Winters with five feet of snow. Summers with fishing and hiking. These experiences are what initially defined my childhood and continue to be great memories for me to cherish. For the first seventeen years of my life, I lived in Fairbanks, Alaska, and relished every bit of the outdoor experience that comes along with living in such a unique place. In the last year of high school, I moved to Wasilla, Alaska, where I live now, and studied at the Mat-Su College in Palmer. Just this past year, I began my undergraduate degree in biology with a specialization in pre-dentistry at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Throughout middle school and into high school, exploring the outdoor Alaskan world around me, including through forest ecology research at UAF in high school, developed my curiosity about the sciences. I came to enjoy math, science, numbers, and using my hands, all of which sparked my interest in the field of healthcare, which combines science and service. I still remember the first time I shadowed my local dentist after suggestions to look into that field. I didn't know much about what dentistry entailed, but I was willing to learn. Shadowing for the first time was daunting, but my doubts fell away when the dentist began explaining an X-ray and detailing how he would fix the infected tooth. I began to see the lasting and immediate impact that dentistry has on patients, who often derive important health, aesthetic, or confidence-boosting benefits from their dentist. I learned about the personal and healing effects of dentistry, which are both rewarding and long-lasting. I quickly became interested in the blend of science, technology, detailed hand work, and relationship-building that I saw my dentist display daily throughout his work. His honest advice and testimony about both the difficulties and rewards of dentistry helped me to see dentistry in a realistic light, which only served to further my interest in this field and confirm that dentistry was right for me. Exploration, organization, thoughtfulness, and independence have defined my educational journey thus far through my meticulous personality and science-oriented career choice. I love Alaska and want to come back as a general dentist who uniquely understands my patients' experiences and builds strong connections with the community, just as my personal dentist does. Looking back on my childhood, I think playing the piano for so many years was a particularly powerful influence on this interest, though I also remember having fun with small tools, such as using a miniature pocket knife to carve on branches around my yard. After shadowing, I saw that I could use these strengths in hand-eye coordination, as well as my interests in science and technology, to improve the health of my community. I began to see the powerful good that can come about through dentistry by serving multiple generations of families and bringing confidence, stellar hygiene, and a healthy smile to a wide variety of people. I did not grow up with any family members in healthcare, so charting my own course in service to others through science appeals to my independent streak and makes me excited about the future. I am grateful for the support from those back home in Alaska and realize that dentistry is a long path. However, I am confident that serving my Alaskan neighbors as a dentist and using my skills for the benefit of the community will be rewarding. I plan to participate actively in community life in Alaska, such as at educational health fairs, free dental clinics for struggling patients, and other outreach to build a healthier Alaska.

Summer 2011: My family was at a party with a large group of family friends. Despite being very young at the time, I still remember my parents talking to one of their friends about a dog he owned that wasn't getting along well with his family and his other dogs. Unexpectedly, he went on to ask my parents if we would adopt the dog for at least a few months to see if it liked our family better. Even more unexpectedly, my parents agreed to take the dog. She was a one-year-old husky and blue heeler mix. Her name is "Solstice." Contrary to my expectations, we eventually decided to permanently adopt Solstice as our own, despite my parents' initial reluctance to own a dog. I am happy to say that, twelve years later, Solstice is still with us. Aside from one leg surgery to help her walk better, Solstice is still a healthy and active dog, even at her age. I feel so lucky to have had Solstice all through my childhood, to play and spend time with my family. Looking back over our time together, I think Solstice has served several significant roles for both me and my entire family. Most simply, she has served as a source of joy in our lives, a "pick-me-up" even on the toughest days. Merely petting her on a test day can relieve large amounts of stress and calm me down. I often see my dad taking a quick break from work to spend a few moments petting the dog, showcasing her significance in our lives. Moreover, Solstice has served as a means of supporting our family's health and growth through the years in the form of outdoor exercise. She needs a walk (or two!) every day, which forces us to break from the busyness of the day and spend some time outside, even during the cold winters in Alaska. When we feel occupied with "important" business, Solstice reminds us of what is especially important, family and health. In maintaining our dog's health through frequent walks and other exercise, we are, in fact, maintaining our own health, particularly our mental health. These days, Solstice is thirteen years old. She is still pretty active, though she sleeps more than I remember. Due to her age, I have come to value every moment I have with her. But I keep in mind the happiness and hope with which the dog lives, inspiring those around her, especially my family. Exploring the outside world with Solstice during my childhood initially sparked my fascination with science, and so I am currently pursuing a biology major with the plan to attend dental school, where I can continue to use my hands and my love of science to care for those around me, bolstered by my experience of caring for a dog for thirteen years. My dream job is to work as a general dentist in the same community where I grew up, serving multiple generations of families and extending care to all parts of my hometown through outreach and greater education about the mouth, such as at local health fairs. Using cutting-edge technology, science, creativity, and detailed handwork to make a deep impact on others greatly appeals to me, so dentistry has become a clear choice. Shadowing my hometown dentist has increased this desire to serve the community while also chasing my passions. I am confident that, as Solstice has taught me, patience and kindness have dramatic effects when combined with a singularly focused passion, and so I plan to achieve this impact as a general dentist.

