The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is Soul. Before watching it, I believed success was something you either reached or missed, one opportunity, one moment that could define everything. That mindset shaped how I approached both academics and athletics, often putting pressure on myself to follow a perfect path. Watching Soul, especially seeing how Joe Gardner became so focused on achieving his “big break,” made me realize how much of my own thinking was centered on outcomes instead of growth. As a student-athlete, I’ve spent years working toward goals that felt like they would determine my future. I trained, competed, and pushed myself with the belief that everything depended on reaching the next level. When I made the decision to walk away from one sport and fully commit to beach volleyball, it felt like I was starting over. It was a risk filled with uncertainty, and there were moments where I questioned whether I had made the right choice. What Soul helped me understand is that growth doesn’t come from following a perfect plan, it comes from adapting, learning, and continuing forward even when things are unclear. The idea that a “spark” is not the same as a life’s purpose changed how I view success. I had always tied my identity to specific achievements, but I began to see that who I am is shaped just as much by the process, by the discipline, resilience, and effort I build every day. Since then, I’ve redefined what success means to me. Instead of focusing only on results, I focus on progress, how I respond to challenges, how I continue to improve, and how I stay committed even when the outcome is uncertain. Choosing a nontraditional path through junior college while pursuing both my academic and athletic goals reflects that mindset. It’s not the easiest route, but it is one that allows me to grow, develop, and bet on myself. This perspective directly influences how I view education. Higher education, to me, is not just about earning a degree, but about expanding my ability to create opportunities, for myself and for others. I plan to study business with a focus on entrepreneurship, where I can learn how to build something meaningful and impactful. I am especially passionate about helping younger athletes who may not have access to the same resources or guidance, because I understand how difficult it can be to navigate that path alone. Ultimately, Soul taught me that purpose is not something you arrive at, it is something you build. It is found in the choices you make, the risks you take, and the way you continue forward even without certainty. That lesson has changed how I approach my future. I am no longer focused on chasing one defining moment. Instead, I am focused on becoming someone who grows, adapts, and creates opportunities, not just for myself, but for others as well.

Entrepreneurship, to me, is more than building a business, it is about creating access where it does not already exist. My goal is to pursue a career in business with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, where I can develop opportunities for people who are often overlooked, especially young athletes who lack resources, guidance, or exposure. As someone who has navigated athletics without always having a clear roadmap, I understand how difficult it can be to find opportunities. Talent alone is not always enough, success often depends on access to training, mentorship, and financial support. This reality has shaped my entrepreneurial vision. I want to create a platform or program that helps student-athletes gain visibility, connect with mentors, and access the tools they need to succeed both academically and athletically. After high school, I plan to attend junior college while continuing to compete in beach volleyball and studying business. This path reflects my willingness to take a less traditional route in order to reach my long-term goals. I am committed to transferring to a Division I program while continuing to develop my understanding of entrepreneurship, marketing, and innovation. I want to learn not just how businesses operate, but how they grow, adapt, and create meaningful impact. Through entrepreneurship, I plan to give back by building systems that directly support my community. One of my long-term goals is to develop an organization or business that provides mentorship programs, recruiting guidance, and financial assistance for student-athletes. This could include workshops on personal branding, access to training resources, and partnerships that help athletes gain exposure to college opportunities. I want to remove some of the uncertainty that many young athletes face and replace it with structure, support, and opportunity. In addition, I am interested in the role of branding and digital platforms in today’s world. Athletes are no longer just competitors, they are also individuals with stories, identities, and influence. I want to create tools that help athletes represent themselves authentically while also opening doors for sponsorships, partnerships, and career growth. By combining business strategy with real-life experience as an athlete, I believe I can build something that is both practical and impactful. My motivation for pursuing entrepreneurship is deeply personal. Coming from a single-parent household, I have seen the financial challenges that come with pursuing higher education and athletic goals. I want to be in a position where I can not only support myself, but also give back to my family and invest in others who are working toward similar dreams. Success, for me, is not just about achievement, it is about creating opportunities that extend beyond myself. Ultimately, I want my work to reflect both innovation and purpose. I am not just interested in starting a business for profit, but in building something that creates lasting impact. Whether through mentorship programs, resource platforms, or community-based initiatives, my goal is to use entrepreneurship as a way to open doors for others. I want to be part of a future where opportunity is not limited by background, but expanded through access, support, and belief.

