My relationship with Jesus has evolved, influencing my faith. As a child, I knew of his existence and regularly attended Bible School and church, but I was still learning. It is much like 1 Corinthians 13:11: When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. As I've matured, my faith in Jesus has become more robust. I strive to live purposefully daily, guided by my devotion to Jesus. As a servant leader, I believe in setting a positive example for others. Treating people with the same respect and kindness I would want for myself is paramount. As high school president, I needed to advocate for those who couldn't speak up for themselves. I am conscientious in my approach to communication, interaction, and listening, as cultivating meaningful relationships with others is essential. I want people to know that they can depend on me. Through my faith in Jesus, I have learned the true meaning of love. His teachings emphasize the importance of loving even our adversaries. By aligning my actions and words with love, I can demonstrate my devotion to Jesus to others. I am aware of my imperfections, and I take ownership of my faults and experiences. I believe Jesus has guided me on a beautiful journey, and I am excited to pursue my aspirations with His guidance. This summer, I've dedicated myself to volunteer work to strengthen my faith and take time away from home. I'm working as a counselor at a Christian camp, leading children at vacation bible school, and participating in a mission to the Dominican Republic. These experiences will help me grow spiritually and continue my journey with Jesus. During my time at college, I have been committed to embracing a life of unwavering faith. I'm grateful for the opportunity to take religious courses as part of the curriculum, and I plan to immerse myself in these classes. In addition to my academic pursuits, I will strengthen my faith by dedicating time to reading the Bible, maintaining a spiritual journal, attending Sunday sermons, and participating in the Worship Team at a local church near campus. I also plan to surround myself with like-minded people so that we can encourage each other to remain steadfast in our faith. I know I am about to embark on a journey away from home, but with Jesus by my side, I will always have a piece of home with me. He will help guide me on the path meant for me while in college. Upholding my faith throughout college is of great importance, especially as I aspire to become an elementary school teacher in my community. As an educator, I aim to lead by example, and having Jesus as my guide will help me fulfill this role to the best of my ability.

It is important to have safe playgrounds because it reduces the possibility of injuries to our children as their bodies are growing. It is also important to have safe equipment because it lets kids exercise their bodies, brains, and social skills. It also gives them a chance for unstructured, free play that's important for healthy development. I also believe that learning can happen outside of the classroom. Part of that 'learning' is knowing how to be safe and act responsibly at the playground. Children have a tendency to imitate the behaviors they observe. Hence, it is necessary to teach them about being good role models, especially when nobody is watching them. This not only helps in promoting qualities like leadership and integrity but also helps in maintaining healthy boundaries. Children are full of energy and love to play, so it is important to ensure that the playground equipment is suitable for their age and in proper working condition. By doing this, we can create a safe environment for them and also show them that we care about their well-being. As a teacher, I believe it's important to educate children on playground safety and the proper use of playground equipment. It's not safe to assume that all children have been taught how to use equipment correctly, so it's crucial to take a proactive approach to safety by teaching them. By doing so, I am also setting clear expectations for the students I supervise. As a teacher, I take it as my responsibility to ensure that students are adequately supervised at all times, including before, during, and after school hours when on school property. Aspiring to become an elementary school teacher, my goal is to prioritize safety and leadership in every aspect of our activities. I have already completed my CPR, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed certification, but I understand that this is only the beginning of my educational journey. With extensive and continuous training, I am confident that I can further develop my skills as a facilitator and supervisor, staying up-to-date on playground safety and supervision. I believe that taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of our children is crucial to providing a conducive learning environment for them. By adopting innovative teaching strategies and learning from other experienced mentors, I will be well-equipped with the latest techniques to ensure the safety of children while they are outside using the playground equipment. Effective classroom management is absolutely essential for creating a positive and conducive learning environment where students can flourish. As a teacher, I will employ various strategies to establish routines, cultivate positive behavior, and maintain a productive atmosphere.

