When I think about my future, I don't picture a job title—I picture the lives I hope to impact. I want to build a life where my education allows me to solve problems, create opportunities, and make it easier for others to achieve their own goals. As an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, I have seen firsthand how access to education and opportunity can change the course of someone's life. That perspective inspired me to return to college while continuing my career with the Indian Health Service, where I have proudly worked since 2009. I am now pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with emphases in Human Resources Management, Entrepreneurship, and Management. Every class brings me one step closer to turning the ideas I have today into meaningful action tomorrow. One of the reasons I value my education so deeply is that every course gives me another perspective I can apply to my future goals. Human Resources has strengthened my ability to understand people and leadership. Entrepreneurship has challenged me to think creatively and recognize opportunities where others see obstacles. Management has taught me how to build organizations that are both effective and sustainable. Together, these experiences are preparing me to build businesses that are both successful and driven by purpose. Beyond my career, I hope to combine entrepreneurship and real estate to address challenges I have experienced myself. One of my long-term goals is to develop affordable, pet-friendly rental housing, particularly in or near Belcourt, North Dakota. Much of my family, including my grandmother, still lives there, but because I have two pit bulls and the community has limited lodging—including only one hotel that is not pet-friendly—I am not able to visit as often as I would like. I also know how difficult it can be for responsible pet owners to find affordable housing. My hope is to create welcoming places where families can spend more time together, reconnect with loved ones, and enjoy their communities without worrying about where they can stay. If my future business allows even one family to make another trip home, celebrate another holiday together, or spend more time with a grandparent, I will consider that success. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue moving my future from an idea to a reality. It would ease the financial burden of earning my degree while allowing me to focus on developing the knowledge and skills needed to build businesses with purpose. One day, I hope those businesses will create opportunities for families to spend more time together, provide affordable housing where it is needed most, and give back to Native communities that have shaped who I am. This scholarship would be an investment not only in my education but also in the future I am working every day to build. My education is preparing me for far more than a career. It is preparing me to build businesses, strengthen workplaces, and create opportunities that reflect the values I was raised with. While I hope to make a meaningful difference wherever life takes me, I also carry a special commitment to giving back to Native communities like my own while creating opportunities that benefit people from all backgrounds. If one employee feels heard, one family spends more time together, or one young Native student believes their goals are possible because of something I built, then every late night of studying will have been worth it.

College didn't change what I wanted to accomplish—it changed what I believed was possible. What once felt like distant goals have become plans I'm working toward. For me, earning a college degree is about far more than personal achievement. It is about creating opportunities that once felt out of reach, honoring the sacrifices of those who came before me, and building a future where I can create opportunities for others. As an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, I understand that higher education represents more than personal success. For many Native students, earning a college degree means overcoming barriers, challenging expectations, and creating opportunities that can positively influence future generations. That responsibility has motivated me throughout my educational journey. Every class I complete is another step toward building a future that extends beyond my own success and allows me to give back to the communities that have shaped my life. Returning to college as an adult while working full-time has made my degree more meaningful. Since 2009, I have proudly worked for the Indian Health Service in a variety of administrative and Human Resources roles. My career has taught me leadership, fairness, continuous learning, and service. It has also shown me that education never truly ends. Returning to school challenged me to continue growing personally and professionally while proving to myself that it is never too late to pursue new goals. I am pursuing my Bachelor of Business Administration with emphases in Human Resources Management, Entrepreneurship, and Management because I want to build the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful change. While my career in Human Resources has strengthened my leadership and problem-solving abilities, my long-term vision extends beyond a single profession. I hope to combine entrepreneurship and real estate to address real community needs. One of my long-term goals is to develop affordable, pet-friendly rental housing, particularly in or near Belcourt, North Dakota. Much of my family, including my grandmother, still lives there, but because I have two pit bulls and the community has limited lodging—including only one hotel that is not pet-friendly—I am not able to visit as often as I would like. Throughout my life, I have also experienced how difficult it can be to find affordable housing that welcomes responsible pet owners. My hope is to create housing that allows me to spend more time with my family while also helping others reconnect with loved ones and their communities without worrying about where they can stay. To me, entrepreneurship is about more than owning a business; it is about identifying unmet needs and creating practical solutions that improve people's lives. College has also given me confidence. It has challenged me to think critically, communicate effectively, and believe in my ability to make a meaningful difference. Every course has expanded both my knowledge and my vision for what I can accomplish. The more I learn, the more possibilities I see—not just for my own future, but for the communities I hope to serve. Rather than seeing education as the finish line, I see it as the foundation for a lifetime of learning, growth, and service. Ultimately, my goal is not simply to earn a diploma. I want to use my education to build businesses that solve real problems, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for others. Whether through Human Resources, entrepreneurship, or real estate, I hope to leave every person, workplace, and community better than I found it. To me, that is the true value of a college education, and it is the future I am working every day to build.

