The image I chose is of a large tree with deep roots and blooming flowers reaching out from its branches. This tree represents strength, growth, and the balance between holding on and letting go. Each part of it holds personal meaning and reminds me of the journey I have taken to become who I am today. The tree itself stands as a symbol of endurance. Like a tree that stands through storms and changing seasons, I have learned how to stay strong through emotional challenges and moments of uncertainty. I see the trunk as a representation of my inner self. It has been shaped by life experiences, by love, and by pain. Trees grow over time, and so do people. We stretch, we bend, and sometimes we break, but we continue growing. That is what I see when I look at this image. The deep roots beneath the ground represent the people and values that keep me grounded. They remind me of my family, my culture, and the things I believe in. No matter what changes on the outside, those roots are still there. They have carried me through difficult times and remind me that I am never alone. I carry the influence of those who have come before me in everything I do. These roots are a symbol of how important it is to stay connected to what matters most, especially when life gets difficult. The flowers growing on the branches show that even after struggle, beauty and hope can still appear. To me, this speaks to resilience and transformation. Flowers do not bloom overnight. They need time, care, and the right conditions. In the same way, I have needed time and support to grow from my experiences. I believe that we all have the power to turn pain into purpose and challenges into wisdom. The flowers on the tree remind me that healing is not only possible, it is beautiful. The open sky behind the tree represents freedom and possibility. It shows that even while staying rooted, I can still reach upward. There is no limit to what I can achieve when I believe in myself and stay true to my path. The combination of strong roots and open skies inspires me to dream big while remembering where I came from. This image speaks to who I am and who I am becoming. It reminds me that I am allowed to grow at my own pace. It tells me that it is okay to carry the past with me as long as I do not let it hold me back. Most of all, it gives me a sense of peace. Like the tree, I am still standing. I am still growing. And I am still blooming.

My name is Jayla, and I am a biology major with a minor in forensic science. I have always been fascinated by the science of life, the systems that hold us together, and the way people respond to life’s most difficult moments. My personal experiences, especially the loss of my father when I was eighteen, have given me a deeper understanding of grief, healing, and the need for compassionate support. These experiences, along with my interest in science, have shaped both my educational and professional goals. They have also strengthened my commitment to civic and public service in ways that I carry with me every day. My short-term educational goal is to complete my undergraduate degree in biology while gaining a strong foundation in forensic science. I chose this path because I want to help bring truth and closure to families through investigative science. Forensics is more than just evidence—it is about giving people answers, often during their darkest moments. I plan to apply my education to a career in forensic investigation or laboratory work, where I can use scientific tools to support justice and provide families with the information they deserve. Beyond that, my long-term professional goal is to open and operate my own funeral home. This may seem unusual for someone with a background in science, but it is something deeply personal to me. After losing my father, I witnessed how overwhelming and impersonal the process of death can feel when families do not have the right support. I want to create a space that offers more than basic services. I want to offer care that honors both life and loss. A funeral home should be a place of dignity, healing, and respect for every family, regardless of their background or financial situation. I want to help people grieve in peace, with guidance and support that meets them where they are. Education is the tool that will allow me to do all of this with knowledge, precision, and credibility. I am committed to learning everything I can, from biology and anatomy to business and emotional intelligence. I believe that being prepared academically will help me serve others with excellence. My career goals are rooted in service, and education is the foundation I am building on. Outside the classroom, I have always stayed involved in civic and community service. As a student-athlete, I have learned the value of discipline, leadership, and teamwork. I have led youth fitness activities and volunteered my time to help younger kids understand the importance of health and self-confidence. I also helped organize donation drives, including school supplies, hygiene kits, and basic necessities for families in need. These small efforts may not seem huge, but they have shown me how real change starts with showing up consistently and caring about people beyond yourself. My commitment to public service also comes from understanding what it feels like to go without. I know what it means to struggle silently, to carry emotional pain while trying to stay focused in school or sports. Because of that, I am especially passionate about helping others who feel overlooked. Whether it is a grieving family trying to plan a funeral, a child in need of mentorship, or someone simply trying to navigate life, I want to be the kind of person who listens, who shows up, and who serves with heart. In the future, I hope to use my funeral home not just as a business, but as a community space. I want to offer workshops on grief, programs for youth, and partnerships with local organizations that support mental health, education, and family resources. My goal is to create more than a service. I want to build a legacy of healing and empowerment. What drives me most is knowing that success means nothing if it does not help others. My educational and professional goals are not just about personal achievement. They are about using what I learn to support others in real and lasting ways. Every step I take—from the classroom to the community—is guided by that purpose. I am committed to leading a life of impact. I believe in honoring those who came before me by giving back, lifting others, and building a future where care, dignity, and service are at the center. Through science, business, and heart, I plan to serve with purpose and change lives along the way.

