Drugs, especially fentanyl, have permanently changed my life through the loss of my best friend. We had been inseparable since we were six years old. She was not just a friend. She was my sister in every way that mattered. We grew up together, shared secrets, dreams, and milestones, and believed we would grow old together. Losing her at just twenty five years old shattered a part of me that will never fully heal. My best friend struggled with addiction, but she was also loving, trusting, and hopeful. Like Madison Zale, she had a gentle spirit that made her vulnerable to the wrong people. The night she died still haunts me. She was at a man’s house she had been dealing with. From what I was told, he did not know she was using drugs. He left the house to go to the store, and when he returned, he found her unresponsive. Instead of immediately calling 911, nearly thirty minutes passed. By the time help was called, it was too late. She had overdosed, unknowingly exposed to fentanyl. That delay cost her life. Knowing that she may have had a chance if help had come sooner is a pain I carry every day. What hurts even more is that no one was held accountable. There were no consequences, no justice, and no answers that brought closure. Just silence. Just another life lost to fentanyl and another family and community left grieving. Her death forced me to confront the brutal reality of how fentanyl is destroying lives quietly and quickly. It is terrifying how easily it finds its way into substances people believe are harmless. It does not discriminate. It does not give second chances. Watching someone I loved become another statistic ignited a fire in me that refuses to go out. Grief turned into anger, and anger turned into purpose. This loss is one of the primary reasons I chose to pursue a degree in criminal justice. I could not accept a system where people die and no one is held responsible. I could not accept how easy it was for accountability to be avoided. Through my education, I am learning how the legal system works, where it fails, and how it can be challenged. I am studying the laws surrounding drug distribution, negligence, and duty to render aid because I want to understand how justice is supposed to function and why it so often does not. My goal is to become an attorney so I can stand in the gap for those who no longer have a voice. I want to hold individuals accountable when their actions or inaction contribute to someone’s death. I want to advocate for stronger laws, better enforcement, and greater awareness surrounding fentanyl. No one should be able to walk away from a situation where a life was lost without consequence. My best friend’s death changed me forever. It broke my heart, but it also gave me clarity. I cannot bring her back, but I can honor her by fighting for accountability, justice, and solutions that prevent other families from experiencing this kind of loss. Through my criminal justice education and future legal career, I am committed to turning grief into action and ensuring that lives lost to fentanyl are not forgotten or ignored.

Education is important to me because it represents possibility where there were once limitation and hope where there was once uncertainty. As a first-generation college student, pursuing higher education is not just a personal milestone. It is a collective dream carried by generations before me who did not have the same access or opportunity. Every step I take toward my degree feels like I am walking with the strength, sacrifices, and unfulfilled aspirations of my family beside me. Growing up, education was always emphasized as the key to a better life. At the same time, I witnessed the reality that valuing education does not automatically mean having the resources to support it. My family encouraged learning but could not afford to help guide me through college or shoulder the financial burden. As a result, I have had to navigate higher education largely on my own. I learned how to apply, plan, and persist without the benefit of parental experience in academia. That reality has been challenging, but it has also shaped my independence and determination. Being the first in my family to attend college means carrying more than my own expectations. I carry the hopes of those who came before me and the responsibility to pave the way for those who will come after. There are moments when the pressure feels overwhelming, especially when self-doubt creeps in or when setbacks make the path feel uncertain. Without a family blueprint for college, I have often questioned whether I truly belong in academic spaces. Yet each challenge has strengthened my confidence and reinforced my commitment to continue. Education matters to me because it is the tool that allows me to transform adversity into opportunity. My life has been shaped by hardship, resilience, and perseverance, and education gives me the ability to rise beyond circumstances that once felt limiting. It gives me structure for my goals, clarity for my purpose, and the confidence to advocate for myself and others. Through learning, I am gaining not only academic knowledge, but also leadership skills, critical thinking, and a deeper sense of responsibility to serve. The legacy I hope to leave is one of courage, access, and possibility. I want to be living proof within my family that college is attainable, even when financial resources are limited and the path is unfamiliar. I want future generations to see that they do not have to stop dreaming because of a lack of guidance or support. By earning my degree, I am creating opportunities that did not previously exist for my family. More than anything, I hope my legacy is one of empowerment. I want my journey to show that being first does not mean being alone. It means being brave enough to step forward so others can follow. Education allows me to honor my family’s sacrifices while building a future rooted in stability and purpose. Through determination, resilience, and faith in myself, I am committed to leaving a legacy that proves education can change not just one life, but the direction of an entire family.