I remember the first time I shadowed my local dentist. I didn't know much about what dentistry entailed, but I was willing to learn. Throughout my childhood, going to the dentist had been a bit of a chore, but something I understood to be important. However, my viewpoint about dentistry changed over the years after coming to enjoy math, science, numbers, and using my hands, all of which sparked my idea to shadow my dentist. Stepping into the dental office for the first time was daunting, but my doubts fell away when my friendly dentist started explaining an X-ray to me and how he was going to fix the patient's tooth. I began to see the lasting and immediate impact that dentistry has on patients, who often derive important health, aesthetic, or confidence-boosting benefits from their dentist. Shadowing showed me both the personal and healing aspects of dentistry, which I found to be quite appealing. I quickly became interested in the blend of science, technology, detailed hand work, and relationship-building that I saw my dentist display with his patients and throughout his work. His honest advice and testimony about both the difficulties and rewards of dentistry, such as long days but happy patients, helped me to see dentistry in a realistic light, which only served to further my interest in this field and confirm that dentistry was right for me. Cleaning, making things right again, and using my hands have always been enjoyable to me. Looking back on my childhood, I think playing the piano for so many years was a big influence on this interest, though I also remember having fun with small tools, such as using a miniature pocket knife to carve on branches around my yard. After shadowing, I saw that I could use these strengths, as well as my interests in science and technology, to improve the health of my community. I began to see the powerful good that can come about through dentistry by serving multiple generations of families and bringing confidence, stellar hygiene, and a healthy smile to a wide variety of people. Shadowing my dentist opened the door to a career in dentistry, which has since become a real possibility in my life, as I have begun the journey toward dental school by starting on my undergraduate degree. I am currently a college freshman at Creighton University, planning to major in biology. Importantly, I have been accepted to the Creighton Pre-Professional Dental Scholars Program, which guarantees acceptance to the Creighton Dental School so long as I meet the GPA, DAT score, and course requirements. This has been a dream come true for me since it allows me to focus more on my classes and less on deciding where to attend dental school in the future. With the Pre-Dental Society, I have been able to complete further shadowing at the dental school after starting college, which has solidified my interest in the field. However, educational costs are a significant part of my journey thus far. Even with financial aid from my school, there are still great costs for the education I am receiving. This scholarship would be absolutely crucial in helping me to continue my undergraduate training and prepare for the Dental Admission Test and dental school, both of which are expensive. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to apply to private scholarships such as this one, which are so important in affording my education. I know the path toward dentistry can be long and challenging, but, with the help of this scholarship, I will eventually serve my community as a dentist.

Growing up in Alaska, where the environment often fluctuates between harsh and pleasant and where the incredible wonders of the outdoors are on full display, has powerfully shaped not only my upbringing but also my plans for the future. Here, I have learned to slow down and enjoy nature, providing me with a sense of peace and fulfillment that I have rarely found whenever meeting those outside of Alaska who are my age. I have been privileged to explore both Alaska and the lower 48, though these experiences have only increased my love for this state. Some of my best memories, which also happen to be my most important lessons, come from the trials and challenges that my family has faced over the years, along with many Alaskans around me. I was born and raised in Fairbanks for seventeen years and then moved to Wasilla where I now reside. I have learned to work hard in a persistent way that only Alaska can teach. In particular, I remember working with my entire family to clear several feet of snow from our driveway, along with the entire neighborhood who were also out doing the same for their driveways. I fondly remember the power outages that would occur in -20 F temperatures and the shared sense of care that our neighborhood showed during these situations. I also remember the damage and enormous piles of snow produced by high winds that our family, like many, had to work through and clear away. All these different experiences, though seemingly unimportant, form the foundation for my love of Alaska and have also imparted powerful lessons to me about the importance of community and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Most importantly, though, I think the simplicity, beauty, but also harsh and unpredictable nature of Alaska have taught me humility, which is of the utmost importance when dealing with weather issues or even when working through a school assignment. I have also had the opportunity to travel to other states and see how different life is for much of the United States. In fact, I attend college in Nebraska, which would not be possible without financial aid from the school and scholarship support. This school is particularly strong in biology and healthcare, which I first became interested in through shadowing, volunteering, and exploration of the outdoors. Likewise, my parents have taught me to strive for quality in my extracurricular activities and schoolwork, allowing me to pursue my multifaceted interests in music, math, and science while also pushing me to do my best in every subject and achieve success. Their example of powerful faith and humility has truly been one of the best lessons I have learned during my time in Alaska. This support, combined with outdoor exploration as a child and my love for music and math, are what sparked my interest in biology and working with my hands to achieve an impact. Meeting people from other states and traveling away from Alaska has opened my eyes to how fortunate I am and to the immense wonders and uniqueness of Alaska. Few other places I have visited contain such grandeur of mountainous terrain, such quiet view of the stars and northern lights, and such endless expanse for exploration. Community service opportunities have further influenced my desire to return to Alaska and serve this population in a healthcare role, while simultaneously pursuing my interests in science, detailed hand-work, and technology. For this reason, I hope to graduate dental school and return to Alaska to improve the smiles of those in this beautiful state.

