I want to build systems that don’t break people. After years of navigating instability—poverty, grief, injury, isolation—I’ve learned firsthand what happens when the world isn’t built to catch you. I’m a returning student, a mother, a woman in STEM, and someone who’s rebuilt herself more than once. And now, I want to build something bigger than me: a future where communities don’t just survive climate change, inequality, or economic strain—but adapt, regenerate, and thrive. I’m pursuing a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science with the long-term goal of working in sustainability policy and community planning. I want to help rural and underserved regions—places like the one I live in now—transition to renewable energy, improve infrastructure, and design climate solutions that actually reflect the people they’re meant to serve. These aren’t just technical fixes. They’re human systems. And I want to help rebuild them from the ground up. But what I want to build goes beyond policy or planning—it’s about rebuilding trust, too. Trust in science. Trust in community. Trust in the idea that we can build futures worth inheriting. Whether I’m writing grants to fund pollinator corridors, consulting on resilient stormwater systems, or designing community education programs, my work will be rooted in accessibility, equity, and regeneration. I want the next generation—including my own children—to grow up in a world where environmental protection is not a debate, but a shared commitment. I’ve already started small: redistributing warm clothes during extreme weather, planting native wildflowers, composting with worms, and turning public parks into quiet restoration projects. These aren’t big gestures—but they’re real. And every time I plant something or help someone through a hard season, I feel like I’m laying one more stone in the foundation of the future I’m trying to build. This scholarship would help relieve the financial strain of returning to school while raising two young kids. But more than that, it would help me build momentum. Because what I’m building isn’t just for me—it’s for my community, for our ecosystems, and for anyone who’s ever felt like the world wasn’t built with them in mind. We all deserve systems that support us. I’m not just here to study them—I’m here to build them.

For me, pursuing a degree in Environmental Science isn’t just about science—it’s about systems. It’s about understanding the patterns that hold up our world and asking what happens when those patterns fail us—especially in the communities that have always been expected to endure quietly. As a woman, a mother, and a first-generation college student, I’ve spent years learning how to ask the right questions, how to rebuild from the inside out, and how to navigate systems that weren’t designed for people like me. Returning to school for a STEM degree is both a personal act of resilience and a public commitment to environmental justice. I didn’t come to STEM through a straight line. I’ve spent the past six years as a stay-at-home mom, raising two children while managing a household, surviving personal trauma, and slowly rekindling the parts of me that used to feel ambitious. Somewhere along the way, I realized my curiosity never left—it had just been buried under diapers, grief, and burnout. When I finally found the courage to pursue Environmental Science, it didn’t feel like starting over. It felt like finally saying yes to something I’d carried inside me all along. STEM is not neutral. It reflects the values and priorities of the people who shape it. That’s why representation matters—not just to level the playing field, but to redefine the field itself. As a woman in STEM, I want to bring a voice that understands both data and lived experience. I want to help reframe sustainability as a necessity, not a luxury, and bring environmental policy and planning into closer alignment with the needs of real communities—especially rural, coastal, and historically neglected areas like the one I live in now. I believe deeply in accessible science—science that informs public systems, supports marginalized families, and heals the harm caused by extractive practices. I want to be the person who helps translate science into equitable policy, who sees both the big picture and the fine detail. I want to write grants for climate resilience, map community assets, and advocate for infrastructure that protects both people and planet. And as a woman? I want to do it visibly. Because visibility is power. I want my children to see me at the table—speaking clearly, advocating fiercely, and leading with integrity. I want other women to know they don’t have to wait for their lives to feel perfectly polished before they take up space in STEM. We belong in the lab, in the field, in the policy meeting, and at the podium—now. The barriers are still real. Women are still underrepresented, underpaid, and underestimated in STEM fields. But I’m not discouraged. I’m motivated. Every step I take in this degree is not just for me—it’s for the generation that comes next. I want to leave a trail. This scholarship would reduce the financial pressure I carry as a returning adult student and help me invest more fully in my studies, internships, and community projects. But more than that, it would affirm what I already know: that women in STEM aren’t the exception. We’re the future.

My name is Kasey Driskell, and I’m currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with a long-term goal of addressing climate injustice, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities. I’m a nontraditional student, a mother of two, and someone who returned to school after years of caregiving, survival, and self-rediscovery. Getting here has taken grit, heart, and a lot of quiet persistence—but now that I’m here, I’m determined to make it count. I grew up in a rural Southern town where the environment shaped everything. When the roads flooded, people missed work. When hurricanes came through, families without resources were left to patch together their lives with little to no support. These weren’t rare events—they were expected. And the communities experiencing the worst of it were often the ones with the fewest tools to respond. I didn’t have the language for it at the time, but now I understand what I was witnessing: environmental injustice. Going back to school wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about finally giving shape to everything I had sensed but didn’t yet have words for. Through education, I’m learning how climate, infrastructure, race, and policy are deeply connected. I’m learning how to listen better, think bigger, and act with both urgency and care. And in every class and every project, I’m fueled by the hope of not just building a career—but building something that lasts for others, too. Service has always been part of my life, but not in a way that usually shows up on paper. I don’t often sign up for volunteer rosters, take selfies while helping, or operate through official organizations. My style of giving back is quieter and more instinctive. I’m the kind of person who notices the gap before someone falls into it—a sleuth, of sorts. I step in when something needs doing—whether that’s researching relief funds for a family after a flood, dropping off groceries to a struggling neighbor, helping someone navigate housing resources, or organizing donation swaps to reduce waste and support local families. I rarely take credit. I just see the need, and I show up. To me, that’s what impact looks like: consistent, personal, and rooted in care. It’s also the kind of impact I want to carry forward into my professional life. My dream is to become a climate resilience planner or sustainability consultant, focusing on coastal communities like mine, where the effects of climate change aren’t hypothetical—they’re already here. I want to help design practical solutions: adaptive infrastructure, green initiatives, educational outreach, and policies that prioritize people—especially those most at risk. Charlene K. Howard’s legacy as a mentor and advocate for education resonates deeply with me. She understood that education is more than personal growth—it’s a tool for collective transformation. I hope to live that out by using my degree to become a bridge: between communities and resources, between policy and lived experience, between the problems we face and the solutions we desperately need. This scholarship would not only help lighten the financial load I carry as a full-time student and mother—it would validate the quiet but determined path I’ve taken. I am part of a generation that won’t just talk about climate change—we act on it, together.

The Earth is heating up, and with it, the most vulnerable among us are left even more exposed. Climate change isn’t a distant threat—it’s here, it’s personal, and it’s hitting hardest where people have the least. That truth drives me every single day, from the way I live to the degree I’m pursuing. Right now, I’m a mother, a student, and a quiet-but-persistent force in my community. I collect and redistribute warm clothing and essentials for the unsheltered during extreme weather. I carry birdseed and pollinator seeds in my car to restore tiny fragments of habitat wherever I can. I donate my worm compost to struggling plants in public parks. And I educate—sharing small, actionable truths about soil health, fungi, native species, and climate on my social platforms. It might seem small, but I believe small things ripple. And someone has to start the ripple. After college, I plan to take these grassroots efforts and scale them. I’m pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with the goal of working in sustainability policy—ideally in the government sector. I want to be in the rooms where decisions are made. I want to ensure we center environmental justice and community resilience in the face of climate change. While many organizations focus on Atlanta—as they should—it’s critical we don’t overlook the vulnerability of coastal cities like Savannah. This region faces escalating climate threats, from rising sea levels to hurricanes and flooding, and yet it often lacks the infrastructure and investment needed to adapt. Rural and coastal communities—especially in the Deep South—are frequently excluded from statewide environmental planning. I want to change that. I want to bring these voices to the table, and build policy that reflects all of Georgia, not just its metro centers. I’m especially passionate about reframing how we view environmentalism. It’s not a luxury; it’s survival. It’s in the air we breathe, the soil we grow food in, and the stability of our communities. I want to help write policy that reflects that urgency—and that doesn’t leave low-income, rural, or historically neglected communities behind. But I don’t believe change only happens from a podium or a desk. It starts in the dirt. It starts when we help each other, when we teach what we know, when we protect what we still have. My future career will be built around tangible systems change, but I’ll always be the person who brings wildflower seeds to the park, who leaves food for the birds, who helps one family at a time get through winter. Access to education shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for the wealthy, and that’s why this scholarship matters so deeply to me. Like many adult learners and first-generation students, I face steep financial barriers—but I am determined to push forward anyway. I’m doing this not just for me, but for my children, for our community, and for the next generation who deserve a livable planet and equitable systems. Trees for Tuition believes in lifting others—and I’ve built my life around that same belief. Whether I’m helping a neighbor, fighting for better policy, or planting hope (literally and figuratively), I will always be someone who reaches back and pulls others forward. And that is how I will continue to make the world better—one root, one voice, one ripple at a time.