The military family member who has had the greatest impact on my life is my son. His decision to serve in the United States Army changed both of our lives in ways I never expected, and the moment he left for basic training is a memory that will stay with me forever. My son and I had never been apart before his enlistment. From the day he was born, we navigated life side by side. We grew together, leaned on one another, and became each other’s constant. I was his protector, and in many ways, he was my strength. When he told me he was joining the Army, I felt a mix of emotions I didn’t know could exist at the same time. I was proud of his courage and sense of duty, but I was also terrified of letting him go into a world where I could no longer protect him. The day he boarded the bus for basic training is etched into my heart. I watched him walk away carrying more than a duffel bag. He carried responsibility, bravery, and a willingness to sacrifice comfort for something greater than himself. As the bus doors closed, I felt a silence I had never known before. For the first time, he was stepping into his own independence in a way that required immense discipline and strength. I stood there holding back tears, knowing that this was a moment of transformation for both of us. What my son taught me in that moment surprised me. Before he left, he looked at me and reminded me that it was not too late for me to pursue my dreams. He told me that just as he was stepping into his calling, I needed to step into mine. In the midst of preparing to serve his country, he was still thinking about me, encouraging me, and reminding me of my own strength. That lesson stays with me every day. Courage is not just about facing the unknown. It is about lifting others as you walk forward. Throughout his training, I learned what it truly means to be a military parent. Every phone call was precious. Every letter carried reassurance and longing at the same time. I learned patience, faith, and trust. I learned to pray harder and believe deeper. Watching my son grow through discipline, structure, and resilience showed me the power of service and commitment. He became more confident, more focused, and more grounded in who he is. My son’s service taught me that love sometimes means letting go. It means trusting that the values you instilled will guide them even when you are not there. It taught me pride beyond words and strength I did not know I possessed. His journey in the Army has inspired me to be braver in my own life, to face challenges with discipline, and to keep moving forward even when fear tries to take over. James T. Godwin’s love for his family and pride in their accomplishments reminds me of how I feel about my son. Like James, I find myself wanting to share stories about him, about his courage and growth. My son’s service is not just his story. It is ours. It is a story of love, sacrifice, and unwavering pride, and it is one I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Experiencing the loss of my mother through violence forced me to navigate emotions that were overwhelming and, at times, frightening. My father struggled with alcohol abuse, and while intoxicated, he murdered my mother. The emotions that followed were complex and relentless. I had to face deep grief, shock, anger, fear, and confusion all at once. There was sadness for the mother I lost, rage over how she was taken, and a profound sense of betrayal that the person meant to protect our family caused such harm. I also carried guilt for feeling conflicting emotions toward my father and shame for not knowing how to process everything I felt. For a long time, these emotions felt too heavy to hold. Through this experience, I learned that I am far stronger than I ever believed. Trauma stripped away my sense of control, but it also revealed my resilience. I learned that healing does not mean forgetting or minimizing pain. It means learning how to live with it without letting it consume you. I discovered that vulnerability is not weakness and that asking for support, even from yourself, is an act of courage. This experience taught me self awareness, emotional honesty, and the importance of tending to mental health with the same seriousness as physical health. Meditation became one of the most important tools in my healing journey. In the beginning, sitting quietly with my thoughts was difficult because my mind felt chaotic. Over time, meditation taught me how to ground myself during moments of anxiety and emotional overload. It helped me slow my breathing, calm my nervous system, and create space between my thoughts and my reactions. Meditation gave me moments of peace when my mind felt like it was constantly replaying trauma. It helped me stay present instead of being trapped in the past. Journaling also played a powerful role in my healing. Writing gave me a place to release emotions I could not safely express anywhere else. Through journaling, I was able to process anger, grief, and confusion without judgment. It allowed me to make sense of my thoughts, recognize emotional patterns, and track my growth over time. Journaling became a form of self compassion and reflection that helped me regain a sense of control over my mental health. I want to continue my education because college represents healing, stability, and purpose. Education is a way for me to transform pain into something meaningful. It equips me with knowledge, discipline, and opportunity to build a future that is not defined by trauma. Continuing my education allows me to create a life rooted in intention and to help others who have experienced loss, violence, or addiction. College is not just about earning a degree for me. It is about reclaiming my future and breaking cycles of harm. The biggest influence in my life is my son. He is my motivation, my grounding force, and my reminder of why healing matters. He inspires me to take care of my mental health and to keep moving forward even when it feels difficult. His belief in me, his resilience, and his love push me to be stronger and more intentional every day. I also draw inspiration from individuals who have turned personal trauma into advocacy and service, showing me that pain can become purpose. This experience changed me forever, but it did not defeat me. Through navigating complex emotions, practicing meditation and journaling, and committing to education, I have learned how to heal, grow, and move forward with strength, clarity, and hope.

