One technology that truly inspires me about how it can make the world a better place is wearable fitness technology, specifically devices like the Fitbit or Apple Watch. These devices are revolutionizing the field of athletic training and personal health management. They monitor various aspects of physical activity and health, including steps taken, heart rate, sleep patterns, and even stress levels. Wearable fitness technology inspires me because it empowers individuals to take control of their health and fitness. For athletes, these devices provide critical data that can help optimize their training regimens and improve performance. For instance, by tracking heart rate and other vital signs during workouts, athletes can ensure they are training at the right intensity levels to maximize their results without overtraining. This can help prevent injuries and improve overall athletic performance. Moreover, these devices are not just for professional athletes. Everyday users benefit greatly from the insights provided by wearable fitness technology. People can set fitness goals, monitor their progress, and receive personalized recommendations based on their data. This level of personalized feedback can motivate people to stay active, make healthier choices, and ultimately lead to a better quality of life. In addition to physical health benefits, wearable fitness technology also has the potential to impact mental health positively. Features like guided breathing exercises and reminders to take breaks can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being. By promoting a holistic approach to health, these devices contribute to making the world a healthier and happier place. Overall, wearable fitness technology exemplifies how advancements in technology can have a profound and positive impact on our lives. It inspires me to think about how integrating such technologies in athletic training and everyday life can lead to a healthier, more active, and more mindful society.

My experience with mental health has shown me that every day is a blessing and should not be taken for granted. Over the years, I have witnessed many people around me struggle with various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. These experiences have profoundly impacted my perspective on life and have helped me understand the critical importance of being kind and caring to those around me. I believe that showing compassion and empathy is one of the most important things I can do in life, and this belief has shaped both my personal interactions and my career aspirations. I aspire to become an athletic trainer for a sports team or a physical therapist in a clinic. I am deeply passionate about sports and the science behind physical health and rehabilitation. Mental health is a crucial factor in this field, and I have learned that it is just as important as physical health when it comes to overall well-being. When working with athletes or individuals who have experienced traumatic injuries, issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD can be extremely prevalent. These conditions need to be monitored closely to ensure the patients' well-being and successful recovery. Therefore, I will strive to understand the signs and symptoms of these mental health conditions so that I can help anyone who is struggling with them. To support my goals, I plan to pursue a degree in Exercise Science at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). This program will allow me to study how fitness and our bodies overlap, focusing on the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Understanding how our bodies, muscles, and bones work is the foundation of athletic training and physical therapy. Going to college to study something like this opens up doors to mental health difficulties. Things like stress over school and grades can lead to anxiety and depression, so constantly being aware of my behaviors and habits, how I'm treating others, etc. will be on my mind all throughout my college career. Being intentional with everyone and reaching out to check on them if things get quiet is important. This approach has significantly impacted my relationships with the men in my life. Men's mental health is not talked about enough, but it is just as important as anyone else's. Men often face unique challenges and societal pressures that can make it difficult for them to seek help. By being aware and supportive, I hope to make a positive difference in their lives. I believe that everyone deserves to be heard and supported, and I am committed to being a source of strength and encouragement for those around me. In summary, my awareness of mental health issues has shaped my goals and interactions. I aim to incorporate this understanding into my career as an athletic trainer or physical therapist, ensuring I support the mental and physical well-being of those I work with. Being intentional and caring in everyday life is essential, and I am dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness, especially among men. Through my education and future career, I hope to make a positive impact on the world by combining my passion for sports and science with my commitment to kindness and empathy.