During my first year of high school, we had to start online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My school provided us with Google Chromebooks, and we used Google Classroom as a virtual learning tool. It was an effective way to continue our education and stay connected with our classmates even though we were physically apart. However, not all of my classes used Google Classroom. In my math class, which I took during the start of the pandemic when I was still in 8th grade, we used Prodigy Math Games, an adaptive learning platform that unlocked new levels as we progressed through the lessons. We also used Kahoot and had an assignment to create our own game. It seemed to me that this was a way to keep us (students) engaged in learning. During this time, my parents found resources for me to use as I was learning at home. The Department of Defense has a STEM Video library, and NASA also has interactive lessons about the universe. The last one that I used that I found very informative was the Smithsonian, there were virtual tours, games and simulations for my distance learning so that I could apply this knowledge for my assignments in class. Since then, I have continued my online education in dual enrollment classes, which have exposed me to various resources, tools, and platforms. For my dual enrollment classes, I used Canvas, a web-based software that the teacher would push our curriculum through, and we could use the information to study or take quizzes and tests. I have also used Canva for projects to give them a little pizzazz, and it was incredibly helpful in creating stunning presentations and infographics for my coursework. In addition, I turned to Khan Academy and The College Board for math to prepare for my AP exams. For studying, I rely on Quizlet, an excellent resource for creating and using flashcards online without using actual physical cards, which helps reduce paper waste. Apart from these platforms, Microsoft is also a valuable software that I frequently use. In addition to Microsoft Word, I also use Excel and PowerPoint to create games in English to help people learn the topics. These tools have helped me better understand the subjects I am studying. I feel like I was able to explore new subjects at my own pace and be able to challenge my knowledge and get a full understanding of hard concepts. All of these have been impactful in how I was able to learn as our technology is advancing. I look forward to using additional tools and resources in college.

Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is the greatest of all time. It's the start of defining the end of summer and the start of fall. Fall smells with the summer ice drink. This drink has a special place in my heart because it is the perfect balance for in-between seasons. Fall is the season when daylight decreases, and the nights become longer. The cool windy weather makes the leaves start changing color. The smells of apples, pumpkin are bountiful and abundant. This drink has become a part of my fall narrative because it lets me know that the season is changing. I typically drink the plain chai tea latte iced during the summer but once the pumpkin arrives it is a signal that fall has arrived. My heart looks forward to fall because the weather is not too hot or too cold which is why the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is the perfect drink to sip on while taking the fall weather in. When you take a sip of this delightful treat it reminds me of the warm orange and yellow sky as the sun lowers, the local barn that sells corn on the cob, pumpkin pie, olallieberry pie, and harvested apples and pumpkins everywhere. This barn also has a pick-your-own pumpkin and apple area that they take you there by hayride. They even have pumpkin flavored ice cream. My favorite thing to do is go to the barn and pick my own pumpkin as I sip on my Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. A usual fall trip to the barn is with my family. We all pile into the car, drive by Starbuck's and get our drinks then continue on our trip down to the local barn. My parents go into the barn that is filled with harvested fruits and veggies, while the kids (including I) start looking for our pumpkin. We grab a wagon and load it up with the pumpkins we want to carve later that month. My parents find us and also pick up out pumpkins. This cozy time of year means it's almost time for sweaters but not quite, yet which is why I am able to still enjoy a iced drink. Towards the end of fall this drink will no longer be iced and that is how I know the season is ending and it is almost time to switch to my favorite Starbucks winter drink.

Jack Terry's life story full of adversity and perseverance shows his ambition to succeed. Mr. Terry had to rebuild his life as a teenager without any family by his side. His drive to receive an education and all of his hard work gave him a phenomenal career despite the horrid life he was forced to live in the concentration camps. His story is a true inspiration to keep going, not allowing distractions pull you away from your goal. He shows that adversity does not define the trajectory of your future. Mr. Terry is resilient, courageous and shows us that a person can accomplish what they want if they work hard enough for it. My adversity has to do with discrimination. Throughout my elementary years I was made fun of because of my skin color. The kids would tease me and say derogatory words. facing this discrimination as a young child led to feelings of isolation, inferiority and wanting to be someone else so I did not have to be subjected to this treatment. I decided that I was no longer going to let their words hurt me and that I would speak up against their remarks and stick up for others who were also being treated this way. I would not use my voice for negativity, but I will stand up to what is wrong. Most importantly I was going to move forward by treating people as I wanted to be treated. By middle school I got involved in leadership and in high school I worked my way up to becoming the student body of president. I wanted to be a voice for those who could not speak for themselves, breakdown barriers for the betterment of society and slowly stop the discrimination that we were surrounded by. I learned that I want to make a difference in people's lives. I want to give people the opportunity to succeed. The best way I can do that is by giving back to society. I will use my education at California Lutheran University to become an elementary school teacher. By being an elementary school teacher, I can help foster an inclusive teaching environment. I can facilitate anti-bullying courses and ensure that the children in my classes do not feel alone or isolated as I did. I look forward to reaching my goal so that I can make a positive influence in people's lives.

