A year ago, my best friend Shaheerah faced one of the scariest battles anyone could imagine. She had been experiencing persistent stomach pain, and after finally going to the hospital, the doctors discovered she had ovarian cancer. Not just that—she had two tumors, one the size of a grapefruit and the other like a golf ball. For someone as active and strong as Shaheerah, this news was earth-shattering. She had been a wrestler, a football manager, and also competed in track and swimming. The thought of not being able to wrestle again or possibly never having children filled her with fear and uncertainty. When Shaheerah was admitted to the hospital, I stayed with her for three weeks. Those weeks were filled with endless tests, scans, and a major surgery that changed everything. Seeing her go through so much pain and exhaustion was heartbreaking, but I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone. I was there to hold her hand through every moment, no matter how tough it got. It was hard to watch her body weaken, especially since she had always been so strong and full of energy. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Shaheerah never failed to remind me how the smallest gestures made a huge difference. Helping her grab things off her bedside table, adjusting her bed, or assisting her to the bathroom when her body ached meant the world to her. I’d tuck her in every night and bring extra blankets when she felt cold. These little acts of care were simple, but they brought her comfort during a time when everything else felt uncertain. It showed me how important it is to be present and attentive when someone is suffering. One of the hardest parts was facing the possibility that Shaheerah might never be able to have children. At 17, that’s a devastating thought. It’s a dream many hold close, and to have it threatened by illness is incredibly painful. Talking about it was never easy, but I tried to be there for her, listening and supporting her as she processed her fears and hopes. It taught me how important it is to be gentle and honest, while also offering hope and reassurance that she was not alone. Now, after that terrifying experience, we’re graduating together this year. It’s incredible to think about how far she’s come. Her strength and resilience through the darkest moments have been inspiring. That time in the hospital taught me the power of presence and kindness—the little things truly do go a mile when someone is facing something so hard. It also showed me the importance of friendship and support in helping someone get through the toughest times. Looking back, I realize that being there for Shaheerah wasn’t just about helping her physically—it was about being a steady source of love and hope. Cancer changed her life in many ways, but it didn’t take away her spirit or the bond we share. Together, we faced the unknown, and together, we are moving forward, stronger than ever.

Giving back to my community has been a central part of my life and has greatly influenced my goals for the future. As a high school senior involved in varsity basketball, volleyball, and track, I have learned valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and responsibility. These lessons extend beyond sports and into how I contribute to and support my community in meaningful ways. One of the main ways I give back is through volunteering at local food banks. Helping to provide meals to people in need has shown me the importance of compassion and the impact that even small acts of kindness can have on others. It’s a humbling experience to see how many people rely on these services, and it motivates me to continue supporting those who are less fortunate. In addition to food banks, I have volunteered at the veteran cemetery, helping to maintain and clean these spaces. This work may seem simple, but it carries significant meaning. Keeping cemeteries clean and respectful honors the memories of those who have passed and shows care for the community’s history. My involvement in sports has also been a way to give back. My teams often participate in community service activities. My team goes to the cemetery during Christmas and makes wreaths, we will also all go to the food bank to help them out during the holidays. These experiences have helped me understand the power of teamwork not just in games, but in making a positive difference in the community. Being part of a team that works toward a common goal, both on and off the court, has strengthened my leadership skills and my commitment to service. Another significant way I contribute to my community is through my job at Hometown Cleaning, where I assist elderly residents in Lyon County. This role is especially meaningful to me because it allows me to support some of the most vulnerable members of my community. I help clean their homes and assist with daily tasks like changing bedding, taking out trash, and sometimes just being there to talk or listen. Working with the elderly has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of human connection. It’s rewarding to know that my efforts help improve their quality of life and provide them with comfort and dignity. These experiences have not only shaped who I am today but have also influenced my future career aspirations. I want to become an anesthesiologist assistant, a role that combines my passion for science and healthcare with my desire to help others. I am drawn to this career because it allows me to work closely with patients, ensuring their safety and comfort during medical procedures. I believe that the compassion and dedication I have developed through volunteering and my job will help me excel in this field. Beyond the technical skills required for healthcare, I know that qualities like communication, patience, and empathy are crucial. My community service and work experiences have helped me develop these skills. For example, working with diverse groups of people has taught me how to listen carefully, understand different perspectives, and respond with kindness. These interpersonal skills will be essential in my future career, where building trust with patients is key. Additionally, my involvement in sports has helped me learn how to manage stress, stay focused, and work under pressure—skills that will be valuable in any medical setting. Balancing academics, athletics, volunteering, and a job has taught me time management and resilience. I am confident that these experiences have prepared me well for the challenges of higher education and a demanding healthcare career. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue growing both personally and professionally. I plan to pursue higher education in a field related to healthcare, where I can build on the foundation I have established through my community involvement. I am committed to lifelong learning and to finding new ways to give back, whether through my profession or continued volunteer work. In summary, my experiences in sports, volunteering, and working with the elderly have shaped my values and aspirations. They have taught me the importance of compassion, responsibility, and teamwork. These lessons have inspired me to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist assistant, where I can continue to help people and make a positive impact. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to give back to my community and look forward to the ways I can continue to do so in the future.

Growing up with a single mom has really shaped who I am. My mom has always worked so hard to take care of me and my six siblings. Seeing her hustle every day taught me what it means to never give up, no matter how tough things get. Life wasn’t always easy, moving homes constantly meant saying goodbye to friends, switching schools, and trying to fit in all over again. Each move was hard, but it also made me tougher and taught me to roll with whatever life throws at me. Sometimes, I felt like I was starting over from scratch, but those experiences gave me a kind of resilience that I didn’t know I had. There was a time when I was in the foster system, and honestly, that was one of the hardest things I’ve been through. It made me feel alone and unsure, but it also pushed me to be strong and independent. Going through that made me realize just how much my mom’s love and stability mean, even when things weren’t perfect. It was a confusing time, full of uncertainty, but it also showed me the importance of having someone who believes in you unconditionally. That experience taught me to appreciate the little things and to never take family for granted. On top of everything, having all of my siblings with different dads made it even harder to feel close to each other. We didn’t always have that easy bond because our family was so complicated, and sometimes it felt like we were all just trying to find our place in the chaos. It wasn’t always smooth—there were misunderstandings, distance, and moments where it felt like we were strangers under the same roof. But even with all those struggles, I’ve learned that family isn’t perfect, and sometimes you have to work harder to build those connections and hold on tight to the people who matter. Over time, I’ve come to understand that despite our differences, we share a unique bond that’s worth fighting for. All of this has made me who I am, a person who cares deeply, who fights through challenges, and who values family above everything. These experiences have given me the strength and drive to keep pushing forward and to make a real difference in whatever I do. I know that life will keep throwing obstacles my way, but I’m ready to face them head-on, armed with the lessons I’ve learned from my past.