I learned compassion first at home. My parents taught me that caring for others is not just something we say we value—it is something we show through our actions every day. Growing up, I watched my dad live this truth in a powerful way. My father has lived his entire life with Cystic Fibrosis, a chronic and life-threatening illness. Despite countless treatments, hospital stays, and physical challenges, he has always shown up for the people around him with patience, kindness, and determination. Watching him face adversity with faith and perseverance taught me that compassion means choosing to care for others even when life is difficult. My faith has also played a central role in shaping how I live and serve others. I was confirmed Lutheran in eighth grade at St. John’s Lutheran School, where I attended and grew up surrounded by a strong faith community. I have always attended religious schools, and through those experiences I learned that compassion is not simply a value—it is a calling. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors and serve those in need, and those lessons have guided how I try to live each day. That belief inspired me to put compassion into action in my own community. When I was younger, I heard a radio advertisement on K-Love radio describing how many children around the world live without basic necessities like shoes. The message stayed with me. I couldn’t stop thinking about how something as simple as a pair of shoes could make such a difference in a child’s life. That year, I decided to start a shoe drive in my community. What began as a small project has grown into an annual event that I organize each year with the help of my family, friends, and neighbors. Each year we collect new shoes for children in need. I kick off the event with a hot cocoa stand in front of my house to help raise awareness and encourage donations. The shoes are sent to Buckner International to support children and families around the world, and I also donate locally to organizations that support families in our own community. Over the past twelve years, this simple idea has grown into a meaningful tradition that has collected over 2,600 pairs of new shoes for children who need them. Through this experience, I have learned that compassion does not have to be complicated. Sometimes the most meaningful acts of service begin with a simple idea and a willingness to care. When people come together with a shared purpose, even small acts can create lasting change. As I prepare for college, I plan to continue living out the values that have shaped me. I hope to study psychology with the goal of becoming a sports psychologist, helping young athletes develop confidence, resilience, and mental strength both on and off the field. Just as others have supported and encouraged me, I want to be someone who helps young people believe in themselves and persevere through challenges. Compassion, to me, means using the gifts and opportunities I have been given to lift others up. Jeanne Murphy’s life reminds us that compassion is most powerful when it is shared through action. Her commitment to serving others reflects the same values that have guided my life—faith, service, and a belief that every person deserves to feel seen, supported, and cared for. As I move forward, I hope to continue exemplifying compassion in action by serving others, strengthening my community, and using the opportunities I have been given to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me.

Service has always been a central part of my life, shaped by my faith, my family, and the belief that we are called to care for others. I have learned that serving others is not just about occasional acts of kindness—it is about consistently using your time, talents, and opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of those around you. My faith has played a major role in shaping my commitment to service. I was confirmed Lutheran in eighth grade at St. John’s Lutheran School, where I attended and grew up surrounded by a strong faith community. Throughout my life, I have attended religious schools where I learned that faith is not only something we believe, but something we live through our actions. The teachings I have received about compassion, humility, and loving our neighbors have inspired me to look for ways to serve others in my community. One of the most meaningful ways I have lived out this commitment is through a shoe drive I organize each year. When I was younger, I heard a message on K-Love radio about children around the world who did not have basic necessities like shoes. I was struck by how something so simple could have such a significant impact on a child’s life. Shoes allow children to safely attend school, play with friends, and feel confident in their daily lives. I decided I wanted to help. What began as a small idea has grown into a twelve-year tradition that brings my community together to support children in need. Each year I organize the collection of new shoes, and I kick off the drive with a hot cocoa stand in front of my house to raise awareness and encourage donations. The shoes are distributed both locally and through Buckner International, an organization that helps children and families around the world. Over the years, this effort has collected almost 3,000 pairs of new shoes. Through this experience, I have learned that leadership and service often begin with a single step. When one person is willing to take action, others are often inspired to join in and support the cause. Organizing the shoe drive has taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, organization, and the power of community working together for a greater purpose. As I prepare to begin college, I plan to continue living a life rooted in service. I will be attending Lewis & Clark College in Portland, where I plan to study psychology and continue competing as a student-athlete on the volleyball team. My long-term goal is to become a sports psychologist, helping athletes develop confidence, resilience, and mental strength both on and off the field. I believe education is one of the most powerful tools we have to serve others. By gaining knowledge and understanding, we are better equipped to guide, support, and encourage those around us. Just as my faith and community have helped shape who I am today, I hope to use my education to uplift others and help them navigate challenges in their own lives. Mrs. Marion Makins believed deeply in the power of faith, education, and service to transform lives. As I continue my journey, I hope to carry forward those same values—serving others with compassion, using education as a tool for change, and working to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me.

