My relationship with Jesus has profoundly strengthened my faith, especially in recognizing Him as my Heavenly Father. As a young woman whose earthly father is absent due to his abusive behavior, Jesus has filled that void with unconditional love, guidance, and support. Faith is the cornerstone of my life, and throughout my educational journey, I plan to implement it by seeking His wisdom through prayer, living out His teachings of compassion and integrity, and trusting in His plan for my path forward. I will lean on my faith to navigate challenges, remain resilient in the face of adversity, and strive for excellence in all aspects of my education, knowing that He is with me every step of the way. My faith has been my anchor during tough times, and it has shaped who I am today. As I prepare to attend the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, majoring in Management, I know that my relationship with Jesus will continue to guide me. In high school, I maintained a 3.74 GPA while balancing leadership roles as Student Council President and the Tennessee Theater Education Association Student President. I also found joy and purpose in serving my community through the Grace Chapel Student Ministry Team and leading worship at Grace Chapel High School. These experiences taught me the importance of serving others and being a light in my community. As I step into college life, I plan to keep Jesus at the center of all I do. I will seek His wisdom through daily prayer and Bible study, asking for guidance in my studies and decisions. Living out His teachings of compassion and integrity, I will strive to treat everyone I meet with kindness and respect. My goal is to create a positive and inclusive environment wherever I go, just as Jesus would. I know that college will come with its own set of challenges, but I am confident that my faith will help me overcome them. Whether it is a difficult class, a personal struggle, or a moment of doubt, I will trust in His plan for me. My experiences as a nanny and barista at Jingo Java have taught me patience, responsibility, and the value of hard work. These lessons, combined with my faith, will help me stay resilient and focused on my goals. I am also excited to continue my passion for theater at college. Being a member of the Thespian Society and a top musical theater performer in Williamson County has shown me the power of storytelling and expression. I believe that my faith will inspire my performances and help me connect with others on a deeper level. In conclusion, my relationship with Jesus has been a source of strength and guidance throughout my life. As I begin my journey at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, I am committed to implementing my faith in all areas of my education. By seeking His wisdom, living out His teachings, and trusting in His plan, I am confident that I will navigate challenges, remain resilient, and strive for excellence. With Jesus by my side, I know that anything is possible.

I will amount to nothing. This is the lie my birth father told me for many years, and he left he chose to no longer be my dad he was abusive, an alcoholic, and yet for so long I believed I would become him. My mom was the one to support and encourage me and help me realize I was not my dad and I am so much more than what he has done and says mother emerges as the unwavering pillar of support, a beacon of strength amidst the shadows of a fractured family. A poignant departure marked my father's exit from our lives; a choice he made, forsaking his role as a parent due to abusive tendencies, alcoholism, and a damning declaration that I would amount to nothing. The haunting echoes of his words lingered, shaping a self-perception that I, too, would inevitably follow his destructive path. Yet, amid this turbulent narrative, my mother's resolute support became the transformative force that shattered the ominous prophecy he cast upon my future. My mother, devoid of a partner, shouldered the dual burdens of parenthood and provider with extraordinary grace. In the absence of a degree, she toiled relentlessly, working countless hours to maintain a stable home environment and secure my place within an esteemed educational institution. Her sacrifice, both in time and effort, epitomized an unyielding commitment to securing a future where I could defy the bleak expectations set by my estranged father. Beyond the financial strain, my mother's profound impact reverberates in the realm of emotional sustenance. She was not merely a provider but a source of encouragement and empowerment. During moments of self-doubt, she fervently reminded me that I was not destined to replicate my father's shortcomings. Instead, I possessed the agency to shape my narrative, transcending the limiting narrative imposed upon me. This unwavering support, coupled with her relentless pursuit of my education, has allowed me to emerge as a first-generation college student. I stand on the brink of graduation, armed not only with a commendable GPA, leadership roles, and a robust extracurricular portfolio but also with the immeasurable resilience and inspiration derived from the most amazing woman—my mother. Her dedication is a testament to the fortitude of single mothers, and through her sacrifices, she has not only provided a roof over my head but also laid the foundation for a future that defies the shadows of the past.