People often ask me why I keep adding more to my plate. I work full-time, attend college full-time, and somehow continue finding new subjects I want to learn. My answer is always the same: because learning has never felt like an obligation to me—it has always felt like an opportunity. I don't believe my greatest advantage is intelligence, talent, or even perseverance. My greatest advantage is my curiosity. I genuinely love learning, asking questions, and understanding how things work. I rarely settle for simply knowing an answer—I want to know why it's the answer, how it connects to something else, and whether there's an even better way to approach it. That mindset has shaped every decision I've made, from my career to my education, and it continues to push me toward opportunities that challenge me to grow. Since 2009, I have proudly worked for the Indian Health Service, serving in a variety of administrative and Human Resources roles. Rather than remaining comfortable in one position, I have continuously sought opportunities to expand my knowledge and develop new skills. Every role has given me a different perspective, teaching me how organizations function, how policies affect people, and how thoughtful leadership can improve both workplaces and communities. Those experiences inspired me to return to college as an adult while continuing to work full-time because I knew there was still more to learn. Balancing a full-time career with full-time coursework has required discipline, sacrifice, and careful planning. Many evenings and weekends that others spend relaxing are devoted to studying, completing assignments, and preparing for exams. There have been moments when the demands of work and school felt overwhelming, but every challenge has strengthened my determination. Earning my degree has never been about checking a box or adding another credential to my résumé. It has been about becoming the kind of leader who never stops learning. I've never believed I have to choose just one way to make a difference. Every subject I pursue teaches me something that strengthens the next. While earning my Bachelor of Business Administration with emphases in Human Resources Management, Entrepreneurship, and Management, I have intentionally pursued interests that complement one another and support my long-term goals. My career in Human Resources—particularly in Employee and Labor Relations—has sparked a growing interest in legal studies because I enjoy understanding the laws, regulations, and policies that shape fair and effective workplaces. My interest in real estate comes from personal experience. Throughout my life, I have experienced how difficult it can be to find affordable housing, especially for responsible pet owners. As someone who has often faced limited housing options and higher costs because I have two pit bulls, I hope to one day develop affordable, pet-friendly rentals that make it easier for people to find quality housing and for families to stay connected to the communities and loved ones who matter most. Rather than viewing these interests as unrelated, I see them as different pieces of the same purpose: solving real problems, creating opportunities, and improving people's lives. I've also learned that curiosity is most valuable when it is paired with action. I don't pursue new knowledge simply because I enjoy learning—I pursue it because every new skill gives me another opportunity to solve a problem, help someone else, or make a meaningful contribution. Whether I am learning a new area of Human Resources, studying business strategy, or exploring ideas for future entrepreneurial ventures, I constantly ask myself how that knowledge can be applied in ways that improve people's lives. I believe the best ideas rarely come from looking at one problem through one lens. They come from connecting experiences, perspectives, and disciplines that others may never think to combine. As an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, I also carry a strong sense of responsibility to give back to the communities that have shaped me. My education is not simply an investment in my own future—it is an investment in the ideas I hope to bring