My name is Jayla, and I am a student pursuing a degree in biology with a minor in forensic science. I come from a background shaped by both struggle and strength, and I carry the lessons I have learned into everything I do. I am a track and field athlete, a volunteer, and someone who values community. I also carry the memory of my father, who passed away when I was eighteen. His passing had a deep impact on me, and it helped shape the direction I want my life to go. Losing someone so close to me opened my eyes to how important care, dignity, and clarity are during times of grief. That is why I plan to use my education and life experiences to serve others, both in the field of forensic science and in the funeral service industry. My long-term goal is to own a funeral home that offers compassionate support, quality service, and a sense of peace for families during their most painful moments. With my degree in biology and background in forensic science, I want to help bring justice and closure to families by working in a lab or in crime investigation. Many cases, especially in underserved communities, go unsolved or receive little attention. I want to be a part of the solution. I believe that science, when used with integrity and heart, can be a powerful tool for truth and healing. Every case represents a real person, and I want to treat that responsibility with care. Later in my career, I plan to open a funeral home that centers around community and dignity. I have seen how families struggle to find services that are affordable, respectful, and personal. I want to change that. I want to offer families not only a place to honor their loved ones, but also a place that offers emotional support, resources, and respect for every culture and background. My dream is to create a space where people feel cared for, not just processed. Outside of academics and career goals, I also want to inspire others who come from similar situations. Whether it is young people who are dealing with grief, growing up in a single-parent household, or simply trying to find their way, I want them to see what is possible. I want to show them that they are not limited by their past and that their future can be built on purpose. Everything I do is fueled by a deep desire to serve. My studies are not just about earning a degree. They are about building a life that gives back. Through science, care, and compassion, I plan to create change one life at a time.

My name is Jayla, and I am a first-year college student majoring in biology with a minor in forensic science. Education has always been a priority in my life, and I have worked hard to succeed despite the challenges I have faced along the way. Throughout high school, I maintained strong grades while also participating in dual credit courses, which allowed me to earn college credits early. I was involved in track, basketball, and orchestra, and I consistently pushed myself to grow both academically and personally. Balancing sports, music, and honors classes required discipline, but I was committed to making the most of every opportunity. What inspires me most is my goal of building a career in forensic science. After losing my father at the age of eighteen, I began to understand how powerful science can be in bringing answers and closure to families. That experience shaped my desire to work in a field that combines science with service. I hope to work in a forensic lab, where I can help solve cases and bring truth to light. In the future, I also plan to open a funeral home that offers compassionate, affordable care to families in need. I want to be someone who helps people through their most difficult moments, using both my knowledge and my heart. Service has always been a part of my life. I have volunteered with local outreach programs, packed care kits for the homeless, mentored younger students, and participated in school service projects. Whether I am giving time to others or simply offering support to a teammate or classmate, I believe in lifting others up. I also love encouraging young girls, especially those interested in science, to believe in themselves and know that they belong in the STEM field too. Financially, the path to college has not been easy. After my father’s passing, my family faced new financial burdens that made paying for school feel overwhelming. I have applied for scholarships, worked hard to stay on track, and remained focused on my goals, but tuition, books, and basic living expenses continue to be a challenge. Receiving this scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to continue my education without constantly worrying about how to afford it. It would also allow me to dedicate more time to my studies and community involvement. I believe I deserve this scholarship not because I have had a perfect journey, but because I have continued to show up, stay focused, and work hard even when things were difficult. What sets me apart is my drive to turn my pain into purpose and use my education to serve others. I am passionate about science, justice, and care, and I am committed to making a meaningful impact through the work I do. With your support, I will continue to grow as a student, a leader, and a future professional in the forensic science field.

