Some names carry a sense of peace the moment you hear them. They are names that feel soft, bright, and full of promise. Eden is one of those names. When I first learned about Eden Alaine, I was struck not only by the natural beauty of her name but also by the light and love it represented for her family. Even though her time here was heartbreakingly brief, her name continues to hold meaning, hope, and a sense of innocence that stays with anyone who hears her story. I was struck by the description of her older brother, Lincoln, and the special role he would have played in her life. My brother Alex is five years older than me. I think he would have been a brother to Eden like Alex is to me. A wonderful a big brother, he would have been—protective, kind, and eager to share his world with her. That part of their story resonates with me deeply. I actually grew up with two older brothers one five years older and one ten years older, who have always looked out for me, guided me, and encouraged me in ways I never fully appreciated until I got older. Because of them, I understand the unique bond between siblings. The safety, the loyalty, and the unspoken love that grows over years of shared moments. Knowing what my brothers mean to me makes me feel especially connected to the vision of Eden and Lincoln together. I can imagine what their relationship might have looked like, and that makes Eden’s story all the more poignant. It is a reminder of the love that exists even in moments that never had the chance to unfold. I also want to acknowledge something with honesty and respect: I have not lost an immediate family member. My experience is not the same nor comparable to the profound loss Eden’s family carries. But I have felt the weight of grief through the passing of my grandfather, who played a deeply meaningful role in my life. Losing him was the first time I truly understood how loss reshapes the heart. He was someone who believed in me wholeheartedly, who told stories that spanned generations and encouraged me to stay curious and brave. His passing left a quiet space in my life that taught me how love can continue guiding us even after someone is gone. From that loss, I learned that grief doesn’t just stay in the sad moments, it also grows into the determination to keep moving forward. Eden’s story echoes that truth. It reminds me why honoring those we’ve lost matters and why continuing to pursue our goals is one of the most meaningful ways we can carry their memory with us. I currently work almost full time in retail and attend Cal Poly Slo as a full time journalism student. I have applied to study abroad in Italy next year and I will only be able to do this if I can finance it. I am determined. "Your dreams are meant to pull you forward through your fears". They are "a beacon, pulling you to where you are meant to be"- Mel Robbins Eden’s beautiful name and the love her family shows inspire me deeply. They remind me to appreciate the people who shape my life—especially my two older brothers who protect and support me just as Lincoln surely would have done for his sister. Their story strengthens my commitment to move forward with purpose, gratitude, and an open heart.

During my first quarter of my first year of college, I found myself in a relationship that started with what felt like love and kindness, but quickly turned into something harmful. The boy I dated seemed thoughtful at first, but soon I noticed disturbing behaviors like road rage that turned into him screaming and following strangers, a temper that he took out on me, and a growing need to control who I talked to. I later learned that he was on probation for charges of assault, rape, and physically hurting a minor. Realizing the truth left me shocked, afraid, and emotionally drained. But choosing to leave and begin healing taught me something even more powerful: education can be a way out, and a way forward. Education plays a powerful role in reducing intimate partner violence because it gives people the tools to recognize abuse, set healthy boundaries, and advocate for themselves and others. When we are educated not just academically, but emotionally and socially, we become better equipped to identify red flags and break harmful patterns early. Learning about consent, communication, and emotional regulation in an open and supportive environment can help young people build relationships based on respect and love. When people understand what healthy relationships look like, they are more likely to recognize manipulation and abuse early on. When survivors have access to education, they can build financial independence, rebuild their confidence, and connect with safe communities. For me, school became that. It gave me something steady to hold on to when my world felt shaken. It reminded me of who I am outside of that relationship, and who I still had the power to become. I am majoring in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations. My goal is to work in advocacy based media and use storytelling to give voice to those who feel silenced. I want to help change how we talk about intimate partner violence by lifting survivor stories, challenging shame and stigma, and spreading resources that save lives. I believe the media plays a huge role in shaping public perception. I want to be part of making sure that what people see, read, and hear reflects truth, empathy, and hope. Outside the classroom, I’ve stayed active in community service, volunteering with organizations that support mental health and wellness. I also write about emotional well being and the importance of setting boundaries because I want others who are hurting to feel less alone. I plan to use my education to expand this work, helping nonprofits with communications strategies that reach survivors with compassion and clarity. Most of all, I want to remind people that being a survivor is not the end of your story or something to feel ashamed of. Even if you feel like it is your fault, or that you should have known. It is not your fault. It’s the beginning of a new chapter built on strength, resilience, and the decision to keep going. Receiving this scholarship would not just ease my financial burden, it would affirm that sharing my truth and using it to help others is a path worth taking. I’m committed to turning pain into purpose and creating real change.

