As I walked into the classroom for the first time, I knew it would become a monumental part of my life. The people there welcomed me with open arms and encouraged me to be myself. Now in my senior year of high school, I am the president of my school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance club, hoping to welcome others in the same way. Joining the club was one of the best decisions I made during my time in high school. As a transgender and bisexual person, I worried about how my identity would affect my social and academic life. In middle school, I was frequently bullied and believed the club would provide a safe space for me. The club allowed me to make friends without worrying about discrimination and provided a retreat from the busy life of school. Every Wednesday I would meet with other students to volunteer, play games, discuss LGBTQ+ issues, and relax without the pressures of the outside world. In my junior year, I began my leadership journey by becoming the club’s treasurer. I was motivated to do this because of my previous experiences with discrimination, and wanting to ensure no student had to face that again. When the presidents graduated the next year, I took on their role. My goal was to continue creating a welcoming environment for others and spreading awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. Although I will graduate soon, I look back on my time in the club fondly. As I move into college and my career, I continue my focus on altruism. My next step is to complete my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science. I have chosen this because it will allow me to work for a nonprofit and conduct research that influences public policy. For example, providing low-cost therapy for those with mental health issues. Because of my identity, I plan to focus primarily on the struggles of LGBTQ+ people. My education will allow me to pursue this career path. In college, I will continue being an advocate and leader for the community. During previous visits to UCSD, I connected with the LGBT Resource Center and looked at their internship opportunities. However, cost poses a barrier to my education, and my options for work are limited as a disabled person. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to afford tuition, bringing me one step closer to being a Chi Changemaker.

Hi, my name is Goose. I am Venezuelan-American, and I will be attending UCSD as a political science major in the fall. I consider myself to have two first languages, both Spanish and English. For as long as I can remember, I have spoken Spanish and English. Being able to speak Spanish connected me to my Venezuelan heritage and family, even when I could not visit the country anymore. When I started high school, I noticed how the required language classes brought students together. In those classes, students who could speak a second language were often drawn to each other, and those who had a first language other than English felt more included. I often felt more comfortable around those who also spoke Spanish, as I did not have to worry about being judged for my culture. Being bilingual allowed me to make connections with these students and excel in my Spanish classes. I have also faced challenges related to my heritage and language. In middle school, racism and bullying were extremely prevalent, and school staff offered little support. While I was not targeted as much as my darker-skinned peers, I still felt the effects of this hate. Often, I found myself being ashamed of my culture and trying to hide it. Gradually, I found a supportive community and I am now able to embrace my heritage. Because of my past struggles, I am passionate about helping immigrants, people of color, and the Latine community. Being bilingual also presents unique career opportunities. Many employers prefer bilingual candidates, increasing my chances of getting hired. In the political science field, being bilingual is especially valuable as it allows me to access sources in Spanish and English. Doing so increases the validity of my work and expands my knowledge. Finally, speaking Spanish provides me the opportunity to do fieldwork in Spanish-speaking countries, and interview people who do not speak English. My Spanish-speaking background will support my career, making me grateful to be bilingual. In my career, I would like to use my political science background to work for a nonprofit organization conducting research that influences public policy. For instance, providing free education for those preparing to take their citizenship test. The struggles of immigrants are especially important to me as a second-generation American. Volunteering and my previous classes have given me many skills that will benefit me in my career, such as understanding social problems. College will provide the resources needed for me to follow this path, and I will take advantage of every opportunity I am given. I plan to join several cultural organizations to connect with my heritage and make even more connections.

Over 12 million people experience domestic violence every year in the US, impacting people of all ages and genders. With so many victims, domestic violence is a pressing national issue that will require serious effort to solve. During my childhood, I experienced physical and emotional violence at home. Because I have been directly impacted by domestic violence, I am motivated to help others who are struggling as I was. As a political science student, I intend to shape public policy that supports abuse victims. Preventing abuse and helping people leave these situations is not easy, but there are solutions. Some ways to help include education, resources for people dealing with domestic violence, and expanding welfare programs. Education is an important first step towards ending intimate partner violence. Whether it is due to stigma, lack of safe spaces to discuss it, or survivors’ fear of speaking up, domestic violence is seldom mentioned. Yet, openly discussing it and educating others on what it means is one step towards preventing it. Many victims, especially children, may not realize that what they are experiencing is domestic violence, which can make it difficult to seek help. I was one of those children, which allows me to understand the importance of education even more. Introducing school programs that define domestic violence and what to do if someone is struggling can greatly reduce its occurrence. Community workshops also give survivors a sense of being seen while informing those who are unfamiliar with the issue. Education alone will not fix the issue, but it is an important step towards alleviating it and allowing survivors to process their experiences. Understanding the problem is often not enough for a survivor to leave. Victims often feel trapped by fear of retaliation or not knowing where to get help. Many online resources, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, allow those experiencing abuse to call or chat with someone. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to a phone or the internet, making in-person help essential. Children experiencing abuse can receive help from a teacher or school counselor. Areas such as hospitals and airports often have discrete ways to ask for help. Finally, counseling and support groups can help survivors process trauma and find community. These resources have already saved countless lives and expanding them would help many more. Finances, housing, and legal fees create additional barriers for those experiencing intimate partner violence. Being financially dependent on an abuser can make it extremely difficult to leave a situation. Expanding welfare programs can provide victims with the funds they need to survive after leaving an abusive situation. Many survivors also become homeless, which is why shelters and affordable housing are vital. Providing these resources allows survivors to be safe while building their new life. Lastly, some victims pursue legal action, such as in the case of divorce. The legal fees may be costly, and some may not understand the legal process. Pro bono legal work, along with education, can provide victims with the support they need. Financial assistance alongside community resources is imperative to stop domestic violence. Domestic violence will not be solved overnight, but these solutions can help move towards lasting change. After graduation, I plan to work for a nonprofit leading projects and carrying out initiatives aimed at preventing abuse. I have already contributed over 300 hours to community service and will continue in college. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to afford tuition, bringing me one step closer to my goals.