Furthering my education is important to me because it is the key to breaking generational cycles and creating a better life not only for myself but for the people around me. As a future first-generation college graduate, I see education as more than just a personal goal. It is a responsibility I carry for my family and my community. My dream is to pursue a degree in biology with a minor in forensic science, and eventually open a funeral home that provides respectful, affordable services for grieving families. I want to use science, care, and service to make a lasting impact—and education is the foundation that makes this possible. In the middle of this academic journey, music has been my anchor. I have been a part of my school’s orchestra for several years, and playing the violin has helped me stay grounded and calm in moments when life felt overwhelming. Music gives me a way to express feelings that are hard to say out loud. It has helped me build discipline, focus, and patience—skills that carry over into my schoolwork and life goals. When I play, I feel in control, even when everything else feels uncertain. Music has also helped me cope with grief and loss. I was eighteen when my father passed away. His death was one of the hardest experiences I have ever faced. In the middle of senior year, while balancing classes, sports, and college plans, I suddenly had to navigate life without one of my biggest supporters. During that time, music became my therapy. I remember sitting with my violin after his funeral, letting the notes say what I couldn’t. Music helped me release sadness, confusion, and even anger in a healthy way. It gave me a safe space to heal, little by little. Though I have not been directly affected by crime, I understand its impact. My interest in forensic science is rooted in a desire to help people find justice and peace. I want to work in labs that help solve crimes with accuracy and care. I want families to have answers, closure, and dignity. I believe that when people are hurt by crime, the right investigation and respectful service can make a big difference in their healing process. This is why I take my studies seriously. I know that the knowledge I gain can one day be used to help others through their hardest moments. Education, art, and my own life experiences are all connected in my story. Music has helped me through pain. Education has helped me stay focused. Together, they have shaped the person I am becoming someone strong, creative, determined, and full of purpose. With the support of scholarships like this, I can keep moving forward toward my dreams and continue using what I learn to lift others up along the way.

One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had with community came during a local volunteer event organized to help clean and repair homes damaged by severe weather. My town had been hit by a heavy storm that left many elderly and low-income residents with property damage they couldn’t afford to fix. I signed up with a few classmates, thinking I’d just be painting walls or picking up trash. What I didn’t expect was how much the experience would change the way I see people, and my role in the world. The house we were assigned belonged to an older woman named Miss Clara. Her backyard was flooded, her fence was broken, and tree limbs had fallen all over the place. When we arrived, she greeted us with a smile so big it was hard to believe she had gone through such a difficult experience. We spent hours cleaning her yard, trimming branches, hauling debris, and replanting flowers she loved but had lost in the storm. Miss Clara brought us lemonade and told us stories about her life, her grandkids, and her love for her community. Her warmth was contagious. That day, I realized community isn’t just about geography, it’s about people showing up for each other, even when they don’t have to. Helping Miss Clara reminded me that resilience doesn’t always mean facing things alone. Sometimes it means accepting help, rebuilding together, and choosing joy even after hardship. That experience also gave me a new sense of hope for the future. As a high school senior preparing to go to college, the future can feel uncertain and even overwhelming. But being surrounded by people who cared, classmates, organizers, and neighbors, showed me that no matter what happens, we don’t have to face challenges alone. There’s strength in connection. And there’s power in kindness. Since that day, I’ve become more active in volunteer events and community projects. Whether it’s helping at a food bank, organizing a clothing drive, or tutoring younger students, I’ve learned that every act of service, no matter how small, creates a ripple effect. You never know whose day, or life, you might be changing. Being part of a community has taught me that hope isn’t something we wait for, it’s something we build. It’s in every shared effort, every act of compassion, and every moment when people come together to lift each other up. That’s the kind of world I want to help create. And because of the connections I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned, I know it’s possible.