Losing my mother at a young age was a moment that permanently altered the course of my life. The way she died made the loss even more devastating. My mother was murdered by my father, and in an instant, my world was shattered in ways I did not yet have the words to understand. I did not just lose a parent. I lost my sense of safety, my foundation, and the belief that home was a place where nothing bad could happen. My mother was my source of comfort, love, and stability. She was the person I would have gone to for guidance, reassurance, and unconditional support. When she was taken from me so suddenly and violently, I was forced to confront grief and trauma far earlier than any child should. Along with the heartbreak came confusion, fear, and questions that had no answers. I had to reconcile love and loss at the same time, while trying to make sense of how the people meant to protect us could become the source of harm. Her death did not only leave an emotional void; it changed my reality in every possible way. I was left without the emotional support that a parent provides and without the mentorship that helps guide a child through life’s most important decisions. Financial stability became uncertain, and the absence of parental guidance meant I had to grow up quickly. I learned to navigate life on my own while carrying grief that never truly disappears. There were many moments when the weight of loss felt unbearable and continuing forward felt impossible. Despite the pain, my mother’s memory became my motivation. I carry her with me in everything I do. When life feels overwhelming, I remind myself that she would want me to keep going, to build a life rooted in purpose and strength. Honoring her means refusing to let tragedy define the limits of my future. Her absence taught me perseverance, independence, and the importance of pushing forward even when the path is painful. My journey since her death has not been linear. I have faced setbacks, pauses, and moments when my goals felt far out of reach. There were times when grief resurfaced and threatened to pull me backward. Yet each challenge strengthened my resolve. Losing my mother forced me to develop emotional resilience and discipline. It shaped how I approach my education, my responsibilities, and my dreams. I learned that success is not born from having an easy path, but from continuing forward despite deep loss. Her death also transformed the way I relate to others. I developed a deep sense of empathy for those who carry silent pain. I understand what it means to feel alone when guidance is most needed. That understanding drives my desire to support others and to become the encouragement I often needed myself. I strive to create connection, understanding, and hope where loss once lived. Although losing my mother in such a tragic way was the most painful experience of my life, it did not break me. It changed me. Her love remains my foundation, even in her absence. I continue pushing forward not in spite of my grief, but because of it. Every step I take toward my goals is an act of honoring her life and the love she gave me. Through perseverance, faith, and determination, I am building a future she would be proud of, carrying her legacy with me every step of the way.

This opportunity is deeply meaningful to me because faith has never been a background part of my life. It has been the foundation that carried me through some of the most painful and defining moments of my life, and it continues to guide my pursuit of education, purpose, and service. The Jim Maxwell Memorial Scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it reflects the values of faith, resilience, and commitment to others that have shaped my journey. I was raised in a family where faith was lived daily, not simply discussed. My aunt has faithfully served as a pastor for over thirty years, and my family owns a church. From an early age, I witnessed what it means to serve others with humility, compassion, and consistency. Church was not just a place we attended; it was a place where people came seeking healing, guidance, and hope. Watching my family minister to others showed me that faith requires action, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting those in need. Two of the greatest challenges I have faced in my life were the loss of my mother and becoming a mother myself at a young age. My mother’s death was traumatic and life-altering. Losing her left a void that words cannot fully capture and forced me to confront grief, fear, and uncertainty all at once. There were moments when the pain felt unbearable and the future felt impossible to imagine. In those moments, my faith became my anchor. I leaned on God when I did not have answers, trusting that He was near even in my brokenness. Faith gave me the strength to endure the loss without losing hope. Becoming a mother at a young age brought its own challenges. I had to grow up quickly and learn how to put someone else’s needs before my own while still trying to find my own path. Balancing motherhood, financial responsibility, and personal growth was overwhelming at times. Yet my faith carried me through that season as well. Prayer, trust in God’s plan, and belief in a greater purpose helped me remain focused, disciplined, and resilient. Faith reminded me that my life was not over, but evolving, and that my challenges did not disqualify me from my dreams. As a financially underprivileged student, my journey through higher education has required perseverance and intentionality. Choosing to attend a Christian faith-based college was important to me because I wanted my education to align with my values and strengthen both my academic and spiritual growth. Being in a faith-centered learning environment has reinforced my belief that success is not measured only by achievement, but by integrity, service, and obedience to God’s calling. Every triumph I have achieved thus far has been rooted in faith. Faith gave me courage to keep moving forward when setbacks came and reminded me that my purpose was greater than my circumstances. Looking ahead, I plan to continue using my faith as a guiding force to reach even greater heights. My goal is to use my education to serve others, advocate for justice, and uplift communities with compassion and integrity. This scholarship would ease a significant financial burden, but more importantly, it would affirm that students who rely on faith to overcome adversity are seen and supported. With God as my foundation, I am committed to building a future grounded in service, resilience, and unwavering belief.

