"It takes strength to forgive, but I don't feel strong." - The Grudge. I am an extremely sensitive person. I overthink most things, and I remember every single negative thing someone has ever told me. High school was a rough period of time. I was consistently degraded in my own friend group, and I was constantly excluded by my cousins. No matter what I was experiencing, I had Olivia's music to turn to. My best friend as a teenager wanted me to fail. She wanted to lower my confidence to rock bottom, even writing me a note outlining every flaw or bad quality that I had. She made me feel as if I had no worth and as if I was not capable of pursuing the career of my dreams. I believed that I wasn't good enough and that I would always be in her shadow. She wanted me to feel inferior so that she could feel superior. Growing up as an only child, I wanted nothing more than to be friends with my cousins, who were exactly my age. I remember being so excited to go on a family vacation with them, only to look back and wish I hadn't gone. Every time I sat with them at a meal, they got up and moved to another table. Every time I tried to go shop with them, or do the same activity, they stepped over me and left me in tears. They treated me as if I wasn't worthy to be in their presence. In times where I was hurt socially, Olivia's music served as a place of comfort. The Grudge was immediately my favorite song on GUTS, and even my favorite song out of Olivia's incredible discography. Olivia explained exactly I experienced as an adolescent that faced bullying. Many teenagers struggle to find their place and find friends that will support them, and The Grudge captures that experience. As an introvert in a community of extroverts, I thought my voice was forever going to be overshadowed and never going to be heard. I was stuck in the silence. Due to the influence of people like Olivia Rodrigo, I have learned that being quiet doesn't equate to being silent, and that my voice deserves to be heard. The volume of my voice doesn't change its worth and value. As a college student, I have moved past these difficult experiences, but I still have a hard time fully forgiving. It is an ongoing battle to let go of the past, and Olivia perfectly describes that in The Grudge. It takes an incredibly strong person to forgive, and I don't feel like a strong person. Forgiveness is something that I am actively working towards, but it isn't as simple as it seems. I'm not sure I'm at my strongest point yet, but that is a challenge that I will overcome. One day, I will feel that strength of forgiveness and let go of The Grudge that I have been holding onto. It was Olivia's music that, for the first time, allowed me to feel heard. I found an outlet of music I could relate to and turn to in times of struggle. I am very close to Olivia's age, and in a sense, this allowed me to grow up alongside her and her lyricism. I am incredibly blessed to call myself a "Livie" and to have been able to attend both the Sour and Guts tours. Olivia Rodrigo is my teenage dream.

"It takes strength to forgive, but I don't feel strong." - The Grudge I am an extremely sensitive person. I overthink most things, and I remember every single negative thing someone has ever told me. High school was a rough period of time. I was consistently degraded in my own friend group, and I was constantly excluded by my cousins. No matter what I was experiencing, I had Olivia's music to turn to. My best friend as a teenager wanted me to fail. She wanted to lower my confidence to rock bottom, even writing me a note outlining every flaw or bad quality that I had. She made me feel as if I had no worth and as if I was not capable of pursuing the career of my dreams. I believed that I wasn't good enough and that I would always be in her shadow. She wanted me to feel inferior so that she could feel superior. Growing up as an only child, I wanted nothing more than to be friends with my cousins, who were exactly my age. I remember being so excited to go on a family vacation with them, only to look back and wish I hadn't gone. Every time I sat with them at a meal, they got up and moved to another table. Every time I tried to go shop with them, or do the same activity, they stepped over me and left me in tears. They treated me as if I wasn't worthy to be in their presence. In times where I was hurt socially, Olivia's music served as a place of comfort. The Grudge was immediately my favorite song on GUTS, and even my favorite song out of Olivia's incredible discography. Olivia explained exactly I experienced as an adolescent that faced bullying. Many teenagers struggle to find their place and find friends that will support them, and The Grudge captures that experience. As an introvert in a community of extroverts, I thought my voice was forever going to be overshadowed and never going to be heard. I was stuck in the silence. Due to the influence of people like Olivia Rodrigo, I have learned that being quiet doesn't equate to being silent, and that my voice deserves to be heard. The volume of my voice doesn't change its worth and value. As a college student, I have moved past these difficult experiences, but I still have a hard time fully forgiving. It is an ongoing battle to let go of the past, and Olivia perfectly describes that in The Grudge. It takes an incredibly strong person to forgive, and I don't feel like a strong person. Forgiveness is something that I am actively working towards, but it isn't as simple as it seems. I'm not sure I'm at my strongest point yet, but that is a challenge that I will overcome. One day, I will feel that strength of forgiveness and let go of The Grudge that I have been holding onto. It was Olivia's music that, for the first time, allowed me to feel heard. I found an outlet of music I could relate to and turn to in times of struggle. I am very close to Olivia's age, and in a sense, this allowed me to grow up alongside her and her lyricism. I am incredibly blessed to call myself a "Livie" and to have been able to attend both the Sour and Guts tours. Olivia Rodrigo is my teenage dream.

My first concert is a memory that I will never forget, and is a night that I have held with me for over ten years. As I finished up my third grade year and simultaneously celebrated my ninth birthday, I found out that I was accepted into the Gifted and Talented Education Program in my county. In a moment I will forever reminisce on, my parents surprised me with tickets to see Selena Gomez at her Stars Dance Tour back in 2013. To say I was thrilled would be a vast understatement. I was, and still am, a huge fan of Selena's music, acting, and of her overall character. I couldn't believe that I would get to see her in concert, and actually have the opportunity to meet her and take a picture with her. I counted down the days, and the show did not disappoint. It was my first time in a large concert venue, and I was blown away. My family and I were able to individually take photos with Selena, and my photo is incredibly special to me. I was starstruck and was insanely nervous to talk to her. She gave the warmest hug and made me feel at east by saying I smelled good. Bath & Body Works hand sanitizers for the win! To this day, I am so thankful that younger Kristen had Selena Gomez to look up to as a role model. We ate dinner at Pizza Hut inside the center, and I still laugh about how a pizza place ran out of cheese, one of the primary ingredients for a pizza. Her concert was absolutely fabulous, and she put on such a great show. It was this tour that sparked my love for concerts, and that night truly changed my life. My favorite concert memory is one that I still cannot believe happened. On July 1, 2023, I experienced the best concert of my life: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. After spending 8 hours in The Great War of Ticketmaster, I was thrilled to not have a cruel summer and to spend the best day in a stadium full of Swifties. Taylor Swift is forever my favorite music artist, and I was also thrilled that Gracie Abrams would be the opener. I have loved Gracie since I was introduced to her in 2022 at Olivia Rodrigo's Sour Tour, and I was so excited to see her again. There were threats of bad weather in the Cincinnati area, but Taylor is a real tough kid, and she moved up the start time an hour to try and prioritize safety. While I completely understand the decision, I was extremely disappointed to hear that Gracie's opening set had been cancelled. After a few minutes of sadness, I quickly set my focus on Taylor. The Eras Tour was perfect in every way. The production, the songs, and Taylor's performances were truly top tier. I had completely forgotten about Gracie's cancelled set until Taylor didn't immediately head toward her guitar after her first surprise song with Aaron Dessner. As Taylor spoke in the microphone, I knew something big was happening. She always goes to the piano, but this time she didn't. I was in complete shock as Taylor brought out Gracie to sing "I Miss You, I'm Sorry." Seeing both of my favorite artist perform together was indescribable. It was the most beautiful performance, and was truly the highlight of my year. Taylor and Gracie's friendship inspires me greatly, and I can't believe I got to hear them perform together before their first official collaboration song. Long Live TayGracie!

Math has always been one of my favorite subjects. I found reassurance in solving for X, as I understood exactly what steps I needed to take to find and check my answer. When I found out that I was accepted into the Governor’s Scholars Program for the summer of 2021, I knew immediately the focus area that I wanted to pursue. I was ecstatic to discover that I was placed in the modes of mathematical thinking focus area, which would ultimately change my view on the subject forever. My focus area professor, who happened to be from the same county as me, emailed us and had if we had any suggestions on topics or ideas that we wanted to go over. I couldn’t think of anything specific, so I responded saying that I was up for anything he had planned. I entered the program expecting to dive deeper into calculus or statistic-based topics, but I was significantly off. We learned about mathematical patterns not only prevalent in formulas but also found in real-life situations. I will never forget our first day of the class where we were all lined up in a circle to play a pirate-based game. We were trying to discover the pattern to find the “last man standing” if we eliminated every other person in a continuous cycle. While this was also a perfect icebreaker game to allow us to get to know each other, this game was also significant in reflecting the significance of the journey of solving a mathematical problem. My teacher never specifically told us the correct formula or correct answer; instead, he showed us the path we should’ve taken to begin the process of solving. Through my five-week modes of mathematical thinking course, I was able to truly see how math surrounds us daily. I learned how to play poker and the risks involved in gambling, seeing how the odds are never in my favor. We analyzed different methods of voting to learn a variety of ways to collect data. We drew our tesselation art projects, and my group got to create a Harry Potter-themed poster. We learned how to “cheat”, or increase our chances of winning, a handful of common card and dice games. Mathematical concepts and patterns are everywhere, if only we open our eyes to seek them out. Math is so important because its foundational principles are everywhere. We rely on it throughout our daily lives, whether we are completing our taxes, cooking a meal, or even just driving our car. Even if we are learning a complex unit in our math class that doesn’t have a direct connection to something we will do in the future, the math still teaches us how to think critically and how to problem solve. It is arguably one of the most important classes we take throughout our educational careers. I love learning math because of the satisfaction I get when an answer is solved. It is so interesting to discover different formulas and patterns that always hold. In addition, it is especially enriching to see different concepts build off of each other as the math problems get increasingly more difficult. I established my tutoring service over two years ago, and math is my favorite subject to tutor. It is so inspiring to watch my peers have their lightbulb moment where all of the subject clicks and they can see everything align. Math is truly an incredible subject and I can’t wait to continue discovering new mathematical patterns throughout my college career.

Trembling and terrified, my eyes appeared to be watching as my fifth-grade social studies teacher taught us how to decipher and decode elements on a map, but my mind was elsewhere. I was consumed by apprehensive thoughts. The anxiety controlled me, I couldn’t stop the sneaky tears that rolled down my young face. Although it was quite early in the school day, I feared that my mom would run late in the pickup lane. I was irrationally scared of abandonment, but more importantly, I was worried about the small possibility of something happening to my mom at the time we were separated. Of course, I denied my teacher’s recognition that something was wrong. Everybody’s eyes water when they have hiccups, right? Although I could’ve found reassurance in advice from my teacher, who was well aware of my encompassing anxiety, I forced myself to learn self-reliance and independence. Anxiety is not something that can be instantaneously fixed. A simple change cannot be made that will automatically make everything better. I had to learn that small progressions in controlling my anxiety are something that should be celebrated. Even though my anxiety has taken away the joy from some experiences, I have learned so much about myself amid the battle. I can see my resilience, passion, determination, and work ethic. I don’t let my lingering anxiety deter me from reaching a goal that I have set for myself. I don’t let my anxiety stop me from living my life the way I desire. My anxiety led me to find my purpose. I want to be there for future students like my past teachers have been there for me during my lowest moments. They have built me up, encouraging me that I am worthy and that I should keep fighting. My teachers have talked me down when I am on the verge of a breakdown. I dream of becoming someone my future students can depend on and can trust to come to when they are struggling. I want to use my experience with anxiety to help carry the burden of mental health that so many adolescents are continuously carrying. I desire to become a changemaker. I want to show my future students that mental health is something they don’t need to shy away from or be ashamed of. I will be open and vulnerable about my anxiety to make struggling students feel more comfortable being genuine and honest in conversations. Most importantly, I learned to put my faith in my religion. I believe that God has a plan for my life and, therefore, the lives of the people I loved. He would protect my mom and family from anything that wasn’t explicitly part of His plan. I found comfort in giving my worries to Him, which was significantly transformative in the decreasing extent of my anxiety. I realized how much I wanted to be in control of everything. I wanted to be able to protect my loved ones from any harm in this sometimes dark world. I wanted to have the control to handle everything and know exactly where I was going to end up. The power of discovering my faith in the Lord was life-changing. I was freed of the burden of seeking perfection. Ultimately, I was able to learn how to handle apprehensive thoughts and prevent them from controlling my mind. I realized how much stronger I was and how I shouldn’t allow myself to let my anxiety take hold of my life. I am more than my anxiety. I am strong.