Higher education is more than a personal milestone for me, it is a pathway to expand opportunity for myself and to create impact in the communities I represent. As a student-athlete and a BIPOC student, I’ve learned that success is not only about talent or effort, but also about access, support, and representation. My academic and professional goals are centered around using my education to build a career in the business field, while also continuing to grow as a leader who uplifts others through sports and mentorship. Academically, I plan to pursue a degree in business, with a focus on areas such as marketing or sports management. I am interested in how organizations are built, how brands connect with people, and how leadership decisions shape opportunities for athletes and communities. As someone who has navigated the challenges of balancing school and competitive beach volleyball, I have developed strong time management skills, discipline, and resilience. These traits have pushed me to maintain my academic responsibilities while competing at a high level in a sport I did not originally grow up playing, but quickly grew to love and commit to. Professionally, I hope to enter a field where I can combine my passion for sports and business. Whether that is working within athletics, supporting athletes behind the scenes, or contributing to the development of programs that increase access for underrepresented youth, I want my career to be rooted in creating opportunity. I also want to be in a position where I can challenge the barriers that often prevent students like me from being fully seen or supported. Giving back to my community has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. I have supported younger athletes by encouraging them during practices, helping them build confidence, and sharing the lessons I’ve learned through my own experiences. Being a teammate and mentor has shown me that leadership is not always about being the loudest voice, but about being consistent, reliable, and supportive when others need it most. I’ve also made an effort to stay engaged in my school environment by contributing positively to team culture and encouraging others to stay focused on both their academic and athletic goals. As a Black and Latina student growing up in a predominantly white environment, I’ve often felt the pressure of being placed into stereotypes or assumptions that do not reflect who I truly am. At times, I have felt caught between identities, not fully accepted by one group or another. Instead of allowing that to limit me, it has pushed me to define success on my own terms and to take pride in every part of who I am. That experience has inspired me to be someone who creates space for others who may feel unseen or misunderstood. Ultimately, I want to make a difference by using my education, my athletic experience, and my voice to open doors for others. I hope to be part of a future where opportunity is not limited by background, but expanded through access, support, and representation.

I’ve learned that growth often happens in spaces where you don’t immediately feel like you belong. When I first stepped into volleyball at 15, I was surrounded by athletes who had years more experience than I did, and I had to quickly decide whether I would let that discourage me or use it as motivation. That experience taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of staying consistent even when progress feels slow. As a young Afro-Latina woman growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, I’ve also had to learn how to navigate spaces where I sometimes felt like I was being viewed through assumptions rather than understood for who I am. At times, people expect you to fit certain stereotypes, and when you don’t, it can feel like you are being placed into categories that don’t reflect your true identity. Being mixed has also shaped my understanding of belonging. There have been moments where I haven’t fully felt “enough” for one group or another, which has taught me that I don’t need to fit into labels to know who I am. Instead, I define myself through my character, my values, and how I treat others. Throughout high school, I’ve had to balance academics, athletics, and personal responsibilities, which has taught me how to manage my time and stay grounded when life gets busy. There have been moments where everything feels overwhelming, but I’ve learned how to adjust, stay focused, and keep moving forward instead of giving up when things get difficult. Those experiences have helped me become more resilient and more aware of my own ability to handle challenges. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of support and encouragement. I’ve been fortunate to have people in my life, coaches, teachers, and teammates who have pushed me to keep going even when I doubted myself. That kind of support has shown me how impactful it can be when someone believes in you. It’s something I don’t take for granted, and it’s also something I want to give back to others in the future. In my career, I plan to pursue sports marketing or entrepreneurship, where I can combine my interest in business with my experience as an athlete. I am also drawn to the idea of building something of my own that can connect sports, opportunity, and community. My strength in math and problem-solving pushes me toward the business side of sports, where I can think critically and create meaningful ideas. Ultimately, I want my education and future career to allow me to make a positive impact on others, especially students who may feel overlooked or unsure of their place. Valerie Rabb’s legacy of uplifting and supporting students is something I deeply respect, and I hope to carry that same spirit forward in my own way. Whether through my career, my actions, or simply how I treat others, I want to be someone who helps people believe in what is possible for them.

