Service, sacrifice, and bravery reflects the way I understand my purpose and the responsibilities I carry as a young Black woman committed to improving maternal health outcomes in Wisconsin. My commitment to service began with the School Sisters of Saint Francis and continued to Lutheran Social Services. I have worked with many families and communities, not only in Wisconsin, but around the world, as I have supported missions to provide clean water to villages in Africa to supporting mental health programs in Milwaukee Public Schools. Listening to hundreds of stories has taught me that service is not just about providing resources, but it is about showing empathy, consistency, and respect. I have learned how structural inequalities have shaped lives, especially in accessing healthcare, stable housing, and supportive services. These years of experiences have strengthened my desire to serve my community in a more direct and transformative way. This journey has led me to the world of Black maternal health. I have noticed that the US has some of the worst racial disparities in maternal outcomes in the developed world. With Black women having a significantly higher rates of complications and mortality regardless of income or education. These statistics are not just numbers, they represent mothers, daughters, families, and lost smiles in my own community. These lives represent the women I hope to serve one day as a ultrasound tech and certified midwife. I will have the courage to confront systemic racism in health care and find the determination to advocate for women whose voices have too often been dismissed or ignored. The values of service and sacrifice also shape my vision for addressing broader challenged facing African Americans in the US. I believe that improving Black maternal healthcare is not just a medical issue, but a matter of racial justice, community empowerment, and generational healing. When Black mothers feel safe, supported, and respected all communities heal and thrive. My goal is to help rebuild trust between families and the healthcare systems by providing culturally grounded, patient centered care that affirms the dignity of every mother and parent. To achieve this vision, there are several policy and community reforms that are essential. First, there must be an expansion of postpartum care and Medicaid coverage to at least 12 months to ensure that all mothers receive continuous care during a very vulnerable time in their lives. Secondly, there should be community based maternal health programs that support and provide doula services, breastfeeding support networks, and culturally specific prenatal education. These programs and services have been shown to be extremely effective but also lack sustainable funding. Third, healthcare institutions must require ongoing bias and anti-racism training for all providers that are ties to licensures and accountability measures. Finally, expanding access to doulas and midwifes and training pipelines for women of color, will allow for more diversity and representation and is essential for long-term change. Driving reform will require collaboration among state and local policy makers along with healthcare institutions and community organizations. I hope to continue to volunteer and experience different stories by working with Lutheran Social Services and the Black Birth Symposium, because the best way to create change is to listen to those who have lived experiences. As I pursue my continued education I will continue to advocate for Black maternal health and carry his values with me. I am dedicated to building a future where Black mothers are not fighting for survival but are supported, celebrated, and empowered to thrive.

Sgt. Albert Dono Ware’s legacy of service, sacrifice, and bravery reflects the way I understand my purpose and the responsibilities I carry as a young Black woman committed to improving maternal health outcomes in Wisconsin. His life story reminds me that leadership is not defined by titles, but by the courage to stand up for ones community and the willingness to serve even when the work is difficult. These values guide me in my personal journey and will continue to inspire my vision for addressing the many urgent challenges facing the African diaspora in the US, especially in the Black Maternal Health Crisis. My commitment to service began with the School Sisters of Saint Francis and continued to Lutheran Social Services. I have worked with many families and communities, not only in Wisconsin, but around the world, as I have supported missions to provide clean water to villages in Africa to supporting mental health programs in Milwaukee Public Schools. Listening to hundreds of stories has taught me that service is not just about providing resources, but it is about showing empathy, consistency, and respect. I have learned how structural inequalities have shaped lives, especially in accessing healthcare, stable housing, and supportive services. These years of experiences have strengthened my desire to serve my community in a more direct and transformative way. This journey has led me to the world of Black maternal health. I have noticed that the US has some of the worst racial disparities in maternal outcomes in the developed world. With Black women having a significantly higher rates of complications and mortality regardless of income or education. These statistics are not just numbers, they represent mothers, daughters, families, and lost smiles in my own community. These lives represent the women I hope to serve one day as a ultrasound tech and certified midwife. Pursuing midwifery is my way of mirroring Sgt. Ware and his legacy of bravery, courage, and service. I will have the courage to confront systemic racism in health care and find the determination to advocate for women whose voices have too often been dismissed or ignored. The values of service and sacrifice also shape my vision for addressing broader challenged facing African Americans in the US. I believe that improving Black maternal healthcare is not just a medical issue, but a matter of racial justice, community empowerment, and generational healing. When Black mothers feel safe, supported, and respected all communities heal and thrive. My goal is to help rebuild trust between families and the healthcare systems by providing culturally grounded, patient centered care that affirms the dignity of every mother and parent. To achieve this vision, there are several policy and community reforms that are essential. First, there must be an expansion of postpartum care and Medicaid coverage to at least 12 months to ensure that all mothers receive continuous care during a very vulnerable time in their lives. Secondly, there should be community based maternal health programs that support and provide doula services, breastfeeding support networks, and culturally specific prenatal education. These programs and services have been shown to be extremely effective but also lack sustainable funding. Third, healthcare institutions must require ongoing bias and anti-racism training for all providers that are ties to licensures and accountability measures. Finally, expanding access to doulas and midwifes and training pipelines for women of color, will allow for more diversity and representation and is essential for long-term change. Driving reform will require collaboration among state and local policy makers along with healthcare institutions and community organizations. I hope to continue to volunteer and experience different stories by working with Lutheran Social Services and the Black Birth Symposium, because the best way to create change is to listen to those who have lived experiences. Overall, Sgt. Wares legacy shows me that bravery isn't the absence of fear or nerves, but the willingness to act in service of others. As I pursue my continued education I will continue to advocate for Black maternal health and carry his values with me. I am dedicated to building a future where Black mothers are not fighting for survival but are supported, celebrated, and empowered to thrive.