Without a doubt, my favorite song on Taylor Swift’s ‘1989’ album is “Out of the Woods.” On March 21, 2023, I faced the day that I prayed would never happen, the day that I said goodbye to my grandfather. As I struggled with the grief of losing one of my favorite people, I was able to find comfort in the lyrics of Taylor Swift's songs, and “Out of the Woods” quickly became one of those. “The rest of the world was black and white, but we were in screaming color.” During the spring 2023 semester, I took an honors class focused on nature. In January, one of our first assignments was to walk to Matthews Garden and write a reflection about what we encountered. In the middle of winter, the garden was dull, filled with fallen brown leaves and unblossomed plants. As I walked around the corner, I noticed a group of yellow flowers. I was reminded of my grandfather’s strength and resilience. At the time of writing this reflection, my grandfather was out of the hospital and was in his mountain home. No matter what wind blew his way, he remained unshaken, like those yellow flowers. After my grandfather passed, my grandfather’s brother showed me pictures of my grandfather’s garden, and it was full of those same yellow flowers. My grandfather brought color to my life, as he was always such a bright light. His love and impact on my life are symbolized through those yellow flowers. “I walked out, I said ‘I’m setting you free.’ But the monsters turned out to be just trees. When the sun came up, you were looking at me.” Leaving the hospital after my grandfather passed was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I had lost an important role model and inspiration in my life. I couldn’t imagine my life without him and our memories. Over the past year, my grandpa faced many medical problems. He handled them with pure strength, but there is comfort in knowing that he is free and healed in heaven. He is no longer suffering. I also know that he is still with me everywhere I go. Every day when the sun comes up, he is looking down on me from heaven. The memories that we made together are ones that I will hold with me forevermore. I had the time of my life with my grandfather. “Are we out of the woods yet?” While my grandfather made it out of the woods into a better place, I am still in the woods. I am still anxiously weaving my way through the trees and all of the obstacles I experience. But, I know that I am not alone, as my grandfather is always by my side, helping me get through the woods and handle all of the situations that come my way. As she sings about losing her grandmother, “I know better, but you’re still around.” I know that my grandfather will always be with me, and I am immensely blessed to call myself his granddaughter. Taylor Swift’s phenomenal songwriting abilities have given me the strength to keep going despite any hardships I experience. “Out of the Woods” will always be my favorite of ‘1989’ because of the way I was able to lean on this song for comfort after I lost my grandfather. No matter how treacherous the travel may become, there is strength and power in knowing that I am facing the woods with my grandfather by my side. He will always be my yellow flower.

To me, Disney represents the light at the end of the tunnel. Driving through the welcome gates of Walt Disney World is like entering a whole new world, an escape from reality. When I was two-years-old, I saw a commercial for the Happiest Place on Earth, and instantly, I wanted to go. I asked my dad and, assuming I would forget, told me that he would take me when I turned five. On my fifth birthday, I asked him when our trip would be. A couple of months later, I took my first trip to Disney World, and from that moment on, Disney was my second home. As I got older and my worries matured from who I was going to play with at recess to how I was going to balance my academic course load with being a competitive dancer and holding a part-time job, Disney represented an outlet of tranquility and pure joy. Throughout my high school career, my family vacationed at Disney once a year, and that week was always magical. This trip not only gave me something to look forward to, but it encouraged me to get through periods where I was overwhelmed, knowing that I would soon see the light. I was a competitive dancer for fourteen years growing up, and while I no longer compete, I still return to my dance studio biweekly to teach and assist younger dancers. At my studio, every senior gets a senior solo to perform in the main recital, but the song choice/theme is completely up to them. I had never cut music before, but I knew that I wanted to dedicate my dance to Disney. I spent hours working to create my “Happily Ever After” themed routine, combining the messages and songs from the fireworks show. That dance will forever be my favorite routine I’ve ever done. Disney cast members make me feel included, welcomed, and appreciated. On one of my first Disney trips, I attended Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party dressed as Princess Tiana, and I will never forget the cast member that came up to younger me and asked for my autograph. I will never forget how special I felt this past May when I wore a birthday button to the parks, and I was celebrated by countless cast members and was even given a free cupcake during our dining reservation at Crystal Palace. I will never forget Big Al giving my mom a magical moment in Magic Kingdom, giving her a free churro for our family to enjoy. My favorite thing about Disney is truly the magic it provides to everyone. I plan to apply for the Disney College Program before I graduate college so that I can help make magic for future Mouseketeers. Disney has become more than a place to me, as it has touched my life in so many ways. I listen to Disney music daily. Wearing Spirit Jerseys has become my uniform for attending classes. Disney characters inspire me to become a better version of myself. At the end of senior year, I was announced as the winner of my county’s Superintendent's Award, which meant that I was chosen to give the commencement speech at graduation. To this day, I strive to live by the Disney wisdom that I shared with my classmates. “And so, our journey comes to an end. But yours continues on. Grab ahold of your dreams and make them come true. For you are the key to unlocking your own magic. Now go. Let your dreams guide you. Reach out and find your Happily Ever After.”

Trembling and terrified, my eyes appeared to be watching as my fifth-grade social studies teacher taught us how to decipher and decode elements on a map, but my mind was elsewhere. I was consumed by apprehensive thoughts. The anxiety controlled me, I couldn’t stop the sneaky tears that rolled down my young face. Although it was quite early in the school day, I feared that my mom would run late in the pickup lane. I was irrationally scared of abandonment, but more importantly, I was worried about the small possibility of something happening to my mom in the time we were separated. Of course, I denied my teacher’s recognition that something was wrong. Everybody’s eyes water when they have hiccups, right? Although I could’ve found reassurance in advice from my teacher, who was well aware of my encompassing anxiety, I forced myself to learn self-reliance and independence. Anxiety is not something that can be instantaneously fixed. A simple change cannot be made that will automatically make everything better. I had to learn that small progressions in controlling my anxiety is something that should be celebrated. Even though my anxiety has taken away the joy from some experiences, I have learned so much about myself in the midst of the battle. I can see my resilience, passion, determination, and work ethic. I don’t let my lingering anxiety deter me from reaching a goal that I have set myself. I don’t let my anxiety stop me from living my life the way I desire. My anxiety led me to find my purpose. I want to be there for future students like my past teachers have been there for me during my lowest moments. They have built me up, encouraging me that I am worthy and that I should keep fighting. My teachers have talked me down when I am on the verge of a breakdown. I dream of becoming someone my future students can depend on and can trust to come to when they are struggling. I want to use my experience with anxiety to help carry the burden of mental health that so many adolescents are continuously carrying. I desire to become a changemaker. I want to show my future students that mental health is something they don’t need to shy away from or be ashamed of. I will be open and vulnerable about my anxiety to make struggling students feel more comfortable being genuine and honest in conversations. Most importantly, I learned to put my faith in my religion. I believe that God has a plan for my life and, therefore, the lives of the people I loved. He would protect my mom and family from anything that wasn’t explicitly part of His plan. I found comfort in giving my worries to Him, which was significantly transformative in the decreasing extent of my anxiety. I realized how much I wanted to be in control of everything. I wanted to be able to protect my loved ones from any harm in this sometimes dark world. I wanted to have the control to handle everything and know exactly where I was going to end up. The power of discovering my faith in the Lord was life-changing. I was freed of the burden of seeking perfection. Ultimately, I was able to learn how to handle apprehensive thoughts and prevent them from controlling my mind. I realized how much stronger I was and how I shouldn’t allow myself to let my anxiety take hold of my life. I am more than my anxiety. I am strong.

A healthy lifestyle grounds me when life becomes overwhelming and waves of business and chaos attempts to knock me off my feet. I am energized by the nutritious food I am consuming and I am restored by the exercise I complete daily. Staying healthy is a priority for me so that I can be physically and mentally present for the people and events that I desire to show up for. I absolutely hate waking up early in the mornings. As a night owl, I would love to have a schedule where I could go to bed late and wake up late, but that is not a realistic possibility for my future. To gain the energy to get over the hump of the morning blues, I always start off my morning with a banana or a bowl of strawberries. Breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day that I try my best to not miss. In addition, the food that I put into my body will determine how I feel for the rest of the day. I have found that eating junk food will make me feel heavy and lazy, while eating organic or healthier foods will give me the energy that I desire. I will always choose water over a sugary soda in any setting. Nothing compares to the taste of ice cold water after practicing dances or spending time in the hot sun. I have been a member of a competitive dance team at my local studio for the past fourteen years. Balancing a heavy dance schedule with the weight of rigorous academic responsibilities was not an easy task. I was exercising for hours each night, which restored me for the following morning. I was able to work hard in dancing and forget about the stress of the world outside of the studio doors. I kept my body active, conditioned, and stretched. Dancing was my way of getting through the long days. In college, it will be up to me to find a new way to truly embody my best self. I won’t be a member of a competition team, so I plan to take the initiative to go to the gym or find a new way to workout on my campus. I will seek out food in the dining hall that will energize me for the day to come. I will be discovering my own healthy lifestyle.

A healthy lifestyle grounds me when life becomes overwhelming and waves of business and chaos attempts to knock me off my feet. I am energized by the nutritious food I am consuming and I am restored by the exercise I complete daily. Staying healthy is a priority for me so that I can be physically and mentally present for the people and events that I desire to show up for. I absolutely hate waking up early in the mornings. As a night owl, I would love to have a schedule where I could go to bed late and wake up late, but that is not a realistic possibility for my future. To gain the energy to get over the hump of the morning blues, I always start off my morning with a banana or a bowl of strawberries. Breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day that I try my best to not miss. In addition, the food that I put into my body will determine how I feel for the rest of the day. I have found that eating junk food will make me feel heavy and lazy, while eating organic or healthier foods will give me the energy that I desire. I have been a member of a competitive dance team at my local studio for the past fourteen years. Balancing a heavy dance schedule with the weight of rigorous academic responsibilities was not an easy task. I was exercising for hours each night, which restored me for the following morning. I was able to work hard in dancing and forget about the stress of the world outside of the studio doors. I kept my body active, conditioned, and stretched. Dancing was my way of getting through the long days. In college, it will be up to me to find a new way to truly embody my best self. I won’t be a member of a competition team, so I plan to take initiative to go to the gym or find a new way to workout on my campus. I will seek out food in the dining hall that will energize me for the day to come. I will be discovering my own healthy lifestyle.

For as long as I can remember, my family has called my house “a zoo.” I have grown up alongside both cats and dogs who will forever hold a special place in my heart. In particular, I admire the loyalty and compassion that my dogs have continuously shown me. They are always by the door to greet me when I get home. They are always by my side, no matter what. I love dogs because of the pure love they have shown me. Their heart loves unconditionally. My parents and I recently adopted a rescue puppy named Luna. Just a couple hours after adoption, she and I were already close. The love that Luna showed in a short amount of time inspires me to show that same grace to other people. I’ll never forget the day that my mom and I decided to run an errand to PetSmart. It was a seemingly normal day, but it would ultimately change my life. As we walked in, they had an adoption booth outside the store with multiple dogs. One American Eskimo caught our attention and I knew in my heart that we couldn’t leave without him. Upon reading his description, we learned that his name was Marty and he was rescued from an abusive household. My heart longed to show him the love that he was deprived of. I called my dad, ready to present my argument of reasons why Marty needed to come home with us. I couldn’t believe it when his immediate answer without any convincing was yes. He knew in his heart too that Marty belonged with us. Marty fit right into our zoo. He was gentle with our cats, yet playful with our other dogs. He was friendly and sweet - the epitome of a perfect pup. He loved to eat cheese and had the most high pitched bark. One day our backyard gate was left open while Marty was outside. Our other two dogs ran off down the street to explore new yards. Marty didn’t. Instead, Marty ran to our front porch and barked until we opened the door. He helped us act quickly to find our other two dogs before they were lost or hurt. My heart broke on the day that I was told he was diagnosed with lymphoma and only had 6-9 months left to live. We have a wonderful vet in our community who went above and beyond to care for our Marty. It was because of him that Marty gave us 11 months of quality time after his diagnosis. Through chemo and a plethora of vet appointments, our Marty never gave up. He continued to smile and care for his humans. Even when he didn’t have the best day, he showed us so much love. He didn’t stop fighting when things got tough. Marty was there for me in more ways than I can count. Marty inspires me greatly to stay resilient and kind. He looked out for me and my family. His influence and legacy lives on. I will forever miss my sweet Marty, but I know he is in heaven having so much fun chasing squirrels. He was truly the best dog a girl could ever ask for.

