Education has never been just a requirement for me, it has been a compass. At moments when life felt uncertain or overwhelming, learning became the one place where I could rediscover direction, purpose, and confidence. It has shaped the way I see myself, the world around me, and the future I hope to build. My journey through education has been marked by challenges, growth, and gradual transformation, but each step has strengthened my belief that who I become matters just as much as where I end up. Growing up, I always knew that education had the power to change circumstances, but I did not fully understand what that meant until I experienced it myself. Like many students, I have faced personal hardships that made academic progress feel like climbing uphill. There were seasons when balancing school, responsibilities, and my own emotional wellbeing felt almost impossible. Moments of discouragement pulled me toward giving up, but each time, education offered a small but steady reminder that effort is meaningful. I learned to measure progress not by perfection, but by persistence and the strive for excellence.k One of the most defining challenges I experienced was learning how to believe in myself during times when external outcomes didn’t reflect my potential. I have always been motivated and driven, but there were periods when my grades or circumstances didn’t mirror the hard work I was putting in. It took courage to rebuild confidence and patience to accept that growth isn’t always visible right away. Instead of letting setbacks define me, I began viewing them as reminders that progress requires resilience. The more I pushed through difficult classes, long days, and moments of doubt, the more I understood that education was quietly building my character: teaching me discipline, adaptability, curiosity, and hope. Another challenge I faced was learning how to navigate responsibilities outside of school. Balancing academic expectations with personal obligations required me to develop time management skills and a stronger sense of independence. There were days when the stress felt heavy, but each time I kept going, I discovered something new about what I was capable of. These experiences shaped not only my academic path but also my sense of direction. They helped me realize that strength grows in ordinary, consistent effort, choosing to study when I’m tired, choosing to ask for help when I’m stuck, and choosing to believe that my dreams are worth working for. Education has also given me a clearer understanding of the kind of future I want to build. As I grew in my studies, I began seeing how knowledge opens doors, not just to careers, but to influence, confidence, and purpose. I hope to use my education to create a future where I can help others overcome their own barriers, just as I am learning to overcome mine. Whether through leadership, service, or community involvement, I want to contribute to a world where people feel supported, empowered, and hopeful about their potential. My long-term goals are rooted in this desire to make a positive impact. I want to build a career that allows me to uplift others, especially those who might feel unseen or uncertain about their path. Education has taught me that transformation begins with opportunity, and opportunity grows when someone is willing to believe in you. I want to be that “someone” for others. Whether through mentoring, community leadership, or professional work, I hope to share encouragement and knowledge in a way that creates lasting change. I am also motivated to become a role model for younger students who are facing challenges similar to mine. Many students feel pressure to have everything figured out or to meet impossible standards. My own journey has shown me that progress looks different for everyone and that determination matters more than a perfect path. As I continue my education, I want to show others that setbacks do not have to define their futures. With the right support and mindset, they can rise above circumstances and build a life they are proud of. This scholarship represents more than financial support, it represents belief. Belief in students who are still discovering themselves, still growing, and still fighting to create a better tomorrow. I am committed to using my education not only to achieve personal goals, but also to uplift those around me. Every challenge I have overcome has strengthened my sense of purpose, and every class I take brings me closer to the future I want to build. Education continues to shape my goals by grounding me in the values that matter most: resilience, integrity, compassion, and a desire to make a meaningful impact. I am determined to use what I learn to contribute to a world where people feel encouraged to pursue their dreams, even when the road is difficult. I know that I still have much to learn, but that is what excites me most, the chance to grow, to serve, and to step into the person I am becoming.

