To be honest, I never lived in a world in which money was in surplus and in many ways that altered the way I viewed money. Money came and went just as fast as the bill pay button was clicked. Money was never counted and banded, never calculated and budgeted. Finances was always a topic I didn’t want to talk about because it left me feeling stressed and full of anxiety. But recently I realized that gaining financial stability isn’t about having an absurd excess of money, it's about how you plan and manage the money you do have. One of the goals I had coming into this year was to become more financially responsible and stable. I wanted to learn more about managing money and how to maximize saving. To be honest, I didn’t really study up on how to save or the best way to manage finances; I kinda just used bits and pieces of what I saw online and played around with different techniques. My process currently looks something like this: look at the full payment I received, subtract any costs and bills I need to help out with, look at the remaining amount and subtract the majority of it for savings with $30-50 left for spending (outside of gas). This has helped me create a routine of budgeting when I see money hit my account, but towards the start I often struggled with keeping the money in the savings account. Thinking, “It’s fine, I can afford to take $5 here for an extra coffee.” but then an extra expense comes and I’m stuck and my savings are gone. With my family leaning on me more than they have in the past and college right around the corner, another level of determination has washed over me. At one point of time this year, we almost lost our house, so I started working to help relieve some financial stress and after my dad started experiencing some health issues and started to become unable to work, I started taking on the mortgage. This was a big burden that often left me feeling stressed and anxious. But taking on this responsibility allowed me to see finances in a full picture. It allowed me to see budgeting in full and gave me a reason to hold on tighter to my budget because I knew my family was relying on me. While the circumstance wasn’t perfect, the patience and discipline I have learned around money has become a skill I will never forget. Due to the financial struggles I have experienced throughout my life, I am determined to create financial stability in adulthood and generational wealth. I will commit to this through seeking a higher education and doing it in a way that will not leave me in debt. But, I don't want to just stop at supporting my family, I want to support my community. Too often are low-income dividials and people of color forgotten or mistreated in the healthcare field. I want that to change with me. I plan on attending Howard University to study Chemistry, where I will later go to medical school to become an Ophthalmologist. When I do this, I will use my education to close the eye-care accessibility gap for marginalized groups because I believe that everyone deserves quality healthcare and to see the world in clear view. My world has never been tinted with rose colored glasses, but it has been full of color with all the experiences and people who are counting on me.

Since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to do something to change the world. I wanted to leave my mark on the world, and for the longest time, I thought that meant being famous or rich, but now I know that making a difference is about helping people. For the past four years, I have been competing in speech and debate, more specifically, original oratory. This category has allowed me to speak about issues I am passionate about and share an important message with a large group of people. I have always been interested in social justice issues, so my topic this season felt like the perfect thing to close out my high school career. I chose to perform a speech about how the politicization of identities harms marginalized groups and distracts from real politics. This topic allowed me to express my frustrations with ICE, systematic racism, homophobia, Islamaphobia, and misogyny. Being from a small town in Ohio, I knew that this might ruffle a few feathers, but I never let that put me down. Even when I got nonsense ranks that came out of a place of hatred, I knew that I could not give up on this speech. This wasn’t just a speech; it was taking action against hatred that has filled our nation for too long. This speech was a testament to resilience and strength that lives within every marginalized group. It was not just a speech but a protest against the hatred that flourishes within this nation. This season was the first time that I was able to proudly and loudly stand by beliefs without fear of judgment or disagreement. This strength has given me the confidence to pursue ophthalmology. While this road will be long and challenging, I no longer fear “no.” I will continue to fight for my dreams and beliefs. After I become an ophthalmologist, I will provide treatment for those who cannot afford eye care and procedures. Eye care is something that is so inaccessible to so many low-income people, yet so vital to a prosperous life. I will fight for a world in which healthcare is more accessible and affordable. I will use my education to inspire other children like me to chase after their dreams even if it feels impossible. Education is such an important and vital aspect in so many people's lives that is often taken for granted. I will use my education and privilege through my occupation to help others both medically, but academically. Whether that be providing care for those who cannot afford it, making an impact on every person I meet, encouraging others to commit to education, or by funding different programs and organizations. I still want to leave my mark on the world, but not through money or fame, but through the effort that I will use to create better lives for people.