For as long as I can remember, my family has called my house “a zoo.” I have grown up alongside both cats and dogs who will forever hold a special place in my heart. In particular, I admire the loyalty and compassion that my dogs have continuously shown me. They are always by the door to greet me when I get home. They are always by my side, no matter what. I love dogs because of the pure love they have shown me. Their heart loves unconditionally. My parents and I recently adopted a rescue puppy named Luna. Just a couple hours after adoption, she and I were best friends. The love that Luna showed in a short amount of time inspires me to show that same grace to other people. I’ll never forget the day that my mom and I decided to run an errand to PetSmart. It was a seemingly normal day, but it would ultimately change my life. As we walked in, they had an adoption booth outside the store with multiple dogs. One American Eskimo caught our attention and I knew in my heart that we couldn’t leave without him. Upon reading his description, we learned that his name was Marty and he was rescued from an abusive household. My heart longed to show him the love that he was deprived of. I called my dad, ready to present my argument of reasons why Marty needed to come home with us. I couldn’t believe it when his immediate answer without any convincing was yes. He knew in his heart too that Marty belonged with us. Marty fit right into our zoo. He was gentle with our cats, yet playful with our other dogs. He was friendly and sweet - the epitome of a perfect pup. He loved to eat cheese and had the most high pitched bark. One day our backyard gate was left open while Marty was outside. Our other two dogs ran off down the street to explore new yards. Marty didn’t. Instead, Marty ran to our front porch and barked until we opened the door. He helped us act quickly to find our other two dogs before they were lost or hurt. My heart broke on the day that I was told he was diagnosed with lymphoma and only had 6-9 months left to live. We have a wonderful vet in our community who went above and beyond to care for our Marty. It was because of him that Marty gave us 11 months of quality time after his diagnosis. Through chemo and a plethora of vet appointments, our Marty never gave up. He continued to smile and care for his humans. Even when he didn’t have the best day, he showed us so much love. He didn’t stop fighting when things got tough. Marty was there for me in more ways than I can count. Marty inspires me greatly to stay resilient and kind. He looked out for me and my family. His influence and legacy lives on. I will forever miss my sweet Marty, but I know he is in heaven having so much fun chasing squirrels. He was truly the best dog a girl could ever ask for.

For as long as I can remember, my family has called my house “a zoo.” I have grown up alongside both cats and dogs who will forever hold a special place in my heart. In particular, I admire the loyalty and compassion that my dogs have continuously shown me. They are always by the door to greet me when I get home. They are always by my side, no matter what. I love dogs because of the pure love they have shown me. Their heart loves unconditionally. My parents and I recently adopted a rescue puppy named Luna. Just a couple hours after adoption, she and I were best friends. The love that Luna showed in a short amount of time inspires me to show that same grace to other people. I’ll never forget the day that my mom and I decided to run an errand to PetSmart. It was a seemingly normal day, but it would ultimately change my life. As we walked in, they had an adoption booth outside the store with multiple dogs. One American Eskimo caught our attention and I knew in my heart that we couldn’t leave without him. Upon reading his description, we learned that his name was Marty and he was rescued from an abusive household. My heart longed to show him the love that he was deprived of. I called my dad, ready to present my argument of reasons why Marty needed to come home with us. I couldn’t believe it when his immediate answer without any convincing was yes. He knew in his heart too that Marty belonged with us. Marty fit right into our zoo. He was gentle with our cats, yet playful with our other dogs. He was friendly and sweet - the epitome of a perfect pup. He loved to eat cheese and had the most high pitched bark. One day our backyard gate was left open while Marty was outside. Our other two dogs ran off down the street to explore new yards. Marty didn’t. Instead, Marty ran to our front porch and barked until we opened the door. He helped us act quickly to find our other two dogs before they were lost or hurt. My heart broke on the day that I was told he was diagnosed with lymphoma and only had 6-9 months left to live. We have a wonderful vet in our community who went above and beyond to care for our Marty. It was because of him that Marty gave us 11 months of quality time after his diagnosis. Through chemo and a plethora of vet appointments, our Marty never gave up. He continued to smile and care for his humans. Even when he didn’t have the best day, he showed us so much love. He didn’t stop fighting when things got tough. Marty was there for me in more ways than I can count. Marty inspires me greatly to stay resilient and kind. He looked out for me and my family. His influence and legacy lives on. I will forever miss my sweet Marty, but I know he is in heaven having so much fun chasing squirrels. He was truly the best dog a girl could ever ask for.

Without a doubt, if I had $1,000 right now, I would use it for college expenses. I am determined to graduate college with no debts and this money would go into funding that goal. I have been working tirelessly to apply for as many scholarships as I can. Even if I don’t win them, I feel better knowing that I did everything that I could. I was accepted into the Honors Program at the University of Kentucky, which is such an incredible opportunity. This program adds an extra $1,000 to the cost of tuition. I would use this scholarship to help fund this supplement to my education, as I know that the honors program will be tremendously impactful in shaping me into the student and person that I hope to become. College is such a beneficial experience and I am blessed to be able to attend the University of Kentucky this fall with a secondary social studies education major and admittance into the Lewis Honors Program. I am going to do everything in my power to earn scholarship money to help fund this next chapter of my life that will prepare me to become the compassionate and confident educator that I desire to become.

My name is Kristen Bailey and I am currently a senior at Woodford County High School. I plan to attend the University of Kentucky in the fall of 2022 with admittance to the Lewis Honors College and a secondary social studies education major. As I nervously walked into my Freshman Advisory class on my first day of high school, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bulletin board with a beautifully articulated quote by Mahatma Gandhi, which read, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Feelings of determination swept over me, as I realized that I could use my desire to serve others to make a positive impact on my community. How I would make a difference was something that I had yet to figure out. I never would have expected to discover my hidden passion that would directly alter my future career plans and ultimately change my life for the better. While anticipating the start of the Advisory one day, my teacher asked me if I could help my classmate with his math homework. I had no idea that my teacher’s simple question would be the spark I needed in order to make my impact. After helping a student solve one algebraic problem, I knew in my heart that I had finally found my purpose. I began to volunteer daily within a mathematics hive period, which was a time of enrichment where students could sign up for a teacher’s class that they were struggling with. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of high school, I created my own tutoring service. I was helping students of all ages in math, social studies, science, English, and even Spanish. I spent every free second I had at the library, their house, or staying late in a classroom to pour all of my love onto these students. I was constantly developing practice tests and problems that would reinforce or strengthen what they were learning. The impact that a positive mentor can have on a student is indescribable, and I want to spend my life changing the lives of others for the better. As tutoring went from being my passion to becoming my purpose, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in education. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a dedicated and supportive advocate for my future students. As an educator, my goal will be to change lives. The influence of a good teacher can never truly be erased. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. My priority will be reflecting warmth and inclusivity, showing every student that they are worthy of learning and that they matter. It is essential that students feel supported as learners, as that will give them the confidence to show dedication to their academic success. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and flexibility to bring the good out of them. I will become an agent of change, helping students grow academically and personally. I am driven to become an educator that will help future students blossom into the best version of themselves possible. I am passionate about receiving my education so that I can become a changemaker in the lives of my future students. I will become a compassionate and confident educator for it is where my heart truly lies.

Trembling and terrified, my eyes appeared to be watching as my fifth-grade social studies teacher taught us how to decipher and decode elements on a map, but my mind was elsewhere. I was consumed by apprehensive thoughts. The anxiety controlled me, I couldn’t stop the sneaky tears that rolled down my young face. Although it was quite early in the school day, I feared that my mom would run late in the pickup lane. I was irrationally scared of abandonment, but more importantly, I was worried about the small possibility of something happening to my mom during the time we were separated. Of course, I denied my teacher’s recognition that something was wrong. Everybody’s eyes water when they have hiccups, right? Although I could’ve found reassurance in advice from my teacher, who was well aware of my encompassing anxiety, I forced myself to learn self-reliance and independence. Anxiety is not something that can be instantaneously fixed. A simple change cannot be made that will automatically make everything better. I had to learn that small progressions in controlling my anxiety are something that should be celebrated. Even though my anxiety has taken away the joy from some experiences, I have learned so much about myself in the midst of the battle. I can see my resilience, passion, determination, and work ethic. I don’t let my lingering anxiety deter me from reaching a goal that I have set myself. I don’t let my anxiety stop me from living my life the way I desire. My anxiety led me to find my purpose. I want to be there for future students like my past teachers have been there for me during my lowest moments. They have built me up, encouraging me that I am worthy and that I should keep fighting. My teachers have talked me down when I am on the verge of a breakdown. I dream of becoming someone my future students can depend on and can trust to come to when they are struggling. I want to use my experience with anxiety to help carry the burden of mental health that so many adolescents are continuously carrying. I desire to become a changemaker. I want to show my future students that mental health is something they don’t need to shy away from or be ashamed of. I will be open and vulnerable about my anxiety to make struggling students feel more comfortable being genuine and honest in conversations. Most importantly, I learned to put my faith in my religion. I believe that God has a plan for my life and, therefore, the lives of the people I loved. He would protect my mom and family from anything that wasn’t explicitly part of His plan. I found comfort in giving my worries to Him, which was significantly transformative in the decreasing extent of my anxiety. I realized how much I wanted to be in control of everything. I wanted to be able to protect my loved ones from any harm in this sometimes dark world. I wanted to have the control to handle everything and know exactly where I was going to end up. The power of discovering my faith in the Lord was life-changing. I was freed of the burden of seeking perfection. Ultimately, I was able to learn how to handle apprehensive thoughts and prevent them from controlling my mind. I realized how much stronger I was and how I shouldn’t allow myself to let my anxiety take hold of my life. I am more than my anxiety. I am strong.

Trembling and terrified, my eyes appeared to be watching as my fifth-grade social studies teacher taught us how to decipher and decode elements on a map, but my mind was elsewhere. I was consumed by apprehensive thoughts. The anxiety controlled me, I couldn’t stop the sneaky tears that rolled down my young face. Although it was quite early in the school day, I feared that my mom would run late in the pickup lane. I was irrationally scared of abandonment, but more importantly, I was worried about the small possibility of something happening to my mom during the time we were separated. Of course, I denied my teacher’s recognition that something was wrong. Everybody’s eyes water when they have hiccups, right? Although I could’ve found reassurance in advice from my teacher, who was well aware of my encompassing anxiety, I forced myself to learn self-reliance and independence. Anxiety is not something that can be instantaneously fixed. A simple change cannot be made that will automatically make everything better. I had to learn that small progressions in controlling my anxiety is something that should be celebrated. Even though my anxiety has taken away the joy from some experiences, I have learned so much about myself in the midst of the battle. I can see my resilience, passion, determination, and work ethic. I don’t let my lingering anxiety deter me from reaching a goal that I have set myself. I don’t let my anxiety stop me from living my life the way I desire. My anxiety led me to find my purpose. I want to be there for future students like my past teachers have been there for me during my lowest moments. They have built me up, encouraging me that I am worthy and that I should keep fighting. My teachers have talked me down when I am on the verge of a breakdown. I dream of becoming someone my future students can depend on and can trust to come to when they are struggling. I want to use my experience with anxiety to help carry the burden of mental health that so many adolescents are continuously carrying. I desire to become a changemaker. I want to show my future students that mental health is something they don’t need to shy away from or be ashamed of. I will be open and vulnerable about my anxiety to make struggling students feel more comfortable being genuine and honest in conversations. Most importantly, I learned to put my faith in my religion. I believe that God has a plan for my life and, therefore, the lives of the people I loved. He would protect my mom and family from anything that wasn’t explicitly part of His plan. I found comfort in giving my worries to Him, which was significantly transformative in the decreasing extent of my anxiety. I realized how much I wanted to be in control of everything. I wanted to be able to protect my loved ones from any harm in this sometimes dark world. I wanted to have the control to handle everything and know exactly where I was going to end up. The power of discovering my faith in the Lord was life-changing. I was freed of the burden of seeking perfection. Ultimately, I was able to learn how to handle apprehensive thoughts and prevent them from controlling my mind. I realized how much stronger I was and how I shouldn’t allow myself to let my anxiety take hold of my life. I am more than my anxiety. I am strong.

Trembling and terrified, my eyes appeared to be watching as my fifth-grade social studies teacher taught us how to decipher and decode elements on a map, but my mind was elsewhere. I was consumed by apprehensive thoughts. The anxiety controlled me, I couldn’t stop the sneaky tears that rolled down my young face. Although it was quite early in the school day, I feared that my mom would run late in the pickup lane. I was irrationally scared of abandonment, but more importantly, I was worried about the small possibility of something happening to my mom in the time we were separated. Of course, I denied my teacher’s recognition that something was wrong. Everybody’s eyes water when they have hiccups, right? Although I could’ve found reassurance in advice from my teacher, who was well aware of my encompassing anxiety, I forced myself to learn self-reliance and independence. Anxiety is not something that can be instantaneously fixed. A simple change cannot be made that will automatically make everything better. I had to learn that small progressions in controlling my anxiety are something that should be celebrated. Even though my anxiety has taken away the joy from some experiences, I have learned so much about myself in the midst of the battle. I can see my resilience, passion, determination, and work ethic. I don’t let my lingering anxiety deter me from reaching a goal that I have set myself. I don’t let my anxiety stop me from living my life the way I desire. My anxiety led me to find my purpose. I want to be there for future students like my past teachers have been there for me during my lowest moments. They have built me up, encouraging me that I am worthy and that I should keep fighting. My teachers have talked me down when I am on the verge of a breakdown. I dream of becoming someone my future students can depend on and can trust to come to when they are struggling. I want to use my experience with anxiety to help carry the burden of mental health that so many adolescents are continuously carrying. I desire to become a changemaker. I want to show my future students that mental health is something they don’t need to shy away from or be ashamed of. I will be open and vulnerable about my anxiety to make struggling students feel more comfortable being genuine and honest in conversations. Most importantly, I learned to put my faith in my religion. I believe that God has a plan for my life and, therefore, the lives of the people I loved. He would protect my mom and family from anything that wasn’t explicitly part of His plan. I found comfort in giving my worries to Him, which was significantly transformative in the decreasing extent of my anxiety. I realized how much I wanted to be in control of everything. I wanted to be able to protect my loved ones from any harm in this sometimes dark world. I wanted to have the control to handle everything and know exactly where I was going to end up. The power of discovering my faith in the Lord was life-changing. I was freed of the burden of seeking perfection. Ultimately, I was able to learn how to handle apprehensive thoughts and prevent them from controlling my mind. I realized how much stronger I was and how I shouldn’t allow myself to let my anxiety take hold of my life. I am more than my anxiety. I am strong.