I believe making a positive impact on the world often begins with noticing a need and deciding to do something about it. Throughout my life, volunteering and serving others has shown me that even small acts of compassion can grow into meaningful change for an entire community. When I was younger, I heard a message on K-Love radio about children around the world who did not have basic necessities like shoes. I remember being surprised that something so simple could make such a difference in a child’s daily life. Shoes are something many people take for granted, but for many children they mean the ability to attend school safely, play with friends, and feel confident. After hearing that message, I knew I wanted to help. That year, I organized my first shoe drive in my community. What started as a small idea quickly turned into something much bigger than I ever imagined. I began collecting new shoes to donate to children in need, asking friends, neighbors, and local community members to contribute. To raise awareness and encourage participation, I started a tradition of hosting a hot cocoa stand in front of my house each year when the drive begins. Over time, this simple project has grown into a yearly community effort that I organize and lead. With the help of volunteers, friends, and local supporters, we collect and donate shoes both locally and through Buckner International, an organization that distributes them to children and families in need around the world. Over the past twelve years, I have shipped off almost 3,000 pairs of new shoes. Leading this effort has taught me that one person truly can make a difference when they are willing to take the first step. What began as a single idea has inspired others to get involved, volunteer, and contribute to something meaningful. It has also taught me valuable lessons about leadership, organization, and the power of bringing people together for a common purpose. Through this experience, I have learned that volunteering is not just about helping others—it is about creating a ripple effect of compassion. When people see someone taking action to help their community, they are often inspired to do the same. That ripple effect is what allows small acts of kindness to grow into lasting change. As I move forward into college, I plan to continue expanding the ways I serve others. My experiences with the shoe drive have shown me how important it is to advocate for people who may not always have a voice or the resources they need. I hope to continue organizing community service initiatives and encouraging others to get involved in volunteer work that supports families and children in need. Making a positive impact on the world does not always require large organizations or massive resources. Sometimes it begins with a single act of compassion and the courage to act on it. My goal is to continue building on the work I have already started, using service, leadership, and community involvement to help create opportunities and hope for others. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship!

Being a “You Got It Girl” means showing up with resilience, determination, and the confidence to keep moving forward even when things are difficult. For me, those qualities have been shaped through my experiences as an athlete, a leader, and someone who believes in supporting others both on and off the court. Volleyball has been a central part of my life for many years. I began playing when I was young and quickly fell in love with the sport. Over time, volleyball became much more than just a game. It became a place where I learned discipline, teamwork, and resilience. As a libero and defensive specialist, my role on the court requires consistency, communication, and trust. My teammates depend on me to stay focused, fight for every ball, and help keep our team organized defensively. Playing this position has taught me that leadership does not always mean being the loudest voice; sometimes it means being the person your team can always rely on. One of the biggest lessons volleyball has taught me is how to respond to setbacks. As a defensive player, mistakes can feel very visible. A missed pass or defensive error can quickly shift momentum in a game. Early in my athletic career, I sometimes struggled with putting too much pressure on myself when things did not go perfectly. Over time, I learned that mistakes are a natural part of sports and that growth comes from how you respond to them. Instead of dwelling on errors, I learned to focus on the next play and support my teammates no matter what. This shift in mindset helped me develop confidence and resilience, both as an athlete and as a person. The person who has influenced me the most in this mindset is my dad. He has lived his entire life with Cystic Fibrosis, a serious genetic illness that requires constant treatments and perseverance. Despite these challenges, he has always remained positive, hardworking, and committed to supporting the people around him. My dad has coached many of my teams since I was young, including soccer, basketball, track, and volleyball. Watching him show up for others—even while managing his own health challenges—has shown me what true strength and resilience look like. He reminds me often that obstacles do not define you; your response to them does. Volleyball has also given me the opportunity to give back to the sport that has given me so much. I currently work as an assistant volleyball coach for a youth club team, helping younger athletes build their skills and confidence. Coaching has allowed me to see the sport from a different perspective and has reinforced how important encouragement and leadership are in helping young athletes grow. I am excited to continue my volleyball journey at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, where I will compete as a student-athlete at the NCAA Division III level while pursuing a degree in psychology. Although Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue playing the sport I love while focusing on my education. My long-term goal is to become a sports psychologist and help athletes develop the mental strength and resilience needed to succeed both in sports and in life. Being a “You Got It Girl” means believing in yourself, pushing through obstacles, and lifting others along the way. Volleyball has shaped who I am today, and I look forward to continuing to grow as an athlete, student, and leader in the years ahead.