I plan on attending college to get my bachelor's degree in education, specifically elementary education, and minor in psychology. I will be the first in my family to attend a four-year University and get a bachelor’s degree. I learned that my great-grandparents on both sides never attended college. All four of my great-grandparents were the first generation born in the United States. I am the fourth generation and the first to participate in college. I have many qualities which would be ideal for my future career path. I learned I enjoy teaching children new skills while coaching a youth basketball camp this past summer. Looking back at my past, I saw that I was always in a leadership role, teaching young children a skill or watching over them. When I finish my academic goals, I look forward to becoming a teacher at an elementary school and facilitating classes for our future leaders of America. I hope to inspire young ones to make a difference in the lives of others. I am inspired to continue to grow as a leader and to have a lasting impact on everyone I meet. I can motivate students by setting expectations and providing adequate guidance. I can empower students to learn through supportive and empathetic communication. As a future leader, I will encourage students to achieve their highest potential. I hope to create a long-lasting positive impact on my prospective students so that they also want to thrive and learn more. I have always been grateful for my teachers and look forward to becoming one. I want to attend college so that I am a contributing member of society and do my part to ensure that each student has an opportunity to further themselves while supporting their educational aspirations. This is the best way to make a real difference in people's lives. I wouldn't say that I am any more deserving than anyone else to receive the scholarship. But I do represent the potential to do well on your investment. I am self-motivated, a hard worker, and have realistic aspirations and goals. And because I wish to contribute to the betterment of society, this makes me a better candidate than others applying for the scholarship. This scholarship will invest in my future and the generations I influence as a teacher. This scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies and cover some expenses during school. The scholarship will allow me the financial means to attend a university without the stressors of trying to make ends meet. If I am selected as a scholarship recipient, the scholarship goes beyond just touching my life and allowing me to succeed; it also enables me to maximize my college experience.

My basketball career started from the bottom. The way bottom. I say this because I knew nothing about basketball in 6th grade other than playing HORSE with my brothers. I tried out for the 6th-grade middle school girls' basketball team and barely made the cut. My determination and perseverance overcame the obstacles that stood in my way, and soon, I understood plays, terminology, and what was expected of me in my position. I like the sport, the teamwork, and the solidarity that goes with basketball. I was also on the 7th and 8th grade teams. I made the varsity basketball team my freshman year in high school, which shows the dedication and improvement I had developed in three years. I played all four years on varsity, but I dug deep and practiced hard to acquire additional skills and continue to grow. I had a personal coach to push me so that I was constantly learning new things and becoming more confident in myself. By my Junior year, I was our team's best ball handler and point. I received the coach's award that year, and it was my first year being accepted onto the All-League basketball team. I was also the team captain for both my Junior and Senior years. In my senior year, we made it to CIF, and I was also on the All-League team and named the Scholar-Athlete. It was the first time since 2016 that the girls' basketball team made it to CIF. As the captain, I tried to display that you had to show great sportsmanship and be a good citizen on and off the court. One of the biggest obstacles I had to overcome was COVID-19, stopping all sports, school, and social interactions during the last half of 8th grade and into my freshman year. When sports started again, the students could only pick one sport, but all three seasons ran simultaneously. I chose basketball. When we went back to school, I realized I had developed anxiety, and it was hard to find ways to cope with this anxious feeling. Out of nowhere, I would feel overwhelmed and start hyperventilating. I sought counseling and learned to calm myself down and regain my composure. The anxiety was ruthless; sometimes, it happened during a game, and I would have to go into the back room to catch my breath. By my sophomore year, I had learned several coping skills to help me through this problem. Another obstacle was knowing how to fail gracefully. In my freshman, sophomore, and junior years, we won 5 games total for all three years. I learned to accept defeat while gracefully moving forward and not letting the loss consume me. College education is just like basketball. To succeed in my major, I must dedicate time to study to fully comprehend the subject. I can achieve my goal of becoming an elementary school teacher with dedication, perseverance, and commitment, just as I did when I learned to play basketball. While I am receiving my education, I will also play basketball at my university and run in track and field. I look forward to playing basketball at the collegiate level because I value teamwork and building camaraderie among my future team members. Most importantly, I look forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead. Basketball opened many doors for me, and I look forward to being a lifelong learner while supporting our younger generations as an elementary teacher.

