allow me to focus more on my education and future. I have worked hard to get to this point, and I am ready to keep pushing forward. My goal is to one day be in a position where I can give others that same confidence and comfort that once changed everything for me.

Going to college means more to me than just continuing school. It’s something I’ve been working toward for a long time, and to me, it represents growth, independence, and a real step toward the future I want. It’s not just about getting a degree—it’s about proving to myself that I can push through challenges and become the person I know I’m capable of being. High school hasn’t always been easy for me. I’ve struggled, especially with standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and Accuplacer because of my test anxiety. There were times where I felt like all the work I was putting in didn’t match the results I was getting. That was frustrating, and honestly, it made me doubt myself at first. But I realized that staying stuck in that mindset wasn’t going to help me move forward. So I started asking for help, making better plans, and pushing myself even when it felt uncomfortable. Because of that, I’ve learned how to be more patient with myself and more determined. Going to college means continuing that growth and not letting setbacks define what I’m capable of. Being deaf and hard of hearing has also played a big role in my journey. I’ve had to learn how to advocate for myself, whether that’s asking people to repeat things or making sure I have the accommodations I need to succeed. That’s not always easy, especially in group settings or new environments, but it’s made me stronger and more confident over time. In college, I know I’ll face new challenges, but I also know I’m prepared to handle them. I want to continue growing in my ability to communicate, speak up for myself, and help create an environment where others feel included too. As far as what I want to accomplish, I’m working toward a career in healthcare, specifically orthodontics. My own experience with orthodontic treatment made me realize how much something like that can impact a person’s confidence. It wasn’t just about straight teeth—it was about feeling better about myself. That’s something I want to give to other people. In college, my goal is to build a strong academic foundation, especially in science, so I can eventually go to dental school and reach that goal. I also want to stay involved outside the classroom. Service and leadership are really important to me because I’ve seen how much of a difference small actions can make. Whether it’s volunteering, helping at events, or coaching jiu-jitsu, I’ve always tried to give my time to help others. In college, I want to continue doing that by joining organizations, volunteering, and taking on leadership roles where I can make an impact. Overall, going to college means opportunity. It’s my chance to grow, challenge myself, and work toward the future I’ve been building. I’m not just trying to get through college—I’m trying to become someone who can make a difference, both in my career and in the lives of others.

From the very start, life has tested me in ways most people don’t face, and those experiences have shaped my character and the path I am determined to follow. I was born at 32 weeks, weighing just over three pounds and without a heartbeat. My first weeks were spent in the NICU, and even after going home, I struggled with things most kids take for granted, like eating and walking. Therapy became part of my daily life, and I learned early on that progress doesn’t always come easy—but if you keep showing up, it does come. Before I started kindergarten, I learned that I was deaf and hard of hearing. Not long after, I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid iritis, which affected my vision and made school even harder. These disabilities changed the way I learned and how I experienced the classroom. I had to adapt constantly reading lips, wearing hearing aids, and relying on support systems just to keep up. There were times I felt behind or invisible, especially when lessons moved fast or communication broke down. But over time, I learned how to speak up for myself, ask for help, and advocate for what I needed. These experiences have shaped the way I think about my future. Because I’ve struggled with confidence and communication, I want to pursue a career in healthcare where I can make a real difference in people’s lives. I plan to become an orthodontist, not just to fix smiles, but to help people feel more confident and comfortable in themselves. I’ve seen firsthand how much even small changes in physical health can affect mental and emotional well-being, and I want to be someone who supports both. Outside of school, activities like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and community service have helped me build patience, perseverance, and discipline. They’ve also shown me the value of supporting others, listening, and noticing when someone might need help. These lessons are just as important as academic ones—they’ve shaped how I interact with people and how I want to approach my future career. Financial support would make a big difference in my journey to higher education. College comes with so many expenses, from tuition to materials to hands-on experiences like volunteering and shadowing. Balancing these costs with the challenges I face because of my disabilities can be overwhelming. This scholarship would give me the freedom to focus on learning and growing, rather than worrying about how to afford it. My disabilities have shaped my life in ways that are both challenging and meaningful. They’ve taught me resilience, patience, and how to keep going even when things are hard. I plan to carry those lessons with me into college and beyond, using them to not only achieve my own goals but to help others feel seen, supported, and confident in themselves. My story isn’t just about what I’ve overcome—it’s about how I use those experiences to keep moving forward and make a difference.

I chose to pursue science, especially biology, because I want to truly understand the human body and use that knowledge to help people in a real and personal way. My passion for science didn’t just come from a classroom. It came from my own experience with orthodontic treatment and how much it changed the way I see myself. Watching my smile transform over time showed me that healthcare is not just about physical changes. It can completely impact someone’s confidence, emotions, and the way they interact with others. When I first got braces, I was honestly really nervous. I had heard so many negative things about the pain and discomfort, and I didn’t know what to expect. At times, it was uncomfortable, and I questioned if it was worth it. But as time went on, I started noticing small changes in my smile, and those small changes made a big difference in how I felt about myself. The day I got my braces off; I felt a level of confidence and relief that I had never felt before. That moment stayed with me. It made me realize how powerful healthcare can be, especially when it’s done with care and understanding. That experience is what drives my passion for science. I became really interested in how physical health connects to mental and emotional well-being. Something as simple as a smile can affect confidence, self-esteem, and even how someone communicates with others. As someone who is deaf and wears hearing aids, I understand what it feels like to be self-conscious and to overcome challenges that affect confidence. That is a big reason why I want to go into orthodontics. I don’t just want to fix teeth. I want to help people feel more comfortable with themselves and more confident in their everyday lives. I plan to major in biology on a pre-dental track so I can build a strong foundation for dental school. I’m especially interested in learning more about anatomy, physiology, and chemistry because I want to fully understand how everything in the body works together. But for me, it’s not just about learning the material. It’s about using it. I plan to volunteer in dental clinics, shadow orthodontists, and gain real experience so I can grow both my skills and my ability to connect with patients. Outside of school, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and community service have helped shape who I am. Jiu-Jitsu has taught me discipline, patience, and how to push through challenges even when things feel difficult. Community service has shown me how important it is to give back and support others. I plan to carry those lessons into my future career by creating an environment where patients feel understood, supported, and cared for. In the future, I want to use my passion for science to give back to my community by helping people improve their smiles and their confidence. I want to work with people from all different backgrounds and make sure they feel seen and valued. I also want to continue learning about how healthcare can support both physical and emotional health, because I’ve seen firsthand how connected they are. Science, to me, is more than just a subject. It is a way for me to make a difference. My goal is to use what I learn to help others feel confident, strong, and ready to face the world, just like I did after my own journey.

I came into the world early, just 32 weeks along, weighing barely over three pounds and without a heartbeat. From that moment, life demanded resilience. I owe my life to the doctor who refused to give up on me, giving me one last chance to survive instead of simply pronouncing me dead. Milestones that seemed simple for other kids took me longer to reach. I had to learn everything twice, how to eat, how to crawl, how to walk. The doctors did not think I would catch up, but I made sure to never give up. Every small step felt like a victory, and I learned early on that perseverance was not optional, it was necessary. My mom has always been my strongest supporter. Even when she was young, she took me to every therapy session and practiced walking, talking, and other skills with me every day. She helped me keep up even when progress was slow, fought for me when things were hard, and taught me how to advocate for myself. From her I learned that love and dedication can carry you through even the toughest challenges. I also want to recognize my grandma, whose careful preparation of my feeding tube meals with nutritious baby food and vegetables gave me the strength to begin eating on my own. Her attention and care were vital in helping me gain energy and independence. Before I started school, I learned that I was deaf and hard of hearing. My mom helped me adapt by teaching me to lip-read, advocating for hearing aids, and making sure I had the support I needed to communicate and learn. These acts of kindness from the doctor who gave me life, my grandmother who nourished me, and my mom who never gave up have shaped who I am. They showed me how important it is to care for others and to keep going even when things are hard. Their guidance taught me lessons beyond survival, patience, empathy, and the power of showing up for someone when they need you most. Now I try to live by those lessons every day. I notice when people feel left out, I help when I can, and I face challenges with patience and determination. Whether it is helping a classmate understand a tricky concept, including someone in a group activity, or advocating for myself in a noisy overwhelming world, I try to carry forward the same care and dedication I received. The kindness I experienced did not just save me, it taught me how to live, how to support others, and how to keep moving forward no matter what obstacles appear. The relationships I have had with my mom, my grandma, and even the doctor who refused to give up on me are more than memories, they are lessons that shape how I connect with the world. They taught me that meaningful relationships are built on patience, persistence, and compassion. Because of them, I approach every new connection with intention, empathy, and hope. These relationships did not just influence who I am today, they inspire who I strive to be every single day.

Seeing my own smile change and gaining confidence during my orthodontic treatment made me realize how much a healthcare professional can impact someone’s life. At first, I was really nervous because of the pain and all the stories I had heard about braces. But when my treatment was done, I felt a huge sense of relief and confidence. That experience inspired me to pursue a career where I can combine science, care, and precision to support both physical and emotional well-being. I want to help patients feel good about themselves not just physically but emotionally too. A smile can change the way someone interacts with the world, and I want to give people that same confidence I felt. My academic goal is to major in Biology on a pre-dental track and eventually become an orthodontist. I am drawn to understanding the human body, but what excites me most is using that knowledge to help people directly. Orthodontics is not just about straightening teeth it is about improving lives and boosting confidence. I plan to take all the required pre-dental courses like chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and biology while gaining hands-on experience by volunteering in dental clinics and shadowing orthodontists. I have also learned patience, leadership, and communication through coaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and participating in community service which will help me connect with patients and support them in meaningful ways. I need this scholarship because paying for college is a big challenge. Even though I have worked hard to maintain good grades and stay involved in my community the financial side of continuing my education is still stressful. This scholarship would allow me to focus more on my studies, practical experiences, and community involvement instead of constantly worrying about how to afford it all. It would give me the support and confidence I need to keep pursuing my dream of helping patients improve both their smiles and their emotional health. Heavy Metal music has also been a big part of my life and has helped me deal with challenges. Being deaf people sometimes assume I cannot fully enjoy music but I experience it in a different way through vibrations, rhythm, and energy. Heavy Metal is the genre where I feel that the most. It is intense, powerful, and emotional, and it motivates me when I need a boost or a reminder to push through tough times. Some of my favorite bands include Metallica, Slipknot, and Bring Me the Horizon. Their music talks about struggle and resilience which I relate to in my own life. My favorite Metal concert experience was being in a crowd full of people who shared the same passion. Even though I could not hear every detail perfectly I could feel the bass, the energy, and the excitement. I am also really excited to be going to Welcome to Rockville this May which is mostly a rock concert but has some heavy metal bands there too. I cannot wait to experience that energy and feel the music in person because it is always an incredible way to connect with others who share my love for heavy music. Heavy Metal like my journey in school and my career goals reminds me that challenges do not hold me back they push me to grow stronger. This scholarship would help me continue that journey by supporting my education, hands-on experiences, and ability to make a difference in other people’s lives. With this support I can keep turning challenges into strengths whether it is helping someone feel confident about their smile or feeling the power of music that connects people in ways words sometimes cannot.

A smile can change more than just how someone looks. It can change confidence, self-esteem, and how a person interacts with the world. Seeing my own smile improve and feeling more confident during my orthodontic treatment showed me how much a healthcare professional can impact someone’s life. That experience inspired me to pursue a career where I can combine science, care, and precision to support both physical and emotional well-being. I want to become an orthodontist, but I also see how connected orthodontics is to mental health. A smile is more than appearance. It affects confidence, self-esteem, and how people feel in social situations. By helping patients improve their smiles, I hope to help them feel more comfortable, more confident, and ready to face challenges in life. At first I was nervous about the pain and challenges of braces because I had heard so many negative stories. When my teeth were finally straight, I felt confident and relieved. This experience made me grateful because it showed me how much human care matters. Without someone guiding a patient, even small problems can sometimes lead to bigger consequences. I learned that healthcare is not just about fixing something physically, it is about understanding how it affects a person emotionally and being there to support them. I am fascinated by how emotional health and physical health are connected. My experience with braces showed me that even small changes, like aligning teeth, can have a big impact on how someone feels about themselves and how they interact with others. I want to explore this connection further in my career and learn how healthcare can support both the body and the mind. By helping people feel better physically, I hope to help them feel more confident, resilient, and ready to handle other areas of their lives. I chose Biology as my major with a pre-dental track because it gives me the foundation I need for dental school and orthodontics. I am drawn to understanding the human body, but what excites me most is using that knowledge to help people directly. Orthodontics is not only about aligning teeth, but also about improving quality of life and emotional health. This perspective motivates me to work hard in my classes and look for opportunities to grow as a healthcare provider who supports both mental and physical well-being. My plan is to complete my biology degree while taking pre-dental courses like Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, and Biology. I also plan to gain hands-on experience by volunteering in dental clinics, shadowing orthodontists, and learning from mentors. These experiences will help me develop technical skills while also strengthening my ability to connect with patients and understand their emotional needs. Coaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and participating in community service have helped me build patience, leadership, and communication skills, all of which are important for working with patients and supporting their overall well-being. Receiving this scholarship would make a big difference in my education. It would ease the financial burden of college and allow me to focus on my classes, practical experiences, and community involvement without worrying about money. More importantly, it would give me the confidence and support to continue pursuing my dream of helping patients improve both their smiles and their emotional health. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education; it is an investment in my ability to make a real difference in the lives of others.

I’ve learned that life doesn’t always follow the path we expect, and strength isn’t always loud—it’s quiet, persistent, and built through action. I was born prematurely at thirty-two weeks, weighing just three pounds, and my first breaths were measured by machines rather than cradling arms. Growing up deaf, I’ve faced challenges that forced me to adapt, persevere, and advocate for myself. Learning to speak, read lips, and navigate a world that isn’t always designed for someone like me has taught me resilience, patience, and confidence. I’ve discovered that real strength is rising each time life knocks you down and using the obstacles you face to fuel growth, not fear. Sports, particularly jiu-jitsu, have played a central role in shaping who I am. On the mat, I’ve learned that falling isn’t failure; it’s a chance to get up, adjust, and try again. I coach younger students, teaching not only technique but also discipline, respect, and perseverance. Watching them gain confidence and overcome challenges reminds me that leadership is about guiding others while growing alongside them. My experiences in jiu-jitsu have instilled in me the same work ethic and dedication that Kalia Davis exemplified—showing up every day, giving my best, and striving for excellence even when progress is slow or setbacks occur. Service has been a cornerstone of my life because it allows me to put action behind my values. Since eighth grade, I’ve dedicated over 165 hours to volunteering and serving my community. I spent months helping at the Parrot Outreach Society, caring for birds, cleaning cages, and learning patience and responsibility. I guided children at the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, assisting with activities, helping them explore books, and creating a positive environment for learning. I also supported school events like Haunted College, pickleball tournaments, and the school carnival, coordinating activities and helping make each event successful. Even coaching jiu-jitsu has been a form of service—investing time and energy to mentor younger students, build their confidence, and model discipline and respect. These experiences taught me that true service combines empathy, dedication, and a desire to leave others better than you found them. Academically, I am currently dual enrolled in high school and college, on track to graduate this May with both my high school diploma and an associate’s degree. I plan to continue my studies to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, which will allow me to pursue dental school and ultimately become an orthodontist. Achieving this goal requires focus, discipline, and support—qualities I’ve honed through my life experiences, athletics, and community involvement. Receiving the Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship would be an incredible honor and would help me continue this journey. It would support my education financially, allowing me to focus on my studies while continuing to serve my community, mentor younger students, and lead by example in athletics and school projects. This scholarship represents the values Kalia embodied—hard work, kindness, leadership, and a drive to excel—and receiving it would encourage me to continue striving for excellence in academics, athletics, and service. I want to honor her legacy by making a tangible difference in my community, investing in the lives of others, and pursuing my dreams with determination, heart, and purpose.

