The person who has supported me the most in my educational journey is my dad. After losing my mom to cancer, he became my biggest source of strength and stability. Stepping into the role of a single parent is not easy, but he made sure I always had support, encouragement, and a sense of normalcy during one of the hardest times in my life. He was there for me emotionally and academically, always pushing me to keep going and reminding me of what I was capable of. Over time, my family grew when my dad remarried my stepmom, and I gained two younger brothers. That change brought new dynamics, but it also brought more love and support into my life. My stepmom has been an important part of my journey as well, helping create a home where I feel supported and encouraged. Being an older sibling has also taught me responsibility, patience, and the importance of setting a positive example, which has influenced how seriously I take my education and future goals. My dad has shaped me into the person I am today. Watching him navigate loss, rebuild our family, and continue to put us first has shown me what resilience and dedication truly look like. He has always believed in me and encouraged me to do my best, which is a big reason I have been able to maintain a 3.8 GPA while staying involved in school. His support has given me the confidence to set high expectations for myself and the motivation to achieve them. I honor my dad and my family by working hard and striving to make them proud. I take my education seriously because I know how much they have sacrificed to give me opportunities. As I work toward my goal of becoming a speech language pathologist, I carry their support with me in everything I do. I want to use the values they have taught me, like perseverance, compassion, and strength, to succeed in my career and to help others. Their support has been especially meaningful to me as someone who has experienced the loss of a parent and the transition into a new family dynamic. There have been challenges along the way, but having a strong support system has made all the difference. It has reminded me that I am not alone and has given me the strength to keep moving forward. Because of them, I am determined to build a future where I can make a positive impact on others, just as they have made such a meaningful impact on me.

am a hardworking and dedicated student with a 3.8 GPA, and I take pride in balancing my academics with my involvement in extracurricular activities. Through my time in high school, I have challenged myself both inside and outside of the classroom, staying committed to my responsibilities while also building strong relationships with my peers. Being involved in activities like sports and school organizations has helped me develop teamwork, leadership, and time management skills that I will carry with me into my future career. I plan to make a positive impact on the world by becoming a speech language pathologist who works with children with special needs. This career path is especially meaningful to me because of my brother, who has Down syndrome. Growing up, I have watched him work through speech therapy and have seen both the struggles and the progress that come with learning to communicate. Those experiences have shaped my perspective and inspired me to pursue a career where I can help children feel understood, confident, and included. I want to be someone who makes a difference not only in a child’s ability to communicate, but also in their overall sense of self. One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my life has been navigating the emotional impact of my family’s experiences, including my mom’s illness and passing, as well as supporting my brother. Losing my mom to cancer was incredibly difficult and forced me to grow up in ways I was not expecting. At the same time, being there for my brother and understanding his needs has required patience, strength, and compassion. These experiences have not been easy, but they have shaped who I am today. I overcame these challenges by leaning on my faith, my family, and my determination to keep moving forward. I stayed focused on my education and my goals, even during difficult times, and I worked hard to maintain my academic performance while continuing to be present for the people I love. These experiences have made me more resilient and have strengthened my desire to pursue a career where I can support others through their own challenges. In the future, I hope to use both my personal experiences and my education to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. I want to create a positive and encouraging environment where children feel supported and empowered to communicate. Through my work as a speech language pathologist, I plan to make a lasting impact by helping others find their voices and reach their full potential.

My career goal is to become a speech language pathologist who works with children with special needs. I want to dedicate my life to helping kids find their voices and learn how to communicate in ways that allow them to express who they are, what they need, and how they feel. To me, communication is more than just speaking. It is connection, confidence, and independence. I hope to be someone who helps children build those skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. This goal is deeply personal to me because of my brother, who has Down syndrome. Growing up with him has shaped the way I see the world and has had a major influence on the path I want to take in life. I have spent years watching him go to speech therapy appointments and I have seen both the challenges he has faced and the progress he has made. I remember how hard he worked to learn new sounds and words and how proud he would be of even the smallest improvements. I also saw how much patience, kindness, and encouragement his speech therapists gave him and how those moments helped him grow not only in communication, but in confidence and independence. Those experiences showed me how powerful speech therapy can be. It is not just about helping someone pronounce words correctly. It is about giving them a way to connect with the world around them. I have seen how it can reduce frustration, strengthen relationships, and help a child feel more understood and included. Watching my brother go through this journey made me realize that I want to be part of that kind of impact for other families. I want to be the person who celebrates those small but life changing milestones with children and their parents, just like I have experienced in my own family. This scholarship would help me move toward my goal by easing the financial burden of college and allowing me to focus more fully on my education. Becoming a speech language pathologist requires years of study, training, and clinical experience, and I am committed to putting in the hard work to get there. However, financial support would make a meaningful difference by giving me more opportunities to participate in internships, observe professionals in the field, and gain hands on experience working with children who have communication challenges. Ultimately, this scholarship would bring me closer to a career where I can give back in a meaningful way. I want to help children feel understood, confident, and capable just like I have seen my brother grow through speech therapy. My hope is to one day be that source of encouragement and support for other families, helping children reach their full potential one word, one sound, and one breakthrough at a time.

