My father's ALS diagnosis has reshaped every part of my life. Watching him lose the ability to do the things he loves—like swimming with me in Grand Traverse Bay or beating me on the tennis court—has been heartbreaking. Yet as a family, we refuse to let ALS define our lives. Instead, we adapt, include everyone, and move forward together. We constantly remind ourselves that we cannot change the cards we were dealt, but we can choose how we play them, and that belief has guided us through every difficult moment. To manage the stress and sadness of these changes, I turned to yoga. What began as a coping strategy evolved into a passion that led me to complete a yoga certification course during my Spring 2025 academic year. Yoga strengthened my emotional well‑being, taught me mindfulness, and gave me tools to stay grounded when fear or grief felt overwhelming. It became the place where I could breathe, reconnect with myself, and gain the strength to show up for my dad with patience and love. Through this practice, I found a supportive community that reminded me I wasn't alone in navigating life's unexpected challenges. I hope to share these techniques with caregivers facing similar emotional burdens, especially those supporting loved ones with ALS. Living through my dad's diagnosis has also shaped my academic and career goals. It helped me understand the importance of stability, financial literacy, and long‑term planning—things that become crucial when illness enters a family. This is why I am pursuing a Master's degree in Accounting at Michigan State University, with the goal of becoming a CPA. A career in accounting will provide both financial security and the flexibility to balance professional responsibilities with my family's needs. It will allow me to support my parents, care for my future family, and build a stable foundation despite life's unpredictability. This scholarship would directly support my ability to complete my Master's degree by easing the financial burden of tuition and reducing my need to work excessive hours while in school, as I am paying for my Master's degree with my own funds. With this support, I can focus fully on my courses, complete the required CPA‑track credits, and participate in internships that will open doors in the field. Most importantly, it will give me the time I need to be present for my dad and mom during this chapter of our lives. By continuing my education and building a future rooted in stability and purpose, I am choosing courage, resilience, and hope as I continue playing the hand I was dealt.

Unfortunately, my father’s diagnosis of ALS has affected my life greatly. But as a family, we are committed to living through the diagnosis, not letting the diagnosis define our lives. Watching my dad struggle to stand and not being able to do the things that gave him so much joy makes my heart ache, like swimming with me in Grand Traverse Bay or beating me on the tennis court during a spirited match. But with these changes in his physical abilities, we are committed to inclusion and adaptation on our family outings and adventures. No one is left behind in our family, and we are playing the hand we were dealt. I have turned to yoga to help me manage my stress and sadness with these changes, so I can be the best person I can be when I am with my dad. This love of yoga personally led me to enroll in a yoga certification course during my Spring 2025 academic year. The journey was not only transformative for my physical health but also profoundly enriching for my mental and emotional well-being. Before diving into yoga, I struggled with managing stress and anxiety, both of which often felt overwhelming. However, yoga introduced me to a healthier, more mindful approach to life, providing me with tools to reduce stress and better cope with my emotions. It became a sanctuary, where each practice allowed me to breathe more deeply, calm my mind, and reconnect with myself. This experience has significantly improved my mental health. I now have a greater sense of self-awareness and inner peace, something that was once elusive. Yoga helped me cultivate a deeper understanding of my body and mind, fostering a sense of confidence that I never fully had before. As I learned physical postures, I also realized how interconnected my thoughts and emotions are with my physical well-being. This realization has been empowering, and I have come to trust myself more than ever. Additionally, yoga has helped me build meaningful connections with others. The yoga community is one of inclusiveness and support, where people come together not just for physical exercise, but for shared growth. I have learned the importance of collaboration, patience, and empathy, and these values have enriched both my personal and professional life. I feel more connected to the people around me and confident in my ability to foster positive relationships. The personal development I have experienced through yoga extends beyond the mat. I have become more resilient in the face of adversity, better able to manage life’s challenges with grace and clarity. I want to help others, like ALS caregivers, by sharing yoga practices to improve both their physical and mental well-being. This scholarship will allow me to continue my studies in Accounting at MSU. Through our battle as a family with ALS, I have reshaped my approach to education, career, and family time. I understand that a college education helps me access quality healthcare and achieve financial independence. Life is unpredictable, and education is a tool that will help me support myself, care for my future family, and serve as a resource for my parents as we navigate this difficult journey together.