Growing up I never understood what life truly dealt me until I was old enough to comprehend it. At birth I was diagnosed with whats called a Mitochondrial Disorder. This disorder greatly affects my Mitochondria causing them to work at half capacity. Growing up I felt normal not realizing the effects of my given disability until realization set in. Any time I did something physical exerting, I would receive terrible muscle spasms causing my body to react harshly and drain all of my needed energy for my daily tasks. The worst part was when it hit my brain, and when it went to my brain it was always not good. I received massive seizures causing me to convulse and shake. This resulted in me passing out every time while waking up hours later not knowing what happened. Staying positive, I just thought this happened to all kids not realizing it was an issue. To stray from this happening my parents later showed me how to combat this issue so that this disability wouldn't disable me further. I learned what my body could and couldn't handle, while my parents taught me how to prepare for the occurrence. To this day I never know when these seizure and muscle outburst will occur but I have always been prepared. Staying away from strenuous activities and having natural sugars on standby have been things that have aided me in this life long problem. I now know what I can and can't do in order to keep my body safe. Knowing this I have learned to form my adult life around this and find ways to succeed while in this condition. This disability has given me the way to see what I can truly due to make a difference in the world. I found myself as an inside person growing up. This made me attracted to the arts and creativity. At first my goals where driven to therapy and helping people, before changing to the marketing approach. Studying marketing has show my something that I can goal for that doesn't require as much physical pressures on my body. It has opened my eyes to see the many different possibilities that I have at my disposal. I can't do much that's physically taxing and thats ok. It has shown to me that you don't need a physically demanding career to be successful. Like therapy or marketing I have plenty of different opportunities that I can make for a career. My disability won't stop my career goals, but in reality it's driving me towards my specific life goals.

In my life I have been able to play many different types of Nintendo games. From the single player platform games like Mario, the open world adventure games of Zelda, and the chill relaxing games of Animal Crossing. Through all of these games I believe that Nintendos co-op catalog stands on top and what better multiplayer to play then Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Ever since I got Mario Kart 8 Deluxe it has become a household staple at my home where my parents and siblings are always willing to play. We enjoyed this game so much it became the go to for family game night as well as the go to when friends are over. The memory I want to share that made this my favorite multiplayer Nintendo game comes after I moved out of the house a few years ago. After moving out for a few months I was feeling down. At this point my family got a new Nintendo Switch while I had my own. One day one of my younger siblings reached out to me and asked if I wanted to play Mario Kart with the family. Realizing that we can play online I jumped onto the game and joined in on my siblings online room. For the rest of the night we played Mario Kart online together. Playing with my siblings that night made me feel like I never left home. I felt their love as we competed for the top spot in each race. We got mad at each other but it was ok. We were spending quality time together on a game with all loved while being miles apart. This simple game made me forget what was causing my mind so much pain and I just enjoyed time with family. In this instance I realized how special Mario Kart 8 was to us and how much it brought us together that night. Now after that experience I always think back to my family bonds and memories when playing Mario Kart. Mario Kart 8 helped me and my siblings strengthen our relationships as we competed while playing this great Mario Kart game.

When one travels a person is able to see the world for what it is. Travel is important because you leave your home to see other beauties of the earth and how other people live around the world. It is a way to open up an individual's perspective on cultures and people around the world. By traveling, individuals are able to connect with others and gain experiences by seeing how others live. It also helps individuals have more gratitude for what they have by seeing the experiences of others. Travel can help with growth because it provides opportunities to expand one's moral understanding, perspective, and view of the world. Exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and environments can lead to personal growth and development in many ways. For example, meeting people from different backgrounds can teach empathy and understanding. Seeing the challenges faced by others can foster a sense of gratitude and humility. Experiencing new environments can inspire creativity and adaptability. With the Combined Worlds Scholarship, I will use it to help my own travel endeavors to study abroad. As a Graphic Design major at Brigham Young University-Idaho, I believe that studying abroad will not only enhance my academic experience but also contribute to my personal growth. By immersing myself in a different culture, I hope to gain new perspectives that will influence my design work. I also hope to see my perspective on the world change as I grow and gain experiences abroad. I am excited about the possibility of studying in a new environment and learning from people with different backgrounds. I believe that this experience will help me become a more well-rounded individual and a better designer. I am eager to take on the challenges and opportunities that come with studying abroad, and I am confident that it will be a transformative experience for me. In conclusion, travel is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. It opens up new perspectives, fosters empathy and gratitude, and inspires creativity and adaptability. With the Combined Worlds Scholarship, I hope to take full advantage of the opportunity to study abroad and grow as a person and a designer. Thank you for considering my application.

