I’m a straight-A student, a future healthcare worker, and I study to Slipknot. That mix might sound strange, but it’s exactly who I am: driven, focused, and fueled by heavy metal. I just graduated high school in Arizona, and will be starting college this fall at the University of Kentucky Lewis Honors College, majoring in Medical Laboratory Science. I’ve always been deeply focused on growth, both academically and personally. During high school, I poured myself into organizations like Health Occupation Students of America and yearbook, balancing leadership, creativity, and service. These organizations have played a key role in shaping my confidence and sense of purpose. Additionally, this April, I got my first real job working at PetSmart to begin saving and developing independence. That’s what drives me: I want to do things for myself, not just be handed them. Whether I’m clocking into a shift or grinding for a test, I’m someone who commits fully and sees things through. I chose Medical Laboratory Science because I love the diagnostic and analytical side of healthcare. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of helping people, but I prefer to be behind the scenes, digging into the science that helps doctors make the right calls. Lab work is where I feel both calm and excited, it’s like solving a mystery with a purpose. I’m passionate about this field, and I can see myself thriving in it long-term. One day I’d even love to work abroad and use my skills to make a global impact. But for now, my goals are about laying a strong foundation: adjusting to college life, challenging myself, finding what inspires me, and staying true to who I am. College is expensive, and while I’m not in a worst-case scenario financially, things are definitely tight. My parents are recently separated, which has made things even more complicated. I received a scholarship that covers about half of my tuition, but the remaining balance, in addition to housing costs, is a major concern. Right now, my family is covering my first semester and I have the money to cover the second, but after that, it’s unclear how I’ll make it work. I’m doing everything I can to keep costs down, but if I can’t get additional support, I’ll likely have to work full-time hours just to stay afloat, which will take away from the academic focus I’ve worked so hard to maintain. This scholarship would relieve a massive amount of stress and allow me to give my energy to what truly matters: learning, growing, and pushing myself to become the best version of me. I want to have the freedom to say yes to opportunities like studying abroad, participating in research, or joining campus organizations without having to worry about how I’ll afford textbooks or groceries that week. That won’t be possible without help. As for my love of metal? It comes from my dad. Every morning he drove me to school, we’d blast Metallica, Slipknot, AC/DC or Black Sabbath, just the two of us, head banging in a tiny car, laughing and letting go. Those were our moments. I wouldn’t say I’m the biggest metal head in the world, but when I put on those songs, I’m reminded that it’s okay to breathe, to scream, to be bold, and to enjoy the ride. That’s what metal means to me: freedom, release, and connection. Even if it’s not playing in my ears every second of the day, it’s part of my DNA, the soundtrack to some of my best memories and the confidence boost I need when life gets loud. I may be moving across the country alone, but I’m not doing it without purpose. I’m here to build a life I’m proud of, one that’s scientifically driven, personally meaningful, and just a little bit metal.

When asked, I often describe myself as driven, organized, and analytical. I find motivation in structure, thrive when problem solving, and am constantly seeking ways to learn more about the world around me, especially through science. Since I was a kid I’ve been fascinated by experiments and understanding how things work, and that interest has only grown with greater access to more advanced class and lab experiences. Throughout high school, I’ve taken classes like AP Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology, and college biology, all of which have deepened my love for science. These classes didn’t just teach me facts; they gave me the tools I needed to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and discover answers myself. My experience in HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) has been especially influential in shaping my career path. I’ve been incredibly involved the past three years, serving as my chapter’s president this year, and it has given me the freedom to explore healthcare from many different angles. Competing in Medical Laboratory Science last year was a defining moment for me as I realized that I loved working in a lab environment. Running tests, analyzing data, and uncovering answers that could change lives brought about an excitement I had never felt before; I’m most passionate when I’m behind the scenes, helping solve medical problems that others might not even know how to tackle. I plan to study Medical Laboratory Science because it allows me to combine my scientific curiosity with my desire to help people. While I won’t be at the forefront of patient interaction, I will be a critical part of every diagnosis and treatment plan. I’ll be the one running disease detecting tests, identifying infections, and confirming life-changing diagnoses. I’ll be the first to know if a disease is treatable, if someone has been cured of cancer, or if a condition needs immediate intervention. Medical lab scientists may work in the background, but we’re involved in every case that comes through the hospital. It’s a field that demands accuracy, diligence, and integrity, and I know it’s where I belong. What inspires me the most from Harry B Anderson is his ambition. He lived life with a sense of purpose and possibility, doing everything he could to achieve his goals: graduating with a civil engineering degree, traveling the world, building his own loom, creating his own cloth, beekeeping, becoming a master gardener, and more. He didn’t just dream, he did. That passion resonates deeply with me as I prepare to move across the country to pursue my own career. Like Harry, I am determined to build a life that brings me both fulfillment and impact. I want to do work that matters, that I’m passionate about, and that makes me proud. Harry’s legacy of curiosity, craftsmanship, and determination is something I aspire to carry forward in my own way. Receiving this scholarship would support my journey not only financially, but also symbolically. It would connect my future in STEM with the legacy of someone who lived boldly, learned constantly, and gave back generously. Thank you for the opportunity to be considered.