I’ve never been “good at math.” That’s what I’ve always told myself—and what a lot of people told me, too. I struggled to feel confident in math classes growing up, and that belief stuck around longer than it should have. I’ve avoided numbers wherever I could, but as I stepped into the STEM field, I realized: if I want to build real solutions, I have to stop avoiding the hard stuff. And calculus? That’s the heart of it. I’m pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, and while I still feel intimidated by math, I also see it differently now. Calculus isn’t just a required class—it’s a tool. It’s the language that describes change, momentum, and interaction. It helps scientists predict sea level rise, model ecosystem behavior, and understand the flow of water, heat, and air through natural systems. If I want to work in the world of sustainability and environmental policy, I need to understand how change happens. That’s what calculus does. It teaches us how small shifts ripple outward. It asks: What’s happening in this exact moment? What direction are we heading? How fast is it changing? Those questions aren’t just for math—they’re for climate change, resource management, and system redesign. The same principles that define a derivative can help us understand how carbon builds up in the atmosphere, or how quickly a coastline disappears. I’m not passionate about calculus because it’s easy. I’m passionate because it’s necessary. As someone who has rebuilt her life multiple times, I understand how powerful small shifts can be. I’m a mother, a first-generation college student, and an adult learner returning to school after years of being the primary caregiver for my kids. I didn’t grow up with academic support. I’ve never felt like a “math person.” But I’ve learned to trust my curiosity. I’ve learned to follow the questions, even when they’re difficult. And right now, they’re leading me straight into calculus. I’m not taking it because I love math. I’m taking it because the work I want to do—building sustainable systems, restoring damaged environments, and creating policy rooted in science—demands that I understand the math behind the movement. I want to be someone who doesn’t just feel the urgency of climate change—I want to be someone who can model it, explain it, and help plan a better response to it. For me, calculus represents something deeper than formulas and problem sets. It’s a shift in identity. I’m not just surviving hard things anymore—I’m choosing to face them head-on. With support from this scholarship, I can take on this challenge without the extra weight of financial stress. That freedom would allow me to focus fully on what I came back to school to do: learn, grow, and create meaningful impact. I’ve never been “good at math.” But now? I’m learning to be good at showing up. And that might be the most important skill of all.

Books didn’t just teach me—they saved me. I grew up in a home without access to books. Reading wasn’t encouraged, and by the time I started school, I struggled to keep up. I wasn’t a confident reader, and I didn’t know what I was missing. When I finally found books that spoke to me, everything changed. They became a refuge, a teacher, and eventually, a lifeline. As a child, books gave me a safe place to explore big ideas I wasn’t allowed to ask about in real life. As an adult, they’ve become both a mirror and a map—tools to understand where I’ve been and imagine where I want to go. I’ve read hundreds of books in the last few years, and each one has shaped me: sparking new questions, changing my perspective, or lighting a fire under a cause I didn’t yet know how to name. Some books taught me history I never learned in school. Some gave language to trauma I had only ever felt in silence. Some—like The Once and Future Witches, Brave Girl, or Mad Honey—reminded me that truth, activism, and wonder can live on the same shelf. Through books, I’ve learned how deeply interconnected our systems are: how climate change affects equity, how energy policy touches justice, and how silence can be its own kind of harm. Over the past six years, I’ve been a stay-at-home mom raising two children. During that time, I grieved the sudden death of my mother, went no-contact with my father, and began the slow, painful work of rebuilding my identity. Throughout that process, books have been more than a hobby—they’ve been the scaffolding of my healing. I read more than 100-200 books a year, and they have guided me through grief, growth, and self-discovery. My children’s experience with reading has been vastly different from mine. Both of them completed the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program. Our home is full of books, and reading is part of our daily rhythm. I’m determined to make sure they never feel the way I once did: disconnected, discouraged, or unseen. Now, I’m pursuing my degree in Environmental Science, with a focus on equitable clean energy solutions. I want to create a more sustainable and just world for families like mine—families who’ve had to fight for stability and safety. And I know I wouldn’t be on this path if books hadn’t expanded my understanding of what was possible. I also review books and recommend them across platforms, especially those by marginalized voices. I believe critique is an act of care, and thoughtful reviews can help others find the stories they most need. I want to change the gatekeeping around who gets to tell stories—and whose are heard. I’m not sure what my legacy will be. But I know I want books to be part of it. Whether I’m working in sustainability, uplifting others’ voices, or writing my own story one day, I want to keep creating access and awareness—just like the books that found me when I needed them most.