For as long as I can remember, I loved exercising and playing sports. At 16, I developed chronic pain and severe fatigue, which forced me to quit these activities. My symptoms emerged slowly, with an ache in my knee or an inexplicable pain in my back. A year later, I was finally diagnosed with a genetic disorder. Though a lot has changed, I am determined not to give up on my goals. My health issues impacted my education, as I struggled with getting proper accommodations from my school. I could no longer hand-write my assignments or take the stairs to class, and my pain made it difficult to focus. These struggles also affected my ability to volunteer. However, I worked to find accessible options. For example, I volunteered for BillionGraves, as I was still able to type and transcribe the headstones. My service allowed approximately 650 people to find lost or unknown family members. Now, I have contributed over 300 hours to community service. Having a disability also gave me new concerns about the future. Getting a job was even more worrying as I was unsure where I would be able to work. As I transition to college, I will need to make new adjustments. Housing accommodations are particularly important as I now use a wheelchair. Despite these challenges, my past experiences show my resilience. Though it will not be easy, I know I can succeed. Having support from others helped significantly and taught me to ask for help when I need it. My teachers provided me with accommodations even when I was struggling to get official ones. My friends, family, and extracurriculars provided me with a community. Because of my support network, I will be graduating as salutatorian. Finally, working with the disability office at UCSD gives me confidence that I will have a safe and accessible experience. They assured me that I would receive proper assistance, such as a room large enough for my wheelchair. Pivoting to new opportunities also helped me overcome these challenges. As I had to give up some of my hobbies, such as skating, I pivoted to others that were still accessible. Baking has always been something I enjoyed, and I decided to start a small business selling cookies. I began taking online college classes as they were more accessible to me than in-person classes. These experiences showed my commitment to overcoming setbacks and helped me learn not to push myself past my limits. In college, I will continue my dedication. For example, I am applying to College Corps, which requires students to complete 450 hours of service during the academic year. For my career, I plan to use my political science background to research social issues, particularly those affecting disabled people. I want to influence public policy and lead initiatives in a way that benefits those who are dealing with health challenges. Having faced a system that was not designed for me, I want to help design one that works for everyone.

As I walked into the classroom for the first time, I knew it would become a monumental part of my life. The students there welcomed me with open arms and provided me with a place to be myself, and so did the club advisor. Though we had never met before, he ensured that every student felt included. Now in my senior year of high school, I am the president of my school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance club, hoping to welcome others in the same way I was. Joining the club was one of the best decisions I made during my time in high school. As a transgender and bisexual person, I worried about how my identity would affect my social and academic life. The club allowed me to make friends without worrying about discrimination and provided a retreat from the busy life of school. Every Wednesday I would meet with other students to volunteer, play games, discuss LGBTQ+ issues, and relax without the pressures of the outside world. Without the club advisor’s assistance, our meetings would not have been possible. In my junior year, I began my leadership journey by becoming the club’s treasurer. I was influenced to do this after seeing how hard my teacher worked to support the students. Now, I wanted to do my part to support the club as well. When the presidents graduated the next year, I stepped up and took on their role. My main goal was to continue providing a safe space for others and spreading awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. Although I will graduate soon, I look back on my time in the club fondly, and plan to stay involved with the community in college. As I move into college and my career, I continue my focus on altruism. Mx. Sybrandy’s work in fostering inclusion profoundly impacted my desire to help others. My next step is to complete my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science. I hope to work for a nonprofit conducting research that influences public policy. Because of my identity and my teacher’s influence, I plan to focus primarily on the struggles of LGBTQ+ people. In college, I will also continue volunteering and leading others. Going to college is an exciting experience, and I am grateful to attend UCSD in the fall. However, cost poses a barrier, and my options for work are limited as a disabled person. I am extremely grateful for my teacher’s assistance, which is why I decided to become a teacher’s assistant for his class during my senior year. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to afford tuition and focus on my studies, bringing me one step closer to carrying on his legacy.

I initially had very little interest in photography. Other mediums always spoke to me more and seemed to require more effort. To me, anyone could take a photo, but painting and drawing required real skill. However, I found myself starting to be drawn towards beautiful photos and wanting to take them myself. Yet, every time I tried to capture a beautiful sunset or butterfly, it never seemed to turn out quite right. As I did more research, I realized that photography is an art form just as beautiful and complex as any other. Because of my new love for the subject, I decided to take a graphic design class and figure out how to make my photos pop the way I wanted. The work was very engaging and taught me skills I never thought I would be able to learn. Over time, I refined my technique to take better photos and polish them properly. I was no longer taking photos just to capture memories, but for the sake of making art. While I continued participating in other mediums, I suddenly found myself unable to do so. After developing a genetic disorder at 16, I lost the ability to write and draw. Several of my hobbies disappeared, which negatively impacted my mental health. Photography was one of the few art forms I could continue participating in despite my disability, renewing my love for artistic photos. Now, it is hard for me not to see the potential for a photo in a pretty scene. Each of the photos I take represents my artistic journey and captures a memory. In a way, my photos remind me of a diary, cataloging the various stages of my life. The photos I selected are both beautiful and meaningful, showing moments from prom, a memorable SeaWorld trip, and my favorite theme park. Every one of my photos reminds me of how far I have had to come to capture it.

Number one. One out of 806. That is what my transcripts have said for the past two years of high school. I was valedictorian, and so long as I kept my grades up, that would never change. At least, that’s what I always thought. Being just two months away from graduation, I was shocked to learn they were recalculating the top 5 students' GPAs. Suddenly, I no longer had a 4.56, but a 4.48. To some, this may seem like a small difference, but it was enough to change my ranking to number two. The title I had thought was mine now belonged to someone else. As a friend and I were called out of class, we were unsure of the reason for the meeting. When we arrived at the counseling office, we were greeted by several staff members who congratulated us on being tied for salutatorian. Despite my shock, I thanked them and remained courteous. At the time, the only positive I could see was that both of us got to accomplish our goal of being one of the top students. Walking back to class, I was overcome by disappointment. At first, I couldn’t help but be angry. Not only did my ranking change, but it was so close to graduation as well. Many of my friends and family had already heard that I was valedictorian, and I was embarrassed to tell them I was wrong. Though they had been nothing but supportive, I was worried about disappointing them. Even after returning to class, I hid the truth about the meeting from my classmates. I knew that being salutatorian was a huge honor, yet I still felt that I had failed in some way. The thought that I should have tried harder was difficult to deal with. Despite my anger, I never blamed the other student who took the number one spot. He was someone I had several classes with, and although we were not close, I knew he was an extremely hard worker and very smart. If anyone rivaled my academic achievements, it was certainly him. My anger was only directed at the school for not being more transparent in their policies and not informing us sooner. Eventually, I realized that the school was not going to budge. The ranks were settled, and I would be graduating as salutatorian. I would not get to speak at graduation, nor be announced as the number one student. My anger turned to sadness, as I felt that I had not achieved enough. Being hard on myself is something I have always struggled with, and this event was no exception. However, I slowly started to come to terms with the situation. Instead of focusing on what I had lost, I shifted my perspective toward what I had gained. Achieving the title of salutatorian was incredibly challenging and still demonstrates my commitment to education. I would still be recognized at graduation and have a special seat. As a way to memorialize my achievement, my name would go up on the banner to be hung in the multi-purpose room for years to come. The title of salutatorian is its own honor, not just the “runner-up” to the valedictorian. Having support from those around me also helped me realize my accomplishment. My friends and family knew I was disappointed and still congratulated me. When I called my parents to tell them the news, they made sure I knew how proud they were. Coming home from school that day, I was surprised with flowers and macarons. The gift was meaningful not just because of the physical items, but because it represented their support for me, and significantly improved my self-perception. Because of how upset I was, I knew I wanted to prevent another student from experiencing the same thing. Though it took immense courage, I was able to explain how I felt to the counselors and assistant principal who oversaw the recalculation. I did this not to contest my rank, but to show the importance of transparency. After our discussion, they agreed to list the policy in the student handbook for the following school years, allowing students to be fully informed. My experiences taught me that my worth is not tied to a title. What I have achieved stays just as impressive regardless of my class rank, and I should be incredibly proud of myself. If I had to go through this again, I would react with less anger and disappointment. However, I stand by my actions of advocating for transparency and focusing on what I have accomplished. In the future, I know I can handle a similar situation appropriately. I am excited about what I will achieve, regardless of how those achievements are viewed by others.