When I have any chance to be at home in my bed, I take it. I love a good bed-rot session. Nothing beats lying in bed for hours binging a show I've watched for the 100th time, reading, playing Roblox and arguing with 10-year-olds, or drawing and writing poems. But you see, when you're involved in multiple extracurricular activities, and two of them are service-based, you kind of need service hours. Mid bed-rot sess, I was scrolling on TikTok, and I saw a video of an old man sitting at a restaurant booth by himself, edited with slow sad music. I teared up as I read the comments that created different storylines for him, and that's when I thought about the impact a single message or note could have. I reflected on how one singular letter from a friend, teacher, or loved one could turn my day around. Then it hit me: what if there was a way to make the elderly feel less lonely and help students serve? In a time when people are more divided and lonely, I saw an opportunity to connect youth with the elderly through simple acts of kindness. I started making letters for my local nursing homes and got my fellow classmates in on it, too. A group of students each made a few cards with encouraging messages and kind words to give to nursing home residents. Cards made while bed-rotting, opened by another lying in theirs. With minimal effort and realistic timeframes, busy students can make a meaningful impact. Make cute handwritten notes in your free time—it's an easy service that fits into any schedule. Many refrain from community service because they don't have the time or they don't know how to get involved. But this service directly goes against this thought. While we think that committing ourselves to hours of trash clean-up or serving at the food kitchen is real service, it may not be realistic for us all. No matter how busy we are, giving and service should be a part of our lives. No matter how lazy or low-effort it may seem, attitude and intention beat time commitment anytime. So yes, I may have done the most Gen-Z thing of all time, I get my service hours by bed-rotting... and a TikTok is what triggered the idea. In the future, I plan to use my education to serve my community in... less embarrassing ways. I hope I become a bit less obsessed with a bed-rotting session when I become an Ophthalmologist. After becoming an Ophthalmologist, I plan to make eye-care more accessible for everyone. One way I plan to do this specifically is by making eye-care services more accessible to low-income individuals through free services or custom more affordable payment plans. If bed-rotting taught me anything, it was how to pivot and make things more convenient. It all started with a TikTok, but I hope to continue with more service.

When I have any chance to be at home in my bed, I take it. I love a good bed-rot session. Nothing beats lying in bed for hours binging a show I've watched for the 100th time, reading, playing Roblox and arguing with 10-year-olds, or drawing and writing poems. But you see, when you're involved in multiple extracurricular activities, and two of them are service-based, you kind of need service hours. Mid bed-rot sess, I was scrolling on TikTok, and I saw a video of an old man sitting at a restaurant booth by himself, edited with slow sad music. I teared up as I read the comments that created different storylines for him, and that's when I thought about the impact a single message or note could have. I reflected on how one singular letter from a friend, teacher, or loved one could turn my day around. Then it hit me: what if there was a way to make the elderly feel less lonely and help students serve? In a time when people are more divided and lonely, I saw an opportunity to connect youth with the elderly through simple acts of kindness. I started making letters for my local nursing homes and got my fellow classmates in on it, too. A group of students each made a few cards with encouraging messages and kind words to give to nursing home residents. Cards made while bed-rotting, opened by another lying in theirs. With minimal effort and realistic timeframes, busy students can make a meaningful impact. Make cute handwritten notes in your free time—it's an easy service that fits into any schedule. Many refrain from community service because they don't have the time or they don't know how to get involved. But this service directly goes against this thought. While we think that committing ourselves to hours of trash clean-up or serving at the food kitchen is real service, it may not be realistic for us all. No matter how busy we are, giving and service should be a part of our lives. No matter how lazy or low-effort it may seem, attitude and intention beat time commitment anytime. So yes, I may have done the most Gen-Z thing of all time, I get my service hours by bed-rotting... and a TikTok is what triggered the idea. In the future, I plan to use my education to serve my community in... less embarrassing ways. I hope I become a bit less obsessed with a bed-rotting session when I become an Ophthalmologist. After becoming an Ophthalmologist, I plan to make eye-care more accessible for everyone. One way I plan to do this specifically is by making eye-care services more accessible to low-income individuals through free services or custom more affordable payment plans. If bed-rotting taught me anything, it was how to pivot and make things more convenient. It all started with a TikTok, but I hope to continue with more service.

