Some people inherit opportunity. I inherited grit. Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree isn’t just a milestone, it’s a declaration that where you start doesn’t have to be where you finish. I was raised by a single mother who carried more than her share of the burden, holding our family together with little help and even fewer resources. Her strength taught me to keep going, no matter how heavy life gets. But I don’t carry this ambition for myself alone. I do it for my little brother, who just started high school, and for my nieces and nephews who are watching me closely. They’re growing up in the same world that told me I wouldn’t amount to much; that labeled us “white trailer trash” without ever knowing us. Getting my college degree means proving them wrong. It means showing my family that we deserve more, and we’re allowed to want more. I chose to study biochemistry at Texas Tech, not because I’ve always loved science, but because I believe in what I can do with it. I want to become a pharmacist; someone who uses practical knowledge to help people in their everyday lives. Especially people like my own family, who’ve had to navigate healthcare with limited access and no one to explain things clearly. Getting to college in the first place wasn’t easy. I graduated in the top 10% of my class, but I was the only one in that group who couldn’t afford dual credit courses. I was kicked out of my house right before graduation and spent the summer working just to cover my first semester. There were no shortcuts. I found scholarships by myself, managed my own loans, and kept showing up, even when everything felt like it was falling apart. That same determination is what I’ll bring to my career: because I know what it’s like to be on the other side of the counter, confused, struggling, and hoping someone will care enough to help. Long term, my goal is to return to communities like mine, underserved areas where people often fall through the cracks of the healthcare system. I want to be a pharmacist who not only provides medication but offers education, compassion, and reliable care to those who need it most. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and alone while navigating difficult systems. I want to be a steady presence for others, just like my mom was for me. Beyond that, I hope to one day create a scholarship fund for students like myself. This journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to make hard choices, push past fear, and depend solely on myself. But each step forward has been worth it. Being the first in my family to go to college means I get to rewrite our story. I get to build a future where stability is possible, where dreams are no longer delayed, and where my mom can finally rest knowing her sacrifices mattered.

My mental and physical wellness are important to me because they form the foundation of everything I hope to accomplish. When I feel strong, balanced, and focused, I’m able to give my best to my education, my relationships, and my goals. But when either my mental or physical health suffers, everything else begins to slip. I’ve learned that taking care of myself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Especially as a college student managing responsibilities on my own, wellness is what keeps me going, even when life feels overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges I face is the pressure to constantly keep up. Between full-time classes, assignments, financial stress, and trying to plan for my future, it often feels like there’s no time to rest. Sleep becomes optional, meals get skipped or replaced with snacks, and self-care gets pushed to the bottom of the list. There’s this constant voice in my head saying, “You don’t have time to take a break.” But over time, I’ve realized that pushing through exhaustion only leads to burnout. When I ignore my health, my focus fades, my motivation disappears, and I end up struggling even more. Mental wellness is especially difficult to maintain as a student who’s doing everything independently. I don’t have a family safety net to fall back on, and that weight can be a lot to carry. There are moments when I feel isolated or discouraged, like I’m one small setback away from everything falling apart. It’s hard to ask for help when you’re used to handling things alone, but I’m learning that mental health isn't something to ignore. Talking to friends, journaling, and even taking a walk to clear my mind can make a huge difference. I’ve also started to set boundaries with my time, recognizing that it’s okay to pause and breathe. Physically, staying healthy is a challenge because time and resources are limited. Fresh produce costs more than fast food, and it’s hard to cook real meals when you’re rushing between classes and work. I try to stay active, even if it’s just stretching or walking on campus, because movement helps both my body and my stress levels. I’ve also learned to listen to my body more. When I’m tired, I try to rest instead of feeling guilty for not being productive. These small acts of care help me stay grounded. What keeps me focused is the understanding that my future depends on my ability to take care of myself now. I want to become a pharmacist and be someone that others rely on for support, but I know I can’t pour from an empty cup. I have to be well to do well. My health is directly connected to my ability to study, retain information, and stay emotionally steady through all the ups and downs of college life. In the end, mental and physical wellness aren’t luxuries; they’re survival tools. As a student, I face the constant challenge of juggling responsibilities with limited support, but I try to make choices that prioritize my well-being. It’s not always easy, and I’m still learning how to find balance, but I know that investing in my health is investing in my future.