Being financially savvy has always been a large part of my personality and decision-making. I think this trait probably comes from my parents, who have often hammered into me the importance of keeping track of finances. My father had to spend years more on college than would be ideal, spending large amounts of money and making other financial mistakes in the process; he has carried this knowledge with him and passed it on to me, helping me to realize the dangers of not managing my accounts. My mother, meanwhile, grew up in a household where finances were very tight and so she learned from a young age about the importance of proper money decisions. My parents have provided me with different but complementary perspectives concerning money. At the heart of it, they have both emphasized the same fundamental idea: learning to manage, organize, and keep track of all my finances. As far back as I can remember, I have always found it satisfying and reassuring to know the exact amount of money in my savings account, my wallet, and any other place where I deposit money. I have always liked numbers and math, which is yet another reason why I relish keeping track of my finances. I think managing finances helps me to be more independent in my decisions, as well as more flexible in making important decisions that dramatically affect my life, like choosing what college to attend. My detail-oriented personality fits nicely into this love of keeping track of finances. Managing finances are undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of adulthood, so I believe learning this skill is simply invaluable as I continue to become more independent from my family. Learning to keep track of my finances is also essential if I want to live a healthy and happy life. It is more difficult to be content and cheerful if I am constantly stressing about finances because I don't know where my money is going or if I will have enough to support myself. I think this is an often-forgotten aspect of dealing with money: our health, especially mental health, has a lot to do with how well we are managing money. This is the primary reason why I value managing my finances so highly, which I realize is still sometimes a struggle as there can often be more enjoyable activities to do than crunching the numbers for a budget. However, in the long run, having a thoughtful and well-planned budget actually helps me to be more productive, healthy, and happy. I manage my finances in several ways. Organization is key to doing this, so I try to keep my accounts separate from each other to avoid confusion. At least a few times a month, I check my savings and debit accounts to see if anything has changed or how much interest I have earned. I keep a checkbook for both these accounts and update them as soon as possible after I spend money, deposit money, or earn interest in my account. I relish the independence that I have with regard to my money, especially when it comes to purchases. Whenever I want or need to buy something, I make sure to budget for it and plan accordingly, particularly if the purchase is large. This helps me to have peace of mind that I can afford the purchase. Overall, I have learned the importance of healthy money habits in my life. My finances are still small, but these necessary skills will be of great use throughout my life, no matter my career choice.