The game of softball has always been a part of my life. From playing T-ball in elementary school to playing in high school, the field taught me far more than how to throw, catch, or bat. It taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to bounce back after failure. The lessons I learned from the sport have stayed with me and continue to shape who I am as a student and a person. Some of my favorite memories growing up involve watching my brother play baseball. I was his biggest fan, always in the stands cheering him on. I admired his focus and determination, and those moments helped me better understand what it means to support a team even when you're not the one on the field. Now, as a student at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, I still make it a point to go to baseball games on campus. There’s something timeless and comforting about the energy of the crowd, the familiar feeling of the innings, and the connection fans feel around the sport. I also love watching Major League Baseball games with my dad. It’s our bonding tradition, and it’s kept my love for the game strong. Softball and baseball have taught me how to be a leader, even in quiet ways. Whether I was helping new teammates find their place or encouraging others after a tough game, I learned that being a good teammate means lifting others up, listening, and showing up even when things are hard. These are lessons I now apply off the field in my classes, in jobs, and in how I treat people every day. I’m currently majoring in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations, and I hope to use my education to represent causes and people that matter. I would love to be a broadcaster for sports, or pursue a career in sports marketing because I know how much joy it brings me. Just as Brett Brakel dedicated his life to coaching, mentoring, and uplifting others. I was deeply moved reading about his legacy. His loyalty to his family and his students, his emotional depth, and his excitement for life remind me of the very best coaches I’ve ever had. The ones who care not just about the score, but about who you are becoming as a person. I strive to embody that same character in my own life. This scholarship honors someone who clearly gave everything he had to the people around him, whether on the field or at home. I would be honored to carry a piece of that legacy forward. Though I may not coach a team, I will continue to support and uplift others, just like the teammates and mentors who supported me. I will keep showing up with heart, just like Brett Brakel did. Softball gave me confidence. Baseball gave me joy. And this scholarship would give me the support to keep moving forward with the same values I learned on the field: hard work, integrity, and the belief that we need to work, support and encourage each other in order to succeed.

My Italian American heritage is something I carry with dignity and pride. It is not just in name or tradition, but in the values that shape how I live each day. These include tenacity, determination, resilience, and dedication. These values are principles I strive to have through my education, work ethic, and service to others. Growing up in an Italian American household, I was exposed to our culture through language, food, and the stories passed down from grandparents and great grandparents. My grandpa would always make my brothers and I the most amazing cannolis everytime we would go to his house. These weren’t just family memories, but more so lessons. Lessons about showing up, working hard, and caring deeply for those around you. That sense of responsibility is something I’ve always carried with me, especially as I pursue my goals in higher education. I am currently a second year at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, majoring in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations, with plans to study abroad in Rome during my junior year. The chance to live and learn in Italy will be more than an academic experience, it will be a trip that I know will bring me a sense of home. I want to deepen my understanding of the language and culture in a setting where I can walk the same streets that shaped my heritage. I know it will strengthen my connection to where I come from and who I want to become. Like Marcello Rosino, I believe deeply in the power of hard work. I’ve taken on leadership roles in campus organizations such as the all women magazine I am a part of, worked part-time jobs, and maintained a very high GPA. But, beyond academics, I’ve made it a priority to stay connected to my community. I’ve helped organize cultural events, and have been involved in promoting Italian heritage on campus. I believe community matters, and that one of the best ways to honor those who came before us is by giving back. What I admire most about Marcello Rosino’s story is not only his success, but his heart. He built a life through dedication to his craft, pride in his roots, and love for his family. I see those same ideals in myself. I may not be tailoring suits for celebrities, but I am shaping my future with the same level of care and persistence. I want my work, especially in public relations, to reflect that same purpose and impact. I hope to represent brands and causes that matter, uplift voices that are often unheard or scared to make their voices heard, and use storytelling as a tool for connection and change. Receiving the Marcello Rosino Memorial Scholarship would not only help relieve the financial burden of school, but would also be a profound honor. It would remind me that living with integrity and giving your best effort matters. I plan to use my education to create meaningful change, to tell stories that matter. I want to speak up for those who cannot, and to stay connected to the culture that has shaped me.

There was a time when I didn’t believe things would ever get better. My Junior year of high school, I was the target of severe bullying by a group of students. It wasn’t just name-calling or rumors, it was relentless harassment on social media, and even vandalism to my family’s home and car which resulted in an accident that could have ended my life. Administration was aware of the situation but I didn't feel like they had the ability to stop it. My family debated trying to end the harassment legally. Each day felt like a battle I couldn’t win. I felt isolated, scared, and unsure if I would ever escape the cruelty that had become my daily life. But during my senior year, everything changed. I made the difficult decision to transfer schools. At my new school, I found a fresh start. The students were kind, the environment was supportive, and I finally began to heal. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I belonged. That experience taught me something important: even in the darkest moments, there is hope on the other side. And that’s a message I now work to share with others. I began writing a column for the Modesto View, where I focused on spreading positivity and encouragement to teens who might be struggling like I once did. I wanted readers to know that life isn’t always easy, but it can get better, and that your current situation doesn’t define your future. I also found healing through service. I started volunteering at the Modesto Gospel Mission, where I helped serve meals to people experiencing homelessness. I met individuals who had lost everything but were still full of gratitude and determination. It reminded me that resilience comes in many forms, and that giving back is one of the most powerful ways to move forward. Today, I’m proud to say that I’m in college, on the Dean’s List, and surrounded by true friends who support and uplift me. My social media content carries the message that a hard season in life doesn't predict the rest of it. I carry my past with me, not as a burden, but as a reminder of how far I’ve come and how far I can still go. The Algers’ story deeply resonates with me. Like them, I believe in lifting others up, in working hard through adversity, and in giving back to the community. They gave everything to guide their godchild toward a better future—and in my own way, I try to do the same, whether through writing, volunteering, or simply being there for someone who needs a friend. If awarded this scholarship, I would carry their legacy forward. I’m determined to continue excelling academically, to expand my volunteer work, and to use my voice to inspire others who feel hopeless, just as I once did. The world can be unkind, but kindness is powerful. I hope to prove that with resilience, compassion, and hard work, anything is possible.