I am a first-generation college student who has always been motivated by the desire to make a difference in the lives of others. I believe that success is not measured solely by personal accomplishments, but by the impact we have on the people around us. My family has taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and making the most of every opportunity, and those values continue to guide me as I pursue my education. Some of the most influential experiences in my life have come from the relationships I have built with others. Losing three of my closest friends, Kyleigh, Brianna, and Bella, during my high school years changed my perspective on life. Their lives taught me the importance of kindness, compassion, and appreciating the time we have with others. I carry their memories with me and strive to honor them by becoming someone who makes people feel valued and supported. Additionally, babysitting a little boy named Wyatt, who has special needs, has taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of understanding people whose experiences differ from my own. If I could do anything with my life, I would become a speech-language pathologist who helps individuals overcome communication challenges and reach their full potential. I want to help children find their voices, build confidence, and connect with the world around them. I would also love to advocate for families who need additional support and resources. Ultimately, I want to build a life centered on service, compassion, and meaningful relationships. I hope to leave every person I encounter feeling a little more understood, encouraged, and valued. To me, that is what makes a life truly successful. What excites me most about STEM is its ability to solve problems, improve lives, and create opportunities that once seemed impossible. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics allow people to understand the world in new ways and develop solutions to challenges that affect individuals and communities. I am especially interested in how technology can make healthcare and education more accessible, particularly for people who face barriers to receiving the support they need. My career goal is to become a speech-language pathologist, and I see many connections between this field and information technology. Technology has transformed the way individuals with communication difficulties interact with others. Augmentative and alternative communication devices, speech-generating applications, and digital therapy tools can help people express their needs, share their thoughts, and participate more fully in everyday life. These innovations demonstrate how technology can do more than make tasks easier; it can give people greater independence and opportunities to connect with others. Through a career that combines healthcare and technology, I hope to contribute to a world where communication support is more accessible and inclusive. I would love to help individuals and families discover technological resources that meet their unique needs, especially when financial or geographic barriers make traditional services difficult to access. I also believe it is important to ensure that technology is designed with the people who will use it in mind. STEM excites me because it combines creativity, problem-solving, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Whether through developing new tools or helping people use existing technology, I want to be part of solutions that improve quality of life. I believe innovation is most powerful when it is guided by compassion and a genuine desire to help others. One of the greatest challenges I have faced has been learning how to persevere through personal loss while continuing to work toward my goals. During my high school years, I lost three of my closest friends, Kyleigh, Brianna, and Bella. Losing people who played such important roles in my life forced me to face grief while navigating school, relationships, and the uncertainty of my future. It changed the way I viewed life and challenged me to find strength during a time when so much felt unfair. Rather than allowing these experiences to define my future, I chose to let them shape my perspective and remind me of what matters most. I learned that strength does not mean never struggling; it means continuing to move forward while acknowledging what you have been through. I began focusing on the opportunities in front of me and the kind of person I wanted to become. I also found purpose in keeping my friends’ memories alive through the way I treat others and the compassion I bring into my relationships. Beginning college as a first-generation student has presented additional challenges. Navigating unfamiliar academic expectations and managing difficult coursework has required me to become more independent, ask for help, and seek out resources when I need them. There have been moments when I have questioned myself, but I have continued working to improve rather than allowing setbacks to determine what I am capable of achieving. These experiences have taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of advocating for myself. They have also strengthened my desire to help others who may be facing challenges of their own. I know that my journey will not always be easy, but I have learned that obstacles can teach us valuable lessons about ourselves. I plan to carry that determination into my education and future career, using what I have overcome to become a more compassionate and understanding professional.

Sometimes, the people who teach us the most are the ones we least expect. For me, that person is a little boy named Wyatt, who I have had the privilege of babysitting since he was younger. Wyatt has special needs, and through the time I have spent with him, I have learned lessons about patience, compassion, communication, and understanding that have shaped the person I am today. He has shown me that making a difference in someone’s life begins with taking the time to understand them. When I first began babysitting Wyatt, I learned that connecting with him sometimes required me to approach situations differently than I was used to. I had to learn to listen more carefully, recognize his individual needs, and adapt to changes when things did not go as expected. I discovered that not everyone learns, communicates, or experiences the world in the same way, and that is not something to be discouraged by. Instead, it is something to embrace. By adjusting my approach and learning what worked best for Wyatt, I became more patient and understanding. I learned that communication is not just about words; it is also about paying attention, being present, and finding ways to connect with someone on their level. Wyatt has helped me understand the importance of meeting people where they are rather than expecting them to fit into the world around them. His presence in my life has taught me to appreciate individual differences and recognize the potential in every person. He has reminded me that progress looks different for everyone and that even small steps forward deserve to be celebrated. Most importantly, he has shown me how meaningful it can be to have someone who is willing to be patient, make adjustments, and believe in you. My experiences with Wyatt have played an important role in my decision to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. I want to work with individuals who have communication challenges and help them develop the skills they need to express themselves, build relationships, and participate more confidently in the world around them. I understand that this career will require continued learning, flexibility, and a willingness to see each person as an individual. I hope to become a professional who recognizes that every person’s needs are different and who is committed to finding the best ways to help them succeed. I also hope to support families by providing encouragement, understanding, and resources that help them feel less alone in their journeys. Special needs advocacy is important because every individual deserves opportunities to learn, grow, and experience a fulfilling life, regardless of the challenges they face. Wyatt may not realize how much he has taught me, but his impact on my life will stay with me throughout my education and career. He has helped me become a better listener, a more adaptable person, and someone who values understanding over assumptions. As I pursue speech-language pathology, I hope to give others the same patience, encouragement, and belief in their abilities that I have learned to offer through my relationship with Wyatt. I want to be the person who helps someone recognize their potential and reminds their family that progress is possible. Wyatt has already made a difference in my life, and I hope to carry the lessons he has taught me into a career dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.