I am a high school senior, student-athlete, and active member of my community who values growth, leadership, and service. My journey has not followed a straight path, especially in athletics. I originally dedicated years to softball and was close to playing at the Division I level. Choosing to walk away from that opportunity was difficult, but it forced me to trust my instincts and take a risk on something new. When I found beach volleyball, I discovered a sport that challenged me in a completely different way and pushed me to become more confident, adaptable, and mentally strong. Beyond athletics, giving back has always been an important part of who I am. I spent much of my childhood volunteering with the Real Talk Youth Impact Program, where I worked with at-risk youth for seven years. My role focused on social media and photography, helping promote the program and highlight its impact. Through this experience, I learned how important it is to create spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and encouraged to make positive choices. Being someone younger kids looked up to made me more aware of the example I set. I also volunteered with Barn Buddies at the Las Vegas Farm, where I assisted with feeding animals, maintaining clean facilities, and welcoming visitors. This experience taught me responsibility and the importance of creating a positive and comfortable environment for others. At school, I was selected to join an invite-only Student-Athlete Club, where I worked alongside student council to bring more attention to underrepresented sports, especially girls’ athletics. By helping increase attendance and school involvement, I was able to advocate for greater recognition and support. After graduation, I will attend Grossmont College to continue playing beach volleyball while studying business. This decision comes with financial sacrifice, as my single mother will be supporting my education and living expenses. Seeing her invest so much in my future motivates me to stay focused and make the most of every opportunity as I work toward transferring to a Division I program. If I were to start a charity, it would be centered on providing opportunities for student-athletes who lack access to resources. My goal would be to support middle and high school students by offering mentorship, academic assistance, and guidance through the recruiting process. Many athletes have the talent but not the exposure or financial means to succeed, and I want to help change that. Volunteers would play a key role by mentoring students, organizing training sessions, and hosting workshops on leadership, time management, and mental health. The program would not only focus on athletic development, but also on building confidence and life skills that extend beyond sports. Aserina Hill’s story reflects the power of generosity and selflessness. Despite facing her own challenges, she consistently gave to others so they could achieve their goals. Her legacy inspires me to continue serving my community and creating opportunities for those who may not have the same support. I hope to honor that legacy by using my experiences to uplift others and make a meaningful impact.

Beach volleyball was never part of my original plan, it became my purpose. I didn’t grow up playing volleyball. I started indoor volleyball at 15, coming from a completely different athletic background, and quickly fell in love with competing again. Before that, I was on a strong path toward playing Division I softball and was very close to earning a full-ride scholarship. Walking away from that path was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, because it meant leaving behind something I had spent years building toward. But I knew I wanted something different, even if it meant starting over. At 17, I transitioned from indoor to beach volleyball, and everything clicked. I fell in love with the game almost instantly. What stood out to me most was how involved you are in every single point. There are no breaks or rotations where you fade into the background, you are constantly passing, setting, and hitting. I loved that responsibility. It pushed me to become a more complete and versatile player and made me more confident in my abilities on the court. Beach volleyball also brought me back to something I didn’t realize I had been missing: playing outdoors. There is something freeing about competing under the sun, in a more relaxed and “chill” environment, while still performing at a high level. That balance between intensity and enjoyment made me fall even deeper in love with the sport. It didn’t just feel like something I did, it felt like something I was meant to pursue. Now, I am committed to continuing my journey at Grossmont College, where I will be playing beach volleyball under Coach Jamie Ivers, a member of the Tardus community. Having a coach connected to Tardus makes this opportunity even more meaningful, as it shows me I am stepping into a network of athletes and mentors who understand the dedication required to pursue this sport. This opportunity also comes with significant sacrifice. My single mom will be covering my tuition and apartment costs out of pocket, believing in my ability to earn a Division I scholarship in the future. There is no guarantee, just hard work, faith, and determination. Watching my mom make that sacrifice pushes me to give everything I have, both on and off the court. I am choosing to play beach volleyball in college because I want to see how far I can take this passion. My goal is to transfer to a Division I beach volleyball program and eventually compete at the professional level. I understand that beach volleyball is an equivalency sport with limited scholarships, which makes this path even more competitive, but that challenge motivates me. I am willing to outwork, outgrow, and outlast to reach my goals. After college, I plan to pursue a career in the business field, with the goal of working internationally, especially in Europe. I am interested in combining my passion for sports with business, whether through sports management, marketing, or athlete representation. I also want to stay connected to athletics through coaching or mentorship so I can give back to the next generation. As an Afro-Latina athlete, I hope to increase representation in beach volleyball and inspire younger girls to step into spaces where they may not always see themselves reflected. Choosing beach volleyball meant choosing uncertainty, growth, and belief in myself. Every day, I am working to prove that this decision was worth it and that I am capable of turning this passion into something permanent.

