The song from the 1989 (Taylor's Version) that would be on my soundtrack has to be "Shake it Off". “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift, is one of her songs that I feel like I can listen to again and again and not grow tired of. I would choose this song because there are a lot of things in life that as you grow you realize you have no control over. That is definitely something that I have learned in this past year and one of the themes present in this song. The things people assumed and made up about Taylor was out of her control, however she moved past it and now we have an awesome song. This past year, 2023, was filled with a lot of changes for me. It was the year I graduated high school, and the year I started college. Right before graduation I found myself caught in senioritis where it felt like I “Got nothin’ in my brain”. I felt like I was already on summer vacation and done with school. My teachers gave a lot of extra busy work leading into the end of the school year that was small in grade points. However, even though it took me longer to bring myself to complete it, homework was still my main priority. Once graduation came I thought that everything would be different, or rather that I would be different. In reality, it just felt like another regular summer vacation. It honestly did not hit me that I graduated, until the day before college. All of a sudden, friends I have known since elementary school were packing their cars to move into their college dorm rooms that were halfway across the United States. It bothered me at first when they all moved and I watched how the amount of times we messaged each other slowly diminished. I see them whenever they come home, however it is just not the same. Now I am in college and it feels like I am restarting in a way; new friends, new professors, new school. The whole first semester I felt like “I'm dancin' on my own (Dancin' on my own)” and as I got through the semester, I felt Taylor’s lyrics of, “I make the moves up as I go (Moves up as I go)”. I had no idea what was expected of me or how the instructor would grade me compared to how the high school teachers did. It was nerve racking at first. Also, other students would talk about how they have everything figured out and look down on the freshmen for being confused or struggling to figure out where the different buildings were. I am now almost at the end of my second semester in college. Looking back, the change between high school and college was definitely a roller coaster of emotions and new experiences. I have learned that the only way to keep going is to try your best and take whatever experiences come your way. There is no pre-set path carved in stone that leads you to your future. The only way forward is to make your own choices and your own decisions, without worrying about what other people say. Other people have no idea what challenges you have overcome or what kind of person you are or what kind of job you should have, only you can answer that. When people talk about you or try to hold you back, you gotta channel your inner Taylor and “Shake It Off”.

Hi there! Community service has always been important to me. I love helping other people and finding ways to make the world a better place. I also love meeting new people from different organizations who share a passion for helping others. Community service is my way of giving back to the community. Over the years, I have helped many different organizations. I was a girl scout from first to twelfth grade and throughout high school I was an active member of Key Club. With my girl scout troop, I volunteered with animal shelters, visited nursing homes, and helped to lead many activities at a camp for the younger girls in my service unit. Key Club is a community service based club. As a club, we created dog toys and pet beds from old clothing that was donated to us. We also held various donations for different organizations such as Art of Recycle, Yuda Bands, and donations for the children’s hospitals in our area. As a former member of Girl Scouts and Key Club, I was able to help many organizations and make a difference. Community service has allowed me to explore my passions and develop new skills for the future. Through all of my community service, I have learned that I love helping the younger generation learn new things and I learned that I love being around animals. An important skill I have developed through my community service experiences is finding my voice and becoming an effective leader. Before I started helping out with organizations, I was an extremely shy and introverted person. Now, I have the confidence to step up, and take the initiative to advocate for problems in my community, and express ideas to improve those problems. I am currently in my second semester of college at Penn State Berks campus where I am working towards earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Genetics. I also am a member of an undergraduate research group on campus that is involved with doing research on cyanophage and cyanotoxins found in the cyanobacteria algae in Blue Marsh Lake. This is something I enjoy and am currently interested in because I did some prior research and scientific work related to cyanobacteria throughout high school. My future plan includes earning a Master’s degree in Marine Biology with an overall goal of becoming a Marine Biologist. As a Marine Biologist I hope to conduct research on coral reefs and have a balance between working in the laboratory, scuba diving, and being on a boat doing research in my job field. Starting off by earning a Bachelor's degree in Biology is allowing me to become more familiar with working in the laboratory, while gaining a more hands on experience, and a more well rounded science education that covers many different areas in the STEM field. My advisor, professors and I hope that this exposure from my current college curriculum, along with my undergraduate research involvement, will set me apart from other individuals who want to pursue a job field or career path. Of course, the expense of college can certainly add up along the way, so this scholarship will help me better afford and achieve my future career goals. Thank you for your time and consideration.