Back in algebra 1, I remember being assigned a difficult problem that required extra thinking. In class after that homework was due, other students talked about giving up on solving the problem after trying unsuccessfully for half an hour. However, I distinctly remember that I solved the problem after about an hour, which was far longer than I had originally wanted to spend. I think this memory from my past, though seemingly insignificant, illustrates one of my most important qualities that I know will benefit me throughout my life: my perseverance and attention to detail. Math is just one example of how I always want to find a solution to whatever I'm working on; giving up is simply not an answer for me when I start on a problem. It's satisfying and calming for me to perform my homework in a high-quality manner that involves effort and time. Much of the reward comes from the effort and detail I put into my assignment. I have come to view homework as its own craft or skill that requires patience, practice, and especially perseverance. I have come to see that learning is simply a journey toward even greater knowledge, though there will always be ups and downs. In that sense, I have learned to value the journey of learning, even if that involves spending longer on an assignment than previously anticipated. This quest for answers isn't always an easy position to take. There are certainly days when giving up seems all too attractive. At these moments, however, I realize that the effort I put into an assignment is itself a major part of the learning experience. I have found that asking for help rather than giving up is a better solution in these instances that also does not compromise my persistent personality. My attention to detail shows through in my assignments. My English and Literature teachers always comment on how organized and neat my essays look. My STEM teachers have similar reactions to my work, especially my written work. At the heart of it, though compliments from teachers are rather unimportant in the overarching journey of education, I think they, again, illustrate a quality that I greatly value in myself. There is nothing I like more than doing my assignment as neatly and beautifully as possible. Writing papers or performing physical calculations has become a kind of art to me that provides a refreshing and rewarding experience. I value this quality for the beauty it provides, as well as the respite from the stresses of life that I experience while perfecting my "craft." Overall, I think my perseverance in finding answers about the world around me and my attention to detail are of great help in my life's journey. No matter the career I go into, curiosity and motivation are going to be important, both for my success and also for my happiness and health. Whenever life gets hard, which inevitably happens from time to time, these characteristics will be of service to me and will help me through the difficulties. Undergoing struggles will serve as another learning experience, making me that much more grateful for those who support me and for the abilities and talents that I do possess. I know the path ahead will not always be easy. I am thrilled to serve others using my strengths (especially my perseverance and detail-oriented personality) while also studying my favorite subjects, science and math. For this reason, I am planning to work in healthcare, which will allow me to heal and meet those in my local community. The possibilities ahead are exciting!

Many in my community are suffering. I often meet these people through outreach at my church or while serving at a local food bank. They often feel forgotten or dismissed as unimportant. I've found that merely looking these struggling people in the eyes and treating them with dignity can go a long way. These experiences have energized me to get involved. More and more these days, other young people I meet don't understand the importance of proper communication with others, such as looking people in the eyes, shaking their hands, and being respectful and helpful. Volunteering at a food bank is great, but we need to go a step further and reach out to those in need with more than just physical help. Treating these people with dignity involves so much more than giving them food, though that is certainly extremely important. Providing mental, physical, and emotional support should be the norm at food banks, soup kitchens, and the like, which provide much of the support for the local community. In my life volunteering at soup kitchens, food banks, churches, and my hospital, I have had the privilege of meeting numerous people in need. I have seen the struggles of volunteers, who try to meet the basic needs of hundreds of people while also trying to converse with them individually. I'm inspired by these volunteers' dedication and try to follow their examples in my own life. This commitment to proper communication and valuing people doesn't have to be hard. Sometimes, it can be as simple as smiling at the person you are serving and attentively addressing their every need. Other times, it might involve a simple conversation with the homeless person at the soup kitchen who just needs someone to talk to. Whatever the case may be, kindness and empathy must be the priority for all those who are working to make a difference in their local community. Besides making a change through person-oriented volunteering, I've also been a part of the Civil Air Patrol, a U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. This organization not only provides significant educational opportunities to grow as a person and expand beyond my comfort zone, but it also provides much-needed service opportunities. In fact, "volunteer service" is one of the core values of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), which shines through in the actions our local squadron has taken to serve the community. Through CAP, I've been privileged to meet many people in my community during Veterans' Day service activities, "Wreaths Across America" projects, and museum cleanings. These experiences have highlighted another important change I work to implement in my community: uniting together to serve others rather than going alone. Becoming isolated or self-sufficient only leads to depression and inefficiency. Working together always brings about more good than contributing alone. Overall, community service has taught me some invaluable lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I've learned to communicate with others. I've learned the importance of selflessness rather than selfishness. I've also experienced the power and joy of working together and treating others with true dignity. For all these reasons, I want to continue to influence change in my community. I am inspired by the rewarding smiles and laughter of those I serve. My love of serving others has led me to choose healthcare as a career. I'm excited to graduate high school in 2023 and begin working toward becoming a doctor. I relish the opportunity to eventually serve my community through healthcare. Any financial support will be much appreciated and of great help in reaching this goal.

