My name, Jasline, means "gift from God." Growing up, I thought my name was the gift. As I've gotten older, I've realized the greatest gifts in my life have been the people who believed in me before I believed in myself. Their faith, sacrifices, and encouragement shaped not only who I am but also who I hope to become. As the daughter of Haitian immigrants and a first-generation college student, I was raised to see education as a privilege, never a guarantee. My parents often shared stories of walking long distances to school in Haiti because they believed education was worth every sacrifice. Even though neither of them had the opportunity to attend college, they made sure I understood that every door opened for me was built on generations of perseverance. Their example taught me that success is not something you keep—it is something you use to create opportunities for others. Life challenged that lesson early. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension as a child, and suddenly my days revolved around medications, doctor's appointments, and blood sugar checks instead of simply being a kid. During that time, nurses and physicians became more than healthcare providers; they became mentors. They encouraged me when I felt discouraged and reminded me that my diagnosis did not determine my future. With their support, I lowered my A1C from 16 to 5.6. More importantly, they gave me confidence. That experience inspired my dream of becoming a pediatric nurse who helps children see possibilities beyond their diagnoses. Growing up in Pine Hills, Florida, I also learned that a community is defined by people, not by stereotypes. While others saw my neighborhood through headlines, I saw hardworking families, dedicated teachers, compassionate healthcare workers, and neighbors who always found ways to help one another. My mother embodied that spirit every day. As a certified nursing assistant for more than twenty-five years, often working two jobs, she cared for her patients with dignity while still finding time to serve others in our community. Watching her taught me that leadership begins with compassion and that true strength is measured by how you lift others. Because so many people invested in me, I have made it my mission to invest in others. Through volunteering at food distributions, serving individuals experiencing homelessness, and working as a preschool teacher, I have discovered that the smallest acts of kindness often leave the greatest impact. One of my most meaningful experiences has been supporting Haitian children who recently arrived in the United States. Speaking Haitian Creole allowed me to comfort them, help them find their voices, and remind them that they belonged. In those moments, I understood the power of simply being someone who understands. This fall, I will attend the University of Florida's College of Nursing. My goal is to become the kind of nurse who not only treats illness but also gives children and families hope. Receiving the Khalil Mack Foundation Scholarship would ease the financial burden of pursuing that dream, but more importantly, it would allow me to continue the cycle of generosity that has shaped my life. The greatest gift I have received has never been an opportunity itself—it has been people who chose to invest in me. My purpose is to honor those gifts by becoming someone who invests in the next generation