to life and the people I hope to serve. One of my long-term goals is to continue growing in Human Resources while pursuing entrepreneurship and creating businesses that solve real-world problems. One idea that is especially meaningful to me is developing affordable, pet-friendly rental housing in or near Belcourt, North Dakota. Much of my family, including my grandmother, still lives there, but because I have two pit bulls and the community has limited lodging—including only one hotel that is not pet-friendly—I am not able to visit as often as I would like. My hope is to create a welcoming place where I can spend more time with my grandmother and family while also providing others in similar situations a comfortable place to stay when visiting loved ones on the reservation. To me, entrepreneurship isn't simply about owning a business—it's about creating solutions that bring people together, strengthen communities, and improve lives. Throughout my life, I have learned that success is not measured by how much knowledge a person has but by what they choose to do with it. Knowledge can become outdated, but curiosity never does. A curious person continues asking questions, adapting, and growing long after others believe they have learned enough. That mindset influences the way I approach my career, my education, and the future I am working to build. I don't want to stop learning after graduation because I believe every new skill creates another opportunity to help someone else, solve another problem, or make another positive impact. Receiving this scholarship would do more than ease the financial burden of earning my degree. It would allow me to continue investing in an education that I have worked tirelessly to pursue while balancing a full-time career. More importantly, it would be an investment in someone who is committed to lifelong learning, continuous growth, and using that knowledge to create opportunities for others. I cannot promise that I will always have every answer, but I can promise that I will never stop asking questions, seeking solutions, and striving to leave every person, workplace, and community better than I found it.

Most people expect me to say I love math because I'm good at it. The truth is, I love math because it makes sense. There is something incredibly satisfying about knowing that every problem has a logical process. Every step builds on the one before it, everything connects, and when you arrive at the correct answer, you can work backward to verify that it is right. That ability to prove and validate a solution fascinates me. In a world where so many things are based on opinions, uncertainty, or changing circumstances, math offers consistency. I have always enjoyed solving problems rather than simply memorizing information. Math challenges me to think critically, recognize patterns, and understand why something works instead of accepting an answer at face value. Even when a problem is difficult, I enjoy breaking it into smaller pieces until everything fits together. That feeling of finally seeing the solution come together is incredibly rewarding. Ironically, numbers have always made more sense to me than time. A math problem has a beginning, a logical process, and an answer that can be verified. Time, on the other hand, somehow disappears before I accomplish everything on my to-do list. While I still haven't figured out how to solve that equation, I appreciate that math reminds me there is usually a logical way to approach even the most complex problems. My love of math has also influenced the way I approach life. Whether I'm working in Human Resources, pursuing my Bachelor of Business Administration, or exploring interests in entrepreneurship and real estate, I naturally look for patterns, analyze information, and search for practical solutions. Math has taught me that challenges rarely need to be solved all at once. They can be worked through one step at a time with patience, persistence, and logical thinking. For me, math is more than numbers. It's a way of thinking. It's proof that even the most complicated problems can have solutions if you're willing to ask questions, stay curious, and trust the process.