My experience with mental health has shaped every part of who I am today my beliefs, my relationships, and the career path I am pursuing. My mental health journey did not begin with a diagnosis or a clinical setting. It began with trauma. My mother was murdered, and that loss altered my emotional world in ways I could not fully understand at the time. Grief, shock, fear, and confusion became constant companions, and I was forced to learn how to live with emotions that felt overwhelming and unrelenting. In the aftermath of my mother’s death, my mental health was deeply impacted. I struggled with intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, and periods of intense sadness that made everyday tasks feel heavy. There were moments when simply getting through the day required all the strength I had. For a long time, I believed that being strong meant not acknowledging how deeply I was hurting. Over time, I learned that true strength meant facing my pain honestly and allowing myself to heal rather than suppressing it. This experience reshaped my beliefs about mental health. I no longer see it as a weakness or something to hide. I understand now that mental health is just as important as physical health and that unaddressed trauma can quietly shape behavior, decisions, and relationships. My journey taught me that healing is not linear and that growth often comes from discomfort. I believe deeply in the importance of mental health awareness, compassion, and access to support, especially for individuals navigating loss and trauma. My relationships were also transformed by my mental health experiences. Grief taught me empathy. I became more patient, more observant, and more intentional in how I show up for others. I learned how to listen without judgment and how to sit with people in their pain without trying to fix it. I am more mindful of the fact that people often carry invisible struggles. This awareness has strengthened my relationships and allowed me to build deeper, more meaningful connections rooted in understanding and compassion. My career aspirations are directly influenced by my mental health journey. Experiencing trauma firsthand opened my eyes to how deeply systems affect individuals who are already struggling. It motivated me to pursue a path centered on justice, advocacy, and service. I am pursuing higher education with the goal of working in spaces where I can help others navigate complex systems with dignity and support. I want to be someone who understands trauma, who recognizes the emotional weight people carry, and who advocates for solutions that prioritize mental health rather than ignore it. As a first-generation student, navigating higher education while managing the long-term effects of trauma has been challenging, but it has also been empowering. Each step forward represents resilience and growth. My mental health journey did not stop me from pursuing my goals it clarified them. It taught me that pain can become purpose and that healing can coexist with ambition. Overcoming mental health challenges has shaped me into someone who values empathy, perseverance, and purpose. I carry my experiences with me not as limitations, but as sources of strength. They continue to guide how I live, how I connect with others, and how I pursue a future dedicated to making a meaningful difference.

One of the most defining moments of my life, and the greatest test of my faith, came with the loss of my mother. Her death was sudden, traumatic, and devastating. She was murdered, and in a single moment my world was turned upside down. The pain was overwhelming, and the questions that followed felt endless. I did not just lose my mother. I lost my sense of safety, stability, and understanding of how such darkness could exist within a family. In that moment, faith was not optional for me. It became my lifeline. In the days and months after her death, I struggled to process what had happened. Grief weighed heavily on my heart and mind. There were moments when anger, confusion, and sadness threatened to consume me. I questioned why God would allow something so violent and heartbreaking to happen. I wrestled with emotions that felt impossible to reconcile. Yet even in those moments of doubt, I found myself turning back to God, not because I had all the answers, but because I had nowhere else to place my pain. Prayer became my refuge. Sometimes my prayers were quiet whispers, and other times they were tears poured out when words failed me. I leaned on scripture to remind myself that God is near to the brokenhearted and that He sees suffering even when we cannot understand it. My faith did not erase my grief, but it gave me the strength to endure it. It allowed me to keep a positive mindset even when my heart felt shattered. Faith reminded me that pain does not have the final word and that God can bring purpose out of even the deepest loss. Relying on my faith helped me take one step at a time when moving forward felt impossible. It gave me the courage to keep living, to keep loving, and to keep believing in a future beyond my pain. Instead of allowing bitterness to harden my heart, I chose to trust that God was still working in my life, even through tragedy. That trust became the foundation for my resilience. Each day I chose faith over despair, hope over defeat, and perseverance over giving up. My mother’s death reshaped my relationship with God. It deepened my faith and made it more personal and intentional. I learned that faith is not about avoiding hardship, but about standing firm when hardship comes. Through God, I learned how to forgive, how to heal, and how to keep going when everything inside me wanted to stop. My faith became the reason I could still smile, still dream, and still believe in goodness. Today, my faith continues to guide my life and my ambitions. It motivates me to serve others, to encourage those who are hurting, and to live with compassion and purpose. I carry my mother’s memory with me, and I honor her by choosing faith and positivity even when life is difficult. Relying on God through the darkest season of my life taught me that faith is powerful, sustaining, and transformative. It is the reason I am still standing, still growing, and still moving forward with hope.