Math has always been one of my favorite subjects. I found reassurance in solving for X, as I understood exactly what steps I needed to take to find and check my answer. When I found out that I was accepted into the Governor’s Scholars Program for the summer of 2021, I knew immediately the focus area that I wanted to pursue. I was ecstatic to discover that I was placed in the modes of the mathematical thinking focus area, which would ultimately change my view on the subject forever. My focus area professor, who happened to be from the same county as me, emailed us and had if we had any suggestions on topics or ideas that we wanted to go over. I couldn’t think of anything specific, so I responded by saying that I was up for anything he had planned. I entered the program expecting to dive deeper into calculus or statistic-based topics, but I was significantly off. We learned about mathematical patterns not only prevalent in formulas but also found in real-life situations. I will never forget our first day of the class when we were all lined up in a circle to play a pirate-based game. We were trying to discover the pattern to find the “last man standing” if we eliminated every other person in a continuous cycle. While this was also a perfect ice breaker game to allow us to get to know each other, this game was also significant in reflecting the significance of the journey of solving a mathematical problem. My teacher never specifically told us the correct formula or correct answer; instead, he showed us the path we should’ve taken to begin the process of solving. Through my five-week modes of mathematical thinking course, I was able to truly see how math surrounds us on a daily basis. I learned how to play poker and the risks involved in gambling, seeing how the odds are never in my favor. We analyzed different methods of voting to learn a variety of ways to collect data. We drew our own tesselation art projects, and my group got to create a Harry Potter-themed poster. We learned how to “cheat”, or increase our chances of winning, a handful of common card and dice games. Mathematical concepts and patterns are everywhere, if only we open our eyes to seek them out. Math is so important because its foundational principles are everywhere. We rely on it throughout our daily lives, whether we are completing our taxes, cooking a meal, or even just driving our car. Even if we are learning a complex unit in our math class that doesn’t have a direct connection to something we will do in the future, math still teaches us how to think critically and how to problem-solve. It is arguably one of the most important classes we take throughout our educational careers. I love learning math because of the satisfaction I get when an answer is solved. It is so interesting to discover different formulas and patterns that always hold true. In addition, it is especially enriching to see different concepts build off of each other as the math problems get increasingly more difficult. I established my own tutoring service over two years ago, and math is my favorite subject to tutor. It is so inspiring to watch my peers have their own lightbulb moment where all of the subjects click and they can see everything align. Math is truly an incredible subject and I can’t wait to continue discovering new mathematical patterns throughout my college career.

As I nervously walked into my Freshman Advisory class on my first day of high school, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bulletin board with a beautifully articulated quote by Mahatma Gandhi, which read, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Feelings of determination swept over me, as I realized that I could use my desire to serve others to make a positive impact on my community. How I would make a difference was something that I had yet to figure out. I never would have expected to discover my hidden passion that would directly alter my future career plans and ultimately change my life for the better. While anticipating the start of the Advisory one day, my teacher asked me if I could help my classmate with his math homework. I had no idea that my teacher’s simple question would be the spark I needed in order to make my impact. After helping a student solve one algebraic problem, I knew in my heart that I had finally found my purpose. I began to volunteer daily within a mathematics hive period, which was a time of enrichment where students could sign up for a teacher’s class that they were struggling with. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of high school, I created my own tutoring service. I was helping students of all ages in math, social studies, science, English, and even Spanish. I spent every free second I had at the library, their house, or staying late in a classroom to pour all of my love onto these students. I was constantly developing practice tests and problems that would reinforce or strengthen what they were learning. The impact that a positive mentor can have on a student is indescribable, and I want to spend my life changing the lives of others for the better. As tutoring went from being my passion to become my purpose, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in education. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a dedicated and supportive advocate for my future students. As an educator, my goal will be to change lives. The influence of a good teacher can never truly be erased. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. My priority will be reflecting warmth and inclusivity, showing every student that they are worthy of learning and that they matter. It is essential that students feel supported as learners, as that will give them the confidence to show dedication to their academic success. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and flexibility to bring the good out of them. I will become an agent of change, helping students grow academically and personally. I am driven to become an educator that will help future students blossom into the best version of themselves possible. I will become a compassionate and confident educator for it is where my heart truly lies.

I am studying in the education field to fuel my desire to become a changemaker in my community. Throughout my high school career, I was blessed to have had two very special teachers that truly touched my heart. They opened their doors to support me when I was at my lowest. They encouraged me to believe that my introverted personality, the very thing I grew up believing was my biggest weakness, was an undervalued strength. I have worked alongside them for the past four years to serve as a peer tutor or mentor to struggling students. From volunteering during our daily enrichment period to starting my own tutoring service, mentoring has changed my life. Because of their influence, I realized that tutoring was not only my passion, but it had blossomed into becoming my purpose. I aspire to become a teacher like them, becoming a dedicated and compassionate advocate for my students as they were for me. As an educator, I will embody the change I wish to see, which will allow me to have a positive impact on my future students. Starting in the fall of 2022, I will be attending the University of Kentucky with acceptance into the Lewis Honors College as a secondary social studies education major. From my time at college, I hope to gain the academic foundation to flourish in my future classroom so that I can become the best educator possible. I am a hard worker and know that no matter what challenges or obstacles may arise while I am pursuing my degree, I will not be stopped. I will not give up on my dream to become a teacher, as I am determined to be a leader in the education field. I plan to use my education to supplement the education of my future students. I will give them my very best, and I am confident that the University of Kentucky will prepare me well for my future. Education is immensely important to me because it allows me to become the best version of myself possible. As a future history teacher, I know that there is importance in learning events of the past to not only learn from our previous mistakes but to be inspired to remain resilient when times get tough. I want to learn something new every day, as I believe one of the main goals in life should be the expansion of our knowledge. My curiosity drives me to learn more about the world around me and how I can make my community a better place.

Staying positive all the time is hard. It’s immensely difficult to always look on the bright side, to always see the good in a discouraging situation. I’m the person that my friends go to for advice, to dump all of their problems on in search of solutions. While I am grateful to be in a position where I can help them, it’s definitely stressful and adds a lot of weight to my shoulders. I don’t have a friend that will guide me through my own problems, which has taught me the importance of self-reliance and searching for optimism. At the beginning of my senior year of high school, my cat passed away. Sweet Silver was and always will be my best friend. She was my happiness, my safety, and a bright light in this seemingly dark world. I was heartbroken when I learned that Silver entered the end stage of her Feline Leukemia and likely didn’t have long left. I tried talking to my friends for support, but none of them listened. They couldn’t hear my pain, as they looked past my struggles to focus on their own. After my Silver crossed the rainbow bridge, I needed a friend. I needed someone to confide in, but I just couldn’t find someone willing. I learned how to become my own friend. I became the person I needed to be for myself. I started relying on dancing as an escape from reality, and I even dedicated my lyrical solo to Silver. I looked for elements of joy on days when all I could see was darkness. I began to see a correlation between my searching for joy and the mindset I was in. Although nothing could diminish my grief, I could feel Silver with me, like she never left. Optimism is life-changing.

There is more to life than perfection. During my sophomore year of high school, life felt like a never-ending race. I was mentally drowning as I balanced rigorous academic courses along with studying, a heavy competitive dance schedule, community service hours, and involvement in outside extracurricular activities and clubs. I was so focused on achieving perfection in everything that I did that I was unable to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings and see just how blessed I was. If I received a 99% on a test, I wouldn’t be satisfied with the 99% I got correct. I would beat myself up over the 1% I missed, wondering how my grade would be affected. I stayed up extremely late every night to study my curriculum, pushing myself to my breaking point. I would break down in tears the moment I stepped into my mom’s car after school, as I was putting way too much pressure on myself and setting unrealistic goals I was inevitably failing to reach. I was sleep-deprived, anxious, and insecure. When the covid-19 pandemic sent the world into a period of social isolation, my schedule was suddenly much lighter. I was able to work at my own pace, studying as much as I needed. In addition, I was able to spend a lot more time with my family, which I will cherish forever. I realized how much of life I was missing as I buried my face into my textbooks. The pandemic gave my family much-needed time to strengthen our relationships. I will never again try to force myself to achieve perfection, as that isn’t possible. While I will always challenge myself and work hard, I know that there is a limit to how far I can go. Perfectionism does not lead to perfection.

To be a mentor is to be a leader, a dedicated and supportive advocate for each and every student. Throughout my high school career, I have had the opportunity to be involved with peer tutoring inside and outside of my school. I volunteer daily within my school’s daily enrichment period, am enrolled as a tutor in a freshman math class, and have established my own tutoring service in which I am able to help students of all ages in every subject. I aspire to be a changemaker in my community, and my role as a mentor is how I am able to achieve that. Not only do I help students perform better academically, I am able to be there for them personally, helping them through every aspect of their life. I stayed up late helping a student who was struggling with depression and family problems. The students I tutor always know that they can trust and count on me with anything. Tutoring is something that I am extremely passionate about that also helps other people in my community flourish into the best version of themselves possible. I am in the position to help them see their potential and their value. Words have power and I will use mine to better the lives of other people in my community and even my state. I am honored to be able to give back to my community as a tutor. Helping students gain the confidence and the work ethic to succeed is nothing short of inspiring, and I am ecstatic to be able to do this for the rest of my life. I will become an educator and I will be a bright light in the lives of my students. It is where my heart truly lies.

To be a mentor is to be a leader, a dedicated and supportive advocate for each and every student. Throughout my high school career, I have had the opportunity to be involved with peer tutoring inside and outside of my school. I volunteer daily within my school’s daily enrichment period, am enrolled as a tutor in a freshman math class, and have established my own tutoring service in which I am able to help students of all ages in every subject. I aspire to be a changemaker in my community, and my role as a mentor is how I am able to achieve that. Not only do I help students perform better academically, I am able to be there for them personally, helping them through every aspect of their life. I stayed up late helping a student who was struggling with depression and family problems. The students I tutor always know that they can trust and count on me with anything. Tutoring is something that I am extremely passionate about that also helps other people in my community flourish into the best version of themselves possible. I am in the position to help them see their potential and their value. Words have power and I will use mine to better the lives of other people in my community and even throughout my state. I am honored to be able to give back to my community as a tutor. Helping students gain the confidence and the work ethic to succeed is nothing short of inspiring, and I am ecstatic to be able to do this for the rest of my life. I will become an educator and I will be a bright light in the lives of my students. It is where my heart truly lies.

“It was good to have reminders of the struggle and battle - and also reminders that hope could always be found in the middle of them” (Thrasher 139). Written by Travis Thrasher, Indivisible tells the true story of the Turner family and how they put their faith in God, despite everything that was thrown their way. Darren was deployed to serve as an Army Chaplain overseas, leaving his wife and kids at home. He left to fight the battle the Lord called him to fight, but he returned home with new battles to face as he struggled with PTSD. Indivisible highlights the reliance the Turners had on God and His plan for them, and how they turned to him through every step of their journey. My relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in my life. I have grown up going to church and have been blessed to be able to work as a student leader for the two-year-old class. I have struggled with anxiety throughout most of my life, and have been working to learn to give my apprehension to God and trust that His plan will be done. Indivisible serves as my reminder that Jesus is always by my side, no matter what I am going through. This book is monumental in my walk with the Lord and my faith in Him. Indivisible inspires me to place trust in the Lord throughout every step of my life. No matter where I am, He is always with me. Even if I can’t see it, I know that He is at work and His will is being done. In the words of Darren Turner, “Finally, I do have hope despite the previous ramblings. In the middle of all of this, God is still very much at work” (Thrasher 133).