My name is Grace Wortley, and I am a rising senior in high school hoping to attend Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). I am extremely interested in sports, specifically hockey, and I am studying to become an athletic trainer or physical therapist. My ultimate goal is to become an athletic trainer for an NHL team. The impact I hope to make on the world through my education is one of positivity and kindness. Athletes constantly push themselves and their bodies to the limit, and when they experience a serious injury, staying positive and healthy can be really difficult for them. My intention is to be a source of kindness and light in their lives, helping them stay in a good place during their recovery. I have a strong faith in Christ and believe that every day is a blessing. I know that God's love shines through our actions, so I constantly strive to be loving and caring to everyone I meet. I know this will be especially important in my job and with my patients. What interests me most about STEAM is the science aspect. I have always been obsessed with science, consistently getting the best grades and test scores in the subject throughout my life. The way things work, whether it's our bodies or our world, is endlessly fascinating to me. For someone studying to become an athletic trainer, understanding how our bodies, muscles, and bones work is the foundation of it all. I am particularly intrigued by how various bodily systems interact and support one another, and how scientific advancements can enhance athletic performance and recovery. At FGCU, I plan to get my degree in Exercise Science, studying how fitness and our bodies overlap and focusing on the anatomy and physiology of the human body. This program will allow me to delve deeply into the mechanics of human movement and develop the expertise necessary to help athletes maintain peak physical condition. In summary, my goal is to combine my passion for sports and science to make a positive impact in the world. I hope to support athletes both physically and mentally, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement they need to succeed. Drawing on my faith and commitment to kindness, I plan to be a source of positivity and support. My future career as an athletic trainer will be driven by a dedication to helping others achieve their best.

My experience with mental health has shown me that every day is a blessing and should not be taken for granted. I have witnessed many people around me struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. This has helped me understand that being kind and caring to those around me is one of the most important things I can do in life. I aspire to become an athletic trainer for a sports team or a physical therapist in a clinic. Mental health is a crucial factor in this field. When working with athletes or people who have experienced traumatic injuries, issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD can be extremely prevalent and need to be monitored closely for the patients' well-being. I will strive to understand the signs and symptoms of these conditions so that I can help anyone overcome them. Being intentional with everyone and reaching out to check on them if things get quiet is important. This approach has also impacted my relationships with the men in my life. Men's mental health is not talked about enough but is just as important as anyone else's. By being aware and supportive, I hope to make a positive difference in their lives. In summary, my awareness of mental health issues has shaped my goals and interactions. I aim to incorporate this understanding into my career as an athletic trainer or physical therapist, ensuring I support the mental and physical well-being of those I work with. Being intentional and caring in everyday life is essential, and I am committed to advocating for mental health awareness, especially among men.

My ideal bookshelf, inspired by #BookTok recommendations, is filled with must-have titles that have made a huge impact on the #BookTok community. These books offer captivating stories and unique perspectives, sparking lively discussions and deep connections among readers. Here’s a peek into the titles that have become essential on my bookshelf and in the broader #BookTok world. First up, "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller is an absolute must-have. This beautifully written retelling of a Greek myth has struck a chord with #BookTok users everywhere. Its exploration of love, friendship, and destiny has inspired countless discussions about Greek mythology and how it still resonates today. The emotional depth and lyrical prose of Miller’s writing have made this book a beloved favorite. Another must-read is "It Ends with Us" by Colleen Hoover. This contemporary romance has taken #BookTok by storm with its raw and honest portrayal of domestic violence and personal growth. Hoover's sensitive approach to tough subjects has encouraged readers to share their own stories, creating a supportive community around the book's themes. For fantasy lovers, "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas is a standout recommendation. This series combines romance, adventure, and intricate world-building, making it a hit. The complex characters and thrilling plot twists have led to endless fan theories, art, and cosplay, showcasing just how deeply readers engage with these books. "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is another book that’s made a big impact. Its exploration of fame, love, and identity has resonated with many readers, sparking thoughtful discussions about the complexities of human relationships. Reid’s storytelling has made this book a frequent recommendation on #BookTok. "Circe" by Madeline Miller is another gem on my shelf. This novel reimagines the story of Circe from Homer’s "Odyssey" and offers a fresh perspective on her life and struggles. Miller’s rich, immersive narrative has inspired many #BookTok users to dive deeper into classical literature. Lastly, "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart is a psychological thriller that has captured #BookTok’s attention. Its suspenseful plot and unexpected twists have sparked numerous debates, making it a must-read for thriller fans. In conclusion, my ideal bookshelf, inspired by #BookTok, includes "The Song of Achilles," "It Ends with Us," "A Court of Thorns and Roses," "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," "Circe," and "We Were Liars." These books have not only enriched my reading experience but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared passion within the #BookTok community. Their impact shows how powerful literature can be in connecting and inspiring people.