Books have always been more than just entertainment for me; they’ve been teachers, mirrors, and maps. Through reading, I’ve learned how to step into the shoes of others, to understand different perspectives, and to build resilience in the face of hardship. I’m especially drawn to novels and fantasy stories, where characters are thrown into impossible situations and must rely on their wit, kindness, or determination to survive. Watching them struggle and grow helped me do the same in my own life. Books taught me that even when life feels unfair or overwhelming, there is always the possibility of change, and that each person has the power to create their own future. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through books is that growth doesn’t come without pain, but it does come with purpose. Characters often face rejection, loneliness, or setbacks, yet they keep going. This resonated with me deeply, especially during difficult points in my own life when I felt alone or unsure of what direction to take. Reading gave me examples of perseverance and helped me develop the mindset that struggles are not roadblocks but stepping stones. That belief has shaped my goals today. Because of the stories I’ve read, I want to build a future where I help others navigate their own challenges. That’s one reason I’m pursuing a career in pharmacy. It’s not just about science, it’s about service. Books showed me how a small act of kindness or the right words at the right time can change everything for someone. I want to be that kind of person in real life, offering care and support through both knowledge and compassion. Pharmacy allows me to use what I’ve learned in STEM to provide real-world solutions that make people’s lives better. Books have also helped me find my voice. I used to struggle with expressing how I felt or what I believed, but reading stories where characters found strength through their words taught me how to do the same. I became more confident in school, more thoughtful in how I approached problems, and more determined to reach the goals I set for myself. Reading gave me the tools to think critically, dream bigger, and stay grounded even when things felt uncertain. In short, the books I’ve read have helped shape not just who I am, but who I want to become. They taught me empathy, perseverance, and the importance of using my knowledge to serve others. My goals: to succeed in college, become a pharmacist, and help people in my community, are rooted in the values I discovered through reading. Books made me believe that even when the odds are against you, it’s possible to write your own story, and I’m doing just that.

Growing up, life wasn’t easy. I faced hardships that most people don’t have to deal with; being kicked out of my house just before graduating high school, navigating financial struggles alone, and constantly fighting to stay in school without family support. These challenges could have broken me, but instead, they became the fire that fuels my determination. I know firsthand how difficult it can be for people to access basic needs, especially healthcare and medication. This is why my biggest goal in life is to make medication more affordable and accessible for communities like mine, those who are less fortunate and often overlooked. My experiences have given me a clear purpose. I want to become a pharmacist not just because I’m interested in chemistry and science, but because I want to be a force for change in the healthcare system. I want to help people who struggle to afford their prescriptions, those who skip doses or go without medication because of cost, and those who face barriers due to lack of information or support. Medication isn’t just chemicals, it’s hope, healing, and a chance at a better life. I want to make sure everyone has that chance, no matter their background or income. Despite the hardships, I graduated fifth in my high school class with a 3.8 GPA, and I’ve completed my first year of college fully on my own, relying on scholarships, loans, and hard work. These achievements are important to me, but what matters most is the purpose behind them: to gain the knowledge and skills I need to serve my community through pharmacy. I have witnessed how lack of access to medication can worsen illness and strain families. That personal connection drives me every day to push through obstacles and keep striving. In addition to my academic journey, I have developed important skills in communication and leadership through tutoring and volunteer work. I believe that being a pharmacist isn’t just about dispensing medication, but also about educating and supporting patients. I want to build trust and understanding, helping people navigate their healthcare options and encouraging them to take charge of their well-being. My vision is clear: I will work in underserved communities, providing affordable medication and compassionate care. I want to advocate for policies that reduce drug costs and increase availability. My hope is to create programs that help patients afford their prescriptions and improve their health outcomes. The science behind medication is powerful, but its true impact is only realized when it reaches those who need it most. This scholarship would lift some of the financial burdens I face as I continue my education. It would allow me to focus more fully on my studies, invest in necessary materials, and prepare myself to become a pharmacist who truly makes a difference. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has given me a purpose stronger than any challenge: to ensure that medication and healthcare are not luxuries but accessible rights for all. My life experiences have fueled my commitment to improving healthcare access and affordability. By pursuing a career in pharmacy, I am determined to transform scientific knowledge into meaningful service: helping those who need it most and making a lasting positive impact on my community and beyond.