As I nervously walked into my Freshman Advisory class on my first day of high school, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bulletin board with a beautifully articulated quote by Mahatma Gandhi, which read, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Feelings of determination swept over me, as I realized that I could use my desire to serve others to make a positive impact on my community. How I would make a difference was something that I had yet to figure out. I never would have expected to discover my hidden passion that would directly alter my future career plans and ultimately change my life for the better. While anticipating the start of the Advisory one day, my teacher asked me if I could help my classmate with his math homework. I had no idea that my teacher’s simple question would be the spark I needed in order to make my impact. After helping a student solve one algebraic problem, I knew in my heart that I had finally found my purpose. I began to volunteer daily within a mathematics hive period, which was a time of enrichment where students could sign up for a teacher’s class that they were struggling with. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of high school, I created my own tutoring service. I was helping students of all ages in math, social studies, science, English, and even Spanish. I spent every free second I had at the library, their house, or staying late in a classroom to pour all of my love onto these students. I was constantly developing practice tests and problems that would reinforce or strengthen what they were learning. The impact that a positive mentor can have on a student is indescribable, and I want to spend my life changing the lives of others for the better. As tutoring went from being my passion to becoming my purpose, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in education. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a dedicated and supportive advocate for my future students. As an educator, my goal will be to change lives. The influence of a good teacher can never truly be erased. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. My priority will be reflecting warmth and inclusivity, showing every student that they are worthy of learning and that they matter. It is essential that students feel supported as learners, as that will give them the confidence to show dedication to their academic success. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and flexibility to bring the good out of them. I will become an agent of change, helping students grow academically and personally. I am driven to become an educator that will help future students blossom into the best version of themselves possible. I will become a compassionate and confident educator for it is where my heart truly lies.

Education holds power. Our teachers and administrators have a duty to act as agents of change in the lives of their students. Schools need to have the resources to provide an academic foundation that allows their students to flourish through whatever path they choose to travel down. One change within the educational system that would catalyze ample positive impacts for future generations is becoming more consistent throughout every aspect of education. As a future educator, I do acknowledge the difficulties of truly achieving this change, but I believe that the effect it would have on our future students is something that we can’t ignore. Students deserve consistency of workloads. Many schools begin the year with a light workload, but then every class ends with a heavy and stressful schedule. This is extremely unfair to the students, who are struggling to keep up. I have personally felt as if I were drowning in my school assignments as I tried to push myself beyond my limits. I believe that classes need to stabilize their course load, keeping the work consistent and organized. This will allow students to develop a work schedule and study method that allocates the level of learning and comprehension that is necessary for success. Students deserve consistency of care. Not every student comes from a household filled with warmth and love. They need a level of support and encouragement at school to gain the motivation and self-confidence to achieve the success that they are capable of. Teachers need to be understanding and compassionate. They need to choose their words carefully, making sure they don’t accidentally exclude or discriminate against anyone. Every student needs to know from the moment they walk into the classroom that they have a place where they are appreciated, loved, and cared for. With this reassurance, students will be more likely to perform better academically and are more apt to make positive contributions to the community in the future. Students deserve consistency of resources. Every student comes from different background, and it is extremely unfair for one student to have an academic advantage because they come from a home with a larger income. My school offers Homework Club after school where students can receive free tutoring and are also provided with snacks. This program is significant because it allows students to have a way of getting extra help without their parents spending extra money that they may not have. Every school needs to have a program or a method where students can get the help they deserve, regardless of their socioeconomic status. With the increased dependence upon virtual learning, schools need to ensure that every student has a source of WiFi to connect to. There are small devices that schools can pass out that serve as a personal WiFi hotspot that our Chromebooks can connect to. The power of education would be amplified if everything could become more consistent. Our students deserve a stable academic environment and foundation that will allow them to change the world.

“Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God.” Ronald Reagan When I think of a true leader, President Ronald Reagan immediately comes to mind. He was one of the most eloquent Presidents that the United States has ever had. Reagan was a father figure to our country, as our citizens knew he was in charge and would do what was right. After the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded, Ronald Reagan went on national television and gave a speech that continuously stands out in my mind. He spoke with empathy and established a theme of resilience. He grieved with the country, making everyone feel safe as he spoke. In particular, he addressed the countless school children who watched the challenger explode. He gave hope to the impressionable minds of our youth, telling them that painful occurrences are part of our journey into discovery. Furthermore, President Ronald Reagan led the United States during a Cold War where people went to bed at night wondering if the USSR was going to drop the bombs that ended the world. Reagan stood up to them, leading to the collapse of the Soviet Union. He led our country through a terrifying situation, leaving us stronger and prepared for the future. Our country is in dire need of a leader that is just as personable and emotionally intelligent as President Ronald Reagan was. In today’s society, politics is such a divisive and controversial topic. Regardless of political beliefs, President Ronald Reagan left our country more united. I wish that I were alive at the time when President Ronald Reagan ran our country with kindness, resiliency, and integrity, as I look up to him as a leader and a changemaker. He truly made our country a safer and more prosperous place.

I grew up with my parents telling me to “save your money for a rainy day.” A rainy day? I had no idea what that meant. If the weather was rainy, I thought, my parents probably wouldn’t take me out shopping. To little Kristen, the logic of their statement just didn’t add upright. Nevertheless, I followed their advice. I resisted the temptation of buying the gorgeous dollhouse from Toys R Us when I received money for my birthday. That decision was hard then but has set me up for financial success in the present. As I matured, I have come to realize what a rainy day represents. Sometimes our weather can be unpredictable. A light flurry can quickly turn into a heavy snowstorm. Just like our ever-changing weather, our life can be turned upside down with only a moment’s notice. Situations can quickly arise unexpectedly where I would need financial savings to get by. My parents taught me the value of saving money for a time when I would really need it. I am applying this philosophy in my life by prioritizing scholarship applications. I have vowed to do absolutely everything in my power to help bring down the expensive cost of attending college. I believe in the importance of hard work and am determined to do all that I can to truly “save my money for a rainy day” by trying to obtain numerous scholarships. I am very blessed to have parents who gave me advice that will set me up for future success. I have big dreams and have learned that in order to live happily and with stability, I need to be financially efficient and spend money wisely. My rainy day will come, and when it does, I know that I will be prepared.

The biggest problem our world faces is the lack of accountability and self-discipline reflected throughout ample aspects of life. Many people have developed a habit of passing off moral or professional responsibilities to their peers, which contributes to a low level of efficiency in the workplace. Throughout my educational journey, I have consistently dreaded group projects. I was always the person who asked to work individually, but that was rarely allowed. The majority of my fellow classmates would refuse to do their part of the assignment, so I would end up doing all the work while they received equal credit. It wasn’t until my experience at the Governor’s Scholars Program that I learned to cherish group projects when everyone had the desire to learn and participate. Teachers should begin placing more of an emphasis on individual projects so students learn to depend on themselves and develop the work ethic required for success. Furthermore, the bystander effect describes the tendency for people to be less likely to help someone in an emergency situation if more people are around. They assume that someone else will help, so they don’t feel any sense of responsibility or moral obligation to help someone struggling. The bystander effect has caused too many civilians to die prematurely, even though they could have been saved had someone taken the responsibility to help. The lack of accountability and self-discipline in our society has become one of our biggest downfalls. If no one takes the initiative to help, nothing will ever be improved. We need to start teaching our school children the importance of intrinsic motivation and help them develop the drive to be the best version of themselves possible. We have the power to make the world a better place. The future is truly in our hands.

What I love most about myself is undoubtedly my strength, my ability to be resilient and bounce back, regardless of what comes my way. My drive and motivation deter me from ever giving up, even if I am overwhelmed. I refuse to back down when the going gets tough, as I will persevere and discover a way to keep going. I have struggled with anxiety for most of my life. Apprehensive thoughts seemed to follow me wherever I traveled. I had panic attacks in school, during dance classes, and even in the midst of my time at the Governor’s Scholars Program this past summer. No matter how hard it became, I never let my anxiety define me. I will never let my anxiety hold me back from being the person I desire to be. My anxiety taught me independence and self-reliance. It is an obstacle, but it is not one that will ever stop me. I grew up a victim of bullying. I was given a list outlining horrible (and false) things about me, which ripped away every ounce of confidence I held. A “friend” temporarily silenced my voice, but I recently found it again. I believed that my introverted nature made me inferior to my extraverted peers. What I believed to be one of my biggest weaknesses is now something I believe to be a great strength. I have a voice and I will use it to be an advocate for the good. I will become a changemaker in my community and in my future classroom as an educator. I am confident in who I am and who I will become. I will not be stopped by the inevitable obstacles that I will face. I am confidently feminine. I am a strong and intelligent aspiring educator.

I grew up a victim of bullying. I was given a list outlining horrible (and false) things about me, which ripped away every ounce of confidence I held. A “friend” temporarily silenced my voice, but I recently found it again. I am able to use my voice to look out for others, including the excluded. I am observant in seeking out classmates who are struggling socially. I am immensely passionate about inclusivity, giving everyone a seat at the table. In middle school, our lunch tables were specifically assigned based on our class. I noticed a boy sitting beside himself, trying so hard to sit with his peers, but they wouldn’t open their hearts to a new friend. My heart broke. I couldn’t sit by and do nothing. Although I knew it wasn’t allowed, I asked our lunch lady if there was anything I could do for him to sit at my table. She was ecstatic that someone would go out of their way to help him and allowed him to sit with me permanently. Watching his smile widen and eyes light up as I asked him to sit with me is a moment that I will never forget. Everyone deserves to have a support system and friends to rely on. I will do everything I can to ensure that no one around me is left out. I believe that everyone has a voice and everyone has the right to use it to express their thoughts and opinions. I will work to become an advocate for this issue, to help students who are excluded find how they can get involved. I have a dream to spread awareness and fight for inclusivity, and I refuse to let that dream fade away.

Trembling and terrified, my eyes appeared to be watching as my fifth-grade social studies teacher taught us how to decipher and decode elements on a map, but my mind was elsewhere. I was consumed by apprehensive thoughts. The anxiety controlled me, I couldn’t stop the sneaky tears that rolled down my young face. Of course, I denied my teacher’s recognition that something was wrong. Although I could’ve found reassurance in advice from my teacher, who was well aware of my encompassing anxiety, I forced myself to learn self-reliance and independence, two skills of which I still use daily. Independence involves becoming the person you need for support and accountability. While allowing others to step in and help is never a negative thing, it is necessary to know how to help yourself in situations where no one is readily available to help you. I learned from an early age how to calm myself down when my anxiety heightened or my stress began to overwhelm me. Furthermore, I developed a drive to work hard, a characteristic that allows me to stay motivated and on top of all my responsibilities. Even when the going gets tough, I refuse to give up. Becoming independently and confidently feminine is one of my greatest strengths. Independence is an underappreciated virtue, as it is something that will set me up for future success and resiliency in hard situations. No matter how small, there is always a light in a seemingly dark room. My anxiety is continuously an obstacle throughout my day, but it will never define who I am as a person. Instead, I am defined by my kindness, work ethic, resiliency, compassion, and leadership. I am defined by my confidence in being independent.

I’m a hard worker. No matter what situation may arise, I'll rise up to the challenge and flourish. I continuously put one hundred and ten percent effort into absolutely everything I do, even when I am tired and know it would be easier to give up. I believe that hard work can outdo natural talent, as a strong work ethic has the capability to take someone anywhere they want to go. My ambition also allows me to become a changemaker in my community, as I am able to become a mentor and a reliable volunteer. My work ethic has and will continue to allow me to travel down the right path in my life. As I nervously walked into my Freshman Advisory class on my first day of high school, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bulletin board with a beautifully articulated quote by Mahatma Gandhi, which read, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Feelings of determination swept over me, as I realized that I could use my desire to serve others to make a positive impact on my community. How I would make a difference was something that I had yet to figure out. I never would have expected to discover my hidden passion that would directly alter my future career plans and ultimately change my life for the better. While anticipating the start of Advisory one day, my teacher asked me if I could help my classmate with his math homework. I had no idea that my teacher’s simple question would be the spark I needed in order to make my impact. After helping a student solve one algebraic problem, I knew in my heart that I had finally found my purpose. I began to volunteer daily within a mathematics hive period, which was a time of enrichment where students could sign up for a teacher’s class that they were struggling with. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of high school, I created my own tutoring service. I was helping students of all ages in math, social studies, science, English, and even Spanish. I spent every free second I had at the library, their house, or staying late in a classroom to pour all of my love onto these students. I was constantly developing practice tests and problems that would reinforce or strengthen what they were learning. The impact that a positive mentor can have on a student is indescribable, and I want to spend my life changing the lives of others for the better. Furthermore, my work ethic will allow me to maintain a strong academic foundation that will allocate future success. Throughout high school, I balanced rigorous course loads, the establishment of my tutoring service with a heavy competitive dance schedule. That didn't stop me from continuing my community service and returning the Tireless Teacher Award to my school as the President of our National Honors Society. I’ve learned time management skills that will benefit me through every stage of my life. I am ecstatic to begin a new chapter of my life during college where I can discover new ways to be an advocate for my peers and work hard to achieve new goals. Whether I am practicing my dance choreography for long hours at the studio, mentoring a student, or completing my own academic assignments, working hard is a skill I’ll never lose. My determination and passion will keep me on track to become the changemaker I desire to be. I will work hard to be a bright light in this sometimes dark world.