Dear Scholarship Committee, If selected, the Coach Ray Athletic Memorial Scholarship would be an honor to accept. I am a good candidate because I excel academically and in the classroom. I have maintained a 4.34 GPA while being a four-year Varsity Basketball player in high school. As the Student Body School President, I believe being a good citizen and a scholar athlete is essential to paving the way for my future. I accepted the leadership position as team captain in my junior year and held the captain position for two years. In my junior year, I also received the Coach's Award. I was also a part of the All-League basketball team for two years. I wasn't always the best basketball player, nor do I think I am now. I went from barely making the cut in my 6th-grade year and not knowing anything about basketball to excelling. I worked hard to learn plays, terminology, and basic ball-handling skills. I practiced whenever I could get my hands on a ball and had a private coach pushing me to improve. This shows my dedication and perseverance to continue to do better. The coaches recognized my commitment to being a hard worker on and off the court, and I received the Scholar-Athlete award this year. In addition to basketball, I have received five other varsity letters (9 total) in various sports. I also volunteered this past summer and assisted younger boys and girls at an introductory skill clinic. This is what I look forward to the most—being able to teach our younger generations. I will be attending a four-year university and getting my major in education and minor in psychology. I look forward to completing my teacher hours to receive my elementary teacher credentials. I look forward to working as an elementary teacher in my local community and paying it forward as the many teachers before me have. All the skills I learned and positive mentorship will carry me through my higher education goals. I plan on volunteering again at the introductory skills basketball clinic this next summer before leaving for my mission trip to the Dominican Republic. I want to be a good role model for the younger generations. As I attend college, I will also be a two-sport athlete. I have signed commitment papers for track and field and will be redshirting in basketball during my freshman year. I will start basketball in my sophomore year if I can appropriately manage my academics and collegiate athlete schedule. I look forward to reaching my future goals and becoming a scholar athlete at the collegiate level.

I grew up in a pretty racist area. When my mom went to school here, there was one Black person at her high school; now that I am in high school, there are less than five. Latinx's population isn't much better. I was the only Hispanic in my grade at elementary school. It went up to 15 in middle school, and now that I am in high school, there are approximately 30 students in my class of 265. I bring this up because this is where my adversity begins. In elementary school, we were working on a peer project and had to draw the other person. My peer drew me with brown and black crayons. I was utterly distraught and went home, not understanding that was how the world saw me. It wasn't until then that my mother spoke to me about discrimination and biased people. Up until that point, I was raised to see people for who they are. We never talked about different skin tones or heritages because we were all the same, living in the same area. After that conversation I noticed little microaggressions and comments that were targeted to a marginalized group or more specifically towards me. I started to become depressed because of the skin color I was born with, I wished I could wash it off and be white like the majority of my town. I started dreading going to school. By middle school I began to internalize the messages that I was hearing and became a target of discrimination. I was at my end's wit with everything, so my mom started me in counseling, and it was suggested that I get more involved in school activities to keep my mind off the negativity. This would help me avoid dwelling on the racist comments people were saying and gets me involved in a community of like-minded people. I joined leadership and basketball. I had never done either one of these until this point in my life. I was surprised I made the basketball team. I also joined the leadership program and participated in running school activities. Both of these changed the trajectory that I was headed towards. By high school, I was no longer an easy target. I was the Freshman School President and a varsity basketball team member. By my senior year, I had become the overall student body president, and it was also my second year of being a team captain on the basketball team. I learned to be supportive of all but, most importantly, to stand up when others don't feel like they have a voice. I learned not to be a bystander but to be mindful of my actions so that I do not respond with hate or judgment. Most importantly, I plan on being the best version of myself, teaching others to do the same through my servant leadership style and modeling positive behavior. I have become a stronger person mentally and am equipped to handle these types of situations. I have gotten away from feeling down about who I am and take pride in the accomplishments I have completed. I have 9 varsity letters while holding a 4.34 GPA. I have been accepted into a four-year university, where I will be playing two sports (track and field and basketball) and study education. I plan on becoming an elementary teacher so that I can influence children on how to become better leaders in society as they are our future. I also want to promote anti-bullying and help students know what to do if they are in a discriminatory situation.