Science and math have always fascinated me because they explain how the world works at its core. For me, STEM is not just a field of study; it is a tool to solve real problems and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. My journey into STEM began with curiosity but has evolved into a strong desire to serve my community by applying scientific knowledge in practical ways. I am currently pursuing a degree in chemistry, a subject that challenges me to think critically and logically. While chemistry is complex, it also offers solutions that directly improve health and well-being. This understanding drives my ambition to become a pharmacist. Pharmacy is where science meets compassion; where knowledge about molecules and reactions turns into medication that heals, manages, or improves quality of life. I want to be the person who helps others navigate the complexities of healthcare, ensuring they get the care they deserve. My experiences so far have taught me that success in STEM requires more than just technical skills. It demands perseverance, communication, and empathy. I have overcome significant personal challenges, including financial hardship and housing instability, which have made me resilient and self-reliant. These challenges have strengthened my commitment to my education and fueled my passion to give back. I am proud of having graduated fifth in my high school class and making it through my first year of college independently, financing my education through scholarships and loans. Beyond academics, I have built skills in tutoring and leadership through roles such as babysitting and private tutoring, as well as being an active member of the National Honor Society. These experiences honed my ability to explain complex concepts in ways that others can understand. I also pay close attention to nonverbal communication, recognizing that understanding people fully requires listening with both ears and eyes. Looking forward, I plan to use my STEM education to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and community health. I want to work in underserved areas where access to quality healthcare and medication is limited. By becoming a pharmacist, I will provide not only medication but also knowledge and support, empowering patients to take control of their health. Additionally, I hope to advocate for health literacy and equitable access to care, because science should benefit everyone, not just those with privilege. Receiving this scholarship will help me focus on my studies without the overwhelming stress of financial instability. It will allow me to invest in textbooks, lab materials, and emergency expenses, all of which are vital to my success. Most importantly, it will be an investment in someone committed to using STEM as a means of service. In summary, I am driven by the belief that math and science are powerful tools for positive change. My goal is to become a pharmacist who combines scientific knowledge with compassion and communication, serving my community in practical and meaningful ways. This scholarship would bring me closer to that goal and support my journey to contribute to the field of STEM with dedication and heart.

As a woman just finishing my freshman year of college, I’m still early in my STEM journey, but I know I want to be part of a future where curiosity, effort, and knowledge make a real impact. I’ve taken one chemistry lab so far, and while I don’t consider myself someone who loves chemistry, that experience sparked something important: the realization that I enjoy figuring things out. Being in the lab taught me how to stay focused, ask better questions, and get comfortable with trial and error. I left that class wanting to learn more, not just about chemistry, but about the broader world of science and where I might fit within it. I’m not applying for this scholarship as someone who has it all figured out. Instead, I’m applying as someone who’s eager to explore, to grow, and to find her place in STEM through hands-on experience and continued learning. I want to try different kinds of lab work, research opportunities, and classes that challenge how I think. Whether that leads me deeper into chemistry or into another field in STEM, I know I’ll carry forward the same mindset: curiosity first, followed by hard work and a drive to contribute. What excites me most about STEM is how many directions it can lead. I want to understand how science connects to everyday life, how it can solve real problems, and how I might one day help explain complex ideas in ways that others can understand too. I’ve always been someone who asks “why,” even if the answer takes time to find. That kind of thinking motivates me to keep going, even when things get difficult; especially as someone managing college completely on my own, without a financial safety net or family support. I’ve had to take responsibility for everything: applying for aid, working hard to cover expenses, and still showing up to class determined to learn. After all the trials I’ve been through to get here, I hope to one day use my knowledge to become a pharmacist. I want to make care more accessible, especially for those who feel overlooked or confused by the medical system. Whether it’s helping patients understand their medications or ensuring they can actually access what they need, I see this as a way to turn everything I’ve learned into real, compassionate service. For me, STEM isn’t just a path to discovery; it’s a way to give back, support my community, and make someone’s everyday life a little easier. This scholarship would be more than financial support, it would be a vote of confidence in my future. It would give me the breathing room to focus on school, seek out research or internships, and keep growing into someone who not only succeeds in STEM, but helps shape it into a more inclusive and curious space.