I believe I deserve this scholarship not because my journey has been perfect, but because it has been defined by perseverance, faith, and purpose. Like many students, I have faced obstacles, academic challenges, financial strain, and emotional setbacks, but through it all, I have remained committed to growing, serving, and pursuing excellence with integrity. What sets me apart is not just ambition, but the way I have learned to turn challenges into opportunities for strength and empathy. Education, to me, is not simply a pathway to a career, it’s a calling to steward my gifts and use them to make a difference. As a college student, I’ve learned that success requires more than intelligence; it requires discipline, resilience, and a willingness to keep showing up even when the outcome is uncertain. Balancing coursework, leadership commitments, and financial responsibilities has not always been easy, yet these experiences have strengthened my character. They’ve taught me how to adapt, how to lead with compassion, and how to find peace in perseverance. One of my biggest advantages is the perspective I’ve gained through serving others. Whether through volunteer work with Hope for the World, helping at the Food Bank, or participating in college service projects and youth leadership programs back home in Albania, I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of service can create lasting impact. These experiences have shaped how I view success, not as something to achieve alone, but as something to share. I carry that mindset into everything I do, from academics to community involvement. Another strength that defines me is my faith. It has guided me through moments of uncertainty and grief, giving me a sense of grounding when life felt unstable. Faith reminds me that setbacks don’t define me; they refine me. It keeps me focused on the kind of person I want to become, someone who uplifts others, values integrity, and leads with empathy. This spiritual foundation is what drives my motivation to continue my education, even when challenges arise. Financially, pursuing college in another country comes with unique difficulties. Scholarships like this one are not just helpful, they are essential for students like me to continue following our calling without being limited by financial hardship. Every opportunity to receive support brings me closer to my goal of finishing my degree with excellence and giving back to others who are also trying to build a better future. What gives me an advantage is not luck or privilege, but my determination to stay consistent in my efforts, my ability to find strength in adversity, and my deep belief that education is both a gift and a responsibility. I’ve learned that true success is not measured by competition, but by contribution, how you use what you have to make a difference in your community and the world. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve some of the financial burden that comes with higher education but would also serve as a reminder that resilience, faith, and compassion matter. It would affirm that the long hours of hard work, the sacrifices, and the faith it takes to keep going are all worth it. Most importantly, it would motivate me to continue striving toward my goals with even greater purpose, to lead, serve, and create a positive impact wherever life takes me.

Giving back has always been at the center of who I am. I believe that service is one of the most meaningful ways to express gratitude and faith, by using what we have to uplift others. Over the years, I have sought opportunities to serve in ways that meet both practical and emotional needs, learning that genuine service is not about recognition but about compassion and consistency. Each experience has strengthened my conviction that small acts of kindness can create ripples of hope that extend far beyond what we see. One of the organizations closest to my heart is Hope for the World, whose mission is to “Rescue · Reveal · Restore”, rescuing people from poverty, revealing purpose, and restoring hope through meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Opportunities through Hope For the World have shown me how service grounded in dignity and respect can help people feel seen and valued, not just helped. In addition to this, I have volunteered with a local food bank, helping to sort and distribute food to individuals and families in need. It was a humbling experience that taught me the value of dignity in service, recognizing that behind every need is a story. My involvement in college service projects has also deepened my understanding of teamwork and responsibility. Whether participating in campus outreach, or assisting with student-led initiatives, I learned that leadership in service begins with empathy and a willingness to take action where it’s needed most. Before coming to the United States, I also co-lead a youth leadership initiative called "YouthLead" organized by the U.S. Embassy in Albania, which helped me and others develop communication, collaboration, and civic-engagement skills. These programs reinforced for me that leadership is rooted in serving others with humility and purpose. A lesson I continue to carry into everything I do. Looking ahead, I hope to continue giving back by combining my studies in Management with my passion for service. My goal is to work in roles that focus on community development, education, and social impact, helping build organizations that prioritize people, values, and long-term positive change. Eventually, I hope to support and even expand Hope for the World’s mission. Service has shaped the way I view both life and leadership. It has taught me that impact does not always come from grand gestures, it comes from consistency, empathy, and the willingness to care. I want to live a life that reflects these values, just as Priscilla Shireen Luke’s legacy of hope and selflessness does. This scholarship would help me continue walking this path, serving others, wherever I am, with purpose and heart.

