Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree means breaking a cycle that has continued for generations. It means proving not only to myself, but also to my daughters, that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and create a better future. As a first-generation college student, I carry the responsibility of setting an example for my children. I want them to grow up knowing that no matter their age, circumstances, or obstacles, they are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. I want my journey to inspire them to chase every dream they have with confidence and determination. Earning a degree is not just about personal success for me. It is about creating opportunities and stability for my family while showing my daughters the value of perseverance, education, and hard work. There have been many moments in my life where giving up would have been easier, but becoming the first in my family to attend college has given me a sense of purpose and motivation. I want my daughters to see that success is possible even when the path is difficult. In college, I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in forensic science with a concentration in death investigations. My goal is to become part of a team that gives victims a voice, helps bring justice to families, and provides answers during some of the most devastating moments of their lives. I know personally how important those answers can be. A few years ago, I unexpectedly lost my cousin when he was only twenty-nine years old. His passing was devastating for our family. He appeared completely healthy, so his death left us shocked, confused, and grieving with countless unanswered questions. It was not until the investigation was completed that we finally received clarity. We learned that he had passed away due to an undiagnosed genetic heart condition. While the loss was still heartbreaking, having answers brought our family a sense of closure and understanding. Those answers also became lifesaving information for his wife and newborn daughter. Their baby was able to be screened for the same condition early on, allowing doctors to take steps to protect her health in the future. That experience completely changed my perspective on the importance of forensic investigations. It showed me that this field is not only about science, but also about compassion, truth, and helping families begin the healing process. I realized how critical it is for families to understand what happened to their loved ones, especially when tragedy strikes unexpectedly. My long-term goal is to work in forensic death investigations where I can combine science, empathy, and dedication to help others during their most difficult moments. I want to provide families with the same answers and closure that mine received. Most importantly, I want my daughters to look at my journey and know that perseverance, education, and compassion can truly change lives.

Playing softball shaped me into the person I am today by teaching me lessons about leadership, teamwork, patience, and encouragement that I still carry with me in every part of my life. While the sport helped me grow athletically, the biggest impact it had on me came from the relationships I built and the values I learned while being part of a team. One experience that especially influenced me happened when a new player joined our team. She had never really played softball before and came in feeling overwhelmed and unsure of herself. During practices, she struggled with the basics and lacked confidence. Our coach tried to help her, but she often seemed intimidated and became discouraged easily. After being benched during the first few games, it was obvious she felt defeated. Instead of letting her struggle alone, I decided to help her outside of regular practice. I invited her to batting cages, practiced fielding and throwing with her, and spent extra time encouraging her whenever she doubted herself. I realized very quickly that confidence can completely change a person’s ability to succeed. Once she started believing she was capable, her skills improved dramatically. By the middle of the season, she had grown into one of our starting shortstops. That experience taught me one of the most important lessons I have ever learned: being a good teammate means more than performing well yourself. True leadership comes from supporting others, building them up, and helping them recognize their own potential. Softball showed me how powerful kindness and encouragement can be, especially when someone feels overlooked or discouraged. The people around me also inspired me throughout my softball journey. My teammates taught me the importance of trust and working together toward a shared goal. Even difficult moments, like losses or challenging practices, taught me resilience and accountability. Those experiences helped shape my character by teaching me to stay patient, dependable, and supportive even under pressure. Today, I carry those lessons into my life as a mother and into my future goals. I have worked hard to instill the same values of confidence, teamwork, and kindness into my daughters. I teach them to encourage one another, help others who may be struggling, and always lead with compassion. Watching my children play softball together reminds me of the excitement and confidence the sport gave me growing up, and it motivates me to continue passing those values forward. As I continue my education and work toward my future career goals, I hope to carry the lessons softball taught me into every environment I enter. No matter where life takes me, I want to be someone who uplifts others, leads by example, and creates positive change through encouragement and teamwork.

