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Isabelle Welch

1,485

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Finalist

Bio

I am a person with mosaic Down syndrome and a cancer survivor. I have a dream to become a librarian and an author someday. I struggle a lot with funds and I'm not making enough money. I want to go to college so I can make my dreams happen.

Education

Ivy Tech Community College-East Central

Associate's degree program
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Library Science, Other

Carmel High School

High School
2019 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Associate's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Library Science, Other
    • Library Science and Administration
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Libraries

    • Dream career goals:

    • Pager

      Carmel Clay Public Library
      2022 – 20231 year
    • Crew member

      McDonalds
      2021 – Present3 years

    Sports

    Dancing

    Club
    2012 – 20131 year

    Awards

    • no

    Research

    • Library Science, Other

      N/A — Researcher
      2023 – Present

    Arts

    • Carmel High School

      Performance Art
      no
      2019 – 2021

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Carmel Clay Public Library — Volunteer
      2012 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
    In October 2017, my life took an unexpected turn when I received the life-altering diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer in my right leg. This marked the beginning of a challenging and arduous journey that involved countless hospital visits and a series of complex surgeries over 7 years. The most recent surgery, in October 2023, coincided with a period of profound and debilitating depression. During that time, I found myself grappling with self-care, struggling to eat, isolating myself from loved ones, and avoiding any form of social interaction. Upon deep reflection, it became evident to me that I have been contending with significant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since my initial cancer diagnosis. As I struggled with my mental health challenges, I found myself feeling more and more overwhelmed. Consequently, I made the difficult decision to create distance between myself and all of my relationships. During my battle with depression, I didn't have the energy or desire to see anybody, including my closest friends and family. I isolated myself, spending entire days in bed without any motivation to take care of myself or engage in any activities. At that time, I truly felt like my life was over. During that challenging period, my mental health significantly deteriorated, and the thought of leaving the house was overwhelming. I felt a deep sense of worthlessness about my career. The internal battle to contain my emotions contributed to a pervasive belief that I lacked the necessary qualities. This ongoing struggle had a profound impact on my self-esteem and led me to question my value. While battling depression, I've come to realize a troubling pattern in my actions. I've gradually withdrawn from my family and actively shunned any form of social engagement. The mere thought of stepping outside or partaking in any activity overwhelms me with a sense of unshakeable dread. My yearning to isolate myself has intensified to the point where unexpected visits from acquaintances evoke intense feelings of frustration and anger within me. Taking care of our mental health is incredibly important because failing to do so can have serious repercussions. From my personal experience, I have made it a priority to actively cultivate a positive mindset and confront any negative thoughts or emotions that may surface. By consciously seeking out the silver linings in life and dedicating time to self-care practices, I have successfully nurtured my mental well-being and overall sense of contentment. During challenging times, it's important to remember that you are not alone. There are people in your life, like myself, who genuinely care about you and want to provide support. You don't have to face difficulties alone because you have a network of individuals who love and care for you. Keep your attention on the good things in life, such as your accomplishments, happy moments, and opportunities for growth, rather than getting bogged down by focusing on the challenges or setbacks.You possess inner strength, and it's important to recognize that you are not alone in this world. Acknowledge that there are countless individuals out there who are courageously facing their own mental health challenges.
    Mental Health Importance Scholarship
    In October 2017, my life took an unexpected turn when I received the life-altering diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer in my right leg. This marked the beginning of a challenging and arduous journey that involved countless hospital visits and a series of complex surgeries over 7 years. The most recent surgery, in October 2023, coincided with a period of profound and debilitating depression. During that time, I found myself grappling with self-care, struggling to eat, isolating myself from loved ones, and avoiding any form of social interaction. Upon deep reflection, it became evident to me that I have been contending with significant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since my initial cancer diagnosis. Nevertheless, I am steadfast in my determination to seek out the vital support I need and to prioritize both my mental and physical well-being