I believe the greatest impact we can make on the world is measured by the love, kindness, and compassion we leave behind in the lives of others. My understanding of this belief comes from three of the most meaningful people in my life: my closest friends, Kyleigh, Brianna, and Bella, who passed away during my high school years. Although I wish they were still here, they taught me lessons that continue to shape who I am and who I hope to become. Losing Kyleigh, Brianna, and Bella changed my perspective on life. Their deaths taught me how fragile life is and how important it is to appreciate the people around us. More importantly, their friendships taught me what it means to genuinely care for others. They showed me that compassion is not always demonstrated through grand gestures. Sometimes, it means listening without judgment, offering encouragement, or simply making someone feel less alone. These are the lessons I carry with me every day. I choose to live in honor of Kyleigh, Brianna, and Bella by keeping their names and memories alive. I want their lives to continue making a difference, even though they are no longer physically here. They helped shape the person I am today, and their influence reminds me to treat others with kindness and understanding. I have learned that we may not always be able to change someone’s circumstances, but we can choose to be a source of comfort and support. I hope to honor my friends by becoming someone who makes others feel seen, valued, and loved. As I continue my education, I plan to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. I want to help individuals find their voices, develop their abilities, and communicate with confidence. Communication is an important part of how we connect with others, and I hope to help children and individuals facing communication challenges experience those connections more fully. To me, this career is more than a profession; it is an opportunity to serve others with patience, empathy, and dedication. I also hope to continue participating in community service and finding ways to support people who may feel overlooked or alone. My experiences have taught me that we never truly know what someone else is going through. Because of this, I want to approach every person with compassion and remember that even the smallest act of kindness can have a lasting impact. I cannot bring Kyleigh, Brianna, or Bella back, but I can carry their influence forward. I can choose kindness, serve others without expecting anything in return, and make the most of the opportunities I have been given. My friends helped make me who I am today, and I will forever be grateful for the time I had with them. Through my education, future career, and everyday actions, I hope to keep their memories alive by sharing the love and compassion they gave me. If I can make even one person feel less alone or help someone recognize their own worth, I will know that the lessons Kyleigh, Brianna, and Bella taught me are continuing to make a difference in this world.

One Olivia Rodrigo lyric that resonates deeply with me is the line, “I made it through the year.” Although the lyric is simple, I connect with it because there have been moments in my life when simply making it through difficult seasons felt like an accomplishment. My journey has included challenges, loss, pressure, and uncertainty, but it has also included accomplishments that have shown me how much I am capable of overcoming. One of the biggest challenges I have experienced was losing two of my best friends in separate car accidents during high school. Losing people who meant so much to me changed the way I looked at life. Suddenly, ordinary moments became much more meaningful, and the idea of “lasts” became difficult because I knew how quickly life could change. Their losses challenged my faith, my emotions, and the way I imagined my future. At the same time, they taught me to appreciate the people around me, tell the people I love that I love them, and never take an ordinary day for granted. Another important part of my journey has been golf. When I first started playing, I was a beginner and struggled to keep up with the other girls on my team. I could have decided that I simply was not good enough, but I chose to keep working. Eventually, I became a three-time regional qualifier, won my conference tournament, earned All-Conference recognition, and helped my team win a conference championship for the first time in our school’s history. Golf taught me that progress does not happen overnight and that one bad moment does not determine the outcome of an entire journey. Now, as I begin college and study Human Health Sciences, I am entering another completely new chapter. College has brought excitement, but it has also brought pressure and uncertainty. I am learning how to become independent, challenge myself academically, and figure out the person I want to become. Sometimes I still question whether I am prepared for everything ahead of me. However, when I look back at everything I have already experienced, I know I have faced difficult things before and continued moving forward. That is why this lyric resonates with me. To me, “making it through the year” is not about simply surviving a difficult period. It represents growth. It represents looking back and realizing that the things I once thought would break me helped shape who I am today. My journey has not been perfect, and I know there will be more challenges ahead, but I have learned that challenges and triumphs can exist at the same time. Olivia Rodrigo’s music captures the uncertainty of growing up, and that is something I understand personally. I am still discovering who I am and where my future will take me. But I am proud of the person I have become through every difficult experience, accomplishment, loss, and new beginning. I may not know exactly what the next chapter holds, but I know I will continue to grow through it—and, just as importantly, I will keep moving forward.