For a long time, I didn’t believe college was meant for someone like me. Not because I lacked the intelligence or interest—those things have always been there. But life moved quickly. I became a mother in my mid-twenties. My days became a blur of baby bottles, medical bills, nap schedules, grief, and sacrifice. I gave everything to my children and tried to hold my family together during some of our most difficult years. While my husband worked full-time, I was the constant behind the scenes: organizing every meal, appointment, meltdown, and milestone. I was always the emotional first responder, the flexible one, the one who could afford to drop everything because I wasn’t “working.” But I was working. Just not in a way anyone paid me for. For the last six years, I’ve been a stay-at-home mother. It’s the hardest and most thankless job I’ve ever had—and also the one that’s shaped me most. I’ve learned what it means to serve quietly, to adapt quickly, to advocate fiercely, and to manage an entire family’s needs with almost no external support. I’ve learned that love can coexist with burnout, and that selflessness doesn’t mean losing yourself forever. I’m done waiting for “someday.” My someday is now. This year, I made the decision to return to college and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. It’s not just a degree—it’s the next version of my life. I’m choosing a field that speaks to both my curiosity and my compassion. A field that allows me to protect something larger than myself while building a career that aligns with my values. Environmental Science matters to me because it lives at the intersection of everything I care about: people, systems, and sustainability. I’m passionate about transforming outdated infrastructure—whether it’s how we produce energy, how we move food, or how we build communities—into systems that are more just, efficient, and resilient. I want to be part of the generation that not only reacts to climate change, but actively reimagines how we live. My long-term goal is to work in environmental planning or policy development. I want to work directly with communities—particularly in the South and in under-resourced areas—to design better systems and write better policies. I’m especially interested in helping rural and coastal communities adapt to environmental shifts in ways that prioritize equity and accessibility. That could mean writing sustainability plans for small towns, coordinating retrofits for aging infrastructure, or serving as a consultant to help local governments make smarter environmental decisions. I’ve already begun reaching out to local organizations—like the Georgia Conservancy and coastal resilience teams—to follow their work, learn what gaps exist, and prepare for the career landscape I’m heading into. I’m networking with environmental professionals, researching fellowships, and building a roadmap that connects my education directly to impact. This isn’t just a personal reinvention—it’s a purposeful one. Returning to school hasn’t been easy. While I’m excited about the future, I’ve also had to wrestle with insecurity. I’ve experienced three traumatic brain injuries in my life—including a near-fatal car accident at 18 that left me in a coma and caused long-term cognitive difficulties. For years after, I doubted my ability to keep up intellectually. Sometimes I still struggle with focus and expression, especially under pressure. But I’ve learned to work with those limitations, not against them. My brain may not process things the way it once did—but it’s still sharp, still driven, and more resilient than I ever gave it credit for. My injuries taught me to rebuild, patiently and persistently. And now, I’m applying that same mindset to my education. I’ve also learned to navigate life with bipolar disorder and PTSD—conditions that require deep self-awareness and constant adaptation. I’m proud to say I’ve submitted all my documentation and secured disability accommodations so that I can succeed without burning out. That alone is a victory for me. I’m not just going to college—I’m advocating for myself every step of the way. Financially, this decision required careful planning. I’ve applied for the Pell Grant, filed FAFSA, and started pursuing every possible scholarship I can find. So far, I’ve submitted over 30 applications and have several under review. I’ve also expressed interest in work-study opportunities and I’m keeping my first-year costs under $10,000—well below average—by attending an online, nonprofit university and pacing my courses strategically. I’m doing everything I can to ensure this transition puts as little strain as possible on my family. Every dollar I secure in scholarships is one less obstacle between me and my future. That’s why this scholarship matters so much. It wouldn’t just fund tuition or books—it would affirm the value of what I’m doing. It would tell me, and my children, that rebuilding your life isn’t just possible—it’s worth investing in. That second chances are real. That ambition doesn’t have an expiration date. And that no one is too late to chase something that lights them up. This degree is not the end goal—it’s the beginning. Over the next three to five years, I plan to: • Complete my B.S. in Environmental Science, with a focus on sustainability, environmental justice, and systems planning • Pursue supplemental training in GIS (geographic information systems), environmental policy, and community planning • Intern with a conservation nonprofit, state agency, or local planning office • Begin working in the field of sustainability—preferably in environmental compliance, planning, or infrastructure policy • Advocate for rural, southern, and coastal communities in Georgia who are often left out of mainstream environmental strategies Eventually, I want to be a leader in the movement for equitable sustainability. I want to help design programs that don’t just protect land—but people. That help vulnerable communities adapt to a changing climate without being displaced by it. I want to speak at town halls, sit on planning boards, and help ordinary families understand how environmental decisions affect their homes, health, and futures. And maybe most of all, I want to give something back to other mothers. Women who feel like the years of diapers and dinner plates have buried their dreams too deeply to reach. I want to be living proof that you can climb out of that invisibility and do something extraordinary with it. That your softness, your exhaustion, your lived experience—it’s not baggage. It’s your compass. My kids are finally old enough to watch me rebuild. And I want them to see all of it—not just the finished product. I want them to know what it looks like to rise slowly, deliberately, and unapologetically. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship. Your support would not only change my trajectory—it would help shape the legacy I leave behind. Not just for my family, but for the communities I hope to serve and the systems I hope to change. I’m no longer waiting for a better time. I am the better time. This is me—doing it scared, doing it determined, doing it anyway.

I’ve survived three traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), each reshaping how I understand resilience and the human mind. The first happened when I was just three years old. Stubborn even then, I climbed a five-foot dresser to retrieve a hidden pacifier, fell, split my chin open, and learned my first painful lesson about limits. The second came in kindergarten. I don’t remember the moment itself—only lying in a hospital bed afterward. The story goes that I stood on the front of a shopping cart and pulled it forward, toppling both my twin brother and myself to the ground. My mom remembers me asking, again and again, “Where are we?”—unable to hold a single answer in my mind. But it was my third TBI, at eighteen, that changed everything. I was a passenger in a near-fatal car accident that left me in a six-day coma with a severe concussion and multiple life-threatening injuries. When I woke up, everything felt foreign. Near the end of my hospital stay, a doctor visited my room and began asking questions I couldn’t follow. I remember the terror of realizing I couldn’t make sense of their words—afraid I was irreparably broken, or worse, no longer intelligent. My mom tried to hide it, but she was scared too. That moment taught me how fragile our minds are—how quickly the things we take for granted, like language, memory, and focus, can slip away. Sometimes I still wonder if my TBI is why I struggle to shape my ideas into words today. But I’ve learned that my worth isn’t measured by fluency—it’s defined by the determination to keep trying. My injuries forced me to develop new strategies for organizing my thoughts and advocating for myself. I learned resilience not by bouncing back quickly, but by rebuilding—patiently, persistently—day after day. Those experiences also deepened my empathy for people whose struggles aren’t visible. I know what it feels like to be misunderstood, to fear that your limitations will define your life. That’s why I’m pursuing a degree in Environmental Science: a field where I can channel my resilience into protecting something bigger than myself. My TBIs taught me that you can’t escape your body, your mind, or your planet—we have to learn to care for all three. I’m passionate about transforming outdated, extractive systems—like energy, food, and transportation—into sustainable, community-driven solutions. I want to work at the intersection of science and planning, helping design resilient infrastructure and shape policies that move us toward environmental balance. Just as I had to relearn how to navigate my own mind and body, I believe society must relearn how to live in harmony with our ecosystems. Pursuing a STEM career wasn’t always a given. Recovery from my injuries brought doubts—both my own and others’. But each obstacle strengthened my resolve to prove that surviving wasn’t enough; I wanted to thrive, and to help others thrive, too. Today, as an adult learner and first-generation college student, I’m committed to showing my children—and anyone who’s ever felt broken—that you can rise from setbacks not just stronger, but more compassionate. This scholarship would not only support my education but also honor the resilience I’ve built through a lifetime of rebuilding. It would help me transform past hardship into a force for good, reminding me that no obstacle is insurmountable if you refuse to give up—and that even when the world doubts you, your dreams remain within reach.

Living with or beside chronic illness is like walking through fog with a flashlight that sometimes flickers. You never quite know when the next wave of exhaustion, pain, or panic will hit — or who will notice if it does. My experience with chronic illness has taught me two simultaneous truths: the world doesn’t slow down for you, and still, you have to find a way to keep going. For years, I’ve balanced invisible health challenges while caring for young children, managing a household, and now, returning to school as a first-generation adult student. I’ve had moments where I couldn’t get out of bed. Moments when my mind fogged so thick I forgot words mid-sentence. And yet, I’m here — applying for scholarships, building my academic path, and choosing a future that stretches beyond survival. That’s the word that defines so much of what chronic illness steals from people: the luxury of simply living rather than constantly surviving. What inspires me to excel, despite the weight of it all, is the belief that I can turn my lived experience into systemic change. I’m pursuing a degree in environmental science, but not just because I love the planet — it’s because I’ve felt what it’s like to be failed by the systems meant to protect us. Chronic illness has given me empathy in spades. It’s made me more patient with others, and fiercer in my convictions. It’s shown me how marginalized people get pushed to the edge — and how powerful we become when we refuse to disappear. When you live with limitations, you learn to think creatively. You learn to budget energy the way others budget money. You learn how to advocate — for rest, for access, for clarity. These are the exact same skills I plan to bring to the environmental sector: fierce advocacy, resourcefulness, and compassion. I believe the climate crisis requires more than science. It requires humanity. And mine has been sharpened through pain, not despite it. One of the most impactful things I’ve done recently is begin sharing information publicly through social media. I post about ecosystems, about how fungi networks operate beneath the soil, about how regenerative gardening can feed pollinators and people alike. It might not sound like much, but I know that consistent, clear, and accessible education is a form of empowerment — especially for those who are too overwhelmed or under-resourced to dive deep on their own. Even if I only reach three people, I remind myself: that’s three more than yesterday. Eventually, I hope to work in environmental policy or advocacy — maybe even run for local office. And if I do, it will be as someone who has walked through darkness and chose not to let it define her. Chronic illness hasn’t made me less capable. It’s made me more aware, more driven, and more unwilling to leave others behind. Scholarships like this don’t just lift the financial burden. They send a message: we see you. You’re not invisible. You are not alone. And to be honest, that kind of visibility? That changes everything.