Character, service, and leadership are important to me because they reflect how I live my faith and follow God’s guidance. Proverbs 3:27 says, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is in your power to act.” This verse reminds me that I have a responsibility to use my time, talents, and resources to help others whenever I can. I am currently a high school and college dual-enrolled student, on track to graduate this May with both my high school diploma and an associate’s degree. Being deaf has shaped who I am, teaching me perseverance, self-advocacy, and patience. I’ve learned to confidently ask for what I need and communicate clearly, even in challenging situations, and I try to show the same understanding and care to others. To me, character is shown through actions—being honest, responsible, and treating people with respect, even when it’s hard. I try to live by these values every day, at school, at home, at work, coaching, and even with strangers. Service has always been central to my life because it allows me to put God’s love into action. Since eighth grade, I have dedicated over 165 hours to serving my school and community. I coach jiu-jitsu, helping younger students gain confidence, learn discipline, and develop respect for themselves and others. I volunteered at the Parrot Outreach Society, caring for birds and learning patience and responsibility. At school, I helped set up events like Haunted College and pickleball tournaments, supporting my community and learning the value of teamwork. Most recently, I served at the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, guiding children during activities and helping create a positive environment for learning. Each experience taught me that serving others is a way to live out God’s call to action and generosity. Leadership, for me, isn’t about titles—it’s about stepping up to help others and guiding them toward success. During Hurricane Milton in 2024, I organized teammates to help a family recover from flooding. We worked side by side, stayed motivated, and made sure our efforts were organized. In jiu-jitsu, I coordinated fundraisers so teammates who couldn’t afford tournaments could still participate. At school, I helped organize events, delegate tasks, and ensure everyone knew their responsibilities. These experiences showed me that leadership requires responsibility, empathy, and humility—qualities that reflect God’s teachings about serving others. If awarded this scholarship, I would use it to continue serving my community and growing in faith while supporting my academic journey. It would help me complete my bachelor’s degree in biology, which will prepare me for dental school and my ultimate goal of becoming an orthodontist. This scholarship would give me the resources and encouragement to stay focused on my studies while still finding time to mentor younger students and serve others. Beyond financial support, this scholarship is a way for me to live out Proverbs 3:27, applying God’s Word through action, service, and leadership. I want my efforts to reflect my faith and inspire others to act with generosity and compassion, using the gifts God has given me to make a meaningful difference—both in my community and in my future career helping patients.

Seeing a patient smile with confidence after completing orthodontic treatment made me realize how powerful this work can be. That moment inspired me to pursue a career as an orthodontist, where I can combine science, precision, and care to make a real difference in people’s lives. Orthodontics is more than aligning teeth—it improves oral health, boosts confidence, and has a lasting impact on daily life. Knowing that I can help someone in such a tangible way motivates me to work hard and dedicate myself fully to this path. I chose Biology as my major with a pre-dental track because it provides the scientific foundation I need for dental school and ultimately orthodontics. I have always been curious about the human body, and STEM education allows me to explore this curiosity in a structured and meaningful way. Learning about anatomy, physiology, and chemistry not only prepares me for future studies but also shows me how understanding science can directly improve health outcomes for others. Beyond academics, I plan to gain experience in dental clinics and by shadowing orthodontists. Observing treatments and working with patients allows me to connect STEM principles to real-world applications, from understanding tooth movement to designing treatment plans. This hands-on experience shows me how STEM skills—like measurement, analysis, and problem-solving—directly translate into helping others. By applying scientific knowledge to improve oral health and boost confidence, I can see how STEM can have a meaningful, lasting impact on someone’s daily life. My plan is to complete my biology degree while taking the required pre-dental courses such as chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. These classes will prepare me for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and provide the scientific understanding necessary for dental school. Volunteering in dental clinics and observing orthodontists in action will give me practical experience, teaching me not only technical skills but also how to communicate with patients and make them feel comfortable. Combining science with empathy is what makes this work so rewarding. Pursuing a career in orthodontics allows me to see STEM in action every day. From analyzing X-rays to designing braces and aligners, I will use scientific reasoning and technical skills to solve problems that directly impact patients’ lives. STEM is not just theory in a classroom—it is a tool to educate, heal, and inspire. By helping patients improve their health and confidence, I can make a tangible difference while continuing to explore my passion for science. In conclusion, pursuing a biology degree with a pre-dental focus is my first step toward becoming an orthodontist. My STEM education will allow me to apply scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and practical skills to help others in meaningful ways. Combining my curiosity, dedication, and desire to serve, I am confident that this path will enable me to positively impact the lives of my future patients.

My father taught me that the best lessons in life come from failure. At first, I thought success was supposed to be quick and straightforward, but my life has shown me something very different. I was born prematurely at just 32 weeks, weighing barely over three pounds and without a heartbeat. From the start, I had to fight to survive. I spent my earliest days in the NICU, and even after leaving, simple milestones like eating, crawling, and walking didn’t come easily. I had to learn everything twice. Those experiences shaped how I see challenges—not as setbacks, but as part of growth. As I got older, I continued to face obstacles that required me to adapt. Before kindergarten, I was diagnosed as deaf and hard of hearing, and soon after, I developed juvenile rheumatoid iritis, which affected my vision. I learned how to read lips, use hearing aids, and rely on support systems to succeed in school. Being in an educational environment where I had to work differently from others taught me independence and resilience. It also taught me how to advocate for myself and not be afraid to ask for help. While I may not come from an international background, learning to navigate environments that weren’t built for me has given me a similar perspective—I’ve had to adjust, grow, and find my place. Through my educational journey, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of both myself and others. I’ve learned that strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet, like showing up on hard days or continuing even when no one notices. I’ve also become more aware of how many people feel overlooked or underestimated. Because of my own experiences, I pay attention to those who might feel invisible. I understand what it’s like to struggle in ways others can’t see, and that has made me more patient, empathetic, and determined to create spaces where people feel included. High school was another defining chapter in my growth. I attended a collegiate high school and set a goal to graduate in two years. While I was successful in my coursework, standardized testing became a major challenge. No matter how much effort I put in, my scores didn’t reflect my abilities. It was frustrating and discouraging, especially watching others succeed where I struggled. For a moment, I questioned whether my hard work would ever be enough. That experience forced me to shift my mindset. I changed my study strategies, sought help from a tutor, and committed myself fully to improving. It wasn’t an instant transformation, but over time, small improvements added up. When I finally retook my exams, I walked in confident, knowing I had done everything I could. That moment taught me that persistence matters more than perfection. My interest in science, especially pursuing a career in dentistry, is directly connected to my experiences. Growing up with medical challenges showed me how important compassionate and attentive care can be. I want to be someone who not only provides treatment but also understands patients on a deeper level—especially those who may feel unheard or overlooked. My goal is to make a meaningful impact by combining science with empathy. Receiving this scholarship would support my goals by reducing financial barriers and allowing me to focus fully on my education. More importantly, it would invest in someone who understands resilience and is committed to using their experiences to help others. My journey has taught me how to keep going, even when things are difficult, and that mindset is something I will carry with me into college and beyond.

Right now, as a high school senior, I’m trying to do everything I can to keep my future student loan debt as low as possible. College is expensive, and I don’t want to start out already in a lot of debt. My main goal is to try my best to prevent borrowing more than I really need, and I’m willing to put in the work now to make that happen. One way I’m doing this is by applying for scholarships every day. I try to submit at least one application daily. So far, I haven’t had much luck, even though I’ve applied to a lot, but I’m not giving up. I know scholarships are a big help with paying for school without having to take out loans, and I’m determined to keep trying until I start getting results. It can be frustrating when I don’t hear back, but I know each application I send is one more chance to reduce my debt and make college more affordable. I also plan to work throughout college. Having a part-time job or doing work-study will let me earn money to help pay for living costs and some tuition. I know it won’t always be easy to balance work and school, but I’m ready to stay organized and focused. Working while in college will also teach me skills like time management, responsibility, and independence, which will help me in the future. Budgeting is another big part of my plan. I want to keep track of my money and spend it carefully. That means knowing the difference between what I need and what I just want and making smart choices. By combining scholarship money, income from work, and careful budgeting, I hope to borrow as little as possible and keep my student loans under control. Overall, my plan for handling student loan debt is simple: work hard, keep applying for scholarships, and be responsible with my money. I know I might still need to borrow some, but I want to start college with a plan to keep my debt as low as I can. I want to focus on school and my career without having student loans be a big problem later. Even though it can be slow and sometimes discouraging, I know my effort now will pay off later. Every scholarship I apply for, every hour I work, and every dollar I budget carefully is a step toward making college more affordable. I’m committed to staying persistent, working hard, and making smart choices so I can graduate with as little debt as possible.

My father taught me that the best lessons in life come from failure. Success is often portrayed as linear, but in reality, it moves more like a roller coaster. This belief is reflected in my own high school journey. I was selected to attend a collegiate high school and successfully navigated the challenging coursework. I was motivated to complete high school in just two years. However, when it came to standardized testing—specifically the ACT, SAT, and Accuplacer—I encountered many setbacks. Testing comes naturally for some, but for me, it was a disheartening experience. I put in the time to study and properly prepare, yet I still fell short of achieving a desirable score. Many of my peers, who struggled with the demanding coursework, aced the testing portion. That was a heavy burden to carry. I was disappointed and realized that my honor roll grades alone wouldn’t be enough to meet the high standards required to graduate in two years. At my lowest moment, I understood that tears weren’t going to change anything. I reflected on my father’s advice: failure is a fork in the road—a make-or-break moment—and it doesn’t define your inner strength. I stepped back and created a plan to overcome this enormous challenge. I reorganized my life to prioritize preparation. Effort and dedication gave me the opportunity to identify weaknesses in my study habits. Still, it wasn’t enough to push past the barrier. Once again, I reassessed my learning strategies. After a conversation with my mother, I realized I needed outside help. On her advice, I brought in a tutor to help me identify my blind spots. This decision became a game-changer in my understanding of how to approach standardized testing. The targeted instruction gave me clear explanations and practice strategies that became essential tools in my preparation. It wasn’t an overnight success—it was a slow grind. Each session helped me overcome small obstacles. But over the course of several months, those small wins added up to a mountain of progress. This period of my life was mentally and physically exhausting. I spent nights and weekends refining my skills through online tools and test prep, while my peers went out and had fun. The sacrifice was painful, and I struggled to understand why success seemed so much harder for me. Life didn’t feel fair. My father reminded me that life isn’t fair—but you sacrifice now for a better future. I held onto that advice, and after what felt like an eternity, I finally got the chance to retake my standardized tests. It felt like the fight of my life. Walking into that testing room, I felt like a warrior going into battle. The two hours felt endless. But when I walked out, I felt powerful—because I knew I had done everything possible to succeed. It was a defining moment when I learned that I had scored high enough to graduate high school early and begin college at the age of 16. Discipline and hard work are timeless recipes for success. But I’ve also learned that asking for help and using available resources is just as crucial when facing obstacles. These experiences strengthened my belief that challenges are not roadblocks—they are opportunities for growth. Standardized testing taught me more than academic content. It taught me life lessons. The most important one: failure isn’t the end. It’s the foundation for success.

My father always told me that the most important lessons in life come from failure. Success is often described as a straight path, but my experience has shown that it is much more like a roller coaster with setbacks, determination, and growth along the way. One of the biggest challenges I faced during high school was overcoming the difficulties I had with standardized testing while pursuing the goal of graduating early and beginning college at a young age. I was selected to attend a collegiate high school and was motivated to complete my high school education in just two years. Academically, I was doing well. I maintained honor roll grades and kept up with the demanding coursework. However, when it came to standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, and Accuplacer, I repeatedly struggled to reach the scores I needed. Testing does not come naturally to everyone, and for me it was one of the most discouraging experiences of my academic journey. I studied for hours and prepared as much as I could, yet my scores did not reflect the effort I was putting in. At times it was difficult not to compare myself to my peers. Some classmates who struggled in class seemed to succeed easily on the tests, while I continued to face setbacks. Eventually I reached a moment where I had to decide how I would respond. I remembered my father’s advice that failure is not the end—it is a turning point. Instead of allowing disappointment to define me, I stepped back and created a plan. I reorganized my schedule, dedicated more time to preparation, and began analyzing where my test-taking strategies were falling short. Even with those changes, improvement was slow. After talking with my mother, I realized I needed guidance from someone with more experience in standardized test preparation. I began working with a tutor who helped me identify blind spots in my approach and develop more effective strategies. That decision made a significant difference. Progress did not happen overnight. Each tutoring session helped me overcome small obstacles and slowly build confidence. I spent evenings and weekends practicing with online tools and refining my test-taking skills while many of my friends were spending their time differently. It required discipline and sacrifice, but it also strengthened my determination to reach my goal. When the opportunity finally came to retake the exams, I walked into the testing room with a completely different mindset. I knew I had done everything possible to prepare. When I later learned that I had achieved the scores needed to graduate high school early and begin college at the age of sixteen, it became one of the proudest moments of my life. That experience shaped who I am today. It taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of asking for help when challenges feel overwhelming. Most importantly, it showed me that setbacks are not barriers to success—they are opportunities to grow stronger. As I pursue higher education, I will continue to carry these lessons with me. College will challenge me academically and personally, but it will also give me the opportunity to keep growing, exploring my interests, and building the future I hope to create. The challenges I faced with standardized testing taught me that perseverance and hard work can turn failure into one of the most powerful foundations for success.

Hurricane Milton was the worst natural disaster I have personally experienced. In 2024, my friend’s house flooded, and I knew I had to help. I realized early on that I do not like to help alone. When someone is in need, I feel stronger and more confident when I have others beside me. I wanted to make a real difference, and I knew that working together would make the task less overwhelming and more effective. I called my jiu-jitsu team and organized a few people to join me. On the way to my friend’s house, we stopped at Publix and bought sandwiches and drinks to keep us fueled for the day. When we arrived, the scene was heartbreaking. Clothes, furniture, and keepsakes were soaked and ruined by dirty water. The house was unrecognizable, and I could see the stress and sadness on my friend’s family’s faces. We got to work immediately. We created a system to separate items that could be saved from those that had to be thrown away. I focused on staying positive and lifting everyone’s spirits. I cracked jokes whenever I could, and soon we were laughing together even in the middle of the chaos. That moment made me realize that joy can exist even in hard times. It is not about returning everything to normal immediately—it is about supporting each other and finding small moments of relief and hope. As we worked, I noticed the exhaustion on everyone’s faces. The physical labor was tiring, and the emotional weight of seeing someone’s life disrupted added another layer of challenge. I reminded myself that even small actions mattered. Folding wet clothes, wiping mud off furniture, and organizing what we could save—all of it counted. Helping in this way required patience, teamwork, and empathy. I learned that sometimes leadership is not about giving instructions. It is about noticing what people need, encouraging them, and showing that they are not alone. By the end of the day, we had cleared much of the flood damage, and the family could see a path forward. Their gratitude was overwhelming. Seeing their relief and knowing we had eased their burden, even a little, made all the effort worth it. That experience taught me that helping someone goes beyond doing a task. It is about being present, offering support, and lifting others up when they are facing the toughest moments of their lives. That day also taught me something about myself. I realized that I am a leader who acts with empathy. I help others not just by guiding or instructing, but by showing care, boosting morale, and making sure people know they are not alone. The flood was devastating, but it gave me the chance to grow, to understand the power of teamwork, and to see the difference that compassion can make in someone’s life.

