Currently I am persuing my masters in speech language pathology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. My two minors for my undergraduate degree were psychology and American Sign Language. Since starting this academic journey I have been asked to help with an autism camp in Cherokee North Carolina. During my first year working at the summer camp hosted at Cherokee High School, I met a young girl who changed me in ways I didn’t expect. She was bright, curious, and full of personality. She communicated using an AAC device or a whiteboard and marker, and I was told those were the only ways she could reliably express herself. Each week, we took the teens on field trips, including visits to the pool. But in the water, her AAC device and whiteboard were not options. Communication became harder. That summer, I had been teaching basic American Sign Language to all of the campers. We had only just started the lessons, but I hoped it might give them another way to express themselves when other tools were not available. One afternoon at the pool, this young girl was eating lunch. She had been using ketchup, and I asked if she needed more food or more ketchup. She looked at me, paused, and clearly signed the word “finished.” It was a small word, but for me, it carried overwhelming weight. This child, who was believed to be unable to communicate without a device, had used her hands and her learning to express herself freely and confidently. I had to hold back tears. It was more than just a successful teaching moment. It was a breakthrough. It reminded me exactly why I chose this field, because every child deserves to be heard, in whatever way they communicate. As the camp went on, she began using sign language more and more during those moments when she did not have access to her AAC device or her whiteboard. Her confidence grew, and she started engaging more with others, not just with me but with her peers and other counselors. Watching her realize that she could still communicate, no matter the setting, was one of the most meaningful experiences I have ever had. Now, as a graduate student in the Speech Language Pathology program at UNC Greensboro, I carry moments like that one with me every day. My passion is helping children discover their voice, whatever form that may take: spoken, signed, written, or supported through AAC. My dream is to open a private practice where I can work closely with Deaf and special needs children, creating a space where they feel seen, heard, and completely valued. Like Sierra Argumedo, I believe in the power of kindness, education, and making sure every child feels noticed and loved. I come from a low income background and have supported myself through school, so I understand how much it means to be uplifted by others along the way. I strive to offer that same encouragement to the children I serve. I am truly honored to apply for a scholarship that carries forward Sierra’s legacy of love, purpose, and impact. I hope to honor her memory by continuing the work she believed in so deeply, helping every child feel like they matter.

Community activism is a powerful platform that everyone has access to. We all need to see change in our communities. The only way to jump start this uphill battle of change is by standing up for what we believe in. In this country we have freedom of speech and the right to peacefully protest. Throughout history we see inspiring leaders using these outlets to create ripples that eventually led to a title wave of change in this world. I live in a very small town when I’m not at school. This small town is known as Bryson City North Carolina. Bryson is a very conservative, republican majority, and old fashioned town. They don’t take well to movements such as Black Lives Matter, Me Too, or Roe VS Wade. Therefore , it’s extremely important to spread true information. I have been a part of every minority rally and protest possible since I came of age to go myself. I helped my friend with a speech to speak on behalf of the non-racists in our high school. I have spent countless hours creating signs and melting in the sun to raise awareness at the rallies and show that minorities deserve representation. I will continue to help this community grow when I come back to visit during my time in school. I hope that this community will begin to turn around and speak against all racist and sexist behavior. We must keep fighting for change, quitting is the only way we can lose.