For a long time, I thought mental health challenges were something to be hidden, “fixed,” or fought through silently. I thought exhaustion was a badge of honor and that burnout was just part of adulthood. I didn’t yet understand how deeply our emotional and mental well-being shape everything — from how we show up in relationships to whether we believe we’re worthy of pursuing a future. In 2018, I became a mother. In 2020, I lost my own mom. Between those two defining moments, something shifted. I was grieving, isolated, and trying to hold a family together while feeling completely untethered myself. That grief eventually gave way to clarity. I began to recognize how much I had been suppressing — including the ways my neurodivergence and undiagnosed learning differences had impacted my sense of self for years. I realized that much of what I’d labeled as laziness or failure were actually signs of unaddressed mental health needs. Instead of hiding that truth, I started to work with it. I began reading about trauma, generational patterns, executive dysfunction, and resilience. I started using tools — like journaling, self-advocacy, and yes, even AI — to organize my swirling thoughts into action. I unlearned shame and relearned self-compassion. I taught my kids how to name their feelings and apologize with accountability. I created systems around my sensory sensitivities, built micro-habits to support emotional regulation, and leaned into curiosity over perfection. But more than anything, I began talking about it. I believe advocacy doesn’t have to look like a podium — it can look like answering a friend’s “How are you?” honestly. It can look like modeling emotional fluency for your children, writing essays about identity, or gently interrupting stigma in casual conversations. It can look like showing up, imperfect but authentic, to say: “You’re not the only one.” Now, I’m preparing to return to school to study environmental sustainability, with long-term goals of helping communities transition toward more just and resilient systems. But none of that would be possible without the emotional work that came first. Mental health is the foundation of everything I do and everything I hope to build. This scholarship would not just support my education; it would affirm the journey it took to get here and the strength it takes to move forward, not as the version of me that’s ‘healed,’ but as the one who keeps showing up, learning, and leading anyway.

When a rare snowstorm was forecasted to hit coastal Georgia, I found myself deeply concerned about the unsheltered members of our community who would be exposed to freezing temperatures. Having grown up in the Midwest, I knew how dangerous a sudden cold snap could be. I reached out to a colleague who was already established with the unsheltered population and asked what they needed most. She told me they were desperately distributing every blanket and coat they could get their hands on, but supplies were running out faster than they could replenish them. Recognizing the urgency, I sprang into action. I gathered everything in my own home that we could spare—blankets, coats, warm clothing—and then turned to my neighborhood for help. I posted an appeal in our HOA community group explaining the crisis, what was needed, and that I would collect donations immediately. Many neighbors responded within minutes, offering what they had. Over the next 12 hours, I organized pickups, collected around 50 items, washed them to ensure they were clean and ready, and delivered them to my colleague so they could be distributed before the storm arrived. The biggest challenges I faced were the time constraints and the logistical hurdles of coordinating donations on such short notice. However, by communicating clearly, staying organized, and demonstrating the seriousness of the situation, I inspired quick action. This experience taught me that effective leadership is rooted in empathy and clear communication. It also showed me how powerful collective effort can be when a community is mobilized for a common cause. Since that event, I have continued supporting the organization my colleague works with, donating batteries so unsheltered individuals can keep flashlights and tools working, and providing laundry supplies so they can clean their belongings on weekends. Each interaction has deepened my understanding of the complex barriers faced by vulnerable populations, as well as the importance of addressing immediate needs while also working on systemic solutions. These experiences have directly influenced my academic and professional goals. As a student pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, I am passionate about building community resilience through sustainable systems that address both environmental and social inequities. I plan to use my leadership skills to design programs and policies that not only mitigate climate risks, but also ensure that marginalized communities are prioritized in the transition to clean energy and sustainable infrastructure. My ability to organize, communicate, and act quickly under pressure will be essential as I move forward into a career that sits at the intersection of sustainability and social justice. I believe leadership is about more than holding a title—it’s about inspiring collective action and creating tangible change. I am determined to continue applying these skills to build a future where no one is left vulnerable, whether from a snowstorm, environmental disaster, or the slow-moving crisis of climate change. Receiving this scholarship would empower me to gain the education and tools needed to lead these efforts effectively, making a lasting impact for my community and beyond.

From the first time I heard “Something Bad,” I felt a jolt of recognition. The song’s urgent warning about the world changing for the worse mirrors the anxiety I feel every day about our climate crisis. When Dr. Dillamond sings of strange happenings and ominous signs, it’s like listening to our planet’s own cries for help — ice caps melting, forests burning, communities displaced with nowhere to go. That moment in Wicked captured the feeling I’ve carried for years: that something bad is happening right now, and if we don’t act, the consequences will be irreversible. This connection is what made Wicked more than just a musical for me; it became a lens through which I see my own mission as a first-generation college student and aspiring environmental scientist. Elphaba’s courage to face uncomfortable truths — and to speak them out loud even when everyone else chose denial — inspired me to commit my life to fighting climate change. She refused to look away or stay silent, even when the cost was her reputation and safety. Her fierce determination taught me that being labeled “wicked” by those who fear change can mean you’re on the right side of history. Glinda’s story, too, has been an important reminder of what happens when people in positions of privilege choose comfort over action. Watching Glinda ignore the truth she knew in her heart, and the devastation that followed, challenges me to never let fear or convenience keep me quiet when I see injustice — whether it’s environmental degradation or social inequity. Glinda’s evolution reminds me that it’s never too late to change, but also that silence can do lasting harm. The music of Wicked has scored the turning points of my life. “For Good” echoed in my mind when I made the difficult decision to break cycles of generational trauma and build a healthier future for my children. “No Good Deed” reminded me to keep my compassion even when efforts to help others went unappreciated. And “Defying Gravity” gives me strength whenever I doubt myself — especially now, as I return to college to pursue my degree in Environmental Science, determined to help communities transition to renewable energy and resilient ecosystems. Wicked taught me that speaking up about uncomfortable truths is the first step toward meaningful change. It showed me that we must be willing to stand alone if we believe in something bigger than ourselves, and that authenticity isn’t a weakness but the root of our greatest power. Through Elphaba’s bravery and the cautionary tale of Glinda’s silence, I’ve learned to find my voice, use it for good, and never turn away from the signs that something bad is happening. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my journey of education and advocacy — and I’d do it knowing that, like Elphaba, I’m ready to defy gravity and fight for a world where we don’t ignore the signs, but act on them for the sake of future generations.

Being the first in my family to pursue a college degree is both a profound responsibility and a powerful opportunity. Growing up, I didn’t have examples of higher education within my immediate family. College felt abstract and unattainable — something meant for other people. As a first-generation student and adult learner, I’ve had to navigate every step on my own: understanding admissions, figuring out financial aid, and balancing family life with academic goals. But each hurdle has only reinforced how important it is for me to continue. I want to show my children — and myself — that we can break cycles of limitation and build a new foundation of opportunity and hope. This journey means honoring where I come from while creating a future where education, stability, and meaningful work are part of our family legacy. I am the first woman in my family to reach for a dream bigger than survival, and that carries both weight and joy. I want my children, especially my daughter, to see that pursuing your passion isn’t selfish — it’s an act of courage that can transform lives. In college, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. I chose this field because I’m passionate about sustainability, community resilience, and social justice. I want to deeply understand the science of climate change, renewable energy systems, and ecosystem dynamics. I believe this knowledge will allow me to identify where outdated, extractive systems — like energy, food, or transportation — can be redesigned through community partnerships, grant funding, and ecological data. I want to help rural and underserved communities transition to clean energy and sustainable infrastructure so that everyone has a chance to thrive, regardless of income or geography. My long-term goals are rooted in advocacy and practical action. I plan to work in environmental planning or policy, coordinating projects that bring renewable energy and resilient infrastructure to communities on the frontlines of climate instability. I hope to write grants, lead community engagement efforts, and support programs that make sustainable living accessible to everyone. Ultimately, I want to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world implementation so that communities can adapt and flourish even as environmental challenges grow. Beyond professional goals, I want to model for my children what it looks like to live with purpose and courage. I want them to see that we don’t have to accept broken systems; we can question them, improve them, and build something better. As a first-generation student and adult learner, I feel a responsibility to share what I learn with others, advocate for those whose voices are often unheard, and create pathways for others to follow. This scholarship would help me continue my education and give me the tools I need to turn ambition into action. I’m not just seeking a degree; I’m working to build a more equitable and sustainable world — one community at a time.