“When people say you can’t do it - that it’s impossible - never lose hope. Just because they couldn’t doesn’t mean you can’t” - David Copperfield “You can’t play soccer”. Those four words changed my life. I was trying to make sense out of what I just heard. When I was in fourth grade, I was diagnosed with a mild case of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This is an autonomic nervous system (ANS) disorder that affects blood flow. POTS is also considered to be a cardiatric disorder because it affects blood pressure and causes an abnormal heartbeat. Ever since first grade, I have played soccer. I started as a goalie, but my coach and I quickly agreed that that was not the position for me. He moved me to a striker, and my skills progressed quickly. In second grade, I was put on a different team and my new coach decided that defense was for me. It was strange to adjust at first, but I quickly adapted and from that point on I have been playing defense. That was until the person who was supposed to approve my physical said no. The physician’s thought process was probably something along the lines of POTS is an abnormality and since it causes fainting, dizziness, seizures, etc, this kid is not fit to play soccer. As soon as the physician saw POTS written on my chart, she laughed, said that she would not approve my physical, and sent me on my way. At no point did she evaluate my physical ability, nor did she ask me any questions related to my condition. After I was told that I could not play soccer, my mom called my Doctor, who as it turns out also has POTS. She was confused by this and wrote a note that allowed me to play soccer. Since then, I have played soccer for eleven years. In that time, I have never been at a disadvantage due to my condition. I am currently not playing soccer at the college level, however, from first to my senior year of high school soccer was my life. Now, I spend a lot of time working in my college's science labs conducting research experiments involving emerging contaminants in nearby waterways. I still have POTS flare-ups now and then where I will get dizzy and on the verge of passing out, which still puts me at a slight disadvantage in comparison to some of my peers. Nevertheless, I love what I do and I will not let my autoimmune disorder prevent me from reaching my goals. The incident years ago has taught me that we live in a society where people take one look at you, or in that case the list of past medical issues and disorders, and are quick to judge you. Even today people continue to judge me for my condition. I have learned that when someone tells you no, or that you cannot do something, it should just add fuel to the fire to work hard and achieve your goals, despite limitations.

If everyone in the world could read just one book I would choose "The Lorax", by Dr. Suess. "UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - the Lorax Climate change is a big issue in today's world. Many people decide to ignore the facts and pretend it is not as bad as it seems, others have no idea of the reality, and a small group of people are working to try and make changes in the world. The Lorax is a short book that holds a lot of lessons. The Once-ler wanted to make his living and when he found a very profitable business he seized the opportunity. However, he did not take in the effect it would have on the environment or other people in that society. The more thneeds he made, the more trees he cut down, the less fruit was available to the bears, the more smog filled the skies, and the more waste filled the waters. The Once-ler did not realize the consequences, nor did he account for the impact he had on everyone else when he started. The only person who stood up for him was the Lorax. He tried to explain the impact he was having and how he was destroying the world, but the Once-ler did not realize what he meant until there were no more trees to cut down. In today's world, there are many people and many big-name companies who are acting like the Once-ler in this book. If more people were to read the Lorax, especially re-read the book as adults, then the world and our environment would be a lot better off than it is right now. There would be more people who take in the Lorax's message of "UNLESS" and there would be a lot of change in the future.

There is nothing better than sitting curled up in a blanket on the couch on a rainy day with hot chocolate in one hand and the remote for Netflix in the other. The only problem is when Netflix finally opens and you get the flash of panic as you realize just how many TV shows and movies are available and you have no idea what you are in the mood for. You sit there for a few minutes before scrolling, as that would give you endless options, and think do I want a movie? Start a show? Something comedy? A sappy drama? Something with action? I mean the possibilities are endless on Netflix. To save you from spending extra time figuring out what to watch, take my advice go to the search bar and find Gilmore Girls! Gilmore Girls is a show that has a little bit of everything wrapped into one. There is comedy, drama, sappy, some action and to top it off there are a few love triangles along the way. You never know what you will get with each episode, you may need a box of tissues for one episode, and the next episode you may just laugh your face off. Gilmore Girls follows the life of Lorelai Gilmore, a single mother who tries her best to give her daughter Rory the best in life. Lorelai comes from a very pristine and upper-class family, however, with family issues and the conflict caused by her teen pregnancy she wants nothing to do with them. Shortly after bringing Rory home from the hospital, Lorelai takes Rory and they move to a small town called Stars Hollow. Stars Hollow is the ultimate small town. Everyone knows everything about everyone and word travels fast. Throughout the show, the townspeople are seen more as one big crazy family. There are town meetings every week and they kind of go down like a meal with your whole family around the holidays. For the town meetings, as a holiday meal, you have the majority of the group catching up on what's new and exciting, another group checking their watch the whole time just ready to leave, and those few relatives who like to have a big debate about something random that everyone then puts their input on. Rory Gilmore is very bright and always carries a book on her. She ends up switching from Stars Hollow High School to a private school called Chilton. Throughout the series Rory tries to adapt to the new environment with the kids at Chilton who all come from families of high social status, while also developing relationships and finding herself in a few love triangles along the way. Like Lorelai, Rory has a witty and funny sense of humor. When the two of them meet up at Luke's diner for coffee there are a lot of fun lines that you will find yourself using in your everyday life. One of my favorites is "I hate when I’m an idiot and don’t know it. I like being aware of my idiocy.” - Lorelai Gilmore. Also, what makes it even better is that Luke, the diner owner, comes across as this kind of grouchy guy. He resists all the town functions and is a great contrast to Lorelai's humorous side. There is a little bit of everything in this show and is a great rainy day afternoon, or weekend binge, or something to watch to cheer you up. If you find yourself scrolling Netflix longer than five minutes put on Gilmore Girls. You'll be hooked by episode one! Enjoy bingeing!