Everyone faces challenges, but sometimes the hardest ones come from the things you love the most. For me, that was softball. I had played for twelve years, putting in hours of practice, tournaments, and travel while trying to keep my grades up and stay involved in my community. On the outside, it looked like I had it all together. But on the inside, I was overwhelmed. I felt like no matter how hard I worked, it was never enough. The pressure I put on myself started to take away the joy I once had for the game. Making the decision to step away from softball was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I felt like I was letting people down, my coaches, my teammates, even myself. But looking back, that moment taught me the most about resilience. I realized that sometimes being strong means knowing when to step back and take care of yourself. That choice gave me space to rebuild my confidence, focus on my mental health, and try something new: beach volleyball. Starting over wasn’t easy. I had to learn new skills, build relationships with teammates, and push myself in a completely different environment. Every practice felt like starting from scratch, but it also reminded me that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, not avoiding it. Going through this experience shaped me in more ways than one. I learned to trust myself, prioritize my well-being, and face challenges head-on. But the most surprising lesson came when I shared my story with teammates and younger athletes. Hearing how my honesty encouraged them to reflect on their own struggles showed me that resilience isn’t just about getting through tough times, it’s also about helping others find their strength. What once felt like a setback became a way to lift others up, and that’s something I’m really proud of. If I could give advice to someone facing the same kind of pressure, I’d say: it’s okay to step back and put yourself first. Don’t see it as giving up. See it as creating space to grow, rebuild, and keep moving forward in a way that makes you stronger. Resilience isn’t about never struggling, it’s about learning, adapting, and continuing even when it’s hard. This mindset carries me through school, sports, and community involvement every day. The Simon Strong Scholarship would give me the support I need to continue my education while staying focused on growing, working hard, and inspiring others along the way.

My name is Jovani Corniel, and I’m a two-sport athlete and student who’s always chasing growth, pushing limits, and trying to make a positive impact on the people around me. Sports have shaped who I am, they’ve taught me teamwork, resilience, and leadership. I played softball for twelve years, and now I’m focusing on beach volleyball at Grossmont College with the goal of earning a Division I scholarship and eventually playing professionally. These experiences have taught me that success doesn’t come from talent alone, it comes from consistency, dedication, and the willingness to keep going even when it’s hard. Balancing sports, school, and life hasn’t always been easy. I’ve faced times when the pressure felt overwhelming, and it was tempting to just give up or settle for less. Walking away from softball, a sport I had loved for over a decade, was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. It felt like I was quitting something that had defined me for so long, and I worried about letting people down. But stepping away also taught me an important lesson: resilience isn’t just about pushing through anything, it’s about making choices that protect your growth, well-being, and future. Switching to beach volleyball meant starting over: rebuilding my skills, confidence, and mindset from scratch. It wasn’t easy, and progress came slowly, but I discovered a new kind of strength, a resilience that combines determination with self-awareness. Beyond athletics, I’ve always tried to lift up the people around me. Whether it’s helping teammates, mentoring younger athletes, or just being there to listen, I’ve learned that encouragement can make a difference in someone’s confidence and motivation. I try to lead by example, showing that hard work, focus, and a positive attitude don’t just help you succeed, they can inspire others to push through their own challenges. Seeing younger athletes grow because of support and advice I’ve shared has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Receiving the Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship would help me take the next step in pursuing my goals both on and off the court. Financial support would allow me to focus more on my athletic and academic growth while continuing to give back to my teammates, school, and community. Kalia’s life represents excellence, drive, and kindness, the same qualities I try to live by every day. This scholarship would not only honor her legacy, but also give me the chance to continue working toward my dreams in college, Division I athletics, and beyond, while staying committed to leadership, service, and inspiring others. Kalia’s story reminds me that living fully means chasing your goals, lifting others along the way, and making every effort count. That’s how I approach my life, and why I hope to carry her legacy forward through my work, my dedication, and the impact I have on the people around me. I want to show that with grit, determination, and a willingness to help others, you can turn challenges into opportunities for growth, for yourself and for those who look up to you.