When I have any chance to be at home in my bed, I take it. I love a good bed-rot session. Nothing beats lying in bed for hours binging a show I've watched for the 100th time, reading, playing Roblox and arguing with 10-year-olds, or drawing and writing poems. But you see, when you're involved in multiple extracurricular activities, and two of them are service-based, you kind of need service hours. Mid bed-rot sess, I was scrolling on TikTok, and I saw a video of an old man sitting at a restaurant booth by himself, edited with slow sad music. I teared up as I read the comments that created different storylines for him, and that's when I thought about the impact a single message or note could have. I reflected on how one singular letter from a friend, teacher, or loved one could turn my day around. Then it hit me: what if there was a way to make the elderly feel less lonely and help students serve? In a time when people are more divided and lonely, I saw an opportunity to connect youth with the elderly through simple acts of kindness. I started making letters for my local nursing homes and got my fellow classmates in on it, too. A group of students each made a few cards with encouraging messages and kind words to give to nursing home residents. Cards made while bed-rotting, opened by another lying in their bed. With minimal effort and realistic timeframes, busy students can make a meaningful impact. Make cute handwritten notes in your free time—it's an easy service that fits into any schedule. Many refrain from community service because they don't have the time or they don't know how to get involved. But this service directly goes against this thought. While we think that committing ourselves to hours of trash clean-up or serving at the food kitchen is the only real service, it may not be realistic for us all. No matter how busy we are, giving and service should be a part of our lives. No matter how lazy or low-effort it may seem, attitude and intention beat time commitment anytime. So yes, I may have done the most Gen-Z thing of all time, I get my service hours by bed-rotting... and a TikTok is what triggered the idea. And that's when another thought hit me, maybe bet-rotting isn't so bad after all?

"I am a dreamer," I say, until I am waken by a stark reality. No wi-fi, no lights, no gas, no phone service, or no food; a constant cycle of what we wouldn't have next. Oftentimes, I asked God why my life had to be this way when he had already taken my mom. Struggle was nothing new to me; there was always another problem. If it wasn't money, it was health. I've always had a weak immune system, and both my parents have gone through plenty of issues, too. I spent my early childhood visiting my mom in the hospital, witnessing her hooked up to different machines. Cancer never discriminated. After she passed, I had a shaking fear of hospitals and doctors. I thought that nothing could come from doctors except bad news, until I went to the Optometrist. The welcoming smile and how knowledge just filled the room. That was the first time I liked doctors. At an eye doctor visit with my dad, I found a pamphlet about Retinal Tears. While it sounded quite gross, I was mesmerized. This pamphlet, along with a few others, opened up a whole new world to me. Thankfully, Dr. Reynolds was just as excited as I was. She answered all of my questions about optometry and even offered to allow me to shadow. I know now that medicine is such an vital factor in many people's lives, and so many cannot afford it. So, while I do still shake when going in for my yearly check-up, I want to become an Ophthalmologist, so I can make a change in the medical field. Studying and becoming an Ophthalmologist is only the first step to making this dream a reality. I know so much hard work is to come, but if I stick to it, I know I can achieve it. After all, hard work is a part of the dream. But, Ophthalmology is not my only dream. Since childhood, I knew I wanted to change the world. While being successful is very important to me, what means the most to me is leaving a mark on the world. I want to continue my social work and hopefully use my education to help others. I want to help people and give opportunities to others. One thing I’ve learned about dreams is that everyone deserves to dream. I wholeheartedly believe that if your dream comes true, it is only right to help another person make their dream a reality. Obtaining this degree will show others like me that it is possible and hopefully will inspire them to chase their dreams. It will show my younger cousins that anything is possible and there is truly power in education. One day, I hope that my journey of chasing my dreams will show my future children that no dream is too big. I want to instill in my children that dreaming is powerful and it is the first step of achieving any goal. Maybe one day, one of my children will then say, “I am a dreamer.” and I’ll rest my head at night not fearful of nightmares because I am already living such a beautifully perfect dream.