Financial literacy often begins at home, and for me it started with watching how my parents approached challenges and opportunities with responsibility and perseverance. Growing up, I learned that money is not just about what you have—it is about how you manage it and the choices you make for the future. My family has always emphasized hard work, planning, and living within our means. My father has lived his entire life with Cystic Fibrosis, a serious illness that requires ongoing medical care and treatments. Because of this, I grew up understanding that financial stability cannot be taken for granted. Medical costs, insurance, and long-term health needs require careful planning and responsible decisions. Watching my parents navigate these realities taught me early on that financial literacy is not just about numbers—it is about preparation, responsibility, and resilience. As I got older, I began to understand how financial choices shape opportunities. Preparing for college has shown me how important financial planning can be. College is an investment in my future, but it is also a significant financial commitment. My family and I have spent time researching scholarships, financial aid, and ways to minimize student debt. Through this process, I have learned how important it is to ask questions, understand financial options, and make informed decisions that affect my future. This year, I also began gaining personal experience managing my own finances. I recently started working as an assistant volleyball coach for a youth club team. Through this job, I have learned the responsibility that comes with earning income and managing it wisely. When I turned eighteen in January, my mom began teaching me more about financial responsibility, including how credit works and how to build a strong credit history. I opened my first credit card, a Discover card, and learned the importance of using credit carefully and paying balances on time. At the same time, we opened a new checking account in my name so I could manage the earnings from my coaching job and begin developing good financial habits. These experiences helped me realize that financial education is not just something you learn in a classroom—it is something you practice in everyday life. Learning how to budget, track spending, and build credit responsibly are skills that will shape my future long after high school. I have also learned that financial responsibility includes using resources to help others. For the past twelve years, I have organized a shoe drive in my community to collect new shoes for children in need. Each year I kick off the event with a hot cocoa stand to raise awareness and encourage donations. Over time, this effort has grown into a meaningful tradition that has collected more than 2,600 pairs of shoes for children locally and through Buckner International. This experience has taught me the value of organization, planning, and using resources wisely to make a difference. As I move forward into college, I plan to continue strengthening my financial literacy so I can make responsible decisions about my education and career. I hope to study psychology and eventually become a sports psychologist, helping young athletes build confidence and resilience. Managing my finances responsibly—through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit use—will help me achieve those goals while maintaining financial stability. Financial education is a powerful tool. The lessons I have learned from my family, my work experience, and managing my own finances have given me the confidence to make thoughtful financial decisions. With these skills, I hope to build a stable future while continuing to give back and create opportunities for others.