My dad always told me that the best lessons in life come from failure. People make success look like a straight line, but in real life, it is more like a roller coaster. I learned that the hard way in high school. I got into a collegiate high school and managed the coursework. I was determined to finish high school in just two years. But when it came to standardized tests, the ACT, SAT, and Accuplacer, I ran into serious setbacks. Testing never came easy for me. I would study for hours and still fall short of the scores I wanted. Meanwhile, some of my classmates who struggled with classes were acing the tests. It was frustrating and discouraging. I realized that my honor roll grades alone were not enough to meet the high standards required to graduate early. At my lowest point, I knew that crying was not going to fix anything. I remembered my dad’s advice. Failure is not the end. It is a fork in the road, a make-or-break moment, and it does not define who you are inside. I stepped back and made a plan. I reorganized my life to focus on test preparation. I studied harder, tracked my weak points, and adjusted my routines. Even with all that effort, I was still falling short. After talking with my mom, I realized I needed extra help. On her advice, I brought in a tutor to help me find my blind spots. That decision changed everything. The tutor gave me clear strategies, step-by-step explanations, and practice methods that finally made sense. It was not an overnight success. Every session I overcame small obstacles. Over months, those small wins built into big progress. I spent nights and weekends studying while my friends were out having fun. The sacrifices were hard. Life did not feel fair. My dad reminded me that life rarely is fair, but if you work hard now, the future will be better. I held onto that. Finally, I got the chance to retake my tests. Walking into the room, I felt ready. I had prepared for this moment. The two hours felt long, but I left feeling powerful because I had done everything I could. When I got my scores back, I had done it. I could graduate early and start college at 16. I learned that hard work and discipline matter but asking for help and using resources is just as important. Challenges are not roadblocks. They are opportunities to grow. Standardized testing taught me more than math or reading. It taught me life lessons. The most important lesson is that failure is not the end. It is the foundation for success.

Seeing my own smile transform during orthodontic treatment was a life-changing experience. The confidence I gained when my braces were finally removed showed me how profoundly a healthcare professional can impact someone’s life—not just physically, but emotionally. That experience inspired me to pursue a career where science, care, and precision intersect to support both physical and mental well-being. My goal is to become an orthodontist, but I see my work extending far beyond aligning teeth. A smile affects confidence, self-esteem, and how people interact with the world. By helping patients improve their smiles, I hope to strengthen their emotional resilience, social confidence, and overall quality of life. Even small physical changes can ripple outward, influencing the way someone perceives themselves and faces everyday challenges. I chose Biology as my major with a pre-dental track because it provides the foundational knowledge I need to succeed in dental school and in orthodontics. Courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and biology excite me not only for what I learn about the human body but also for how I can apply that knowledge to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Beyond academics, I plan to gain hands-on experience by volunteering in dental clinics, shadowing orthodontists, and learning from mentors. These opportunities will help me develop both technical expertise and empathy, ensuring I can address my patients’ physical and emotional needs. My experiences outside the classroom—coaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and participating in community service—have taught me patience, leadership, and effective communication. These skills are essential for connecting with patients, guiding them through challenging treatments, and helping them feel heard and supported. Receiving the Brian Moore Memorial Scholarship would allow me to focus fully on my education and hands-on experiences without the constant worry of financial burden. More importantly, it would empower me to pursue my dream of improving lives through both physical care and emotional support. By dedicating myself to my studies, volunteering, and future clinical work, I aim to leave a lasting impact: helping people feel confident, resilient, and ready to thrive in every aspect of their lives. In this way, I will truly “Be More,” using my education and compassion to create positive, enduring change for the people I serve.

To me, making a positive impact starts with character—how I act, the choices I make, and how I treat others. I strive to be honest, responsible, and respectful in every interaction, whether at school, at work, while coaching, or even with strangers. I pay attention to the small things: keeping promises, showing up on time, and following through on commitments. I also focus on helping those who are struggling, listening to their concerns, and offering guidance when I can. Being deaf and hard of hearing has taught me patience, self-advocacy, and empathy, and I aim to create environments where everyone feels respected, included, and heard. I know that by living with integrity and compassion, I can positively influence the people around me. Service has been central to how I make a difference. Since eighth grade, I have dedicated over 165 hours to volunteering, coaching, and organizing events in my school and community. Through coaching jiu-jitsu, I help younger students build confidence, learn discipline, and overcome challenges, showing that service is not just about hours but about investing in others’ growth. Volunteering with the Parrot Outreach Society taught me the value of patience and responsibility, while helping at my school and the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library allowed me to combine leadership, teamwork, and support for my community. Every experience has reinforced that consistent effort, empathy, and dedication can create real, meaningful change. Leadership, to me, is about stepping up to guide others and working alongside them toward shared goals. During Hurricane Milton in 2024, I organized teammates to help a family recover from flooding. Coordinating the effort, keeping everyone motivated, and ensuring we worked efficiently taught me that leadership is guiding others with care and purpose, not just giving directions. Similarly, I coordinated fundraising efforts for my jiu-jitsu team to ensure all teammates could compete, showing that leadership is about inclusion and helping others succeed. In school, I applied these lessons by helping set up events, delegating tasks, and keeping teams organized. Leadership requires responsibility, collaboration, and empathy, all of which I hope to continue applying as I serve my community. Through character, service, and leadership, I plan to make a positive impact by supporting others, inspiring teamwork, and contributing to projects that create meaningful change. Being part of the National Honor Society would allow me to continue growing while serving my school and community, giving me a platform to lead with purpose, help others reach their potential, and use my experiences to make a lasting difference. By living with honesty, responsibility, and empathy, I hope my actions inspire others to do the same, leaving a positive mark on the world around me.

Growing up, faith was always around me, but it wasn’t always clear what I believed. My grandmother is a devout Christian and finds so much comfort and guidance in her faith. My dad is Jewish and often talked about his bad experiences in church, which made me question a lot of things. I didn’t know which side to take, or if I could even have my own faith. As a kid, I would sit with my grandma at church on Sundays, listening to her talk about love, forgiveness, and helping others. I admired how sure she was in her faith and how it gave her strength during difficult times. She taught me that even in hard situations, faith can help you keep moving forward. But my dad’s words stuck with me too—he warned about judgment and hypocrisy in religious spaces. It was confusing, and it all came to a head at a family gathering when they argued about religion. I felt stuck in the middle, realizing that faith isn’t just about following someone else’s beliefs—it’s personal, and it shapes how I see the world. That’s when I started figuring out my own path. I read scriptures, prayed, and reflected on what I truly believed. I realized faith isn’t about blindly following a church or someone else’s rules—it’s about following God and living with love, kindness, and integrity. My grandmother taught me the importance of compassion and perseverance, and my dad taught me to think for myself. Both helped me shape my spiritual path, one that makes sense to me and motivates me to live according to what I know is right in God’s eyes, not just what people say. Faith guides how I approach school and my goals too. It gives me discipline and helps me stay grounded when things get difficult. When I feel stressed about tests, grades, or applying to college, faith reminds me to trust in God’s plan and take things one step at a time. It motivates me to help others, whether it’s through volunteering, tutoring, or supporting friends, and it keeps me focused on what I want to do in the future. Faith is my guide, helping me grow academically, socially, and personally while staying true to God’s teachings rather than only listening to what a church or others might say. Looking ahead, faith will continue to guide me in college and beyond. It reminds me to stay kind, work hard, and live with integrity. I want to use the lessons I’ve learned—patience, empathy, and perseverance—to make a positive impact in my community and in whatever career I choose. Faith has helped me grow, think, and act in ways that feel real and personal to me. It’s not just about following a set of rules—it’s about following God, learning from Him, and living a life that reflects His guidance.

Outside of school, I train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art that challenges both my mind and body. I attend classes several times a week, focusing on techniques, sparring, and conditioning. Every session pushes me to improve, even when I struggle with a move or get submitted. These challenges have taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of persistence. Each time I overcome a difficulty, I gain confidence and a stronger sense of determination. Jiu-Jitsu has impacted my life far beyond physical fitness. It has helped me stay disciplined, think clearly under pressure, and manage setbacks without giving up. Training with teammates has also taught me respect, communication, and how to support others while pushing myself to do better. These lessons have shaped my character and prepared me for challenges in school and in life. I am thrilled to continue practicing jiu-jitsu as I begin my pre-dental studies at Nova Southeastern University this fall. Balancing training with academics will teach me time management and perseverance, skills that will be valuable both in college and in my future career. I hope to continue participating in tournaments and learning from instructors and teammates, building strength, discipline, and confidence along the way. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport to me—it is a part of who I am. It has shaped my character, taught me perseverance, and given me skills I can carry into every aspect of my life. Training has shown me that growth takes dedication and that challenges are opportunities to improve. I am excited to continue this journey at Nova, applying the lessons from jiu-jitsu to my academics, personal growth, and future career in dentistry.

I learned what service meant before I ever had a word for it. I was born at thirty-two weeks, three pounds, fragile and wired to machines. My first breaths were monitored. My first battles were silent ones. Growing up deaf with hearing aids and blurred vision meant I had to learn everything twice. I had to ask for help, ask for accommodations, ask to be heard. Service, for me, started there. It started in understanding what it feels like to need support — and how powerful it is when someone chooses to give it. Because of that, I live a life of service in quiet ways. I mentor beginners in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, guiding them through movements that once felt impossible to me. I watch their hesitation turn into confidence. I show them that falling is not failure, that strength is built slowly, roll by roll. Sometimes I do not need many words. Patience, encouragement, and consistency speak louder. I know what it feels like to doubt your own ability. Service is helping someone else believe in theirs. In school, service looks like advocacy. I speak up not just for myself, but for others who feel overlooked. I ask questions others are afraid to ask. I normalize accommodations. I make it easier for the next student who walks into the room needing support. Living with hearing loss taught me that access changes everything. When someone can fully participate, they can fully grow. My education in biology, as a pre-dental student, is not just a career path. It is preparation for impact. Dentistry is about more than teeth. It is about restoring confidence, relieving pain, and serving people who may not have access to care. I want to build a practice rooted in compassion, especially for patients with disabilities who often feel anxious, unheard, or dismissed in medical settings. I understand sensory challenges. I understand what it feels like to sit in a chair and rely on someone else’s patience. That perspective will shape the kind of provider I become. Service also means sacrifice. I have given up weekends to study, trained when I was exhausted, and pushed through failure when it would have been easier to stop. My father taught me that failure is a fork in the road, not the end of the story. That mindset allows me to keep moving forward — and to help others do the same. I embody a life of service because I know what survival feels like, and I choose to turn it into purpose. My education is not just for personal success. It is a tool. It is the foundation that will allow me to advocate, heal, mentor, and lead. I plan to use what I learn not only to build a career, but to build access, confidence, and opportunity for others. Service is not always loud. Sometimes it is quiet persistence. Sometimes it is showing up again. That is the life I live, and the life I will continue to build.

Being deaf has shaped my life in ways that are both challenging and rewarding. I was never formally taught ASL, so I’ve had to figure out how to communicate and learn on my own. I rely on lip-reading, notes, and technology to keep up in class and to talk with others. This has not always been easy, but it has taught me to be independent, resourceful, and persistent. Learning to adapt in a world that often doesn’t accommodate people like me has given me resilience and determination. School has been both a struggle and a source of growth. I sometimes miss spoken instructions or discussions, so I’ve had to work harder to understand lessons. I’ve learned to ask questions in creative ways, take detailed notes, and advocate for myself. These challenges have taught me organization, patience, and effective communication. Despite the difficulties, I’ve been able to succeed academically and have become confident in navigating a classroom and community that isn’t always designed for deaf students. This scholarship would have a huge impact on my education. It could help provide access to tools and resources that make learning more accessible, like assistive technology or tutoring. It could also help cover school expenses, so I can focus on my studies instead of worrying about costs. Most importantly, it would support me in overcoming barriers caused by being deaf and allow me to reach my full potential. With this help, I could pursue my goals in higher education and continue to grow as a student and as a member of the deaf community. Even though I’m not part of ASL-specific organizations, I actively give back in ways that support other deaf or hard-of-hearing students. I mentor younger students, sharing strategies for navigating school and advocating for accommodations. I also help teachers and peers understand accessibility challenges and encourage more inclusive learning environments. By doing this, I hope to make it easier for others to succeed, just as I’ve worked hard to succeed despite my own challenges. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than just financial support. It would recognize my perseverance, independence, and dedication to learning. It would also give me the tools and confidence to continue helping others in the deaf community. Being deaf doesn’t limit my abilities; it has taught me to be determined, adaptable, and creative in overcoming obstacles. This scholarship would empower me to continue turning challenges into opportunities and inspire me to give back to my community in meaningful ways. I want to show that with the right support, deaf students can achieve great things. This scholarship would not only help me reach my educational goals but also allow me to continue helping others navigate similar challenges. My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped me into a strong, determined individual who is ready to take the next step in education and life.

Being deaf has always been part of who I am, but it has never stopped me from doing the things I love. Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gustavo Machado BJJ in Punta Gorda has shown me that challenges are just a chance to figure out my own way forward. Every time I step on the mat, I’m reminded that hard work, focus, and determination can take me further than I thought possible. At first, being deaf made training tricky. I couldn’t rely on verbal instructions, so I had to pay attention to every movement, every shift in weight, and every gesture from my instructors and partners. It was frustrating at first, but over time I realized that I was learning differently—and that made me stronger. I learned to trust my instincts, read people’s movements, and adapt on the fly. Those skills have helped me not just in BJJ, but in school, in life, and in everything I do. I have also learned to communicate effectively without relying on sound, whether it’s through gestures, eye contact, or paying closer attention to cues from the people around me. For me, being an adaptive athlete isn’t about what I can’t do. It’s about mindset. Every time I master a new technique or roll with a partner, I prove to myself that limits are only what I make them. BJJ has taught me discipline, patience, and persistence. It’s shown me that even when things feel impossible, if I keep trying and find my own way, I can succeed. I’ve also learned to celebrate small victories, whether it’s finally perfecting a move or completing a challenging class. Each step forward reinforces the idea that hard work and determination pay off. Sports have shaped my confidence and how I see the world. Being deaf makes me pay closer attention, think creatively, and work harder than most. It has made me proud of the way I push through obstacles. Being an adaptive athlete means facing challenges head-on, learning from them, and showing that I can succeed in my own way, no matter what. It also means helping others see that challenges don’t have to stop you. I hope that my journey can encourage other athletes, especially those with disabilities, to keep pushing themselves and believe in their abilities. As I get ready for college, I plan to keep training, keep learning, and keep pushing myself. I want to grow as an athlete and as a person, and I want to show others that being different doesn’t mean being limited. I will keep doing hard things my way—on the mat, in the classroom, and in life. I am excited to see what challenges lie ahead and how I can continue to overcome them while inspiring others. Being deaf hasn’t held me back. It has shaped who I am and how I handle challenges. I’ve learned to adapt, overcome, and move forward, and I’m excited to keep doing hard things my way while showing others that determination, focus, and creativity can turn obstacles into opportunities. My story isn’t just about sports; it’s about resilience, independence, and proving that I can meet any challenge head-on and succeed on my own terms.