For many, the American dream is described as a life of comfort, success, and opportunity, the idea that hard work alone can lead to achievement. But as someone who came to the United States as a non-citizen and has experienced both the hope and hardship that come with pursuing higher education here, I see the American dream differently. To me, the American dream is not about reaching a final destination of wealth or recognition; it is about perseverance, purpose, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a community, even when the odds feel stacked against you. Coming to the United States opened doors that once seemed impossible, but it also revealed how complex and uneven the path toward success can be for someone without citizenship. There are moments of discouragement, forms that cannot be filled out, opportunities that seem out of reach, and the quiet pressure of working twice as hard to prove that you belong. Yet, these experiences have also shaped my definition of the American dream. It is not about entitlement; it is about resilience, the ability to keep moving forward despite barriers, to build a life rooted in faith, integrity, and service. Community service has been one of the most meaningful ways I have lived out that belief. Volunteering has taught me that the American dream is not only something to be achieved for oneself, but something to be shared. Whether helping organize local events, mentoring younger students, or contributing time to faith-based outreach, I have found purpose in giving back to the place that has given me so much opportunity to grow. In serving others, I have come to understand that belonging is not defined by legal status but by one’s willingness to care, serve, and invest in the well-being of others. The American dream, to me, is about building bridges where others see walls. It is about holding on to hope even when things feel uncertain, and working toward goals that reflect both personal growth and collective good. It is about education, not just as a means to a career, but as a way to equip oneself to make a positive difference in the world. My dream is to continue pursuing my college degree, not only for personal advancement, but to inspire others who face similar barriers to believe that their dreams are worth fighting for too. In the end, the American dream is not a single story or destination, it’s the courage to dream when the world tells you to settle, the strength to serve when you have little to give, and the faith to believe that where you start does not define where you can go. It is about contributing to something greater than yourself, proving that even without citizenship, one can embody the very spirit of what the American dream was meant to represent: hope, perseverance, and purpose. This scholarship would give me the means to live this out continuously.

Faith has been the foundation that steadies me through every season of life. It has shaped not only how I view the world, but also how I respond to challenges, make decisions, and pursue my goals. From moments of uncertainty to times of joy and accomplishment, I have come to understand that my strength does not come from my own ability, but from trusting in God’s plan. My faith continually reminds me that each step, even the uncertain ones, can lead to purpose when guided by Him. Throughout my academic journey, there have been moments that tested my perseverance. Balancing responsibilities, staying motivated through seasons of discouragement, and finding clarity about my future have not always been easy. Yet, in those times, my faith gave me peace when I couldn’t see the full picture. Prayer and reflection became ways to reset my perspective, to see that God was working even in silence. Rather than viewing challenges as setbacks, I began to see them as opportunities for growth and trust. This mindset has helped me stay focused on my goals, remain hopeful during transition, and become more compassionate toward others who may be walking through similar struggles. Faith has also shaped how I interact with people. I’ve learned that living out my beliefs goes beyond words, it is reflected in the way I treat others with kindness, humility, and integrity. Whether in a classroom discussion, group project, or leadership role, I try to create an environment where others feel valued and heard. My goal is to lead with gentleness and understanding, recognizing that everyone carries unseen burdens. Faith has helped me see people not for their mistakes or differences, but for their worth as individuals created in God’s image. Looking ahead, my faith will continue to guide the way I live and work. As I pursue a degree in Management, I want to embody the principles of servant leadership, placing people before profit, purpose before prestige, and truth before convenience. My faith reminds me that leadership is not about authority, but about responsibility: the call to serve, uplift, and make a difference with integrity. I hope to one day work in a field where I can influence others through example, demonstrating that excellence and compassion can coexist. Faith will also help me navigate the uncertainties of the future. There will always be moments of doubt or disappointment, but I trust that God equips me for every season. His guidance will help me remain steady when circumstances change and courageous when opportunities require me to step outside my comfort zone. Each challenge becomes a reminder that I am not alone, that perseverance, guided by faith, can transform fear into growth. Ultimately, my faith has been the anchor that gives my life direction and meaning. It has taught me that success is not defined by position or recognition, but by living with integrity and grace. As I continue to grow academically and personally, I want my journey to reflect that truth: that faith can turn uncertainty into hope, and ordinary paths into purposeful ones.