I can understand where Michael Mattera Jr. was while he faced many challenges in his young life. This is because I, too, faced many challenges, and I am only 17 years old. And I, too, will pursue my education just as Michael did despite what I have been through and what lies ahead. The first adversity I dealt with I was almost three years old. My father was abusive and talked to himself a lot. I was left alone with him often because my mother worked during the day. On one of my mother's days off, he didn't keep his hands to himself and tried to throw a bottle of Clorox at me while yelling like a monster at the top of his lungs. My mother kicked him out and also sent me to a counselor. I liked my counselor because we played games. I learned that it is not okay to treat people like that. Later, when I was 7, my father wanted to visit me; I remember crying and begging my mom not to go. She called him and canceled. He never asked to see me again. Since I was older, I saw that other children had fathers who brought them to school, chaperoned field trips, and took them to the park down the street from me, and I didn't have one to do that with. I felt sad and wanted that kind of relationship, too. I talked to my mom about it, and she told me that I was loved, we had a house and food on the table, and we got to do everything they were doing with one parent. Instead, it was mom doing those things. That answer was all I needed to put a smile on my face. I went to school knowing I was loved and my mom was working hard to make a good life for us. When I was 12, my older brother left the house without saying goodbye to me or my middle brother. I remember being so sad, and all of us were crying. I prayed that he would come home, but he never came back. His actions were gut-wrenching and unexpected, but he chose to go down a path that people ended up dying from and was no longer allowed to live in the house. I don't understand why he chose that path. I hope he is well. Through all of this, I maintained excellent grades, helped the teachers, did my chores, and participated in sports. I knew I wanted to attend a four-year university in the future, so when high school started, my goal was to get the best grades so I could get into a good school. I wanted to become an elementary teacher and help students who may be suffering unsaid battles like I was when I was little. Now that I am in my senior year, I have accomplished half my goal. I have maintained a 4.34 GPA, received 9 Varsity letters, and am currently the high school student body president. I have been accepted to 9 different universities and look forward to attending one while playing basketball or running in track and field. I am the first generation to attend a four-year college, so I am excited to start my next adventure and finish my education to become a teacher. I am going to succeed at this goal so that I can make a positive impact on future generations.

In October of my senior year, the Homecoming Royalty Court was voted by our peers. Both my friend and I were two of the three girls nominated and in the running for homecoming queen. About a week before homecoming, my friend was supposed to meet in the high school parking lot after school. She looked at me with the meanest glare as I approached the lot and drove off with another friend. I was emotionally confused but moved on with my day. At cheer practice that evening she ignored me. I was confused about what I did, but I thought I'd ignore the behavior. The Homecoming King and Queen were announced during the Friday night football game. I was voted by our student body to be our homecoming queen. This gesture humbled me because I am the student body president and didn't think people would vote for me. It was an honor to be on the royal court. After the excitement passed and pictures were taken, my friend said some cruel and hurtful words that surprised me. I didn't know what to say, so I stood there in shock. She and a few of her friends decided it would be great to spread horrible rumors about me the following week. Everything they said got back to me. This made cheer practice gut-wrenching, and I started withdrawing from the group. This continued for a month. I am great at public speaking but did not know how to handle this situation because I was emotionally attached. I needed to overcome this obstacle and find the emotional and mental strength so that it does not affect who I am. I was starting to have insecurities and doubt myself and my worth. After speaking with my mom, I learned that I couldn't change how she feels or her insecurities, but I can alter my perspective on how I view things, what I say, and how I compose myself. I know the rumors aren't true, and I wish they went away. I had to learn how to cope with this adversity to bounce back. This challenge was a setback, and I needed a game plan. After giving myself time to process what happened, I decided enough was enough and asked to meet one-on-one with her. The emotional rollercoaster needed to stop, and this challenge was standing between where I am now and where I wanted to be. I had come to terms with the fact that this friend was no longer suitable for me and my future, which was okay. I can move forward without her. I was at peace with that; I didn't have to be friends with everyone. She did not want to meet, so I conversed over the phone. I told her how I felt about the situation, and it seemed like we were on different paths into adulthood. It is okay to be acquaintances, but there was no reason to speak poorly about each other. I also said that she would never hear anything rude or mean from me about her. She agreed and apologized, and we moved on. Through this obstacle, I have become a more resilient person. I have found moments when balance is critical to keeping my emotions in check. The pain that I experienced increased my self-awareness and what I am capable of. I also learned how to be compassionate to someone suffering from their battles. In short, I grew from this and developed essential skills that will help me be successful in the future. This obstacle will help me be a successful adult in society.