My grandfather served in the military. He was in the Marines for a time and served on the USS MIDWAY. One memory I enjoy of him was when it was just me and him for a weekend. I got home from work, and all he wanted was a hamburger. We got a burger, and he had the happiest smile. That is his favorite go-to meal, and you can always tell it is his favorite when he eats one. He is gone now, and every time I eat a hamburger, I think of this moment and the love he has for them. This memory of my grandfather is special because it shows how simple moments can mean so much. He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. That weekend, he taught me that happiness can be found in the simplest things, like sharing a meal with someone you love. This lesson has stayed with me and has influenced how I approach my life and studies. As a rising junior at Brigham Young University, I am majoring in Graphic Design. My grandfather's love for the simple things has inspired me to find beauty in everyday moments and to capture that in my work. Graphic design allows me to tell stories and create visuals that resonate with people on a personal level. Just like my grandfather's smile over a hamburger, I aim to create designs that bring joy and connection. My grandfather's military service also taught me the importance of dedication and hard work. He served his country with pride and never complained about the challenges he faced. This has motivated me to work hard in my studies. I maintained a 3.65 GPA in high school and currently have a 3.63 GPA in college. I know that success does not come easy, and I am committed to putting in the effort to achieve my goals. Being part of a military family has also taught me the value of resilience. My grandfather faced many hardships during his time in the Marines, but he always remained strong. This resilience is something I strive to embody in my own life. Whether it is tackling a difficult project or overcoming personal challenges, I remind myself of my grandfather's strength and perseverance. In conclusion, the memory of my grandfather and his love for hamburgers is a cherished one that has taught me valuable life lessons. His dedication, hard work, and appreciation for the simple things have shaped who I am today. As I continue my studies in Graphic Design at Brigham Young University, I carry these lessons with me and strive to honor his legacy in everything I do. Thank you for considering me for the James T. Godwin Memorial Scholarship.

Title: Unfolding Strength in Silent Battles My name is Jacob Schagel, a dedicated Graphic Design student at Brigham Young University, headed towards the energetic phase of junior year. Much of my college experience has been shaped by a profound understanding of the fragile human psyche, underpinned by my up-close encounter with mental health issues through my dearest friend's struggle against the ceaseless tides of depression. His battle encompassed drastic mood swings, carrying him from great heights of euphoria to the torturous depths of desolation. It seemed as though an invisible puppeteer controlled his emotions, projecting a muddled array of emotions on his human canvas. This distressing sight opened my eyes to the often-underestimated severity of mental health disorders and the adversity faced by those silently struggling. I sought to dig deeper, recognizing that my perspective was limited to the floating iceberg with a formidable structure hidden beneath the surface. Understanding mental health disorders required compassionate listening, unflinching patience, and relentless pursuit of knowledge, all honed by comforting my friend during his darker moments. Through this, I learned that people suffering from mental health disorders are not damaged or diminished but are rather just locked in a grueling battle within. It not only altered my perception but also compelled me to drive significant change in my environment, be it in my family, my social circles, or the broader community. As every conversation matured my understanding, every interaction transported me closer to them, letting me witness their strength, resilience, and courage. My academic journey has certainly been influenced by these experiences, molding my studies to include a deeper exploration of human emotions and behaviors. Graphic Design, to me, serves as not just a profession, but a powerful medium of communicating the silenced emotions, and amplifying the muted voices of those suffering in the societal shadows. My designs, imbued with undertones of my understanding of mental health, aim to raise awareness and engender empathy within my spectators. With the visual power vested in me, I strive to spotlight the unseen battles and urge others to extend their helping hands. The ordeal has strengthened my resolve in helping marginalized communities. For this reason, Elijah's Helping Hand Scholarship holds deep personal significance to me. It reaffirms my commitment to contribute to a cause that surpasses academic borders or personal gains. The scholarship, to me, is not just a financial aid, but an acknowledgment of my dedication to alleviate the silent struggles of countless people afflicted by mental health disorders. At the cusp of junior year, I am prepared to further utilize my academic knowledge and personal experiences in distinguishing mental health as a comprehensive issue warranting wider recognition. I am eager to inspire Brigham Young University- Idaho, and the world beyond, to listen, understand, and extend their hand to the ones suffering in silence. In a world that often equates strength with loudness, I aim to prove that strength can also be found in quiet understanding and empathy. I may have started this journey as a silent spectator, but I promise to carry it forward as an aware advocate and a helpful hand. The scholarship shall not only affirm my efforts but also reinforce my tenacity in forging a compassionate society.