Seeing my own braces for the first time made me realize how much a smile can impact confidence. Even though I hadn’t seen patients, that personal experience made me think about how powerful orthodontic care can be. It inspired me to pursue a career as an orthodontist, where I can combine science, precision, and care to improve someone’s daily life. I want to give people the confidence and health benefits that come from a healthy, aligned smile, just like my braces helped me. I chose Biology as my major with a pre-dental track because it provides the foundation I need for dental school and ultimately orthodontics. I’ve always been curious about the human body, but what excites me most is using that knowledge to help people directly. Orthodontics is more than aligning teeth—it’s about improving oral health, boosting confidence, and creating a positive impact on someone’s daily life. Knowing that I can make a difference in this way motivates me to work hard and dedicate myself fully to this path. My journey hasn’t been easy. Being deaf presented challenges in school, and I struggled with state testing that didn’t account for my learning needs. I was born premature, and I’ve had to overcome physical obstacles that most people never face. Despite these challenges, I’ve pushed myself to excel academically and personally. I’ve also trained in jiu-jitsu, which taught me discipline, perseverance, and mental toughness—qualities I bring to my studies and life. These experiences have shaped me into a resilient, determined individual who refuses to let obstacles stand in the way of my goals. So far, I’ve taken several steps to prepare for my career. I’m completing my biology degree while taking required pre-dental courses such as chemistry, anatomy, and physiology, which will prepare me for the Dental Admission Test and provide the scientific understanding necessary for dental school. I am also gaining practical experience by volunteering in dental clinics and shadowing orthodontists. Seeing treatments in action, observing patient care, and learning from professionals helps me develop both the technical and interpersonal skills I’ll need as a future orthodontist. Receiving this scholarship would help me achieve my goals by easing the financial burden of my education. It would allow me to focus on learning, gaining experience, and preparing for dental school without being held back by financial stress. More importantly, it would give me the chance to continue growing as a person and a professional, so I can someday make a real difference in people’s lives. I plan to pay this forward by mentoring and encouraging others who are pursuing their dreams, especially students from single-parent households or those who have faced significant challenges like I have. I want to help others find guidance, support, and the confidence to reach their goals. Just as I’ve been inspired by my family, teachers, and coaches, I hope to provide the same encouragement to someone else, showing them that hard work, resilience, and persistence can lead to success. In conclusion, I am determined to make a meaningful change in my life by pursuing a career that allows me to help others every day. I have taken significant steps toward this goal through my education, personal challenges, and dedication to learning. With the support of this scholarship, I can continue moving toward my dream of becoming an orthodontist while also paying it forward to help others succeed. I hope to inspire, empower, and uplift those around me, just as I have been inspired, creating a lasting impact on my community and beyond.

Seeing my own smile change during orthodontic treatment showed me how much a healthcare professional can impact someone’s life. That experience inspired me to pursue a career where I can combine science, care, and precision to support both physical and emotional well-being. While my ultimate goal is to become an orthodontist, I have come to realize that healthcare is about more than fixing teeth. It is about helping people feel confident, resilient, and ready to face the world. A smile can affect self-esteem, social interactions, and overall emotional health. Being part of that transformation motivates me to dedicate myself fully to this field. I was nervous at the beginning of my orthodontic journey. I had heard stories about pain and discomfort, and I was unsure what to expect. When my treatment was complete and I finally saw my straightened teeth, I felt a sense of confidence and relief I had never experienced before. That moment taught me the importance of human care and how even small actions can create meaningful change. I want to give that same sense of comfort and empowerment to my patients. I want to be the professional who not only improves someone’s physical health but also boosts their confidence and emotional well-being. Choosing biology as my major with a pre-dental track allows me to gain the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in dental school and eventually in orthodontics. I am fascinated by how the body works, but what excites me most is using that knowledge to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. I have sought opportunities to grow outside the classroom, volunteering in dental clinics, shadowing orthodontists, and learning from mentors. These experiences help me develop technical skills while also strengthening empathy, patience, and communication—qualities that are essential for supporting patients’ emotional needs. As a woman in healthcare, I hope to bring compassion, dedication, and leadership to my future workplace. Women in healthcare provide unique perspectives and strengths that improve patient care and create a more inclusive and supportive environment. I also want to inspire other young women to pursue healthcare careers and know that they can make a lasting impact through science, care, and perseverance. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus on my education and practical experiences without being limited by financial concerns. It would support me in continuing to develop as a future healthcare professional who helps patients feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally. More than an investment in my education, this scholarship would be an investment in the lives I hope to impact as a woman in healthcare.

Calculus is an essential part of the STEM field because it provides the tools to understand change, motion, and patterns in precise ways. For me, the importance of calculus became clear as I thought about my future career in orthodontics. Aligning teeth may seem simple, but it requires careful planning and calculations to move teeth safely and effectively. Calculus helps professionals understand rates of change and predict outcomes, which is critical in any career where precision and timing matter. Without these concepts, it would be difficult to ensure that treatments are both efficient and safe. In orthodontics, every adjustment made to braces creates small shifts in teeth over time. Calculus allows orthodontists to model these changes, calculate the forces required, and predict how long it will take to reach the desired alignment. It is not just a set of abstract numbers, but a practical tool that connects science to patient care. My own experience with braces showed me how small, careful changes can make a huge difference in confidence and well-being. Calculus works the same way in STEM careers. By breaking down complex problems into smaller parts and analyzing how they change, professionals can create solutions that have meaningful, measurable results. Learning calculus also strengthens problem-solving skills and critical thinking. In my STEM courses, I have learned to approach challenges step by step, analyze patterns, and make predictions based on data. These skills are directly transferable to my career. For example, when I coach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I anticipate movements and respond strategically. Similarly, in orthodontics, I will need to anticipate how teeth respond to treatment, adjust plans, and make informed decisions to achieve the best results. Calculus teaches students to think logically and carefully, skills that are essential across all STEM fields, from engineering to computer science to healthcare. Ultimately, calculus is more than just a math requirement; it is a foundation for understanding the world in a precise, measurable way. It allows STEM professionals to innovate, solve problems, and improve outcomes in their fields. As I continue toward a career in orthodontics, calculus will be an essential part of my education, helping me apply science and precision to improve the health and confidence of my future patients. Understanding calculus is not only about solving equations, but about learning how to approach complex problems, predict outcomes, and create meaningful change. This is why calculus is so important in STEM, and why I am dedicated to mastering it as part of my journey in healthcare and science.

I plan to study orthodontics because I want my career to be about more than just teeth—I want it to be about confidence, access, and changing lives. Growing up, I noticed how something as small as a smile can completely change how a person sees themselves and how the world treats them. Orthodontics gives me the opportunity to help people feel confident enough to speak up, laugh freely, and stop hiding parts of who they are. That is why this field feels personal to me, not just professional. What makes my goal different is that I don’t just want to work in an orthodontic office—I want to own one. Entrepreneurship fits naturally with orthodontics because running your own practice allows you to decide what kind of care you provide and who gets access to it. I want to build a practice that doesn’t just serve families who can easily afford braces, but also those who truly need them and might otherwise go without. Owning my own business would allow me to create programs that offer free or reduced-cost braces to children and teens whose dental issues affect their health, confidence, or ability to succeed socially and academically. One part of my vision is choosing one or more kids each year who desperately need orthodontic treatment and providing it at no cost. For example, a child with severe crowding or jaw alignment issues might struggle with speech, eating, or bullying at school. Braces could completely change their daily life, but the cost often puts treatment out of reach. By owning my own practice, I would be able to write an essay with each patient about why they need braces and how it would impact their life, not just physically but emotionally. This approach turns orthodontics into a partnership, not just a procedure I believe I will be successful as an entrepreneur because I combine empathy with discipline. Many people fail in business because they focus only on profit or give up when challenges appear. I plan to succeed by building trust within my community and staying committed to my values. To me, a successful life isn’t just about income or status—it’s about independence, impact, and knowing I used my skills to help people who needed it most. Ultimately, my goal is to create an orthodontic practice that stands for something bigger than business. I want it to be a place where smiles are restored, confidence is built, and no one is turned away simply because of financial barriers. That is the kind of success that lasts.

Seeing my own smile change after completing orthodontic treatment showed me how powerful healthcare can be. Experiencing that confidence firsthand made me realize that I wanted a career that combines science, precision, and care to make a real difference in people’s lives. I remember feeling nervous before my braces were put on and excited yet unsure about the results. When the treatment was finished and I finally saw my new smile, I felt a confidence I had never experienced before. That feeling inspired me to pursue orthodontics, because I want to give other people the same life-changing experience I had. I chose Biology as my major with a pre-dental track because I want a strong foundation in the sciences before dental school. I am fascinated by how the human body works, but what excites me most is using that knowledge to help people directly. Orthodontics is more than aligning teeth. It improves oral health, boosts confidence, and positively impacts daily life. Knowing I can help someone feel proud of their smile motivates me to work hard, take on challenges, and grow as a future healthcare professional. My path has not been easy. I have a traumatic brain injury, and it has affected how I learn and process information, especially under pressure. Testing was one of the hardest challenges I have faced. I studied for the ACT, SAT, and Accuplacer for hours, but my scores did not reflect my effort. Many of my peers succeeded on tests while I struggled. At first I felt frustrated, disappointed, and even a little defeated. I realized that good grades alone were not enough to reach my goals. I had to find a new way to overcome this obstacle. I took my father’s advice to heart. He taught me that failure is not the end, it is a turning point. I reorganized my schedule, focused on my weaknesses, and dedicated myself to consistent practice. I also asked for help from a tutor, who helped me identify strategies that worked with the way my brain processes information. Progress was slow and exhausting. I spent nights and weekends preparing while others spent time with friends. Each small improvement felt like a victory. Over months, those victories added up. When I finally retook my tests, I felt ready and capable. Receiving the scores I needed to graduate high school in two years and start college at sixteen was one of the most important moments of my life. It showed me that determination, strategy, and support can overcome even the most difficult challenges. These experiences shaped how I approach my education today. I enjoy the challenge of STEM courses because they teach me discipline and critical thinking. Beyond academics, I gain experience by volunteering in dental clinics, shadowing orthodontists, and learning from mentors. Coaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has taught me patience, leadership, and perseverance. Every skill I build now will help me be a better orthodontist in the future. My goal is to become an orthodontist who not only excels scientifically but understands the struggles of patients and supports them through their treatment. My TBI and the obstacles I have overcome taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of asking for help. I have learned that challenges do not define limits, they define strength. I want to use my skills, knowledge, and compassion to give other people the confidence and happiness I experienced after my own treatment.

Service has always been important to me because it gives me the opportunity to genuinely help others. Since finishing eighth grade, I have completed over 165 hours of service through volunteering, organizing events, and community outreach. Even experiences that did not officially count as service hours, such as coaching jiu-jitsu, became ways for me to give back. I spent countless hours helping younger students learn techniques, build confidence, and push through challenges while also teaching them discipline, respect, and teamwork. These experiences taught me that service is not about checking off hours, but about showing up consistently and caring about the people you are helping. My first volunteer experience was with the Parrot Outreach Society in Punta Gorda during my freshman year. I volunteered every Saturday morning from August through January, spending one to three hours each week and contributing about thirty hours total. My responsibilities included cleaning cages, feeding and watering the birds, and assisting with daily care. This experience taught me patience and responsibility and showed me how small, consistent efforts can make a meaningful difference over time. I also volunteered at school whenever I had the opportunity. I briefly joined Key Club and helped set up events such as Haunted College, the pickleball tournament, and the school carnival, all under the direction of Mrs. Palmer. Even though my time with Key Club was short, I took every chance to support my school community. These experiences helped me develop teamwork, organization, and a willingness to step in wherever help was needed. The most impactful service experience for me was volunteering at the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library during the summer before my senior year. Under the guidance of Elizabeth Lee, I volunteered about ten hours a week organizing teen and children’s books, assisting with library projects, and helping during Toddler Tuesday activities. Over the summer, I completed around ninety hours. Working with children and helping create a welcoming space for learning was especially meaningful because it allowed me to combine leadership, patience, and service. Leadership, to me, is about stepping up when something needs to be done and helping others succeed. One experience that reinforced this was during Hurricane Milton in 2024, when a member of my jiu-jitsu gym had their home flooded. I organized a group of teammates to help clean and salvage what we could. I made sure everyone stayed motivated, worked efficiently, and supported one another. That experience showed me that leadership through service means guiding others with empathy, staying calm under pressure, and working together toward a shared goal. Service has shaped who I am by teaching me responsibility, compassion, and leadership. Being part of NHS would allow me to continue giving back alongside students who share these values. I am committed to leading through action and using my time and effort to make a positive impact on my school and community.

Even though Terri Sinks and I were not biologically related, from the first time we met, she felt like family. My family had just moved to Florida from Colorado, and everything felt new and unfamiliar. I did not know anyone, and life felt lonely. Terri welcomed me with open arms, always smiling and caring. I started calling her my Florida grandma, and the name fit perfectly. She was someone I could rely on, share my thoughts with, and who made me feel safe and loved. Losing her on January 25, 2025, after a short illness was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but remembering how she shaped me helps me carry her legacy forward. Terri did so much for me and my family. She celebrated our milestones, comforted us during hard times, and always included me and my best friends. I will never forget the cruise we went on together. It was magical, full of laughter, adventure, and moments where I felt truly seen and valued. Even though we were from different places, Terri and I shared so much in common. She was born in Colorado too, and I loved comparing our families and noticing the similarities. It made me feel connected in a way that went beyond friendship. Terri loved gardening and animals, and she passed that love on to me. On the first anniversary of her passing, her husband Erik brought over a plant that my mom and I planted together. He said Terri would have wanted us to have it. In honor of her, we called it the Terri Tree. Planting and caring for it reminded me of her warmth, patience, and love for life. It is a daily reminder that her spirit lives on in the people she loved and the lessons she taught us. Her impact goes beyond the fun times we shared. Terri taught me about kindness, generosity, patience, and resilience. She showed me that life is not just about what happens to you but about how you show up for the people you care about. Because of her, I strive to be someone others can rely on, whether through small gestures of care or being present during difficult times. Losing her also taught me to appreciate every moment and the people I love. Her presence inspired me to approach life with compassion, persevere through challenges, and value relationships above all else. Her lessons influence the way I live and the goals I set. They push me to work hard, treat others with kindness, and approach challenges with patience and resilience. Whether it is in school, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, or my future career as an orthodontist, I strive to honor Terri by giving my best, lifting others up, and living with integrity. Losing her was heartbreaking, but it taught me that love and guidance never truly disappear. They live on in the way we act, the choices we make, and the people we help. Terri Sinks will always inspire me to be a better person every single day.

Seeing myself grow and gain confidence through challenges has shown me the power of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in orthodontics, where I hope to combine science, precision, and care to positively impact people’s lives. I am currently pursuing a Biology major on the pre-dental track because it provides the strong foundation I need for dental school. My interest in orthodontics began with my own dental treatment, where I experienced firsthand how improving a smile can boost confidence and change a person’s outlook. Knowing that I can one day help others feel that same confidence motivates me to work hard, stay disciplined, and take advantage of every learning opportunity. Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at Gustavo Machado BJJ in Punta Gorda has been one of the most formative experiences in my life. Practicing BJJ has taught me discipline, patience, and resilience, both physically and mentally, while also developing focus, strategy, and composure under pressure. Because I am smaller, I often face opponents who are bigger and stronger. At my first NAGA tournament, I competed in heavier weight classes and won first place in both the Gi and No-Gi divisions. Beyond competition, coaching younger students has allowed me to share my skills, build confidence in others, and foster a supportive environment—experiences that strengthened my empathy, communication, and leadership. These lessons showed me that success comes not just from personal achievement, but from lifting others up along the way. I have also applied these values to serving my community. During Hurricane Milton in 2024, my friend’s house was flooded, and I knew I had to help. I organized my BJJ teammates, and together we cleaned and sorted damaged belongings. I brought food and drinks to keep spirits high as we worked. Seeing the family’s gratitude reminded me that even small acts of service, when done with care and teamwork, can have a profound impact. That experience reinforced my belief in leading with empathy and reminded me that helping others is most meaningful when you show up fully and support those in need. Being hard of hearing has shaped who I am as well. In school, I learned to advocate for myself, use assistive technology, and communicate effectively in challenging environments. These experiences strengthened my problem-solving skills, resilience, and empathy, and made me appreciate the importance of accessibility and understanding in any community I join. Receiving this scholarship would remove financial barriers that might otherwise limit my ability to focus on academics, volunteering, and professional growth. With this support, I can continue pursuing opportunities that prepare me for dental school, gain practical experience in clinics, and deepen my community involvement. Most importantly, it would help me continue building the skills, confidence, and empathy necessary to one day inspire others through orthodontics—helping people feel proud of their smiles and confident in themselves. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education, but an investment in my ability to give back, lead with compassion, and make a lasting impact on the world.