Zendaya's multifaceted career that I admire the most is acting. In 2010, she starred in Shake It Up, as Rocky Blue, but many people don't realize that she was in many commercials before landing this role. I learned she was in Mervyns, Macy's, Old Navy, and Sears commercials when she started her acting career in 2009. I admire this because it shows that her hard work, perseverance, and patience paid off. She was a girl born in California and the youngest sibling of six children; her parents were teachers. Being born into a family of eight meant she needed to find her nitch in the world, and she did, in modeling and acting. She started from the bottom, not only as the youngest in her family but also in her career. She did not have a celebrity parent, but through her hard work, she became confident that she could be successful in acting. Her perseverance is a testimony of how hard she worked, and Zendaya never gave up. She finally caught a break after Disney saw her portfolio and background show the extensive background training she had completed leading up to that moment. This is what I admire most: her tenacity to see a goal and make the impossible possible through hard work, perseverance, and patience.

I had the opportunity to coach a week-long summer basketball camp in the summer of 2023 and discovered my passion for teaching. As a “Coach,” I was in a position of authority and taught my team the necessary skills to succeed in basketball. This is when I found my passion that also fit my need to help others. I have always wanted to assist people in my future career but couldn’t decide how I would serve the community the best. I would like to be an elementary school teacher and guide young children in learning. To cultivate a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable and can thrive. Preparing our youth by letting them explore their options in an inclusive and safe environment will help them develop the skills needed to succeed and make their own choices. Allowing children to develop their ideas on supporting the community and the environment around them enables them to think for themselves and take pride in what they decide to do. These skills will teach the students how to make a difference in someone’s life. I want to inspire others to reach their full potential while supporting them every step of the way. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Teaching our youth to explore is bold and unconventional but is necessary to build a better community. I believe this is the style I would like to embed when I become an elementary teacher. I am a person who demonstrates passion in the classroom and on the field, perseverance while facing adversities, and has been a part of our school's leadership program for years. I strive for academic excellence in the pursuit of doing more and being the best version of myself possible. To me, being more is helping others, even when someone isn't looking, being a friend to everyone, and listening to others so they feel heard. It is important to me to always have integrity, strive, and be a great leader. Leading by example is one way I ensure that I am being more. I believe that honor is a quality that has many attributes. I honor with compassion and honesty to treat others with respect and admiration. I am inspired to continue to grow as a leader to have a lasting impact on everyone I meet; through my methods and behaviors, I can motivate others while setting expectations, providing adequate guidance, and accepting feedback to address any issues that may arise proactively. I can empower others and build trust through supportive and empathetic communication. As a future leader, I hope transparency will encourage others to achieve their highest potential with me. I hope to create a long-lasting positive impact on others, so they also want to be more. Being selected for this scholarship will help me achieve my dreams by allowing me to get the education I need without being held back or worried about financial stress. With the help of a scholarship, I can go to a school that allows me to get the best of the best education with zero barriers. This will help me in the future to become a solid influence as a teacher, impacting the next generations to come.

I would like to be an elementary school teacher and guide young children in learning. To cultivate a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable and can thrive. Preparing our youth by letting them explore their options in an inclusive and safe environment will help them develop the skills needed to succeed and make their own choices. Allowing children to develop their ideas on supporting the community and the environment around them enables them to think for themselves and take pride in what they decide to do. These skills will teach the students how to make a difference in someone’s life. I want to inspire others to reach their full potential while supporting them every step of the way. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Teaching our youth to explore is bold and unconventional but is necessary to build a better community. I believe this is the style I would like to embed when I become an elementary teacher. I am a person who demonstrates passion in the classroom and on the field, perseverance while facing adversities, and has been a part of our school's leadership program for years. I strive for academic excellence in the pursuit of doing more and being the best version of myself possible. To me, being more is helping others, even when someone isn't looking, being a friend to everyone, and listening to others so they feel heard. It is important to me to always have integrity, strive, and be a great leader. Leading by example is one way I ensure that I am being more. I believe that honor is a quality that has many attributes. I honor with compassion and honesty to treat others with respect and admiration. I am inspired to continue to grow as a leader to have a lasting impact on everyone I meet; through my methods and behaviors, I can motivate others while setting expectations, providing adequate guidance, and accepting feedback to address any issues that may arise proactively. I can empower others and build trust through supportive and empathetic communication. As a future leader, I hope transparency will encourage others to achieve their highest potential with me. I hope to create a long-lasting positive impact on others, so they also want to be more.