One of the greatest challenges I have ever faced began with a phone call that changed the course of my life. My grandfather, my biggest supporter, my source of stability, and the closest thing I had to a father, was dying. Because of COVID 19 restrictions, I couldn’t be by his side, even though he had been by mine for years. I remember holding the phone tightly, trying to fit a lifetime of gratitude into a few trembling sentences, hoping he could hear me and understand how much he meant to me. When the call ended, a new chapter of my life began, one marked by grief, anxiety, and a deep sense of isolation. Despite the many people who offered condolences, I felt invisible. The world kept moving, but I felt stuck in place, trying to navigate emotions I didn’t yet have the language for. What made it even harder was realizing how difficult it was to access competent mental health support. Providers seemed rushed. And the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in communities of color, made it feel risky to speak openly about what I was experiencing. I felt alone at a time when I needed connection the most. But through that darkness, I found something unexpected: purpose. Losing my grandfather forced me to confront my pain, but it also taught me that strength is not found in silence. Strength is the courage to keep going, to ask for help, and to transform suffering into something meaningful. These lessons have shaped who I am and who I am becoming. They will carry me through college and beyond. When academic pressure, life transitions, or personal losses inevitably arise, I will face them with the resilience I built through grief. I have learned to navigate challenges with emotional maturity, and I am committed to creating space for others to do the same by eliminating stigma and advocating for those who feel unheard. This commitment is what drives my passion for healthcare. I plan to pursue a career centered on protecting mental health and advocating for individuals who are too often overlooked in clinical settings, like my grandfather. My goal is to become a compassionate, community-centered healthcare provider who champions integrated and culturally competent care. I want to serve underrepresented communities, people who, like me, may not feel seen or validated in traditional healthcare environments. Women and people of color are frequently dismissed, undermined, or not given the space to articulate their concerns. When they do advocate for themselves, they are often labeled as “difficult” or “exaggerating.” These patterns are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a system that was not built with everyone in mind. My academic interests reflect this passion. I am continuously researching diagnostic errors and how they disproportionately affect marginalized groups. The more I learn, the more determined I become. Diagnostic errors are statistically higher among people of color, and these errors lead to higher rates of morbidity and mortality. In Milwaukee, where Black maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the nation, the consequences of these disparities are devastating. This is not just a statistic—it is a crisis. It is a pandemic within our healthcare system, one where people of color are dismissed, misdiagnosed, or not taken seriously by the very providers entrusted with their care. Understanding these realities has strengthened my resolve to be part of the solution.

One of the greatest challenges I have ever faced began with a phone call that changed the course of my life. My grandfather, my biggest supporter, my source of stability, and the closest thing I had to a father, was dying. Because of COVID 19 restrictions, I couldn’t be by his side, even though he had been by mine for years. I remember holding the phone tightly, trying to fit a lifetime of gratitude into a few trembling sentences, hoping he could hear me and understand how much he meant to me. When the call ended, a new chapter of my life began, one marked by grief, anxiety, and a deep sense of isolation. Despite the many people who offered condolences, I felt invisible. The world kept moving, but I felt stuck in place, trying to navigate emotions I didn’t yet have the language for. What made it even harder was realizing how difficult it was to access competent mental health support. Providers seemed rushed. And the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in communities of color, made it feel risky to speak openly about what I was experiencing. I felt alone at a time when I needed connection the most. But through that darkness, I found something unexpected: purpose. Losing my grandfather forced me to confront my pain, but it also taught me that strength is not found in silence. Strength is the courage to keep going, to ask for help, and to transform suffering into something meaningful. I have learned to navigate challenges with emotional maturity, and I am committed to creating space for others to do the same by eliminating stigma and advocating for those who feel unheard. This commitment is what drives my passion for healthcare. I plan to pursue a career centered on protecting mental health and advocating for individuals who are too often overlooked in clinical settings, like my grandfather. My goal is to become a compassionate, community-centered healthcare provider who champions integrated and culturally competent care. I want to serve underrepresented communities, people who, like me, may not feel seen or validated in traditional healthcare environments. Women and people of color are frequently dismissed, undermined, or not given the space to articulate their concerns. When they do advocate for themselves, they are often labeled as “difficult” or “exaggerating.” These patterns are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a system that was not built with everyone in mind. My academic interests reflect this passion. I am continuously researching diagnostic errors and how they disproportionately affect marginalized groups. The more I learn, the more determined I become. Diagnostic errors are statistically higher among people of color, and these errors lead to higher rates of morbidity and mortality. In Milwaukee, where Black maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the nation, the consequences of these disparities are devastating. This is not just a statistic—it is a crisis. It is a pandemic within our healthcare system, one where people of color are dismissed, misdiagnosed, or not taken seriously by the very providers entrusted with their care. Understanding these realities has strengthened my resolve to be part of the solution. Inspired by my own healing and by my mother’s unwavering strength, I hope to become a safe space for others navigating emotional and physical challenges. Whether through clinical practice, community outreach, or health education, I want to give back to my community in ways that truly impact lives. I want to be the provider who listens, who believes patients the first time, and who advocates for equitable care at every level.