Taking community college classes in high school had a profound impact on my aspirations. I initially saw it as a way to fulfill my curiosity and earn credits, never expecting it to shape my academic, career, and personal goals. When I began my college classes, I focused on sociology, as it was a topic that interested me. These courses primarily discussed social issues and made me passionate about alleviating them. One example was writing a research paper about the Democratic Republic of Congo. Because the classes were so fascinating, I expanded into political science and law. My work in these subjects has put me on track to complete three associate degrees by the fall, giving me a significant head start on my bachelor’s degree. Having these degrees also presents options for jobs and internships. The classes I took also sparked my desire to major in political science. I have always wanted my career to help others, and political science is a field where I can make a meaningful difference. Without these courses, these accomplishments would not be possible, and I may never have considered majoring in political science. Furthermore, learning about these issues has encouraged me to volunteer. At this time, I have contributed over 300 hours to community service. These hours included 60 fundraising for Rise Against Hunger and 21 hours spent fundraising for Luv Michael, a company that provides jobs for autistic adults. Volunteering for Luv Michael was especially meaningful as an autistic person myself. My work for Rise Against Hunger was done through Interact Club, where we were able to fund an end-of-the-year event packaging meals for those in need. In college, I plan to continue my commitment to helping others by joining a number of clubs and organizations. For example, I am applying for College Corps, which requires students to complete 450 hours of service during the academic year. Taking college classes increased my knowledge of social problems, allowing me to understand the importance of community outreach. Though there were many positives, my academic journey also included several challenges. As an autistic person, I struggled with depression and bullying from a young age, causing issues in my social and academic life. At 16, I also became physically disabled due to Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and chronic fatigue, making accessibility a major concern. Pain and limited campus accessibility caused setbacks in multiple classes. Despite these obstacles, I worked hard to adapt by utilizing several techniques. Advocating for accommodations and reaching out for support were the most important steps I took. These skills will benefit me throughout college and my career by allowing me to maintain my own needs, such as negotiating accommodations at UCSD. Because of my dedication, I am graduating high school as the salutatorian. Having overcome barriers in the past shows my resilience and commitment to success. Being disabled makes education personally important. While most entry-level jobs are not accessible to me, earning a degree creates new opportunities and allows me to control my financial future. I have already taken several steps to do this outside of my education, such as building my credit. Education is essential for me to be independent and achieve my goals. Additionally, a degree allows me to pursue my interests despite my physical limitations. Community college has already helped fulfill my curiosity, and a 4-year university will likely do the same. These opportunities have solidified my desire to go to college. In my career, I would like to use my political science background to work for a nonprofit organization. I hope to lead projects and conduct research that influences public policy. For example, organizing initiatives to provide low-cost therapy for those with mental health challenges. The struggles of disabled and LGBTQ+ people are especially important to me because I am part of those communities. Pursuing a career that assists people would honor the legacy of those who inspire me. My educational background and challenges have influenced me to follow this path by reinforcing my commitment to helping others. Going to college is an exciting step, and I was grateful to be accepted to UCSD. However, the cost of attendance poses a barrier. Unfortunately, I did not receive any financial aid from the colleges I applied to, and my options for work are limited as a disabled person. Additionally, my parents’ ability to support me is reduced as they are nearing retirement age. Receiving this scholarship would help me afford tuition while focusing on my studies, bringing me closer to my goal of making an impact.

When I watched Wicked for the first time, I didn’t entirely know what to expect. My social media feed was buzzing with positive reviews and my friends raved about it, so I decided to take a trip to the theater. I enjoyed the film more than I expected. Even as someone who does not usually like musicals, I found myself captivated by the movie’s story, beautiful visual design, and messages. As someone who has often felt isolated from others due to my autism and being part of the LGBTQ+ community, I related to Elphaba’s struggles. Both of us have had to deal with ostracism and being underestimated because of traits we could not control. Seeing her embrace her true self and flourish despite those obstacles made me believe that I could overcome my own challenges. At a time in my life when I felt quite lonely, the film gave me a new sense of hope. The themes of friendship and acceptance also resonated with me. I have been lucky enough to find many kind and supportive friends since then. Watching Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship grow despite hardships made me appreciate my friends even more. Everyone has their own struggles, but being part of a community has made my own challenges significantly easier to bear. These experiences encouraged me to hold leadership positions in several clubs so I could provide others with the welcoming environment that had helped me so much. Altruism is a characteristic I value greatly, which is why I have contributed over 300 hours to community service. Elphaba taking the risk to help the animals and stand up to injustice was moving and reminded me of my own work. While I may not be saving talking animals from oppression, I always try my best to help others. Watching the movie fueled my commitment to generosity and my desire to continue volunteering in college. Now, I am applying for College Corps, which requires students to complete 450 hours of service during the academic year. Additionally, I would like my career to assist others by working for a nonprofit. Without the film, I may not have been inspired to take these actions. After seeing the first film, I eagerly awaited the sequel and was not disappointed. The themes resonated with me again and reignited my love for the story. Though I may not live in the world of Oz, the characters’ experiences are still relatable. As a Wicked fan, I appreciate the movie for its messages and the way it expresses them.

Altruism is a characteristic I value greatly, which is why I enjoy volunteering. By this time, I have contributed over 300 hours to community service. These hours include 60 for Rise Against Hunger and 21 for Luv Michael, a company that provides jobs for autistic adults. A significant portion of my service was conducted through one of my many clubs. For example, the Gender and Sexuality Alliance has hosted many campus clean-ups. Throughout high school, I have served as president of the Roller Skating Club, treasurer and president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, president of the Alternative Music and Fashion Club, vice president of Gardening Club, and Secretary of Community Service for Interact. Additionally, I have been a member of several others. My motivation was to expand my knowledge, meet new people, and volunteer. Holding leadership positions taught me many skills, such as mentoring others and organizing fundraisers. My hobbies have changed because I became disabled at 16. While I had to give up skating and running, I pivoted to other activities. Baking has always been something I enjoyed, and I decided to start my own small business selling cookies. I love crafting, music, fashion, makeup, and meeting new people. Though my disability has changed things, I am determined to live a fulfilling life. Education has always been important to me due to my upbringing. In high school, I took many advanced classes and passed with A’s. Additionally, I took several online college classes to get a head start and fulfill my curiosity. Because of my dedication, I am on track to graduate as valedictorian and complete three associate degrees by the fall. In my career, I would like to use my political science background to work for a nonprofit organization. I hope to lead projects and conduct research that influences public policy. For example, providing low-cost therapy for those with mental health challenges. The struggles of disabled and LGBTQ+ people are especially important to me as someone who is part of those communities. Volunteering has given me many skills that will benefit me in my career, such as understanding social problems. College will provide the resources needed for me to follow this path, and I will take advantage of every opportunity I am given. If I were to start a charity, it would focus on helping disabled people. Being disabled myself, I understand how important support is. My previous work has also shown me its importance. Our mission would be to provide the best quality of life possible. To achieve this, we would provide low-cost medical equipment and treatment, free transportation, and mental health services. In college, I will continue my focus on helping others. I plan to join many clubs and organizations that will educate me and allow me to volunteer. For example, I am applying for College Corps, which requires students to complete 450 hours of service during the academic year. Getting into UCSD made me very grateful, and I am excited to attend. However, cost poses a barrier. As a disabled person, finances have always been a concern for me because of my limited options for work. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to afford tuition while focusing on my studies.