Technology and online tools have played an important role in my educational journey. As I transitioned from high school to college, I quickly realized that learning does not only happen inside a classroom. Technology has given me access to information, resources, and opportunities that have helped me become a more independent student and better understand how the knowledge I learn in class connects to the real world. One of the biggest ways technology has supported my education is by giving me additional ways to understand difficult concepts. In courses such as chemistry, I have been able to use online resources to review concepts, work through problems, and find explanations when something does not immediately make sense. Instead of becoming discouraged when I struggle with a topic, I can use technology to approach it from a different perspective. This has helped me become more comfortable asking questions, finding resources, and taking responsibility for my own learning. Technology has also helped me connect what I learn in school to real-world situations. As a Human Health Sciences student, I am interested in how scientific knowledge can be applied to improve people’s health and quality of life. Online research allows me to explore current healthcare topics, scientific discoveries, and advancements in medicine that go beyond what I may learn from a textbook. Seeing how scientific concepts are being used by healthcare professionals and researchers makes my education feel more meaningful because I can understand why the material I am learning matters. Another important part of my educational journey has been learning how to evaluate and use information responsibly. Because there is so much information available online, I have learned that finding an answer is not always enough. I need to consider where information comes from, whether a source is credible, and how different sources support or challenge an idea. These skills have become especially important when completing research assignments and writing papers. Technology has therefore helped me develop not only academic knowledge but also critical-thinking and research skills that I will use throughout my career. Technology has also taught me how to adapt. College has required me to manage assignments, communicate with professors and classmates, access course materials, and keep track of responsibilities through digital platforms. These tools have helped me become more organized and prepared for the expectations of higher education and the professional world. Ultimately, technology has made my education more than memorizing information for an exam. It has helped me understand, research, question, and apply what I learn. As I continue studying Human Health Sciences and prepare for a career in healthcare, I know that technology will continue to be an important part of my education. I hope to use the knowledge and skills I gain to solve real-world problems, contribute to healthcare, and positively impact the lives of others. Technology has not replaced the importance of learning; it has expanded the ways I can learn and shown me how the knowledge I gain in the classroom can make a difference beyond it.

Golf has impacted my life in ways that extend far beyond the golf course. When I first started playing, I was a beginner and struggled to keep up with the other girls on my team. I was often one of the worst players, but instead of allowing that to discourage me, I decided to keep showing up and keep learning. I never expected golf to become such an important part of who I am, but the challenges I faced on the course taught me lessons that I now carry into every part of my life. One of the biggest lessons golf has taught me is that improvement takes patience. Golf can be incredibly frustrating because you cannot always control the outcome. You can hit what feels like a perfect shot and still end up somewhere you did not expect. Learning to move on from a bad shot instead of letting it ruin the rest of my round taught me how to handle setbacks. I learned that one mistake does not define me, and the most important thing I can do is focus on the next opportunity. Over time, the work I put into golf began to pay off. I became a three-time regional qualifier, won my conference tournament, and earned All-Conference and Mountain 8 All-Conference recognition. My team also won our conference championship for the first time in our school’s history. These accomplishments meant a lot to me, but what I am most proud of is the person I became while working toward them. Golf showed me that I am capable of accomplishing things that once seemed impossible when I am willing to stay committed. Golf has also taught me how to be confident in spaces where I do not always feel comfortable. As a girl competing in a sport that can often feel intimidating and male-dominated, I have learned not to let other people’s perceptions determine what I believe I am capable of. I have learned to trust myself, stay calm under pressure, and be brave enough to be bad at something new. That confidence has followed me outside of golf and into my education, relationships, and other challenges I face. Most importantly, golf taught me that success is not always measured by a score. Some of my most meaningful moments have come from encouraging teammates, overcoming frustration, and continuing to play when things were difficult. The sport has taught me discipline, perseverance, patience, and the importance of believing in myself. Golf began as something I simply wanted to try, but it became one of the greatest teachers in my life. It taught me that I do not have to be the best when I begin something to eventually become proud of how far I have come. As I enter this next chapter of my life, I will carry those lessons with me. Whether I am pursuing my education, building my career, or facing something completely new, I know I can keep showing up, keep learning, and keep moving forward—one shot at a time.

Choosing to study Human Health Sciences was a decision rooted in my desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I have always been drawn to healthcare because it combines science with something deeply personal: caring for people during some of the most important moments of their lives. As I begin my college journey, I want to use my education to build a career in healthcare where I can combine my passion for science with my passion for helping others. Human Health Sciences gives me the opportunity to understand the human body, health, and the many factors that influence a person’s well-being. I chose this field because I do not want my career to be limited to simply understanding science from a textbook. I want to understand people. I want to learn how science can be used to improve healthcare and make patients feel informed, respected, and cared for. My education is the first step toward a career where I can make a difference in people’s lives. Another important reason I chose this path is because I want to be a woman in STEM who encourages other young women to believe that they belong in these fields. Throughout my life, I have learned that being a woman should never make me feel like I have to limit what I can accomplish. Whether I am competing in a male-dominated sport like golf or pursuing a science-related career, I have learned to be confident in spaces where I may not always see people like myself. As a woman pursuing a STEM-related education, I hope to use my experiences to encourage other girls to pursue their own interests in science, healthcare, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I want younger women to see that they do not have to choose between being compassionate and being scientifically driven. There is strength in being both. Healthcare needs people who understand the science, but it also needs people who understand the human side of caring for others. My goal is not simply to earn a degree. I want my education to give me the knowledge and confidence to become someone who positively impacts the people around me. I hope to advocate for patients, contribute to better healthcare, and show through my own journey that women have a place in STEM. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue pursuing an education that I believe can turn my passion for science and service into a meaningful career. I am excited to challenge myself, learn from the experiences ahead of me, and use my education to serve others. Most importantly, I hope that my journey as a woman in Human Health Sciences will inspire someone else to believe that they, too, can pursue a future in STEM and make a difference.