I chose to pursue a degree in STEM because science and healthcare give me the opportunity to directly improve people’s lives. As a deaf Hispanic student of Mexican background with plans to enter the dental and healthcare field, I have learned that access, representation, and compassionate care are just as important as technical skill. STEM is not only about knowledge for me. It is about using that knowledge to serve others and reduce barriers within healthcare. My interest in STEM grew as I navigated school in environments that were not always designed for accessibility. As a deaf student, I often had to work harder to keep up with lectures, labs, and discussions. These challenges taught me how to problem solve, adapt, and advocate for myself. Instead of discouraging me, they strengthened my determination. STEM mirrors this mindset. When a problem arises, you analyze it, adjust, and persist until you find a solution. This way of thinking has shaped how I approach my education and my future career goals. I plan to pursue a career in dentistry because oral health is closely connected to overall health, confidence, and quality of life. I am especially interested in working with underserved communities that may lack access to proper dental care. Growing up Hispanic with Mexican heritage, I have seen how cultural, language, and financial barriers can prevent families from receiving adequate healthcare. These experiences motivate me to become a provider who understands and respects the communities I serve. As a Hispanic student in STEM, representation is extremely important to me. Many Hispanic students do not see themselves reflected in healthcare professions, which can make these careers feel out of reach. I want to change that. By entering the dental field, I hope to serve as a role model for younger students and show that Hispanic individuals belong in STEM and healthcare spaces. Representation builds trust, encourages education, and helps patients feel seen and understood. I also hope to make an impact by promoting accessibility within healthcare. My personal experiences have made me deeply aware of how communication barriers can affect patient care. As a future healthcare professional, I want to help create environments where patients feel comfortable, informed, and respected. Whether through clear communication, inclusive practices, or advocacy, I want my work to reflect empathy and understanding. Choosing STEM reflects my resilience, curiosity, and commitment to service. As a deaf Hispanic student of Mexican background pursuing dentistry, I bring a unique perspective shaped by perseverance and compassion. I believe diversity strengthens STEM and healthcare, and I am dedicated to using my education to improve access, representation, and care for the communities that need it most.

Everyone goes through tough times, and for me, one of the hardest challenges was learning how to navigate school as a deaf student. Things that might seem simple to most people, like following a lecture, joining a group discussion, or even talking to friends, were really difficult for me. At first, I felt frustrated, left out, and sometimes like I would never catch up. It was easy to compare myself to others and feel like I was falling behind, but over time I realized that I had a choice. I could let these challenges define me, or I could find ways to overcome them. I knew I needed to adapt if I wanted to succeed. I started using every tool I could find, like speech-to-text apps, captioned videos, and extra help from teachers whenever I didn’t understand something. At first, asking for accommodations felt awkward. I worried that I was bothering people or making excuses, but I soon learned that speaking up for yourself is not a weakness—it is a way to take control of your own life. Advocating for myself gave me confidence and allowed me to focus on learning instead of feeling defeated. It was not just school that was challenging. Social situations could be confusing and isolating. Miscommunications happened all the time, and I often felt invisible. It was difficult to make friends or be included in group conversations. I decided to focus on activities where I could feel included and work on my strengths, like martial arts and other hobbies where I could challenge myself and grow. In these spaces, I found people who respected me for what I could do, not what I couldn’t. These experiences taught me that challenges can push you to find places and people that truly support you. Overcoming these challenges has shaped me in ways I never expected. I have become more persistent, patient, and creative. I approach problems by looking for solutions instead of letting frustration take over. I have learned to see obstacles as opportunities to grow, not as roadblocks. Facing adversity has also made me more empathetic. I understand what it feels like to struggle and feel left out, so I try to support others who are facing their own challenges. If I could give advice to someone going through something similar, it would be this. Do not give up. Ask for help when you need it. Find tools, resources, and people who will support you. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to build strength, confidence, and resilience. Adversity is never easy, but it can show you what you are truly capable of. My journey as a deaf student has taught me that challenges do not have to stop you. They can give you the courage and determination to move mountains you once thought were impossible. I have learned that the obstacles in life are not meant to limit us, but to help us discover our own power and potential.

I remember the first time I noticed the tiny patterns in a smile—the subtle curve of teeth, the way braces could reshape confidence. While other students took these things for granted, I was fascinated by the science behind it. Growing up deaf, I quickly realized that the world does not always communicate in ways that are easy to access. Instead of letting that slow me down, I learned to observe, experiment, and think creatively—skills that naturally drew me to STEM. Science has a universal language: it speaks through patterns, processes, and results. I love that I can engage with it fully, without limits, and even contribute perspectives that others might overlook. My journey toward STEM has been hands-on. In addition to excelling in academic coursework, I coach jiu-jitsu students, volunteer with animal care organizations, and participate in community service projects. These experiences have taught me to analyze, adapt, and problem-solve in real time. For example, teaching a beginner student a complex jiu-jitsu move is much like performing a scientific experiment: you observe, adjust, and refine until the desired outcome is achieved. Both require patience, critical thinking, and a willingness to embrace mistakes as part of learning. Volunteering with the Parrot Outreach Society and helping at the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library reinforced this mindset: whether caring for animals or organizing resources, I learned that every task requires observation, problem-solving, and dedication. I am particularly drawn to orthodontics, where science, creativity, and precision intersect to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. A smile is more than teeth—it is confidence, health, and self-expression. I hope to help patients feel proud of their smiles while applying biology, anatomy, and problem-solving skills in a practical, hands-on way. The meticulous nature of orthodontic work mirrors the careful planning and technique required in both my scientific studies and martial arts training. As a deaf woman in STEM, I also bring a unique perspective: I approach challenges creatively, advocate for accessibility, and can mentor others navigating barriers in education or communication. Representation matters. I want to inspire other young women, especially those facing challenges in traditional learning spaces, to embrace STEM. I believe STEM is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about applying it to create solutions, share ideas, and build communities where everyone can succeed. My voice, perspective, and determination can contribute meaningfully to that mission. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my academic goals but also connect me to a community of women who are empowered by knowledge, driven by curiosity, and committed to making a difference. It would allow me to continue exploring science and orthodontics, further develop my skills, and contribute to my community in meaningful ways. STEM is my language, my tool, and my way to make a difference—and I am ready to use it.

Faith in God and His Son, Jesus, has been the cornerstone of my life, shaping how I see the world and guiding the choices I make. Jesus came to teach us love, compassion, and forgiveness, and His example has influenced how I face challenges, support others, and grow spiritually. Faith is not just belief—it is action, trust, and a commitment to live in a way that honors Him. Even from my earliest days, I have experienced God’s presence in my life. Born prematurely at 32 weeks and weighing barely over three pounds, I faced the fragility of life from the start. The doctors’ determination to save me felt like an act of God’s grace, and it instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and purpose. Later, discovering I was deaf and hard of hearing at the age of three or four presented another challenge. Through the love and support of my mother and grandmother, I learned to communicate and adapt. Their care reflected Jesus’ teachings, showing me how faith can guide both my own perseverance and the way we help others in need. Family experiences also strengthened my spiritual growth. Growing up, I witnessed contrasting beliefs—my grandmother’s steadfast devotion to Christ and my father’s skepticism toward the church. At times, this created tension and confusion, but it also encouraged me to explore my faith deeply. Through prayer, reflection, and study of Scripture, I realized that faith is personal and transformative. Jesus’ message of love, patience, and service guided me to embrace both perspectives while forming a relationship with God that is uniquely my own. I learned that His love remains constant, even when life and people around me are imperfect. Faith in Jesus also inspires my actions in everyday life. Coaching younger students in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and volunteering in my community—helping toddlers at the library and assisting at the Parrot Outreach Society—have allowed me to live out His teachings. I strive to encourage, mentor, and uplift others, reflecting the compassion, patience, and integrity that Jesus demonstrated. These experiences reinforced that faith is not only about belief but about service, and that supporting others in their growth is a way to honor God. As I continue my educational journey, I plan to implement my faith by approaching challenges, interactions, and opportunities with the principles Jesus taught. I want to spread the Gospel, be a better person for Him, and create opportunities for others to learn about God and Jesus. At my next college, I hope to start events or programs that preserve and share faith, mentoring students, and fostering a community rooted in love, service, and spiritual growth. Faith motivates me to persevere through difficulties, seek guidance when needed, and contribute positively to those around me. Faith in God and Jesus is the foundation of who I am and who I strive to be. By keeping Him at the center of my decisions, actions, and goals, I hope to honor His teachings, inspire others, and help people experience the hope, strength, and purpose that His love provides.

I grew up noticing people who had the talent, the opportunity, and the skills to succeed but never reached their full potential. Watching them, I realized that success is not just about ability. It is about focus, persistence, and the willingness to overcome obstacles. That lesson became personal during my high school journey, particularly when I faced the challenge of standardized testing. Selected to attend a collegiate high school with the goal of completing my diploma in just two years, I excelled academically, but the ACT, SAT, and Accuplacer tests proved much harder than I expected. Despite hours of study and preparation, I struggled to achieve the scores I needed. Seeing peers succeed while I continued to face challenges was discouraging, and I began to doubt whether I could reach my goal of graduating early. At my lowest point, I remembered my father’s advice: failure is not the end, but an opportunity to grow. I decided to take control. I reorganized my life, prioritized preparation, analyzed my weaknesses, and dedicated nights and weekends to focused study. When my efforts alone were not enough, I sought outside help. On my mother’s advice, I brought in a tutor who helped me identify blind spots and refine my strategies. Step by step, I overcame small obstacles, and over months those victories added up. Eventually, I retook my tests and achieved scores that allowed me to graduate high school at sixteen and begin college early. This experience taught me that discipline, perseverance, and seeking help are essential to overcoming challenges. It showed me that obstacles are opportunities to build resilience, patience, and determination, lessons that prepared me for higher education. I plan to study biology as a pre-dental student because dentistry combines science, problem-solving, and hands-on skill while allowing me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I am drawn to orthodontics because a smile is more than teeth, it is confidence, health, and self-esteem. I hope to open my own orthodontic practice one day, providing excellent care while creating a welcoming environment for patients of all ages. I want every patient to leave not only with a healthier smile but also with greater confidence. I also hope to build a team that prioritizes empathy, communication, and genuine care, ensuring families feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment. Beyond my future practice, I want to impact my community by mentoring and supporting others who face challenges similar to those I have overcome. Volunteering, coaching, and helping underserved populations access dental care have taught me the importance of compassion, dedication, and teamwork. I hope to inspire others to persevere, seek help when needed, and believe in their potential. My experiences with academic challenges and personal growth have shown me that success comes from focus, resilience, and determination. I carry these lessons into my higher education journey and beyond, committed to making a positive impact in orthodontics and in my community. By combining technical skill, scientific knowledge, and empathy, I aim to transform lives one smile at a time.

I entered the world as a fighter—born at just 32 weeks, weighing barely over three pounds, and without a heartbeat. Doctors worked tirelessly to bring me back to life, and though I don’t remember those first moments, knowing that someone refused to give up on me shaped the person I am today. That determination inspired me to face challenges head-on and instilled a lifelong desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Growing up deaf and hard of hearing added another layer of adversity. Learning to communicate and adapt in a world not always designed for people like me required patience, resilience, and persistence. My mother guided me in lipreading and using hearing aids, while my grandmother ensured I was strong and healthy. These experiences taught me that challenges are opportunities to grow stronger, and that support and compassion from others can change the course of a life. One of the most transformative ways I’ve applied these lessons has been through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Training in this martial art, which emphasizes strategy and technique over sheer strength, taught me discipline, focus, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Competing in tournaments against opponents larger and stronger than me pushed me to embrace challenges and grow from every victory and defeat. Coaching younger students in BJJ became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Scheduling extra practice sessions, helping beginners gain confidence, and seeing them improve and even succeed in competitions showed me the power of leadership, empathy, and encouragement. Beyond the gym, volunteering has reinforced these lessons. Caring for birds at the Parrot Outreach Society, assisting with library programs for children, and organizing school events have strengthened my sense of responsibility, teamwork, and compassion. I have seen firsthand how small acts of guidance and support can transform someone’s confidence, and I aim to bring that same mindset to my future career. Dentistry is the perfect way for me to make a tangible impact. I vividly remember feeling self-conscious about my braces as a child, until an orthodontist told me, “A smile is more than teeth—it’s confidence you carry with you.” That advice stayed with me. Dentistry combines science, problem-solving, and hands-on work, but most importantly, it allows me to help people feel proud of themselves while improving their health. I hope to bring the same guidance, patience, and encouragement I’ve practiced in coaching to my future patients, helping them gain confidence and wellbeing with every smile. I am finishing my associate’s degree and high school diploma at Florida Southwestern State College and plan to transfer to a four-year university to major in biology as a pre-dental student. Beyond academics, I am committed to developing leadership, resilience, and compassion through continued volunteering, mentoring, and community engagement. Every challenge I have faced—from my early health struggles, to growing up deaf to coaching and volunteering—has taught me perseverance, empathy, and the value of helping others succeed. Dentistry is not just a career for me; it is a way to make a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives. By combining dedication, compassion, and problem-solving skills, I hope to help patients feel confident, supported, and cared for every day. My journey has shown me that resilience, kindness, and guidance can transform lives, and I am determined to carry these values into my future work, making a difference one smile at a time.

Growing up deaf has profoundly shaped how I experience the world, communicate, and navigate challenges. From a young age, I realized that not everyone understands what it means to live with a disability. Classrooms, public spaces, and social settings often assumed I would fit into the standard way of doing things, and I quickly learned that I needed to advocate for myself to be seen and heard. These experiences taught me resilience, patience, and empathy. They also helped me recognize when others were struggling in ways that might not be visible because I know what it feels like to be overlooked. My journey through school revealed both the challenges and opportunities of navigating life with a disability. While I was fortunate to have supportive family members and teachers who understood my needs, I noticed that many students with disabilities do not receive the same guidance or encouragement. Gaps in accessibility, representation, and resources can limit a student’s potential. Witnessing these inequities strengthened my desire to pursue education in healthcare, specifically orthodontics, so I can support underserved communities and provide care that is inclusive and attentive to diverse needs. Ultimately, my goal is to own my own orthodontic practice, creating an environment where patients feel seen, supported, and respected, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. Beyond academics, I have focused on community involvement, volunteering, and leadership. Through jiu-jitsu, Key Club, and local community events, I developed skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and mentorship. I take pride in sharing my knowledge with others, particularly younger students facing challenges at school or in life. Advocating for inclusion and equity is a responsibility I take seriously. Whether helping classmates understand accessibility tools, supporting peers in stressful situations, or modeling resilience, I strive to make a tangible difference in my community. I plan to combine my education and personal experiences to create meaningful change. By pursuing higher education and a professional career, I hope to help communities that often lack resources, guidance, or attention. I want to ensure that people with disabilities are not overlooked and have access to the opportunities they deserve. Additionally, I aim to mentor others, raise awareness, and advocate for systemic improvements in accessibility and inclusion. Owning my own practice will allow me to directly implement these values and create a space that reflects both accessibility and excellence in care. Living with a disability has shown me that challenges can become strengths. It has made me compassionate, observant, and determined. It has demonstrated the value of community, advocacy, and persistence. With the support of this scholarship, I can continue pursuing my education, strengthen my ability to serve others, and contribute to a world where people with disabilities are recognized, valued, and empowered.