I plan to give back to my community by building a career rooted in responsibility, accuracy, and service. I currently live in Riverdale, Georgia, a community where crime is frequently reported and where its impact is felt by families every day. Seeing this has strengthened my commitment to pursue a career that contributes to safety, accountability, and trust within the justice system. I am seeking my Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with a concentration in death investigation at Arizona State University, with the goal of becoming a crime scene investigator. Crime scene investigation is not only about solving individual cases. It is about ensuring that investigations are thorough, evidence is handled correctly, and conclusions are based on facts rather than assumptions. As a crime scene investigator, my role would be to carefully document, collect, and preserve evidence so that investigators, prosecutors, and courts can rely on accurate information. This work directly impacts whether families receive clear answers, whether justice is served appropriately, and whether cases are resolved with integrity. Living in Riverdale, I am often aware of crimes reported in my area and the lasting effects they have on neighborhoods. High crime rates can create fear, distrust, and instability, especially for families raising children. While no single role can solve crime on its own, effective investigations are essential to identifying patterns, holding offenders accountable, and preventing repeat offenses. By contributing accurate and ethical investigative work, I hope to be part of broader efforts that help reduce crime and strengthen public confidence in the justice system. Giving back through this career also means serving families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. When a loved one is lost or a crime disrupts a family, clear answers matter. Providing those answers through careful and unbiased investigative work can offer closure, clarity, and a sense that their case was handled with care and respect. That responsibility is something I take seriously. In addition to professional service, I believe giving back means leading by example. I am returning to school at 27 years old as a mother of six. Pursuing higher education under these circumstances has required persistence, sacrifice, and long-term planning. I want my daughters, and others in my community, to see that education is achievable regardless of age, timing, or life responsibilities. I hope my journey encourages others to believe in their ability to pursue meaningful goals. After college, I plan to remain engaged in my community through my work, mentorship, and continued education. By committing myself to ethical investigation, accountability, and service, I hope to give back by supporting safer communities, strengthening trust in the justice system, and showing that positive change begins with individuals willing to step forward and do the work.

What I want to build is a stable and secure future for my children, one that aims higher than simple survival and creates lasting opportunity. As the oldest of eight children and now a mother of six, I have seen firsthand how financial strain can shape a family’s daily life and long-term possibilities. Building this future is not only a personal goal, but a commitment to raising my daughters in a home where ambition, stability, and belief in themselves are encouraged. Growing up, I watched my father support our large family through constant hard work. He often held multiple jobs, coming home exhausted only to leave again for the next shift. Even as a child, I noticed the toll it took on him. Yet despite the exhaustion and pressure, he maintained a positive outlook and remained a devoted, present father. His resilience taught me the value of perseverance, but it also showed me how difficult it is to get ahead without access to long-term opportunity. Now, as a mother of six, I understand that struggle in a deeper way. For the past five years, my husband has supported our family financially while I stayed home to raise our children. His support allowed me to be fully present for our family, and now I feel it is the right time for me to step forward and contribute in a new way. At 27 years old, I am returning to school to pursue a degree in forensic science so that we can build a more stable future together and lessen the financial burden our family carries. Beyond financial stability, I want to aim higher by building belief in my daughters. I want them to know that no matter where they are in life or when they choose to pursue their dreams, those dreams are achievable. By going back to school as a mother of six, I hope to show them that growth has no expiration date and that determination can change the direction of a life. I want them to see that education and ambition are tools they can return to at any stage. Through a career in forensic science, I aim to contribute meaningfully to my community while building generational stability for my family. What I am building is more than a career. It is a foundation that encourages my daughters to aim higher, believe in their potential, and pursue futures shaped by choice rather than limitation.

Calculus is often considered one of the most difficult and intimidating subjects in mathematics, and as a student preparing to enter this course, I understand why it is dreaded by many. While I have not yet taken calculus, I recognize that it is a foundational component of STEM education and an essential tool for the career I am pursuing. As a student pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Forensic Science with a death investigations focus and with my goal of becoming a crime scene investigator, I see calculus not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to strengthen the skills necessary for scientific accuracy and critical analysis. Forensic science depends on the ability to interpret evidence objectively and reconstruct events based on measurable data. Crime scene investigators work with evidence that is constantly changing. For example, body temperature shifts over time, chemical substances degrade, and physical forces determine bloodstain patterns, and bullet trajectories. Calculus provides the mathematical framework for understanding rates of change, accumulation, and motion, which are all central to accurately interpreting these forms of evidence. Even before taking the course, I can see how calculus based principles support the reliability of forensic conclusions. Preparing for calculus has also shaped the way I approach problem solving. STEM fields demand persistence, logical reasoning, and the ability to work through complex information without becoming overwhelmed. Calculus is known for challenging students to think differently, pushing them to break problems into manageable steps and follow a structured process. These same skills are essential in crime scene investigation, where attention to detail and methodical analysis can significantly impact the outcome of an investigation. Calculus also connects directly to the sciences that form the backbone of forensic work, including chemistry, biology, and physics. Understanding these disciplines at a deeper level allows investigators to evaluate evidence more confidently and adapt to evolving forensic technologies. As forensic methods continue to advance, a strong mathematical foundation will be increasingly important for professionals who must interpret data accurately and defend their findings. Although calculus is challenging, its difficulty reflects its value within STEM. Choosing to pursue it is part of my commitment to academic growth and professional responsibility. By preparing myself for calculus, I am investing in the skills required to succeed in forensic science and to one day serve as a crime scene investigator who relies on evidence, precision, and sound scientific reasoning. Embracing this challenge is an important step toward contributing meaningfully to the justice system.