Mental health challenges, including periods of grief, have been an important part of my journey, shaping who I am and how I approach life today. While I have never experienced substance abuse, I have faced moments of deep emotional struggle that could have made it easy to lose direction. Instead, I chose to navigate these challenges by staying focused on my goals, remaining actively involved in my community, and seeking ways to positively impact those around me. These experiences have taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of using personal struggles as motivation to grow and help others. Throughout high school and now in college, I have balanced academic responsibilities with extracurricular involvement and community engagement, all while managing periods of grief and anxiety. I found that maintaining focus on tangible goals, such as excelling academically, taking on leadership roles, and developing skills for my future, gave me direction when life felt uncertain. By setting clear objectives for myself, I was able to transform moments of doubt into motivation, reminding myself that personal struggles do not define my potential or my future. Remaining involved in my community has also been essential in navigating challenges. Volunteering with local service initiatives, mentoring younger students, and participating in campus organizations not only provided a sense of purpose but also allowed me to build meaningful connections with others. These interactions reinforced the understanding that growth and healing are not isolated processes, they thrive in community. By contributing to the well-being and success of those around me, I was reminded that even small actions can have a significant impact, and that helping others is a powerful way to stay grounded and motivated. My experiences with mental health challenges and grief have shaped my perspective on education and leadership. I see learning not only as an intellectual pursuit but also as a practice in resilience, empathy, and meaningful engagement. These challenges strengthened my commitment to excel academically while simultaneously developing as a leader who empowers and encourages others. For instance, I have organized peer study sessions, volunteered to assist students adjusting to college life, and actively engaged in discussions about mental health awareness. These experiences reinforced that leadership is not only about personal achievement but also about fostering environments where others feel supported, understood, and inspired to grow. Looking ahead, I am dedicated to continuing my mental health journey with intentional care and resilience. I plan to maintain routines and strategies that support my well-being, pursue mentorship and professional guidance, and remain actively involved in initiatives that benefit others. By staying goal-focused, contributing positively to my community, and leading by example, I hope to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and service, both personally and for those I interact with. This scholarship represents more than financial support, it affirms the value of resilience, personal growth, and impact. Receiving this award would allow me to focus fully on my academic and leadership goals, invest in resources that support my well-being, and continue building the skills and opportunities needed to make a meaningful difference. By applying the determination and courage it celebrates, I hope to honor the spirit of this scholarship and demonstrate that even in the face of grief and challenge, it is possible to move forward with purpose, impact, and hope.

Loss has a way of dividing life into two parts: before and after. For me, that division came when I lost someone deeply significant, a loss that changed not only how I saw the world, but also who I was becoming. Grief reshaped my understanding of purpose, faith, and resilience. It forced me to grow in ways I never expected, and while it brought immense pain, it also gave me a profound sense of empathy and a drive to live meaningfully. In the months following that loss, life felt heavy and unfamiliar. I struggled to find motivation and direction, and even simple tasks like studying or socializing felt distant. Yet, somewhere within that fog of grief, I realized that pain and purpose could coexist. I began to understand that healing was not about forgetting but about learning to carry the memory forward in a way that honors what was lost. This shift in mindset slowly changed everything — how I approached relationships, how I studied, and how I cared for others. Over time, loss taught me to see people differently. I became more intentional about listening, more patient with others’ pain, and more willing to reach out when someone seemed withdrawn. I realized that everyone carries unseen stories, and kindness can make a world of difference. This awareness now guides my goals and the kind of leader I hope to be — one who values empathy as much as excellence. In my academic journey, this experience has given me a deeper sense of purpose. As a Management major, I aspire to create environments where people feel supported, valued, and understood, especially in times of transition or hardship. I believe emotional intelligence and compassion are essential in leadership, and my own experience with grief has made those qualities central to how I want to lead. I want to use my education to empower others to find meaning and resilience even in difficult circumstances. My faith has also been a steady anchor. Holding onto the truth gave me courage to keep moving forward, to study, to serve, and to build a life that reflects gratitude rather than despair. Grief has shaped me, but it has not defined me by loss alone. It has defined me by growth, compassion, and a renewed desire to live with intention. I carry the memory of my loved one in all that I do. The experience taught me that life after loss is not about going back to who you were, but about becoming someone stronger, softer, and more aware of what truly matters.