My dreams guide me through life. They motivate me to work my very hardest, even when I am overwhelmed with stress. I have a dream that I will be able to raise a family, leaving the most beautiful legacy. I dream of becoming a mother, getting to help my future children become wonderful people who will achieve the impossible. I have a dream that people will stop viewing introverts as inferior to extroverts. I dream that one day people will realize that being quiet does not equate to being silent. I dream that people will see that my quiet nature doesn’t make me any less compatible to succeed. I have a dream that I will become a high school teacher. I dream of being an educator, where my goal will be to change lives, as the influence of a good teacher can never truly be erased. I dream of becoming an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. My priority will be reflecting warmth and inclusivity, showing every student that they are worthy of learning and that they matter. I dream of becoming a teacher, a dedicated and supportive advocate for my future students. I refuse to sit by and watch my dreams fade away. I am driven to pursue my goals and to achieve the impossible. I have a voice and I will use it to make these dreams a reality. I will flourish into a compassionate and confident educator. I will become a leader and a changemaker in my community. It is where my heart truly lies.

As I nervously walked into my Freshman Advisory class on my very first day as a high schooler, feelings of determination swept over me, as I realized I could use my desire to serve others to make a positive impact on my community and, more specifically, fellow scholars within my school system. I never would have imagined that I would discover my hidden passion which would ultimately turn into my purpose. My teacher asked me to help a classmate with his math homework and, of course, I jumped at the opportunity. From there, my love of tutoring grew exponentially. I served as a peer tutor daily during our enrichment period, signed up for math class electives to be an in-class tutor, and I even established my own tutoring service outside of school to expand my impact. Mentoring is what I love and what I am destined to do. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. My priority will be reflecting warmth and inclusivity, showing every student that they are worthy of learning and that they matter. It is essential that students feel supported as learners, as that will give them the confidence to show dedication to their academic success. I want my students to know that they are worth more than a grade, that one test score does not truly reflect who they are and what they have learned. I will become an agent of change through education and touching the lives of my future students. It is where my heart truly lies.

Staying positive all the time is hard. It’s immensely difficult to always look on the bright side, to always see the good in a discouraging situation. I’m the person that my friends go to for advice, to dump all of their problems on in search of solutions. While I am grateful to be in a position where I can help them, it’s definitely stressful and adds a lot of weight to my shoulders. I don’t have a friend that will guide me through my own problems, which has taught me the importance of self-reliance and searching for optimism. At the beginning of my senior year of high school, my cat passed away. Sweet Silver was and always will be my best friend. She was my happiness, my safety, and a bright light in this seemingly dark world. I was heartbroken when I learned that Silver entered the end stage of her Feline Leukemia and likely didn’t have long left. I tried talking to my friends for support, but none of them listened. They couldn’t hear my pain, as they looked past my struggles to focus on their own. After my Silver crossed the rainbow bridge, I needed a friend. I needed someone to confide in, but I just couldn’t find someone willing. I learned how to become my own friend. I became the person I needed to be for myself. I started relying on dancing as an escape from reality, and I even dedicated my lyrical solo to Silver. I looked for elements of joy on days where all I could see was darkness. I began to see a correlation between my searching for joy and the mindset I was in. Although nothing could diminish my grief, I could feel Silver with me, like she never left. Optimism is life-changing.

My pointed toes stretch as I glissade across the Marley floor. The rhythm of my tap sounds tells a story that words cannot. My jazz hands expand as I leap through the air. My heart rate and anxiety increase as I gracefully walk onto the stage, but as soon as the music starts, I am in my habitat. Reality seems to fade away. I am blinded by the bright lights gleaming onto the stage, my smile just as bright. The art of dance allows me to express my creativity, as I am able to truly be myself. As an introvert, I constantly overthink what I am going to say. I repeat the same sentence over and over in my head to make sure it accurately embodies what I want to say. I read the same email over and over again to ensure there are no grammatical errors or sentences that could be interpreted in the wrong way. But, through dance, I am able to speak without the use of words. I can communicate by the movement of my body, reflecting my story and the story of the music. While the choreography of my group routines is strictly set, I am able to interpret my solo pieces in a way that highlights the words I want to share. My lyrical solo is a dedication to my cat who recently passed away, and I am able to dance for her. Furthermore, I was given the opportunity to choreograph a solo for a younger dancer this year, where I am able to articulate a dance that gives her the chance to shine. Through dance, I am expressive, dedicated, and passionate. I am able to freely be myself. I am creative.

“You don’t have to decide right now.” I’m a planner. I desire to know how my day is going to end before it begins. I overthink every possibility for ways things could go wrong and articulate an imaginary solution to turn things back around. Consequently, my planner mindset causes me to feel the need to have my entire life planned out. I feel extremely unsettled if I don’t know exactly what college I want to attend, or exactly what major I hope to complete. While planning is extremely important and beneficial for balancing my rigorous academic course loads with a heavy competitive dance schedule, it can become mentally draining rather quickly. The increased pressure takes a toll on my mental health, as I can never truly plan for every situation, let alone decide my life’s plans as a seventeen-year-old. As I struggled to figure out my perfect college and major, my family was able to sense my heightened anxiety. Instead of stressing me out further by elaborating on my panicked statements, they simply told me that I don’t have to decide anything at that moment. There is no deadline to figure out the path that I want to take. There was no need for me to commit to a particular journey at that moment. Their wise words inspire me to find tranquility throughout my day. I will never have all of the answers, and my family has taught me that not knowing is okay. I have time to develop my identity and my calling, which is something that I should never rush into. A rash split-second decision is never a good one. I don’t have to figure out my future right now, and that is a blessing.

Throughout high school, I balanced rigorous academic courses and a heavy competitive dance schedule with the establishment of my own tutoring service. I have four years of experience tutoring students of all ages in every core subject. As it went from being my passion to my becoming my purpose, tutoring has ensured me that I want to pursue a teaching career. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. As an educator, I will be a resource for students to stimulate academic growth and prepare them for their future. The most important quality of a teacher is kindness. A charismatic and trusting adult will allocate a more meaningful relationship with students, which sparks their respect and desire to perform better in class. A teacher is a role model for the students, and I believe that a quality educator must embody the characteristics that they wish to see reflected in their students. Teachers owe their students dedication and passion. As an educator, my goal will be to change lives. The influence of a good teacher can never truly be erased. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. My priority will be reflecting warmth and inclusivity, showing every student that they are worthy of learning and that they matter. It is essential that students feel supported as learners, as that will give them the confidence to show dedication to their academic success.

The goal of life should be the expansion of knowledge, highlighting the importance of studying to obtain this information. I consistently hold myself to high academic standards and have found myself spending quite a bit of time sitting at my dining room table in front of my Chromebook and notebooks. Studying allows me to further my comprehension of the curriculum I am learning, which can outwardly seem tedious but has become quite enjoyable when I am able to be creative and make my assignments unique. During the period of social isolation sparked by the covid-19 pandemic, I was constantly reviewing for my upcoming AP exams. Although I was motivated to learn the material, I was becoming burned out, as the method to which I was studying became too repetitive. I began to learn calligraphy to make my notes and papers more aesthetically pleasing, which helped expand my engagement in my work. I used my calligraphy skill to make the labels of my notes more clear. I was able to express my creativity through the strokes of the pen and the color coordination system I followed. Furthermore, the higher level of organization I was able to implement in my assignments helped me study them at a later date, as the information was perfectly placed under their appropriate subtitle. Not only did I pass all of my AP exams that year, but I was able to use the same study strategies for every class I have taken since. Writing down new information is a helpful method to aid comprehension, which has increased my test scores. Studying is an outlet for growth. The art of calligraphy allows me to make studying colorful and interactive. I’m excited to start my college journey, where I'll discover new study methods that will stimulate further academic improvement.

As I opened the dreaded email, my heart dropped. All of my friends moved up to the diamond team, while I was stuck on a lower level, as a member of the team my dance teacher admitted several years later that she gave up on. I had worked insanely hard during our summer auditions and I was devastated to know that I was overlooked, again. I thought about leaving the studio completely, as I struggled to feel accepted. I was hidden in the back of every group dance, which caused me to categorize myself as unworthy. I had my heart set on quitting dance, but as I reminisced on old photos, I reminded myself why I pushed through as long as I had. I danced because I cherished the art form. As an introvert, dance allows me to express myself in ways words cannot. I wasn’t on the team for the approval of others or to prove myself in any way. From then on, I promised myself that I wouldn’t allow the hurtful comments from my dance teacher or the snarky remarks from my teammates to stop me from continuing something I loved. That very year, I competed my tap solo, “Linus and Lucy,” at one last competition for the season. I went on that stage with the goal of improvement from the previous time I performed. As I walked in front of my team to be crowned for receiving an overall placement, fabulous tapping special award, and the ultimate victory adjudication, feelings of joy swept over my body. That crown signifies the importance of perseverance, even when faced with adversity and ample obstacles. Although I still face similar challenges, I no longer allow others to have the power to deter me from advancing my love of dance.

Generosity means living selflessly, consistently prioritizing the well-being of others. This involves positive contributions and engagement within your community through volunteerism and donations. The story told in the Bible about the Widower’s Offering through Mark 12:41-44 truly encompasses the level of generosity I strive to embody. While many were giving large amounts, the widow was only able to offer two copper coins into the temple treasury. “Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on.’” The widow barely had any financial resources to depend on, yet she gave everything she had to Jesus. Her selflessness inspires me to give my everything to my community. Furthermore, being generous requires acts of kindness and volunteerism through ample aspects of one’s life. Helping others truly reflects a generous heart. Volunteering helps a community become a better place for all of its residents, which is crucial for its effective functioning. This is important because it allows citizens to embody the change they wish to see. In my life, I show generosity through giving back to my community. My family adopts angels at Christmas and helps to provide gifts for underprivileged children. We donate money to our church and pet charities. Prior to the covid-19 pandemic, I was also check-in and two-year-old class student leader at my church. In addition, I volunteer as a peer tutor within my school and community. I spend most of my free time tutoring students of all ages in a variety of subjects. The spirit of generosity is an essential aspect of my life, one that I will always follow.

My pointed toes stretch as I glissade across the Marley floor. The rhythm of my tap sounds tells a story that words cannot. My jazz hands expand as I leap through the air. My heart rate and anxiety increase as I gracefully walk onto the stage, but as soon as the music starts, I am in my habitat. Reality seems to fade away. I am blinded by the bright lights gleaming onto the stage, my smile just as bright. The art of dance allows me to express my creativity, as I am able to truly be myself. Through dance, I am able to speak without words. As an introvert, I overthink everything I say, but when I dance, I am able to move freely, without restraint. I spend countless hours at the studio daily after school working on my technique and choreographed dances. I take classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, acrobatics, and lyrical. While I enjoy all genres of dance, tap will always hold a special place in my heart. My seventh-grade tap solo to “Linus and Lucy” was the first dance where I was able to break out of my shell and live up to my potential. Dancing also gives me the opportunity to make my family smile. The first time that my lyrical solo moved my grandmother to tears was especially powerful to me, as I realized that I am dancing for her. When I get overwhelmed or am going through a tough period at dance, I remind myself of the gift this art form provides me, as it helps me bond with my loved ones. I have learned so much through my fourteen years as a competitive dancer. I have gained confidence and poise that will carry me through any journey in my life.

As Anna Nalick once sang, “There is a light at each end of this tunnel you shout.” I listened to “Breathe” constantly as an adolescent, as it established a sense of tranquility and reassurance that was unmatched in my life. When I went through my toughest moments, I was able to listen to this song and discover a sense of comfort hidden in those words. I came across this song as a middle schooler, a time when I didn’t have any friends to rely upon. False rumors led to my exclusion from my friend group, so I was left alone. I was always the person without a partner. In spite of that, I didn’t give up. I held out hope that I would find loyal and honest friends, and during my high school career, I did. “Breathe” by Anna Nalick truly symbolizes hope and resilience in the midst of a stressful or unprecedented situation. The power of prayer is something that I have relied on, as it gives me hope that a seemingly uncontrollable situation is in the hands of a greater God. I was given the opportunity to attend the Governor’s Scholars Program at Bellarmine University this past summer. The experience was everything that I had dreamed of, until my cat, my best friend of fourteen years, got sick. She entered the end stage of Feline Leukemia. While I knew Silver was sick, I wasn’t aware of how bad it actually was. My Silver did everything she could to fight and wait until I returned home in fourteen long days, as the program would not let me leave to say goodbye. Not only did she give me our tearful reunion, but she also gave me four more weeks of quality time. Prayer gave me the time that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The power of prayer gives me hope in our future, as our God’s plan will pan out. Many adults consistently put down my generation, as they are stereotyping everyone based on the immature actions of a few. They say that kids these days lack discipline, human decency, and even common sense. But, times are constantly changing and I greatly disagree with their rude remarks. Hope in my generation should be restored based upon everything we have achieved, everything we have gone through. We are living in a time filled with violence, sickness, and instantaneous changes. Despite everything, we still flourish. We survive and sometimes, that is an accomplishment itself. Our passion, determination, and will to make our world a better place give me hope for the future. As we continue 2022, we are traveling into the unknown. There is no way to know what our future holds, but I am confident that no matter what is thrown our way, we will not run from a challenge. I fully believe that “There is a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day.”