Mental health has been a defining force in my life, shaping my beliefs, relationships, and the path I am determined to follow. Though I was only diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, its effects have been present as long as I can remember — difficulty focusing, overwhelming emotions, and a persistent inner narrative of inadequacy. These struggles often led to misunderstandings with peers, teachers, and even family, feeding a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety that colored much of my childhood and adolescence. For many years, I battled mental health challenges largely alone, navigating a system that often offered medication but lacked compassionate, holistic support. My mother’s unexpected passing in 2020, while I was pregnant with my second child, shattered my world. It forced me to confront how fragile life can be—and how crucial it is to have communities that understand and prioritize mental well-being. Watching my mom face her own mental health struggles without the language or nuance to fully express her experience taught me an invaluable lesson about bravery and stigma. Because of her courage in seeking help despite these barriers, I felt less alone and less ashamed when it was my turn to speak out. Her journey showed me the vital need to move beyond quick fixes toward building systems of support that treat people as whole, complex human beings. Compassion, early intervention, and accessible community resources can make all the difference — but only if we destigmatize mental illness and ensure these resources reach those who need them most. These lessons transformed my perspective and inspired me to weave mental health awareness into every part of my life. I now share my story openly to normalize conversations around mental illness and offer practical support wherever I can. I donate books to local Little Free Libraries—often including titles about emotional well-being and resilience. I use coupons and shop strategically to provide food and essentials to neighborhood pantries, helping ease the burden of financial stress that compounds mental health struggles. I have organized clothing drives for unsheltered community members, recognizing how meeting basic needs is foundational to stability and mental wellness. Though these acts may seem small, they are rooted in a larger mission: to build communities where every person is seen, valued, and supported. I plan to bring that same commitment into my career. I am preparing to start my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at American Public University, with the goal of working in sustainable community planning—a field where mental health and environmental health are deeply interconnected. Displacement, pollution, and climate-related disasters all exacerbate anxiety, depression, and trauma. I want to help design communities that not only withstand environmental crises but nurture mental wellness through green spaces, accessible resources, and inclusive infrastructure. Centering mental health in my life has taught me empathy, resilience, and the power of collective care. It has shown me how profoundly our surroundings—from our homes to our neighborhoods—influence our well-being. By combining my passion for environmental justice with mental health advocacy, I hope to help create a future where systems work for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of returning to school as a first-generation college student and mother. More importantly, it would empower me to continue advocating for change. I want to honor my mom’s memory by helping build a world where every person struggling with mental health can find real support, understanding, and hope. In sharing her story—and my own—I hope to shine a light on the urgent need for better mental health care and inspire others to join the fight for systems that heal rather than harm.

Giving back has been the throughline of my life, even when resources were limited. As a stay-at-home mom, I’ve prioritized community service through small, consistent acts that add up over time. I frequent local thrift shops, looking for quality children’s books to stock Little Free Libraries across my county, especially in lower-income areas where access to books is limited. By redistributing these resources, I hope to foster literacy, curiosity, and a love for reading among kids who might not otherwise have books at home. Beyond literacy, I practice microactivism by supporting community pantries. Using coupons and careful budgeting, I purchase shelf-stable foods and hygiene products to restock free-use pantries in my neighborhood. I advocate for ethical donation practices—ensuring that what’s given is useful, safe, and culturally appropriate—because dignity in giving matters just as much as the gift itself. My volunteer efforts extend to the environment as well. I maintain a pollinator garden to support bees and butterflies, compost kitchen scraps, and reuse greywater for outdoor plants. I collect plastic bags from my household and neighbors to drop off at recycling centers that accept them, keeping unnecessary waste out of landfills. Recently, I’ve begun keeping birdseed in my car and spreading small amounts in urban green spaces and parks to support local bird populations. These tiny actions offer immediate relief to wildlife, and I believe they encourage passersby to pause and reflect on the importance of protecting our shared environment. Looking forward, I plan to deepen my commitment to service through formal education. This fall, I will begin pursuing my Bachelor’s in Environmental Science at American Public University. My long-term goal is to help underserved and rural communities transition to renewable energy and develop resilient infrastructure in the face of climate instability. I aim to work in planning and policy, writing grant proposals and coordinating community projects that make sustainable solutions accessible and equitable. I also hope to launch a local initiative that educates families about low-cost sustainable practices—from composting and pollinator gardening to energy-saving tips and zero-waste strategies. By creating workshops and hands-on experiences, I want to empower community members to adopt habits that benefit both their families and the environment. Above all, I strive to model for my children that giving back isn’t about having extra; it’s about using whatever you do have—time, knowledge, compassion—to improve life for others. Service doesn’t always look like grand gestures; often, it’s small, consistent efforts done with intention. Through both my current actions and future career, I am committed to carrying Priscilla Shireen Luke’s legacy forward by building stronger, more sustainable communities where everyone has a chance to thrive.

College has always felt like a distant promise—something meant for people who spoke the right language, came from the right background, or had parents who’d done it before. I grew up in a low-income household with little understanding of higher education beyond the generic message of “go to college.” There was no map for how to get there, no advice on what to study, and certainly no plan for how to afford it. As a first-generation college student, just getting to this point has meant building a new blueprint from scratch. Layered on top of that is a lifelong struggle with undiagnosed ADHD. I didn’t receive a formal diagnosis until adulthood, after years of silently battling executive dysfunction, sensory overwhelm, and mental exhaustion. For a long time, I blamed myself for not being able to keep up, not realizing I was trying to navigate a system never designed for neurodivergent learners. But with diagnosis came clarity—and now, with support and strategies in place, I’m learning how to work with my brain instead of against it. My ADHD gives me a uniquely interconnected way of thinking and a deep, driving curiosity that fuels everything I do. Today, I’m pursuing a degree in Environmental Science because I believe access—to clean energy, healthy ecosystems, and reliable infrastructure—shouldn’t be a luxury. My long-term goal is to help underserved and rural communities transition to sustainable systems through planning, policy, and community-led design. I want to write grant proposals, coordinate local retrofits, and advocate for environmental equity that meets people where they are. But before I can help build solutions at that level, I need the education and training to match my vision. I’ve chosen American Public University as a practical starting point because it offers the flexibility, affordability, and remote access I need as a stay-at-home mom reentering the academic world. Still, even with careful budgeting and part-time income, funding my degree is a challenge. This scholarship would help me move forward without the constant weight of financial strain. Every dollar brings me closer to completing a class, covering books, or saving for a laptop that can handle GIS and environmental modeling software. It’s not just about reducing debt—it’s about being able to focus on learning, growing, and giving back. In my daily life, I already model environmental responsibility: I compost food waste, maintain a pollinator garden, reduce plastic use, and advocate for sustainability in my community. I’ve donated hundreds of books to Little Free Libraries, stocked local pantry boxes with discounted groceries, and encouraged neighbors to reuse and donate intentionally. I do this not because it’s flashy, but because small acts of care, repeated often, can shift culture. My hope is to turn this grassroots ethic into a formal career. I want to combine my personal experience, systems thinking, and deep care for both people and planet into a vocation that helps others not just survive, but thrive. This scholarship would be a step toward that future—and proof that even without a roadmap, it’s possible to find your way.