I've always been a sentimental person when it comes to music. I enjoy all kinds of music but especially gravitate toward inspirational or thought-provoking instrumental pieces. One of my favorites comes from a surprising place: the Toy Story Franchise. "When She Loved Me" by Sarah McLachlan, found in Toy Story 2, particularly resonates with me. In the movie, the piece plays while whimsical scenes are shown of Jessie and her owner playing together throughout the girl's childhood, though eventually Jessie is abandoned by her owner for more "interesting" pursuits. Though this song and the movie scene cover a rather common and seemingly insignificant moment in a child's life, they touched me deeply. I began to think of all my wonderful childhood memories growing up and playing with my next-door neighbors. These beautiful thoughts gave me a respite from the stresses of senior year of high school and made me more thankful for the life I have. Though my childhood is behind me, this song, at least for a moment, transported me back to the days that, inevitably, we all will long for at some point during our life, whether it's after a tiresome day at work or during some financial stress at home. I think this song and its reminiscent lyrics have the power to bring peace to troubled or worried minds. The message to take away from the song is clear: don't ever take life for granted, enjoy your precious time with those you love, and realize that, though you can go through ups and downs, your life can have a happy ending, as occurs later in Toy Story 2. This is the important message I have found in "When She Loved Me," which I will continue to enjoy for years to come, especially when life hits me hard.

Many in my community are suffering. I often meet these people through outreach at my church or while serving at a local food bank. They so often feel forgotten and dismissed as unimportant. I've found that merely looking these struggling people in the eyes and treating them with dignity can go a long way. First and foremost, I want to see that kind of change in my community and around the country. More and more these days, other young people I meet don't understand the importance of proper communication with others, such as looking people in the eyes, shaking their hands, and being respectful and helpful. Volunteering at a food bank is great, but we need to go a step further and reach out to those in need with more than just physical help. Treating these people with dignity involves so much more than giving them food, though that is certainly extremely important. Providing mental, physical, and emotional support should be the norm at food banks, soup kitchens, and the like, which provide much of the support for the local community. In my life volunteering at soup kitchens, food banks, churches, and my hospital, I have had the privilege of meeting numerous people in need. I have seen the struggles of volunteers, who try to meet the basic needs of hundreds of people while also trying to converse with them individually. I appreciate these volunteers' dedication and try to follow their examples in my own life. This commitment to proper communication and valuing people doesn't have to be hard. Sometimes, it can be as simple as smiling at the person you are serving and attentively addressing their every need. Other times, it might involve a simple conversation with the homeless person at the soup kitchen who just needs someone to talk to. Whatever the case may be, kindness and empathy must be the priority for all those who are working to make a difference in their local community. Besides volunteering in my local community, I've also been a part of the Civil Air Patrol, a U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. This organization not only provides significant educational opportunities to grow as a person and expand beyond my comfort zone, but it also provides much-needed service opportunities. In fact, "volunteer service" is one of the core values of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), which shines through in the actions our local squadron has taken to serve the community. Through CAP, I've had the privilege of meeting so many in my community during Veterans' Day service activities, "Wreaths Across America" projects, and museum cleanings. These experiences have highlighted another important change I want to see in my community and, more broadly, the country and world: we need to unite together in serving others. Too often, I've seen the dangers of becoming isolated or self-sufficient. Working together always brings about more good than contributing alone. Overall, community service has taught me some invaluable lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I've learned to communicate with others. I've learned the importance of selflessness rather than selfishness. I've also experienced the power and joy of working together and treating others with true dignity. For all these reasons, I continue to act locally in my community and hope that others do the same in their communities. I truly believe that if we all take small steps of service in our local communities then we can make a dramatic impact across our country and the world. My love of serving others has led me to choose healthcare as a career. I'm excited to graduate high school in 2023 and begin working toward becoming a doctor. I relish the opportunity to eventually work in my home community, serving those who need healthcare. Any financial support will be much appreciated and of great help in reaching this goal.

Most people I talk to seem to view high education as simply a means to an end, namely getting a job and moving on in life. I think this sentiment has truly permeated our modern culture. Unfortunately, that viewpoint does a disservice to high schoolers all around the world, including myself, who grew up always thinking of college as a way to grow in life while studying what you love. "Getting a job" is more of a positive side effect of higher education, while the real objective of college is to discern one's calling in life and follow their passions. When answering this question about higher education, I am constantly inspired by my parents who were the first in their families to attend college. Their struggle was palpable, often having to make important decisions without support from their family. Their story taught me what education beyond high school really is: an opportunity to further delve into one's interests and explore the outside world. This journey of education is what truly allows a person to find their calling or "job." In thinking about this issue and talking it over with overs, I've come to realize that, while many people seem to view higher education as a requirement for getting a job that forces them to lay aside their real interests for a while, further education after high school actually allows students to study in more detail their real interests. That is the primary reason behind my desire to continue pursuing education after graduation: additional opportunities to explore the outside world, meet others, discover my interests, and grow as a person. I'm excited to move beyond high school and leave my teenage years behind. Higher education is essential to providing these types of interactions and experiences that I will remember and reference for the rest of my life. While high school gives students a broad education in many aspects of life, the attractive part of higher education is the specificity of topics I can discover. Rather than taking just one biology class in 9th grade and then moving on to other sciences, I can now major in the entire field of biology, taking numerous applicable classes while also furthering my interests in other topics like math, engineering, and community service. Overall, I'm excited to pursue higher education since it allows me to chase my interests in much greater depth than I was able to do in high school. Graduating college feels like a passport to a new world filled with even more experiences. After obtaining a degree, I can delve even further into my interests, whether that involves graduate school, meeting others through travel, or joining a company to pursue my passions. I think many people forget that higher education may not be the end of the story, but rather the first chapter in a new story that encompasses one's entire educational journey of following their interests. Thus, another reason higher education is important to me is because of the incredible opportunities and flexibility that can come after having experience in college. Overall, I'm thrilled to be able to continue my educational journey beyond high school and attend a university, studying new topics while also gaining further understanding about the world and how to be successful.