Building a successful business requires far more than a good idea. It demands discipline, education, resilience, and the courage to take risks when the outcome is uncertain. I am pursuing higher education not as a backup plan, but as a strategic foundation for my entrepreneurial goals. I understand that sustainable businesses are built on knowledge, preparation, and purpose, and education equips me with the tools to turn vision into impact. I am currently studying criminal justice with a pre-law focus. I chose this field because it provides a deep understanding of systems, policies, and legal structures that directly affect people’s lives. My academic path strengthens my ability to think critically, analyze risk, interpret regulations, and understand accountability. These skills are essential for entrepreneurship, especially for businesses and organizations that operate in regulated environments or serve vulnerable communities. Education gives me structure, credibility, and the ability to lead ethically and effectively. I have planned an entrepreneurial career because I want the freedom to create solutions where gaps exist. I am driven by purpose as much as profit. That purpose led me to found The Voices Beyond The Walls, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to human rights advocacy and supporting individuals and families impacted by injustice and systemic neglect. Starting this organization required vision, leadership, and the willingness to learn through action. I had to navigate planning, compliance, communication, and community trust, often with limited resources. This experience taught me that entrepreneurship is about persistence, adaptability, and service, not instant success. Many people dream of starting a business, but few are prepared for the realities that come with it. What sets me apart is resilience shaped by lived experience. I have faced profound personal adversity, including the traumatic loss of my mother. That experience taught me how to survive instability, rebuild after loss, and remain focused when circumstances are overwhelming. Businesses often fail not because the idea lacks value, but because the founder gives up under pressure. I have learned how to endure pressure, pivot when necessary, and continue forward with discipline and clarity. I am also intentional about growth. I seek knowledge, mentorship, and accountability. I understand that successful entrepreneurs never stop learning. My education strengthens my decision-making, sharpens my judgment, and prepares me to scale ideas responsibly. I am not afraid of hard work or delayed results. I am committed to building something that lasts, even when progress is slow. To me, a successful life is not defined solely by income or status. Success looks like stability, integrity, and impact. It means creating something meaningful that improves lives, provides opportunity, and reflects my values. It means being able to support my family, contribute to my community, and live with purpose. Success is waking up knowing that my work matters and that my efforts are aligned with service rather than ego. Through founding The Voices Beyond the Walls, Inc., I have already taken real entrepreneurial risks and learned what it means to build from the ground up. This experience confirms my belief that education, resilience, and purpose are the cornerstones of success. With continued learning and commitment, I am confident in my ability to grow as an entrepreneur and to build a life that is meaningful, sustainable, and rooted in service to others.

Adversity entered my life in a way I never could have imagined, and it tested my strength long before I understood what bravery truly meant. The greatest mental challenge I have faced was the loss of my mother. She was murdered, and that single event altered the course of my life, my sense of safety, and my understanding of the world. The grief that followed was not only emotional but deeply psychological. It reshaped how I thought, how I trusted, and how I envisioned my future. Yet, despite the weight of that loss, I chose not to let it define the limits of my life. In the aftermath of my mother’s death, continuing forward felt overwhelming. Grief settled into my daily life in quiet but persistent ways. There were moments when concentrating felt impossible and motivation felt distant. The trauma was not something I could simply move past. Instead, I had to learn how to carry it. The first step I took was acknowledging that my pain was real and valid. I learned that strength does not mean ignoring grief, but facing it honestly and allowing myself the time and space to heal. Faith, reflection, and purpose became anchors for me. I leaned into personal growth and self-discipline, understanding that healing would not come overnight. I committed myself to routines that created stability and to goals that gave my pain direction. Education became one of the most important tools in my healing process. Returning to school was an act of courage. It meant believing in a future I could not yet fully see. It meant trusting that my life could still be meaningful and impactful despite what I had lost. Pursuing my education helped me reclaim control over my narrative. I am working toward a career rooted in justice, advocacy, and service because my experiences taught me how deeply systems affect lives. Rather than allowing trauma to silence me, I chose to use it as motivation. I founded a nonprofit organization, The Voices Beyond The Walls, Inc., to advocate for human rights and support individuals and families facing injustice and systemic neglect. Building something meaningful from pain required bravery. It required showing up even on days when grief felt heavy and doubt felt loud. The steps I have taken to continue achieving my career aspirations include discipline, accountability, and persistence. I have learned to break overwhelming goals into achievable steps, to seek knowledge relentlessly, and to surround myself with purpose-driven community. I remind myself that setbacks do not erase progress and that resilience is built through consistency, not perfection. Every class I complete and every person I help is proof that my past does not have the final word. Audra Dominguez’s legacy of bravery resonates deeply with me because I understand what it means to keep going when life demands more than feels fair. Mental adversity can be invisible, but it is just as powerful as physical obstacles. I have overcome immense emotional pain by choosing courage daily. I continue to pursue my goals not because the path is easy, but because my life still holds purpose. Through perseverance, faith, and commitment to growth, I am building a future that honors my strength and my mother’s memory. I am proof that even after profound loss, it is possible to rise, rebuild, and move forward with bravery and determination.