For a long time, I thought resilience meant pushing through everything without stopping. As a two-sport athlete, I was always hard on myself, training longer, expecting more, and never feeling satisfied. From the outside, it probably looked like discipline, but in reality, it was exhausting and sometimes overwhelming. After twelve years of playing softball, I got to a point where I didn’t even recognize the sport I used to love. The pressure I put on myself took all the fun out of it, and instead of feeling excited to play, I felt drained. Walking away was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. It felt like I was quitting something that had been a huge part of my life and letting people down at the same time. But looking back, that decision is what taught me the most about resilience. Instead of forcing myself to stay in something that was breaking me down, I chose to start over. I shifted my focus to beach volleyball, where I had to rebuild everything, my skills, my confidence, and my mindset. I wasn’t the best anymore, and progress felt slow and frustrating at times, but this time I approached it differently. I learned how to work hard without tearing myself apart and how to push myself in a healthier, more balanced way. What I didn’t expect was how my experience would affect other people. Teammates and younger athletes started opening up to me about their own struggles, feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or stuck in something they didn’t enjoy anymore. By being honest about what I went through, I showed them that resilience isn’t just about pushing through no matter what. Sometimes it’s about knowing when to step away and trusting yourself enough to make a change. That’s when I realized that my decision wasn’t just about me anymore. It gave other people the confidence to be honest with themselves too and reminded them that their well-being matters. Now, when I compete, I still push myself, but not at the cost of my happiness. My partner and I have had success in beach volleyball, even placing first in a tournament, but what matters more to me is that I’ve rebuilt my confidence in a healthier way. To me, resilience isn’t about never struggling. It’s about being honest with yourself, learning from it, and continuing to move forward. If my story has helped even one person feel less alone or more confident in choosing themselves, then that’s something I’m really proud of.

I’ve learned that who you become isn’t just about what you achieve, but what you push through to get there. Being a student-athlete has shaped a lot of who I am today. Between school, practices, games, and everything in between, I’ve had to learn discipline, time management, and how to keep going even when I feel exhausted or overwhelmed. I come from a single-parent household, and my mom has always worked hard to support me and my brother. With him going to college right after me, I’ve become a lot more aware of how expensive higher education really is. It’s not something I take lightly. Going to college isn’t just about my future, it’s about helping my family and making sure all the sacrifices my mom made were worth it. Sports have been a big part of my life, especially beach volleyball. It’s taught me more than just how to compete, it’s taught me how to deal with pressure and how to grow from failure. There were times when I was too hard on myself, where I felt like I wasn’t good enough or that I wasn’t improving fast enough. But over time, I’ve learned how to push past that mindset and trust the work I’ve put in. That growth has helped me not just as an athlete, but as a person. After high school, I plan to attend a junior college to continue playing beach volleyball while developing both academically and athletically. My goal is to earn a Division I scholarship and prove that taking a different path doesn’t mean thinking small, it means betting on yourself. I’m willing to put in the extra work to get there, no matter how long it takes. At the same time, I’m really interested in business. I want to learn how to build something of my own, whether that’s a brand, a training program, or a platform that helps athletes gain exposure and opportunities. Being an athlete has shown me how much goes on behind the scenes, marketing, sponsorships, and personal branding, and I want to understand how to use those tools not just for myself, but to help others succeed too. I’m especially passionate about helping younger athletes who may not have the same resources or support, because I know how hard it can be to figure everything out on your own. In the future, I want to create opportunities that make the path easier for the next generation. I also want to be someone that others can look up to. Representation matters, and I want younger Black athletes and students to see that they can succeed in both sports and academics. I want to help create more opportunities and open doors for people who come from backgrounds like mine. To me, making a positive impact doesn’t have to be something huge right away. It starts with small things, helping others, setting an example, and staying consistent. Everything I’ve been through has shaped my mindset, and I plan to use that to not only build a successful future for myself, but to help others along the way too.