During high school, I balanced rigorous academic courses and a heavy competitive dance schedule with the establishment of my own tutoring service. I have four years of experience tutoring students of all ages in every core subject. As it went from being my passion to my becoming my purpose, tutoring has ensured me that I want to pursue a teaching career. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. As an educator, I will be a resource for students to stimulate academic growth and prepare them for their future. A charismatic and trusting adult will allocate a more meaningful relationship with students, which sparks their respect and desire to perform better in class. A teacher is a role model for the students, and I believe that a quality educator must embody the characteristics that they wish to see reflected in their students. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. My priority will be reflecting warmth and inclusivity, showing every student that they are worthy of learning and that they matter. The meaning of life is to be a changemaker. I want to be the person who helps others flourish with empathy and strength. I want to leave a legacy of kindness and dedication, as I want to help make the world and, more specifically, my community a better place for upcoming generations. I want to give back to the place that has given me so much. I will be someone who catalyzes positive change.

As Disney’s Jasmine once said, “Sometimes we only see how people are different from us. But if you look hard enough, you can see how much we’re all alike.” I strive to be the person who reflects inclusivity and warmth throughout all of my endeavors. I used to be the person who was left partnerless in a group activity and the person who was always sitting alone at lunch, so I fully comprehend how isolating and lonely that life soon becomes. I never want anyone to experience that feeling, so I continuously sit with the person sitting alone at lunch and include anyone left out in my group. In middle school, all students were required to sit at their allocated lunch tables designated by the class. I noticed that the sweetest boy was excluded from his classmates and was sitting on the end of the table alone, trying to get the attention of kids who were too wrapped up in their own conversations to notice him. This absolutely broke my heart, so I went up to our lunch ladies and got permission for him to be moved to our table. Watching his face light up when I asked him if he wanted to come to sit at my table was nothing short of inspirational. I believe that everyone deserves kindness, no matter what their history looks like. An act of gratitude or compassion has the power to be life-changing. I do everything I can to make sure everyone around me knows that they are loved and that they are appreciated. We only know one page of someone’s story, which shows the importance of treating others with empathy in order to ensure their worth. We must treat others the way we want to be treated. It’s truly the golden rule.

“List three things you are thankful for that occurred in the last twenty-four hours.” A seemingly simple assignment from my Freshman English teacher turned into meaningful minutes of self-reflection. The last twenty-four hours were typical, nothing stood out in my mind, so what could I write down? I soon realized everything I was taking for granted. I am immensely blessed with a great family, wonderful pets, a few close friends, a good dance team, a free education, the opportunity to be a mentor, and a safe home to come to at the end of the day. From that day on, I knew that I needed to be more appreciative of what I had. I began to reflect more gratitude throughout all of my endeavors, showing my friends and family how thankful I was for everything that they’ve done for me. I put more thought into finding ways to create magical moments for the people I loved. I created calligraphy cards when someone I knew was struggling. I personally designed each card, filling it with things I appreciated about them as well as with words of kindness and encouragement. Furthermore, I have gained a more positive outlook on life as a result of the gratitude I express. My mind is able to fixate on the good aspects of each day, instead of focusing on the negatives. When I have a bad day, I am able to go to sleep with the reassurance that the sun will rise again and that I will get through the rough patch. As Walt Disney once said, “The more you are in a state of gratitude, the more you will attract things to be grateful for.” The most important lesson I have learned in that English class is the lesson of gratitude.

Throughout my academic, personal, and competitive dance careers, I have been told that I wasn’t good enough. That I would never be successful because I wasn’t smart enough, wasn’t pretty enough, or because I didn’t look the part. As an introvert, I have consistently been put down by my peers. I have grown up silencing my own voice out of anxiety. I feared facing the judgment of my peers based upon the words I spoke. I feared losing the true friends that I spent years learning to trust if they misunderstood my seemingly innocent statement. I feared compromising the relationships I built with teachers due to a misspeaking error. I saw myself as inferior to my outgoing classmates who allowed their words to travel without a filter. It wasn’t until the influence of two phenomenal educators that I truly realized that my introvertedness was not a weakness. Their kind words of encouragement raised my confidence, as I was able to see that I was not inferior to my extroverted peers. I realized that being quiet does not equate being silent. I gained the confidence to use my voice to be an advocate for what I believed in and to become a leader and changemaker in my community. The establishment of my own tutoring service opened my eyes to the possibilities of my future. I realized that my introverted nature did not prohibit me from pursuing the future that I wanted. Our society romanticizes and celebrates extroverted individuals, but that doesn’t mean that I am any less compatible to be successful. I am never going to allow my personality or anxious thoughts to hold me back from becoming the person that I strive to be. Because of my introverted nature, I will succeed and blossom into a compassionate and confident educator.

My pointed toes stretch as I glissade across the Marley floor. The rhythm of my tap sounds tells a story that words cannot. My jazz hands expand as I leap through the air. My heart rate and anxiety increase as I gracefully walk onto the stage, but as soon as the music starts, I am in my habitat. Reality seems to fade away. I am blinded by the bright lights gleaming onto the stage, my smile just as bright. The art of dance allows me to express my creativity, as I am able to truly be myself. Furthermore, calligraphy allows me to express my creativity while making other people smile. The smooth strokes of the pen allocate freedom of expression throughout my design. I am able to make cards for my friends and family when they are going through a tough time. I’m so grateful to have found something that I greatly enjoy doing that has the power to make other people feel loved. Dance and calligraphy have both had a positive impact on my life. As an introvert, I constantly overthink what I am going to say. I repeat the same sentence over and over in my head to make sure it accurately embodies what I want to say. But, through dance, I am able to speak without words. I can communicate by the movement of my body, reflecting my story and the story of the music. Calligraphy allows me to express my appreciation for my peers while lifting their spirits if they are struggling. Dance gives me the opportunity to express myself, while calligraphy gives me the opportunity to pour love onto others. I’m immensely thankful that I’ve discovered

Throughout my academic, personal, and competitive dance careers, I have been told that I wasn’t good enough. That I would never be successful because I wasn’t smart or pretty enough. My main goal is to prove these people wrong, as I want to show myself that I can work hard and be successful through my endeavors. As an introvert, students in my grade consistently exclude me and overshadow my voice. They don’t understand that being quiet does not equate being silent. Even though I may never become a stereotypical social butterfly, I want to raise my voice more often, allowing myself to be heard. During high school, I balanced rigorous academic courses and a heavy competitive dance schedule with the establishment of my own tutoring service. I have four years of experience tutoring students of all ages in every core subject. As it went from being my passion to my becoming my purpose, tutoring has ensured me that I want to pursue a teaching career. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. As an educator, I will be a resource for students to stimulate academic growth and prepare them for their future. A charismatic and trusting adult will allocate a more meaningful relationship with students, which sparks their respect and desire to perform better in class. A teacher is a role model for the students, and I believe that a quality educator must embody the characteristics that they wish to see reflected in their students. Teachers owe their students dedication and passion. Ultimately, I want to be a changemaker. I want to be the person who helps others flourish with empathy and strength. I want to leave a legacy of kindness and dedication while leaving the world a better place.

I had dreamed of being a Kentucky Governor’s Scholar from the moment that I heard of the prestigious program back in middle school. I was absolutely elated to be accepted and my heart was filled with pure joy as I stepped onto the campus of Bellarmine University to begin my five-week journey. I stood paralyzed as I watched my tearful parents leave my dorm that day. I felt trapped and overwhelmed. I organized my room in an attempt to calm my feelings of anxiety, but my breath caught in my throat. I would be away from my home and my people for a long period of time. How could something that I dreamed of since middle school feels so suffocating? During the start of the program, I was in the worst mental state that I have ever been in. My anxiety was heightened and I was experiencing frequent panic attacks for the first time. I feared this homesickness would forever inhibit my potential to thrive while at the program, but I stepped out of my comfort zone. Ultimately, I had the courage to teach my own tap class for the scholars. Dance has continuously been my outlet to express myself without speaking, but I finally gained the courage to share my expression with others, which was a remarkable moment in my self-growth. Throughout the program, my mind was consumed with anxiety, but I was determined to not let that control me. I was ambitious to try new things while maintaining relationships with my family at home. Although I learned many things over the course of those five weeks, the most important thing I discovered was bravery. I saw that I'm capable of more than I realized, and I will not let my anxiety stop me from reaching my full potential.

Throughout high school, I balanced rigorous academic courses and a heavy competitive dance schedule with the establishment of my own tutoring service. I have four years of experience tutoring students of all ages in every core subject. As it went from being my passion to my becoming my purpose, tutoring has ensured me that I want to pursue a teaching career. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. As an educator, I will be a resource for students to stimulate academic growth and prepare them for their future. The most important quality of a teacher is kindness. A charismatic and trusting adult will allocate a more meaningful relationship with students, which sparks their respect and desire to perform better in class. A teacher is a role model for the students, and I believe that a quality educator must embody the characteristics that they wish to see reflected in their students. Teachers owe their students dedication and passion. As an educator, my goal will be to change lives. The influence of a good teacher can never truly be erased. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. My priority will be reflecting warmth and inclusivity, showing every student that they are worthy of learning and that they matter. It is essential that students feel supported as learners, as that will give them the confidence to show dedication to their academic success.

Kristen’s Bucket List I want to visit every Disney park in the world. I want to meet Sarah Drew. I want to become a teacher, a bright light in the lives of my students. I want to raise a family, leaving the most beautiful legacy. I want to be a changemaker, embodying kindness and compassion. While my bucket list is ever-changing, these five things remain consistent. Some points are more superficial than others, but, nonetheless, all are important on some level to my life. Disney World serves as my place of tranquility, a place where I can truly be happy. My family takes me to Disney annually, and I look forward to the day when I can take them to Disney parks all around the world. I had the opportunity to talk to Sarah Drew virtually for three minutes and it was remarkable. She inspires me on my walk with Jesus and I greatly admire her selflessness and integrity. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. I look forward to being able to grow a family, where I can help my kids flourish into wonderful people. Motherhood is a gift and I can’t wait to help my future children navigate the world. Above all else, I want to make a difference. I want to help make the world and, more specifically, my community a better place for upcoming generations. I want to give back to the place that has given me so much. I will be someone who catalyzes positive change.

“You can do this” and “I believe in you” were two seemingly simple statements that were transformative in my confidence level as a growing scholar. When I was struggling with anxiety and sleep deprivation in the midst of an overwhelming academic course load, the kind words my teachers gave me were monumental in my life. When tutoring or even just talking to my friends, providing encouragement and giving helpful advice is my favorite way to help other people. I believe that everyone has the capacity and ability to flourish or succeed, but they have to see their potential first. Our society categorizes tutoring as solely an academic position, but that doesn’t encompass the full truth. Tutors must be mentors, as they must also prioritize the overall well-being of the person they are helping. No one can become the best version of themselves when they are constantly living with the weight of the world on their shoulders. I have stayed up late at night to help a student struggling with depression. I am blessed to be in a position where I can help remove some of the burdens they are carrying. I am known as the mom of my friend group. I’m consistently the one that everyone comes to when they need advice or they need someone to rant to. Even if I don’t completely understand what they’re going through, I do my very best to put everything in perspective and help them rationalize their circumstances. I use encouragement to help my peers see their purpose, or help them figure out their next steps. Everyone has the ability to change the world, but they just need someone to step in when they are discouraged and help them see that. Words have power.

“You have a voice. Use it. Speak up. Raise your hands. Shout your answers. Make yourself heard. Whatever it takes, just find your voice. And when you do: fill the silence.” As an introvert, I have struggled to find my voice. I was consistently overshadowed by the dominant voices of my extroverted peers, which has caused me to lose sight of my worth. I felt like I had no control over the situation and that no one was listening when I spoke. The exclusivity of my friends led me to feel inferior to everyone around me. Ultimately, I found my purpose and, therefore, my worth through the encouragement of compassionate teachers and have learned the value of my words. Being quiet does not equate to being silent. My words matter. My opinion matters. I have something to say and it is incredibly important that I use my voice. I am a future teacher who will advocate for the betterment of my student’s education. I will use my words to reflect compassion and kindness, to truly become the bright light that my students deserve. I will use my voice to transfer knowledge that they can use to make their community, or even the world, a better place. To be the changemaker that I am determined to be, I have to speak up. I will use my voice to be a passionate leader, someone who stands up for what they believe in. I will use my voice to not only fill the silence but to make the world brighter.

