Growing up, I watched my mom and dad give their time and hearts to others, and I knew I wanted to do the same. My father impacted our community through teaching in his classroom and coaching sports teams, and my mother served as a nurse. I saw firsthand how loved and appreciated they were—not only by their coworkers but also by the people they served. Inspired by their careers, I decided I wanted to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I am now a college junior, and I could not be more excited for my future. I can’t wait to dedicate my life to helping others and improving their quality of life. Beyond being a student, I am the team captain of the Southern Nazarene University Women’s Golf Team and a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which advocates for student-athletes on campus through voting, leadership development, and learning about the NCAA. I love being a female golfer because it has given me so many opportunities to meet new people and experience a small, supportive community. Golf has also become a way for my family to bond, as both my father and my little sister, Sophie, share the same love for the game. When I am not golfing with them, I enjoy spending time with my grandparents and talking with my mom, who truly is my best friend. I am incredibly grateful for my family as they have been my biggest supporters, and I would not be who I am today without them. In high school, I was a member of my school’s National Honor Society, and in college, as a student-athlete, I have continued to be involved in volunteering and serving in my community. However, nothing I have done compares to an experience I had in 2017, when I was in fifth grade. My mother, sister, and I had been volunteering at Haven of Hope Dog Rescue in Piedmont, Oklahoma, for about a year when I realized just how much food and how many supplies were needed for the shelter’s daily operations. Wanting to help, I went home and made rubber band bracelets to sell at school the next day to raise money. Not even an hour into school, an office staff member told me I wasn’t allowed to raise money without school board approval. Determined, I contacted my school’s superintendent and presented my idea at a school board meeting. Soon after, my fundraiser was approved, and an entire week of school was dedicated to it. I created flyers with the shelter’s needs and posted them around the building. The list was made up of dog food/treats, toys, beds, paper towels, etc. The homeroom class that brought in the most supplies would earn a field trip to visit the dog rescue. With the help of some friends, I made hundreds of rubber band bracelets and sold them at the concession stand on the Friday of that week. By the end of the week, the fundraiser had brought in $500 and a school bus full of supplies for the shelter. I even got a slot in my school's yearbook talking about the fundraiser that I had created! Doing that at such a young age taught me that true servanthood is driven by genuine care, not by the desire for recognition. I saw a need in my community, and I worked hard to meet it. Even though it happened eight years ago, I carry that lesson with me every day. I haven't found a way to top that experience yet, but one day I will.

When my father first pushed me to play golf, I hated the idea. I did everything I could to change his mind, claiming that it would hurt me instead of make me a better person. I pretended like it would be a waste of time because I was too scared to jump into something new. Now that I'm a junior playing college golf, I understand why he pushed me into it 6 years ago. Golf has completely changed my life. One might even say it saved my life. Golf has given me consistency and an outlet to turn back to in ways that no other thing ever has. But I would say the biggest thing that I have learned is how to trust myself and believe that I am enough, even when it doesn't feel possible. When you are in the middle of a competitive round, you can only depend on yourself and the swing that you brought to the course that day. I enjoy the challenge of grounding my mind and digging deep for the strength I didn't know I had. Playing golf has its challenges on its own, as it makes you question yourself, it challenges your patience, it affects your confidence, and most importantly, it applies pressure on both our minds and our bodies. But as a female golfer, it has its own set of challenges that I have had to work through. Just like any female athlete, I have to work twice as hard just to get the same amount of recognition that men get. Especially on my college golf team, when I am put up to compete against a boy, I notice that there is a difference in expectations. They expect me to perform not at the same level as the man, and I have to prove myself before I’m given the same amount of respect. On top of that, the lack of representation and visibility for women in golf is not the same. From the resources we get to the way golf courses are designed, there is another barrier that we have to push through every time we step out on the course. Sometimes it is a challenge for me to show up at the golf course knowing that the only other woman out there either works there or is just riding in a golf cart to watch a man play. It highlights how far behind women in golf truly are compared to the competitiveness and popularity that men experience. From my experience, every time I am on the driving range hitting balls, chipping, or putting, I get comments from men either questioning my abilities or giving me unsolicited advice that I never asked for. Last time I went to the range, a man said, “I don’t know how you hit the ball so good for how inside you come across the ball.” Moments like that remind me that people really do underestimate women and their abilities. I overcome things such as that by surrounding myself with my teammates and getting my support from positive influences in my life, such as my family. My family has been to every tournament I’ve played in and has sat by my side through my whole golf journey. They remind me that I play golf for myself, and my value is not determined by others’ expectations of me. The challenges I face as a female golfer only strengthen my love for the game, and every obstacle I face just proves to myself that I belong and am capable of more than I could’ve imagined.