Reading non-fiction is a hobby I greatly enjoy. Though many find it boring, I find it fun to learn more about topics that interest me. The books I read encompass a wide range of topics, such as biology, history, and social justice. While these books may vary greatly, they all expanded my knowledge of current issues. Because of what I have learned, especially as it relates to social problems, I was motivated to volunteer. Completing my school’s 40-hour requirement was not enough for me, and I decided to reach 200 hours. Now, I have contributed over 300 hours to community service. These hours include 60 for Rise Against Hunger and 21 for Luv Michael, a company that provides jobs for autistic adults. My schoolwork also benefited from my reading, as I was able to connect concepts I learned in books to assignments in class. Books have also served as a refuge when I was dealing with challenges. My mental health has been something I have always struggled with. These challenges have come because of my LGBTQ identity and disability. As an autistic person, I was excluded and bullied as a child. Because I did not know I was autistic, I was left confused and made to feel like something was wrong with me. When I came out as transgender at the age of 12, I faced pushback from my parents. They were in disbelief and assumed something must have made me “confused.” In school, I faced similar discrimination from staff and students. These experiences caused me to develop severe depression and nearly commit suicide. While going through this was certainly not pleasant, it does have a silver lining. I learned how to advocate for myself and have self-confidence despite what others think. After a long struggle, I overcame my depression. Finally, I am part of two wonderful communities that I am extremely grateful for. Because of my struggles with mental health, I have realized the importance of community support and resources. For this reason, I have decided to continue volunteering and focus my career on helping others. In my career, I would like to use my political science background to work for a nonprofit organization. I hope to lead projects and conduct research that influences public policy. For example, initiatives to provide low-cost therapy for those with mental health challenges. The struggles of disabled and LGBTQ+ people are especially important to me as someone who is part of those communities. Pursuing a career that benefits others would honor the legacy of those who inspire me and allow me to feel fulfilled. My education and community service have set me up for this path. Winning this scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving my goals by allowing me to afford tuition and focus on my studies. Thank you for your consideration.

At the age of nine, I had no experience with death. Yet, that quickly changed as I was told that my grandma Judy had died. Sitting in a dark living room, I tried to keep myself composed. Though I knew she had not been doing well, it still came as a shock. We were extremely close, and I could not imagine going forward without her. When the day of her funeral came, I could no longer contain myself and broke down as the national anthem played. Now, nine years later, I still cherish the memories we made together. While she may be gone, her impact on me persists. Growing up, my grandma lived right next door to me, which is a unique experience I look back on fondly. She had lived nearly her whole life in the nearby town of Perris, California but moved to be close to me and my father after I was born. I spent many afternoons at her house playing games with her and eating her delicious food. Since she was a second-generation immigrant, I felt that spending time with her connected me to my Italian heritage. My nickname for her was nonna, or grandma in Italian. Now, I keep that ancestry alive by cooking the Italian recipes she used to make for me. Each bite reminds me of our time together and the effort she put into taking care of me. As her health declined, I knew my time with her was limited. When she suffered a stroke, my parents made the decision to move her to a care facility. I visited her as often as I could, making the most of the last days we had together. While I wish she could have been with us longer, she lived until the age of 92, and I am glad she had a long and fulfilling life. My grandma valued resilience and strength and instilled this in me by overcoming the challenges she faced. When she was just 40, my grandpa died of leukemia, leaving her to raise 6 children alone. With my actions, I hope to make her proud, which has motivated me to give my full effort towards everything I do. I have already dedicated over 300 hours to community service, which I consider one of my most significant contributions. Knowing how important family and my heritage are to me, I decided to volunteer for BillionGraves, helping approximately 650 people find lost or unknown family members. Additionally, I am on track to graduate as the valedictorian. She was also an incredibly generous woman, who influenced me to volunteer. As I move into college, I plan to continue my community service. In my career, I would like to use my political science background to work for a nonprofit organization and help alleviate social issues. The struggles of disabled and LGBT people are especially important to me as someone who is part of those communities. Pursuing a career that benefits others would honor the legacy of my grandma. Winning this scholarship would bring me one step closer to my goals. Throughout my journey, I remember the lessons my grandma taught me and how she pushed me to do my best. I wish she could be here to witness it, but I will have to be strong without her. By sharing my experience, I hope to commemorate my grandma while showing others that we can overcome challenges in the face of loss.

In a country with a long history of systemic racism and police brutality, it is no surprise that people of color are often weary of law enforcement. As someone who has studied sociology, political science, and law in college, this issue is often discussed. When it comes to fostering relationships between law enforcement and African Americans, options include expanding alternative resources, addressing issues that lead to crime, and providing additional education for police officers. Many scholars and people from marginalized communities have suggested expanding other resources rather than using police to deal with all issues. For example, trained social workers may respond to non-violent cases better than a police officer could. Unfortunately, there have been tragedies relating to police officers inappropriately reacting to non-violent situations, such as with Charleena Lyles. Because of this, many African Americans are concerned about calling the police when help is needed. Having alternate resources can help to prevent these tragedies and make those in need more comfortable. If the number of incidents like this goes down, fear of police will likely fall with it. Areas that have implemented these programs have found success. An overall reduction in crime would also reduce the need for police responses and therefore decrease negative interactions between police and civilians. In my opinion, solving social problems starts with understanding their root causes. Crime is driven by several factors, including poverty, domestic violence, and lack of opportunities. These issues are more likely to affect African Americans. People in these situations may commit crimes because they feel they have no other option. Resources for those struggling with financial insecurity, mental health resources, and increased funding for education are all viable options to address these problems. Law enforcement officials often do not understand the impact they can have on minority communities, especially with most police officers being white. Mandatory education on systemic racism and the drivers of crime can increase understanding and encourage officers to be more cautious when approaching a situation. Additionally, training with a focus on deescalation can reduce violent encounters and save lives. Education is not enough to fix the issue on its own, but it can be helpful when used in tandem with other solutions. An improved relationship between African Americans and law enforcement would be beneficial for both parties. Police officers could better perform their duties, while African Americans would be in less danger and feel safer. Many of these programs have the added benefit of alleviating additional issues, such as poverty. Although these problems will not be fixed overnight, these solutions can make a meaningful difference.