I knew I wanted to help people as I grew into adulthood, but I did not know what I wanted to do. I had the opportunity to coach a week-long summer basketball camp in the summer of 2023 and discovered my passion for teaching. As a “Coach,” I was in a position of authority and taught my team the necessary skills to succeed in basketball. This is when I found my passion that also fit my need to help others. I have always wanted to assist people in my future career but couldn’t decide how I would serve the community the best. I like to be an elementary school teacher and guide young children in learning. To cultivate a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable and can thrive. Preparing our youth by letting them explore their options in an inclusive and safe environment will help them develop the skills needed to succeed and make their own choices. Allowing children to develop their ideas on supporting the community and the environment around them enables them to think for themselves and take pride in what they decide to do. These skills will teach the students how to make a difference in someone’s life. I want to inspire others to reach their full potential while supporting them every step of the way. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Teaching our youth to explore is bold and unconventional but is necessary to build a better community. I believe this is the style I would like to embed when I become an elementary teacher. I am a person who demonstrates passion in the classroom and on the field, perseverance while facing adversities, and has been a part of our school's leadership program for years. I strive for academic excellence in the pursuit of doing more and being the best version of myself possible. To me, being more is helping others, even when someone isn't looking, being a friend to everyone, and listening to others so they feel heard. It is important to me to always have integrity, strive, and be a great leader. Leading by example is one way I ensure that I am being more. I believe that honor is a quality that has many attributes. I honor with compassion and honesty to treat others with respect and admiration. I am inspired to continue to grow as a leader to have a lasting impact on everyone I meet; through my methods and behaviors, I can motivate others while setting expectations, providing adequate guidance, and accepting feedback to address any issues that may arise proactively. I can empower others and build trust through supportive and empathetic communication. As a future leader, I hope transparency will encourage others to achieve their highest potential with me. I hope to create a long-lasting positive impact on others, so they also want to be more. Being selected for this scholarship will help me achieve my dreams by allowing me to get the education I need without being held back or worried about financial stress. With the help of a scholarship, I can go to a school that allows me to get the best of the best education with zero barriers. This will help me in the future to become a solid influence as a teacher, impacting the next generations to come.

I am passionate about becoming an elementary teacher because I had the opportunity to coach a week-long summer basketball camp in the summer of 2023 and discovered my passion for teaching. I was asked by a semi-pro athlete who runs the summer camp if I wanted to help. As I was helping him, I saw the passion he had for teaching kids. It lit up a fire in my heart. As a “Coach,” I was in a position of authority and taught my team the necessary skills to succeed in basketball. This is when I found my passion that also fit my need to help others. I have always wanted to assist people in my future career but couldn’t decide how I would serve the community the best. I like to be an elementary school teacher and guide young children in learning. To cultivate a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable and can thrive. Preparing our youth by letting them explore their options in an inclusive and safe environment will help them develop the skills needed to succeed and make their own choices. Allowing children to develop their ideas on supporting the community and the environment around them enables them to think for themselves and take pride in what they decide to do. These skills will teach the students how to make a difference in someone’s life. I want to inspire others to reach their full potential while supporting them every step of the way. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Teaching our youth to explore is bold and unconventional but is necessary to build a better community. I believe this is the style I would like to embed when I become an elementary teacher. I am a person who demonstrates passion in the classroom and on the field, perseverance while facing adversities, and has been a part of our school's leadership program for years. I strive for academic excellence in the pursuit of doing more and being the best version of myself possible. To me, being more is helping others, even when someone isn't looking, being a friend to everyone, and listening to others so they feel heard. It is important to me to always have integrity, strive, and be a great leader. Leading by example is one way I ensure that I am being more. I believe that honor is a quality that has many attributes. I honor with compassion and honesty to treat others with respect and admiration. I am inspired to continue to grow as a leader to have a lasting impact on everyone I meet; through my methods and behaviors, I can motivate others while setting expectations, providing adequate guidance, and accepting feedback to address any issues that may arise proactively. I can empower others and build trust through supportive and empathetic communication. As a future leader, I hope transparency will encourage others to achieve their highest potential with me. I hope to create a long-lasting positive impact on others, so they also want to be more. Being selected for this scholarship will help me achieve my dreams by allowing me to get the education I need without being held back or worried about financial stress. With the help of a scholarship, I can go to a school that allows me to get the best of the best education with zero barriers. This will help me in the future to become a solid influence as a teacher, impacting the next generations to come.