My favorite song on Charli XCX’s Brat is “So I” because it’s one of the most emotionally raw and heartfelt tracks on the album. While much of Brat plays with bold beats, club energy, and sharp-edged commentary on fame and friendship, “So I” steps back and feels deeply personal. It’s a tribute to her late friend and collaborator, Sophie, and the vulnerability in both the lyrics and production makes it stand out. What moves me most is the simplicity of the words paired with the weight of the loss behind them. Charli sings, “I don't think I said goodbye / And I really wish I did.” That feeling, of not getting closure, of wanting just one more moment, is something a lot of people can relate to, especially teenagers dealing with the unpredictability of life and relationships. There’s a kind of quiet grief in the song, not loud or dramatic, but deeply present. This song resonates with me because it’s a reminder of how complex love and loss can be. It’s not just about death; it’s about all the unspoken things we carry after someone is gone or out of our lives. As someone who’s had to grow up quickly and face separation from people I love, the longing and regret in “So I” feel incredibly real. Beyond the lyrics, the production is soft and dreamy, almost like a memory. It feels like floating through old moments you wish you could go back to. On an album full of chaotic brilliance, “So I” gives space to breathe and reflect. It shows that being “bratty” doesn’t mean being heartless; it means feeling everything, even the painful stuff, with intensity. That’s why “So I” is my favorite. It captures the side of growing up that’s not about rebellion or confidence, but about facing emotions we don’t always know how to name. It’s gentle, honest, and unforgettable.

A lyric from Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS album that deeply resonates with my own teenage experience is from the song “teenage dream”: “They all say that it gets better / it gets better the more you grow.” These words capture a feeling I’ve held onto for years; that hopeful but hesitant belief that everything I’m going through now will eventually make sense. As teenagers, we’re constantly told that things will get better, that the struggles we face are just part of “growing up.” But hearing it from adults doesn’t always help. They say it with a kind of distance, as if they’ve forgotten how heavy things can feel at sixteen or seventeen. Olivia’s lyric feels different. It doesn’t just repeat the advice, it questions it. It puts into words the silent doubts that often go unspoken. Personally, I’ve had to grow up faster than most of the people around me. I didn’t get the luxury of slowly figuring things out; life pushed me forward whether I was ready or not. After being kicked out of my house right before graduation, I had to figure out how to survive and support myself while still finishing high school and preparing for college. I worked long hours, managed every bill, and made big decisions without a safety net. During all of that, I heard the phrase “it gets better” too many times to count. But each time, it sounded like a promise made by someone who didn’t see the full picture. That’s why Rodrigo’s lyric is so powerful. It doesn't deny that things might improve, it just acknowledges how hard it is to believe that in the moment. The line feels more honest than most advice. It holds space for both hope and doubt, which is exactly how adolescence feels: stuck between wanting to believe in the future and struggling to make it through the present. Her music, especially in this song, expresses the emotional chaos that comes with being a teen; feeling like you’re expected to have it all figured out when you barely understand what you’re feeling. Teenage years are full of contradictions. We’re told to dream big but stay realistic, to be ourselves but not stand out too much, to work hard but not burn out. Rodrigo captures those contradictions in simple lyrics that speak volumes. “It gets better the more you grow” feels like a reminder and a question all at once. Will it really get better? Or are we just telling ourselves that to keep moving? For me, the answer is still unfolding. But I keep choosing to believe that all the effort, heartbreak, and confusion will lead somewhere brighter. Olivia’s lyric helps me feel less alone in that uncertainty. It doesn’t try to fix anything, it just says, “I feel it too.” And sometimes, that’s all we need.

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that surviving and succeeding are two different things, and I’ve had to do both. I wasn’t born into a situation with much opportunity. My father went to prison when I was three, and my mom, siblings, and I ended up in a domestic abuse shelter as we tried to start over. My mom had never been allowed to work before, so she did what she could; taking a gas station job and doing her best to keep us afloat. Meanwhile, I stepped into the role of caregiver by the time I was five, helping raise my little brother and keeping our home running however I could. Despite it all, school was my escape and my strength. I didn’t just do well, I excelled. I graduated 5th in my class with a 3.8 GPA, one of the only students in the top 10% who couldn’t afford dual-credit courses early on. My success wasn’t built on privilege or access, it was built on drive. I made a choice every day to get up and keep moving forward. I’ve always strived to be the best, not out of pride, but because I knew it was the way to build something better for myself and my future. My favorite quote sums it up best: “Yes, my grass is green on the other side, but only because I get up every morning and water it.” That mindset carried me through my first year of college, completely on my own. Every loan, every scholarship, every textbook and fee was handled because I made it happen. No one did the work for me, and there was no safety net to fall back on. But I kept going because I know where I’m headed: I’m studying to become a pharmacist so I can help others access the care they need, especially those like my family who have always struggled to afford it. What makes me unique isn’t just my past, it’s what I’ve done with it. I took every hard moment and turned it into motivation. I became the student, the worker, the caregiver, the planner, the fighter. And now, I want to use everything I’ve learned to give back; by entering a field where I can directly impact lives, especially in underserved communities. A scholarship wouldn’t just support me, it would amplify the work I’ve already done and help me keep building. I’ve proven that I can rise, even from the hardest places. With the right support, I’m ready to rise even further, and lift others with me.