Losing my mom to cancer has been one of the most defining experiences of my life. She was my adopted mom, the one who raised me, loved me unconditionally, and gave me a sense of stability after I spent my early years moving in and out of foster homes before being adopted at four years old. She brought warmth, strength, and love into everything she did, and her presence shaped the foundation of who I am. When she passed, I felt a loss that is difficult to fully put into words, not just the loss of a parent, but the loss of the person who made me feel safe, supported, and truly at home. At the same time, my journey has also been shaped by the absence of my biological mom. While I do not share the same memories with her, that loss exists in a different, quieter way. Growing up without her created questions and challenges that I have had to process over time. It has made me more reflective and has given me a deeper understanding of how important family, connection, and belonging truly are. Experiencing both of these losses, one through absence and one through grief, has impacted me in ways that continue to shape who I am. There are moments where I feel it deeply, during milestones, challenges, and even in everyday life when I wish I could turn to them. However, through that pain, I have found growth. These experiences have made me stronger, more independent, and more compassionate. They have taught me that life is fragile and that the way we show up for others truly matters. Watching my adopted mom battle cancer also showed me what strength and perseverance look like. Even in her hardest moments, she continued to care for those around her and face each day with courage. That example has stayed with me and continues to guide me in how I approach challenges in my own life. These experiences have shaped the path I want to take moving forward. Along with the impact of my little brother, who has Down syndrome, they have led me to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist. I want to be someone who provides support, patience, and encouragement to children and families who need it, creating a sense of comfort and understanding in their lives. Although I carry both loss and absence with me, they have also given me a sense of purpose. I strive to honor my adopted mom through the way I live, with kindness, strength, and compassion, while also growing from the experiences that came from not knowing my biological mom. Together, these parts of my story have shaped me into someone who is determined to make a difference in the lives of others.

My life has been shaped by both hardship and hope, and those experiences have ultimately led me to pursue a career dedicated to helping others. When I was younger, I experienced instability, moving in and out of foster homes before being adopted with my brother at the age of four. Although I was young, those early years taught me resilience and showed me how important it is to feel safe, supported, and understood. Later in my life, I experienced another profound loss when my mom passed away from cancer. Losing her was one of the hardest things I have ever faced, but it strengthened my faith and helped me grow into a more compassionate and empathetic person. One of the most impactful moments in my life was the birth of my little brother, who has Down syndrome. From the moment he was born, I knew my life would be different, but I did not yet realize how much he would change me for the better. Watching him grow has opened my eyes to both the challenges and the beauty that come with having special needs. He has taught me patience, unconditional love, and how to celebrate even the smallest victories. What has inspired me most, however, has been watching the speech therapists and specialists who work with him. Their ability to connect with him, help him communicate, and build his confidence has been incredible to witness. Because of them, I have developed a passion for becoming a speech-language pathologist, specifically working with children with special needs. Through my volunteer work, I have continued to grow in this passion. I help run a community service club where we organize clothing and food drives and volunteer at food clinics. I have also had the opportunity to work with individuals with special needs at Divine Providence, helping them attend Mass and feel included in a supportive community. These experiences have taught me the importance of patience, kindness, and meeting people where they are. I have learned that making a difference is not always about big actions, but about consistency, presence, and treating every individual with dignity and respect. In the future, I hope to make a difference by helping children find their voices, both literally and emotionally. I want to be a speech-language pathologist who not only teaches communication skills but also builds confidence and creates a safe space where children feel valued and understood. I want to support families the same way my brother’s therapists have supported ours, offering encouragement and hope during challenging times. As I pursue higher education, financial assistance would make a meaningful difference in my ability to achieve these goals. My family has faced challenges, and receiving support would allow me to focus on my studies and continue working toward a career that I am truly passionate about. I am committed to using my experiences to make a lasting impact in the lives of others, especially those who need it most.