When my father passed away during my senior year of high school, everything in my life shifted. His death forced me to grow up quickly and take on more responsibility, not just emotionally but also financially. I was no longer just a student or an athlete. I became someone who had to fight hard to stay focused, motivated, and hopeful, even when the future felt uncertain. That loss changed me, but it also helped shape who I am today—resilient, driven, and determined to help others find answers and peace, just like I had to search for during my own time of grief. Growing up, I was always curious about science and how it could be used to solve real-life problems. As I got older, that curiosity turned into a deeper interest in biology and forensic science. I realized that these fields allowed people like me to make an impact without being in the spotlight. I could work behind the scenes to help families find truth, justice, and closure. The more I learned, the more I felt called to pursue a career in forensic science and eventually own a funeral home that serves families with compassion and care. This dream combines my love for science, my commitment to helping others, and my desire to give back to my community. One of my most meaningful experiences has been volunteering in my community and mentoring younger students. Whether helping classmates with schoolwork or encouraging teammates on the track field, I’ve always tried to lift others up and be a source of support. I’ve also been involved in orchestra and service projects that focus on bringing people together. These experiences taught me that leadership isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s shown through quiet consistency, showing up when others need you, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. What drives me is the idea that my education can be a tool to create change. I am pursuing a degree in biology with a minor in forensic science because I want to work in labs that analyze evidence and help solve cases. I want to be a voice for those who can no longer speak for themselves. Later in life, I plan to use my scientific background to run a funeral home that offers affordable services to families who may not have many options. I want to provide comfort, respect, and dignity during one of the hardest moments a family can face. Education is more than just a personal goal for me. It’s the bridge between where I am now and the future I see for myself. With the support of this program, I can gain the knowledge, skills, and connections I need to make that vision real. I want to uplift others, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, and show them that your past does not define your potential. Through my work and my example, I hope to make a lasting impact in both science and service.

My name is Jayla Johnson, and I am currently a high school senior wanting to pursue a degree in biology. I come from a single-mother household, which has shaped me into the focused, hardworking, and compassionate person I am today. Watching my mom handle everything on her own, from working long hours to making sure my siblings and I stayed on the right path, taught me the value of resilience and sacrifice. Her example has fueled my drive to succeed and to one day give back to the community that supported me. Losing my father at 18 was one of the hardest moments of my life. It left a hole in my heart, but it also pushed me to grow up quickly and take responsibility for my future. My mom never let our situation hold us back. She taught me that we don’t need everything to be perfect to move forward. Because of her, I learned to stay strong in difficult times and to always keep going, even when things feel impossible. In school, I’ve always been deeply interested in science, especially biology. I plan to use my degree to work in a lab or forensic setting, either as a lab technician or crime scene investigator. I’m not drawn to medicine or direct patient care, I prefer the behind-the-scenes work that still makes a huge difference in people’s lives. Lab work is essential to solving crimes, advancing research, and protecting public health. I want to be part of that. Outside of academics, I’m involved in basketball, track and field, orchestra, and volunteer work. These activities have helped me build discipline, time management, and teamwork, skills that will benefit me throughout life. I also go to the track daily, not just for fitness, but because it’s a space where I push myself and clear my mind. Staying physically active and engaged helps me manage stress and stay focused on my goals. Coming from a single-mother household has made me more aware of the struggles that many families face. I know what it’s like to have limited resources, to feel the pressure to succeed, and to work twice as hard to prove yourself. That’s why I plan to use my career and my story to make a difference. I want to help solve real problems through science and one day mentor students who come from similar backgrounds. I want them to see that their past does not limit their future. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden on my family, it would also serve as a reminder that my hard work matters. It would be an investment in someone who’s determined to turn challenges into opportunities and use knowledge to serve others. I am committed to making a positive impact through my work and by showing others that where you come from doesn’t define where you can go. Thank you for considering me.