Acts of kindness and support have shaped who I am and how I approach the world. I have learned that even small gestures can make a lasting impact. My own life began with one of the most profound acts of care I have ever experienced. I was born at just 32 weeks, weighing barely three pounds, and without a heartbeat. The doctor refused to give up on me, giving me one last chance to survive. That single act of determination and compassion showed me that showing up for someone, even in a seemingly impossible situation, can change lives. Throughout my childhood, my mom and grandmother continued to model care and persistence. My mom took me to every therapy session, practiced walking and talking with me, and taught me to advocate for myself when I learned I was deaf and hard of hearing. My grandmother carefully prepared feeding-tube meals filled with nutritious vegetables to help me gain strength. Inspired by their example, I strive to bring kindness into the lives of others. I mentor younger students in jiu-jitsu, helping them improve their skills and gain confidence. I also support classmates who struggle academically or socially, offering encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear. I have also witnessed the power of connection on a larger scale. During Hurricane Milton in 2024, my friend’s house was flooded, and I wanted to help. I organized my jiu-jitsu team to assist, bringing sandwiches and drinks, and together we sorted belongings, cleaned, and restored order as much as possible. Seeing my friend’s gratitude and the team’s sense of shared purpose made me realize how collaboration amplifies the impact of kindness. It showed me that creating belonging and fostering inclusivity are just as important as offering direct help. These experiences have shaped my values and my vision for the future. I understand that leadership is about empathy, patience, and showing up consistently for others. Whether coaching beginners in jiu-jitsu, volunteering in my community, or supporting friends during difficult times, I have learned that fostering connection and providing support can inspire growth and resilience in others. I am committed to continuing these practices as I grow. Acts of kindness, community involvement, and authentic leadership are not just goals—they are a responsibility. I strive to uplift others, embrace differences, and create spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. By demonstrating compassion, courage, and perseverance, I aim to carry forward the legacy of love and inclusivity, making my school, my community, and my future endeavors more connected, supportive, and meaningful.

My father served in the Air Force, and although he rarely talks about his military experiences, there is one funny story he always shares that I will never forget. Even after all these years, it remains one of his fondest memories from his time in the service. He tells it not because it is heroic or dramatic, but because it captures a moment of simple joy and mischief amidst the discipline and routine of military life. He explained that one day, while stationed at a military camp, he was assigned to work in the food chow. This meant he had the responsibility of helping prepare and serve meals for the other soldiers. The job was necessary but not particularly glamorous. Among the standard meals and daily routines, there was always dessert, but rules were strict. The personnel working in the food area were not allowed to eat any of the treats they were serving. The desserts sat on a beautiful stand, staring back at the military men assigned to cook and serve them. The sight of them made it even harder to resist, as if the desserts themselves were daring the soldiers to take just one bite. Despite these strict regulations, there was one day when my father encountered a cheesecake. According to him, it was a perfectly baked, golden dessert, and the aroma alone made it irresistible. No matter how disciplined he was on most days, that cheesecake was too tempting to resist. He described the anticipation, the way he waited until no one was watching, and then, almost in disbelief, he stuffed the entire cheesecake into his mouth. He chuckled as he told me how guilty he felt in that moment, but also how incredible it was to taste something so forbidden and delicious. That cheesecake, he said, was one of the most memorable experiences of his time in the Air Force. I love this story because it shows a side of my father that I do not always see. He is often serious and disciplined, traits that were undoubtedly shaped by his military training, but this story reveals his playful and mischievous side. It also highlights the idea that even in strict environments, there are moments of joy, spontaneity, and personal rebellion that become cherished memories. For him, it was not about breaking the rules. It was about savoring a rare moment of freedom and indulgence. Whenever my father tells this story, I can see the pride in his eyes. He is not proud of sneaking the cheesecake, but he is proud of the lesson it represents. Even in challenging situations, it is important to find small moments of happiness. He taught me that sometimes life is about balancing responsibility with enjoying the little pleasures, even if just for a fleeting moment. This story has stayed with me because it is more than just about a cheesecake. It represents my father’s resilience, his ability to find light in serious circumstances, and the small, memorable joys that make life special. Whenever I think of him in uniform, I also think of that day in the food chow, sneaking a forbidden dessert, and I cannot help but smile along with him.

Throughout my life, I have faced challenges that tested both my perseverance and my ability to take responsibility. One of the most significant struggles I encountered has been managing my journey as a deaf student while balancing rigorous academics, dual enrollment at Florida SouthWestern State College, and my commitment to jiu-jitsu. Being deaf presents unique obstacles, particularly in communication and accessibility. I have had to navigate situations where I could not rely on hearing to follow instructions or participate in discussions. However, I have learned to adapt by mastering lip-reading, actively seeking clarification when needed, and developing strategies to ensure I fully understand material in every class. These experiences taught me that persistence and creative problem-solving are essential tools for overcoming any obstacle. Jiu-jitsu has been a crucial part of this journey. I currently hold a blue belt, which reflects my dedication, discipline, and ability to learn complex skills over time. Training in martial arts has not only strengthened me physically but also taught me the importance of perseverance, focus, and mental resilience. Competing in tournaments has required composure under pressure, while coaching younger students has developed my leadership skills. Teaching others has shown me how to communicate effectively, adapt to different learning styles, and foster confidence in those I mentor. These lessons extend beyond the dojo; they have improved my teamwork, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills in academic and social settings. Balancing dual enrollment while attending high school added another layer of responsibility. I have had to manage college-level coursework alongside high school assignments, maintain deadlines, and participate in extracurricular activities. This experience strengthened my time management, self-discipline, and accountability. I learned to prioritize tasks, break down complex projects, and maintain focus under pressure. Each challenge reinforced my determination to succeed and shaped my understanding of what it means to be resourceful. These experiences have profoundly influenced my goals as a student and future professional. My intended major is biology, and I am pursuing a pre-dental track. Both fields demand precision, dedication, and continuous learning—qualities I have cultivated through my struggles. My journey has also given me a deeper empathy for others who face obstacles, motivating me to be a mentor and advocate in my community. I strive to support those with challenges similar to mine, sharing strategies and encouragement that can make their paths more manageable. In overcoming these challenges, I have learned that resourcefulness and responsibility are not just traits—they are habits. Whether adapting to communication barriers, managing academic rigor, or supporting others in martial arts, I have discovered my capacity to face difficulties head-on. These experiences have shaped the person I am today: a student who is determined, resilient, and prepared to contribute meaningfully to both my future profession and the wider community. I am confident that the lessons I have learned through perseverance, leadership, and adaptability will continue to guide me as I pursue my goals, proving that obstacles are not roadblocks, but opportunities to grow and excel.

I’ve always been interested in how technology can make a real difference in healthcare and science. For me, the way technology is used in dentistry and biology is especially exciting tools like 3D imaging, digital scans, and advanced lab equipment make it possible to study the body and teeth in ways that weren’t possible before. These tools not only help doctors provide better care but also give students like me new ways to learn and explore. I want to understand and use these innovations to help others, particularly as an orthodontist, where attention to detail and careful planning are so important. In school, I’ve tried to get hands-on experience with technology in science. In my biology classes, I’ve used digital microscopes, lab software, and online simulations to run experiments and analyze results. These experiences taught me how important accuracy and problem-solving are, and they showed me how technology can make research more effective and reliable. Even small things, like tracking data carefully or using programs to model biological processes, helped me see how science and technology work together. I hope to bring that same careful approach to dentistry, where precision really matters for patient care. Outside the classroom, I’ve had experiences that combined technology with helping others. Volunteering at the library and assisting with school events gave me chances to help younger students use educational technology to learn science. Coaching kids in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu taught me how to use simple technology to track progress, record sessions, and improve skills. Even though this isn’t directly related to biology, it helped me understand how technology can enhance learning and make tasks easier and more organized. I’m especially excited about how technology is changing orthodontics. Tools like digital scanners, 3D-printed braces, and computer-aided treatment planning make treatments faster, more accurate, and more comfortable for patients. I want to learn how to use these tools to provide the best care possible. Using technology in this way isn’t just about making procedures easier—it’s about improving people’s confidence and health. These experiences have strengthened my goal of becoming an orthodontist. I want to keep exploring the ways technology can improve care through my studies, volunteering, and research opportunities. I believe that when paired with dedication and compassion, technology can truly make a difference in people’s lives. I’m excited to be part of that and to use these tools to help patients, support my community, and continue learning every day.

Education has given me direction, purpose, and the tools to overcome challenges I never thought I could. From a young age, life demanded that I fight for every step forward. I was born at thirty-two weeks, weighing just over three pounds, without a heartbeat, spending my first weeks in the NICU hooked up to machines instead of held in my mother’s arms. Every milestone—learning to eat, crawl, and walk—was a battle I had to fight twice, as if the world needed proof that I belonged here, that I was meant to live and not just survive. Those early struggles taught me that perseverance, determination, and the lessons I learn through effort are what shape my path, both in life and in education. As I grew, challenges didn’t stop. I discovered I was deaf and hard of hearing and was later diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions forced me to adapt constantly. I learned to read lips, use hearing aids, and ask for help when I needed it. I had to advocate for myself every day—asking to sit at the front of the classroom or explaining what I needed to succeed. I realized that belonging wasn’t in applause or recognition; it was in showing up, speaking up, and proving to myself that I mattered. Each small victory taught me that education isn’t just about school—it’s about learning how to navigate the world, claim my place, and develop the resilience to face challenges. High school brought a new set of obstacles. I attended a collegiate high school, intending to graduate in just two years. Academically, I excelled, but standardized tests—like the ACT, SAT, and Accuplacer—were a struggle. No matter how much I studied, I kept falling short of the scores I needed. Seeing peers succeed while I struggled was discouraging, and I doubted myself. But I remembered my father’s words: failure isn’t the end; it’s a fork in the road. How I responded mattered far more than the setback itself. I stepped back and created a plan. I reorganized my life, prioritizing preparation, focus, and dedication. Yet even with discipline and hard work, progress was slow. On my mother’s advice, I sought outside help—a tutor who could guide me through my blind spots and teach me strategies I hadn’t considered. Slowly, session by session, small victories began to accumulate. Nights and weekends were spent studying while friends went out, but every sacrifice brought me closer to my goal. Each correct answer, each concept mastered, became proof that persistence and effort mattered. Finally, the day came to retake my tests. I walked into the room, nervous but determined. When I left, I felt a quiet, profound sense of victory. Months of hard work, asking for help, and never giving up had paid off. I scored high enough to graduate high school early and begin college at sixteen. That experience taught me that success isn’t instantaneous or easy—it’s built step by step, through patience, grit, and courage. More importantly, it reinforced a lesson that has guided every aspect of my life: setbacks aren’t failures; they are opportunities to grow. Education has also helped me discover my passions. I chose Biology as my major on the pre-dental track because I want to help people through the application of science. Learning how the human body works excites me, but what motivates me most is using that knowledge to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Volunteering in clinics and shadowing dental professionals has shown me how education and practice combine to improve people’s health and confidence. These experiences remind me that learning is not just for personal achievement—it is a tool to serve others and create real, positive impact. The lessons I’ve learned—persistence, patience, asking for help, and celebrating small victories—extend far beyond academics. From surviving early medical challenges to advocating for myself in classrooms to transforming failure into success with standardized testing, I’ve learned that obstacles are not roadblocks; they are opportunities to grow stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Education has given me the skills, confidence, and direction to face challenges head-on and work toward a meaningful future. I hope to use my education to help others see what’s possible, even when life is hard. Challenges will always come, but education has shown me that they can be steppingstones toward growth, understanding, and success. From my first breaths in a hospital incubator to walking across the stage as an early high school graduate, and now to pursuing college and my future career, education has been my guide. It has shaped not only what I know but who I am and who I hope to become.

Being able to see my own smile transform after orthodontic treatment as a child made me realize the power of healthcare in shaping confidence and well-being. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry, where science, precision, and care come together to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. From that moment, I became fascinated with the way skilled professionals can use knowledge of biology and anatomy to improve health and boost confidence. I chose Biology as my major with a pre-dental track because it provides the foundation I need for dental school. I have always been curious about the human body, but what excites me most is using that knowledge to help people directly. Dentistry is more than treating teeth—it is about enhancing oral health, improving quality of life, and building trust with patients. I want to help patients feel proud of their smiles while guiding them to better oral health practices. I plan to complete my biology degree while taking the required pre-dental courses such as chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. These courses will prepare me for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and provide the scientific understanding necessary for dental school. Beyond academics, I plan to gain practical experience by volunteering in dental clinics and shadowing dentists. Seeing treatments firsthand and interacting with patients will help me develop the technical skills and empathy required in this profession. One personal experience that reinforced my interest in dentistry was observing my own treatment. The care and patience of my orthodontist left a lasting impression. I saw how thoughtful communication, attention to detail, and persistence could completely transform a patient’s confidence. This experience motivated me to develop the same qualities—patience, meticulousness, and a commitment to helping others—as I prepare for a career in dental health. Additionally, my fascination with science and problem-solving has always drawn me toward understanding the human body. I enjoy learning about anatomy, physiology, and biology, not just as academic subjects but as tools to make a real difference in people’s lives. My coursework and experiences have strengthened my interest in dentistry and confirmed that this career path aligns with my personal strengths and passion for helping others. In conclusion, pursuing a biology degree with a pre-dental focus is my first step toward a career in dentistry. I am eager to combine my curiosity for science, desire to help others, and commitment to excellence. By improving patients’ oral health and confidence, I hope to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those I serve. My own experience as a patient showed me firsthand the meaningful difference a dentist can make, and that experience continues to drive my ambition to pursue this path.

My passion for STEM, especially biology, comes from always wanting to understand how things work on the smallest levels. I have always been the type of person who asks why—why our bodies grow, why cells divide, and how something as tiny as DNA can shape who we are. As I’ve learned more, my curiosity has only grown. Biology doesn’t just explain life—it connects everything. The more I study it, the more I feel certain that this is where I belong. One of my biggest goals is to become an orthodontist and eventually own my own practice. What draws me to orthodontics is the balance between science and care. I want to help people feel confident in their smile, not just for looks, but because a healthy mouth affects a person’s health and overall life. I want to work hands-on, solve problems, and see the difference I make in real time. Owning a practice one day means I can create a place where people feel respected, understood, and safe. Books have shaped a lot of this journey for me. Even simple science textbooks sparked something—I would find myself reading ahead or writing notes that weren’t assigned. Books helped me see biology not as something to memorize, but something that tells a story. One book that especially influenced my path was a dental health book I read during a school project. It showed real patient transformations, not just physical but emotional. Seeing how a smile could change someone’s confidence made me realize that orthodontics is more than just alignment—it’s life-changing. But passion alone isn’t enough. I know the path to becoming an orthodontist is long, and it requires commitment, education, and support. This scholarship would be that bridge for me. It would allow me to focus fully on my classes and hands-on experience instead of stressing about how I will afford it. It would help me stay on track in my biology degree, which is the foundation I need for dental school. I want to dedicate my time to learning, lab work, volunteering, and gaining real experience—not juggling constant financial worry. My vision is to not only become an orthodontist, but to eventually return to underserved communities and provide affordable care. Too many people grow up feeling insecure about their teeth because treatment is expensive. I want to change that. I want my work to be part of the reason someone smiles more, speaks up more, or believes in themselves a little more. This scholarship doesn’t just help me pay for school—it helps me take real steps toward making that impact. It allows me to continue my education confidently and move closer to owning a practice where I can help others in meaningful ways. I am ready to work hard, stay determined, and continue growing in STEM. I’m passionate about this path because I know exactly who I want to become and why.