I embody selflessness by putting the needs of others before my own and looking for ways to help when people are going through difficult situations. To me, being selfless does not always mean doing something huge or extraordinary. Sometimes, it means recognizing that someone needs help and being willing to give your time, energy, or resources to make their situation a little easier. One of the most meaningful examples of selflessness in my life was helping people affected by Hurricane Helene through food and clothing drives, an experience that was especially meaningful because I experienced the hurricane myself. Hurricane Helene was an out-of-the-ordinary experience that affected my community and showed me how quickly life can change. Experiencing the storm firsthand gave me a different perspective on what it means to need help. While I was also dealing with the effects of the hurricane, I saw how many other people were facing even greater challenges. Families lost their homes, belongings, access to food, and other basic necessities. It would have been easy to focus only on what I was going through, but instead, the experience taught me that I could still help others even when I needed help myself. I helped organize and participate in food and clothing drives for people affected by Hurricane Helene. I spent time gathering donations, sorting food and clothing, and preparing supplies to be distributed to people who needed them. Although these actions may seem small compared to the devastation caused by a hurricane, I learned that even basic necessities can mean so much to someone who has lost everything. Being able to provide someone with food to eat or clothing to wear reminded me that helping others does not require having everything figured out yourself. Sometimes, the most meaningful thing you can do is simply give what you have. This experience also taught me the importance of community. I witnessed people come together during an incredibly difficult time and support one another. Everyone contributed in different ways, and every contribution mattered. Even though I was experiencing the hurricane myself, I learned that selflessness means recognizing that other people may need you too. Helping others did not take away from my own struggles; instead, it gave me a sense of purpose and reminded me that difficult experiences can bring people closer together. The lessons I learned from Hurricane Helene have continued to shape how I view service. Selflessness means being willing to step up for others, even when circumstances are not perfect for you. I learned that I do not have to have unlimited time, resources, or answers to make a difference. I can simply give what I am able to give. Helping others through the food and clothing drives showed me that compassion is most meaningful when it becomes action, and it is a value I hope to carry with me throughout my life.

The first time I walked onto the golf course, I knew I was the worst player there. Everyone else had years of experience, polished swings, and scores that seemed unreachable. I was a beginner in a sport that demands precision and mental toughness. To make it harder, I was a girl stepping into a space that often feels male-dominated, where confidence is assumed and weakness is exposed. Every practice felt like a test, but I showed up anyway. In the beginning, bravery was embarrassing. I was topping the ball, losing matches, and writing down “triple bogey”. I wondered if I belong. It’s difficult to persist when you feel like you are a let down. Yet, I made the decision to keep moving forward. I arrived early to practice. I stayed late to hit extra balls. I let myself be coached. I chose to be uncomfortable. I chose to believe that effort, even when unseen, matters. Golf is as mental as it is physical. When you are struggling, there is nowhere to hide. Every shot is yours, and every mistake echoes. I had to learn how to quiet self-doubt. Instead of replaying bad shots, I thought about the next. I stopped measuring success by comparison and started measuring it by growth. One stroke at a time. At the same time, I was navigating something invisible to people around me: I suffer from hemiplegic migraines; a rare and severe form of migraine that mimic stroke symptoms. During an episode, I experience temporary paralysis on one side of my body, vision disturbances, numbness, slurred speech, confusion, and a migraine. Even after an episode passes, the fatigue lingers. On the golf course, this condition affects my grip strength, coordination, balance, and endurance. There were tournaments where I played through lingering weakness, praying my hands would stay steady over a putt. There were practice days when simply walking eighteen holes felt overwhelming, when the sun and noise intensified symptoms, and when quitting would have been easier. Managing a chronic illness while competing taught me a deeper level of discipline. I had to prepare carefully - hydrating consistently, prioritizing rest, managing stress, and recognizing early warning signs; while still training at a high level. I learned to advocate for myself when I needed recovery and to push myself responsibly. Some days, success meant finishing a round. Hemiplegic migraines forced me to develop resilience physically and mentally. Being a girl in a male-dominated sport added pressure. I often felt pressure to prove that I deserved to be there. My presence was not symbolic, but competitive. Instead of shrinking, I let that pressure sharpen me. I embraced the strength it takes to compete in spaces where you are underestimated. Over time, I realized that my determination was my advantage. The transformation did not happen overnight. It was built through hundreds of range sessions, setbacks, and small breakthroughs. Eventually, the results reflected the work. I became a three-time regional qualifier. I won our conference tournament. I earned all-conference honors. As a beginner golfer who once struggled to break into the lineup, those accomplishments mean more than trophies. They represent the countless moments I chose not to quit. I started as the weakest player on the team. I battled self-doubt, physical setbacks, and the challenges of standing out in a sport where I felt outnumbered. I learned that bravery isn’t about immediate success. It’s about stepping forward, persisting when progress is slow, and trusting that consistent effort compounds over time. Golf taught me that being bad at something new is not a verdict - it’s an invitation. I accepted it.