For the past several years, my life has revolved around two full-time commitments: building my career during the day and building my future at night. Working full-time while attending college full-time has required far more than good time management. It has required sacrifice, discipline, and the determination to keep moving forward even when life feels overwhelming. Although balancing both responsibilities isn't always easy, I have never viewed my education as separate from my career. Instead, I see them as opportunities to continually learn, grow, and better prepare myself for the future I hope to build. Since 2009, I have proudly worked for the Indian Health Service in a variety of administrative and Human Resources roles while pursuing my Bachelor of Business Administration as a full-time student. My days are carefully planned around work, assignments, exams, and deadlines, leaving little room for downtime. Many evenings and weekends that others spend relaxing are devoted to studying, completing projects, or preparing for the week ahead. While balancing these responsibilities requires organization and self-discipline, my career and education complement one another. Concepts I learn in the classroom strengthen my work, while my professional experience helps me better understand what I am learning in school. One semester, however, tested that balance more than any other. During my Principles of Microeconomics course, I spent countless hours studying, yet I consistently struggled during the proctored exams. After each of my first three exams, I left feeling defeated. I understood the material, but I repeatedly ran out of time before I could finish. Even more discouraging, I left each exam with severe, blinding migraines that made it difficult to drive home safely after already completing a full workday. I began questioning whether I was simply not capable of succeeding in the course despite the effort I was putting into it. After my third exam, I finally realized that the fluorescent lighting in the testing room was triggering my migraines and making it nearly impossible to concentrate. Rather than giving up or withdrawing from the class, I spoke with my instructor, who encouraged me to contact Disability Services. For the first time in my life, I advocated for myself by requesting academic accommodations. After providing the required documentation, I was approved for extended testing time and a distraction-free testing environment without fluorescent lighting. Those accommodations did not make the exam easier—they simply removed a barrier that had prevented me from demonstrating what I had learned. I completed my final exam within the allotted time and successfully passed the course. That experience taught me lessons that extend far beyond academics. I learned that perseverance sometimes means asking for help, that advocating for yourself is a sign of strength rather than weakness, and that success often requires adapting instead of giving up. Those lessons have made me a stronger student, a better employee, and a more resilient person. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial burden of pursuing my degree while continuing to work full-time. More importantly, it would support my goal of continuing to grow in Human Resources while using my education to create opportunities, strengthen communities, and make a meaningful difference throughout my career. Every challenge I have overcome has reinforced that the sacrifices required to balance work and school are worthwhile because they are preparing me for the future I am determined to build.

People usually remember me for one of two things: the endless questions I ask or the fact that I dip potato chips in milk. I can only take credit for one of those—I blame my dad for the second. I've heard every joke imaginable over the years, and yes, I still think it tastes good. Looking back, though, I've realized that dipping potato chips in milk isn't really what makes me different. What truly makes me stand out is my curiosity. I've always been the person who wants to know why. Whether I'm learning a new process at work, researching a business idea, taking college classes, or asking questions about topics unrelated to my career, I enjoy learning. Sometimes I ask enough questions that I wonder if I'm driving people crazy, but I've never been satisfied with simply knowing the answer. I want to understand the reason behind it, how it works, and whether there's a better way to do it. That curiosity has taught me not to accept, "because that's the way it's always been done," as the final answer. Instead, I enjoy exploring ideas, making connections, and looking for opportunities to improve the way things are done. That curiosity has shaped both my education and my career. Since 2009, I have worked for the Indian Health Service in a variety of administrative and Human Resources roles. Every position has been an opportunity to learn something new, and I've never wanted to limit myself to a single path. One of my favorite parts of Human Resources is that no two days are exactly alike. Every challenge requires problem-solving and a willingness to continue learning. While pursuing my Bachelor of Business Administration, I've developed interests in Human Resources, entrepreneurship, legal studies, real estate, business, and medical billing because I enjoy discovering how different fields connect and how that knowledge can be used to solve real-world problems. My curiosity also extends beyond the classroom and the workplace. My boyfriend, who immigrated from another country, inspires me through his intelligence, academic mindset, and passion for learning. He constantly challenges me to think more critically, question my assumptions, and approach problems from different perspectives. Through his experiences, culture, and love of learning, he reminds me that education doesn't end when you earn a degree. Some of our conversations begin with a simple question and end with us learning something new. Those moments have taught me that curiosity not only expands knowledge but also strengthens relationships and helps us better understand one another. Over the years, I've realized that asking questions isn't a weakness—it's one of my greatest strengths. It has helped me grow professionally, succeed academically, and build meaningful relationships. It has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, pursue opportunities I never imagined, and look for ways to improve myself and help others. I don't want to stop learning after graduation. I hope to continue growing throughout my career, exploring new opportunities, and finding ways to solve problems and make a meaningful difference. So yes, I'll probably always dip my potato chips in milk. People will probably continue telling me it's weird, and I'll probably keep smiling and doing it anyway. My awkward habit has become a reminder that being different isn't something to hide. After all, it isn't the chips that define me—it's the curiosity that has shaped the way I learn, the way I lead, and the way I hope to make a difference throughout my life.