Most people I talk to seem to view college as simply a means to an end, namely getting a job and moving on in life. I think this sentiment has truly permeated our modern culture. Unfortunately, that viewpoint does a disservice to high schoolers all around the world, including myself, who grew up always thinking of college as a way to grow in life while studying what you love. "Getting a job" is more of a positive side effect of obtaining a college degree, while the real objective of college is to discern one's calling in life and follow their passions. When answering this question about college degrees, I am constantly inspired by my parents who were the first in their families to attend college. Their struggle was palpable, often having to make important decisions without support from their family. Their story taught me what college really is: an opportunity to further delve into one's interests and explore the outside world. This journey of education in college is what truly allows a person to find their calling or "job." In thinking about this issue and talking it over with overs, I've come to realize that, while many people seem to view college as a requirement for getting a job that forces them to lay aside their real interests for a while, college actually allows students to study in more detail their real interests. That is the primary reason behind my desire to pursue a college degree: additional opportunities to explore the outside world, meet others, discover my interests, and grow as a person. I'm excited to move beyond high school and leave my teenage years behind. While high school gives students a broad education in many aspects of life, the attractive part of attending a university is the specificity of college degrees. Rather than taking just one biology class in 9th grade and then moving on to other sciences, I can now major in the entire field of biology, taking numerous applicable classes while also furthering my interests in other topics like math, engineering, and community service. Overall, I'm excited to pursue a college degree since it allows me to chase my interests in much greater depth than I was able to do in high school. Graduating college feels like a passport to a new world filled with even more experiences. After obtaining a degree, I can delve even further into my interests, whether that involves graduate school, meeting others through travel, or joining a company to pursue my passions. I think many people forget that college may not be the end of the story, but rather the first chapter in a new story that encompasses one's entire educational journey of following their interests. Thus, another reason I'm pursuing a college degree is because of the incredible opportunities and flexibility that can come after having experience in college. Overall, I'm thrilled to be able to continue my educational journey beyond high school and attend a university, studying new topics while also gaining further understanding about the world and how to be successful.

I remember when I first began taking algebra 1 in high school. The concepts seemed confusing and irrelevant to my life as an eighth grader. Even the word problems felt unrealistic or not applicable to me. I had always "gotten along" with numbers, but had never really sensed a connection to math or enjoyed the process of solving equations. All of that changed as the year progressed. My teacher was fabulous, bringing math to life for her students. I began enjoying algebra and soon considered math in a new light. No longer was it just a bunch of numbers and equations that contained no relevance to the outside world; instead, math was the very backbone of the world I had previously taken for granted. From fractals to systems of equations, I began to see how math actually was quite useful and interesting in everyday life. In a very real sense, the world was made of math. From the mundane, like shopping at the store, to the truly impactful, like calculating the time to travel from the earth to the moon, math is intertwined in our lives and benefits all of human society. This sentiment caused me to reconsider my previous notions about math and even begin advocating for teaching math in a more exciting way. I have been tutoring in STEM for my school's National Honor Society and for learners at Schoolhouse.world, particularly focusing on my newly-discovered favorites, algebra and SAT math. This experience has only reinforced my love of math, allowing me to spread my enthusiasm for the subject with others who may struggle with the same topics I once found difficult. I have found in math a way to recharge after a busy day or relax from the stresses of life. Whether it's solving some SAT geometry questions for fun or helping my brother to understand matrices, I treasure the experience of delving into all types of math, new and old. I'm happy to say that, years after that experience in algebra 1, I am still fully in love with math. I am currently taking calculus 1 and enjoying the experience! Though I had already begun to see the usefulness of math in the real world, calculus has truly reinforced this concept for me. The possibilities and practical applications are limitless! I'm excited to continue my journey with math while also sharing its power and beauty with others.

