My entire universe was different when my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The one who had always cared for me now unexpectedly needed me in ways I never imagined. I became the caregiver as her illness progressed, not out of obligation, but because I loved her. My days became a balancing act of school, caregiving, and holding down three jobs to assist in paying medical bills, groceries, and household essentials. Whether it was bathing her, managing her medications, taking her to doctor's appointments, or just being there to hold her hand through the worst of the suffering, caregiving became a part of my everyday existence. Caring for my mom was one of the toughest yet most character-building experiences of my life. It made me more patient when I had no patience left, stronger when I was weak, and more responsible than my years. Watching someone you love fight for their life gives you a sense of perspective. I had to learn to be her advocate within the medical community, how to navigate insurance, and how to be present for her emotionally in a battle we were neither one prepared for. I have learned how to carry the burden of responsibility—working, attending school, and caregiving—without being broken by it. This has shaped me into the person I am today: someone who is empathetic, driven, and committed to helping others. It has also influenced my future plans. I want to work in a career path where I can give back, to help people who are struggling like I have helped my mom. I have discovered how fragile life is and how vital support systems are when someone is battling for their life with a disease. That's why I'm so keen to continue my studies—so that I can make a real difference in people's lives, whether that's through healthcare, social work, or activism. Getting this scholarship would be the world to me. Juggling school, caregiving, and three jobs has not only been hard on my wallet, but my time and energy as well. This scholarship would alleviate a financial stress from my life, enabling me to put more of my energy into my education and my future. It would allow me to keep striving for my aspirations without having to compromise my academic success or my own well-being. Above all, this scholarship would be a recognition of the struggles I've overcome and the resilience I've developed. It would be a step toward a future where I can keep turning pain into purpose—and help others do the same.