My faith has been one of the most steady and grounding influences in my life. Growing up in church and attending Christian schools since I was young, I was taught early on that faith is not just something you believe—it is something you carry with you into every part of your life. It shapes how you treat people, how you make decisions, and how you persevere through challenges. For me, faith has been both an anchor and a source of courage, guiding me through moments of uncertainty and shaping the kind of person I strive to become. Some of the most important lessons I learned in church were about compassion, service, and humility. I was taught that helping others is a reflection of God’s love and that every person has value and dignity. Those messages took root in my heart and grew into action, especially through my annual shoe drive, which I have run for thirteen years. What began as a small act of generosity became a community-wide project that has collected more than 2,600 pairs of shoes for children in need. My faith inspired me to keep this tradition alive year after year, even when life became busy or challenging. I knew that even small acts of kindness could make a lasting impact. Attending Christian schools reinforced the idea that faith is something to be lived daily. Whether through chapel services, Bible classes, or teachers who modeled grace and patience, I grew up in an environment where faith and learning were inseparable. These experiences taught me to approach challenges with trust rather than fear. When I struggled with self-confidence or with the emotional challenges linked to my Tourette’s, faith reminded me that I was created with purpose. I learned to pray through moments of anxiety and to lean on God’s strength when my own felt limited. Those habits of turning toward faith, rather than away from it, shaped my resilience. As I look ahead toward a future career in sports psychology, I know my faith will continue to guide me. Sports psychology, at its core, is about helping athletes navigate stress, build confidence, and develop emotional strength. My faith teaches me to see each person as more than their performance or abilities. It encourages patience, compassion, and the belief that everyone is capable of growth and healing. These values will help me support athletes who may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or alone in their struggles. I want to create a therapeutic environment rooted in understanding, empathy, and hope—qualities that come directly from my faith. Faith will also help me approach my career with humility and purpose. In sports psychology, success isn’t measured in wins or championships; it’s measured in lives changed and athletes strengthened internally. My faith reminds me to stay grounded, to serve others wholeheartedly, and to use my gifts to uplift those around me. Ultimately, my journey through church and Christian education has built the foundation for how I live, lead, and aspire to serve in my future career. Faith taught me compassion, strengthened me through challenges, and guided my desire to help others. I know that as I move forward, it will continue to shape the way I support, encourage, and care for the athletes I hope to serve.

A time when I most clearly contributed to my community in a way that reflects the values of Jorge Campos—service, positivity, and fostering unity—was through my annual shoe drive, a project I have led for thirteen consecutive years. What began as a simple idea when I was four years old has grown into a tradition that now brings my entire community together. Each year, families, classmates, neighbors, and local organizations gather around a shared purpose: providing shoes for children who need them through Buckner International and Expressions of Hope. This project has collected more than 2,600 pairs of shoes, but its impact extends far beyond the donations. It has become a source of joy, connection, and shared generosity—something Don Jorge himself would have deeply valued. The heart of the shoe drive is not the number of shoes collected but the unity it creates. Every December, I host a hot cocoa stand to kick off the event. People of all ages stop by—not just to drop off shoes, but to talk, laugh, and participate in something meaningful together. There is a contagious positivity that fills the space, a reminder that service is most powerful when it brings people closer. I have watched younger children proudly hand over shoes they helped pick out, parents reflect on why giving matters, and friends work together to pack donation boxes. These moments taught me that leadership is not about directing people—it is about inspiring them to act with kindness. My commitment to unity and well-being also extends to my involvement in sports. As a coach for a 13U volleyball team and a Campus Captain for The Hidden Opponent, I work to build safe, encouraging environments for young athletes. Coaching gives me the opportunity to lift others up, celebrate small victories, and help kids feel confident both on and off the court. Through The Hidden Opponent, I help lead conversations about athlete mental health, teaching teammates how to support one another and recognize when someone might be struggling. These roles allow me to foster the same sense of connection and positivity that guides my service projects. These experiences have deeply shaped my personal growth. They have shown me that service is not something you perform once—it is something you live. I’ve learned to lead with empathy, to listen before I act, and to recognize the power of creating spaces where people feel included and valued. They have also clarified my future aspirations. Seeing the profound impact that support, encouragement, and community can have on young athletes has inspired me to pursue a career in sports psychology. I want to continue fostering unity, building resilience, and helping athletes develop mental strength and confidence. My shoe drive, coaching, and advocacy work have all taught me the same lesson: positivity and kindness multiply when shared. By giving to others, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of who I want to be—someone who brings people together, lifts them up, and creates environments where everyone feels they belong.