I had the opportunity to coach a week-long summer basketball camp in the summer of 2023 and discovered my passion for teaching. A semi pro basketball player runs a local camp and reached out to me to see if I would like to help him. Watching him lead a large group and keep them motivated was fascinating. As a “Coach,” I was in a position of authority and taught my team the necessary skills to succeed in basketball. This is when I found my passion that also fit my need to help others. I have always wanted to assist people in my future career but couldn’t decide how I would serve the community the best. I would like to be an elementary school teacher and guide young children in learning. To cultivate a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable and can thrive. Preparing our youth by letting them explore their options in an inclusive and safe environment will help them develop the skills needed to succeed and make their own choices. Allowing children to develop their ideas on supporting the community and the environment around them enables them to think for themselves and take pride in what they decide to do. These skills will teach the students how to make a difference in someone’s life. I want to inspire others to reach their full potential while supporting them every step of the way. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Teaching our youth to explore is bold and unconventional but is necessary to build a better community. I believe this is the style I would like to embed when I become an elementary teacher. I am a person who demonstrates passion in the classroom and on the field, perseverance while facing adversities, and has been a part of our school's leadership program for years. I strive for academic excellence in the pursuit of doing more and being the best version of myself possible. To me, being more is helping others, even when someone isn't looking, being a friend to everyone, and listening to others so they feel heard. It is important to me to always have integrity, strive, and be a great leader. Leading by example is one way I ensure that I am being more. I believe that honor is a quality that has many attributes. I honor with compassion and honesty to treat others with respect and admiration. I am inspired to continue to grow as a leader to have a lasting impact on everyone I meet; through my methods and behaviors, I can motivate others while setting expectations, providing adequate guidance, and accepting feedback to address any issues that may arise proactively. I can empower others and build trust through supportive and empathetic communication. As a future leader, I hope transparency will encourage others to achieve their highest potential with me. I hope to create a long-lasting positive impact on others, so they also want to be more. Being selected for this scholarship will help me achieve my dreams by allowing me to get the education I need without being held back or worried about financial stress. With the help of a scholarship, I can go to a school that allows me to get the best of the best education with zero barriers. This will help me in the future to become a solid influence as a teacher, impacting the next generations to come.

From a very young age, I knew I wanted to help people. However, I did not know how to accomplish that goal. Neither of my parents graduated college, nor did either of my older siblings, yet I wanted to attend a four-year university and break the barrier no other family member had before me. I am ambitious, enjoy leading by example, and excel at sports, but no one saw the cracked eggshell that I was. In those cracks, I was riddled with anxiety and doubted every move I made. I was not as strong as everyone thought I was, and in 2020, I finally realized that I needed help. I had several anxiety attacks going back to school after COVID-19 in 2021 and sought out counseling to help me cope with anxiety and learn to overcome stressful situations. With positive coping mechanisms and increased counseling appointments, I fought through the barriers that were once keeping me from growing. My sessions with the counselor lessened as I became more confident in being able to help myself through these moments of anxiety. I was ready to expand my wings and try new things; I joined new sports and ran for the student body president. I volunteered for several different churches and nonprofit organizations. I was outside of my cracked shell; I no longer needed a shell to protect me. I was stronger because I believed in myself. I was more confident because I learned how to love myself and that it was okay to be anxious; how I handled being anxious mattered. When I started feeling better about myself and reemerged into the social environment, I had the opportunity to help a basketball coach run a summer youth camp. It was at that moment I realized I wanted to help children. That was how I would make the community better by investing in our future. I look forward to starting this new adventure and attending a four-year university. I look forward to learning and completing my educational goal. I want to major in education, minor in psychology, and become an elementary school teacher. I want to teach students that having hurdles and adversity is okay. How and what we choose to do with those hurdles can hurt or help us. I want to help students reach their full potential and teach them leadership skills that can carry them into their future. Our younger generation are our future leaders, and I believe in fostering their growth so that they can become great leaders.