I’ve loved Wicked for as long as I can remember, not just because it’s a great show, but because it makes me feel understood. Watching Elphaba struggle to be herself while Glinda figured out her own path made me realize I wasn’t alone in feeling different. Wicked isn’t just about witches, it’s about standing up for who you are, even when people don’t get it. Elphaba’s story hits me the most. She’s judged and misunderstood constantly, but she stays true to herself. That’s what makes her so inspiring. When she sings “Defying Gravity,” it’s not just a song, it’s like a reminder that it’s okay to rise above fear, doubt, and what everyone else expects from you. I think about that whenever I have to make hard choices or step out of my comfort zone. Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship is just as powerful. It’s messy and complicated, but they challenge each other, support each other, and see each other’s worth even when the other doesn’t. Watching them made me realize that the right friends push you to grow while still standing by you. Wicked has also made me think about my own identity. It reminds me that being different isn’t a bad thing, it’s something to own. In school, sports, and in life, I try to carry that lesson with me, embracing both my strengths and weaknesses and making choices that feel right for me, not just what others expect. At the heart of it, Wicked isn’t just a musical, it’s a lesson in courage, individuality, and resilience. Every time I hear the opening notes or sing along to “For Good,” it reminds me to be bold, be myself, and stand tall, even when it’s hard. That’s why I’m a fan, not just of the show, but of what it teaches me about living my life honestly and fully.

Growing up, I watched my mom work as a public defender. I saw her fight every day to make sure people, no matter their background, got a fair shot in the legal system. She stood up for people whose voices were often ignored and whose rights were too often compromised. Seeing her work showed me that the law isn’t just about rules, it’s about people, fairness, and trust. It also made me realize how important it is for law enforcement to build strong relationships with the African American community, which has faced historic and systemic challenges in the justice system. One of the biggest ways police can improve these relationships is through accountability and transparency. Communities trust law enforcement when officers are held responsible for their actions and when policies are clear and fair. Being open about how decisions are made and what steps are taken after incidents helps people feel like the system is on their side, not against them. When people see consistent follow-through, it sends a message that law enforcement genuinely values fairness. Another important step is community engagement beyond enforcement. Officers should be people residents can talk to, not just authority figures. Programs like community policing, mentorship, and open dialogue give officers a chance to understand the people they serve. When officers show up to school events, local programs, or even just community meetings, it helps build respect and humanizes both sides. Small actions, like taking the time to listen, can make a huge difference in breaking down barriers. Cultural understanding and anti-bias training is also essential. Officers who learn about the historical and systemic challenges African Americans face can respond more fairly and empathetically. But training alone isn’t enough, it works best with accountability and feedback from the community to make sure real change happens. Finally, partnerships with local organizations, schools, nonprofits, legal advocates, can strengthen trust. Watching my mom work with these groups has shown me how much these collaborations help people feel heard, supported, and respected. They show the community that law enforcement can be a partner in solving problems, not just enforcing rules. Building trust isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes ongoing effort, honesty, and real connection. Law enforcement agencies that commit to transparency, community engagement, and understanding can begin to repair relationships that have been strained for generations. Watching my mom advocate for fairness every day has inspired me to want to do the same. I hope to help create a system where justice and respect go hand in hand, and this scholarship would allow me to take another step toward that goal. I believe that when communities and law enforcement truly listen to each other, the American legal system can become more just and equitable for everyone.