Selflessness isn’t always loud. It’s often found in small, consistent actions—the kind done without recognition, but with deep purpose. For me, it looks like using what little I have to make someone else’s day a little easier. I’m a stay-at-home mom turned environmental science student, and our family has always lived on a tight budget. But I believe strongly in doing the most good I can with the resources I have. That mindset has shaped how I care for my community. I regularly shop local thrift stores with one goal in mind: to find quality children’s books to restock the local Little Free Libraries, which are often empty. I seek out BOGO deals and coupon specials to purchase items for the free-use pantries in our area, knowing that food, hygiene items, and even pet supplies can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day. It’s not a big budget—but it is a big priority. These small acts are an extension of the values I live every day. I advocate for ethical donation, sustainable reuse, and circular economies—values that are directly tied to my long-term educational goals. I’m preparing to pursue my degree in Environmental Science at American Public University this fall. My dream is to help underserved communities transition to renewable energy and build resilience against climate instability. I don’t just want to study environmental systems—I want to make them work better for people who are often left out of the conversation. After losing my own mom in 2020, I began thinking more deeply about legacy. What will I leave behind—not in material things, but in impact? How will my children learn what it means to care for others, to live in alignment with their values? That reflection has fueled my decision to return to school, to advocate for sustainability, and to embody service, not just in words, but in daily action. I’ve applied to over two dozen scholarships this month alone—not because I feel entitled, but because I’m committed. I want to show that people like me—first-generation students, caregivers, neurodivergent thinkers—deserve a seat at the table. I believe in community, in showing up for one another, and in building a future where compassion and science go hand in hand. This scholarship would ease the financial strain of my first semester and honor a life lived in service to others. I didn’t know Michael Rudometkin, but from what I’ve read, I think we’d agree: a good life is one rooted in joy, service, and doing the next right thing—even when no one’s watching.

Growing up, I never imagined I’d become the kind of person who talks about soil health at social gatherings — and means it. But over the last few years, my relationship with the environment has shifted from quiet concern to active commitment. After becoming a mother in 2018 and losing my own mom in 2020, I began to reflect deeply on legacy, resilience, and what it means to be a steward of the future. What started as a seed of curiosity has grown into a deep sense of responsibility. This fall, I’ll begin my Environmental Science degree at American Public University, with the long-term goal of helping communities — especially underserved and rural ones — transition to renewable energy and more resilient ecosystems. The urgency of climate degradation demands more than awareness. It calls for action grounded in science, compassion, and long-term planning. I believe one of the most powerful tools we have is access — to education, resources, infrastructure, and opportunity. Sustainability cannot be a luxury. It must become foundational to how communities function, supported by schools, local governments, and integrated planning. I want to help build and support that foundation. My approach to environmental change is rooted in systems thinking. I want to identify where outdated, extractive systems — like energy, food, or transportation — can be redesigned through community partnerships, grant funding, and ecological data. My future career will likely sit at the intersection of planning and policy, where I can coordinate retrofits, write grants, and support long-term implementation of equitable, sustainable infrastructure. This commitment has already taken shape at home and in my neighborhood. I maintain a pollinator garden, compost food waste, reuse greywater, and monitor local wildlife. I’ve created space for native plants, installed bee and bird habitats, and participated in digital reforestation and ocean cleanup initiatives through platforms like Treecard and Ecosia. I model these values for my children and share practical ideas with neighbors. I’ve also joined local freecycle groups to reduce landfill waste, support circular economies, and build community through shared resources. Last October, my community was hit by Hurricane Helene. It was terrifying — not just because of the storm itself, but because it made climate change feel immediate and personal. We lost power, roads were blocked, and supply chains broke down. It became painfully clear how unprepared many in our area were, especially our most vulnerable neighbors. A few months later, a rare winter storm was forecast, and I reached out to a colleague who supports the unsheltered population. She told me they were desperate — handing out coats and blankets as fast as they could get them. I posted in a local group, gathered and washed what we could spare, and within 24 hours, we delivered over 50 items. These back-to-back events made one thing abundantly clear: climate instability isn’t theoretical. It’s happening now, and it hits hardest where support systems are already thin. As I begin my formal education, I hope to deepen my understanding of how environmental science informs public systems — and how grassroots initiatives can scale into meaningful regional solutions. I’m especially interested in how policy, grants, and community coordination can unlock change where it’s needed most. This scholarship would allow me to pursue that mission more fully — not just for my own development, but for the people, ecosystems, and future generations I hope to serve. I’m not just looking to build a career. I’m working to build a future.

I didn’t plan to become a caregiver in my twenties, but life has a way of reshaping even our most carefully drawn maps. My caregiving journey began in subtle ways. I became a mother in 2018, and like many stay-at-home parents, I assumed the full emotional and physical labor of caring for my children. Then, in 2020, my own mother died unexpectedly. She had been my anchor in many ways, and losing her fractured my understanding of support. I grieved while caring for a toddler and a newborn, unable to pause or process fully. There were no sick days, no buffer — just me, holding it all. In the years that followed, caregiving took on deeper meaning. I began supporting a family member through severe mental health challenges, while also navigating my own diagnosis of ADHD and processing the emotional weight of estranged relationships. Simultaneously, I became the point person for medical appointments, therapy schedules, educational advocacy, and emotional regulation strategies — not only for my kids, but for members of my extended family who lacked the capacity or bandwidth to manage these things alone. I’ve missed weddings, job interviews, and personal milestones because I was needed elsewhere. And yet, through all the sacrifice, caregiving has taught me what matters most. It’s taught me how to advocate — in hospital waiting rooms, IEP meetings, and phone calls with specialists. It’s taught me to listen deeply, to organize chaos, to find dignity in the small wins. Most of all, it’s shaped my understanding of resilience, both my own and others’. This experience has completely transformed my goals. I’m now pursuing a degree in Environmental Sustainability, with hopes to work in systems-level change that prioritizes equity, access, and resilience in under-resourced communities. I want to help build frameworks where families like mine — those stretched thin and showing up anyway — have what they need to thrive. I believe that caregiving is a form of leadership, and I want to bring that perspective into my field. Caregiving has also shaped my identity in profound ways. I’m more patient than I used to be. More grounded. I’ve learned to be both fierce and flexible, to show up imperfectly but consistently. I understand now that caregiving isn’t just a detour from “real life” — it is life. It’s where empathy is forged. Where values are lived out. Where change begins, one act of care at a time. Pursuing higher education while caregiving is incredibly challenging — emotionally, financially, and logistically. But I believe the insight and discipline I’ve gained through this journey make me uniquely equipped to turn my education into something impactful. This scholarship would not only help lighten the financial load; it would also affirm the unseen, unpaid labor of students like me, who are shaping the future while holding the weight of others’ present.

My mental health has been both a quiet undercurrent and a loud chorus throughout my adult life. I didn’t always have the language for it — for the executive dysfunction, overstimulation, burnout cycles, or the way my brain would fixate on imagined failures long before I even tried. It wasn’t until I was in my thirties, raising two kids and reflecting on the patterns I kept crashing into, I was evaluated and diagnosed with ADHD and the invisible emotional load that came with it. Returning to school at this stage in my life is not a decision I made lightly. I’ve spent the last six years as a stay-at-home mom, living far from family, navigating grief after my mother’s sudden passing, and doing the invisible labor that so many women carry. During that time, I began to unravel the complicated mix of anxiety, high-functioning masking, and perfectionism that had followed me for years. I started naming things. Then I started healing. Now that I’ve returned to academics, I’ve built a structure that actively supports my mental wellness instead of sabotaging it. I don’t run on burnout anymore — I plan rest, implement tools for executive functioning, and give myself grace when I fall short. I set boundaries that allow me to protect my focus and peace. I track my mental load, keep visual planners, and use AI tools and accessibility features to help translate my scattered thoughts into focused work. I’ve also redefined what “success” looks like for me. It’s not a 4.0 GPA at the cost of my health — it’s building momentum and consistency. It’s showing my children that growth isn’t linear, but it’s possible at any age. I prioritize routines that support my body and nervous system: movement, hydration, breaks outdoors, and time to process emotions. I’ve learned that my mental health is not a side project — it’s the foundation that holds everything else. Academically, I’ve found that when I support my mind, my performance reflects it. My curiosity and love of learning have room to thrive when I’m not constantly in survival mode. I’m able to explore environmental science, sustainability, and systems-level change with clarity and focus. And because I know the cost of pushing through in silence, I speak up when things feel overwhelming — for myself and for others who haven’t found their voice yet. Mental wellness is activism in a world that rewards exhaustion. It’s also a form of resistance — against perfectionism, toxic productivity, and the cultural belief that women should carry everything without complaint. This scholarship would help me continue building a future that includes both academic excellence and emotional sustainability. I’m not just here to get a degree — I’m here to model what it looks like to do hard things well. To move forward with honesty, empathy, and self-awareness. Mental health doesn’t make me less capable. It has made me more deliberate, more intuitive, and more resilient. I don’t ignore it anymore — I lead with it.