Loss has a way of dividing life into two parts: before and after. For me, that division came when I lost someone deeply significant, a loss that changed not only how I saw the world, but also who I was becoming. Grief reshaped my understanding of purpose, faith, and resilience. It forced me to grow in ways I never expected, and while it brought immense pain, it also gave me a profound sense of empathy and a drive to live meaningfully. In the months following that loss, life felt heavy and unfamiliar. I struggled to find motivation and direction, and even simple tasks like studying or socializing felt distant. Yet, somewhere within that fog of grief, I realized that pain and purpose could coexist. I began to understand that healing was not about forgetting, but about learning to carry the memory forward in a way that honors what was lost. This shift in mindset slowly changed everything, how I approached relationships, how I studied, and how I cared for others. Over time, loss taught me to see people differently. I became more intentional about listening, more patient with others’ pain, and more willing to reach out when someone seemed withdrawn. I realized that everyone carries unseen stories, and kindness can make a world of difference. This awareness now guides my goals and the kind of leader I hope to be, one who values empathy as much as excellence. In my academic journey, this experience has given me a deeper sense of purpose. As a Management major, I aspire to create environments where people feel supported, valued, and understood, especially in times of transition or hardship. I believe emotional intelligence and compassion are essential in leadership, and my own experience with grief has made those qualities central to how I want to lead. I want to use my education to empower others to find meaning and resilience even in difficult circumstances. My faith has also been a steady anchor. Holding onto the truth gave me courage to keep moving forward, to study, to serve, and to build a life that reflects gratitude rather than despair. Grief has shaped me, but it has not defined me by loss alone. It has defined me by growth, compassion, and a renewed desire to live with intention. I carry the memory of my loved one in all that I do every moment of every day. The experience taught me that life after loss is not about going back to who you were, but about becoming who you are supposed to be because of the legacy and impact of the people you lost.

My name is Edona Zefi, and I am an undergraduate student at Lee University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Management. Before coming to the United States, I graduated from high school in Albania with a specialization in technical media, where I studied digital marketing, videography, and media communication. That experience taught me how creativity and technology can be used to tell meaningful stories and influence lives. Now, by combining that background with my education in management, I hope to make a larger, more purposeful impact, one that blends innovation, compassion, and leadership. My passion for digital communication began in high school, when I realized that media has the power to do far more than entertain—it can educate, unite, and inspire people to take action. I loved creating content that brought awareness to social issues and gave a voice to those often overlooked. That early connection between communication and empathy shaped my vision of leadership: not just leading through authority, but through understanding, authenticity, and service. At Lee University, I am learning how to apply these ideas in real-world contexts. My management courses teach me how ethical leadership, emotional intelligence, and strategic decision-making work together to build trustworthy organizations. I plan to integrate these principles with my technical and creative skills to support businesses, nonprofits, and community projects, especially those in developing regions like my home country, Albania. Many young people there have incredible ideas but lack the resources or visibility to share them. I want to change that by helping them communicate their purpose effectively through digital platforms. This calling is also personal. Having walked through seasons of grief and loss, I’ve learned how fragile and precious life is. Those experiences have given me a deeper empathy for others and a stronger desire to live meaningfully, to use my time and education to uplift, encourage, and build hope in the lives of others. Grief has taught me that impact doesn’t have to be grand to be lasting; it can begin in the quiet ways we choose to serve, create, and lead with compassion. Brandon Repola’s legacy reflects that same truth. His words, “I’m here to change the world!”, capture the spirit I want to carry into my own work. Like Brandon, I believe that determination and heart can turn vision into action. I want to follow that example by using digital storytelling and leadership to create opportunities, bridge divides, and remind others that transformation always begins with one bold decision to care. As an international student, I have faced challenges of adjustment and distance, but each has strengthened my sense of purpose. This scholarship would not only help me continue my studies but also honor Brandon’s life by allowing me to live out the very values he stood for: ambition, creativity, and the courage to make the world better through empathy and perseverance.