When I watched Wicked for the first time, I didn’t entirely know what to expect. My social media feed was buzzing with positive reviews and my friends raved about it, so I decided to go see it. I enjoyed it more than I expected. Even as someone who does not usually like musicals, I found myself captivated by the movie’s story, beautiful designs, and messages. As someone who has often felt isolated from others due to my autism and being LGBT, I related to Elphaba’s struggles. Both of us have had to deal with ostracism and being underestimated due to something we could not control. Seeing her be herself and succeed despite this made me feel that I could overcome these challenges as well. Additionally, the themes of friendship and acceptance resonated with me. I have been lucky enough to find many kind and supportive friends. Watching Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship grow despite hardships was very impactful and made me appreciate my friends even more. Everyone has their own struggles, but being part of community can make things much easier. Lastly, I have always valued altruism. Throughout my time in high school, I have completed over 300 hours of community service. Elphaba taking the risk to help the animals and stand up to injustice was inspiring to me and reminded me of my own work. While I may not be saving talking animals from oppression, I always try my best to help others. The value of selflessness is very important to me, and I love how the movie spreads that message. After seeing the first movie, I eagerly awaited the second one and was not disappointed. The themes resonated with me again and reignited my love for the story. Though I may not live in the world of Oz, the characters’ experiences are still relatable. As a Wicked fan, I appreciate the movie for its messages and the way it expresses them.

Far too often, those with intellectual disabilities are not given enough support. As someone with physical and developmental disabilities, I understand this struggle. I have continuously had to advocate for myself, and I would like my career to help others in the disabled community for this reason. My education and community service have furthered this desire. By working in political science, I hope to influence public policy that addresses these issues. My journey started when I began high school and joined my school’s Interact club. Focusing on helping disabled people, I dedicated 21 hours of service to Luv Michael, a company that provides jobs for autistic adults. Through this experience, I learned more about these struggles and ways to alleviate them. Volunteering reinforced my desire to help others and proved I could make an impact. In my junior year, I became the club’s Secretary of Community Service, which allowed me to help even more. As I approach graduation, I have completed over 300 hours of community service, which I consider one of my proudest achievements. During my sophomore year, I started taking community college classes in sociology. These classes were online, making them more accessible to me. Had this not been the case, I may not have been able to take these courses, which helped me understand the importance of accessibility even more. My passion for the subject only increased with my coursework, and I expanded into political science and law. Learning to connect concepts such as homelessness and disability was incredible to me and greatly developed my knowledge of these issues. Because of my dedication, I am on track to complete 3 associate’s degrees before the fall. Political science resonated with me the most, and it was where I felt I could make the biggest difference. For this reason, I have chosen to pursue a bachelor’s degree and career in political science. As I move into a 4-year university, I will continue my dedication to the disabled community. Going to college may present new accessibility challenges for me. While this may be difficult, I see it as an opportunity to learn more about existing barriers and how to fix them. Additionally, my classes will continue to fuel my interest and further my knowledge. I will continue volunteering to help those in need, especially those with intellectual disabilities. Advocating for myself has given me the skills and courage to advocate for others. Most importantly, I will keep my ultimate career goals in mind, so that my efforts can make the biggest possible contribution. The final step of my journey is finding a job at a non-profit organization. Here, I feel that I can do research on social issues that will have a lasting impact. My research will focus primarily on the struggles of disabled people and how to alleviate them. I plan to lead projects to carry out these initiatives and present my findings to lawmakers. Though it may be a long process, knowing that I have meaningfully helped many people will make it worth it. Keeping my goals in mind will allow me to push forward even when facing setbacks. Having faced many challenges in the past, I know I can be resilient and adapt to my situation. Winning this scholarship would bring me one step closer to accomplishing my goals. College is expensive, and my options for work are further limited by my disability. I would be truly honored to be chosen. Thank you for your consideration.

As I walked into the classroom for the first time, I knew it would become a monumental part of my life. The people there welcomed me with open arms and provided me with a place to be myself. Now in my senior year of high school, I am the president of my school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance club, hoping to welcome others in the same way I was. Joining the club was one of the best decisions I made during my time in high school. As a transgender and bisexual person, I worried about how my identity would affect my social and academic life. The club allowed me to make friends without worrying about discrimination and provided a retreat from the busy life of school. Every Wednesday I would meet with other students to volunteer, play games, discuss LGBTQ+ issues, and relax without the pressures of the outside world. In my junior year, I began my leadership journey by becoming the club’s treasurer. When the presidents graduated the next year, I stepped up and took on their role. My main goal was to continue providing a safe space for others and spreading awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. Although I will graduate soon, I look back on my time in the club fondly, and plan to stay involved with the community in college. Outside of the club, I dedicated myself to my academics, other extracurriculars, and community. I started taking community college classes when I was in 10th grade. Even though it was not required, I was passionate about learning. Additionally, I took many advanced courses in high school, and completed them with straight As. Because of my efforts, I am on track to complete 3 associate’s degree before the fall, and graduate as Valedictorian. When I started school, I also joined Interact club and founded the Roller-Skating club. There I was able to further my leadership skills by serving as Interact club’s Secretary of Community Service in my junior year, and the Roller-Skating club president. Over 4 years of high school, I completed more than 300 hours of community service. The requirement was only 40 hours, but I wanted to help others as much as I possibly could. Aside from my identity, I have faced other challenges on the way to these achievements. My whole life I struggled with depression and social isolation due to my autism. In my junior year, I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue, as well as a genetic disorder called Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which significantly impaired me. However, I was determined not to let these barriers hold me back. When facing challenges, I remained focused on my goals and was able to achieve great things with the support of others. As I move into college and my career, I continue my focus on altruism. My next step is to complete my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science. I have chosen this because it will allow me to work for a non-profit and research how to alleviate social issues. Because of my identity, I plan to focus primarily on the struggles of LGBTQ+ and disabled people. In college, I will also continue volunteering and leading others. College is expensive, and my options for work are limited as a disabled person. For these reasons, I would be honored to be chosen as a scholarship recipient, and it would help me significantly. Thank you for your consideration.