Summer, 2011: My family was at a party with a large group of family friends. Despite being very young at the time, I still remember my parents talking to another adult about that family's dogs. The adult mentioned one of the dogs they owned wasn't getting along well with the family and the other dogs. Unexpectedly, he went on to ask my parents if we would adopt the dog for at least a few months to see if it liked our family better. Even more unexpectedly, my parents agreed to take the dog. She was a one-year-old husky and blue heeler mix. Her name is "Solstice." Contrary to my expectations, we eventually decided to permanently adopt Solstice as our own, despite my parents' initial reluctance to own a dog. I am happy to say that, eleven years later, Solstice is still with us. Aside from one leg surgery to help her walk better, Solstice is still a rather healthy and active dog, even at her age. I feel so lucky to have had Solstice all through my childhood, to play and spend time with my family. Looking back over our time together, I think Solstice has served several significant roles in both my own life and my entire family. Most simply, she has served as a source of joy in our lives, a "pick-me-up" even on the toughest days. Merely petting her on a test day can relieve large amounts of stress and calm me down. I often see my dad taking a quick break from work to spend a few moments with the dog, petting her and calming himself down. Moreover, Solstice, though she does not realize it, has served as a means of supporting our family's health through outdoor exercise. She needs one or two walks every day and this forces us to take a break from the busyness of the day and spend some time outside. Even on days when we feel too occupied with "important" business, Solstice reminds us of what is really important, family and health. In maintaining the dog's health through frequent walks and other exercise, we are, in fact, maintaining our own health, particularly our mental health. The responsibility of taking care of Solstice also brings out the best in us. I used to consider feeding the dog and letting her out every morning to be a chore. Now, I think of it as my sacred duty to our family's longest and truest friend, a dog. I have become a better person by taking care of Solstice, and I am now more generous and kind to those I interact with. These days, Solstice is twelve years old. She is still rather active, though she sleeps more than I remember. Due to her age, I think of every moment with her to be a blessing, not knowing when it will all end. But I keep in mind the happiness and hope with which the dog lives, inspiring those around her, especially my family. Solstice plays extremely important roles in my life, including as a stress-reliever, an excuse to improve my mental health through outdoor activity, and as an important and meaningful "task" that I complete every day by caring for her. I hope Solstice will continue to be an active part of my family for many years to come. I also hope my words have spoken to the committee and they find me worthy of this scholarship, which will greatly assist me in furthering my education goals.

I still remember an incident at an amusement park, five years ago. We were in our seats on a rollercoaster, waiting to begin the ride. Nearby was an obese adolescent, struggling to fit into his seat. Eventually, an employee had to escort him off the coaster, as he was unable to safely ride. I do not know this child's circumstances or why he was obese, but the reality I saw that day, whether it was due to a family lifestyle of unhealthy eating or the financial pressure of purchasing healthier options, was truly saddening. Unfortunately, it seems like everywhere I go, I see people suffering from obesity and other food-related diseases. Combined with a lack of exercise, this often has terrible effects on people's physical and mental health. Sadly, there are even many young people I know who do not have access to healthy food choices. These examples from my own life have had powerful impacts on how I view healthy eating. I am fortunate to live in a household that values healthy food and even grows many of its own vegetables during summer gardening. My parents have educated us about the importance of properly taking care of our bodies, and their years of teaching have worn off on me. I have changed my mentality toward healthy food, no longer thinking it to be an unimportant side dish and instead considering wholesome eating to be a way of life. I find nutritious eating is important because choosing the healthier path, whether in eating or any other habit, closely relates to caring for our bodies, which in turn makes society a happier and more content place. In modern America, this health-focused mentality is unfortunately not easy to maintain, as fast food is both convenient and often marketed as being healthy. Nonetheless, I take pride in being the odd one out who doesn't eat sugary cereal for breakfast, though this can sometimes require effort and persistence. When I struggle in this area, I always keep in mind the rationale behind a healthy lifestyle: taking care of our bodies improves our physical and mental health, allowing us to have a more wholesome lifestyle where we can live to our full potential and better take care of others. Additionally, healthy eating makes us more fulfilled and cheerful. It is for these reasons that I consider healthy eating habits to be necessary in everyone's lives. I personally can tell a difference in my health when I choose nutritious foods over "junk" food. Unhealthy food and drink often contain large amounts of sugar, fat, caffeine, etc., all of which makes me feel hyped up and, in many cases, more stressed out about my circumstances than before I started eating. When I turn to healthier options, despite the internal struggle that sometimes occurs, I actually feel more fulfilled and happy with the food. There's nothing quite like chomping into a fresh carrot from the garden! Not only do I derive more mental joy from the food, but it provides greater sustenance than a sugary and fatty donut. I really have started to see a difference in my own life between healthy and unhealthy food. My parents' habit of reading food labels is now my own! Healthier fruits and vegetables do indeed sometimes cost more than a bag of potato chips. However, despite the sacrifices, I believe that healthy eating habits are necessary for a successful society. People need to rethink this issue and possibly change their mentalities concerning wholesome food. I hope more local communities band together to make sure everyone can afford to eat healthily.