One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced began with a phone call that changed everything. My grandfather, my great biggest supporter and the only father figure in my life was passing away due to unknown and unforeseen reasons. Because of COVID restrictions, I couldn’t be by his side, despite the fact he had been by my side for years. I held the phone tightly, trying to say goodbye in just a few words so he could hear but enough so he could understand how much he meant to me. That moment marked the beginning of a deep personal struggle with anxiety and depression, a journey that felt isolating and overwhelming. Despite countless people wishing me and my family well, I felt invisible. It was especially painful to realize how hard it was to find real competent mental health support. Wait times were long, providers felt rushed, and the stigma of mental health made it even harder to speak up. But through that darkness, I found purpose and a new light. This experience helped me understand that strength isn’t silence—it’s the courage to keep going, to ask for help, and to use pain as fuel for a better purpose. These lessons will carry me through college and beyond. When academic pressure, life transitions, or personal losses come my way, as they inevitably do, I’ll face them with the same resilience I’ve developed through adversity and grief. I’ve learned to navigate challenges with emotional maturity, and I’m committed to creating space for others to do the same by eliminating stigma and being a voice for underserved communities. I plan to pursue a career in healthcare as a sonographer. I want to be someone who can find and study pathology and be an integral part of the diagnosis process. With a goal of becoming a cardiac sonographer, my goal is to become a compassionate, community-centered provider who advocates for more integrated and culturally competent care. I want to serve underrepresented communities, those who, like me, may not feel seen in traditional healthcare settings. Inspired by my own healing, my mother’s strength, and my grandfather's journey with an unknown heart condition, I hope to be a safe space for others navigating emotional and physical challenges. Whether it’s through clinical practice, community outreach, or health education, I want to give back to my community in a way that truly impacts lives, just like my grandfather did for me despite his health condition.

Living with my mother in a one-parent household wasn't always easy. Not because it lacked love, but because we are complete opposites. She is self-assured and creative, whereas I have always been more fragile and quiet. Having such opposing personalities meant that we would sometimes clash. It felt like we were talking to each other in different languages. But even with the tension, I learned some of my greatest lessons. My mother, despite our differences, has always been one of my biggest influences. When I was struggling with my own mental illness, and nobody else seemed to pay attention, she did. She saw past my silence and recognized my pain, even when I did not know how to ask for assistance. Her being in my most desperate moments reminded me that love is showing up, even when it's difficult. It set my definition of human connection. She taught me to value emotional well-being more and opened my eyes to invisible struggles. My mom inspired me to pursue a career in the medical field, working in women's health. I want to be that person who notices individuals like my mom; someone who can see the struggle, who will listen, who will encourage, who will offer help. Inspired by her strength and perseverance, I've worked tirelessly to excel in school. I've maintained an excellent 4.0 GPA while studying AP and honors classes. These classes fueled my passion for medicine. I take pride not only in being able to master material, but in being able to use education as a tool for change and a brighter tomorrow. Outside of school, I’ve dedicated myself to service through consistent community volunteering. I worked with the School Sisters of Saint Francis and Lutheran Social Services to help impoverished communities, helping raise money to provide essential resources, like clean water, and organize support programs. These experiences taught me the value of humility, empathy, and the importance of meeting people where they are. I also volunteered at my local senior center, decorating the halls, encouraging independence, plating meals, and offering friendship. Listening to them tell their stories and being there for them reminded me that care does not always bring cure, it's about connection. Each hour volunteered has reaffirmed my sense of direction and convinced me that even the most modest acts of service can leave a lasting impression. These experiences beyond the classroom are as transformative as my scholarly work and have only convinced me more strongly to become an empathetic, community-focused healthcare professional. Watching my mother return to college and earn her degree has been inspiring and humbling to me. She labored day and night to secure our future, and now it's time for me to do the same thing. I am following in her strength every day. This scholarship would have such a big effect on my way to college. It would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus more on my schoolwork and my ambition to help others.