Helping others starts with understanding the causes of their struggles. That belief is what drew me to political science. In 10th grade, I began working toward my associate's degree and discovered how much I enjoyed studying it. It helped me understand the importance of addressing issues from multiple angles, and I was inspired by the idea that I could make real change. I chose political science because of my passion for the subject, its connection to my volunteer work, and the ability to make a difference. When I first began my coursework, I was immediately drawn to intersectionality and the root causes of inequality. Learning to connect topics such as homelessness and racial inequality was incredible to me. As I learned more, I became especially interested in topics like disability policy and global inequality, which I hope to study further in my future research. Writing a paper on the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was a particularly eye-opening example, as the country's history exemplified many concepts I had studied. Through these assignments, I began to understand how political science uses research and historical analysis to explain why certain inequalities persist and how social institutions shape people’s lives. Even now, I continue to discover new ideas and find them just as interesting as those I learned early on. Altruism is a characteristic I value greatly. For this reason, I have dedicated over 300 hours of service to my community and plan to continue throughout college and beyond. My classes made me want to see these concepts in action, which is part of what led me to volunteer. Topics that stood out to me included the struggles faced by disabled people and those experiencing food insecurity, especially as a disabled person myself. This led me to spend many hours doing outreach and fundraising for a company called Luv Michael, which provides jobs for autistic adults. Luv Michael is just one example, and all of my volunteering was influenced by my studies. My education gave me the understanding needed to find ways to help address these issues. Political science has already allowed me to volunteer in my community, but I want my future research to do even more. I believe the only way to prevent social problems is to understand what causes them, which is why I want to study the root causes of social inequality and use that information to find solutions. Behind every statistic is a real person affected by these issues, which motivates me to study them. I intend for my research to influence public policy and give charitable organizations the information they need to combat these issues. While I may not be able to fix everything myself, I hope my work can help make progress. I chose political science because I enjoy studying it and because it allows me to make a difference. It has already helped me give back to my community, and I know my future research will do the same. These experiences have shaped the way I think about the problems around me and inspired me to continue studying social systems so I can apply that knowledge and make meaningful change in my community and beyond.

Growing up, I was just like any other child. I participated in sports, loved exercising, and was full of energy. I started a roller-skating club at school, leading me to meet new people who shared my passion for the sport. I contributed over 300 hours to helping my community, constantly challenging myself. When I was 16, I became disabled after a genetic condition started to manifest. This made it difficult for me to walk or do physical activity. While I had to give up some of my passions, I quickly adapted. I shifted my focus from skating to baking, another one of my interests, and even started my own small business selling cookies. I had to shut down the roller-skating club, but I focused on the other clubs I was involved in, such as the ones related to community service. School suddenly became difficult after being something that was never a struggle. It was not because of the material, but the accessibility. I frequently missed classes due to a broken elevator and could no longer handwrite my assignments. I struggled with focusing as I was in constant pain. Emotionally, the pain was taking a toll, but so was the lack of support from my school. Like my diagnosis, it took me a year to get accommodations. Despite this, I never stopped fighting, regardless of how many times the school told me it would take weeks to fix the elevator or that I could not get some of the necessary accommodations. The one thing I refused to do was give up after three years of diligence. This experience taught me a great deal about advocating for myself and being persistent. Nothing influenced me more to push myself than my education and passion for learning. In 10th grade, I began working towards my associate’s degree in sociology. Through my classes, I discovered a great deal about the struggles people face every day, including those faced by disabled people. On top of this, the thing that continuously inspires me to give back the most is wanting to carry on the legacy of everyone who has guided me in the past. So many people have selflessly spent time assisting me with my disability, in school, or with my mental health struggles. Now that I can, I want to assist others who are struggling with the same things I did and what I learned about in my classes. Becoming disabled also made me more aware of the challenges those with disabilities face and motivated me to try to prevent them. Without my disability, I would never have gained much of my knowledge about these issues. I may have learned about them in class, but experiencing them firsthand was completely different. As I move into pursuing my bachelor’s degree in political science, I plan to do research into the struggles of the disabled community that my previous volunteer work was intended to alleviate. My goal is to further our understanding of social problems and discover more solutions. This scholarship would allow me to achieve my dream of researching and addressing social problems and serving inside and outside of my community. While I do not know what the future holds for me, my experiences will guide my research, volunteering, and how I support others.

Leadership to me is about guiding others toward their goals, not just giving commands. This is a lesson I learned during my time in my school's Interact club. The club was dedicated to community service, and I joined to help those in need. During our meetings, I made peace cranes, letters, and breast cancer awareness ribbons to bring joy to those who needed it most. At this point, I mainly followed along but led where I could. When other club members needed support with activities, I offered to assist them. Gradually, I started looking for organizations and events that were relevant to the club and presented them to the board members. It wasn't required, but I chose to do it because it helped the people benefiting from the events and my fellow club members looking for opportunities. In my third year in the club, I became the secretary of community service. This gave me the ability to participate more directly and recruit even more volunteers. During meetings, I would present new events and encourage people to sign up. I did even more outreach and was able to facilitate events at elementary schools, animal sanctuaries, and campus clean-ups. Personally, I participated in events at over 10 different elementary schools for more than 60 total hours. Seeing happy children, veterans, and others showed me that even small moments of kindness can brighten someone's day. These experiences changed the way I think about leadership by making me realize it is more than just instructing others on what to do. Sometimes leadership is leading by example or working behind the scenes to give others the opportunity to achieve. As I continue my studies, I want to use what I learn to support more people facing inequality, especially those whose needs are often misunderstood or ignored. My degree will help me advocate more effectively, understand systemic issues, and contribute to solutions that improve people’s lives. I hope to give back by helping create a community where everyone has the support they deserve. I have already completed over 300 hours of community service, which I consider one of my greatest achievements. Whether it was at an elementary school, library, or elsewhere, each hour showed me the importance of hard work and empathy. Each one of these moments shaped my commitment to service. I was motivated to continue volunteering even after meeting my school's requirement, and I plan to keep volunteering in college and beyond. Overall, I am proud of the difference I have made and grateful for the lessons these experiences have taught me.

Helping others starts with understanding the causes of their struggles. That belief is what drew me to political science. In 10th grade, I began working toward my associate’s degree in the subject and discovered how much I enjoyed learning about the root causes of inequality and how intersectionality explains overlapping disadvantages. The more I learned, the more I wanted to pursue research as a career, focusing on social inequality and ways to address it. Volunteering reinforced this interest. Right when I started high school, I joined my school's Interact club to find opportunities to help my community. Eventually, I joined the board as secretary of community service so that I could gain valuable leadership experience and further help those in need. I spent hours doing outreach and fundraising for Luv Michael, which provides jobs for autistic adults, and more than 60 hours helping at events at over 10 different elementary schools. In total, I dedicated over 300 hours to community service, and I plan to continue. These experiences gave me firsthand knowledge of social challenges and strengthened my commitment to creating solutions through research and advocacy. My academic journey has not been without challenges. I have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and struggled with persistent depressive disorder from a young age. Not being diagnosed as autistic until age 16 made my social and academic life that much more challenging. At 16, I also became physically disabled due to hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome, which made accessibility an even larger barrier. I struggled with physical limitations, missing classes, and obtaining accommodations. Despite these obstacles, I adapted by taking online courses, managing my time carefully, and advocating for myself. Through persistence and resilience, I am on track to graduate high school as Valedictorian with three associate degrees. Having overcome these barriers in the past makes me believe I can overcome more in the future. These experiences have shaped my long-term goal of working in political science research to study marginalized communities and social inequalities. I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science, followed by a master’s to gain the research skills necessary to contribute meaningful insights that influence policy and support charitable efforts. Receiving this scholarship would help fund my education, allowing me to focus on my studies and research rather than financial barriers. It would bring me one step closer to my dream of using research to address systemic social issues and make a real difference in the world, especially for others with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

