My name is Grace Gardiner, and I'm excited to apply for your scholarship! Over the past few years, I've been given a variety of great opportunities to explore my interests, and every pathway has landed me somewhere amazing. I explored genetics and biomedical engineering with my grand-prize-winning project at the National Invention Convention and Entrepreneurship Expo; I was invited to do a research internship at the University of Idaho; I explored our political system at Idaho Syringa Girls' State, 2021; I started learning a new language with my first year of ASL; I won a scholarship for my coding skills. I'm beyond thankful for everything these journeys have given me, from experience to new friendships. Not only did they help me identify my true passion-- anthropology and the neurobiology of language-- but they set me up for academic success in ways I've never imagined they could. Now that I've identified a calling, I am dedicated to pursuing these interests for the good of all human- and animal-kind, and I know that it will take hard work and careful planning to reach the finish line. Several organizations have been unbelievably generous with their resources, opening the door to that future further and further, but there is always more to do! When I'm not finishing up my schoolwork, you'll find me reading (mostly nonfiction, since I'm nearly incapable of setting my interests aside), playing with my 7 pets at home, or binge-watching my favorite shows. In the fall, I'll be headed to the University of Idaho Honors Program, and I hope you'll continue this journey with me!