One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced began with a phone call that changed everything. My grandfather, my great biggest supporter and the only father figure in my life was passing away due to unknown and unforeseen reasons. Because of COVID restrictions, I couldn’t be by his side, despite the fact he had been by my side for years. I held the phone tightly, trying to say goodbye in just a few words so he could hear but enough so he could understand how much he meant to me. That moment marked the beginning of a deep personal struggle with anxiety and depression, a journey that felt isolating and overwhelming. Despite countless people wishing me and my family well, I felt invisible. It was especially painful to realize how hard it was to find real competent mental health support. Wait times were long, providers felt rushed, and the stigma of mental health made it even harder to speak up. But through that darkness, I found purpose and a new light. This experience helped me understand that strength isn’t silence—it’s the courage to keep going, to ask for help, and to use pain as fuel for a better purpose. These lessons will carry me through college and beyond. When academic pressure, life transitions, or personal losses come my way, as they inevitably do, I’ll face them with the same resilience I’ve developed through adversity and grief. I’ve learned to navigate challenges with emotional maturity, and I’m committed to creating space for others to do the same by eliminating stigma and being a voice for underserved communities. I plan to pursue a career in healthcare as a sonographer. I want to be someone who can find and study pathology and be an integral part of the diagnosis process. With a goal of becoming a cardiac sonographer, my goal is to become a compassionate, community-centered provider who advocates for more integrated and culturally competent care. I want to serve underrepresented communities, those who, like me, may not feel seen in traditional healthcare settings. Inspired by my own healing, my mother’s strength, and my grandfather's journey with an unknown heart condition, I hope to be a safe space for others navigating emotional and physical challenges. Whether it’s through clinical practice, community outreach, or health education, I want to give back to my community in a way that truly impacts lives, just like my grandfather did for me despite his health condition.

One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced began with a phone call that changed everything. My grandfather, my great biggest supporter and the only father figure in my life was passing away. Because of COVID restrictions, I couldn’t be by his side, despite the fact he had been by my side for years. I held the phone tightly, trying to say goodbye in just a few words so he could hear but enough so he could understand how much he meant to me. That moment marked the beginning of a deep personal struggle with anxiety and depression, a journey that felt isolating and overwhelming. Despite countless people wishing me and my family well, I felt invisible. It was especially painful to realize how hard it was to find real competent mental health support. Wait times were long, providers felt rushed, and the stigma of mental health made it even harder to speak up. But through that darkness, I found purpose and a new light. This experience helped me understand that strength isn’t silence—it’s the courage to keep going, to ask for help, and to use pain as fuel for a better purpose. These lessons will carry me through college and beyond. When academic pressure, life transitions, or personal losses come my way, as they inevitably do, I’ll face them with the same resilience I’ve developed through adversity and grief. I’ve learned to navigate challenges with emotional maturity, and I’m committed to creating space for others to do the same by eliminating stigma and being a voice for underserved communities. I would tell someone struggling with grief that it's more that alright to take up space and ask for help. That fear that you're a burden or that your feelings are not valid is a lie that can control us. Find a person you know and trust and find the strength to take the first step in asking for help. I really needed this advice in my time of need, and now I give back to my community by volunteering for a program that works to improve mental health services in Milwaukee Public Schools. I find that this organization aligns with goal of improving mental health in children and young adults and I have learned so much from the families and children I have worked with during my time with Lutheran Social Services and their School-Centered Mental Health Initiative. I am proud that I have gotten to a point where I can make a difference in someone else's life, just like how my grandfather was able to do in mine.

I am the only daughter and the only person of color in my entire family. I went from a majority African American school to a primarily white school. These experiences that formed my identity has shaped me with strength, empathy, and resilience. I grew up knowing that I stood out in the environment that I was raised but that only made me more dedicated to rise above challenge and to lead by example. I take great pride in being the first in my family to graduate high school with a 4.0 and to move onto college immediately after graduating, and I plan on finishing in 4 years. My success came from hard work, focus, and a bone deep desire to create a meaningful life for myself and open doors for others. Throughout high school, I balanced academics with a wide range of leadership and extracurricular roles. I am a multi- sport varsity athlete who dedicated hundreds of hours on the court. But I am also the 2025 Class President, HOSA President, NHS Vice President, Spanish Honor society member and student senate member. I learned in the very beginning how to manage time, lead with a purpose, and advocate for others. I have planned multiple school wide events and even coordinated a statewide event as a co-host of the WASC State Conference. I was one of the main coordinators and planned the statewide service project. I learned how to interact professionally with government officials and businesses. These projects revealed my passion for serving others. Becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer is a natural step forward in my journey. Im currently a Certified Nursing Assistant and have been pursuing a fast pace hospital environment. This has given me first hand experience in patient care and has confirmed by desire to work in healthcare. I am in awe of the role sonographers play in diagnosing. I am drawn by the idea of helping people during some of the most difficult or even rewarding moments. With my technical abilities, compassion, and leadership capabilities, I fully believe that I can make a meaningful difference in many lives. As a future Sonographer and leader, I want to do more than just work, I want to impact the healthcare system and the communities it serves. I envision participating in inititives that aim to improve patient care in many facets. I hope to be able to be a voice for underserved communities to ensure a more complete and competent healthcare system. I also hope to inspire more young people to speak out and seek a better life for themselves and their communities. As I move onto my next journey, I am confident in my abilities to continue to be a strong advocate and make a large impact on my community.