as I continue on my challenging yet hopeful journey to recovery. I have come to believe that mental health is often overlooked by many individuals in our society. Personally, I have discovered that prioritizing my mental well-being is not just important, but crucial for leading a fulfilling life. Over the years, I have encountered various challenges and hardships, which have deepened my understanding of the significant role mental health plays in our overall well-being. By immersing myself in the complexities of mental health and seeking support when needed, I have been able to effectively navigate and alleviate stress, cultivate more profound and meaningful connections with those in my life, and consciously make healthier and more thoughtful choices in my day-to-day experiences. This journey has not only enhanced my well-being but has also enabled me to better support and empathize with others facing similar struggles. Ensuring good mental wellness is incredibly important because it allows me to gain a better understanding of and manage my overall health and well-being in various circumstances. There are several effective strategies I can adopt to maintain my mental wellness. Firstly, engaging in regular exercise is key. Even a brief 15-minute walk can significantly reduce stress levels and uplift my mood by releasing endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Secondly, prioritizing adequate sleep is essential. It directly impacts my ability to feel well-rested and rejuvenated, as it allows the body and mind to recover and recharge. Lastly, consciously focusing on positive aspects rather than dwelling on negatives empowers me to live in the present and embrace a more optimistic outlook on life. This can be achieved through mindfulness practices, gratitude exercises, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
    “Stranger Things” Fanatic Scholarship
    Will is talented at hiding, possibly because he survived in the Upside Down for so long. He appeared to have known how to load and use a gun, a skill he most likely learned from his father. Will Byers has some sort of telepathic ability that allows him to have a stronger connection with the alternate universe than the one he exists in. This ability would help him to see what is about to happen.is about to happen. In "Stranger Things," Mike Wheeler is recognized for being tough, brave, and protective but rarely shows emotional vulnerability. However, he can open up to his friend Will in a way that he can't with his other friends. When Will gets possessed, Mike immediately rushes to his side, driven by his protective and caring instincts. Eleven demonstrates numerous remarkable qualities in Stranger Things, such as courage, protection, and loyalty. Her loyalty is particularly noteworthy given the betrayal she has faced throughout her life. Despite being initially excluded by Mike and the boys, Eleven remains devoted to them. She shows many admirable qualities, including courage, protectiveness, loyalty, and care for the people around her. Although she is cautious and introverted, she is fiercely protective of those she cares about. Eleven has had an incredibly challenging upbringing if it can even be called a "childhood." Mike may be the first person she's encountered who genuinely cares for her, rather than what she can do for him.
    Barbara Cain Literary Scholarship
    As I was growing up, you would always find me in a book. My parents always told me to put down the book and come join them. You can always find me at a bookstore or a library. Being around books is my safe place. Books are my escape from reality when times become rough. I am a cancer survivor, and when I was in the hospital, I would always have books by my side. As I mentioned, you will always find me in a library. I volunteered there and used to work at my local library as a pager. I am currently going to school to become a librarian. When I first walked into the library, I knew that I was destined to be there. Growing up, my friends would go to me for an enjoyable book recommendation. At home, my bookshelf is in alphabetical order and by genre, like in a library. I have multiple books that impacted my life growing up. The first one is “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone” by J.K. Rowling. This book has had a significant impact on my life because it taught me to never give up. Harry has endured many hard challenges and trials. He comes back and defeats Voldemort in the last book called, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” This taught me to never give up while I was going through cancer. The second book that has impacted my life is “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White. I have read this book a lot because it gave me a lesson to look upon. The lesson I learned was to not judge a book by its cover. This means do not judge someone that you hardly know without giving them a chance. The influence this book had on my life shaped how I formed my relationships with others around me. These books influenced my goals and dreams. They also taught me unbelievably valuable life lessons. Never give up on your goals and dreams. When I was going through cancer, I thought of these books, and I fought. By surviving cancer and want to act by starting my course on becoming a librarian. I want to be in a place that I cherish the most. The influences of these books had a significant impact on my life, and it makes me want to keep going. My goal of becoming a librarian is just one step ahead all thanks to the books I have read.