When I first started untangling my own mental health story, I didn’t have the language for what I was experiencing. I only knew I was overwhelmed, burned out, and constantly trying to keep pace with a world that didn’t seem built for my brain. Years later, a diagnosis of ADHD gave me clarity, not just for myself—but for how I could support others. I now speak openly about my neurodivergence, especially in spaces where mental health is still misunderstood or minimized. Whether I’m advocating for accommodations, discussing executive dysfunction with other parents, or helping a friend navigate the medical system, I approach these conversations with empathy and honesty. Vulnerability has become one of my most powerful tools. I’ve learned that when one person shares openly, it creates permission for others to be honest about their struggles too. One of the ways I support my community is by translating complex or stigmatized mental health topics into approachable, compassionate conversations. I help others find patterns in their thinking, normalize therapy and medication, and encourage self-advocacy—especially for women, parents, and those navigating invisible challenges. My future work in environmental sustainability may not seem like a traditional “healthcare” path, but mental health and environmental health are deeply connected. I want to build systems that support wellbeing at every level: clean air, access to green spaces, emergency response readiness, and policies that don’t leave the most vulnerable behind. I also want to help shape local networks that connect people to emotional resources during times of climate-related crisis or displacement. My goal is to be a community advocate who doesn’t just understand climate data, but understands people. Mental health advocacy isn’t just something I’ve done—it’s part of how I see the world and lead within it. This scholarship would support my continued education while affirming that emotional wellness belongs in every conversation, including those about policy, sustainability, and the future we’re building.

There was a time when I didn’t have the language to describe how my brain worked differently. I just knew I felt everything deeply, missed social cues, and processed thoughts much faster than I could speak or write. I was often labeled “too sensitive,” “too much,” or “difficult.” It took years before I began to understand that what made me feel out of step with the world wasn’t a flaw — it was neurodivergence. Receiving an adult autism diagnosis changed everything. Suddenly, the struggles I’d carried for so long had context. My sensory sensitivities, executive dysfunction, and emotional intensity weren’t personal shortcomings — they were parts of how I move through the world. That awareness didn’t limit me. It helped me begin the process of unmasking and growing with self-compassion instead of shame. In school, I struggled. I barely graduated high school and carried that failure with me for years. I thought it meant I wasn’t smart or capable. Now I know I simply needed different tools — time, flexibility, and support. Once I began learning in a way that worked with my brain, I flourished. I read over 200 books a year. I absorb systems. I notice patterns. I dive deeply into topics that matter. And I care — immensely. In recent years, I’ve become a mother, a community volunteer, and a quiet force for change. I’ve researched environmental science, advocated for sustainability, coordinated donation drives, planted pollinator gardens, and educated others about microactivism. My neurodivergence fuels my curiosity, my focus, and my ability to see what others overlook. This fall, I’ll return to school as a first-generation college student to study environmental sustainability. My goal is to help underserved communities transition toward renewable energy and build climate resilience. But I’m also doing this to model something important for my children: that growth doesn’t have a deadline, and your path doesn’t have to look traditional to be meaningful. Autism isn’t a barrier — it’s a different lens. And when it’s respected and supported, it can be a strength that reshapes not just how I learn, but how I lead.

I used to think STEM belonged to someone else—someone more confident, more mathematically gifted, more certain. I was a book-smart kid who always struggled with focus, missed key instructions, and quietly told herself, “I’m just not one of the smart ones.” It took years before I realized how wrong I was. In 2018, I became a mother. In 2020, I lost my own. That combination broke something open in me. I began thinking deeply about legacy, about the world I would leave behind for my children, and about how systems—environmental, educational, and social—are shaped by the people willing to do the hard work of change. I didn’t know it yet, but that was the beginning of my journey into environmental science. I started with small actions: composting, water conservation, learning about native plants and pollinator pathways. I became obsessed with systems thinking—how one solution could ripple across communities and generations. Over time, I taught myself the fundamentals of renewable energy, sustainability policy, and ecological restoration. What started as a hobby became a calling. I’m now preparing to study Environmental Sustainability through American Public University, with a focus on building a future where communities—especially underresourced and overlooked ones—can transition into greener, more resilient systems. I want to be at the intersection of environmental science, policy, and energy access, unlocking practical solutions through education, planning, and grant coordination. But none of this would be possible if I hadn’t allowed myself to believe I belonged in STEM. The defining moment came during a conversation with my daughter, who was curious about climate change. I explained carbon emissions, rising sea levels, and pollinator decline in kid-friendly language. She looked up and asked, “If it’s so bad, why isn’t anyone fixing it?” That question became my charge. It’s not just that I want to study science—I want to be the woman in the room asking better questions, proposing better solutions, and advocating for long-term change. I want my children to see that we don’t wait for someone else to fix things. We become the ones who do. As a neurodivergent, first-generation college student and mother, I bring lived experience into the field. I understand what it feels like to be underestimated—and I also know what it feels like to exceed expectations when someone finally believes in you. I’m building a future not just for myself, but for the people and places whose voices are rarely centered in environmental conversations. I’ve already begun the work. I’ve started a pollinator garden, advocated for native plants in our neighborhood, joined local buy-nothing groups to recycle gardening materials, and regularly speak with peers about clean energy and climate resilience. I’ve helped distribute warm clothes during winter storms and planted hope, quite literally, in the form of new seeds in struggling soil. Science and technology can solve problems—but only if those at the helm reflect the communities they serve. I want to be one of those voices. I may be late to the path, but I’m walking it with clarity and drive. STEM is no longer someone else’s field. It’s mine now, too.

I live just forty miles from Georgia’s coast, where tides and salt winds shape everything—our weather, ecosystems, and future. Living near the Atlantic has made the health of our oceans feel deeply personal. While I’ve always cared about sustainability, it was motherhood and loss that gave me clarity about what really matters. After losing my mom in 2020, I began thinking more intentionally about legacy—what we leave behind, and why it matters. Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for environmental science and a deep, sustained commitment to protecting our natural systems. I compost, use greywater for irrigation, plant pollinator habitats, and support biodiversity wherever I can—but ocean health holds a unique place in my heart. In 2016, I took my first international trip—solo—to Thailand. As part of that trip, I began a scuba certification and dove into the Andaman Sea. It was my first time seeing a coral reef in real life. That moment—suspended in warm water, surrounded by darting fish and branching coral—was almost spiritual. I understood, instinctively, how fragile and sacred these ecosystems are. That reef was small, but it sparked something huge in me: a lifelong fascination with coral systems, marine biodiversity, and the interconnectedness of aquatic and terrestrial life. Since then, I’ve supported conservation efforts like the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and ocean cleanups through platforms like TreeCard. I’ve made ethical food shifts to reduce my impact on marine ecosystems, chosen reef-safe products, educated my children about biodiversity, and tried to model ocean-conscious behavior at home. I’ve even shared sustainable alternatives and tips in online communities, hoping to make this knowledge approachable and actionable. The more I learn, the more I realize that ocean health is not a niche issue—it’s the foundation of global resilience. I’m now preparing to study Environmental Sustainability through American Public University, with a focus on helping communities—especially rural and underserved ones—transition to renewable systems and resilient ecological planning. Living near the coast, I see the impact of rising seas, extreme weather, and ecosystem loss every year. My long-term goal is to work in conservation policy, ocean education, or community resource planning, helping ensure that our oceans and coasts are protected not just in theory, but in practice. This scholarship would allow me to pursue my education more fully and contribute to oceanic health in a meaningful, long-term way. We are all connected to the sea—whether we live beside it or not. And protecting it is not just an act of preservation, but of hope.