One of my favorite community events that I had planned and hosted was my schools Santa's Workshop. It's more than just a festive gathering- it was a time when the community truly comes together to not only relax but support each other. What made the event so amazing was the sheer amount of families who attended. There were families from not only our town but even from neighboring towns. That small room on the second floor was a space where everyone could connect. My classmates and I ran different stations that made sure there was something for everyone, no matter thier age or physical abilities. The room was constantly filled with laughter and music. At a time when many people are feeling the weight of stress and difficult circumstances, Santa's workshop brought much needed joy. We hosted a greeting, cookie decorating, ornament making, bracelet making, and coloring. You could feel the love and happiness in the air as tables were filled and everyone mingled. The most beautiful aspect of the event was that fact that when you looked around the room you would see a rich mix of people; All from different backgrounds and experiences, but all from our community. We had around 100 people ages from 6 months to 60 come and enjoy the magical environment. Not only did they have the ability to relax and participate in crafts. But in the hallways around us, there were hundreds of small businesses selling thier products. The air was filled with the smells of baked goods and small goods unique to the seller. The market along with Santa's Workshop was a reminder of how a diverse and unified community and do so much good. After seeing how impactful this event was. I would love to see more events like Santa's workshop throughout the year. More free events were everyone can relax and not stress about financials if they don't have too. Moments of unity shouldn't be limited to only holidays too. We need more opportunities for people to come together, build relationships, and support each other. More family fun events, community service projects, and cultural festivals would create a more inviting and supportive environment that would help ensure a more accepting world. I strongly believe that the continuation of events like this will strengthen the bonds in our world. Santa's Workshop was only one of many community events I have participated in, but it never fails to be just as impactful. I wholeheartedly believe that there needs to be a continuation of free community events will never fail to build tighter bonds. I hope that we can build a strong community spirit all year long.

Growing up with my mom in a single-parent household wasn’t always easy—not because there wasn’t love, but because we’re complete opposites. She’s bold, creative, and outspoken, while I’ve always been more sensitive, introspective, and quiet. Our personalities often clashed, leading to misunderstandings and moments where it felt like we were speaking completely different languages. For a long time, I didn’t feel like she understood me, and I know she sometimes felt the same. But despite the tension, my mom has always been one of my biggest influences. When I was struggling mentally—more than I let on to anyone—she noticed. She saw past my silence and recognized that I needed help, even when I didn’t know how to ask for it myself. She stepped in, supported me through the darkest moments, and reminded me that my life mattered. Her love saved me. That experience opened my eyes in ways I can’t fully describe. It gave me a deeper appreciation for emotional health and the quiet battles people face. It’s also what led me to pursue a future in the medical field, with a special focus on women’s health. I want to be the person who sees others the way my mom saw me—who listens, supports, and advocates, especially for women navigating complex emotional and physical challenges. Inspired by my mom’s strength and determination, I’ve worked hard to excel academically. I’ve maintained a strong 4.0 GPA while challenging myself with AP and honors courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics—subjects that fuel my passion for medicine. I take pride not just in mastering material, but in using education as a tool to create change and build a better future. Outside of school, I’ve dedicated myself to service through consistent community volunteering. I worked with the School Sisters of Saint Francis and Lutheran Social Services to aid impoverished communities, helping raise money to provide essential resources and organize support programs. These experiences taught me the value of humility, empathy, and the importance of meeting people where they are. I also volunteered at my local senior center, where I helped with daily activities, meals, and companionship. Listening to their stories and simply being present reminded me that care isn't always about curing—it’s also about connecting. Every hour I’ve spent volunteering has strengthened my sense of purpose and shown me how even small acts of service can make a lasting impact. These moments outside the classroom are just as formative as my academic work and have only deepened my resolve to become a compassionate, community-centered healthcare professional. Watching my mom return to school and earn her degree later in life has been both inspiring and humbling. She worked tirelessly to improve our future, and now it’s my turn to follow in her footsteps. I carry her strength with me every day—in my studies, in my service, and in my dreams for the future. This scholarship would make a tremendous difference in my journey to college. It would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus more fully on my education and my passion for helping others.