One of the most significant losses I have experienced was the unexpected passing of my cousin Alex in 2022. He was only 29 years old, healthy, newly married, and expecting his first child. His sudden death from a heart attack shook my family to its core and permanently changed the way I view life, loss, and purpose. Alex was the cousin I was closest to. He was the person I turned to for advice, reassurance, and honest perspective. While I had been family-focused early in life, Alex joined the Marines straight out of high school and worked tirelessly to build stability after a difficult childhood. When he left the military, he often spoke about how excited he was to finally focus on finding the right partner, getting married, and becoming a father. Knowing that he was taken just as he reached the life he had worked so hard for made the loss especially devastating. The timing of Alex’s passing made it even more difficult to process. I was pregnant at the time, and the day he died was the day I was scheduled to go to the hospital to deliver my daughter. When I saw his mother post about his death on social media, I struggled to believe it was real. Confirmation from his sister left me distraught, overwhelmed by grief and confusion. Alex passed away before ever meeting his daughter, who was born just one month later—a reality that continues to weigh heavily on my heart. In the aftermath of his death, my family desperately wanted answers. Alex had no known health conditions, making his sudden passing feel incomprehensible. His autopsy later revealed that he had arteriostenosis, a genetic condition that had gone undetected. While learning this was painful, it also provided clarity and, unexpectedly, protection for others. Because the condition was genetic, his sister and daughter were able to be tested early. That knowledge has the potential to save lives, and it underscored for me how critical accurate forensic investigation truly is. This experience reshaped my outlook on life and solidified my professional goals. I learned how deeply unanswered questions can intensify grief—and how answers, even difficult ones, can bring understanding and a sense of closure. Alex’s autopsy did not erase the pain of his loss, but it gave our family clarity and allowed us to protect future generations. That impact is profound. Because of this loss, I am deeply committed to pursuing a career in forensic science. I want to help families who experience sudden and unexplained loss receive the answers they deserve during their darkest moments. Having lived through that uncertainty myself, I bring empathy, determination, and a strong sense of responsibility to this field. Alex’s life and legacy continue to guide me, motivating me to pursue my education with purpose so that I can offer others the clarity, compassion, and closure that meant so much to my own family.

Math has not always been the easiest subject for me, but it has become one of the most meaningful. I have struggled with it in the past, yet those challenges are precisely what drew me to it. Math demands patience, persistence, and problem-solving, and each time I work through a difficult concept, I gain not only understanding but confidence in my ability to learn and grow. What I appreciate most about math is that struggle is part of the process. Every equation, formula, and problem builds upon another, reinforcing the idea that learning is cumulative. When something finally clicks, it feels earned. That sense of progress—of turning confusion into comprehension—is deeply rewarding and has changed how I approach challenges in other areas of my life. Math’s connection to nearly every subject fascinates me. From science and technology to finance and everyday decision-making, math serves as a foundation that supports countless disciplines. Seeing how math ties into real-world applications has strengthened my appreciation for it, especially as I pursue a degree in forensic science. Whether analyzing data, measuring variables, or reconstructing events, math provides the structure and accuracy needed to reach reliable conclusions. Through math, I have learned resilience. I no longer view mistakes as failures but as opportunities to refine my understanding. Each challenge pushes me to think critically, ask better questions, and stay committed even when the solution is not immediate. I love math not because it has always been easy, but because it has taught me how to persevere, adapt, and think logically. It continues to challenge me, expand my understanding, and connect knowledge across disciplines—making it one of the most valuable tools in both my education and my life.

