Receiving the Jim Coots scholarship funding would be deeply meaningful to me. Not only to aid me with financial support for my education, but also to validate my passion in the field of holistic health and healing. My academic future is extremely personal. When my father was eight years old, he was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease. His pediatrician dug deep into research in order to finally diagnose him. IgA nephropathy is a chronic kidney disease that occurs when too much immunoglobulin A (IgA) protein builds up in the kidneys filters. This disease can have very low activity and minimal symptoms for years and then aggressively flare-up later in life. To my families surprise, my father’s flare-up occurred this past year. Within the matter of a few months, he went from stage 1 chronic kidney disease to a severe stage 4. During this time, I happened to be taking a nutrition class at my local college where I was dual-enrolled. I was eager to learn more about kidney function and how simple nutritional changes in one’s diet can affect them. I could see how quickly my father could go from being a strong, active, and seemingly healthy individual, to an exhausted and ill version of himself. We immediately changed his diet and lifestyle. Most importantly, cutting sodium. My mother’s cooking may taste a lot different these days, but I know it has an impact on my father’s kidney filtering process. Growing up watching my father struggle with his kidney disease has opened my eyes. I have seen firsthand the gaps in conventional treatment. I want to be the person who can make a difference. There is a need for integrative approaches that honor the whole person- body, mind, and spirit. There is a lack of holistic healing in the medical field, and it needs to be changed.   Seeing the limited options and fragmented care affected my father’s quality of life made me determined to be part of a movement that prioritizes wellness, prevention, and compassionate care. This scholarship would allow me to pursue the education and training I need to become a practitioner who listens deeply, treats holistically, and advocates for better health outcomes. Especially for those who suffer from chronic illnesses like my father does.  There is much more to a person than just the illness or disease itself. I truly believe it is imperative to treat not only the actual sickness but the person's mind, body, and soul. The mental aspects of an injury, sickness, or disease is not close to being talked about enough.   My ultimate goal is to create accessible spaces for healing that bridge modern medicine with natural therapies and emotional support. I want to empower others to be active participants in their healing journeys and to inspire a more compassionate and connected approach to healthcare.     With your support, I won’t just be earning a degree—I will be during a passion into a legacy. Educating people on how they can improve their lives through nutrition and holistic ways hits very close to home for me. I am enthusiastic on pursuing a degree and career that teaches others that food is medicine. What we put in our bodies can have a direct impact on our overall health. I am currently committed to UNC Charlotte and will be moving away from my family this August. It will be tough being away from my father, especially now with his health decline; but I am dedicated to continue to learn more and hopefully have a great impact on patients later in my life.