I used to think bravery meant being good at something. Confident. Effortless. Naturally talented. Golf proved me wrong. The first time I stepped onto a course, I was terrible. My drives sliced into trees, my chips barely left the ground, and I dreaded keeping score because the numbers felt embarrassing. It would have been easy to quit. No one expects you to stick with something you’re bad at. But for some reason, I did. I decided that being bad at something wasn’t a reason to walk away - it was a reason to lean in. Golf humbled me in ways nothing else had. Improvement was slow and painfully visible. Every early morning practice, every range session in the cold, every round where I lost more balls than I could count forced me to confront the same question: was I willing to look foolish in order to grow? I learned that perseverance is less about dramatic moments of inspiration and more about quiet, daily discipline. It’s choosing to show up again. It’s listening to criticism without letting it define you. It’s understanding that progress hides beneath failure. Over time, something shifted. My swing became more consistent. My scores dropped. I stopped playing to avoid embarrassment and started playing to compete. The awards I eventually won meant more to me because of where I started. They weren’t proof of talent; they were proof of resilience. Golf taught me that mastery is built on a foundation of mistakes. More importantly, it taught me to be comfortable being uncomfortable. That lesson extends far beyond the course. It shapes how I approach my future as an obstetric sonographer. Ultrasound technology is a field that demands both technical precision and deep empathy. It requires mastering complex anatomy, understanding evolving medical technology, and communicating clearly with patients who may be experiencing joy, fear, or uncertainty; sometimes all at once. I know there will be moments in my education when I feel overwhelmed learning to interpret subtle variations on a screen, or anxious about making sure I capture images that physicians rely on for critical decisions. But golf has already prepared me for that discomfort. Being brave enough to be bad means I won’t shy away from challenges. I will ask questions. I will practice until my hands are steady and my eye is trained to notice details others might miss. I will accept feedback not as criticism, but as an opportunity to improve. Just as I once stood on the first tee unsure of myself, I will enter clinical settings ready to learn, knowing competence comes from commitment. As a sonographer, I hope to impact the world in quiet, meaningful ways. Early detection of complications can save lives. Clear communication can ease anxiety during vulnerable moments. A steady, compassionate presence can transform a clinical appointment into a memory of reassurance. While I may not always be the physician delivering diagnoses, I will play a crucial role in gathering the information that guides care and in supporting patients during pivotal milestones. Golf taught me that growth happens when we choose courage over comfort. It showed me that excellence is not reserved for the naturally gifted, but earned by those willing to persist through imperfection. As I pursue a career in obstetric sonography, I carry that lesson with me. I am not afraid to begin as a beginner. I am not afraid to struggle. Because I know now that the willingness to be bad at something new is often the first step toward becoming truly great - and toward making a difference in the lives of others.

Growing up I always knew I needed to bring my community together - it wasnt until my sophomore year of highschool I realized my community would be the closest during grief. In March of 2024 my close friend Kyleigh passed away in a tragic car accident, for moments after there was silence, and I felt as if my grief isolated me from everything I knew. I soon realized, I wasnt the only one grieving, my community was too. I found that Kyleigh had touched far more lives than I had noticed, and in that shared pain, I found an opportunity to create connection and bring people together. While 2024 was not an easy year by any means, there was a community that made it better. Later that year in September, a hurricane swept through Appalachia and destroyed my home town, and the towns surrounding it - one being completely wiped off the map. I was stuck in my home without food, water, and without knowing when I'd get out. We had 84 trees fall on our house, and water pouring down every second, yet while my family was struggling as soon as we got back on our feet we provided for others in need, we cooked homeade meals, ran food drives, organized clothing drives, and I volunteered to clean up a local farm that was hit. Once 2025 came around, I thought it was going to be my year, I hoped for the best and I grew my relationship with God and within myself. I had no idea the loss that was coming. In October of 2025 I lost my bestfriend, Brianna, in a head on collision with a dump truck. I have never seen a community come together quite like I did during that time. At her funeral, there wasn't an empty pew, there were so many people that showed up for her, even though she was not physically there, she still showed up and recordings of her voice preached and led the songs of her funeral. My point being, through mountains of grief and loss, there is light. There is community which comes together and creates a sense of belonging, and I learned that friendship doesn't always come from having all the answers, instead it often comes from the hardest moments. Grief has a way of breaking people apart, but it also can bring people together. I am proud I was able to transform my grief into healing and a connection throughout my community.

“Be brave enough to be bad at something new,” I told myself as I stepped up to hit a golf ball with a club I barely knew how to hold. I felt out of place among two state qualifiers who spoke a language of handicaps, birdies, and pars - terms that meant nothing to me. I left that first practice with blistered hands, a bruised ego, and confidence at an all-time low. Despite everything, I wanted to come back the next day. Golf was unlike any sport I had ever played. There was no cheering, fast-paced action, or teammates to rely on in moments of failure. I was used to energy on the sidelines, momentum fueled by cheers and communication. Golf was different. It thrived on silence. Every mistake was mine, and every improvement had to be earned. There was no hiding from failure - each swing was exposed, each miss undeniable. I never imagined that a sport defined by stillness would challenge me so deeply, yet that challenge drew me in. By the end of my first season, I qualified for regionals. That moment represented more than athletic progress - it marked a shift in how I viewed myself and my potential. I was no longer just trying to keep up; I was contributing to the team’s success. Golf taught me that growth comes from persistence, not perfection. The only score that truly mattered was my previous one, and improvement was measured by effort not results. Beyond competition, golf changed how I approach my goals and my role within my community. The discipline, patience, and accountability I developed on the course carried into other areas of my life. Golf taught me to show up consistently, even when progress felt slow, and to lead by example through quiet determination. These lessons inspired me to give back by mentoring younger players, encouraging new athletes to step outside their comfort zones, and showing them that it is okay to struggle while learning something new. I became someone others could look to - not because I was the best, but because I was willing to persevere. Golf also forced me to confront my greatest challenge: silence. In that stillness, I had to face my doubts, control my nerves, and reset after setbacks. I learned to pause, breathe, and focus on the next shot. In a world full of noise, pressure, and constant expectations, golf became my safe space. It taught me patience, self-reflection, and confidence rooted in resilience. Today, my goals extend far beyond the course, but golf continues to shape who I am becoming. It taught me that bravery is not aggression or fearlessness - it is the humility to begin something new, the courage to fail publicly, and the discipline to keep showing up. The silence no longer intimidates me; it centers me. And I carry that lesson with me as I pursue my future and strive to make a positive impact wherever I go.