My “Pie in the Sky” dream is to become an attorney and human rights advocate who builds systems of protection, accountability, and healing for people who have been harmed by injustice. It is the kind of dream that once felt too big to say out loud, not because it lacked meaning, but because life had taught me how fragile dreams can be. Still, it is the dream that lights me up inside, the one that refuses to let me settle, and the one that continues to grow the more courage I give it. This dream was sparked by lived experience. I have seen how systems meant to protect people can fail them, sometimes with devastating consequences. Losing my mother in a violent and traumatic way forced me to confront injustice at the most personal level. That experience reshaped my understanding of the world and planted a quiet but persistent question in my heart: who stands in the gap when the system breaks down? Over time, that question became a calling. I realized I did not want to spend my life merely surviving what happened to me. I wanted to transform pain into purpose and use my voice to help others who feel powerless. What makes this dream feel just out of reach is not the lack of desire, but the weight of responsibility I carry. I am a mother, a student, and a community advocate. I have had to pause, pivot, and rebuild more than once. There were moments when pursuing a legal career felt unrealistic or even selfish. Yet each time I tried to let the dream go, it returned stronger. The more I engaged with my community, read laws and policies, and helped others understand their rights, the more certain I became that this was not just a dream, but a responsibility I am meant to grow into. I have already begun taking courageous steps toward this goal. I enrolled in college with a focus on criminal justice and pre-law, knowing that education is the foundation I need to build lasting impact. I also founded a nonprofit organization, The Voices Beyond the Walls, Inc., to advocate for human rights and support individuals and families affected by injustice and systemic neglect. Through this work, I have learned that growth does not happen in isolation. It happens in community, through accountability, shared vision, and the willingness to ask for help. To reach my “Pie in the Sky” dream, I know I will need to continue investing in my education, surrounding myself with mentors and accountability partners, and remaining disciplined even when the road feels long. I will need courage to keep showing up, especially on days when doubt is louder than confidence. I will also need community, because this dream is not just about my success. It is about lifting others and creating pathways where none seemed to exist. Dreaming out loud has changed everything for me. It has turned fear into momentum and isolation into connection. My dream may feel just out of reach today, but I am committed to growing toward it step by step, believing that with courage, community, and consistency, even the biggest dreams can become real.

The event that has had the biggest impact on my life is the death of my mother. The way she died forever changed how I understand family, faith, safety, and purpose. My mother was murdered by my father, and that reality is something I live with every day. In a single moment, my world was shattered. I lost my mother, the person who gave me life, comfort, and guidance. At the same time, I lost the family structure I believed would always protect me. Nothing prepares you for that kind of loss, and nothing truly explains the weight it leaves behind. Grieving my mother was painful beyond words, but the circumstances of her death added layers of trauma that followed me into every stage of my life. I struggled with confusion, heartbreak, and questions that had no easy answers. I mourned not only the loss of her life, but the future we were supposed to have together. Birthdays, milestones, and ordinary moments all became reminders of what was taken. Her absence created a silence that echoed through my home and my heart, shaping who I became. In the midst of that devastation, my faith became my anchor. As a Christian, I turned to God when nothing else made sense. There were moments when my prayers were filled with tears and anger instead of peace. I questioned why something so violent could happen within a family. Over time, I learned that faith does not mean understanding everything. It means trusting God to hold you when you are too broken to stand on your own. My relationship with God deepened through grief, and I found strength in believing that my mother’s life had meaning beyond her death. My mother’s death also transformed how I love people. I no longer take time or relationships for granted. I understand how fragile life truly is, and that awareness changed the way I show up for others. I make it a priority to nurture relationships and bring people together whenever possible. Creating spaces for family and friends to bond, talk, and support one another feels deeply important to me. Those moments of connection are healing, and they are one of the ways I honor my mother’s memory. This loss taught me compassion in a way nothing else could. I learned that many people carry pain they never speak about. Because of my experience, I know how to sit with someone in their grief without trying to fix it or rush them through it. I understand the power of simply being present. That empathy shapes how I interact with others, how I serve my community, and how I approach my education and future goals. Although my mother’s death broke my heart, it did not end my purpose. It strengthened my faith, deepened my empathy, and gave me a profound appreciation for life and connection. I carry my mother with me in the choices I make and the way I treat others. Her love continues to guide me, even in her absence. Through faith, compassion, and intentional living, I strive to honor her life every day by choosing hope, building community, and loving others fully.

Service is not something I plan to do someday it is something that has shaped my life and defines the career I am pursuing. I am a low-income, non-traditional student whose path to higher education has been shaped by loss, responsibility, and resilience. From an early age, I learned that systems meant to protect people do not always work as they should, and when they fail, the consequences can last a lifetime. Those experiences are what drive my commitment to a career centered on helping others. My life has been marked by profound personal loss, including the murder of my mother. Experiencing such trauma exposed me early to the realities of violence, untreated mental health issues, and systemic breakdowns. It forced me to grow up quickly and confront injustice not as an abstract concept, but as something deeply personal. Rather than allowing that pain to harden me, it instilled a sense of responsibility to ensure that other individuals and families do not have to navigate devastating situations alone or without support. I am pursuing a career in government and public service because I believe policies and institutions should exist to uplift, protect, and heal. I have seen firsthand how lack of access to resources, poor policy implementation, and institutional neglect can push vulnerable people further into crisis. These realities compelled me to take action. I founded The Voices Beyond the Walls, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for human rights and supporting individuals and families affected by injustice and systemic neglect. Through this work, I help people understand their rights, navigate complex systems, and regain a sense of dignity when it feels out of reach. My nonprofit work has shown me that helping others requires both compassion and structure. Listening is just as important as action. Education, policy literacy, and advocacy are powerful tools that allow individuals to reclaim agency over their lives. My goal is to build a career where I can combine lived experience with formal education to serve communities more effectively especially those historically marginalized or ignored. As a low-income student, pursuing higher education is a constant balancing act. I work while attending school, managing financial responsibilities while staying focused on long-term goals. Education represents opportunity, stability, and the ability to create change at a systemic level. It is not simply a personal achievement for me it is preparation for service. Every class I take strengthens my ability to advocate, analyze policy, and contribute meaningfully to the public good. Through my career, I plan to work at the intersection of government, social advocacy, and community engagement. I want to help design and implement policies that prioritize mental health, equity, and access to essential services. Whether through public service, nonprofit leadership, or community-based initiatives, my mission is to help build systems that treat people with dignity rather than indifference. This scholarship would ease the financial burden I carry and allow me to focus more fully on my education and service-oriented goals. More importantly, it would affirm the importance of careers dedicated to helping others. I am committed to using my education to make a positive impact advocating for those without a voice, strengthening communities, and contributing to a more just and compassionate society.

