My name is Hailey my dad was in the US Airforce and is now retired with his own business He built as a brush clearing and mulching business in the south. cutting down trees and clearing property for his customers. Growing up with a veteran parent who later became an entrepreneur has profoundly shaped who I am and the path I am pursuing. I watched my parent transition from military service into building a business from the ground up. That transition was not easy. It required courage, long hours, financial uncertainty, and unwavering determination. Yet, I never heard complaints—only commitment. The discipline and resilience developed through military service became the foundation for their success as a business owner. Seeing that firsthand taught me that hard work, sacrifice, and integrity truly matter. My parent’s journey showed me what leadership looks like beyond a title. In the military, leadership meant serving a greater mission. As an entrepreneur, leadership meant providing for our family and serving the community through their business. I saw the stress behind the scenes and I still do, but I also saw perseverance. That example instilled in me a deep respect for dedication and purpose. It inspired me to pursue a career where I, too, can serve others in a meaningful way. Their military service also shaped my educational journey. Growing up in a household influenced by military values meant structure, accountability, and high expectations. I was taught to follow through, to stay disciplined even when things feel overwhelming, and to push forward when challenges arise. There were sacrifices that came with military life adjustments, uncertainty, and learning to be adaptable, but those experiences strengthened me. They taught me resilience at a young age. As I pursue my degree to become an Occupational Therapist Assistant, I carry those lessons with me. The demanding schedule, financial stress, and long-term commitment required for this field remind me of the perseverance I watched growing up. My parent showed me that service does not stop after the military; it evolves. In the same way, I hope to dedicate my life to serving autistic and disabled individuals, advocating for their independence and inclusion. Their example has given me both the strength and motivation to continue my education. I am pursuing this path not only for my own future, but to honor the values of service, dedication, and compassion that were modeled for me every day.

I plan to make a difference in the lives of autistic and special needs individuals by becoming an Occupational Therapist Assistant who prioritizes dignity, independence, and inclusion. My goal is to help each person develop the functional skills they need to participate fully in their daily lives—whether that means improving communication, strengthening motor skills, building sensory regulation strategies, or increasing confidence in social settings. I believe that true advocacy begins with understanding that every individual is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to care. By creating individualized, goal-oriented interventions, I will help clients build on their strengths rather than focus solely on their challenges. I want the individuals I work with to feel seen, respected, and capable. Beyond direct therapy, I also plan to educate families and communities. Supporting caregivers with practical tools and encouragement can create lasting progress outside of therapy sessions. I hope to foster environments where autistic and disabled individuals are not only accommodated but genuinely included. Ultimately, I want to empower people to live meaningful, self-directed lives. If I can help even one individual gain confidence, independence, and a stronger sense of belonging, then I know I am making the difference I set out to achieve.I believe that true advocacy begins with understanding that every individual is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to care. By creating individualized, goal-oriented interventions, I will help clients build on their strengths rather than focus solely on their challenges. I want the individuals I work with to feel seen, respected, and capable. Beyond direct therapy, I also plan to educate families and communities. Supporting caregivers with practical tools and encouragement can create lasting progress outside of therapy sessions. I hope to foster environments where autistic and disabled individuals are not only accommodated but genuinely included. In today’s society, inclusion is often discussed but not always practiced. Many autistic and disabled individuals are still unintentionally excluded from social events, classrooms, workplaces, and community activities. Whether through lack of accessibility, misunderstanding, or stigma, people are frequently left out of opportunities to connect and belong. I want to be a strong advocate who challenges these barriers. Inclusion means more than simply allowing someone to be present; it means ensuring they are actively involved, supported, and valued. I plan to collaborate with educators, families, and community members to promote awareness, acceptance, and meaningful participation. By speaking up, educating others, and modeling inclusive practices, I hope to help create communities where differences are respected and celebrated. Every person deserves the opportunity to feel welcomed, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.

My name is Hailey Pruitt, and my passion for advocacy began in an elementary school classroom as an Early Childhood Special Education paraprofessional. Every day, I worked alongside students with diverse abilities, many of whom were non-verbal, and I quickly fell in love with both the children and the work itself. Watching my students make progress in their educational, communication, eating, and social goals was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Each small milestone represented hard work, patience, and trust. Those moments solidified my desire to dedicate my life to serving individuals with special needs. Through my experience, I learned that advocacy is rooted in patience, compassion, and consistency. Every child and adult with special needs deserves to feel loved, safe, and included in every aspect of life they wish to participate in. I made it my priority to ensure my students felt valued and capable. Whether helping a child use a communication device for the first time or supporting them through social interactions, I saw firsthand how individualized care can build confidence and independence. These experiences shaped not only my professional goals but also my personal character. Because of this passion, I have chosen to further my education by pursuing a degree as an Occupational Therapist Assistant. I want to expand my ability to support children—and potentially adults—by helping them develop the functional skills needed for daily living and long-term success. Occupational therapy aligns perfectly with my heart for advocacy, as it focuses on empowering individuals to engage fully in meaningful activities. Currently, I am attending school out of state while adjusting to newly married life. My husband is the sole provider as I navigate the demanding schedule of my program. Unfortunately, we are not receiving FAFSA assistance, which has created financial challenges during this important transition. Despite these obstacles, my commitment to this field remains unwavering. I am determined to continue my education so I can serve individuals with special needs in a greater capacity. Advocacy is not just a career goal for me; it is my calling. With support, I will be able to complete my degree and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who deserve every opportunity to thrive. One I will come across someone like or similar Wesley and I hope I can help to the best of my ability to make sure life could be a little easier and welcoming for them. I hope you consider me for this scholarship. Thank you!

Having a relationship with God and opening the living word of God (The Holy Bible), I would say in the book of the bible Ephesians opened my eyes to how a true Christian should live in the eyes of God. Chapters 2, 1-9 spoke to me the most. "You were dead in your transgressions and sins" To me this told me that my sins against God made me unfulfilled (dead). "we were by nature deserving of wrath.4 But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved." I think God is a wonderful and merciful God he sent his one and only son Jesus Christ to die for our sins yet we still sin anyway. It's crazy to think we were once deserving of wrath, God is so good and kind that by the Grace of Christ we have been saved. through my walk with God, he has shown me many things and opened my eyes multiple times. Admitting your wrong and fixing your whole life and giving your life to Christ is the best thing I could have done. My overall goal is to have the ultimate relationship with God so I can meet him in his kingdom when the day comes. Now my goal on this earth is to reach as many people as possible with open arms, love and without judgment and introduce them to our lord and Savior. I want to show lost people the love of God to the best of my ability. I am now already a part of two Christian organizations and do my best to be the most optimistic person I can be. The more I study and read the bible the more I understand God's plan and intentions for us. Proverbs 13:21 says "Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things" This means stay true to God and you will be rewarded. though I Do admit I have problems of my own I am still going through but in the name of Jesus Christ, I can overcome anything with and through him. I truly want to set a good example in my community and the world. If I could talk to everyone at once the best advice I can give is to ask Jesus to come into your heart he is the only way out. I pray that I can make an impact on someone one day.