Growing up as a Native American often felt like living between two worlds. I was proud of my heritage, yet there were times when I felt I didn't fully belong in either one. Those experiences challenged me, strengthened me, and ultimately shaped the person I am today. I am an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Although I grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where Native Americans were a minority, I often experienced prejudice because of my heritage. I remember classmates asking why my skin was "so dirty" or making assumptions about me before they even knew who I was. Those moments were painful, especially as a child, because they made me question where I belonged. However, I refused to let those experiences define who I was or change how I treated others. Instead, they strengthened my compassion, resilience, and belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background. Those experiences also taught me the importance of educating others rather than allowing ignorance to create division. While I spent much of my childhood in Aberdeen, my connection to my culture remained strong through my family in Belcourt, North Dakota. Weekends, holidays, and summers were filled with powwows, horse races, family gatherings, and time spent with my relatives on the Turtle Mountain Reservation. Those memories are some of the most meaningful parts of my childhood because they gave me a sense of belonging, pride, and identity. They taught me the importance of family, community, and preserving traditions that have been passed down for generations. Later, I returned to Belcourt to graduate from high school and begin my college education, strengthening my connection to the community that has always felt like home. My Native heritage has also shaped the path I chose professionally. Inspired by my parents, who dedicated their entire careers to the Indian Health Service, I proudly began my own career with the Indian Health Service in 2009. Watching their lifelong commitment to serving Native communities showed me that meaningful work is measured by the lives you touch rather than the recognition you receive. Throughout my career, I have served in a variety of administrative and Human Resources roles, supporting the employees who make healthcare possible for Native communities. Their example instilled in me a deep appreciation for public service and a desire to continue giving back in meaningful ways. Today, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Business Administration while working full-time because I want to expand the ways I can serve my community. My long-term goal is to continue growing in Human Resources while pursuing entrepreneurship to solve real-world problems and create opportunities where they are needed most. One of my greatest aspirations is to develop affordable, pet-friendly rental housing in or near Belcourt, where quality housing options remain limited and much of my family still lives. I believe honoring my heritage means more than preserving traditions—it means using the opportunities I have been given to strengthen the communities that shaped me. Every late night spent studying is an investment not only in my future but also in future generations. My hope is that through service, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to learning, I can help create opportunities that allow Native communities to continue growing, thriving, and succeeding.

The greatest impact we can make isn't measured by what we accomplish for ourselves, but by the opportunities we create for others. The people who have shaped my life have each taught me a different lesson, and together they have inspired the person I strive to become and the impact I hope to make. As an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, I grew up watching both of my parents dedicate their entire careers to the Indian Health Service. As they prepare to retire after decades of service, they have shown me that meaningful work is not about titles or recognition—it is about improving the lives of others. Their example inspired me to begin my own career with the Indian Health Service in 2009, where I have proudly served in a variety of administrative and Human Resources roles while pursuing my Bachelor of Business Administration. The people who continue to inspire me every day are those closest to me. My youngest sister is a single mother with a master's degree whose strength, maturity, patience, and unconditional love continue to amaze me. Watching the way she raises my niece has shown me that leadership begins with compassion, consistency, and putting others before yourself. My niece inspires me in an entirely different way. Her curiosity, adventurous spirit, and innocent perspective often make me stop and appreciate the world through a different lens. Some of the simplest things she says have stayed with me, reminding me that wisdom can come from unexpected places. My boyfriend, who immigrated from another country, inspires me through his intelligence, curiosity, and passion for learning. He challenges me academically in ways that encourage me to think more critically, question my assumptions, and approach problems from new perspectives. Through his experiences and culture, he reminds me every day that learning is a lifelong journey and that some of life's greatest lessons come from understanding people whose experiences are