Coming from Shkodra, a city rich in culture and resilience, I have always believed that education is not just a personal achievement, it is a responsibility to give back. My journey from Albania to the United States to study Management at Lee University has been shaped by a deep desire to one day help strengthen the social and economic foundations of my home country. I see education as a bridge—one that connects opportunity with purpose and knowledge with service. In Albania, many young people possess extraordinary potential, but lack access to the resources, mentorship, and vision needed to thrive. Through my studies in management, I am learning how organizations grow, how leadership shapes culture, and how values such as integrity and accountability can transform institutions. I hope to use these lessons to contribute to the development of ethical, sustainable leadership in Albania, especially within the education and business sectors. My goal is to help create initiatives that empower young professionals to lead with purpose and integrity, rather than simply ambition. One of my long-term aspirations is to help build a leadership and mentorship network in northern Albania that connects students with professionals and educators abroad. By combining management knowledge with digital tools, I want to create a space where ideas, guidance, and opportunities flow freely, bridging the gap between what Albanian students dream of and what they can realistically achieve. This would not only strengthen the local workforce but also restore hope in the power of collaboration and innovation. I am also deeply passionate about ethical business practices. Albania continues to face challenges with corruption and lack of transparency in both the public and private sectors. Through my education, I am gaining an understanding of how moral leadership and emotional intelligence can serve as tools for transformation. I want to model this kind of leadership, promoting honesty, service, and responsibility as guiding principles in professional life. My dream is to contribute to a generation of leaders who view success not merely as personal gain but as an opportunity to uplift their communities. Above all, my faith plays a central role in how I view education and leadership. I believe that true impact begins with humility and compassion. My goal is to use what I learn at Lee University to bring light and growth back to my home country, to invest in people, ideas, and systems that will continue to bear fruit long after I return. This scholarship would not only support my education financially but also affirm my mission to give back meaningfully. I carry Albania with me in every classroom, every conversation, and every dream I pursue. I hope that one day, through what I learn and do, others from my country will have the same opportunity to learn, grow, and lead for the good of all.

My name is Edona Zefi, and I am an undergraduate Management major. Education has always been one of my greatest priorities, not only because it prepares me for a career, but because it gives me the chance to grow as a person and serve others with the knowledge and skills I gain. Like Kalia D. Davis, I believe that excellence is not just about achievement, but also about encouraging others and striving to make a positive impact in every area of life. Sports have played a meaningful role in shaping my character. I spent time playing volleyball, and though I did not play professionally for long, the sport taught me lessons that extend far beyond the court, discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Pushing myself to improve, supporting teammates, and learning to get back up after setbacks all carried over into my academic and personal life. These experiences showed me that consistency and effort matter just as much as talent, and that true growth comes from persistence. Another defining part of my journey has been moving from Albania to the United States for my education. Leaving behind the comfort of home and adapting to a completely new culture required courage, adaptability, and independence. Although it was not easy, this experience strengthened my determination and gave me a deeper appreciation for the opportunities I now have. It reminded me that challenges, when embraced with perseverance, can become stepping stones toward growth. Like Kalia, I have also sought to challenge myself academically. I work hard to maintain a strong GPA, not simply to earn good grades, but to build a foundation for future opportunities. I approach my studies with determination, knowing that every step forward brings me closer to my goals. At the same time, I try to be intentional about encouraging those around me, whether classmates, peers, or friends, because I believe success is even more meaningful when shared. Community service has also been a part of my journey. Volunteering has given me perspective on the importance of kindness, compassion, and contributing to something larger than myself. Whether through small acts of service or larger projects, I have learned the value of showing up for others, much like Kalia was known to do. Her example reminds me that even the simplest encouragement can leave a lasting impact. This scholarship would not only help me financially, but also motivate me to live out the same drive and positivity that Kalia embodied. Coming from a background where pursuing higher education requires sacrifice, this support would allow me to stay focused on my studies and future goals while lightening the financial burden. More importantly, it would encourage me to keep striving for excellence with integrity, determination, and joy. Kalia’s story is inspiring because it reflects a life lived fully, one of ambition, kindness, and perseverance. To be chosen as a recipient of a scholarship in her memory would be an honor, and I would carry her legacy with me by continuing to pursue excellence while encouraging others along the way.