I am a deaf and hard-of-hearing student currently dual-enrolled at Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School. From being born prematurely at just 32 weeks, with little chance of survival, to learning to walk, eat, and speak while overcoming developmental challenges, I have learned resilience, patience, and determination. Milestones that seemed simple for other children—like crawling, walking, or eating—took extra effort, but with the guidance of my mother and grandmother, I learned to adapt, persevere, and advocate for myself. They supported me through countless therapy sessions and encouraged me to develop skills like lipreading and using hearing aids, teaching me that dedication and love can overcome even the toughest challenges. These experiences shaped not only my ability to navigate obstacles but also my desire to help others face theirs. I plan to pursue a degree in Biology and follow the pre-dental track, ultimately becoming an orthodontist and opening my own practice. I have always wanted to help people, and orthodontics offers the unique opportunity to improve both oral health and confidence. Seeing someone’s smile transform under my care would not just change their appearance—it could empower them, boost their self-esteem, and positively influence the way they navigate their world. Beyond my career, I aim to create a scholarship program that provides children from low-income families with free orthodontic care. Applicants would submit a short essay about their financial need and how braces would impact their lives, giving families access to care they might not otherwise afford. I want to use my skills to make a meaningful, long-lasting impact in my community, helping individuals gain both health and confidence. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are significantly underrepresented in dental and healthcare professions, including orthodontics. By pursuing this field, I hope to serve as a visible example that hearing loss does not limit professional opportunities. I want to inspire other students from similar backgrounds to pursue healthcare careers, demonstrating that determination, resourcefulness, and a commitment to helping others can overcome barriers. Representation is important because it allows young people to see themselves reflected in careers they might have thought were out of reach. Leadership and service have also been central to my growth. One of my most meaningful experiences was coaching younger students in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Though I wasn’t an official instructor, I organized extra sessions to help beginners build skills and confidence. Through patience, one-on-one guidance, and empathy, I watched these students improve and support one another, learning that true leadership is about fostering growth, trust, and resilience. These lessons—resilience, service, and dedication—continue to guide me. They motivate me to push through challenges, embrace responsibility, and seek opportunities to make a positive difference. I hope to carry them into my future career as an orthodontist, creating meaningful change for individuals and my community, while inspiring the next generation to pursue their goals with confidence, regardless of the obstacles they face.

Through life’s storms—both literal hurricanes and the challenges that test me every day—I have learned that faith, family, and joy are the anchors that keep me steady and grounded. Growing up, my life has been shaped by challenges that taught me perseverance, compassion, and gratitude. From the very beginning, I faced obstacles that could have held me back, yet my faith in God, the support of my family, and the activities that bring me joy have guided me through every difficulty. Faith has always been a central part of my life. I am Jewish and Christian, and I find strength and peace in prayer whenever I am going through a difficult time. Talking to God gives me a sense of calm and perspective, reminding me that everyone is loved, even those who make mistakes. I strive to live by that principle, showing respect to others regardless of their choices, and sharing my faith in ways that encourage and uplift rather than judge. My faith was especially important during Hurricane Ian. Although our home remained standing, the damage to our land and property was overwhelming, and relying on my faith helped me stay patient and focused as we worked to restore everything. I remember weekends spent with my family clearing debris, moving trees, and restoring our yard. That experience showed me how faith can guide action—through patience, hard work, and a commitment to helping others. Family has always been at the heart of who I am. I am incredibly close to my mom, who has shaped my values and taught me to embrace an open and personal connection to faith. Unlike my dad, who tends to be more strict about religious practice, my mom encourages questions and thoughtful discussion, which has made my spiritual journey feel genuine and meaningful. This balance has inspired me to be reflective and to pursue my beliefs thoughtfully. Our family celebrates Passover in our own unique way, coming together to share stories from the Bible and watching depictions of Moses on TV. We also celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas, blending traditions and creating a sense of connection and joy. In addition to gaining spiritual lessons, I support my family by taking on daily responsibilities, including cooking, cleaning, and caring for my younger siblings. When I struggled with my SAT scores, my entire family supported me, helping me study and motivating me to succeed. That encouragement reinforced the importance of family, teaching me that love, patience, and support can help overcome almost any challenge. Finding joy in life has also been essential to my growth. I have a passion for martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which has taught me discipline, confidence, and resilience. Swimming is another activity I enjoy, helping me stay physically active and clear my mind. Recently, I discovered a passion for attending concerts, especially punk shows, which leave me feeling energized, alive, and completely in the moment. These moments of joy balance the challenges of daily life, reminding me that it’s important to embrace happiness and pursue passions while continuing to work toward my goals. These experiences—faith guiding my actions, family shaping my values, and joyful activities enriching my life—have all influenced who I am today and who I strive to become. They have instilled in me a sense of responsibility, empathy, and perseverance that I will carry into college and beyond. I hope to continue living with purpose, helping others, and sharing the values of respect, compassion, and faith wherever I go. My journey has not always been easy, but it has prepared me to face challenges with determination and to find strength in the love and guidance of my family, the lessons of my faith, and the moments that bring me joy.

Life started as a challenge for me, and watching the story of a young girl who survived life-threatening illnesses made me feel like someone finally understood what it’s like to fight every day just to live. I was born 32 weeks early, weighing barely over three pounds and without a heartbeat, and my first weeks were spent in the NICU, hooked up to machines. Simple things that most kids do automatically—like eating, crawling, or walking—took me much longer, and doctors weren’t always confident I would catch up. But I learned early that progress doesn’t have to be fast; it just has to keep happening. Seeing her face incredible obstacles and push through reminded me of the perseverance I had to build from the very beginning, and it made me realize how much God’s presence and guidance have carried me through those early challenges. Like her, my challenges didn’t stop after leaving the hospital. Before kindergarten, I discovered I was deaf, and not long after, I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which affected my vision and learning. To keep up in school and life, I had to adapt—learning to read lips, use my hearing aids, and confidently ask for the support I needed. Her story reminded me that real strength doesn’t always look dramatic—it’s the quiet determination to keep going, to try again when things are hard, and to find solutions when life feels unfair. I also learned that faith can give hope when the path forward seems uncertain; believing that God has a plan for me has helped me face every obstacle with courage. What hits me most is how she used her challenges as fuel to grow, and that’s something I relate to deeply. My early experiences taught me patience, empathy, and resilience, and I try to bring those qualities into everything I do. I notice students who are quiet or feel left out, and I make it a point to support them because I know how it feels to struggle quietly. Living with hearing loss, vision issues, and developmental delays has shaped me into someone who doesn’t just survive obstacles but tries to use them to make a difference for others. I believe God has given me these experiences to help me understand and support people in ways I couldn’t otherwise. The biggest lesson I take from her journey is that hope and strength are choices we make every day, and that God is always with us, even in the quietest struggles. Showing up—even when no one is watching—and continuing to grow, adapt, and persevere matters more than any immediate success. That mindset has carried me this far, and it’s the same one I will carry into college. My challenges won’t stop me; they’ve taught me how to face life with patience, creativity, and determination, and how to lift others along the way, trusting that God is guiding me in every step.

I want to use this scholarship to help pay for college and dental school so I can become an orthodontist. Getting this scholarship would allow me to dedicate myself to school and grow the skills I need to help people in the future. I came into the world really early—just 32 weeks, weighing barely over three pounds, and without a heartbeat. From the start, life wasn’t easy. I owe my life to the doctor who refused to give up on me. Things that were easy for other kids—like eating, crawling, and walking—took me longer to learn. But my mom was always there. She took me to every therapy session and practiced with me every day. She never gave up on me, and I made sure I never gave up on myself. I was also born deaf and hard of hearing. My mom taught me how to lipread, made sure I had hearing aids, and helped me get the support I needed to communicate and learn. My grandma helped too, making feeding-tube meals with healthy foods so I could get strong enough to grow. All of that taught me how important it is to keep going, care about others, and push through even when things are hard. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has been a huge part of my life. It’s taught me discipline, strategy, and how to stay calm under pressure. Competing without my hearing aids makes me rely on focus and awareness. At my first NAGA competition, I had to enter heavier weight classes, and I ended up winning first place in both Gi and No-Gi divisions. Winning felt awesome, but proving to myself that I could push through challenges felt even better. Through BJJ, I’ve been able to guide younger students, teaching them skills and motivating them to persevere through challenges. That showed me what leadership and teamwork really mean. The lessons I’ve learned on the mat—patience, focus, and determination—also help me in school and will continue to guide me as I become an orthodontist. This scholarship would let me keep chasing my goals, push my limits, and hopefully inspire others to do the same. BJJ has made me stronger, more confident, and more determined. It’s taught me lessons I’ll carry with me forever—discipline, focus, and empathy. It’s also shown me the importance of community, and I want to bring that same encouragement everywhere I go. Getting this scholarship would help me keep growing as both an athlete and a student while proving that determination, hard work, and resilience can overcome any obstacle.

Even though I’m hard of hearing, training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at Gustavo Machado BJJ in Punta Gorda has had a profound impact on who I am. Practicing BJJ has taught me discipline, patience, and resilience—both physically and mentally—while helping me develop strength, technique, strategy, and composure in challenging situations. Countless hours on the mat have also boosted my confidence and determination, reinforcing the idea that hard work and focus can overcome obstacles. Because I’m smaller, I often face opponents who are bigger and stronger. At my first NAGA competition, I competed in heavier weight classes. Even though it was intimidating, I didn’t back down. I ended up winning first place in both the Gi and No-Gi divisions. Holding my medal and sword on the podium is a moment I’ll always treasure. It showed me how determination, resilience, and preparation can help me achieve goals that initially seem impossible. BJJ has taught me that facing challenges head-on, rather than avoiding them, is essential to growth—both on and off the mat. Beyond martial arts, I’ve actively contributed to my community through volunteering and school involvement. At the parrot outreach society, I would help clean bird cages, entertain the birds, and make bird toys. Volunteering at the local library allowed me to help younger students with reading and research, strengthening my skills in mentorship, guidance, and inspiring others to reach their potential. At school, I actively participate in clubs and student activities, mentoring peers and fostering a supportive environment that promotes collaboration, leadership, and personal growth. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to giving back, showing me that community involvement is just as important as personal achievement. BJJ and my volunteer work have also shaped my long-term goals. The focus, patience, and care I have learned through training have inspired me to pursue orthodontics, a field where empathy, attention to detail, and problem-solving are essential. I hope to help patients, particularly children and those facing challenges, in a way that reflects the lessons I’ve learned from both martial arts and community service. Through BJJ, volunteering, and school involvement, I have learned that success comes from dedication, collaboration, and resilience. I want to continue sharing these lessons, helping others gain confidence, overcome challenges, and build strong, supportive communities. By combining my passion for martial arts with my commitment to giving back, I aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those around me—showing that determination, empathy, and teamwork can truly change both individual lives and communities.

Growing up, I was raised in a household where my mother carried the weight of most responsibilities. While my father was present in my life and occasionally helped, my mother was truly the backbone of our family. Even when my parents were separated for a time, my mother had custody of me, and I experienced firsthand the countless sacrifices she made to ensure my well-being. From feeding me through a G-tube when I was younger to taking me to therapy, she handled the work and challenges of raising me and my siblings almost entirely on her own. Even during periods when my father had custody, he often relied on his mother to care for me, and I spent most of my time with her instead. Later, when my parents reconciled, my father worked as a police officer, and his demanding schedule meant we rarely saw him except on Sundays or Mondays. Meanwhile, my mother continued to handle the day-to-day responsibilities of our household—feeding us, cleaning up after us, taking us to medical appointments, school, and making sure we were cared for in every way. To this day, she continues to carry much of the responsibility, while my father contributes in smaller ways that, although helpful, fall short of the role I believe a parent should play. Seeing my mom handle all of those responsibilities, even during challenging times, showed me how she always finds a way to get things done. It taught me resilience, patience, and a deep appreciation for the sacrifices people make for those they love. I learned that challenges are not roadblocks but opportunities to grow and rise above circumstances. Her example also gave me a vision for the kind of family I hope to have in the future—one where I can find a partner who is helpful, kind, and actively involved in raising children. Her hard work inspired me to become more independent and proactive. I learned to take responsibility for my own needs and to help out around the house, realizing that even small contributions make a difference when someone is carrying a heavy load. I also became more aware of what other people go through and developed empathy, understanding that life can be complicated and that being kind and supportive really matters. Growing up with my mom doing most of the work taught me more than just chores. It showed me how strong and determined someone can be, how important it is to care for others, and how much of an impact one dedicated person can have on a family. Those lessons still guide me today. They shape how I handle challenges, how I treat people, and how I think about my future. I try to carry my mom’s example with me, showing perseverance, compassion, and selflessness in my own life. I also hope that one day I can have a family where everyone is involved, caring, and supportive—just as I’ve seen my mom be throughout my life.

I spent the beginning of my life in the NICU, connected to machines instead of being cradled in my parents’ arms. Even after leaving the hospital, I had to relearn basic skills—how to eat, crawl, and walk. Doctors doubted I would meet typical developmental milestones, but I never gave up. That early experience taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of taking life one step at a time. Before kindergarten, I learned I was deaf and hard of hearing. To adapt, I taught myself to lipread, a skill that became essential for understanding conversations and communicating confidently. One of my earliest successes with lipreading came during a family gathering, when I could follow a conversation without feeling lost. That small victory boosted my confidence and showed me that perseverance and self-advocacy are just as important as academic success. Over time, I learned how to speak up for myself and trust that I belong in every room I enter. I also learned how to stay calm and composed when things didn’t go as planned. These experiences shaped the way I see the world and interact with others. Growing up with hearing loss made me more aware of the hidden struggles many people carry silently. This awareness has taught me patience, empathy, and the ability to notice what others might miss. I understand what it feels like to be invisible or left behind, and I’ve learned how to think creatively, solve problems, and keep moving forward even when life feels unfair. Alongside my personal growth, I have discovered my passion for dentistry, specifically orthodontics. I am driven not only to become a skilled orthodontist but also to own my own practice one day. Combining my desire to help people with my entrepreneurial ambitions motivates me to pursue dental school with determination. Dentistry, like life, requires precision, problem-solving, and creativity—skills I have honed through overcoming challenges in my own life. By owning a practice, I hope to create a welcoming, compassionate environment for patients while using my skills to improve smiles and build confidence in others. Beyond school, I have applied my perseverance and leadership through volunteering at the Charlotte Library, assisting with toddler classes, and coaching young children in jiu-jitsu. These experiences have reinforced the importance of mentorship, service, and giving back to the community—values I hope to carry into my future career. I am deeply thankful for my life because I refused to let challenges stop me—not because it was easy, but because I kept going, even when I felt overwhelmed or afraid. Every setback became a lesson, every challenge a chance to grow stronger. This mindset will guide me through dental school and my future practice, allowing me to serve others while building a career that reflects my dedication, resilience, and compassion.

