“Uncle Pilot is dead.” I vividly remember hearing the news on a trip back from Hershey Park, when my dad turned around to let my brother and me know about my uncle’s passing. That was when I first realized that addiction had the potential to hurt ordinary families like mine. While my uncle’s addiction was no secret, the adults in my life did as much as they could to shield us from the worst of it. When things started to get bad, my aunt and parents agreed it was best for my cousins to live with us for a while. We had always been close with them, but our time under the same roof made them feel like siblings. Shortly after their father’s death, they came to stay with us again. Even though we were kids, I could tell they were struggling. Some nights, they cried about missing their dad and seemed sad a lot. At the time, I was angry. I didn’t understand that addiction is a disease. I saw it as my uncle choosing drugs over his kids. It took years, and another family story, to help me know the truth. My grandfather on my mother’s side had been absent for most of our lives, until a few years after my uncle’s passing. I learned that he, too, had struggled with addiction, but was fortunate to find long-term recovery. He now runs Recovery on Reed and helps others navigate life after rehab. As my mom and grandfather rebuilt their relationship, I began to understand addiction not just as a tragedy that happened to us, but a struggle many families face in Delaware County and beyond. These experiences changed me. They showed me how families suffer silently and how crucial community support can be. They also inspired my career goals. I’m currently a freshman at Susquehanna University studying business and finance. My dream is to return to my hometown after graduation and open a company that provides job opportunities for people in recovery. I’ve seen through my grandfather’s organization that work can be a powerful part of healing. When people feel trusted, valued, and stable, they are more likely to succeed in long-term recovery. I want to build a business that helps make that happen for others, here in the community that has always been there for me. Winning this scholarship would help ease the financial burden on my family as my twin brother and I both begin college. My parents are doing everything they can to support us, but I still need to take out loans and work part-time to help cover the costs. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my studies during school and create job opportunities for people in recovery after graduation. This award would not just support my education, it would be a meaningful investment in a mission to give back.

My father hasn't walked on the moon, cured cancer, or achieved world peace. I'd be proud if he ever did any of those things, but I don't think I could be any more grateful for him than I already am. The day I was born, my parents also welcomed my twin brother into the world. I'm sure having two boys to take care of at once wasn't easy, and I know my brother and I didn't always make things easier for my parents. However, even with the responsibility of two boys, my father always made sure we felt like individuals. He would plan special experiences with each of us one-on-one. My father is the epitome of dependable. I never realized how lucky I was to have someone I could always count on until I got older. He has attended nearly every one of my games, volunteer events, and ceremonies. He sat with me at the dinner table to get my homework done, even after working hard all day. No matter how tired he was, he always made time for what mattered to us. When my dad's brother died from an overdose, I was young and confused. Even though he was dealing with the tragedy of losing his brother, he focused on helping my brother, cousins, and me get through the worst time of our short lives. He made sure we all had what we needed and never let us feel alone. Most importantly, he encouraged us to express and talk about our feelings. My dad never got the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree. He and my mom work incredibly hard so that my brother and I have opportunities that he never had. I haven't always realized the sacrifices my father made for us. He never had the fanciest car or the nicest clothes, not because he didn't want them, but because he would rather see his money go to making a better life for my brother and me. Even though he worked hard and saved, college costs have risen tremendously over the years, and paying for two students at once isn't feasible without loans. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden he is taking on to help me pay for college. My father has always been the rock in our extended family. He takes care of everyone, and it's inspired me to do the same. I plan to study business so I can open a business in my hometown that hires people who are in recovery. I hope to carry forward his values of hard work, dedication, and love throughout my career.