My core values — hard work and perseverance — have shaped every part of my life, from growing up in a small town to pursuing a career that demands creativity, discipline, and emotional awareness. These values are not abstract ideals to me; they are the reason I am able to balance being a full‑time cosmetology student while working part‑time as a gymnastics coach. They are also the foundation of the way I show up for others, especially in spaces where confidence and mental well‑being are deeply intertwined. I grew up struggling with my own mental health, and those experiences taught me how powerful it can be when someone simply believes in you. Because of that, I’ve built my life around being the kind of person who helps others feel seen, capable, and confident. Even though my career path in hair and makeup may not fit the traditional definition of “mental health work,” I know that the beauty industry and the mental health world overlap more than people realize. Every day in cosmetology school, I work with clients who sit in my chair carrying insecurities, stress, or self‑doubt. Through something as simple as a haircut or makeup look, I get to help them feel more like themselves — sometimes for the first time in a long time. That is a responsibility I take seriously. The same is true in my work as a gymnastics coach. Coaching is not just about teaching skills; it’s about building resilience, encouraging young athletes, and helping them develop confidence that extends far beyond the gym. I’ve learned how to support kids through frustration, fear, and self‑criticism — challenges I remember facing myself. My values guide me to be patient, uplifting, and consistent, because I know how much those qualities matter to someone who is still learning to believe in themselves. My long‑term goal is to move from small country town Elizabeth, Colorado to New York City to pursue hair and makeup for runway or theater productions. That dream requires courage, grit, and a willingness to start over in a place where the competition is intense and the pace is fast. But my values have prepared me for that. Hard work has taught me that talent grows through effort, and perseverance has taught me that setbacks are not signs to quit — they are opportunities to grow stronger. No matter where my career takes me, I will continue to use my work to support people’s confidence and emotional well‑being. Whether I’m backstage at a show or behind a salon chair, I want every person I work with to walk away feeling more empowered than when they arrived. My values will always guide me to create spaces where people feel safe, uplifted, and capable of seeing their own beauty — inside and out.

Hi, my name is Katie, I am currently a cosmetology student in Parker, CO who loves making people feel beautiful and confident. Sense I was young I've believed my life's purpose is to make people smile and feel confident within themselves. I am 19 years old and have been coaching completive gymnastics full time sense I was 17, along with being a full-time student. I am extremely passionate about building character, confidence, and passion in a positive manner. Ambition and drive are the forces that turn ideas into reality. For me, they are not abstract qualities but daily choices—choices to persist when something feels difficult, to stay focused when distractions arise, and to keep working toward a future that I am still actively shaping. I plan on moving to NYC by myself this September to pursuit my dreams of working on Broadway as a licensed stylist. In order to accomplish this, I work 12+ hours a day, set goals frequently, and never give up. I want to build a career that not only fulfills me intellectually and financially but also allows me to make a positive impact on others. Growing up, I have learned that success rarely comes from talent alone. It requires consistency, discipline, and a willingness to learn from failure. There have been moments in my everyday life where I have questioned my abilities or felt overwhelmed by challenges, but those moments ultimately strengthened my determination and ambition. Instead of seeing setbacks as reasons to stop, I began to see them as opportunities to improve. This shift in mindset became a defining part of who I am and who I am going to become. I aim to be someone who creates opportunities rather than waits for them. Drive, for me, is what bridges the gap between where I am now and where I want to be five years from now. It shows up in the extra hours spent studying, the late nights I spend working, the early mornings I wake up for school, the effort put into improving my skills, and the willingness to step outside my comfort zone. It is not always easy to maintain, especially when balancing multiple responsibilities, but I have learned that discipline often matters more than motivation. By building strong habits and staying focused on my long-term goals, I ensure that my progress does not depend on temporary bursts of inspiration. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my academic journey but also reinforce the values that have guided me so far. It would allow me to focus more fully on my education and continue pursuing opportunities that align with my ambitions. More importantly, it would serve as a reminder that hard work and determination are recognized and valued. With determination, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose, I am prepared to continue working toward a future that reflects both my goals and my commitment to growth. Thank you for your time, best wishes. - katie owen