Volleyball has shaped who I am in more ways than I ever expected. As a high school senior at Justin-Siena, I have spent the past several years immersed in indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, and coaching young athletes. These experiences have taught me leadership, resilience, communication, and the power of creating environments where young athletes feel capable and confident. As I look ahead, I know that I want to use my passion for volleyball—and the lessons it has taught me—to make a positive impact in my community through youth sports. Indoor volleyball has been a defining part of my high school experience. Earning a varsity spot as a freshman pushed me to rise quickly to higher expectations, and becoming the starting libero taught me how to lead from the back row. A libero has to be vocal, steady, and relentlessly supportive. Playing this position strengthened my communication skills and helped me learn how to bring out the best in my teammates. The court became a place where I learned accountability, teamwork, and mental toughness—skills that now guide me as a mentor and coach. Beach volleyball added another dimension to my development. As the founder and president of our school’s beach volleyball club, I built a program from the ground up—securing coaches, organizing duals, and growing participation from just 15 students to over 100. Beach volleyball demands independence and adaptability. With only two players on the court, every touch matters, and mistakes are immediately visible. These challenges built my confidence and taught me how to teach confidence to others. Growing the club also showed me how expanding opportunities in sports can bring a community together and make athletes feel included. Coaching is where everything I’ve learned truly connects. As a seasonal beach volleyball coach and now an assistant coach for a 13U Storm Volleyball Club team, I’ve discovered how rewarding it is to guide athletes who are just beginning their journey. Coaching requires patience, empathy, and the ability to see potential even before players see it in themselves. I work hard to build trust, celebrate improvement, and create an environment where athletes feel safe to make mistakes and proud of their progress. My desire to positively impact youth athletes also connects to my work with The Hidden Opponent, where I help lead conversations about mental health in sports. Supporting athletes emotionally is just as important as teaching them skills, and being a Campus Captain has taught me how to recognize when someone may be struggling and how to approach those moments with care. I want young athletes to understand that strength includes vulnerability and that their mental well-being matters. Service has always been part of my identity as well. For thirteen years, I have run an annual shoe drive that has collected more than 2,600 pairs of shoes for children in need. This project taught me how small acts can inspire entire communities. It also reinforced the importance of giving every child the chance to participate—because something as simple as lacking proper shoes can prevent kids from joining sports or feeling confident. My goal is to continue coaching, mentoring, and strengthening youth sports programs so that athletes feel supported both physically and emotionally. Whether through leadership, advocacy, or service, I want to create spaces where young people feel valued, encouraged, and excited to grow. Sports profoundly shaped my life, and I hope to pass that same sense of belonging and confidence to the next generation.

Creating Connection Creating connection has been at the center of much of my community involvement, and it is something I’ve worked to nurture in many different spaces—from school to sports to service projects. One of the most meaningful ways I’ve helped bring people together is through my annual shoe drive, which I have run for thirteen years. What started as a simple idea has grown into a community tradition where neighbors, classmates, and families gather to donate shoes, share hot cocoa, and support children both locally and around the world. The event has become less about collecting items and more about building a sense of shared purpose. People who might not otherwise interact come together to do something kind, and that togetherness is what makes the project so special. I also work to create connection through mental health advocacy. As a Campus Captain for The Hidden Opponent, I lead conversations with student-athletes about stress, anxiety, and the pressure to appear strong. These discussions help break down stigma and remind people that they are not alone in their experiences. By opening space for honest dialogue, I’ve seen teams grow closer and individuals feel more comfortable asking for help. Living with Tourette’s myself has given me the empathy to recognize when someone might be struggling silently and the courage to make them feel seen. Whether through service or advocacy, my goal has always been to make people feel included, valued, and supported. Bringing people together has shown me how powerful connection can be—and how much stronger a community becomes when everyone feels like they belong. Kindness in Action One of the most meaningful acts of kindness I’ve ever offered happened in seventh grade during our school triathlon. My classmate Sloan, who has a bone disorder, had decided to participate even though the event was extremely challenging for her. She approached it with so much determination that everyone noticed how hard she was pushing herself. I finished my race before she did, but when I looked back and saw her still working through her last four laps on the track, I felt compelled to go back out and join her. I walked beside her for the rest of the race, encouraging her with each step. We talked, laughed, and focused on moving forward together. It wasn’t about helping her finish faster—it was about making sure she didn’t feel alone in something that took so much courage. Sloan’s strength and resilience inspired me, and I wanted her to feel supported, not watched from the sidelines. That moment has stayed with me because it showed me how powerful simple companionship can be. Kindness doesn’t always require big gestures; sometimes it’s choosing to walk with someone when their path feels long and heavy. Supporting Sloan taught me the importance of showing up for others, especially when they’re working through something difficult. It was a reminder that encouragement can turn an overwhelming challenge into a shared victory.