Disciplined. Ever since I was a kid, I have always been driven. Always trying to reach the point of perfection, even when it felt unobtainable. As the daughter of a high-school coach, I gained a strong work ethic, responsibility, and a deep understanding of several sports. Growing up, my father coached baseball, football, basketball, and golf. This exposure put me in every sporting environment imaginable. Although I grew up playing a variety of sports, I quickly fell in love with Golf in 2020. What's funny, is I didn’t want to play golf in the first place, my parents made me. They made me pursue golf my Freshman year in hopes of going to college on a sports scholarship. The only problem with that was that I wasn’t perfect. I was thrown into several junior golf tournaments and I shot very high scores. My scores were so much higher than all the other girls and I placed dead last in all tournaments. This was extremely hard for me because I had never struggled with a sport up until that point. I tried so hard to obtain perfection to where I grew miserably consumed with the idea of it. It was hard for me to accept any kind of failure. To me, it felt as if failure reflected how hard you tried. Since I wasn’t good yet, I jumped to the conclusion that it was because I wasn’t trying hard enough. This wasn’t the healthy relationship with sports that my dad exposed me to. My family has always been my number one motivator, as I do everything in reflection of them. I couldn’t let them down, so I started working on Golf in all of my free time. Eventually, I got the hang of it and I fell in love with the process. Now I am a college athlete still playing the sport that I fell in love with in 2020. Family means everything to me. Their influence will forever guide me. I am the oldest child in my family of 4. My dad, Renie Whittern is a high school teacher and coach. My mom, Kara Whittern is a labor and delivery nurse. Both my parents work extremely hard in their occupations to support my family. I have a 14-year-old litter sister named Sophie and she challenges me in the best way every single day. The hardest part about being a working and active family is the different schedules. Even with our busy lives, we stay connected and support each other's dreams and goals. Family is my anchor, no matter where life takes me. As a student-athlete, I have taken all the discipline I gained from sports and channeled it into my academics. Graduating high school with a perfect GPA of 4.0 helped give me the confidence and motivation to move forward in my academic career. Both concurrently my senior year and my first official semester in college I have maintained a 4.0 so far and I plan to keep it there. Although undecided, I am thinking about Occupational Therapy or really any career in the Healthcare Field. My goal is to graduate in four years with a Bachelor's Degree in Health Science. I would use my degree to help the community by focusing on health and wellness. Similarly enough, I have so many plans when it comes to golf because golf has led me to become more confident in myself and my abilities. It has taught me patience, dedication, and time management skills that I will bring to my future endeavors.

In a world where talent has no limit, our fast-paced society is filled with thousands of celebrities and influencers. In the entertainment industry, it is hard to find genuine people. Especially those who do it for the right reasons. Growing up, my parents were understandably rigorous and they had strong opinions on what I was allowed to watch. Many TV networks and individual shows were blocked and I was only allowed to watch shows they picked out. Although more well known for her bigger award-winning movies and shows, I first watched Zendaya for the first time on Disney Channel's “Shake It Up”. She also, later on, took on the role of KC in “KC Undercover”. Although both roles were exceptionally played, I mostly took notice of her work outside of the TV screen. While tackling all that was expected of her while she was on screen, she also tackled the harder parts of being an influencer. Being in the spotlight means that all eyes are watching the actors/actresses every more, and Zendaya was no exception. What made her stand out to me and others as well, is that Zendaya would never “act” when the cameras were off. While being insanely talented and a world-famous actress, she still finds the time to use her platform to advocate for important social issues. In general, she promotes so much positive change, while also being a cheerful female influencer. To young girls, Zendaya is someone who they can look up to and admire. She has always promoted self-love, acceptance, and equality for all. She is a role model who encourages her fans to be themselves and embrace their uniqueness. Once the cameras shut off, she could have changed her entire persona and acted differently. Instead, she chose to inspire thousands and now she is looked up to by many. As a young female, I have looked up to and aspired to be as powerful as an individual that Zendaya is. Young women need positive female influencers and Zendaya is just that. Zendaya, the epitome of talent, grace, and resilience. She transformed the entertainment landscape with her undeniable personality and unwavering commitment to challenge stereotypes.