Technology is reshaping the world, and I want to be part of reshaping it with intention. As a mother, a community advocate, and a woman returning to school to study Environmental Sustainability, I believe technology is more than a tool—it’s a bridge. A bridge between awareness and action, between policy and people, between the world we have and the world we deserve. My goal is to help communities, especially rural and underserved ones, transition toward renewable energy, ecological restoration, and resilient infrastructure. These are complex challenges that will require everything from advanced data collection to clean energy implementation, digital grant systems, and smart design. I want to help build and manage that work. What excites me most is the intersection between sustainability and innovation. Whether it’s GIS mapping to track land use changes, solar integration for schools and public facilities, or using AI to analyze gaps in local resource access, I want to be part of the forward momentum. I’m preparing to study at American Public University and earn certifications in Environmental Science and Environmental Policy & Development. I see these as a launchpad into system planning or environmental coordination—roles that rely on technology to create real, lasting change. Though I didn’t grow up seeing many women in tech or policy, I’ve learned to see myself there—not despite my differences, but because of them. I bring empathy, lived experience, and a systems-focused mindset shaped by both motherhood and activism. I’ve learned that technology doesn’t solve problems on its own. It’s people—people who design it, use it, and believe in its potential—who drive change. I want to be one of those people. Already, I’ve taken action in my own life. I compost, recycle greywater, maintain native plants and a pollinator garden, rescue materials from the waste stream, and share resources with my community. I’ve reduced my reliance on animal-based products and shifted toward more ethical, plant-forward food choices. I’ve taught my children how their habits shape the world. That, too, is technology in practice. The most powerful innovations won’t just improve lives—they’ll redefine what’s possible. I want my work to reflect that possibility and help others imagine new ways forward. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to step into this chapter with confidence and clarity. I’m ready to learn, contribute, and help lead the way.

In 2020, I lost my mother unexpectedly. That grief reshaped how I saw my life, my legacy, and the kind of world I want to help build for my children. I’ve always cared about the environment, but that moment sparked something deeper; a calling to protect what sustains us, for the sake of the generations to come. Over the past few years, I’ve immersed myself in learning about environmental science and sustainability. I began composting food scraps, switching to plant-based alternatives, and reclaiming greywater. I tracked local biodiversity in my yard, began planting for pollinators, and started educating my children about the ripple effects of our everyday choices. We’ve planted trees, recycled hundreds of gallons of water, and even funded coral reef recovery and ocean plastic removal through apps and microdonations. These small acts are tangible ways we participate in a larger mission. But I know that individual effort alone isn’t enough. That’s why I’m returning to school to study Environmental Sustainability through American Public University. I want to work at the intersection of policy, planning, and community access—helping neighborhoods transition to renewable energy and build local infrastructure that serves both people and the planet. Sustainability in my field is not just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of long-term resilience. Whether we’re talking about resource equity, clean energy, or preserving habitats in urban spaces, my work will center on aligning environmental goals with practical, scalable solutions. I’m especially interested in grant writing and access planning, because I believe that access is the greatest hurdle between good ideas and real-world implementation. By combining systems thinking with sustainability frameworks, I hope to help underserved and rural communities unlock the resources they need to build climate resilience—from solar energy installations to community gardens and wildlife restoration zones. I envision helping school districts integrate sustainability curriculum and infrastructure, bringing students into the fold as early change agents. To me, sustainability isn’t about “doing less harm.” It’s about actively designing systems that give more than they take—regenerating, reimagining, and repairing what’s been lost. As a woman returning to school in her 30s with two young children watching closely, I know the stakes are high. But I also know the potential for impact is greater than ever. Winning this scholarship would help me focus more fully on my studies and deepen my impact—both locally and in the communities I will serve professionally. I don’t just want to study sustainability. I want to live it, model it, and help others access it. Because the future is already taking shape, and I’m here to help shape it for the better.

The ocean doesn’t ask who you are before it welcomes you. As someone still discovering where I fit within the LGBTQIA+ community—possibly asexual, demisexual, or panromantic—that quiet kind of acceptance resonates deeply with me. I’ve learned that identity, like the ocean, can be fluid, powerful, and hard to define—but still worthy of protection. That’s why I’m pursuing a path in environmental sustainability: to protect fragile ecosystems, including our oceans, while amplifying underrepresented voices like mine. I live just west of the Georgia coast, where hurricanes and sea level rise aren’t abstract concerns—they’re part of our daily reality. Last October, Hurricane Helene swept through our area with terrifying force, reminding us that climate resilience isn’t just a future issue—it’s now. Watching the land recover, and the human and animal communities that depend on it, has deepened my resolve to be part of the solution. I’ve already begun making lifestyle changes rooted in ethics and sustainability: transitioning toward plant-based food choices, using platforms like Ecosia and Treecard that contribute to reforestation and ocean cleanup, and choosing products that reduce dependency on virgin plastic. But individual action is only the beginning. I’ve also taken steps to educate my community—especially my children—on the ripple effects of consumer habits and the importance of protecting our planet’s most vulnerable systems. I recently applied to American Public University to pursue Environmental Sustainability with a long-term focus on community-scale resilience. My dream is to work at the intersection of planning and policy—writing grants, supporting clean energy transitions, and helping underserved areas implement systems that protect natural habitats, especially coastal ones. The health of our oceans is interconnected with every environmental justice issue I care about: food systems, air quality, housing stability, biodiversity, and more. As someone who’s always been a little outside the box—whether in identity, worldview, or ambition—this work feels like a place I truly belong. I don’t want to simply study oceanic health; I want to actively protect it, rebuild it, and ensure future generations can inherit its beauty. I believe being bold isn’t just about what you say—it’s about what you do. I’ve spent years quietly preparing for this moment. Now, I’m ready to take up space, speak up, and make real, lasting change. Receiving this scholarship would help me do that with greater focus and confidence. But more than that, it would affirm that there’s a place in this movement for people like me—people still finding their language, but who already know their values.

Community has reshaped every part of my identity. I used to think of it as something you belonged to—a neighborhood, a church, a school. But as I grew older, became a mother, and lost my own mom, I realized community is something you build. It’s found in shared moments, common goals, and a willingness to show up, even when it’s hard. In the last few years, I’ve committed to building community not just socially, but environmentally and structurally. I live in a small Georgia town where sustainability isn’t yet the norm, but I believe deeply in creating a livable future for my children—and that change starts locally. I’ve volunteered with community groups, rescued items through Buy Nothing networks to keep them out of landfills, and repurposed supplies into tools for urban wildlife and pollinators. I’ve built a pollinator garden with native plants, started composting, educated neighbors about reducing plastic waste, and redistributed unused clothing and materials to families in need. These small actions might look individual, but they ripple outward. One moment I’ll never forget was when snow was in the forecast for our coastal Georgia community—something almost unheard of. I reached out to a colleague who works closely with unsheltered individuals and asked if she needed the extra coats we were clearing from our closets. She told me jackets and blankets were in desperate need and being distributed as quickly as she could get them. I immediately gathered everything we could spare and posted to my HOA community asking for help. Within 24 hours, I collected, washed, and delivered over 50 warm items to be distributed before the snow fell. It reminded me how quickly communities can mobilize when there’s trust, clarity, and shared care. Hope is not a vague feeling for me—it’s something I practice. It lives in my garden, where I plant seeds for bees and butterflies I may never see. It lives in how I teach my children to respect the earth, speak up, and look after others. And it lives in my choice to return to school to study Environmental Sustainability so I can help underserved communities transition into renewable energy and resilient ecosystems. The future I see isn’t built by individuals acting alone—it’s built by people who lift one another, share what they have, and dream together. If awarded this scholarship, I will continue to live out that mission—by studying, volunteering, and creating spaces where others feel seen, supported, and inspired to care for each other and our shared world.