My problem started slowly, with an ache in my knee or an inexplicable pain in my back. I figured I had just pushed myself a bit too hard, but gradually, I could no longer ignore it. Eventually, I could not even walk around school without a cane or go to events without a wheelchair. I was later diagnosed with two conditions called Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It was an extremely difficult period of my life, but I slowly adjusted. Growing up, I participated in sports, loved exercising, and was full of energy. I started a roller-skating club at school, leading me to meet new people who shared my passion for the sport. I dedicated over 300 hours to community service. When I turned 16, everything started to change as my disability came to light. While I had to give up some of my passions, I adapted. I shifted my focus from skating to baking and even started my own small business selling cookies. I had to shut down the roller-skating club, but I focused on other clubs related to community service. I advocated for myself in school to ensure I got the necessary accommodations and kept my grades high. School suddenly became difficult. It was not because of the material, but because of the accessibility. I frequently missed classes due to a broken elevator and could no longer handwrite my assignments because of wrist pain. I struggled with focusing as I was in constant pain. Like my diagnosis, it took me a year to get accommodations. These experiences gave me a better understanding of the struggles disabled people go through and made me more compassionate. Despite these struggles, I never stopped fighting. I knew I would have to work much harder, and I did by communicating with my teachers and adjusting my schedule to suit my needs. The one thing I refused to do was give up after three years of dedication. This experience taught me a great deal about advocating for myself and being persistent. These experiences showed me just how much harder I would need to push myself to succeed. I knew I could still accomplish my goals with a lot of effort and a little bit of support. I achieved the status of Valedictorian and am ready to graduate high school with three associate degrees. My perseverance and resilience paid off. More than anything, having a community of people to help me and wanting to help them in return gave me the strength to continue. Through these experiences, I believe I have come to embody the same resilience, compassion, and commitment to others that defined Andrea Worden’s legacy. My disability may have held me back, but it also motivated me and taught me things I would never have known otherwise. I have always had a passion for learning, particularly about the different circumstances people have and how those issues can be alleviated. As I move into studying political science and sociology further, I want to dedicate my studies to understanding these issues and spreading awareness. In my career, I want to do more research so that real change can happen, especially for the disabled community. Even if my options are limited, I would like to continue volunteering as well. Above all, I am grateful to be part of an amazing community and connect with other disabled people. Regardless of their disability, we have a shared connection. Each person I meet brings a new perspective into my life and motivates me to continue my education. They are incredibly supportive. I am grateful to every one of my friends for their endless support. As I look toward the future, it is uncertain how my abilities will change. Regardless of what happens, my experiences have shaped me immensely. Even if a cure were discovered tomorrow, I would not be the same person I was before. My disability may have changed my path, but it gave me strength, empathy, and community, which I will carry proudly into the future. Whatever comes next, I move forward with a commitment to using what I have learned to uplift others, just as so many people have uplifted me.

My dream is to work in the political science field, specifically research. I am especially interested in the struggles marginalized communities face and how they can be alleviated. This is why I started working toward an associate’s degree in the subject in high school. Volunteering and seeing these issues firsthand pushed me toward this field. My work so far has already taught me skills in critical thinking and evaluating sources, and nothing influenced me more than my education and passion for learning. Growing up, my parents always made sure I understood the value of education. They encouraged me to learn and equipped me with the resources to do so, which made college feel like the natural next step in pursuing the subjects I care about. In 10th grade, I began working toward my associate’s degree in sociology. Naturally, I could not yet attend a four-year college, so community college gave me the opportunity to start studying what I was interested in early on. Along the way, I branched into political science and discovered it was something I greatly enjoyed. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to try and accomplish three associate degrees: political science, sociology, and law. While there was a benefit of transferring my credits and being able to get my bachelor’s degree earlier, I mainly did it because of my desire to learn. Because of this, college to me means getting to explore my passions in a way I could not do on my own and gaining the structure and guidance I needed to develop as a student and a future researcher. Aside from my passion for learning, community college was also accessible to me as someone with a disability. The courses I took were online and allowed me to prioritize my physical and mental health while still making progress toward my goals. Balancing my symptoms with coursework was often difficult, but college gave me a space where I could keep moving forward without compromising my well-being. Without this opportunity, I would have struggled with starting my education and had more barriers to worry about. To me, college represents independence and being able to achieve despite my disability. Being disabled has also made me want to be an activist for my community, and community college gave me the opportunity to learn how to accomplish this. Without community college and the influence of my parents, I may not have been motivated to achieve as much as I have or gotten the chance. As I move into studying for a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology, I want to dedicate my studies to understanding social issues and spreading awareness. By continuing my studies, I want to contribute meaningful insight that addresses social inequality and influences public policy. Community college was the first step for me in my long-term goals, and it has brought me much closer to accomplishing them. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue pursuing my education without added financial stress, allowing me to stay focused on my goals and the work I hope to contribute.

Nothing influenced me more than my education and passion for learning. Growing up, my parents always made sure I understood the value of education. They encouraged me to learn and equipped me with the resources to do so. In 10th grade, I began working towards my associate’s degree in sociology. Naturally, I could not yet attend a 4-year college, so community college gave me the opportunity to start studying what I was interested in early on. Along the way, I branched into political science and discovered it was something I greatly enjoyed. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to try and accomplish three associate degrees: political science, sociology, and law. While there was a benefit of transferring my credits and being able to get my bachelor’s degree earlier, I mainly did it because of my desire to learn. If I had gained no degree, I still would have wanted to learn just as much. Aside from my passion for learning, community college was also accessible to me as someone with a disability. The courses I took were online and allowed me to prioritize my physical and mental health while still making progress towards my goals. Without this opportunity, I would have struggled with starting my education and had more barriers to worry about. Being disabled has also made me want to be an activist for my community, and community college gave me the opportunity to learn how to achieve this. The more I learned in my classes, the more I wanted to pursue political science as a career. Looking for options, I came across the idea of research and decided it was what I wanted to do as a career. Taking college courses and uncovering more about people’s struggles has greatly influenced me to commit myself to this path. Without this and the influence of my parents, I may not have been motivated to achieve as much as I have or gotten the chance. As I move into studying for a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology, I want to dedicate my studies to understanding social issues and spreading awareness. Community college was the first step for me in my long-term goals, and it has brought me much closer to accomplishing them.