Can something be considered a failure if what came out of it made you stronger than ever? I was taught to never doubt yourself, to trust your gut. But when you doubt yourself you can grow to become someone you never thought was possible. I was set in my ways. I was going to play sports through highschool and graduate. I didn't have time to do clubs nor did I have an interest in participating in any clubs. I believed that all I was is an athlete, not an artistic person or someone who could be a leader outside of sports. So when my 9th grade History teacher asked me to apply for Student Senate I immediately denied, I wasn't a government person. The answer seemed blantently obvious, I should not apply to be in our school's local government. The initial reaction to say no is one of the reasons I decided to apply. After the initial vote, I was elected to be my sophomore class president. I didn't believe in myself completely, but my classmates did. I worked hard to advocate for my classmates. I worked on a committee to help connect our student body to the school board and found sponsors who believed in my classmates to help fund our activities. With all of my work, my advisors entrusted me and two other students with the tasks of creating a plan for the WASC State Conference to be presented to the board. We had only one week and very limited time. But with our collaboration and taking in others input, we successfully presented our vision. What others did in months, we managed to get done in one week. The process of presenting our vision and making it come to life for over 1000 students was filled with so many setbacks. Between the new type of service project and our first ever future fair, was this conference not only a first for us but for the whole WASC. I had to learn how to communicate with businesses, make pitches, find economical and eco-friendly solutions, and make sure that this conference was successful in connecting thousands. This whole process made me more aware of how the outside world works and helped me become more vocal in advocating for myself and others. I spoke to over a thousand people and made a difference in the lives of hundreds of animals through the service project I put together. I thought that I knew how the rest of the year would go. I was so sure of who I was now and what to do. Until my senior year election. I lost the Presidential election. The elected representatives didn't vote me in, but the student body did. My heart was crushed. My plan was completely thrown off and I was extremely upset, I wasn't valued. But that major setback led me to become the HOSA president and gave me the confidence to do even more than before. Between all the setbacks of my junior year, I became a better communicator, I work better with teams, and I learned how to set healthy boundaries. What some would see as failures my junior year, I see them as oppertunities that showed me who I am. I am a strong woman who wants to help others and make the world a place I can be proud of. I want to improve women's health and find ways to help women and children by educating myself in Diagnostic Sonography and participating in research. These setbacks have set me up to have an even more successful and determined.

I was not in the foster system. One of the biggest challenges the world is facing today is access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare. As a young girl I watched my single mother try to navigate a complicated system to make appointments for us to get the care we needed. This oftentimes included needing childcare and taking off work. I have learned that there are many social determinants of health. Having a single mom who had to not only fund my schooling and all of my necessities, but also had to take care and manage my health care. This meant that while I may have gotten all of my needs met, she may not have. I struggled as a kid with many injuries due to weak bones and low calcium. As I have grown up I have also struggled with anxiety and my vision. After watching my mom struggle to juggle all of my appointments with the rest of our lives. My mom, with her determination to not only juggle my health and hers but also the health of others, has become one of my biggest influences. My mother worked with adults in group homes. Throughout my early years I was exposed to the healthcare field through her work. I became close with many of her patients and learned my love of helping others through her. Her dedication led me to meet many people that have inspired my aspiration of working in the healthcare field. My surgery nurse, my physical therapists, my therapist, my mother's patients, and my grandmother have all Influenced me. From showing thier immense compassion and care I am dedicated to make an impact the same way they made an impact on me. I am determined to create a better future for my community. I strive to leverage my experiences as a patient, daughter, and student to empathize with others facing similar situations. To make a positive impact, I actively participate in volunteer work, mentoring programs, and community initiatives that aim to uplift and empower individuals facing adversity. In my freshman year, I volunteered in the Character Council where I spread positivity during the tough time of Covid. I also took it upon myself to learn more about the healthcare world by joining HOSA- future healthcare professionals. I am proud to be able to say that I have competed at State to be recognized for my understanding of Biology. And I'm even prouder to say that this year I have started an initiative in our chapter that will allow us to work with the elementary schools and middle school to educate them on their own health in a comprehensible and age appropriate way. Our chapter is also proud to be certified this year to give vision screenings to students in our community. I was so honored to be able to offer this service, especially after experiencing how my mom and I struggled to get my own vision tested. As I continue on my journey, I am pursuing further education in the healthcare field in order to create a platform from which I can advocate for those in need and drive meaningful change in my community by creating more opportunities for those to get complete and comprehensive health care.

One of the biggest challenges the world is facing today is access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare. As a young girl I watched my mother try to navigate a complicated system to make appointments for us to get the care we needed. This oftentimes included needing childcare and taking off work. I have learned that there are many social determinants of health. Having a single mom who had to not only fund my schooling and all of my necessities, but also had to take care and manage my health care. I struggled as a kid with many injuries due to weak bones and low calcium. As I have grown up I have also struggled with anxiety and my vision. After watching my mom struggle to juggle all of my appointments with the rest of our lives. My mom, with her determination to not only juggle my health but the health of others, has become one of my biggest influences. My mother worked with adults in group homes. Throughout my early years I was exposed to the healthcare field through her work. I became close with many of her patients and learned my love of helping others through her. Her dedication led me to meet many people that have inspired my aspiration of working in the healthcare field. My surgery nurse, my physical therapists, my therapist, my mother's patients, and my grandmother have all Influenced me. From showing thier emance compassion and care I am dedicated to make an impact the same way they made an impact on me. I am determined to create a better future for my community. I strive to leverage my experiences as a patient, daughter, and student to empathize with others facing similar situations. To make a positive impact, I actively participate in volunteer work, mentoring programs, and community initiatives that aim to uplift and empower individuals facing adversity. In my freshman year, I volunteered in the Character Council where I spread positivity during the tough time of Covid. I also took it upon myself to learn more about the healthcare world by joining HOSA- future healthcare professionals. I am proud to be able to say that I have competed at State to be recognized for my understanding of Biology. And im even prouder to say that this year I have started an initiative in our chapter that will allow us to work with the elementary schools and middle school to educate them on their own health in a comprehensible and age appropriate way. Our chapter is also proud to be certified this year to give vision screenings to students in our community. I was so honored to be able to offer this service, especially after experiencing how my mom and I struggled to get my own vision tested. As I continue on my journey, I am pursuing further education in the healthcare field in order to create a platform from which I can advocate for those in need and drive meaningful change in my community.