I believe my confidence in my beliefs inspires many people around me. I have a strong faith in Jesus, and it's something I constantly share with others. This leads me to be a kind and caring person to those around me, thus influencing or inspiring others to take up those same traits. Me and some of my girl friends at school started a club called "EmpowHer" where we meet every Wednesday before school to come together, we provide breakfast to all of our club members, and then we either prepare messages relating to God's Word, or facilitate activities for the girl's to participate in. Some of the popular things we've done for our school is write kind and uplifting words on sticky notes, sticking them to a poster board and then displaying them in the halls for students to walk by and take one, either for themselves or to pass it on. We also write thank you letters to our teachers multiple times a year, just to show them how much we appreciate them, because it definitely is not said enough. All of these things bring out a certain type of kindness and giving personality to everyone involved, and it just genuinely makes people around us happier when they know they are benefitting our school and the community around them. I also serve in my church constantly, working with middle school students who are there for youth group, and I'm always intentionally working to be a mentor and leader for them in such a trying time. I believe that I am just carrying out God's purpose for my life, and that makes me abundantly happy daily. 2. I have chosen to pursue exercise science, or athletic training, because I am very interested in sports, but particularly the injuries that can come along with it. I know that athletes are constantly pushing their bodies to their limits, and when an injury takes place it can be one of the hardest things they experience, so if I help them come back from those situations, and be a light in their life during such a difficult time, then I would feel honored to have done that for them. Whether I continue on after graduation to be an athletic trainer for a sports team, or a physical therapist within a clinic (hopefully someday my own clinic), I will be constantly using my faith in Jesus to uplift those around me. Sometimes that represents as just being a kind and positive person, but other times it means praying for my patients and showing them a love that only Jesus can provide. I hope to achieve my dreams, and help other athletes continue to pursue their's as well.

My father has always encouraged my to start my own business, and he has shown by example by created a few of his own. His most recent adventure has been a new company involving AI, called "getrainer" and it is a personal fitness trainer that you can cater to all of your own personal needs. Depending on the plan you purchase, you can modify the trainer's personality, what type of workouts or nutrition it provides for you, and you can text it whenever you want. Following in my dad's example I plan to finish my education in physical therapy/exercise science so that I may open my own clinic some day. I relish in the idea of becoming my own boss, and the idea of being the type of boss that everyone wishes to have. I plan to create a fair and healthy work environment, and a place where customers and employees feel comfortable and cared for. And yes, I know that this is a big dream, and it's going to take time to get there, but it's the fact that I have this dream that matters. Those who work towards nothing, or who work towards the next little steps, always find themselves searching for the next task, but when you have a goal or dream like mine, you will never run out of things to work for. I will constantly have my dream to point myself back to when the school gets hard, or the internships get difficult, or when the boss I have out of college isn't the best, because I know that I am only doing what's necessary to reach a further purpose. I want to become the type of person that is recognized as a leader. I am very skilled in public speaking and encouragement, and once my clinic is open and thriving like I know it will, I plan to educate others on the many things I've learned, whether it's how to run a company, how to be a good boss, or just how to harbor a positive environment for customers and employees. My number one goal once my dream is complete is to prioritize my positive impact on the community around me. Overall, from early in my life my dad has entitled a need for entrepreneurship, being my own boss, running my own business, and doing it with excellence. I plan to used this scholarship to achieve the education I need to carry out my dream.