If I could only watch one movie for the rest of my life, it would be Mighty Joe Young. Growing up, I would watch this movie over and over on my VHS player. Although the movie has a sad beginning, it has great life lessons and a great story about friendship and bravery. This movie tells the story of a girl named Jill who grew up in a jungle in Africa. Her mom loved gorillas and wanted to study them in their natural habitat. A gorilla recently gave birth to a baby named Joe. While Jill's mom would work, Jill liked to play with Joe. One stormy night, a group of poachers found the gorillas. Jill's mom got a call in the middle of the night and told her daughter not to leave the house. Like any young kid, Jill decided to follow. The poachers were armed and there was a lot of gunfire. While trying to protect the gorillas, Jill's and Joe's mothers were hit by the bullets. Sadly, both mothers passed away that night and the poachers got away. The movie then jumps to years later where Jill and Joe are both adults now and have a very unique friendship. There are a bunch of people who try to convince Jill that Joe would be happier and better cared for in a wildlife preserve. Reluctantly, Jill agrees. Shortly after Joe enters the wildlife preserve, the poachers from the beginning of the movie find him. To save Joe's life, Jill breaks him out of the enclosure and Joe runs free. Instead of running toward his freedom in the jungle, Joe hears cries from a little boy who is in danger. This movie is a sad one. The story of all of the challenges Jill and Joe had to endure during their lives is heartbreaking. However, their perseverance and ability to look on the bright side of life is inspiring and heartwarming. Even though Jill lost her mother at such a young age, she steps up and cares for Joe without hesitation. Years later, Jill still wants the best for him and even though the wildlife preserve did not work out, it seemed like the best option at the time. As soon as she realized Joe was in some kind of danger she put her life at risk to fix Joe's situation. Looking at Joe, at the end of the movie, Joe could have been free. Instead, he put his life at risk to save a young kid he did not know and proved to everyone that he was not as scary as people made him seem. Winning this scholarship would greatly help me pay for my Bachelor's degree in Biology, and help me save up for my Master's degree in Marine Biology. If nothing comes of applying for this scholarship, then I highly recommend you watch this movie. I know my synopsis of this amazing movie did not do it justice, however, it is worth watching and may end up being the movie you choose to watch for the rest of your life. Thank you for your consideration!

Community service has always been important to me. I love helping other people and finding ways to make the world a better place. I also love meeting new people from different organizations who share a passion for helping others. Community service is my way of giving back to the community. Over the years, I have helped many different organizations. Every year I help with community events in South Heidelberg Township. The events I help with includes their annual Easter egg hunts, as well as their Halloween movie nights. These are normally day long events but are definitely worth the time. I love helping with the event set up and being able to hand out prizes to the younger kids. These events are really rewarding. Another community service event I have been helping with is elementary school tutoring. Since October, I have been going to Conrad Weiser West Elementary School to tutor and teach math to some of the fourth graders. The elementary school level was impacted the most during the COVID shutdown because the teachers could not work with the elementary students as much due to limited resources. Over the past few months, I have been able to see these students make progress in topics like addition and subtraction, and become more comfortable with more challenging concepts, such as multiplication and division. I have also provided community service through Key Club. Key Club is an organization dedicated to helping people and organizations through community service projects. This year, I am District Liaison for Key Club. This role means I help plan and organize service projects at both the High School Key Club, as well as the Middle School Builder's Club. Key Club usually takes a more hands on approach to raising awareness to important causes. For examples, this year we helped the animal rescue leagues by creating dog toys and pet beds from old shirts that were donated to us. The Builder's Club usually does more donation type projects. We are currently collecting donations for Art of Recycle, an organization that helps provide art and educational supplies to families and teachers in less fortunate communities. Being apart of both of these clubs have allowed me to help many organizations and make a bigger difference. Community service has allowed me to explore my passions and develop new skills for the future. Through all of my community service, I have learned that I love helping the younger generation learn new things and I learned that I love being around animals. Finding ways to help animals in rescue leagues and shelters to live a happier life is rewarding and enjoyable for me. An important skill I have developed because of my community service experiences is finding my voice and becoming an effective leader. Before I started helping out with organizations, I was an extremely shy and introverted person. Now, I have the confidence to step up, and take the initiative to advocate for problems in my community, and express ideas to improve those problems. My dream is to go to college to earn a master's degree in marine biology. I have always loved science and I would love to have a career as a research scientists where I can conduct my own scientific studies while being surrounded by marine life. This scholarship would allow me to afford to go to college and give me the opportunity to reach my dreams.