My name is Jayla Johnson, and I am a high school senior, wanting to pursue a degree in biology with the goal of working in a lab or as a crime scene investigator. I’ve always been drawn to science and how it can be used to solve problems, protect communities, and improve lives. I believe that with the right education and support, I can make a meaningful difference in the world. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving that. I’ve grown up knowing that life can change quickly and unexpectedly. After losing my father at the age of 18, I learned firsthand how important it is to stay focused, push through adversity, and find strength in the things I’m passionate about. That experience shaped my mindset and gave me a deep appreciation for the value of hard work, family, and community. In college, I plan to stay active and involved. I participate in orchestra, basketball, track and field, and community service. These activities have taught me discipline, time management, and the power of teamwork. I also spend time volunteering because I enjoy giving back and being part of something that helps others. Whether it’s helping at local events or supporting classmates, I try to show up in a way that makes people feel seen and supported. Academically, I’m committed to excelling in science and using that knowledge in a real-world setting. I’m especially interested in forensics, lab research, and anything that allows me to apply biology in hands-on ways. I don’t want to go into healthcare or medical school, I’m more focused on lab work and using evidence-based science to bring clarity and truth to situations that matter, like solving crimes or researching diseases. I know that behind every lab test or forensic result, there are real people affected, and that motivates me to do my best.Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus more on my studies and long-term goals. It would also remind me that there are people and organizations who believe in students like me, students who are working hard and trying to create a better future, even if the path isn’t always easy. In the future, I plan to use my education and experiences to give back in multiple ways. Professionally, I want to work in a lab or forensic setting where I can help bring justice, safety, and knowledge to the community. Personally, I want to mentor other young students who may feel unsure about their future paths, especially those interested in science but who don’t fit the traditional mold. I am someone who shows up, works hard, and genuinely cares about people. I believe I have both the passion and the perseverance to turn challenges into opportunities. This scholarship would not only support me financially, it would also support the impact I hope to make in the world. Thank you for your consideration.

Ever since I was young, I’ve been curious about how things work,from the smallest part of the human body to the mysteries of the universe. That curiosity grew stronger through school, where I found myself most excited in science classes, asking questions and wanting to explore the answers. Now, as I plan my future, I know I want to study biology and work in a STEM field, either as a lab technician or in crime scene investigation (CSI). I’m passionate about STEM because it gives me the tools to solve real-world problems, help others, and keep learning for life. STEM is about more than just numbers or experiments,it’s about making a difference. I want to be the kind of person who uses science to improve lives, whether that’s helping doctors find out what’s wrong with a patient through lab work or helping bring justice to families through forensic evidence. In both paths, STEM is what makes that kind of impact possible. I love that science is always moving forward. There’s always more to discover, and I want to be part of that progress. One thing that makes me especially passionate about STEM is how it can help communities. There are so many people who need support,whether it’s through better healthcare, safer neighborhoods, or better access to science education. With the right training and knowledge, I can be someone who makes those things happen. I want to give back to my community, not just through my career but also by mentoring others. Many students don’t see STEM as something they can succeed in, especially if they don’t have role models or support. I want to change that by showing others that if I can do it, they can too. My experiences have shaped my passion as well. Losing my father at 18 was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through, but it pushed me to work harder and stay focused on my goals. I found strength in structure, like going to track every day and staying involved in sports, orchestra, and volunteer work. These activities taught me discipline, teamwork, and leadership,all skills that are also important in STEM. They also showed me how strong and capable I can be when I commit to something, and I’m ready to bring that same energy to my education and future career. STEM gives people the chance to change lives,not just their own, but the lives of others too. It teaches you to think critically, ask questions, and never stop searching for answers. That’s what I love about it. I’m excited to keep learning, to face challenges, and to one day look back and know that I made a difference because I chose to follow my passion for science.