One of the biggest challenges the world is facing today is access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare. As a young girl I watched my mother try to navigate a complicated system to make appointments for us to get the care we needed. This oftentimes included needing childcare and taking off work. I have learned that there are many social determinants of health. Having a single mom who had to not only fund my schooling and all of my necessities, but also had to take care and manage my health care. I struggled as a kid with many injuries due to weak bones and low calcium. As I have grown up I have also struggled with anxiety and my vision. After watching my mom struggle to juggle all of my appointments with the rest of our lives. My mom, with her determination to not only juggle my health but the health of others, has become one of my biggest influences. My mother worked with adults in group homes. Throughout my early years I was exposed to the healthcare field through her work. I became close with many of her patients and learned my love of helping others through her. Her dedication led me to meet many people that have inspired my aspiration of working in the healthcare field. My surgery nurse, my physical therapists, my therapist, my mother's patients, and my grandmother have all Influenced me. From showing thier emance compassion and care I am dedicated to make an impact the same way they made an impact on me. I am determined to create a better future for my community. I strive to leverage my experiences as a patient, daughter, and student to empathize with others facing similar situations. To make a positive impact, I actively participate in volunteer work, mentoring programs, and community initiatives that aim to uplift and empower individuals facing adversity. In my freshman year, I volunteered in the Character Council where I spread positivity during the tough time of Covid. I also took it upon myself to learn more about the healthcare world by joining HOSA- future healthcare professionals. I am proud to be able to say that I have competed at State to be recognized for my understanding of Biology. And im even prouder to say that this year I have started an initiative in our chapter that will allow us to work with the elementary schools and middle school to educate them on their own health in a comprehensible and age appropriate way. Our chapter is also proud to be certified this year to give vision screenings to students in our community. I was so honored to be able to offer this service, especially after experiencing how my mom and I struggled to get my own vision tested. As I continue on my journey, I am pursuing further education in the healthcare field in order to create a platform from which I can advocate for those in need and drive meaningful change in my community.

One of the scariest moments of my life was when I went under for the first time to get a total ankle reconstruction done. I had lost access to the things I love most. Taking long walks, playing outside with my dog Bella, and playing sports. I have been playing sports for as long as I can remember. When I broke my foot, without even knowing it, I was heartbroken and terrified. Sports were so much more then an extracurricular activity. It was the thing that gave me the closest friends, family, incredible memories, discipline, determination, and perseverance. Going under for surgery was heartbreaking, solidifying the fact that my athletic journey could come to an end. I was so nervous and heartbroken that I couldn't eat for days leading up to the surgery, and I love to explore different foods. But all that changed when this wonderful nurse talked to me about how everything will be okay. Her brown hair tied up in that bun, her calming green eyes, and the way she gently smiled. Not a smile mocking me for my fear, but a smile full of understanding. The way she gently talked to me and made sure I was feeling confident and comfortable before and after the surgery is the reason I decided to work in the medical field and solidified that I was going to make it back to the court. The next few years were full of trials, setbacks, and tears. Each step to get back onto the court was more than worth it. When after my first game back on the court I had a huge family standing behind me. My mom, my volleyball team, my basketball team, and all of my coaches. That moment was the start of a new chapter in my story. I lived up to my dream of playing High School sports, I played Varsity Basketball and Varsity Volleyball, something just 6 years earlier I thought was impossible. I am extremely proud to say that I am a Student Athlete. My leadership, perseverance, determination, and other traits were developed from playing sports and being apart of a team for so long. The leadership I gained led me to become Class President and gained instrest in Student Government. My determination, loyalty, and caring personality help me everyday in my healthcare journey. It has led me to become a certified vision screener in Wisconsin and a Certified Nursing Assistant. These roles have given me more knowledge about the healthcare field and aided in my aspiration if becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer. My hope is to be able to help families in my community heal and get access to complete and affordable healthcare. My aspirations have been throughly influenced by my journey as a student athlete, and I am proud of myself as I look back on my journey.

