I have had a peanut and tree nut allergy for 19 years. My whole life. I cannot remember a time when I didn't have to live in fear of what I was eating. I was blessed to have a mother who constantly read every label and subscribed to every newsletter that would update with brands and products that were recalled. I didn't realize how much I relied on her until I went off to college. I was on my own now, so I had to readjust to not always having a meal that I was certain was safe for me. At home, I have fond memories of my mom and me making cookies or cakes and enjoying the plethora of meals she would prepare for my family. I remember her always having me practice reading the labels on the ingredients we would use. There were times when I would realize that there were new brands my mom was buying and different foods were no longer in our pantry. I would ask her why this was and she would always tell me that the product changed its ingredients or the plant that made the chocolate chips, for example, was a peanut/tree nut-free facility. Not only did the brands and ingredients we bought change, but the restaurants we went out to did as well. This always frustrated me and still does, to be honest. I have never remembered a time when I didn't have to not think about the meals I was eating. I know I am not the only person with food allergies that feels this way. For years I joked with my family about opening a restaurant of some kind that would have peanut and tree nut-free foods that would give people like me a safe option for food places. I would want this restaurant to be a sit-down, fancier place to dine because I find that those types of places are usually ones that have a higher risk of cross-contamination or they do not provide an allergen menu and don't give me a straight answer when I ask what is in their food. I plan on getting a business degree at Webster University, so I can understand how to better manage and run my own business. The skills I would acquire with this education can help me establish a business that would be more than a way for me to make money. It would be a part of a cause that is close to my heart and would allow me to serve my community and others like me in a meaningful way. This scholarship would help me reach my goal of graduating with a business degree. I am paying for my education myself with loans and working as much as I can, so any amount of money is welcoming that can help me pay the way to my future business goal.

I have never been one to plan for the future, but deciding to go to college was always the path I wanted to take. I have always had a plethora of interests, so narrowing down my field of study and possible career choices was not something I planned to do during my freshman year of college. With the help of my mentors and advisors, I plan on graduating from Webster University with a BS degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Sports and Entertainment Management and a minor in Legal Studies. Following that, I plan on attending law school. After law school, I plan to enter into a law firm with the hopes to work my way to being a top partner or even opening my firm. There are many fields of law one could practice in, and for now, I am not sure what my niche practice will be, but I think it is very important for me that I have a general idea of the direction I want to follow. I have an emphasis on sports and entertainment management because I have always been interested in working in sports. If my plans for law school fall through, I will work with hopefully an MLS, NHL, NBA, WBNA, NWSL, or MLB team in some capacity. It would be a dream to work directly with the team, but I would honestly be satisfied with any role. These are just my goals, and I find my goals are ever-changing, which is a testament to my flexibility and ability to adapt to the changing times.

I can't remember a time I wasn't playing soccer. It has become an integral part of who I am and what I do. I know that soccer was not something I thought about playing independently. I know my parents put me on a team as a way to get me to work with other kids and develop my athletic skills. I remember playing other sports like softball and basketball, but they did not stick with me the way soccer did. My passion for the game has led me to continue to play in college, which has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. This passion for soccer was built by one of my biggest inspirations, my dad. He always supports me with anything I do and loves me unconditionally. He is someone who will go out of his way to perform a small act of kindness for you. He always buys my mom her favorite coffee without asking, and he always reminds me when one of my favorite sports teams is playing. When I was living at home, he would go fill up my car with gas or take it to the car wash for me. He is always there for me and is someone I can go to for advice. My dad inspires me to treat others the way he does. He is always warm and welcoming to friends and family, and always remembers small details about someone, so when he is talking to them he can ask them about it. My dad does not go through his life performing big gestures and making his presence known in an "out there" way, and that has always been something I appreciate him for. He doesn't like to brag or be showy about his life. I remember back when I was a junior in high school, he got diagnosed with cancer. He didn't tell my brothers and me right away because he didn't want us to worry. Even when he was being treated for his cancer, he never made it about him. He was always focused on his family. He always supported my brothers, mom, and myself before he worried about himself. I hope that as I am going through my life, I can treat others how he does. It is important to remember that you don't have to be the star, front and center, or the loudest in the room to have the biggest impact. I want to make my dad, my biggest inspiration, proud of the daughter he raised.