I am a dreamer. Since childhood, I have had elaborate ideas, stories, and plans. Some of my earliest memories are of my family members asking my parents, “Where did you get her from?” as they laughed. But to my dad, none of it was a joke. He truly believed that his silly little girl could change the world. With his support, I have found what I think may be my calling: optometry. At an eye doctor visit with my dad, I found a pamphlet about Retinal Tears. While it sounded quite gross, I was mesmerized. This pamphlet, along with a few others, opened up a whole new world to me. Thankfully, Dr. Reynolds was just as excited as I was. She answered all of my questions about optometry and even offered to allow me to shadow. After this encounter, I knew this is what I wanted to do; I guess, this is what the books mean by love at first sight. I began to research biology and optometry programs at different schools, looking at eye anatomy, and dreaming about this future career and life. Now, I dream of a future where I become an Optometrist and one day open my practice. I will settle down in a quiet home, hopefully with a beautiful family. I will inspire other children like Dr. Reynolds did for me. My patients will smile as they see the newly clear reflection in the mirror. Studying and becoming an Ophthalmologist is only the first step to making this dream a reality. I know so much hard work is to come, but if I stick to it, I know I can achieve it. After all, hard work is a part of the dream. But, ophthalmology is not my only dream. Since childhood, I knew I wanted to change the world. While being successful is very important to me, what means the most to me is leaving a mark on the world. I want to continue my social work and hopefully use my education to help others. I want to help people and give opportunities to others. One thing I’ve learned about dreams is that everyone deserves to dream. I wholeheartedly believe that if your dream comes true, it is only right to help another person make their dream a reality. Obtaining this degree will show others like me that it is possible and hopefully will inspire them to chase their dreams. It will show my younger cousins that anything is possible and there is truly power in education. One day, I hope that my journey of chasing my dreams will show my future children that no dream is too big. I want to instill in my children that dreaming is powerful and it is the first step of achieving any goal. Maybe one day, one of my children will then say, “I am a dreamer.” and I’ll rest my head at night not fearful of nightmares because I am already living such a beautifully perfect dream.

I am a dreamer. Since childhood, I have had elaborate ideas, stories, and plans. Some of my earliest memories are of my family members asking my parents, “Where did you get her from?” as they laughed. But to my dad, none of it was a joke. He truly believed that his silly little girl could change the world. With his support, I have found what I think may be my calling: optometry. At an eye doctor visit with my dad, I found a pamphlet about Retinal Tears. While it sounded quite gross, I was mesmerized. This pamphlet, along with a few others, opened up a whole new world to me. Thankfully, Dr. Reynolds was just as excited as I was. She answered all of my questions about optometry and even offered to allow me to shadow. After this encounter, I knew this is what I wanted to do; I guess, this is what the books mean by love at first sight. I began to research biology and optometry programs at different schools, looking at eye anatomy, and dreaming about this future career and life. Now, I dream of a future where I become an Optometrist and one day open my practice. I will settle down in a quiet home, hopefully with a beautiful family. I will inspire other children like Dr. Reynolds did for me. My patients will smile as they see the newly clear reflection in the mirror. Studying biology and going to Optometry school is only the first step to making this dream a reality. I know so much hard work is to come, but if I stick to it, I know I can achieve it. After all, hard work is a part of the dream. If I continue to push myself, then finally my dream will come true. But, optometry is not my only dream. Since childhood, I knew I wanted to change the world. While being successful is very important to me, what means the most to me is leaving a mark on the world. I want to continue my social work and hopefully use my education to help others. I want to help people and give opportunities to others. One thing I’ve learned about dreams is that everyone deserves to dream. I wholeheartedly believe that if your dream comes true, it is only right to help another person make their dream a reality. Obtaining this degree will show others like me that it is possible and hopefully will inspire them to chase their dreams. It will show my younger cousins that anything is possible and there is truly power in education. One day, I hope that my journey of chasing my dreams will show my future children that no dream is too big. I want to instill in my children that dreaming is powerful and it is the first step of achieving any goal. Maybe one day, one of my children will then say, “I am a dreamer.” and I’ll rest my head at night not fearful of nightmares because I am already living such a beautifully perfect dream.