Malgorzata “Maggie” Kwiecien’s story resonates deeply with me because, like her, I have faced the challenge of moving to a new country alone to pursue my education and ambitions. In 2015, Maggie relocated to the U.S. without a support system, demonstrating courage and determination in the face of uncertainty. I, too, have embraced the unknown in pursuit of my goals, leaving the familiar comfort of my home in Albania to study in the United States. This transition demanded resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone, qualities that defined Maggie’s life. Maggie’s boldness, whether on mountains, skis, or through intellectual debate, mirrors the qualities needed in management and leadership. While I may not scale mountains for sport, I embrace challenges in my academic and leadership pursuits. Navigating a new educational system, collaborating with diverse teams, and finding my voice in a foreign environment required courage, persistence, and strategic thinking. Like Maggie, I approach challenges with determination, viewing obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow. Her commitment to knowledge and intellectual boldness inspires me most. Maggie dedicated herself to mastering whatever she set her mind to, and I strive to follow in her footsteps. In my management studies, I actively seek opportunities to understand organizational behavior, leadership strategies, and decision-making processes. I am motivated by the belief that effective leaders must combine knowledge, empathy, and vision to create positive change, an approach that reflects Maggie’s dedication and resilience. Maggie’s life was also defined by resilience in the face of adversity. Even while battling cancer, she remained committed to her work and passions. Her courage in confronting life’s harshest realities reminds me to persist through my own challenges, whether academic, cultural, or personal. I lost someone I really admired before deciding to come to the US and that has deeply impacted me, but also made me realize that I want to continue to grow for as long as I breathe. Her story inspires me to approach my goals with both ambition and integrity, knowing that determination and focus can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. In many ways, I see Maggie’s spirit in myself: a determination to thrive independently, a readiness to tackle challenges head-on, and a commitment to knowledge and growth. This scholarship would allow me to honor her legacy by continuing to pursue my education in Management, developing the skills and insight needed to become a thoughtful and bold leader, and carrying forward the adventurous, resilient, and intellectually fearless spirit that Maggie embodied.

My name is Edona Zefi, and I am from the beautiful country of Albania. Leadership, to me, is about empowering others, driving change, and turning vision into action. My passion for leadership comes from a deep desire to uplift people, help them realize their potential, and create opportunities for growth. I thrive in environments where I can inspire, strategize, and execute ideas that make a difference. One of my most impactful leadership experiences was leading the American Embassy in Albania "YouthLead" Project. This initiative focused on identifying issues in the community, developing innovative solutions, and guiding a team through critical thinking and problem-solving. I led discussions, encouraged analytical approaches, and ensured that our proposed solutions were practical and impactful. Through collaboration with embassy officials and passionate peers, we built a program that empowered youth, encouraged civic engagement, and sparked meaningful action. Seeing individuals grow in confidence and step into leadership roles themselves was incredibly fulfilling. Beyond that, I have led teams in business idea competitions, where we transformed innovative concepts into winning projects. These experiences challenged me to think strategically, foster teamwork, and communicate ideas persuasively. Through market research, business modeling, and compelling pitches, we developed solutions that only won competitions. Another major outlet of impact for me has been volunteering with organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, Food Bank, and Hope for the World. Serving in these spaces has given me firsthand experience in leadership through service—coordinating food distributions, organizing community outreach programs, and helping those in need. These experiences have reinforced my belief that true leadership is about selflessness, action, and creating hope where it’s needed most. Moving forward, I want to continue inspiring and developing others. Leadership is not about holding authority—it’s about serving, guiding, and creating an environment where people can thrive. Whether through mentorship, business ventures, or community projects, I am committed to building up those around me, turning challenges into opportunities, and leaving a lasting impact.