different from our own. Most recently, my current supervisor has inspired me through his professionalism, resilience, and leadership after stepping into a larger role following the passing of my previous supervisor from cancer. Watching him lead with humility, strength, and unwavering support during such a difficult time has reinforced the kind of leader I hope to become. These people have shaped both my values and my vision for the future. My education is preparing me to create workplaces where employees feel respected, supported, and treated fairly while giving me the knowledge to pursue entrepreneurship and identify opportunities that strengthen communities. One of my long-term goals is to develop affordable, pet-friendly rental housing in or near Belcourt, North Dakota, where quality housing options remain limited and much of my family still lives. I believe meaningful change often begins by recognizing everyday needs and having the courage to create practical solutions. Receiving this scholarship would be an investment in more than my education—it would be an investment in the future impact I hope to make. My vision is to use my education to create fair workplaces, build businesses that solve real community needs, and strengthen the communities that have shaped me. I am determined to create opportunities where they are needed most, whether that means supporting employees through Human Resources, expanding housing opportunities, or inspiring others to pursue education and lifelong learning. If my career leaves people feeling supported, my community stronger, and even one person believing they can accomplish more than they once thought possible, then I will know I have fulfilled the purpose of my education.

A chronic illness doesn't pause when an exam begins, a paper is due, or a semester becomes overwhelming. Living with chronic migraines has changed the way I experience college, forcing me to rethink how I study, learn, and define success. While many students can push through long study sessions or late nights, I have learned to recognize my limits, adjust my schedule, and make the most of the time when I feel well. Although chronic migraines have required flexibility and patience, they have never changed my commitment to earning my degree. Returning to college while working full-time has been incredibly rewarding, but it has also brought challenges I never anticipated. During a migraine, concentrating, reading, looking at a computer screen, or processing information can become overwhelming. There have been days when I needed to postpone studying, take frequent breaks, or accept that accomplishing one assignment was enough. Instead of becoming discouraged, I learned to focus on consistency rather than perfection, reminding myself that progress is still progress, even when it looks different than I had planned. The defining moment of my academic journey came during my Principles of Microeconomics course. The class relied heavily on memorization and proctored exams, and despite studying extensively, I left each of my first three exams feeling defeated and confused. I understood the material, but I consistently ran out of time before I could finish. Even more discouraging, I left all three exams with severe, blinding migraines that made it difficult to drive home safely. After my third exam, I finally recognized what was happening—the fluorescent lighting in the testing room was triggering my migraines, making it nearly impossible to concentrate or think clearly. Rather than giving up on the course, I reached out to my instructor. He was incredibly understanding and encouraged me to contact Disability Services. For the first time in my life, I advocated for myself by requesting academic accommodations. After providing the required documentation, I was approved for extended testing time and a distraction-free testing environment without fluorescent lighting. Those accommodations did not make the exam easier—they simply removed a barrier that had prevented me from demonstrating what I had learned. With those accommodations in place, I completed my final exam within the allotted time and passed it, finally demonstrating the knowledge I had worked so hard to learn. More importantly, I learned that asking for help is not something to be ashamed of. It is an important part of recognizing your needs and giving yourself an equal opportunity to succeed. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial burden of completing my degree while allowing me to continue focusing on both my education and my health. After proudly serving the Indian Health Service in a variety of roles since 2009, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Business Administration to continue growing professionally and strengthen my ability to serve others through Human Resources. I have refused to let chronic migraines define my life or determine what I am capable of accomplishing. Although they have required me to make sacrifices, miss opportunities, rethink my routines, and approach my education differently, they have never changed my determination to achieve my goals. Instead, they have taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of advocating for myself. My chronic illness is part of my story, but it will never define my future—it has simply made me stronger, more determined, and more appreciative of every opportunity I have to learn, grow, and succeed.