My relationship with Jesus hasn’t always been easy or straightforward. Growing up in the Catholic faith, I often felt like faith was something I was supposed to follow rather than something I fully understood. I went to Mass, learned prayers, but for a long time it felt more like routine than a personal relationship with Jesus. As I got older and experienced more in life, I began to realize that faith is not always simple, and sometimes it grows the most during the hardest moments.One of the biggest challenges in my faith journey came from losing my mom to cancer. Experiencing that kind of loss at a young age was incredibly difficult, and it made me question a lot about life and about God. When someone you love so much is taken away, it can be hard to understand why something like that would happen. There were moments where I wondered where God was in the middle of everything and why things had to happen the way they did. Those feelings made my faith feel confusing at times, because I didn’t always know how to trust God when life felt so painful.For a while, those emotions made it difficult for me to feel close to Jesus. I struggled with depression and questions that didn’t have clear answers. But over time, I began to understand that faith does not mean we will never experience pain or loss. Instead, faith means believing that even in the hardest moments, God is still walking with us. Slowly, I started turning to prayer in a more honest way. Instead of just repeating prayers I had memorized, I began talking to God about what I was really feeling. Through that, I began to realize that Jesus understands suffering and loss, and that He is present with us through it.My experiences have helped me see that faith is not about having everything figured out. It is about continuing to trust God even when things are difficult. I have started to see how God has been present in my life even during the hardest times. Those experiences have helped shape who I am and have strengthened my relationship with Jesus. Kairos has played an important role in helping me understand this as well. Seeing how powerful the retreat can be for students made me realize how important it is to have a space where people can talk about their struggles and their stories. Everyone carries different experiences, and sometimes people just need a place where they feel heard and supported. Kairos reminds students that they are not alone and that God is present in every part of their lives, even the painful parts. Because of my own faith journey, becoming a Kairos leader means a lot to me. I know what it feels like to struggle with questions about faith and life. I want to help create an environment where people feel safe sharing their stories and know that they are supported. Being a Kairos leader is not about having a perfect relationship with Jesus or having all the answers. Instead, it is about being honest about your own journey and helping others recognize that God is walking with them too. My relationship with Jesus has also shaped how I want to approach my education and my life moving forward. Faith is not just something that happens in church or in religion class. It is something that should influence the way I treat others and the choices I make. As I continue my educational journey, I hope to carry the values Jesus teaches into everything I do.

One moment in foster care that made me proud of my resilience was realizing how much responsibility I carried at such a young age. While most children were allowed to simply be kids, I had to step into the role of a protector for my little brother. From the moment we entered foster care, I understood that his sense of safety depended largely on me. Even when I felt scared, uncertain, or overwhelmed, I did my best to remain strong for him. Being in foster care meant constant change. We moved between different homes, each with its own rules, expectations, and emotional climate. Unfortunately, not all of those homes were welcoming. Some foster families were not fond of us, and we often felt like burdens rather than children in need of care. In addition, other children in these homes sometimes treated us poorly, which only added to the fear and isolation we already felt. There were many nights when we never truly felt safe, and I learned quickly to stay alert and guarded at all times. Despite these conditions, I took on responsibilities that no child should have to bear. I watched over my brother, made sure he was okay, and tried to shield him from as much negativity as possible. Whether it meant standing between him and someone who was being cruel, reassuring him when he cried, or simply staying close so he knew he was not alone, I put his needs before my own. That role forced me to mature quickly, but it also gave me a sense of purpose. Protecting my brother became my motivation to keep going, even on days when I felt emotionally exhausted. What made me proud of my resilience was not that I handled everything perfectly, but that I refused to give up. I continued going to school, completing my work, and holding onto the hope that our situation would improve. Even when I felt unwanted or invisible, I pushed myself to stay focused on building a future beyond foster care. In the midst of chaos and fear, I discovered an inner strength that I did not know existed. That experience fundamentally changed how I face future challenges. Today, when life becomes overwhelming, I remind myself of the fear and instability I once survived while carrying responsibility far beyond my years. If I could endure uncertainty, rejection, and constant change while protecting someone else, I know I can face whatever comes next. Foster care taught me resilience, responsibility, and perseverance. It showed me that strength is not the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward despite it. Those lessons continue to guide me as I face challenges with confidence, determination, and the belief that no hardship is too great to overcome.