As cliche as it sounds, I truly have too many favorite books so it’s hard to specifically single any one of them out. As an avid book reader, every book means something different to me. With so many different genres to consider, I would say that Fiction is typically the most popular among the general public. One book that I do believe everyone should get the opportunity to read is “A Step Towards Falling”. Although not a very well-known book, the intended message is very strong and could hit home to a lot of people. There are three main characters in this book. Emily is a high school senior who is known for always doing the right thing. Lucas is a senior football player who is very popular among his classmates. Lastly, there is Belinda, one of Emily and Lucas’s classmates. She is a 21-year-old who has developmental disabilities that typically separate her from others. Belinda was sexually assaulted and attacked at one of the school's football games. Lucas and Emily both witnessed what happened but they stayed quiet and didn’t help out. Poor Belinda was left in an unsafe situation all because two witnesses froze up. As punishment for not helping, Lucas and Emily were made volunteers at the Lifelong Learning Center. Lifelong Learning Center is an establishment centered around disabilities and showing that everyone is worthy and deserving of love. From there Lucas and Emily got tons of great friendly exposure and their outlook on disabilities changed drastically. The rest of the book is filled with similar ideas. Out of all the books that I have read in my 18 years of living, nothing compares to the warmth that this book brings me. Cammie McGovern wrote this book in hopes of people learning that stereotypes and assumptions about people are wrong and that you should view people based on their values. In our modern world, bias, and categorization consume us. We often separate people based on their looks, disabilities, and differences. This book discusses several modern-day issues and suggests better ways to solve them. Eventually, the world needs to realize that everyone has a heart and you should always look deeper than what is visible on the surface. This book should be read by everyone because everyone can learn from the idea of loving one's neighbor.

As cliche as it sounds, I truly have too many favorite books so it’s hard to specifically single any one of them out. As an avid book reader, every book means something different to me. With so many different genres to consider, I would say that Fiction is typically the most popular among the general public. One book that I do believe everyone should get the opportunity to read is “A Step Towards Falling”. Although not a very well-known book, the intended message is very strong and could hit home to a lot of people. There are three main characters in this book. Emily is a high school senior who is known for always doing the right thing. Lucas is a senior football player who is very popular among his classmates. Lastly, there is Belinda, who is one of Emily and Lucas’s classmates. She is a 21-year-old who has developmental disabilities that typically separate her from others. Belinda was sexually assaulted and attacked at one of the school's football games. Lucas and Emily both witnessed what happened but they stayed quiet and didn’t help out. Poor Belinda was left in an unsafe situation all because two witnesses froze up. As punishment for not helping, Lucas and Emily were made volunteers at the Lifelong Learning Center. Lifelong Learning center is an establishment centered around disabilities and showing that everyone is worthy and deserving of love. From there Lucas and Emily got tons of great friendly exposure and their outlook on disabilities changed drastically. The rest of the book is filled with similar values and ideas. Out of all the books that I have read in my 18 years of living, nothing compares to the warmth that this book brings me. Cammie McGovern wrote this book in hopes of people learning that stereotypes and assumptions about people are very wrong and that you should view people based on their values within. In our modern world, bias and categorization consumes us. We often separate people based on their looks, disabilities, and differences. This book discusses several modern day issues and suggests better ways to solve them. Eventually the world needs to realize that everyone has a heart and you should always look deeper than what is visible on the surface. This book should be read by everyone, because everyone can learn something from this book.

Wherever I end up in life, I hope to push other people to do things that they love because my own personal ambitions will have brought me to that point. My biggest passion right now is playing competitive golf. Although I have only played competitive golf for four years, I genuinely believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. I will hopefully continue to play that sport for the rest of my life. Golf has been my safe space and my haven for several years now. It is something I do regardless of whatever mood I am in previous to when I start playing. While on the golf course, I face self-doubt, stress, frustration, and fear. This is among other things, of course. While in the competition you can’t let your highs be too high, and your lows be too low. I have found this out both the easy way and the hard way. The biggest lesson that I have learned through my experience with golf is that patience and perseverance will make you successful in whatever you put your mind to. Golf is not an easy sport, in fact, it costs hundreds of dollars and takes several hard-working hours. Before golf, I don’t remember having something so constant and challenging to push me out of my comfort zone. Being an athlete my whole life, I can proudly say that golf is the most difficult thing I have ever put my mind and body through. Although demanding, golf gives me something to look forward to every day, unlike any other activity I have participated in in the past. In addition to giving me structure, golf has given me a new and exciting outlook on life. I would love to play it competitively even after I graduate from college and after my career. I feel very secure knowing that I have set myself up for success and for all my goals to be fulfilled. Unfortunately, all that cannot even be made possible or considered without a good college education. College is obviously very important but most importantly, very expensive. Receiving a scholarship for my future education would do wonders for both myself and my family. If we were blessed with that opportunity, it would allow less stress over the conversation of money between me and my parents. Both my parents work extra shifts and jobs so I can only imagine how much pressure could be lifted off their shoulders. With all things considered, so much lies ahead for me in my future, and I am extremely excited to start the next chapter of my life. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship.