"I am a dreamer," I say, until I am waken by a stark reality. No wi-fi, no lights, no gas, no phone service, or no food; a constant cycle of what we wouldn't have next. Oftentimes, I asked God why my life had to be this way when he had already taken my mom. Struggle was nothing new to me; there was always another problem. If it wasn't money, it was health. I've always had a weak immune system, and both my parents have gone through plenty of issues, too. I spent my early childhood visiting my mom in the hospital, witnessing her hooked up to different machines. Cancer never discriminated. After she passed, I had a shaking fear of hospitals and doctors. I thought that nothing could come from doctors except bad news, until I went to the Optometrist. The welcoming smile and how knowledge just filled the room. That was the first time I liked doctors. At an eye doctor visit with my dad, I found a pamphlet about Retinal Tears. While it sounded quite gross, I was mesmerized. This pamphlet, along with a few others, opened up a whole new world to me. Thankfully, Dr. Reynolds was just as excited as I was. She answered all of my questions about optometry and even offered to allow me to shadow. I know now that medicine is such an vital factor in many people's lives, and so many cannot afford it. So, while I do still shake when going in for my yearly check-up, I want to become an Ophthalmologist, so I can make a change in the medical field. Studying and becoming an Ophthalmologist is only the first step to making this dream a reality. I know so much hard work is to come, but if I stick to it, I know I can achieve it. After all, hard work is a part of the dream. But, Ophthalmology is not my only dream. Since childhood, I knew I wanted to change the world. While being successful is very important to me, what means the most to me is leaving a mark on the world. I want to continue my social work and hopefully use my education to help others. I want to help people and give opportunities to others. One thing I’ve learned about dreams is that everyone deserves to dream. I wholeheartedly believe that if your dream comes true, it is only right to help another person make their dream a reality. Obtaining this degree will show others like me that it is possible and hopefully will inspire them to chase their dreams. It will show my younger cousins that anything is possible and there is truly power in education. One day, I hope that my journey of chasing my dreams will show my future children that no dream is too big. I want to instill in my children that dreaming is powerful and it is the first step of achieving any goal. Maybe one day, one of my children will then say, “I am a dreamer.” and I’ll rest my head at night not fearful of nightmares because I am already living such a beautifully perfect dream.

No wi-fi, no lights, no gas, no phone service, or no food; a constant cycle of what we wouldn't have next. Oftentimes, I asked God why my life had to be this way when he had already taken my mom. Struggle was nothing new to me; there was always another problem. If it wasn't money, it was health. I've always had a weak immune system, and both my parents have gone through plenty of issues, too. I spent my early childhood visiting my mom in the hospital, witnessing her hooked up to different machines. Cancer never discriminated. After she passed, I had a shaking fear of hospitals and doctors. I thought that nothing could come from doctors except bad news, until I went to the Optometrist. The welcoming smile and how knowledge just filled the room. That was the first time I liked doctors. I know now that medicine is such an important factor in many people's lives, and so many cannot afford it. So, while I do still shake when going in for my yearly check-up, I want to become an Ophthalmologist, so I can make a change in the medical field. Just like how this scholarship can give me a chance, I want to give a chance to others who may not be able to afford healthcare. Like this scholarship, I want to give youth hope. I want to show kids who are from positions like mine that it is possible to rise from hard childhoods. It is possible to make a difference.