I still remember my first biology class. I was a young 9th grader, not particularly interested in school and lukewarm to the idea of ending summer vacation and beginning high school. However, my teacher surprised me by speaking of science as this realm of wonder, rather than just some facts and experiments we needed to learn. During that year, our class became more and more interesting, delving into cells, DNA, and eventually the human body. I was awed by the complexity and beauty found in this subject. That teacher had unknowingly sparked a new realization in me; I began to view my other classes in a different light. I subsequently changed my view on high school, no longer considering it to be a bunch of classes required for attending college. This meaningful experience in biology class led me to consider every class an opportunity to further explore the world around me and satisfy my curiosity about new things. I stopped considering "learning" to mean merely an exercise that students perform 9 months out of the year and instead started viewing learning as a lifelong commitment. Having now developed an interest in multiple subjects, including math, science, history, and Latin, I have come to see that learning can truly have an impact on people's lives. Not only can education help students to live happier and healthier lives, but it can also increase their success in future endeavors. Thus, learning is important to me for multiple reasons: I find in education a meaningful way to improve my mental skills in several areas of study critical to living life, including essay-writing and logical reasoning capability. This allows me to better express myself in all aspects of life. Moreover, learning is just plain fun and provides interesting and useful information about the world around us. No one should ever stop exploration of their environment, and education is simply the best means of satisfying the inquisitiveness inherent to every person. I also consider learning to be significant due to the endless positive possibilities for human society that can come through a desire for lifelong study. Just as numerous inventors and researchers in the past have benefited society through their commitment to learning, so too can modern students bring about life-changing positive impacts on the world if they persevere in following their passions. The potential for good that each of us has through learning really excites me. While learning new subjects certainly is interesting and stimulating, it is significant also because of the impactful and meaningful effects that can come about through zealous students who delve into unexplored areas that excite them. I am thrilled that education has the potential to change millions of lives for the better through revolutionary research and the passion of interested students. I want to extend this mentality of curiosity and exploration beyond my academic life and into other areas. Whether on a hike or in a conversation with an elderly friend, learning can occur in numerous different situations in life. I just have to be open to seeking out new information wherever it may be. Knowing how to learn from any experience will be invaluable. Not only do I want to continue to college after high school, but I am committed to graduating from medical school and becoming a doctor. Serving my community while satisfying my interests in STEM greatly appeals to me. I hope to foster a mindset of openness to new ideas long after high school. Hopefully, the committee finds I am worthy of this scholarship, which will greatly aid me in the quest for learning at college.

In former times, surgery was essentially impossible. The intense pain for the patient and lack of cleanliness made such invasive operations difficult. However, an important scientific discovery, namely anesthesia, revolutionized the field of medicine, enabling doctors to treat patients in an entirely new way. Many more people can now turn to medicine to solve their health issues. Thus, this discovery of anesthesiology is my favorite in the history of medicine. The ability to relieve or entirely take away pain has been a game-changer for all medical professionals. The most invasive but necessary surgeries can now take place, all due to safe and effective anesthetics. I have seen first-hand the incredible usefulness of this discovery, as many in my family have undergone vital operations that improved their quality of life. Without the practice of anesthesiology, these surgeries would never have been able to take place. Though often taken for granted in modernity, where operations occur every day, this discovery is also the most interesting, in my opinion. The fundamental chemistry involved, concerning such things as nitrous oxide or diethyl ether, is the most fascinating aspect of this medical practice to someone like me who greatly enjoys the study of chemistry. Overall, I think anesthesiology, especially in the context of its discovery, appeals most to me because, while often unnoticed or forgotten in the history of medicine, this finding is actually one of the most significant for both medicine and the world.