Both a mental and physical challenge, golf is one of the hardest sports a person can play. For just playing golf for the first time only four years ago, it's crazy to see how far I have come as both an athlete and a person. Whether on the golf course in a competitive tournament or just an easy everyday practice, golf challenges me so much mentally. There are so many important aspects that one thinks about before one hit a shot. Not to mention the high amount of pressure and perfection you feel while standing over the ball. While on the golf course, I face self-doubt, stress, frustration, and fear. This is among other things, of course. While in the competition you can’t let your highs be too high, and your lows be too low. I have found this out both the easy way and the hard way. The biggest lesson that I have learned through my experience with golf is that patience and perseverance will make you successful in whatever you put your mind to. Golf is not an easy sport, in fact, it costs hundreds of dollars and takes several hard-working hours. Before golf, I don’t remember having something so constant and challenging to push me out of my comfort zone. Being an athlete my whole life, I can proudly say that golf is the most difficult thing I have ever put my mind and body through. Although demanding, golf gives me something to look forward to every day, unlike any other activity I have participated in in the past. In addition to giving me structure, golf has given me a new and exciting outlook on life. I look forward to participating in competitions and tournaments with new people and competitors. Meeting new people every time I play is scary, but it ultimately helps me learn more about others. Interacting with strangers for the first time while also spending four-to-five hours with them can be a lot at times. However, stepping out of my comfort zone and making new friends has also been exciting. It has brought about so many friendships and relationships with so many other players that I never would have been able to meet otherwise. I am so grateful for those relationships and for golf providing me with those opportunities. I wouldn’t have been able to communicate as well with others without the golf experiences I have been exposed to within the past four years. Learning independence and playing a sport that I am passionate about at the next level will be challenging, yet rewarding on so many levels. Golf has led me to become more confident in myself and my abilities. It has taught me patience, dedication, determination, and time management skills that I will bring to my future endeavors. Golf has given me such a strong and solid foundation that I will forever get to use for the rest of my life. It's crazy for me to believe that college is just right around the corner, but with all the principles of golf guiding and shaping me, I believe I will be able to navigate anything that lies ahead of me and be successful. Thank you for your time and the opportunity to apply for this college scholarship from your organization.

Golf is one of the greatest passions in my life. Although I have only played competitive golf for four years, I genuinely believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. Before golf, I don’t remember having something so constant and challenging to push me out of my comfort zone. Being an athlete my whole life, I can proudly say that golf is the most difficult thing I have ever put my mind and body through. Although demanding, golf gives me something to look forward to every day, unlike any other activity I have participated in in the past. In addition to giving me structure, golf has given me a new and exciting outlook on life. I look forward to participating in competitions and tournaments with new people and competitors. Meeting new people every time I play is scary, but it ultimately helps me learn more about others. Interacting with strangers for the first time while also spending four-to-five hours with them can be a lot at times. However, stepping out of my comfort zone and making new friends has also been exciting. It has brought about so many friendships and relationships with so many other players that I never would have been able to meet otherwise. I am so grateful for those relationships and for golf providing me with those opportunities. I wouldn’t have been able to communicate as well with others without the golf experiences I have been exposed to within the past four years. Learning independence and playing a sport that I am passionate about at the next level will be challenging, yet rewarding on so many levels. Golf has led me to become more confident in myself and my abilities. It has taught me patience, dedication, determination, and time management skills that I will bring to my future endeavors. Being a female in any sport opposes its challenges and battles. Girls' golf is similar in that regard because it is extremely underrated and underappreciated. Many people diminish what it truly is like to be a woman in the sport of golf. Females are constantly being challenged because it is believed that they can’t perform at the same level as men can. As a female who has daily visits to my local golf course, it's uncomfortable and sad how few women are actually there. Many women feel like they are being judged on the way they hit and practice. When practicing at a course surrounded by a field of men, it truly is hard to find real respect and admiration. Although there are some challenges that come from being a female golfer, there are also so many blessings that I truly am very grateful for. There is so much love and support that comes from certain individuals who make what I am doing feel so worthwhile. Golf has given me such a strong and solid foundation that I will forever get to use for the rest of my life. It's crazy for me to believe that college is just right around the corner, but with all the principles of golf guiding and shaping me, I believe I will be able to navigate anything that lies ahead of me and be successful. Thank you for your time and the opportunity to apply for this college scholarship from your organization.

My future self will know her true worth and won’t let other people's opinions affect how she lives her life.