I came into the world early—just 32 weeks along, weighing barely over three pounds and without a heartbeat. From that moment, life demanded resilience. I spent the beginning of my life in the NICU, connected to machines instead of being cradled. Even after I left the hospital, I struggled to eat or drink on my own. For a while, a feeding tube kept me alive, and therapy became my daily routine. Milestones that seemed simple for other kids took me longer to reach. I had to learn everything twice—how to eat, how to crawl, how to walk. The doctors didn’t think I’d catch up, but I kept showing up to therapy and doing the hard work—not to prove anyone wrong, but because I’ve always believed I was meant to live a full life, not just survive. Then more challenges came. Before I started kindergarten, I found out I was deaf and hard of hearing. Not long after, I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid iritis, which made my vision worse and slowed down my learning even more. I had to find new ways to adapt—reading lips, wearing hearing aids, using tools and support systems just to stay on track. At first, I was surviving. But eventually, I learned how to speak up for myself, ask for what I needed, and trust that I belonged in every room I walked into. I've learned from life how to maintain composure in the face of chaos. When things don't go as planned, which they frequently don't, I've learned to remain composed, take deep breaths, and keep going. I've come to understand that strength doesn't always have to be loud and evident. It can look like showing up on the hard days, listening more than speaking, or choosing kindness even when it’s not returned. As I got older, I also became more aware of what people carry with them—the struggles they don’t always talk about. I became more patient, thoughtful, and determined to be someone who notices things that others might miss. I understand what it's like to feel undervalued or left behind. I've been there. And it used to make me feel insignificant, but now it makes me angry. I stopped evaluating myself against other people's capabilities. Although it hasn't always happened quickly, my growth has been genuine. I've discovered that success is more about turning up when no one is clapping and pushing through when no one is looking than it is about being at the top or shining on stage. Living with hearing loss, vision issues, and early developmental delays changed how I view the world. It’s made me notice the students who sit quietly in class, who feel left out because they learn or experience life differently. I know what that feels like. Every time life threw something at me, I used it as fuel. I learned to think around problems, be creative when stuck, and keep going even when it didn’t feel fair. I don’t see my disabilities as setbacks anymore. They’ve given me strength—quiet, steady, and real. That mindset brought me this far, and I’ll carry it into college—and keep growing from it for years to come.

Freshman year felt like being trapped inside my own head. Every day, my stomach twisted into knots, and I was sure I had some terrible bug. I sometimes experienced heartburn or chest pain. Doctors even put a tube down my throat to check, but the tests came back clean. The culprit wasn’t a virus—it was anxiety. The stress of attending a high-level high school, juggling mountains of homework, studying late into the night, and pushing myself harder than ever quietly took over my body. My mind and body were screaming for help, but I didn’t know how to listen. This experience opened my eyes to the powerful and often invisible connection between mental health and physical well-being. I realized mental health isn’t just about emotions or mood—it deeply affects every part of life, including the body. For me, anxiety wasn’t just a feeling; it was a physical force that made me question my health and my future. Going through that struggle taught me empathy in a way textbooks never could. I understand what it means to suffer silently, to feel pain that others can’t see or understand. It has made me more patient and compassionate, reminding me that everyone’s battle looks different. These lessons have shaped how I build relationships—rooted in trust, kindness, and a desire to truly listen. Because of this journey, I am driven to become a dentist—a healthcare professional who cares not only for teeth but also for the overall well-being of patients. I want to help people like me who experience physical symptoms connected to mental health struggles. I want to be more than just a dentist; I want to be an advocate for holistic care—someone who looks beyond the mouth to understand the whole person and the story behind their pain or anxiety. My dream is to transform how dental care addresses mental health, making emotional and psychological well-being a key part of treatment rather than an afterthought. By combining technical skill with genuine empathy, I hope to create a comfortable environment where patients feel understood and cared for, helping them reclaim their health and confidence. True healing begins when we treat both the body and mind as interconnected parts of a person’s overall health. I plan to continually educate myself on mental health issues and incorporate that knowledge into my practice, so I can be a trusted ally for my patients both inside and outside the dental chair.

Being a teenager is supposed to be about finding yourself and having fun, but for me, it's felt more like a quiet fight against loneliness, being left out, and never really being seen—especially as someone who’s deaf and hard of hearing. Olivia Rodrigo’s song “Vampire” from her GUTS album captures these difficult emotions in a way that deeply resonates with my own experience. The lyric that hits me hardest is: “You only came to my wake to show off your halo.” This lyric reflects the pain of feeling used, misunderstood, and invisible — feelings I know all too well. Growing up deaf and hard of hearing, I have often felt ignored or excluded, not only by peers but sometimes by my own family. I have been called names and slurs by family members, words that made me feel ugly and unworthy. Sometimes, I cried alone in my room at night, overwhelmed by the pressure to be better than everyone else — to prove my value. One of the moments I felt most left out happened when a friend invited all my other friends to go to a fair. Since I live right across the street from her, she asked if I could take one of my friends home because she had an appointment and couldn’t. I agreed and took my friend home, thinking everything was fine. But an hour later, that same friend showed up with a group of my other friends to pick up the friend I had driven, and they all left me behind. That moment hurt deeply. I remember thinking, “Who does that?” It made me feel invisible and unimportant to people I trusted. Despite moments like these, I have learned to wear a bright smile and pretend everything is okay. In social groups, I am often shy and quiet, afraid to speak up because I fear being left out or misunderstood. Yet inside, I carry a brightness and hope that I can still be seen for who I truly am. Olivia’s lyric reminds me of the people who come around only to look good, not because they genuinely care. It’s a powerful call-out to those who drain your energy without truly supporting you — the “vampires” in life. “Vampire” is more than just a song about heartbreak; it’s about reclaiming your power after being hurt and ignored. For me, this realization was painful, but it also marked the beginning of my journey toward self-acceptance and strength. I am learning that I don’t need to meet anyone else’s expectations or hide my true self to be worthy of love and respect. The lyric captures this turning point — the moment when you stop letting others define your worth and start protecting your own heart. Olivia’s raw honesty encourages me to acknowledge my pain, but also to move forward with courage. Even though I’ve never been in a relationship and sometimes feel alone, I know that my value does not depend on others’ opinions or acceptance. In conclusion, the lyric “You only came to my wake, to show off your halo” from Olivia Rodrigo’s “vampire” speaks to the heart of my teenage experience: the struggle to be seen and valued despite feeling overlooked, hurt, and isolated. It reflects the pain of family rejection, the loneliness of being different, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going. This song reminds me that even in my darkest moments, I can reclaim my power and continue to shine, not because others expect it, but because I deserve to.

I didn’t expect a Broadway show to teach me more about self-worth than any classroom ever had. But when I was 16, sitting in a Punta Gorda theater on a December night with my closest friends, Wicked did exactly that. It wasn’t freezing—Florida rarely is—but there was just enough chill in the air to make the moment feel special. We had rushed in, laughing and slightly late, thinking we were just going to see a good show. None of us knew that we were about to be completely changed by a story about two witches, a misunderstood world, and what it means to be different. From the moment Elphaba appeared, I was captivated. She was bold, intelligent, and passionate—but constantly judged for things beyond her control. I saw myself in her. As someone who has faced challenges related to being hard of hearing and navigating an educational system not always built to understand that, I knew what it felt like to be seen through a distorted lens. Like Elphaba, I’d spent years trying to prove that being different doesn’t mean being less. What made Wicked unforgettable wasn’t just its music or staging—it was its message. It told a truth that many of us don’t learn until we’ve been hurt by it: that people will create their own stories about you, no matter who you are. Elphaba taught me that the most powerful thing you can do is choose your own story and live it boldly. I also saw strength in the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda—two girls who couldn’t have been more different, yet found connection through honesty, loyalty, and growth. It reminded me of the friendships I had with the girls sitting beside me in that theater. Like them, Glinda challenged Elphaba to open up, and Elphaba challenged Glinda to grow. That night, I saw how real connection comes from being exactly who you are, not who others expect you to be. Since then, Wicked has stayed with me. It has inspired the way I advocate for myself, approach leadership, and view failure. When applying to colleges, requesting accommodations, or speaking up for what I believe in, I often think back to one line: “It’s time to try defying gravity.” It reminds me that standing tall in who I am is not only enough—it’s powerful. Being a fan of Wicked isn’t just about loving a musical. It’s about finding a story that reflects your own in unexpected ways. For me, Wicked was a turning point—one that helped me step into myself fully and unapologetically. And that’s why I’ll never forget that December night. I didn’t leave with just a Playbill—I left with a new understanding of what it means to rise.

Love Island Challenge: “Heart Sync” On Love Island, drama, connection, and entertainment rule. But what if we shook things up with a challenge that tested something deeper: emotional intuition and non-verbal connection? Welcome to Heart Sync—a brand-new challenge that ditches the typical trivia or physical games for a bold experiment in emotional bonding, teamwork, and chaos (obviously). Here’s the setup: each couple is separated. One partner is dropped into the Serenity Chamber — think low lighting, candle scent diffusers, a heartbeat metronome ticking steadily, and zero distractions. The other? They're exiled into the Chaos Capsule, a soundproof cube with psychological warfare-level distractions: blaring neon lights, the shriek of simulated crowd noises, clips of Casa Amor betrayals, and even voiceovers from exes saying, “we need to talk.” It’s pure emotional turbulence. Both Islanders are fitted with synchronized ECG monitors. Their mission? Get their heart rates within 3 beats per minute of each other for at least 60 seconds — without speaking, seeing, or knowing anything the other is doing. No instructions, no clues. Just trust, emotional attunement, and maybe a little desperation. They’re given one shared tool: a red “pulse stone” that glows softly when held. If they both squeeze it at the same time — from across the villa — they’ll feel a faint warmth. It’s not enough to confirm anything, but it’s enough to wonder, “Are we in sync?” The beauty (and madness) of this challenge lies in what it tests. Not strength, not trivia, not speed. It tests intuition, stillness, and the fragile thread of connection that exists in the quiet moments — the stuff most people overlook on reality TV. Can you slow your breathing just by thinking about someone else’s heartbeat? Can chaos make you forget your rhythm? Plot twist: The couple with the lowest heart sync doesn’t just lose — they get a rude 6 a.m. wake-up call and are thrown into a high-stakes, exclusive recoupling round, where their connection (or lack of it) is put to the ultimate test. But the winning couple? They’re rewarded with more than a Hideaway night. They got a 24-hour “Silent Date,” where no talking is allowed. Just eye contact, body language, shared cooking, and maybe a few awkward laughs. No fake flirting. No smug speeches. Just a test of what happens when love isn’t loud. “Heart Sync” adds a layer to Love Island that nobody sees coming. It’s weird. It’s uncomfortable. It’s raw. And it’s real. Because sometimes, the biggest test of connection isn’t a kiss — it’s the silence in between, and who’s still there when the noise fades.

Throughout my life, being deaf and hard of hearing has presented unique challenges that have undeniably shaped who I am today. My educational journey has been marked by various obstacles associated with my Individualized Education Program (IEP) and learning disability, but each challenge has fostered resilience and growth in ways I could never have imagined. In school, the primary hurdle I faced was communication. Often, I found myself struggling to hear the teacher’s voice amidst a classroom filled with noise. The feeling of isolation in such an environment was overwhelming. It taught me valuable skills, such as lip reading and self-advocacy. Lip reading became a crucial tool that allowed me to decipher spoken words, while self-advocacy empowered me to express my needs. As time progressed, I learned to articulate my requirements confidently and request accommodations essential for my success, like utilizing an FM system or choosing to sit at the front of the class. These adjustments significantly improved my ability to hear and engage in class discussions, transforming my educational experience from one of exclusion to participation. Nevertheless, the challenges extended beyond the classroom walls. At home, communication barriers occasionally strained my relationships with family members who did not fully understand my hearing loss. These moments were undoubtedly difficult but served as pivotal lessons in resilience. I became creative in my methods of expression, finding alternative ways to convey my thoughts and feelings. This adaptability ultimately strengthened my communication skills, deepened my patience, and fostered a more profound connection with my family despite the challenges we faced. Empathy became another vital component of my development during these formative years. Experiencing the hardships associated with my hearing impairment ignited a passion for advocacy within me. I recognized the urgency of raising awareness about the challenges faced by students with disabilities like mine. By sharing my story and participating in discussions, I aspire to contribute to a better understanding of the unique difficulties and needs of those who experience similar situations. Looking ahead to college, I am motivated by the prospect of not only continuing my education but also enriching the university community with my diverse perspectives. My experiences navigating academic challenges as a deaf and hard-of-hearing student provide me with a unique lens through which I can view education and interaction. I believe that my background can help foster a more inclusive and understanding environment on campus, where differences are celebrated, and every voice is heard. Moreover, my journey has transformed the challenges I once saw as hindrances into strengths. Through persistence and determination, I have acquired skills and insights that will prepare me to engage actively and compassionately in campus life. I am eager to collaborate with peers and educators to advocate for accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all students feel supported and valued regardless of their abilities. In summary, the challenges I have faced due to my hearing disability have profoundly shaped my identity and educational aspirations. They have instilled in me a sense of resilience, empathy, and a commitment to advocacy. As I embark on my college journey, I carry these experiences with me, ready to contribute positively to the academic and social fabric of the university community.

I’m Emma Borrego, a high school senior born deaf and hard of hearing in both ears. I take pride in wearing hearing aids and teaching myself lip reading—not just as tools for accessibility, but as bridges for communication and acceptance. Above all, these experiences taught me one essential lesson: no child should ever feel isolated, dismissed, or silenced—whether in person or online. When I coach younger students in Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu, I reinforce this principle every day. The dojo isn’t only a place to learn strikes or takedowns—it’s where respect, composure, and courage take center stage. I encourage the kids to believe that real strength comes from self‑worth and calm resolve—not dominance. In class, they learn to hold their heads high, to speak (or gesture) assertively, to step in when others falter, and to walk away before conflict escalates. In this culture, bullying loses its power; confidence becomes the shield. I also focus on turning bystanders into allies. If I notice teasing or exclusion, I pause the session and ask the kids: “What happened? How’s everyone feeling? Have any of you thought about walking beside someone who seems left out—or asking for help?” With this strategy, stepping in becomes brave yet natural, compassionate yet calm. Beyond the dojo, I’ve applied the same ethos. Years ago, I rallied my teammates to volunteer for neighbors after Hurricane Helene—serving meals, sorting donations, listening when people cried, laughing when they needed it. These moments helped me build the foundation of community care I bring whenever cruelty or loneliness strikes. During summer months, I volunteered weekly at the Punta Gorda–Charlotte Library’s children’s section. I shelved books, helped kids and parents pick new titles, and facilitated toddler‑Tuesday, setting up activities and leading them. Each role taught me how small gestures—like clear communication, patience, and warmth—can make a big impact. I teach hearing peers inclusive communication too: asking them to face me when they speak, slow down, use visual cues, or repeat themselves gently. Children, parents, and teachers gradually learn that a few small habits can prevent someone like me from becoming an accidental target. My anti‑bullying approach blends compassion with realism, coaching with service. I mentor kids in self‑advocacy, emotional awareness, and situational empathy—skills born in martial arts and shaped by living between hearing and non‑hearing worlds. I show them that empathy without action is merely sentiment, but empathy with action becomes protection—for someone and from someone. I help build communities where every child feels safe enough to be visible—and strong enough to stand up for others. That’s how we truly fight bullying: not with fists, but with heart, respect, and clarity.