A teacher that changed my life was Ms. Spears. Ms. Spears was my cheer coach all four years of high school. My biggest fear about joining the team was that everyone was going to see me as Baylee's little sister. I tried out anyway for my mom and from day one she treated me as my own person and not Baylee's little sister. I will be forever grateful that she let me make my own mark at Olympic Heights and didn't force me into my sister's shadow. She showed me how to express myself and showed me that I belonged on the team. She took the girl who sat in the corner scared to ask to stunt, and turned her into the girl who is now a three-time regional champion and third in the nation. I was like a butterfly stuck in its cocoon and she was the person to break my shell and make me a champion. At states, I remember, we hit zero and when we got off the mat she just hugged me, and at that moment I knew that we made it; I knew that the Olympic Heights Cheer Team just left their mark on FHSAA. I think about that moment often, and what it felt like to be a part of a team. That moment, that memory, changed my life forever. I don’t know where I would be without her, and I know that's a cliche and everyone says that, but it’s true. From all the car rides, girl talks, late practices, early Saturday practices, and even the mile Mondays; she made me a better athlete, but she also made me a better person in the process. She supports me in every decision I make. It is great to have a supporter every now and then, but she is more than my supporter; she is my encourager. She has encouraged me to try new stunts and new things I wouldn’t dare to try. She inspires me every day. No matter how hard her day was or what she was going through she still showed up for her team. She has inspired me to face my fears and not run away from them. She gave me the strength I needed to do many things even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. She has taught me how to better myself, but also how to help better others. Ms. Spears taught me to be a better student and care about the things I do. She taught me to care about others and friends. Ms. Spears gave me a family and a home. If I never met her, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I would probably still be that mean, scared little girl afraid to try everything. Ms. Spears taught me how to love and be a part of something that was bigger than just me. Even after I graduate, I know she will be there for me. Ms. Spears is more than just my teacher, she is my coach, my supporter, my encourager, and most importantly, my family.

My name is Kayla Kemp I am currently seventeen years old and I plan on attending the University of South Florida in the summer. I am planning on double majoring in psychology and criminology and I plan to go back to school and get my masters in both majors as well. In the future, I plan on going into the psychology field studying human behavior at the Federal Bureau of Investigation in their Behavioral Analysis Unit. I chose this field because human behavior has always excited me. I like to think that studying human behavior allows you to read someone else's mind before they think it. This field excites me because being able to study the things people do and say and being able to predict it seems futuristic to me. I have always been astonished by how different people treat individuals and groups. Another reason I am interested in this field is to help people. In the Behavioral Analysis Unit, they not only work with local law enforcement to find serial killers, but also respond to crises like bank robberies, kidnappings, school threats, and bomb threats. The unit also studies behavioral patterns and scenarios that cause individuals to become killers. Contrary to popular belief, most serial killers aren't born that way. Though some are born psychopaths or sociopaths, for many it is a traumatic event, abuse, or bullying that can cause a person to become a killer. Although it can be dangerous, I truly believe that if we can study these patterns and behaviors, we can see the warning signs and prevent people from becoming killers. We could also get individuals the help and support they need to give them a better life. Women's empowerment has always been important to me. I believe that men and women should be treated equally and paid equally in professional settings. The field I plan to enter is extremely male-dominated. I plan to push through the barriers that have been created to stop me. I plan to encourage young girls, girls my age, and my future kids to follow their dreams. I plan to teach girls that the only person stopping them from following their dreams, is themselves. I plan to encourage them to push boundaries and try things they have never tried before. I plan to explain to them that nothing is impossible. If they put their hearts and minds to it, they can accomplish anything and everything. I want to help girls like me reach their goals and surpass anyone who attempts to get in their way.

Empowerment is having control. Not over others, but over yourself and your own life. To be empowered, you are inspired to do things that you normally wouldn't. You would take a leap of faith that you know you shouldn't. Empowerment is not letting others have power over you. You might have a boss or two; however, no one should ever have enough power over you to upset you are control your emotions. Empowerment is being in charge of yourself and being able to control your own destiny. To me, empowerment is the difference between a life happily lived and a life lived. I feel as though all people should be encouraged to live their lives the way that they please. Empowerment to me, is one of the most important characteristics that a person can have. Being empowered is free will. Empowerment is a choice, a mindset, that helps those of all ages, race, and political affiliation succeed. Empowerment doesn't choose certain people, it is not bias. To me, empowerment is success. As a young women trying to pursue a higher level of education, I lack empowerment. I lack empowerment because the only thing I can think about is how I am going to pay for it. Other scholarships and grant opportunities have been stolen from me because I can't score high enough on a test that truly has nothing to do with my future. It feels like the floor has been swept from beneath me. I worry about things that shouldn't cross my mind for years. I am discouraged to go to college in fear that I won't be able to get myself out of debt. I am terrified that I will be stuck, miserable because of one decision- going to college. Then, I remember how college is a life experience that I don't want to miss out on. I remember that it is just money and I have my whole life to pay it off. I remember that I can't let fear stop me from living my life the best way I can. I chose to look at it differently. I chose to focus on the good instead of the bad. That empowers me to live my life the way I want to. Not the way where I am scared about money and how I am going to live, but the way where I spend the next four years getting an education to set me up to get my dream job and begin to navigate through life. I choose to live in the positive. I choose to be empowered.