My name is Haylei Height, and I’m studying to become a pharmacist because I want to help close the gap between people and the care they need. Science, especially biology, has always come naturally to me, but what pushed me toward pharmaceuticals wasn’t just what I learned in the classroom. It was what I saw in real life: people I love struggling to afford the medications or medical advice that could have changed everything for them. I grew up watching my single mother work nonstop at a gas station, barely making enough to keep us going. We didn’t have consistent access to health care, and even simple things like filling a prescription could feel impossible. I saw family members skip treatments, take less than the prescribed dose to make a bottle last, or walk away from care entirely because they couldn’t afford it. And I was just a kid, but even then, I knew something wasn’t right. Those experiences are what inspire me to become a pharmacist who does more than count pills behind a counter. I want to be someone who fights for more affordable, accessible, and compassionate care. My dream is to work in underserved communities, whether that’s in a local clinic, a nonprofit pharmacy, or even through public policy or research that challenges the broken parts of our healthcare system. Everyone deserves to feel better, and no one should be denied health just because of their income, location, or background. These experiences didn’t just motivate me, they shaped how I think about care itself. I know what it feels like to be overlooked, to be told that resources “aren’t available,” or to watch loved ones suffer in silence because treatment is out of reach. That’s exactly why I’m committed to becoming a pharmacist who leads with empathy and action. I want to be the person who not only fills a prescription, but also makes sure the person behind it is understood, supported, and given real options. Even now, as I work through college on my own; juggling jobs, coursework, and responsibilities, I never lose sight of the impact I want to make. I know what it feels like to fall through the cracks, and that’s why I’m so determined to be someone who helps others out of those same places. I want to be a pharmacist who listens, who understands, and who makes sure people don’t have to choose between staying healthy and staying fed. My hardships didn’t weaken my drive, they shaped it. Being a pharmacist means more than understanding chemistry and biology, it means understanding people. And through this career, I hope to change lives by making medicine feel more human, more reachable, and more fair for everyone.

What if the villain was never really the villain at all? That’s the question Wicked asks, and the reason it’s stuck with me ever since I first heard the story. It dares to flip the narrative, showing that people we’re taught to fear or misunderstand might just be the ones fighting the hardest for what’s right. More than just a musical with catchy songs and magical moments, it tells a deeper story about friendship, difference, and staying true to who you are; even when the world doesn’t make it easy. From the first time I saw Wicked, I was hooked by the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. At first glance, they’re complete opposites: Elphaba is outcast, serious, and powerful, while Glinda is popular, bubbly, and adored. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that both are more than the roles they’ve been given. That idea hit home for me. I’ve felt like Elphaba; misjudged for how I look, what I’ve been through, or the way I carry myself. But I’ve also had to learn how to be more like Glinda; open, adaptable, and aware of how others see me. Their friendship is messy and real. They argue, challenge each other, and grow together. It’s not just about being different, it’s about how those differences can bring people closer. That part of the story made me think of my best friend and how we balance each other out. Just like Elphaba and Glinda, we’ve helped each other grow in unexpected ways, and I think that’s something Wicked captures perfectly. And then there’s the message that being “wicked” or “good” isn’t always clear. Elphaba gets labeled the Wicked Witch, but she’s really just standing up for what she believes in. That idea, that someone can be strong, outspoken, and still kind, is something I carry with me. It made me feel seen. Wicked isn’t just fantasy. It’s about power, prejudice, and learning to defy expectations. Whether it’s through a green-skinned girl discovering her strength or two friends finding their paths, it reminds me that who I am matters; even if the world doesn’t always understand it right away.