The rising cost of higher education has turned the pursuit of a college degree into a financial burden for many students, especially students of color. For me, attending college has never been a matter of privilege or ease it has been a deliberate choice shaped by sacrifice, responsibility, and long-term planning. As a BIPOC, non-traditional adult learner who works full time, I am deeply aware that student debt can linger for decades if it is not addressed with intention and discipline. I am currently working full time to actively pay down my existing student loans while continuing my education. Each month, I allocate a portion of my income toward loan repayment, even when it requires personal sacrifice. I make conscious financial decisions limiting discretionary spending, budgeting carefully, and prioritizing debt reduction because I understand that unmanaged student loans can restrict future opportunities, delay financial stability, and limit generational progress. My goal is not just to earn a degree, but to do so responsibly, without carrying a financial burden that overshadows my future. As a non-traditional student, my journey through higher education has not followed a straight path. I returned to school with greater clarity, purpose, and urgency than I might have had earlier in life. I am balancing full-time employment, academic demands, and personal responsibilities, all while preparing for future educational costs. This reality has made me proactive. In addition to paying off current loans, I am saving intentionally and applying for scholarships to reduce or eliminate future student debt before it accumulates. Scholarship applications have become an essential part of my academic strategy. I view them not as optional opportunities, but as necessary tools for financial sustainability. Every scholarship I apply for represents a step toward freedom from long-term debt and a chance to focus more fully on my education rather than financial stress. I am committed to seeking out funding that allows me to continue my studies without compromising my future stability. Being a BIPOC adult learner has shaped my understanding of resilience and perseverance. I recognize that many students of color are forced to choose between education and financial survival. I refuse to accept that reality as inevitable. By working full time, managing my finances carefully, and actively reducing debt, I am breaking a cycle that too often traps students in decades of repayment. My education is not just for me it is an investment in generational progress and economic mobility. This scholarship would ease the financial pressure I carry and allow me to continue my education with greater focus and peace of mind. More importantly, it would affirm that students like me who work hard, plan strategically, and refuse to give up deserve support. With this assistance, I will continue to pursue my degree with determination, reduce my reliance on loans, and build a future defined by stability, purpose, and opportunity rather than debt.

Public service, to me, is not a résumé line or a requirement; it is a calling born from lived experience, loss, and an unwavering belief that all people deserve dignity, safety, and basic human rights. I am deeply honored to apply for the Jeannine Schroeder Women in Public Service Memorial Scholarship because Jeannine’s life reflects the values that guide my own work: compassion in action, courage in advocacy, and a commitment to making the world more just and humane. I am the founder of The Voices Beyond the Walls, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing human rights and amplifying the voices of individuals and families impacted by incarceration, injustice, and systemic neglect. While incarceration is one area of focus, the heart of our mission is broader addressing violations of human dignity wherever systems fail people. This includes advocating against abuse of power, neglect, discrimination, mental health mistreatment, and the silencing of vulnerable communities. My work is rooted in the belief that human rights do not end at prison walls, courtrooms, hospitals, or borders. Through The Voices Beyond the Walls, I work to confront social issues that are often ignored because they are uncomfortable or inconvenient. We support individuals and families navigating unjust systems, raise awareness about institutional failures, and educate communities about their rights. Our advocacy includes human rights education, public awareness campaigns, and direct support for those affected by systemic harm. Every story shared with us reinforces the same truth: when systems prioritize efficiency over humanity, people suffer. Jeannine Schroeder’s life and legacy deeply resonate with me. She used her gifts to serve others advocating for women’s rights, supporting refugees, caring for the environment, and building affordable housing. Like Jeannine, I believe public service means using whatever skills, education, or platform you have to uplift others. Her commitment to justice and community mirrors my own dedication to ensuring that no voice is dismissed and no injustice goes unseen. My academic path in public service and law is a continuation of this mission. Education equips me to challenge inequitable policies, advocate for systemic reform, and create sustainable solutions that protect human dignity. Whether through legal advocacy, policy work, or nonprofit leadership, my goal is to help build systems that are accountable, transparent, and centered on human rights. This scholarship represents more than financial support; it is an affirmation that women who lead with empathy and act with purpose matter. Jeannine Schroeder made the world more beautiful by standing up for others and working tirelessly for what she believed was right. I honor her legacy by continuing to serve, speak truth in difficult spaces, and fight for a world where human rights are protected, respected, and upheld for all. Through The Voices Beyond the Walls, Inc., and my commitment to public service, I am dedicated to creating meaningful change one voice, one policy, and one act of justice at a time.