I’ve always believed in God, but it wasn’t until March of 2024 I began to have a true relationship with Him. On March 2nd, 2024 one of my closest friends was in a car accident, I remember sitting at dinner and replaying my friends stories on snapchat “prayers for kyleigh”, I didn’t know what happened until later that night - she was in a car accident where her car wrapped around a tree, and she was in the ICU. The next day I was called to go to church, I had never been, I didn’t know what to expect, but I went. That day, the scripture read was 1 John 4:19 “We love because He first loved us” and directly after we sang “Reckless Love” - this was not only Kyleighs favorite verse, but also her favorite worship song. At this moment, I knew this was Gods plan to bring me closer to him; this moment diminished all of my doubts, and I knew he was real, and going to help me heal. I began studying the bible, and I set a goal for myself to read the bible in a year, and I did just that. I finished in October of this year shortly before my best friend passed away. October 13th, 2025 was a day I never imagined, I never thought losing my bestfriend was something that would happen twice. At 10:22 in the morning we were snapping, texting, and talking about the football game that upcoming Friday, at 1pm I was informed she had passed. Brianna crashed at 10:23 that morning, she was hit head on and passed immediately. For a second, I was angry at God, I didn’t understand how this could happen. These girls had a stronger faith than anyone I knew and now they were gone. I didn’t understand how they spent their lives being His servant and spreading the Gospel for this to be His plan for them. I soon realized that His plan was much larger than what I could see, and I knew I had to trust Him. I was so lost but this time I didn’t feel that calling from God to go to church, instead, I felt the need to spread His word. I began telling everyone about the sweet love of God, and everything He can do for your life. Having God in my life is a joy I cannot begin to explain, His love is so graceful and beautiful. He has taught me that no matter what I am going through, He will be there to guide me through it. He is the light in the darkness. Through all the pain and grief i’ve been through, He has been there. This leads me to my favorite verse, Isaiah 43:2 “When you feel like you’re drowning; remember you have a savior who walks on water”. Every time I felt like I was drowning, He helped me through it. Through every hardship - I learned to Trust in him, and the relationship I have with Him is beyond special and rewarding.

Attending a university and earning my bachelor’s degree is profoundly important to me and my family because it represents opportunity, resilience, and the fulfillment of a dream that extends beyond myself. As a first-generation college student, higher education is not something that was always accessible or guaranteed. My parents were unable to attend college due to financial barriers, and their sacrifices have shaped my determination to pursue the opportunities they never had. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with limited access to higher education. My parents worked hard to provide for our family, often putting their own dreams aside so that I could have a better future. Their experiences taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of education as a pathway to stability and growth. Earning a bachelor’s degree is my way of honoring their sacrifices and transforming their hopes into reality. For me, attending a university is about more than academics; it is about growth, independence, and discovering my potential. College provides an environment where I can challenge myself intellectually, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop skills that will prepare me for a meaningful career in healthcare. Through higher education, I will gain not only knowledge, but also confidence, leadership abilities, and a stronger sense of purpose. These experiences will allow me to contribute positively to my community and serve as a role model for others who may doubt their ability to succeed in college. As a first-generation student, I understand the responsibility that comes with this opportunity. I am motivated to succeed not only for myself, but for my family and future generations. Earning my bachelor’s degree will demonstrate that financial hardship and lack of access do not define one’s potential. It will open doors to advanced education, professional opportunities, and long-term stability that would otherwise remain closed. Higher education also empowers me to give back. With a degree, I will be better equipped to serve my community through a career rooted in compassion and service. I hope to use my education to advocate for others, break cycles of limitation, and encourage younger students to pursue their own academic goals. By sharing my journey, I can help normalize college aspirations for families like mine. Ultimately, earning my bachelor’s degree is not just a personal milestone - it is a shared victory for my family. It represents hope, progress, and the belief that hard work can create lasting change. As a first-generation college student, I carry my family’s dreams with me, and I am committed to making the most of this opportunity by pursuing higher education with dedication, gratitude, and purpose.

Choosing to pursue a degree in healthcare, specifically in obstetric sonography, is rooted in my desire to serve others during some of the most meaningful and vulnerable moments of their lives. Healthcare is more than a profession to me; it is a calling that combines compassion, responsibility, and purpose. I have always been drawn to science and human biology, but it was my passion for helping people and making a tangible difference that solidified my decision to enter this field. Obstetric sonography stands out to me because it represents both hope and trust. Sonographers are often the first to share pivotal moments with expectant parents, from hearing a heartbeat to ensuring the health and development of a child. I am inspired by the role sonographers play in providing reassurance, education, and emotional support to patients. The ability to combine technical skill with compassionate patient care is what makes this profession so powerful to me. As a woman pursuing a career in healthcare, I am especially motivated to advocate for patient-centered care and empathy within the medical field. Women often serve as caregivers not only in their professions, but also within their families and communities. I hope to bring that same sense of understanding and attentiveness into my work. By actively listening to patients, respecting their concerns, and creating a supportive environment, I aim to ensure that individuals feel seen, heard, and valued throughout their care. I also hope to make a positive impact by serving as a role model for other young women, particularly first-generation college students, who may not see themselves represented in healthcare professions. My journey into higher education represents perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to growth. I want to show others that it is possible to overcome barriers, pursue advanced education, and build a meaningful career rooted in service. Beyond direct patient care, I plan to continue learning and growing within the healthcare field by staying current with medical advancements and advocating for quality, ethical care. Obstetric sonography requires precision, responsibility, and continual education - qualities I am eager to embrace. I understand the importance of trust placed in healthcare professionals, and I am committed to upholding that trust with integrity and compassion. Ultimately, my goal is to make a lasting difference by combining medical knowledge with genuine care. By pursuing a career in obstetric sonography, I hope to positively impact families, empower women, and contribute to a healthcare system that prioritizes empathy and excellence. As a woman in healthcare, I am motivated not only to succeed personally, but to uplift others and help create a more compassionate future for patients and providers alike.