I am passionate about pursuing a certification or degree in the trades or technical career fields because I believe in the power of hands-on skills and practical knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the world. For too long, there has been a stigma surrounding trade careers, with the misconception that they are less valuable or prestigious than traditional academic paths. However, I see the trades as a gateway to opportunity, offering rewarding careers that are in high demand and provide essential services to society. One reason I am drawn to the trades is the tangible nature of the work. There is something deeply satisfying about being able to see the results of your labor firsthand, whether it's building a structure, fixing a problem, or creating something from scratch. I am fascinated by the intricate systems and technologies that underpin our modern world, and I am eager to learn the skills necessary to contribute to these fields. Moreover, I am passionate about challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers for women in male-dominated industries. Historically, women have been underrepresented in the trades, but I believe that everyone should have equal access to opportunities based on their skills and abilities, regardless of gender. By pursuing a career in the trades and excelling in my chosen field, I hope to inspire other young women to explore trade careers and show them that they too can succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries. I am driven by a desire to prove that gender should not be a barrier to pursuing one's passions and achieving one's goals. Through my dedication, hard work, and perseverance, I aim to demonstrate that women are more than capable of thriving in the trades and technical career fields. I want to be a role model for other young women, showing them that they have the power to defy expectations, pursue their dreams, and forge their own path to success. Furthermore, I am committed to advocating for diversity and inclusion in the trades, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background or identity, have the opportunity to pursue fulfilling and rewarding careers in these fields. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we can encourage more women and underrepresented groups to explore trade careers and contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the industry. In conclusion, I am passionate about pursuing a certification or degree in the trades or technical career fields because I believe in the value of hands-on skills, practical knowledge, and the opportunities they provide. I am driven by a desire to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers for women, and inspire others to explore trade careers. Through my dedication, hard work, and advocacy, I hope to empower more women to pursue their passions and thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries.

I think one aspect of my character that can inspire others in a positive way is my resilience and optimism in the face of challenges. Life is full of ups and downs, but I strive to maintain a positive attitude and approach difficulties as opportunities for growth and learning. By demonstrating perseverance, determination, and a willingness to overcome obstacles, I hope to inspire others to believe in their own ability to navigate adversity and emerge stronger on the other side. Additionally, my empathy and compassion towards others can also serve as a source of inspiration. I genuinely care about the well-being of those around me and strive to support and uplift others in any way I can. Whether it's offering a listening ear, providing encouragement, or lending a helping hand, I believe that small acts of kindness can have a big impact and inspire others to pay it forward in their own lives. Furthermore, my commitment to personal growth and self-improvement may also inspire others to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and development. By continually seeking knowledge, challenging myself to step outside of my comfort zone, and striving for excellence in everything I do, I hope to encourage others to pursue their passions, set ambitious goals, and realize their full potential. Overall, I believe that by embodying qualities such as resilience, empathy, and a growth mindset, I can inspire others to embrace their own strengths, overcome obstacles, and strive to make a positive difference in the world. One quote that resonates with me is: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi I connect with this quote deeply because it encapsulates the essence of personal responsibility and empowerment. It reminds me that instead of waiting for circumstances to change or relying on others to make a difference, I have the power to initiate positive change through my own actions and choices. This quote speaks to my belief in the importance of taking ownership of one's impact on the world and actively striving to contribute to the betterment of society. It reminds me that even small acts of kindness, compassion, and integrity can have ripple effects that inspire others and create meaningful change. Moreover, this quote reflects my commitment to leading by example and embodying the values and principles that I wish to see reflected in the world. It encourages me to align my thoughts, words, and actions with my ideals, and to continuously challenge myself to live with purpose, authenticity, and integrity. Overall, "Be the change you wish to see in the world" serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential that lies within each of us, and it motivates me to strive for excellence, empathy, and positive impact in all aspects of my life.

I am planning on double majoring in psychology and criminology. I plan to go into the Federal Bureau of Investigations and be a part of the Behavioral Analysis Unit. I plan to study criminals and their crimes to find behavioral and warning signs that start at a young age. My goal is to be able to identify these warning signs and prevent future crimes from being committed. The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is an elite group of profilers tasked with understanding and predicting the behavior of criminals. While their work is often associated with solving heinous crimes and capturing dangerous offenders, the BAU also plays a crucial role in assisting communities in need beyond law enforcement. Through their expertise in psychology, criminology, and behavioral science, the BAU offers invaluable support in various situations, ranging from crisis intervention to community outreach programs. Moreover, the BAU contributes to community safety through proactive measures such as threat assessment and prevention programs. By studying the behaviors and motivations of individuals who pose a potential threat to public safety, the BAU assists law enforcement agencies and community organizations in identifying and mitigating risks before they escalate into violence. Through threat assessment training and consultation, they empower communities to recognize warning signs, intervene early, and implement preventive measures to address underlying issues such as mental health disorders or radicalization. Furthermore, the BAU plays a vital role in addressing issues related to child abduction, exploitation, and human trafficking, which are pervasive concerns in many communities. Through their specialized knowledge of offender behavior and victim dynamics, BAU profilers collaborate with law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups, and social service providers to develop strategies for preventing and combating these crimes. They assist in identifying patterns of criminal activity, profiling offenders, and supporting investigations to locate missing children or victims of trafficking. Additionally, they offer training and educational resources to empower communities to recognize and respond to signs of exploitation, thereby enhancing overall awareness and prevention efforts. In addition to their direct involvement in crisis response and prevention, the BAU engages in community outreach initiatives aimed at fostering trust, collaboration, and resilience. Through workshops, seminars, and public speaking engagements, BAU profilers educate community members about topics such as crime prevention, victim advocacy, and mental health awareness. By sharing their expertise and insights, they empower individuals to take an active role in safeguarding their communities and supporting those in need. Moreover, the BAU collaborates with local stakeholders to develop tailored interventions and support services that address the unique needs of diverse populations, including survivors of trauma, marginalized communities, and vulnerable individuals. I believe that the best way to help people and communities in need is to prevent the things that force them to need help. I believe that preventing crimes and the circumstances that hurt others is the best way to give back to those who are in need.