The person who has supported me most throughout my educational journey is my son. Long before he was old enough to understand what college, sacrifice, or perseverance meant, he became my reason for surviving, for standing back up when life tried to break me, and for continuing to dream when everything around me felt shattered. When my son was just 54 days old, my life changed forever. My mother was murdered by my father. In a moment, I lost my sense of safety, my foundation, and the woman who had given me life. Grief became something I carried daily, silently, while learning how to be a mother to a newborn who depended on me for everything. I was not just grieving I was surviving. And in the middle of that devastation, my son became my anchor. His tiny heartbeat, his cries, and his need for me gave me a reason to keep going when I didn’t think I could. I started college with hope, but reality quickly set in. I had to stop my education to work two full-time jobs just to provide for my son. There were nights when I came home exhausted, emotionally drained, and overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility. Still, every time I looked at him, I was reminded of why quitting permanently was never an option. He didn’t know it then, but his presence alone gave me strength. He believed in me without words. He trusted me with his future, and that trust changed everything. I honor my son by returning to school now with greater purpose than ever before. I am pursuing my dream of becoming an attorney not just for myself, but for him. I want him to see that life does not have to be perfect for dreams to be valid. I want him to understand that success does not always follow a straight line, and that delays do not mean defeat. By continuing my education, I am showing him that resilience matters, that hard work matters, and that giving up is never the answer even when the journey takes longer than expected. His support has shaped me into a woman who refuses to be defined by tragedy. As a single parent who lost her own parent in the most traumatic way imaginable, I learned early that support does not always come in traditional forms. Sometimes support looks like responsibility. Sometimes it looks like love that gives you strength when you feel empty. My son gave me purpose when grief threatened to consume me. He gave me courage when fear was overwhelming. He gave me hope when my world felt dark. As I continue toward my goals, I carry him with me in everything I do. I will build on his support by becoming a role model who shows him that perseverance creates possibilities. My success will be our success. And no matter how long the road is, I will keep walking it because he believed in me first, and because our story deserves a future built on strength, faith, and unbreakable love.

Purpose & Connection Human connection is the reason I keep going when life feels heavy. It is not an abstract idea to me it is something I have lived, depended on, and been sustained by. Relationships have been my safety net, my compass, and my motivation. They have shaped my dreams, strengthened my resilience, and given meaning to my pursuit of higher education. Without human connection, I would not be who I am today, nor would I have the courage to pursue the future I envision. Growing up, I learned early that love and support do not always come wrapped in perfect circumstances. In single-parent dynamics whether through my own experience or those closest to me I saw firsthand how emotional presence mattered more than material abundance. There were moments when resources were limited, but connection was not. Conversations late at night, words of encouragement during moments of doubt, and the quiet sacrifices made out of love taught me that relationships can carry you when finances cannot. Those bonds became my foundation, reminding me that I was never alone, even when the path ahead felt uncertain. In my academic journey, relationships have been the difference between giving up and pressing forward. Mentors who believed in me before I fully believed in myself, classmates who listened when the stress became overwhelming, and instructors who took the time to understand my story helped me realize that education is deeply human. Learning thrives in spaces where people feel seen and supported. When someone invests in you emotionally, it creates a responsibility to rise not just for yourself, but for those who believe in you. My long-term personal and professional goals are rooted in service, advocacy, and leadership, all of which require authentic connection. I want to work in spaces where trust is earned, voices are heard, and people feel valued. Relationships have taught me empathy how to sit with someone’s pain without rushing to fix it, how to listen without judgment, and how to lead with compassion. These lessons did not come from textbooks; they came from lived experiences with people who trusted me with their stories and allowed me to grow alongside them. Romantic and close personal relationships have also shaped my understanding of purpose. Loving someone and allowing yourself to be loved teaches vulnerability, accountability, and patience. These relationships forced me to confront my fears, communicate honestly, and grow emotionally. They showed me that success means little if it is not shared, and that emotional intelligence is just as important as professional achievement. Carrying these lessons into my future, I aim to build a life where connection and purpose coexist, rather than compete. In a world that often feels disconnected and rushed, I believe the future depends on people who choose empathy over indifference and community over isolation. I want to be someone who brings people together, who creates spaces where others feel safe to be seen and heard. My goal is not just to succeed, but to uplift to ensure that those who come after me, especially students facing financial or personal hardship, know that their dreams are valid and attainable. This scholarship would do more than relieve financial stress; it would affirm that human connection matters. It would be a reminder that someone sees the value in my story, my goals, and my heart for others. With this support, I will continue pursuing my education with purpose, carrying forward the belief that relationships are powerful, transformative, and essential to building a better future for myself and for the communities I hope to serve.