At sixteen I sat front-row at my bestfriends funeral - a traumatic experience I didn't ever think I'd experience twice. Losing my two closest friends in separate car accidents just one year apart changed my life in ways I never imagined. Grief does not arrive quickly, it doesn't make sense, and it's not linear, for me, grief was anger, questions, an overwhelming sense of helplessness and constant "what ifs. The harsh fact that hurts the most: these accidents were preventable. One second is all it takes, one second of distracted driving and you're gone forever. Distracted driving is what killed my bestfriends. While nothing could ease the pain of these losses, I realized I could choose what I did with my grief - I chose to turn it into purpose. After the first loss of my beloved friend Kyleigh, I struggled to understand how one moment could permanently alter so many lives, and when the second accident occurred a year later with my bestfriend of 7 years - Brianna - the reality became impossible to ignore. These were not isolated tragedies, they were reminders of how common distracted driving is, and how easily it is dismissed. The reality is; no one thinks it will happen to them, but it can, and it will. I couldn't stay silent anymore, I felt a responsibility to speak up - not just for my friends, but for the families who never got a second chance. I began contributing to my community by spreading awareness about just how quick an accident can happen, especially among young drivers. I shared my story, my pain, and my experiences, even when it was painful because I knew personal stories resonate more deeply than statistics alone - if I could save one life, I was satisfied. I spoke to peers, used social media to advocate, and encouraged people to put their phones down. Every conversation, post, and reminder was my way of making sure their lives, and deaths, meant something beyond another loss. I started to see a real impact. My friends told me they stopped speeding, they stopped texting and driving because they realized they could be next. While these changes may seem minuscule, I learned that even saving one life is significant. This painful tragedy shaped who I am today, it taught me to show up for my community, I became more empathetic, vocal, and I began to advocate for causes that protect others. It taught me that leadership does not always come from positions of authority, but from courage and compassion. While my friends are no longer here, their lives made an impact on who I am becoming and every conversation I have about distracted driving. Awareness begins with honesty, If you choose to text and drive, it is not if it happens to you, it's when.

Furthering my education is important to me because it represents more than earning a degree, it represents growth, purpose, and the opportunity to turn my passion into a career. Education is the foundation that will allow me to make a meaningful impact, not only in my own life but also the lives of the future patients I will serve. I plan to major in Biology and then my certification in Obstetric Sonography. This path is important to me because it combines science, compassion, and human connection - this allows me to create a bond with each of my patients while working a job I align with. I am motivated by the idea of being present during some of the most vulnerable and important moments in a families life. Education also represents resilience to me; I have learned that growth is not linear nor promised , and often comes from perseverance, discipline, and the willingness to be uncomfortable. By pursuing higher education, I am choosing to invest in myself and in my future, knowing that the sacrifices I make now will allow me to create stability and purpose later in my life. I strive to be someone who sets goals and follows through on them, not only for my own success but also to lead as an example to others who may doubt what they are capable of. As a first generation college student I hope to leave a legacy of compassion, service, and positive influence. I want to be remembered as someone who used her education to help others feel seen, supported, and cared for - and to know the paths of those before them doesn’t have to be theirs. Whether it is reassuring a nervous patient, advocating for patient understanding, or simply showing kindness during vulnerable and emotional moments, I want my work to matter. I hope I can inspire other young adults, ones like myself, to pursue their goals despite how impossible or may feel, fear of obstacles, and to believe that education can be a powerful tool for change. Ultimately, furthering my education is about creating a future for myself where I can give back. I want my legacy to reflect dedication, empathy, and a commitment to making a difference. By continuing my education, I am taking an important step toward becoming not only a skilled professional, but also a person who leaves a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others.

“Be brave enough to be bad at something new”, I said to myself as I stepped up to hit a ball with a club I didn’t even know how to swing. I was an outcast among two state qualifiers, who spoke a language of “handicaps, birdies, and pars”. I was the extra Lego piece; I was there for a reason, but no one quite knew my purpose. I left that day with blistered hands, a hurt ego, and my confidence was at an all time low. Yet the strangest part about it all, I wanted to go back the next day.   Golf wasn’t like the sports I had played before, it was focused on silence. It wasn’t loud and fast paced like everything I knew. To me, noise meant energy, presence, and momentum. There were no teammates to rely on, no sideline cheering, no one to pass to if I messed up. In golf, pressure is subtle. Every error is my responsibility, improvements must be earned, and they don’t come easy. There’s no hiding; every swing is out in the open, every miss falls squarely on you. I never imagined that a sport defined by stillness would be the one to change my understanding of bravery, and yet the more I played, I began to realize the challenge didn’t deter me, it drew me in. By the end of my first season, I managed to qualify for regionals. It was a huge moment, my persistence and determination not only allowed me to make the team, but now I was actively contributing to our victories. It all clicked, and I realized it wasn’t just about my growth anymore, I was part of something much larger. My effort mattered, and it encouraged me to push myself further. I dedicated more time, effort, and concentration, and while golf was still a silent battle within myself, I remembered the only score I needed to beat was my previous one. Soon, I realized golf wasn’t just a game, it was a reflection of myself. I noticed that it wasn’t about competing with other players, it was about coming face to face with my biggest fear: Silence. I had to confront my own doubts, nerves, and impatience. My mind began to race, “Could I reset, make adjustments, and swing again?”, “Could I remain calm after a rough hole?” I had to learn that in golf, the silence is the distraction, to ignore my thoughts and concentrate on the next shot, time and time again. In a busy life, full of distractions, deadlines, and pressure to perform, golf is my safe space. Golf is quiet, it forces me to listen, not to others, but to myself. In the silence, it taught me to pause and think, take everything in, and to be patient. I learned that sometimes the only thing you can do is breathe, reset, and hit the ball again. Golf taught me to be brave, but not in the way bravery is perceived by the world, not with toughness, or aggression, but with the willingness to be uncomfortable—the humility of being bad at something new, and the discipline to keep showing up anyway. When I walk up to the tee box and hear nothing but the whistles of the wind and a faint clinking of a club in the distance, I feel at home. The silence doesn’t intimidate me anymore; it centers me. “Be brave enough to be bad at something new,” I say to anyone who underestimates what they’re capable of becoming.