Can something be considered a failure if what came out of it made you stronger than ever? I was taught to never doubt yourself, to trust your gut. But when you doubt yourself you can grow to become someone you never thought was possible. I was set in my ways. I was going to play sports through highschool and graduate. I didn't have time to do clubs nor did I have an interest in participating in any clubs. I believed that all I was is an athlete, not an artistic person or someone who could be a leader outside of sports. So when my 9th grade History teacher asked me to apply for Student Senate I immediately denied, I wasn't a government person. The answer seemed blantently obvious, I should not apply to be in our school's local government. The initial reaction to say no is one of the reasons I decided to apply. After the initial vote, I was elected to be my sophomore class president. I didn't believe in myself completely, but my classmates did. I worked hard to advocate for my classmates. I worked on a committee to help connect our student body to the school board and found sponsors who believed in my classmates to help fund our activities. With all of my work, my advisors entrusted me and two other students with the tasks of creating a plan for the WASC State Conference to be presented to the board. We had only one week and very limited time. But with our collaboration and taking in others input, we successfully presented our vision. What others did in months, we managed to get done in one week. The process of presenting our vision and making it come to life for over 1000 students was filled with so many setbacks. Between the new type of service project and our first ever future fair, was this conference not only a first for us but for the whole WASC. I had to learn how to communicate with businesses, make pitches, find economical and eco-friendly solutions, and make sure that this conference was successful in connecting thousands. This whole process made me more aware of how the outside world works and helped me become more vocal in advocateing for myself and others. I spoke to over a thousand people and made a difference in the lives of hundreds of animals through the service project I put together. I thought that I knew how the rest of the year would go. I was so sure of who I was now and what to do. Until my senior year election. I lost the Presidential election. The elected representatives didn't vote me in, but the student body did. My heart was crushed. My plan was completely thrown off and I was extremely upset, I wasn't valued. But that major setback led me to become the HOSA president and gave me the confidence to do even more than before. Between all the setbacks of my junior year, I became a better communicator, I work better with teams, and I learned how to set healthy boundaries. What some would see as failures my junior year, I see them as oppertunities that showed me who I am. I am a strong woman who wants to help others and make the world a place I can be proud of. I want to improve womens health and find ways to help women and children by educating myself in Diagnostic Sonography and participating in research. These setbacks have set me up to have an even more successful.

One of the biggest challenges the world is facing today is access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare. As a young girl I watched my mother try to navigate a complicated system to make appointments for us to get the care we needed. This oftentimes included needing childcare and taking off work. I have learned that there are many social determinants of health. Having a single mom who had to not only fund my schooling and all of my necessities, but also had to take care and manage my health care. After watching my mom, I am determined to create a better future for my community. I strive to leverage my experiences to empathize with others facing similar situations. To make a positive impact, I actively participate in volunteer work, mentoring programs, and community initiatives that aim to uplift and empower individuals facing adversity. In my freshman year, I volunteered in the Character Council where I spread positivity during the tough time of Covid. I also took it upon myself to learn more about the healthcare world by joining HOSA. I am proud to be able to say that this year I have started an initiative in our chapter that will allow us to work with the elementary schools to educate them on their own health in a comprehensible and age appropriate way. Our chapter is also proud to be certified this year to give vision screenings. I was so honored to be able to offer this service, especially after experiencing how my mom and I struggled to get my own vision tested. As I continue on my journey, I am pursuing further education in the healthcare field in order to create a platform from which I can advocate for those in need and drive meaningful change in my community.

A young child should be playing outside, with their friends, and with toys and not stressing over their math homework. Or more specifically, if their math homework isn't done, if their mother will leave them too. This is where my mental health journey began. I was described as a quiet child at home, someone who would rather play by herself than risk talking to others. At school, I couldn't stop talking. I grew up without a father and for a very long time, I was cautious about how I acted around my mother. I was overly anxious about how I acted and my work. School became the one way I could prove to my mother I was worth it. It wasn't until the summer before my freshman year when the man who was like a father to me, my grandpa, died. My anxiety increased, I lost my appetite, and I considered suicide was the answer to my mother's problems that I believed stemmed from me. My freshman year was the beginning of change. I was struggling with my mental health, but my suffering went unnoticed. I wasn't interested in finding help or even admitting I needed help, I felt like admitting I needed help was realizing I was weak. At a basketball game in my freshman year, on my way to finding a spot to fill my water, my teammates and I found a memorial to a student who passed away due to suicide. And then later, my teacher told me about how she found out one of her old students passed. I realized that it wasn't weak to ask for help. I learned to trust in my body, not outside perspectives. I learned that just because I ate Oreos and pancakes didn't mean I was less worthy. I learned to listen, to eat when I was hungry, to sleep when tired, and to do things that made me happy. I worked on building trust in the relationships I have. I worked on not blaming myself. I worked on finding ways to manage my anxiety. This first change led to a person that I am proud to say I am today. The journey that I am still on to this day has taught me so much. From the feeling of being inadequate due to society's image of how a woman should look and dealing with it myself, I learned that I want to help other women. I want to be someone who can help ease pressures in vulnerable moments. I want to be there to help women with some anxiety they may be facing and be a source of joy in moments of fear. This need to help accompanied by my interest in the medical field, I decided I wanted to study Obstetrics and Gynecology. To be able to care for women in the physical sense while also advocating for mental health, especially for mothers. Mothers, and women in general, are identified by ownership; someone's daughter, someone's mother, someone's sister, someone's wife. When in reality they are just someone. I had put this pressure on myself to be better for others, which is where I felt a lot of pressure when in reality I should have focused on myself. It's important to have strong relationships but it's even more important to not place that relationships value over yourself. Your value isn't directly related to the relationship, the relationship is a bonus, a way to express yourself and find value in the world. Relationships don't define you, the accumulation of your actions does, and most importantly, how you see yourself. Be true to yourself and know that you matter, no matter what others say or do to try to prove to you otherwise. I know this journey is not over and that there is still much to learn, but I know that the rest of my journey will be filled with advocating for myself and others. Mental health connects everyone, and needs to be talked about.