One of the most moving performances I’ve seen from Taylor Swift is her performance of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” at the The Eras Tour. What makes that performance stand out isn’t just the length of the song or the storytelling, it’s the way she fully steps into every emotion on stage. She doesn’t rush through it or hold back. She lets the silence sit, lets the crowd feel every word, and somehow makes a stadium of thousands feel like something personal. Watching that changed the way I think about vulnerability. As an athlete, I’ve always been taught to stay composed and in control. Showing too much emotion can feel like weakness, especially in competitive environments where you’re expected to be tough all the time. For a long time, I carried that mindset into everything I did, even outside of sports. But seeing that performance made me realize that being open doesn’t make you weaker, it makes what you’re doing more real. Taylor doesn’t perform like she’s trying to impress people. She performs like she’s telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s what makes it powerful. It’s not just about hitting every note perfectly; it’s about connecting with people through honesty. That idea stuck with me, especially during a time when I was struggling with my own identity as an athlete. After stepping away from softball, I felt lost and unsure of who I was without it. But instead of shutting down those feelings, I started to face them more honestly. That’s something I learned from watching her, not directly, but through the way she shows up. To me, that performance represents more than just a song. It represents the courage to be seen as you are, without trying to hide parts of yourself. That’s something I’m still learning, but it’s something that has already changed how I approach both my goals and myself.

As a fan of Love Island, I’ve noticed that the most memorable moments happen when relationships are tested under pressure, but also when Islanders are forced to be honest. My challenge combines both. Challenge Name: “Truth or Twist” Overview: Islanders are split into couples and brought to the fire pit. Each couple takes turns sitting in the “hot seat” while the rest of the villa watches. The goal is simple: test how well couples really know each other—and how honest they’re willing to be. How It Works: Each round, a couple is asked a question about their relationship. The twist is that one partner answers out loud, while the other writes their answer secretly on a board. Questions can range from light to intense, like: • “Who is more invested in this relationship?” • “Would you turn your head for a new bombshell?” • “Who do you trust the least in the villa?” If their answers match, they earn a point and stay safe. If they don’t match, they must choose between two options: 1. Truth – One Islander must answer a much deeper, riskier question in front of everyone. 2. Twist – The public (or a random draw) assigns a consequence, such as going on a date with a new bombshell or temporarily separating as a couple. Final Stakes: The couple with the fewest points is put at risk and must face a villa vote or public vote that same night. Why This Works: This challenge adds excitement because it blends emotional vulnerability with unpredictable consequences. It creates tension not just between couples, but across the entire villa. Islanders are forced to reveal how they truly feel, which can strengthen relationships, or completely break them. Most importantly, it reflects what makes Love Island so addictive: real emotions, unexpected twists, and the constant question of whether connections are genuine or just for the game.

I didn’t become a fan of Sabrina Carpenter all at once, it kind of happened as I grew up, the same way she did. I remember watching her as Maya on Girl Meets World and just thinking she was funny and different. She wasn’t trying to be perfect, and that’s what made her stand out. At the time, I didn’t realize how much that mattered, but looking back, I think that’s why I connected to her. As I got older, I started paying more attention to her music, and that’s when I really became a fan. Songs like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” feel confident and honest, like she’s not trying to fit into what people expect from her anymore. She’s just being herself, and you can tell she’s grown into that. That’s what impacted me the most. As a student-athlete, I’ve always put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect. I thought being hard on myself was the only way to succeed. But over time, that mindset started to take the fun out of everything I worked for. Seeing how Sabrina didn’t stay in one version of herself made me realize I didn’t have to either. After twelve years of softball, I made the decision to walk away from it. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, because it felt like I was losing a part of who I was. But at the same time, it gave me the chance to figure out who I am outside of that. That’s something I saw in Sabrina’s career too, she didn’t stay where she started, even when people expected her to. She grew, changed, and became more confident in who she is. I’m a fan not just because of her talent, but because of what she represents. She showed me that it’s okay to change, to outgrow things, and to step into something new without having everything figured out. That’s something I’m still learning, but it’s something I’ll carry with me moving forward.