“Be brave enough to be bad at something new”, I said to myself as I stepped up to hit a ball with a club I didn’t even know how to swing. I was an outcast among two state qualifiers, who spoke a language of “handicaps, birdies, and pars”. I was the extra Lego piece; I was there for a reason, but no one quite knew my purpose. I left that day with blistered hands, a hurt ego, and my confidence was at an all time low. Yet the strangest part about it all, I wanted to go back the next day.   Golf wasn’t like the sports I had played before, it was focused on silence. It wasn’t loud and fast paced like everything I knew. To me, noise meant energy, presence, and momentum. There were no teammates to rely on, no sideline cheering, no one to pass to if I messed up. In golf, pressure is subtle. Every error is my responsibility, improvements must be earned, and they don’t come easy. There’s no hiding; every swing is out in the open, every miss falls squarely on you. I never imagined that a sport defined by stillness would be the one to change my understanding of bravery, and yet the more I played, I began to realize the challenge didn’t deter me, it drew me in. By the end of my first season, I managed to qualify for regionals. It was a huge moment, my persistence and determination not only allowed me to make the team, but now I was actively contributing to our victories. It all clicked, and I realized it wasn’t just about my growth anymore, I was part of something much larger. My effort mattered, and it encouraged me to push myself further. I dedicated more time, effort, and concentration, and while golf was still a silent battle within myself, I remembered the only score I needed to beat was my previous one. Soon, I realized golf wasn’t just a game, it was a reflection of myself. I noticed that it wasn’t about competing with other players, it was about coming face to face with my biggest fear: Silence. I had to confront my own doubts, nerves, and impatience. My mind began to race, “Could I reset, make adjustments, and swing again?”, “Could I remain calm after a rough hole?” I had to learn that in golf, the silence is the distraction, to ignore my thoughts and concentrate on the next shot, time and time again. In a busy life, full of distractions, deadlines, and pressure to perform, golf is my safe space. Golf is quiet, it forces me to listen, not to others, but to myself. In the silence, it taught me to pause and think, take everything in, and to be patient. I learned that sometimes the only thing you can do is breathe, reset, and hit the ball again. Golf taught me to be brave, but not in the way bravery is perceived by the world, not with toughness, or aggression, but with the willingness to be uncomfortable—the humility of being bad at something new, and the discipline to keep showing up anyway. When I walk up to the tee box and hear nothing but the whistles of the wind and a faint clinking of a club in the distance, I feel at home. The silence doesn’t intimidate me anymore; it centers me. “Be brave enough to be bad at something new,” I say to anyone who underestimates what they’re capable of becoming.

At sixteen I sat front-row at my bestfriends funeral - a traumatic experience I didn’t ever think I’d experience twice. Losing my two closest friends in separate car accidents just one year apart changed my life in ways I never imagined. Grief does not arrive quickly, it doesn’t make sense, and it’s not linear, for me, grief was anger, questions, an overwhelming sense of helplessness and constant “what ifs”. The harsh fact that hurts the most: these accidents were preventable. One second is all it takes, one second of distracted driving and you’re gone forever. Distracted driving is what killed my bestfriends. While nothing could ease the pain of these losses, I realized I could choose what I did with my grief - I chose to turn it into purpose. After the first loss of my beloved friend Kyleigh, I struggled to understand how one moment could permanently alter so many lives, and when the second accident occurred a year later with my bestfriend of 7 years - Brianna - the reality became impossible to ignore. These were not isolated tragedies, they were reminders of how common distracted driving is, and how easily it is dismissed. The reality is; no one thinks it will happen to them, but it can, and it will. I couldn’t stay silent anymore, I felt a responsibility to speak up - not just for my friends, but for the families who never got a second chance. I began contributing to my community by spreading awareness about just how quick an accident can happen, especially among young drivers. I shared my story, my pain, and my experiences, even when it was painful because I knew personal stories resonate more deeply than statistics alone - if I could save one life, I was satisfied. I spoke to peers, used social media to advocate, and encouraged people to put their phones down. Every conversation, post, and reminder was my way of making sure their lives, and deaths, meant something beyond another loss. I started to see a real impact. My friends told me they stopped speeding, they stopped texting and driving because they realized they could be next. While these changes may seem minuscule, I learned that even saving one life is significant. This painful tragedy shaped who I am today, it taught me to show up for my community, I became more empathetic, vocal, and I began to advocate for causes that protect others. It taught me that leadership does not always come from positions of authority, but from courage and compassion. While my friends are no longer here, their lives made an impact on who I am becoming and every conversation I have about distracted driving. Awareness begins with honesty, If you choose to text and drive, it is not if it happens to you, it’s when.