Giving back to my community has shaped not only what I do, but who I am becoming. For as long as I can remember, service has been part of my identity, beginning with a simple idea I had as a young child: collecting shoes for children who didn’t have any. What started as a small gesture grew into a yearly tradition—my annual shoe drive and hot cocoa stand—which I have now led for thirteen consecutive years. Over time, this project has collected and distributed more than 2,600 pairs of shoes through Buckner International and local organizations like Expressions of Hope. Each year of running this event has taught me something new about compassion, leadership, and what it means to take responsibility for the world around me. The shoe drive has shaped my life by teaching me how powerful consistency can be. When I first began, I never imagined that a simple donation idea could turn into a community-wide effort. Yet every year, neighbors gather, children stop by for cocoa, and families bring bags of shoes because they believe in the mission as much as I do. Through this experience, I learned how to organize events, communicate with people of all ages, and adapt to change—like when donations shifted from cash to Venmo and online contributions. Instead of resisting the change, I embraced it, realizing that serving others means being flexible and meeting people where they are. Service has also strengthened my sense of empathy. Growing up with Tourette’s taught me what it feels like to navigate challenges that others may not see, which makes me more aware of struggles that are easy to overlook. Helping families through my shoe drive and volunteering in programs like Serve It Up showed me that needs come in many forms, from financial to emotional. These experiences helped shape my desire to pursue a career centered around helping others thrive. My educational goals reflect that purpose. In college, I plan to study psychology with a concentration in sports psychology. Mental health has become an increasingly important part of my life, especially through my work as a Campus Captain for The Hidden Opponent, where I help student-athletes talk openly about the pressures they face. I’ve learned that performance, well-being, and confidence are deeply connected—and that far too many young people struggle silently. My goal is to earn a graduate degree in sports psychology and eventually work with athletes, empowering them with mental tools to succeed both on and off the court. Giving back to my community has shown me the kind of leader I want to be: someone who listens, notices, and acts. It has taught me that real impact comes from showing up year after year, caring deeply, and believing that even small efforts can make a difference. Serving others has shaped my values, guided my academic interests, and inspired my career goals. More than anything, it has made me hopeful about the future—because I’ve seen firsthand how generosity can change lives, including my own.

When I was in kindergarten, I was listening to the K-love radio station. They mentioned that children throughout the world did not have shoes, and an organization called Buckner International was leading the charge to help these children. As someone who was adopted out of foster care, I had my own experience living in poverty. Many of these kids are without families which truly made me realize how blessed I was that God placed me with my family. Child poverty is a pressing issue that requires a solution. Without shoes travel becomes difficult and even painful, limiting what these children can accomplish. These shoes can bring a child so much confidence and happiness. Over 12 years I have donated 2,679 pairs of shoes all around the world to children in need. In each shoe we put a letter saying “ God loves you”. Spreading the love of God to these children truly brings a light into your community. I have had the privilege to get my community involved and my shoe drive has grown every year. I am grateful that I can teach others about my project and how God’s light is shown through these shoes. I hope to continue to serve while in college. My family's financial situation is difficult right now & every scholarship that I can get will help me to achieve my goal of getting a college degree. I hope to help more people on a larger scale once I graduate. No matter what struggles my family has endured, and there have been many, the Lord continues to bless us & guide my path. I am so grateful for that.