My birth mother made the heartbreaking decision to give my brother and me up for adoption because of her struggles with drugs and alcohol. This choice came after my birth father passed away from a drug overdose, leaving her to face grief, addiction, and responsibility all at once. At that time, she could not give us the safe and stable life that children deserve. While painful, her decision ultimately gave us a chance at a better future. After being placed into foster care, my brother and I experienced instability and uncertainty at a very young age. Eventually, we were adopted into a loving home, which gave me hope and a sense of belonging. However, loss continued to shape my life. Years later, my adopted mother passed away from cancer, leaving another deep wound and forcing me to face grief once again. Losing both a biological parent and an adoptive parent taught me early on that life does not always unfold gently. For years, I did not see my birth mother. Despite everything, I held onto the hope that one day we could reconnect. When I was approaching my seventeenth birthday, I planned to meet her again for the first time in years. I had learned that she had gotten clean and was trying to change her life, which gave me hope for healing and closure. Tragically, the week before we were supposed to meet, I found out that she had passed away. Even after working so hard to turn her life around, she was on a track where addiction still had power, and it ultimately took her life. That loss was devastating. It felt like losing someone I never truly got the chance to know, yet had always carried with me. Still, through every hardship—foster care, adoption, addiction, and death—I have learned that perseverance is one of my greatest strengths. Going to school and committing to finishing my education is my way of proving to myself that I am more than my circumstances. Education represents stability, growth, and hope—things that were often missing in my early life. It is something I can control, and it allows me to build a future defined not by loss, but by determination. I have endured more than many people my age, but those experiences have shaped my resilience. No matter what challenges I face, I know I have the strength to persevere. I continue forward not just for those I have lost, but for myself, determined to prove that I can overcome anything life places in my path.

I have always loved writing, but I have never been very good when it comes to writing about myself. In my opinion, it is the most difficult topic. We are told it shouldn't be hard because we know ourselves better than anyone else does, but is this always true? Speaking from personal experience, I’m not sure that I truly know myself. I want to focus on one of my favorite books and build on that. The Fault in Our Stars is a book I have found myself reading over and over. The best way to introduce the parts of my life that have shaped me is with my favorite quote from this book: “You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world...but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices.” Ever since I was little, hurt has been present in my life. Everyone experiences hurt differently; mine began with loss. I was born in a house that wasn't ready to be made a home, born to a father and mother, but not a mom and dad. Because of this, I was put up for adoption along with my little brother when I was around three. From a very young age, I didn't have a strong support system filled with love and care as most kids do. While others were learning to tie their shoes and read books, I was learning to figure things out for myself and protect my heart. Though one might see this as sad, I see it as the first step in my journey. I was lucky to be adopted by an amazing couple who raised me and my brother. At last, we had a chance to experience a love unknown to us before. Then came the next step in my journey: after finally having the family I had always hoped for, it began to slip away. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and battled for a long time. We were in and out of the hospital for appointments, surgeries, and visits. Her long battle was eventually lost, and another chapter of my life was created. My mom had taught me how to love and how to stay strong no matter the circumstances. Even though we were “prepared” for her passing, nobody can ever truly prepare. It took a lot of adjusting, and it was very difficult for me. I felt as if I was never settled, and I could not let my guard down for anyone. A few years later, my dad met my now stepmom, Lauren. I didn't love all the change that came with this, but Lauren made my dad happy again. I switched from public school to Catholic school, and my life began to turn around. Looking back, she was probably the best thing to happen to our family. We were broken, and Lauren began to repair us. We don't always get along, but I know this stepping stone was one sent from my mom. I miss my mom every day, but everything that has happened to me has shaped me into the person I am today, and I could not be more grateful. Although I do not enjoy writing about myself, it comes more easily when I can draw attention to the people who have made me who I am. Finally, I will end with one quote from my old torn-up book: “Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you.” I will live by this for the rest of my time.