I wasn’t blessed with the best family; if you’ve ever heard the phrase “drawing the short end of the stick,” I’d say I got both halves. The disaster I grew up in wasn’t caused by nature, it was man-made. It came from broken systems, poverty, generational trauma, and a lack of support. My father went to prison when I was just three years old, leaving my mom alone with three kids and no way to provide for us. At the time, she wasn’t even allowed to work because of how controlling he had been. We ended up in a domestic abuse shelter, hoping for safety and a chance to rebuild. Eventually, we reconnected with extended family in Texas and tried to start a new life, but nothing came easy. My mom started working at a gas station, sometimes pulling double shifts just to put food on the table. Even with her doing everything she could, we were still barely getting by. From a young age, I had to step up: by the time I was five, I was already helping raise my little brother, cooking meals, and handling responsibilities most kids don’t face until much later. We didn’t have much, but I kept pushing forward, trying to be the strong one when no one else could. Despite everything, I threw myself into school. I loved learning and knew education would be my way out. I worked hard, kept my grades high, and especially excelled in science. I had a strong grasp of biology from the start, scoring in the “blue” category on the STARR exam, meaning I exceeded expectations. Chemistry didn’t come as naturally to me, but I didn’t let that stop me, I worked twice as hard, determined to understand and improve. I always enjoyed hands-on learning, especially lab days, and that’s when I knew I wanted to pursue a STEM major in college. But even when it seemed like things were getting better, life threw another curveball. A month before graduating high school, I was kicked out of my home. With nowhere to go, I ended up in a stay-in transitional housing program, carrying nothing but a few totes and a backpack. It was one of the lowest moments of my life. Still, I refused to give up. I worked all summer, saving as much money as I could to afford college. I moved into my dorm and managed everything on my own: food, rent, classes, and work, all while keeping my grades up. I’ve faced more obstacles than I can count, but I’ve defeated adversity at every turn. I didn’t let a rocky childhood or unstable home define me. I became independent, resilient, and focused. I didn’t just survive, I succeeded! I’m now a STEM major in college, studying to go into pharmaceuticals, and still carrying that same determination to build a better life not just for myself, but for others. Natural and man-made disasters don’t always look like fires or floods. Sometimes they look like poverty, loss, and lack of support. But I’ve learned how to stay standing, no matter what tries to knock me down; and that’s exactly the strength I’ll bring with me into my education, my career, and my future.

My name is Haylei Height, and I’m a college student pursuing a future in pharmaceuticals. My interest in STEM, particularly in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, was shaped by both personal experience and academic curiosity. I grew up seeing the life-changing impact that access to the right medications can have, but I also saw how difficult it was for people close to me to consistently afford what they needed. That experience made me want to understand not just how medicine works, but how to be part of the process that makes it more accessible, affordable, and effective. In high school, my passion for science truly took root. I loved every lab day, those were the moments I felt most engaged and curious. Whether we were testing chemical reactions or studying human anatomy, I found myself thinking, “I want to keep doing this.” I especially thrived in biology, where I earned an amazing score on the STARR test, exceeded grade-level expectations. That result gave me the confidence to see myself succeeding in a STEM field long-term, and confirmed that I had both the interest and the ability to pursue a career involving the human body and health. Outside of class, tutoring and caregiving experiences helped me grow in ways that directly connect to STEM. Tutoring required me to break down complex topics in a way that others could understand; a skill that’s essential in the medical and pharmaceutical world, whether you're helping a patient understand a treatment or working on a team to solve a problem. I also learned patience, clear communication, and how to adapt to different learning styles, all of which strengthen my ability to succeed in scientific environments that rely on teamwork, precision, and critical thinking. I’ve also faced personal and financial challenges that pushed me to become self-reliant and resilient. I was kicked out of my home just before graduating high school, but I worked hard, saved up, and managed to put myself through my first semester of college. I’m passionate about learning and have experience in both academic leadership roles and hands-on work, including tutoring, restaurant service, and caregiving. I value structure, communication, and personal growth, and I’m seeking scholarships to support my goals and ease the financial pressure of continuing my education. My goal is to build a future where I can use science to improve lives and be part of the innovation that drives the healthcare field forward.