I was recently diagnosed with a genetic disability. The year before this, it had begun to impact my daily life. As someone who values financial stability, one of my biggest concerns was how I would save money without being able to work a traditional job. Combining the cost of tuition and living, having money saved was becoming more essential as I moved towards college. Although I was worried, I knew I had overcome other challenges relating to my disability before, such as struggles with accessibility at school. I was already able to graduate as Valedictorian and earn 3 associates degrees before finishing high school, so I knew I could overcome my financial barriers too. Baking had always been a hobby of mine, and I decided to take it a step further than just making cookies for my friends. I started a small business selling them around my school, and I dedicated hours each week to making and advertising them. This venture taught me valuable skills in promotion and networking, which will help with future jobs. It also gave me a source of income that was consistent and accessible because of the time flexibility and physical requirements. Every penny I earned went back into the business or directly to my savings, slowly building the money I had for the future. I believe building credit early is one of the best things college students can do to secure their financial futures. My parents have always instilled in me the importance of being smart with money, and they decided to get me a credit card while I was in high school. They believed it would help educate me on responsible spending, paying off my balance on time, and help build my credit for the future. It gave me a sense of independence as well as responsibility. I knew having a credit card was a big deal, and I needed to use it properly, only buying things I could afford. Going forward, I will remember what they have taught me to continue making good decisions with my money, whether it be a house, car, or college. As I move into the future, I will continue seeking money-making opportunities that are accessible to me, whether it be baking or something new. One of the ways I have been doing this is through my scholarship applications. Starting from the beginning of my senior year in school, I spent hours every week compiling and applying for scholarships, doing everything I could do to increase my chances of being selected. College costs are one of the biggest concerns for young people, and I am no exception. These scholarships help alleviate that pressure and allow me to focus my money on other important purchases, such as rent. When combining my efforts and what I have learned, I feel confident that I can have a successful financial future.

Growing up, I was just like any other child. I participated in sports, loved exercising, and was full of energy. I started a roller-skating club at school, leading me to meet new people who shared my passion for the sport. I contributed over 300 hours to helping my community, constantly challenging myself. When I was 16, I became disabled after a genetic condition started to manifest. A year later, I was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. This made it difficult for me to walk or do physical activity. While I had to give up some of my passions, I quickly adapted. I shifted my focus from skating to baking, another one of my interests, and even started my own small business selling cookies. I had to shut down the roller-skating club, but I focused on the other clubs I was involved in, such as the ones related to community service. This experience taught me a great deal about what resilience means to me, which is pursuing goals despite challenges and overcoming barriers. I live this every day by pushing through my disability and doing what I can to move forward. Nothing motivates me more than my education and wanting to complete my degree. In my college courses, I had to balance doctor's appointments with the time I spent working on my homework. I communicated with my professors whenever I had an issue with accessibility and got to connect with other disabled students. I knew I would have to work much harder than before I became disabled, and I did. The one thing I refused to do was give up after years of diligence. Because of my hard work, I was able to complete 3 associate’s degrees in 3 years, all while dedicating myself to helping my community. Now as I go into the future and pursue a bachelor’s degree, I will continue striving to do my best and push past my disability. Resilience is a trait that is extremely important to me, and if I did not exemplify it, I would not have been able to complete as much as I have. I may have faced many barriers, but I consistently break them down and find a way to persevere. While I do not know what the future holds for me, my definition of resilience will guide my career, education, and how I complete my goals.

Growing up, I always felt excluded. I never connected with any of the other kids around me, despite my best efforts. Life at home was not much better. I never understood my parents, and they never understood me. I felt that I was constantly getting in trouble, and I never knew why. I was only doing what I thought was right. These struggles were extremely damaging to my mental health, and I ended up developing Persistent Depressive Disorder. As I got older, I learned more about what autism was, and met others who had it. Still, I never felt that I might have it until I turned 16 and really looked into it. When my mom found out I was trying to get a diagnosis, she told me she had known my whole life and never felt the need to do anything about it. I was angry, and I felt I was right to be. If I had been diagnosed earlier, I may not have had as many struggles as I did. I could have gotten the right support, been able to connect with others, and gotten along with my parents better. Yet, no one seemed to care enough to guide me there because I was doing well in school. “A good student surely does not need any extra help” was an unfortunate mindset held by a lot of adults in my life. However, I persevered despite the lack of help. I continued to excel in school, and was able to overcome my mental health struggles, including my depression. It was hard, but it also taught me a great deal about how strong I can be. If I start to struggle now, I know I can handle it because of everything I have faced in the past. When I received my diagnosis, I was very happy. After 16 years, I finally felt understood. It did not make my struggles go away, but it did give me an explanation for why I was dealing with these things. I was not broken or dumb, just different. Now that it has been almost two years since my diagnosis, a lot has changed for me. Since then, I have gained many opportunities to connect with others. I joined clubs and tried my hardest to make friends. My past experiences of being rejected were valuable in helping me learn how to interact with others. As much as I would have benefited from support as a child, I know now that I can figure things out on my own, while still having people around me who offer their help. This has shown me just how deep my resilience is. I am fortunate to have made many friends during my time in high school who support me and love me for who I am. These lessons will stick with me my whole life, and I am proud to be who I am, autism and all.

When I was 16, I became disabled after a genetic condition called Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome started to manifest. This made it difficult for me to walk or do physical activity. However, I am still dedicated to contributing in any way I can. Every day, I do something that furthers this goal, whether it be communicating with organizations to volunteer, dedicating time to my schoolwork, or just pushing through my disability. When I first began volunteering, I focused on opportunities that were close to me. I joined the Project Linus Club at my school and made blankets for children in need. These blankets gave children in unstable situations not only a useful item, but something to provide comfort in difficult times. In Interact Club, I made peace cranes, letters, and breast cancer awareness ribbons to bring joy and support to those who needed it most. In my third year in the club, I became the secretary of community service. This created the opportunity to assist those in need myself and recruit other volunteers for these important causes. Outside of the classroom, I assisted during events at over 10 different elementary schools for more than 60 total hours. As a child, I had always felt excluded, and I hoped to let these children have fun and create lasting memories so that they would not feel the same way. In one instance, a boy succeeded in a carnival game I was running. He beamed and thanked me. It showed me that even little moments of kindness can brighten someone's day. These moments were the most impactful to me because of my own childhood, and represent what leadership means to me: helping those who need it most, even when others do not step up. Participating in events run by others was not enough for me, and I decided I would start hosting my own. As president of the Roller-Skating Club and Gender and Sexuality Alliance, I facilitated campus clean-ups multiple times a semester, motivational sticky note exchanges once a semester, and encouraged participation in school events. All of these opportunities taught me the importance of compassion, dedication, and resilience. After completing 300 hours of community service, I want to continue giving back. Looking ahead, I will carry these lessons with me, and I know I can keep doing more to help, just as others have done for me. Through all of this, I never let my grades falter. I began pursuing an associate’s degree when I was in 10th grade, and I am on track to graduate with three degrees in law, sociology, and political science by the time I finish high school. On top of this, I achieved the status of Valedictorian with a 5.0 GPA for two years straight. These accomplishments took daily hard work and focus, traits I carry with me throughout my life. Becoming disabled made me more aware of the challenges those with disabilities face and motivated me to try to prevent them. As I move into pursuing my bachelor’s degree in political science, I plan to do research into social issues, such as homelessness and the struggles of disabled people, that my previous work was intended to alleviate. My goal is to further our understanding of these problems and discover more solutions. This scholarship would allow me to achieve my dream of researching and addressing social problems and serving inside and outside of my community. While I do not know what the future holds for me, my definition of leadership will guide my research, volunteering, and how I support others.