I have always loved writing, but I have never been very good when it comes to writing about myself. In my opinion, it is the most difficult topic. We are told it shouldn't be hard because we know ourselves better than anyone else does, but is this always true? Speaking from personal experience, I’m not sure that I truly know myself. I could start with a list of accomplishments, but instead I want to focus on one of my favorite books and build on that. The Fault in Our Stars is a book I have found myself reading over and over. No matter how many new books I buy, I always circle back to my treasured torn-up copy with every page circled and highlighted. The best way to introduce the parts of my life that have shaped me is with my favorite quote from this book: “You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world...but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices.” Ever since I was little, hurt has been present in my life. Everyone experiences hurt differently; mine began with loss. I was born in a house that wasn't ready to be made a home, born to a father and mother, but not a mom and dad. Because of this, I was put up for adoption along with my little brother when I was around three. From a very young age, I didn't have a strong support system filled with love and care as most kids do. While others were learning to tie their shoes and read books, I was learning to figure things out for myself and protect my heart. Though one might see this as sad, I see it as the first step in my journey. I was lucky to be adopted by an amazing couple who raised me and my brother. At last, we had a chance to experience a love unknown to us before. Then came the next step in my journey: after finally having the family I had always hoped for, it began to slip away. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and battled for a long time. We were in and out of the hospital for appointments, surgeries, and visits. Her long battle was eventually lost, and another chapter of my life was created. My mom had taught me how to love and how to stay strong no matter the circumstances. Even though we were “prepared” for her passing, nobody can ever truly prepare. It took a lot of adjusting, and it was very difficult for me. I felt as if I was never settled, and I could not let my guard down for anyone. I miss my mom every day, but everything that has happened to me has shaped me into the person I am today, and I could not be more grateful. Although I do not enjoy writing about myself, it comes more easily when I can draw attention to the people who have made me who I am. Finally, I will end with one quote from my old torn-up book: “Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you.” I will live by this for the rest of my time.

I have always loved writing, but I have never been very good when it comes to writing about myself. In my opinion, it is the most difficult topic. We are told it shouldn't be hard because we know ourselves better than anyone else does, but is this always true? Speaking from personal experience, I’m not sure that I truly know myself. I could start with a list of accomplishments, but instead, I want to focus on one of my favorite books and build on that. The Fault in Our Stars is a book I have found myself reading over and over. No matter how many new books I buy, I always circle back to my treasured torn-up copy with every page circled and highlighted. The best way to introduce the parts of my life that have shaped me is with my favorite quote from this book: “You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world...but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices.” Ever since I was little, hurt has been present in my life. Everyone experiences hurt differently; mine began with loss. I was born in a house that wasn't ready to be made a home, born to a father and mother, but not a mom and dad. Because of this, I was put up for adoption along with my little brother when I was around three. From a very young age, I didn't have a strong support system filled with love and care as most kids do. While others were learning to tie their shoes and read books, I was learning to figure things out for myself and protect my heart. Though one might see this as sad, I see it as the first step in my journey. I was lucky to be adopted by an amazing couple who raised me and my brother. At last, we had a chance to experience a love unknown to us before. Then came the next step in my journey: after finally having the family I had always hoped for, it began to slip away. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and battled for a long time. We were in and out of the hospital for appointments, surgeries, and visits. Her long battle was eventually lost, and another chapter of my life was created. My mom had taught me how to love and how to stay strong no matter the circumstances. Even though we were “prepared” for her passing, nobody can ever truly prepare. It took a lot of adjusting, and it was very difficult for me. I felt as if I was never settled, and I could not let my guard down for anyone. I miss my mom every day, but everything that has happened to me has shaped me into the person I am today, and I could not be more grateful. Although I do not enjoy writing about myself, it comes more easily when I can draw attention to the people who have made me who I am. Finally, I will end with one quote from my old torn-up book: “Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you.” I will live by this for the rest of my time.

Yes. I have always loved writing, but sharing my own story has never been easy. Growing up, I experienced loss and instability. I was born to a father and mother, but not a mom and dad, and I was placed in the foster care system along with my little brother when I was around three years old. From a very young age, I had to learn to protect my heart and navigate the world without the strong support system many children take for granted. While others were learning to tie their shoes or read books, I was learning to figure out life on my own. Though this may seem like a sad beginning, I see it as the first step in shaping who I am today. I was lucky to be adopted by an amazing couple who raised my brother and me with love, guidance, and stability. For the first time, we experienced what a family truly felt like. However, life soon challenged us again when my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. We spent years in hospitals, surgeries, and appointments, hoping for good news. Her strength and love taught me how to stay resilient and care deeply for others. Even after her passing, I have carried the lessons she taught me about compassion, patience, and the importance of being present for those who need support. A few years later, my dad married my stepmom, Lauren. At first, I resisted the changes this brought to our family, but I eventually realized how much happiness she gave my dad and how much stability she added to our lives. Adjusting to these changes required patience and persistence, but over time, I learned that challenges can reveal strength and help us grow. These experiences taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of helping others, both emotionally and practically, when life becomes difficult. These lessons have shaped my goal of making a positive impact on my community after receiving my degree or certification. I plan to use my experiences to support and uplift others who have faced similar challenges. I hope to work in environments where I can mentor, guide, and provide emotional support to children and young adults who may be in foster care or facing significant life changes. I also want to create programs that provide stability and encouragement, showing young people that even through hardship, growth and success are possible. My life has shown me that helping others, persevering through challenges, and remaining compassionate are deeply connected. By pursuing my education and sharing my knowledge and experiences, I hope to empower others to face their difficulties with resilience and confidence, ultimately creating a stronger, more supportive community.