From an early age, I was fascinated by how science could uncover hidden truths and solve real-world problems. This curiosity led me to pursue a career in forensic science, a field that blends biology, chemistry, and critical thinking to bring clarity and justice where it is needed most. Choosing STEM was not just about following my interests—it was about embracing a field where I can make a tangible difference, contribute meaningfully to society, and pave the way for others like me. As a first-generation college student, I have navigated a path my family has never walked before. STEM fields can be intimidating, especially for women, but I am determined to break barriers and demonstrate that passion, perseverance, and dedication can overcome obstacles. Through higher education in forensic science, I am equipping myself with the knowledge and skills to make impactful contributions in medicolegal investigations, forensic biology, and related disciplines. I hope to make a difference in multiple ways. Professionally, I aim to work in death investigations and forensic analysis, helping communities understand and address unexplained or suspicious deaths. Every case I work on will be an opportunity to combine scientific precision with compassion, ensuring that justice is informed by evidence and integrity. Beyond my work, I hope to mentor and inspire other young women who aspire to enter STEM fields. Representation matters—when women see other women succeeding in science, it opens doors and shatters limiting stereotypes. Pursuing STEM is also about creating a legacy of possibility for my daughters. As a mother of six girls, I want them to see that no career is off-limits and no field is too challenging. By modeling dedication to STEM, I hope to instill in them a love of learning, critical thinking, and the confidence to pursue their passions. My journey will serve as proof that they, too, can overcome obstacles and thrive in areas traditionally underrepresented by women. Every experiment I conduct and every investigation I pursue reinforces the message that persistence and curiosity can transform lives. STEM is a field of discovery, innovation, and problem-solving, and as a woman entering this space, I carry both responsibility and opportunity. I am committed to using my education and career to contribute meaningfully to science, advocate for justice and equity, and inspire the next generation of women in STEM. I have chosen this path because it challenges me, empowers me, and allows me to make a difference—not just in my life, but in the lives of others and in the legacy I leave for my daughters. Through my education and career, I hope to leave a lasting impact—as a scientist, a mentor, and a mother showing that anything is possible when passion meets perseverance.

Education is more than a personal goal for me—it is the foundation of the legacy I want to leave for my daughters. As a first-generation college student, I understand the challenges of navigating higher education without family guidance, but I also understand the extraordinary power of being the first to break that barrier. The legacy I hope to leave is one of perseverance, ambition, and the unwavering belief that dreams are achievable, no matter the obstacles. I am the mother of six daughters, and they are my greatest motivation. Every decision I make, every hour I dedicate to my studies, is for them. I want them to grow up in a home where education is not just encouraged but exemplified. I want them to see that pursuing higher education is not an option to be feared or postponed—it is a responsibility to themselves and a pathway to independence and fulfillment. By striving for my degree, I am showing my daughters that they can achieve greatness in any field they choose, and that nothing—financial limitations, societal expectations, or self-doubt—can stand in their way. My legacy will not be defined solely by my degree, but by the values it represents. I want my daughters to inherit a mindset of resilience, curiosity, and courage. I want them to know that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey and that setbacks are stepping stones rather than roadblocks. By demonstrating how to balance motherhood, education, and ambition, I hope to leave behind a blueprint for success that they can follow and expand upon. Beyond my family, I hope my education allows me to build a meaningful career where I can make an impact in my community and beyond. Every skill I gain, every lesson I learn, contributes not only to my growth but to the example I set for my daughters. My professional achievements will serve as proof that hard work and determination pay off—and that they, too, can leave their mark on the world. Being a first-generation college student carries both pressure and privilege. While I may lack a roadmap from my own family, I carry their hopes, encouragement, and dreams with me. By pursuing higher education, I am not just investing in my own future—I am creating a legacy that will ripple through generations. I want my daughters to grow up in a family where education is expected, ambition is nurtured, and no dream is too big. The legacy I hope to leave is a lineage of strong, educated women who know their worth, embrace their potential, and never let anything stand in the way of their goals. Education, to me, is the gift that keeps giving—it is how I empower myself, my family, and the generations that follow.