My story is shaped by a combination of passion, resilience, and the lessons I’ve learned from facing both joy and hardship. Growing up, I was always curious about the world around me, especially in fields like science and technology. My love for learning and problem-solving led me to pursue a path in STEM, where I could merge my interests and make a real-world impact. However, life has a way of testing your strength, and it was through personal challenges that I truly understood the depth of my own resilience. One of the most defining moments in my life was when my father passed away when I was 18 years old. I had just started my senior year of high school, and the loss was overwhelming. My father had always been my role model. His work ethic, his sense of humor, and his dedication to our family shaped who I was. Losing him so suddenly left a hole in my heart and made me question everything. How could I continue to push forward when someone so integral to my life was gone? It was a difficult transition, but in the midst of grief, I realized something important: my father had taught me the importance of perseverance, even when the going got tough. In the months following his death, I found comfort in my passions. Science, which had always been a hobby, became my outlet. It was a way to keep my mind occupied and give me something to focus on. I threw myself into my studies and extracurricular activities, knowing that it was the kind of work that my father would have supported. Slowly but surely, I began to rebuild my confidence, not just in my academic abilities but also in my emotional strength. I learned that while life can be unpredictable and sometimes painful, the way you respond to challenges defines who you are. This experience also shaped my aspirations. I realized that I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to help others, just as my father had done through his work. His dedication to others inspired me to give back in my own way. I am now focused on entering a field in STEM, specifically forensics or biology, where I can use my knowledge to make a positive impact. I know that there are challenges ahead, but I am more determined than ever to follow through on my goals. The loss of my father didn’t just shape my passion for STEM; it also taught me the value of community and the importance of support. Throughout my life, I’ve found strength in family and friends, and I understand now that it’s okay to lean on others when needed. It’s not a sign of weakness, but a recognition that we all face struggles, and together, we can overcome them. Today, I am motivated by the desire to create a future that honors my father’s memory and makes a difference in the world. My experiences,both the joy and the sorrow,have shaped me into someone who is passionate, resilient, and driven to make the most of every opportunity. Through my work in STEM, I hope to contribute to something greater than myself and make my father proud.

Diversity in STEM is extremely important because it leads to more innovation, better solutions to problems, and ensures that all communities are included in scientific advancements. Historically, many groups have been underrepresented in STEM fields, including women and people of color. However, it’s becoming clearer that including people from all backgrounds and experiences in these fields helps to create better and more inclusive solutions to the world’s problems. One of the main reasons diversity is crucial in STEM is because it drives innovation. When people from different backgrounds work together, they bring unique perspectives and ideas. This diversity of thought helps teams find new ways to approach problems and come up with creative solutions. For example, in technology, teams made up of people from different races, genders, and cultures are more likely to consider all types of users when designing products. This means their creations are more likely to meet the needs of everyone, not just one group. This is especially important in fields like healthcare, where new treatments and medical devices need to work for people of all backgrounds. Diverse representation also makes sure that solutions to global problems are inclusive and fair. For example, if a team of scientists is only made up of one type of person, they might not fully understand how a solution could affect other groups. Including people from different walks of life ensures that their solutions are more likely to benefit everyone. A good example of this is the development of healthcare treatments or even software: If certain groups are left out of the process, the technology may not work as well for everyone. Having diversity in STEM ensures that different communities are considered in the development of these products. Another reason why diversity in STEM is so important is that it provides role models for the next generation. When students see people who look like them succeeding in science or technology, they are more likely to believe they can do the same. Representation in STEM is crucial because it encourages students from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in these fields. If students only see one type of person in these careers, they may think that STEM isn’t for them. But seeing a variety of people in STEM careers helps break down stereotypes and shows that anyone can succeed in science and technology, no matter their background. Finally, diverse representation is key to addressing the challenges we face as a global society. Problems like climate change, global health, and food security affect people around the world, and solving them requires input from people with different life experiences. Scientists and innovators from different backgrounds are more likely to understand the unique challenges that people from various communities face, and they can work together to create solutions that help everyone. This global approach is necessary to solve issues that affect the entire world. In conclusion, having diverse representation in STEM is vital because it leads to more innovative ideas, ensures solutions are inclusive, provides role models for future generations, and helps solve global challenges. Encouraging diversity in STEM isn’t just about fairness—it’s about making sure the best ideas come from all people and that those ideas help everyone, no matter who they are.