Throughout my life, I have demonstrated helpfulness by supporting those around me, particularly my family. Growing up, I experienced loss and instability, but being adopted into a loving family taught me the value of care and compassion. I have always tried to extend that same support to others, whether by helping my younger brother navigate challenges or offering emotional support to friends during difficult times. After my mom’s passing, I made a conscious effort to stay positive for my family, helping my dad and stepmom adjust and keeping our household grounded despite our grief. I learned that helpfulness isn’t just about completing tasks—it’s about being present, patient, and emotionally available when people need you most, even in small ways like listening or offering encouragement. Persistence and perseverance have also played a central role in my life. Losing my mom and adjusting to new family dynamics was incredibly difficult, but I kept pushing forward, focusing on my education, personal growth, and family relationships. One clear example of perseverance is my transition from public school to Catholic school. This change required adjusting to new routines, expectations, and social environments. At first, it was overwhelming, but by staying committed, practicing patience, and continuing to work hard, I began to thrive academically and socially. Over time, I learned to embrace change rather than fear it, understanding that challenges can reveal our strength and resilience in ways I could not have imagined. Even in everyday moments, persistence has helped me grow. I have always loved writing but struggled to write about myself. I found it easier to focus on facts or stories from books, but over time I practiced reflecting on my own experiences and feelings. Through this persistence, I learned to express my thoughts and emotions clearly, turning a challenge into an opportunity for growth and self-understanding. Writing about my experiences has allowed me to better understand myself and share my perspective with others, which I see as a way of helping others connect with their own challenges. These experiences have shown me that being helpful and persevering through difficulties are deeply connected. Supporting others often requires patience, resilience, and empathy, while overcoming personal challenges teaches me how to care for those around me more effectively. Every challenge I’ve faced, from family loss to personal growth, has strengthened my character and revealed who I truly am. By choosing to face life’s difficulties while helping others along the way, I have learned that success is not only measured by personal achievement but also by the ways we lift up those around us and make a positive impact in their lives.

I have always loved writing, but writing about myself has never come easily. We are told it shouldn’t be hard because we know ourselves best—but is that always true? Speaking from personal experience, I’m not sure I truly know myself. I would much rather write a research paper filled with facts than pull something meaningful from my own heart. I could list accomplishments, but I want to focus on one of my favorite books. The Fault in Our Stars is a story I return to over and over. No matter how many new books I buy, I always circle back to my torn-up copy, every page highlighted and marked with notes that grow more meaningful as I get older. The best way to introduce the parts of my life that have shaped me is with my favorite quote from the book: “You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world...but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices.” Hurt has been present in my life since I was little. Everyone experiences pain differently, but mine began with loss. I was born in a house that wasn’t ready to be a home—born to a father and mother, but not a mom and dad. I was placed for adoption with my little brother at age three. While others were learning to tie their shoes and read books, I was learning to figure things out on my own and protect my heart. Though this may seem sad, I see it as the first step in my journey. I was lucky to be adopted by an amazing couple who raised me and my brother with love and care. For the first time, we got to experience what a family truly felt like. Life finally seemed steady—until it wasn’t. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and fought a long, difficult battle. We spent countless days in hospitals and doctor’s offices, hoping for good news. Her strength taught me how to love deeply and stay strong. When she passed away, a new chapter began. Even though we were “prepared,” no one is truly ready to lose someone they love. I felt unsettled, like the world had shifted beneath me, and I became guarded again. A few years later, my dad met my now stepmom, Lauren. At first, I resisted the changes she brought, but over time, I realized how much happiness she gave my dad—and eventually, our family. I switched from public school to Catholic school, and slowly, my life began to turn around. Looking back, Lauren was probably the best thing that could have happened to us. We were broken, and she helped piece us back together. We don’t always get along, but I believe she was a gift my mom somehow sent. I miss my mom every day, but everything that has happened has shaped who I am. Writing about myself becomes easier when I focus on the people and moments that made me who I am. The Fault in Our Stars says, “Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you.” Every loss, every change, and every act of love has revealed the person I’m becoming—and for that, I am endlessly grateful.