When I was in middle school, I proudly told one of my teachers that my grandfather had served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. She asked me a question I’ll never forget: “Would he be willing to come speak to the students about his experience?” I didn’t realize it at the time, but that simple question marked the beginning of a tradition that would touch countless students for years. My grandfather agreed, and from that day forward, he came to our school every year to share stories from his time in Vietnam. Even after I had graduated, he continued to visit until the teacher retired. His visits left a lasting impression on everyone who listened, and I know he truly enjoyed them—sharing his experiences brought him purpose and, I believe, helped him cope with the lingering effects of PTSD. What made his talks so memorable wasn’t just the history he shared, but the personal touches he brought to his stories. He showed us items he had brought back from Vietnam—small mementos, tools, or trinkets that told stories far beyond what words could describe. Each item had a tale, and every tale revealed a piece of the world he had lived in, a world filled with challenges and sacrifices most of us could hardly imagine. He spoke about the missions he and his fellow veterans undertook, emphasizing the lengths they went to help the people in Vietnam, even when government support was lacking. He was also honest about the costs of his service. Exposure to Agent Orange caused him long-term health issues and also affected his children in various ways. Despite these hardships, he continued to serve the community by sharing his experiences, showing courage and resilience in a way that inspired everyone who listened. He wanted us to understand that veterans’ sacrifices often go far beyond what is visible, and that service is about more than recognition—it is about helping others, even when the consequences are personal and lasting. As a child, I was captivated by his stories. I remember laughing at some of the lighter moments he recounted—the clever ways they solved problems in the field, or the friendships that formed under extraordinary circumstances. But beyond the laughter, I began to understand the deeper lessons he was trying to impart: courage that didn’t seek glory, selflessness, and the quiet sacrifices that often go unnoticed. His visits made history feel real and personal, and they helped me see veterans not just as distant heroes, but as people with stories, humor, and wisdom to share. This respect for service continues in my own family. My husband served in the Marines, and witnessing his dedication has deepened my appreciation for the commitment and sacrifices that come with military life. Together, the stories and experiences of my grandfather and my husband have taught me that service extends beyond duty—it’s about resilience, compassion, and giving back in meaningful ways. For me, these lessons are not just about honoring the past—they are values I carry forward in my own life. The memories of my grandfather speaking to students, and the example set by my husband, remain among my fondest and most formative experiences.

The first time I realized that appearance could outweigh ability, I was sixteen years old and standing in a manager’s office, being evaluated not for my work, but for how closely I resembled someone else’s idea of “acceptable.” That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong lesson: in many professional spaces, perception often precedes proof. My alternative identity—expressed through tattoos, piercings, and nontraditional self-presentation—has shaped how I learned to move through STEM not by blending in, but by becoming unshakably competent. At sixteen, I was one of the first employees at a newly opened restaurant and quickly became one of its strongest. I helped open and ran the restaurant daily and depended on that income to support myself after moving out of my parents’ home. Aware of the company’s “no colorful hair” policy, I chose to add subtle purple to my hair anyway, carefully styling it so the color was completely hidden beneath my uniform hat at work. My performance never changed. My responsibilities were met. The restaurant ran smoothly. What changed was perception. Coworkers who followed me on social media noticed the color, and upper management was alerted. One day, management arrived unannounced and called me into the office, instructing me to remove my hat so they could inspect my hair. Despite the fact that the color was never visible during work hours, I was given an ultimatum: remove it by my next shift or do not return. I chose not to compromise my autonomy. By the following day, I had secured a new job. That experience became formative. It taught me that systems often prioritize control over competence and that professionalism is frequently enforced through appearance rather than ethics, skill, or accountability. Instead of internalizing that rejection, I learned to let excellence become my evidence. I learned how to remain composed under scrutiny, advocate for myself calmly, and perform at a high level even when my credibility was questioned before I spoke. These lessons directly inform my pursuit of forensic science and death investigation. This field requires more than technical knowledge; it demands emotional regulation, precision, and the ability to earn trust in high-stakes environments—autopsy rooms, medicolegal offices, and courtrooms—where credibility matters deeply. Navigating bias because of my appearance has trained me to remain objective, grounded, and respectful, especially when others are uncomfortable or emotionally charged. It has reinforced that truth does not bend to perception, and evidence does not care who delivers it. Today, while my presentation is more understated, I still have visible tattoos, including a rose on the back of my hand—an area many employers continue to view as unprofessional. Rather than seeing this as a liability, I view it as a responsibility. In a field tasked with speaking for those who no longer can, appearance should never outweigh accuracy, integrity, or compassion. Looking forward, I hope to contribute to the future of forensic science not only through ethical practice and technical competence, but by quietly challenging outdated assumptions about who belongs in STEM. Science advances when it values rigor, humanity, and critical thinking over conformity. By succeeding authentically in this field, I aim to widen the doorway for others who may be judged before they are heard—proving that professionalism is not a look, but a standard upheld through action. Because in forensic science, truth is not proven by how well we fit a mold- but by how faithfully we follow the evidence.