As Disney’s Jasmine once said, “Sometimes we only see how people are different from us. But if you look hard enough, you can see how much we’re all alike.” I strive to be the person who reflects inclusivity and warmth throughout all of my endeavors. I used to be the person who was left partnerless in a group activity and the person who was always sitting alone at lunch, so I fully comprehend how isolating and lonely that life soon becomes. I never want anyone to experience that feeling, so I continuously sit with the person sitting alone at lunch and include anyone left out in my group. In middle school, all students were required to sit at their allocated lunch tables designated by the class. I noticed that the sweetest boy was excluded from his classmates and was sitting on the end of the table alone, trying to get the attention of kids who were too wrapped up in their own conversations to notice him. This absolutely broke my heart, so I went up to our lunch ladies and got permission for him to be moved to our table. Watching his face light up when I asked him if he wanted to come to sit at my table was nothing short of inspirational. I believe that everyone deserves kindness, no matter what their history looks like. An act of gratitude or compassion has the power to be life-changing. I do everything I can to make sure everyone around me knows that they are loved and that they are appreciated. We only know one page of someone’s story, which shows the importance of treating others with empathy in order to ensure their worth. We must treat others the way we want to be treated. It’s truly the golden rule.

I am fueled by the love of Christ and my devotion to spreading the word of God while helping form more disciples. I am fueled by the unconditional love of my family, as well as their unwavering support through every step of my journey. I am fueled by the loyalty and charismatic nature of my pets, as they are by my side through every up and down. I am fueled by the consistency of Grey’s Anatomy and its symbolization of the light at the end of the week. I am fueled by the encouragement of my teachers, as their advocacy and passion for my success and future career ensure that I am becoming the person I was meant to be. I am fueled by the magic of Disney World, how reality seems to fade away the moment I visualize the radical shift from green road signs to the whimsical purple ones. I am fueled by the tranquil and accomplished feeling of hitting the submit button on a school assignment, knowing that I worked as hard as possible. I am fueled by my family’s weekly trip to Starbucks, as their signature “Pink Drink” serves as a bright light at the end of a busy week. I am fueled by the gift of being able to express myself through the art of dance and the relationships I have built with not only my team but the younger students around me. I am fueled by the opportunity to watch students in my county and beyond better comprehend their academic curriculum through my tutoring service. I am fueled by my desire to become a changemaker in the educational system, as I want to embody integrity and compassion as a leader in my future classroom.

As I nervously walked into my Freshman Advisory class on my first day of high school, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bulletin board with a beautifully articulated quote by Mahatma Gandhi, which read, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Feelings of determination swept over me, as I realized that I could use my desire to serve others to make a positive impact on my community. How I would make a difference was something that I had yet to figure out. I never would have expected to discover my hidden passion that would directly alter my future career plans and ultimately change my life for the better. While anticipating the start of Advisory one day, my teacher asked me if I could help my classmate with his math homework. I had no idea that my teacher’s simple question would be the spark I needed in order to make my impact. After helping a student solve one algebraic problem, I knew in my heart that I had finally found my purpose. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of high school, I created my own tutoring service. I was helping students of all ages in math, social studies, science, English, and even Spanish. I became an advocate for the educational and personal needs of students I helped. As an ambitious Freshman, I set a goal for myself to be a changemaker, as I wanted to give back to the community that I love. Tutoring has become such an important part of my life and I am now ensured that I want to pursue a teaching career. I will be an educator and I will be a bright light in the lives of others. It is where my heart truly lies.

To tap is to speak without words. The rhythms tell a story, one that I can articulate with creative freedom. I am able to truly express myself, without the boundaries set by surrounding people. Tap dancing is one of my best talents, as I have dedicated fourteen years to perfecting the art. I have competed in numerous competitions, which has allowed me to establish friendships with dancers from my studio, as well as with dancers from other studios. In addition, I have had the opportunity to take workshop classes from many professional dancers, which has inspired me to continue working as hard as I can to improve my technique. I have been able to use my knowledge to help younger students who aspire to further their skills. I love being able to pour love into them and enhance their passion for dancing. Furthermore, tapping means a lot to me, as I am able to make my family members happy. Seeing my grandmother cry in the audience as I performed my breakout solo to “Linus and Lucy” in seventh grade was monumental, as I realized who I was dancing for. The joy she gets when I dance for her has encouraged me to keep practicing, even when life gets overwhelming and I feel like giving up. I spend at least ten hours at the studio during a normal week, but that increases as we get closer to competition. Although it’s tiring and stressful, I couldn’t imagine my life without it. Tap allows me to tell the story of my life. I am in control of the sounds made when the metal on my shoes hits the floor. I am able to be myself while making those close to me smile. Tap has truly changed my life.

If someone had asked about my motivation for working hard as a middle school student, my answer would have been simple, yet egocentric: money. I wanted to not only be able to provide for my future family and help others around my community but also live extravagantly. When I began to mentor students throughout my high school career, my mindset was drastically shifted. Tutoring allowed me to see my purpose in life, which is something that I hadn’t revealed itself yet. Throughout middle school, I wanted to be a pediatric surgeon not only because of my love for Grey’s Anatomy but also because of their hefty paycheck. When the covid-19 pandemic sparked a shift to virtual learning, I was no longer able to work alongside students in a classroom environment. To combat this, I established my own tutoring service where I am able to tutor students of all ages in every subject. Although I was pouring academic knowledge to catalyze the learning of the students I tutored, I was simultaneously learning just as much. I realized that I was put on this earth to help my peers and other students flourish into the best version of themselves possible, educationally and personally. I am motivated to further my learning while I watch the “lightbulb” moment in those I tutor. That inspires me to be my best self so that I can help catalyze success in others around me. I work tremendously hard so that I can give to others. My heart longs to serve people around me, and I am immensely blessed to be in a position where I can mentor my peers. I wish I could tell my middle school self that money truly isn’t everything in life. The impact we have on others can be life-changing.

In October of 2019, my mom celebrated her 50th birthday at the happiest place on earth: Disney World. She wore a birthday button to commemorate this monumental day, which consistently caught the attention of Disney cast members who frequently stopped to wish her a happy birthday. Suddenly, Big Al from the Country Bear Jamboree gave my mom her first magical moment, gifting her a Mickey pretzel for her birthday celebration. Not only did that make her day, but it also serves as one of our favorite memories from our Disney vacation. This experience inspired me to create magical moments for my friends and family members during our daily lives. When I notice that someone I am close with is struggling, I write them a handwritten note in calligraphy filled with words of kindness and encouragement. The note is always personalized, which shows them that I truly care about their well-being. I text my friends and family often just to check up on them and see how their day is going. This makes them feel appreciated and valued in our relationship. Furthermore, I do everything I can to lift their spirits. I will congratulate their successes and reassure them of their worth. I show gratitude whenever I can. I make sure that my friends and family are all taken care of, and I will help them in any way to make them happier or more comfortable. I tell them that I love them at the end of every phone conversation, as I want to end our message on a positive note. Disney magic isn’t specific to just Disney world. Big Al inspired me to take initiative and spread joy throughout my daily life, as everyone deserves to feel as celebrated as my mom did on her birthday.

Following the problem-free philosophy of Hakuna Matata, meaning to possess no worries, embodies the true definition of joy in my life. From a young fourth grader to a senior in high school, I have struggled with anxiety through every step of my life. I was deprived of fully reaching a joyful emotion because my mind was consumed with apprehensive thoughts and concerns. Although anxiety is not something that can instantaneously go away when someone takes the initiative to eliminate it, I am now able to find joy in the midst of anxiety, as I have learned to regulate and rationalize my worried thoughts. Even when my life seems overwhelming or out of control, I am able to find elements reflective of Disney magic throughout my day. I find great joy in creating magical moments for my peers, similar to how Disney cast members create those memories for their guests. I create cards for my friends and family members to lift their spirits, which in turn, lifts my own through the smiles they share with me. I listen to Disney music anytime I find myself struggling, as it mimics the feelings I had when walking through Main Street U.S.A in Disney World. I spend time with my pets, who always reflect unconditional love and appreciation for the cuddles we share. Finding a true level of joy was something that took me years to achieve. I had to develop the courage to persevere past the fears and anxious “what if” thoughts in order to truly be able to live in the present. Hakuna Matata inspires me to prioritize happiness in the midst of a stressful period of time that could easily become overwhelming. To hold no worries means to find happiness right where you are.

During my sophomore year of high school, life felt like a never-ending race. I was drowning in stress sparked by academic and extracurricular responsibilities. My internal desire to obtain perfect grades was draining, leading me to become blind to the beauty of my surroundings because I was so overwhelmed. When the covid-19 pandemic sent the world into a period of social isolation, I was forced to take a break from the chaos of my typical daily schedule. The pandemic allowed me to take time for self-reflection, causing me to see the negative consequences of my perfectionist mindset while learning to appreciate everything that I had. I was able to find countless examples of joy in my life that I was unknowingly taking for granted. My family. They are always by my side, reflecting unconditional love and support. I am immensely blessed to have such a wonderful and charismatic family to rely on. My pets. Oh, how special they are to me. I have grown up with cats and dogs all my life, and the love I have developed for them is astronomical. They make my heart so happy. Disney is truly the most magical place on earth. My family vacations at Disney World annually and it is our escape from reality, a place where we truly find tranquility. The magic and fantasy of Disney are inspiring. Dance. As an introvert, I overthink my words before I speak. But through dance, I can express myself without words. The art of dance is truly freeing. As Moana once said, “There comes a day when you’re gonna look around and realize happiness is where you are.” Our happily ever after is right in front of us, but we must possess the courage to reach out and grab it.

“You don’t have to decide right now.” I’m a planner. I desire to know how my day is going to end before it begins. I overthink every possibility for ways things could go wrong and articulate an imaginary solution to turn things back around. Consequently, my planner mindset causes me to feel the need to have my entire life planned out. I feel extremely unsettled if I don’t know exactly what college I want to attend, or exactly what major I hope to complete. While planning is extremely important and beneficial for balancing my rigorous academic course loads with a heavy competitive dance schedule, it can become mentally draining rather quickly. The increased pressure takes a toll on my mental health, as I can never truly plan for every situation, let alone decide my life’s plans as a seventeen-year-old. As I struggled to figure out my perfect college and major, my family was able to sense my heightened anxiety. Instead of stressing me out further by elaborating on my panicked statements, they simply told me that I don’t have to decide anything at that moment. There is no deadline to figure out the path that I want to take. There was no need for me to commit to a particular journey at that moment. Their wise words inspire me to find tranquility throughout my day. I will never have all of the answers, and my family has taught me that not knowing is okay. I have time to develop my identity and my calling, which is something that I should never rush into. A rash split-second decision is never a good one. I don’t have to figure out my future right now, and that is a blessing.

As I scroll through countless websites to seek out scholarships I am eligible to apply for, I consistently run across specific applications dedicated to the life of someone. The scholarship is looking to reward someone who reflects similar characteristics to the legacy of the person who passed away, such as resilience, courage, or generosity. While I reminisce on past memories to find the best personal story to share, I begin wondering what my legacy would be if someone honored my life with a scholarship for graduating seniors. How do I categorize my hopeful legacy in a few short words? My first thought goes to being a difference-maker. I have dedicated countless hours to tutoring my peers, ensuring that they have a strong academic foundation to flourish into the best version of themselves possible. I have loved building relationships with fellow students and becoming someone they know they can trust. Contrary to societal categorization, being an effective tutor requires much more than intellectual knowledge. A mentor must be compassionate and charismatic, as there could be outside factors that are influencing a student’s ability to focus, such as family or mental health problems. What they need, above absolutely anything else, is kindness. Someone to be there for them when they go through rough patches. Someone to encourage them when they lack the confidence needed to grow. Someone to show them that they are worthy of success. Therefore, I want my legacy to be one of kindness. I want people to remember me as the girl who was always willing to help others with a smile on her face. In the words of Cinderella, “Where there is kindness, there is goodness, and where there is goodness, there is magic.”

“Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” says Winnie the Pooh. Throughout my childhood, I never fully understood the weight of his transformative words, but now I can see the true implications in my life. I have proven to myself that I am courageous, strong, and intelligent. Through ample stages of my life, I have struggled with anxiety. In elementary school, I was scared my mom would run late to pick me up. At the Governor’s Scholars Program, I was apprehensive about being away from home. In high school, I worried about test scores and avoiding failure. In spite of that, I have the ability to push forward and constantly give my all to everything I do. I am brave. As a sensitive person, the cruel words of my peers always stick with me. I forgive easily, but forgetting is a long internal struggle. I used to allow their immaturity to bring me down, but now I am secure in my self-worth, so their opinion doesn’t matter to me as much. I persevere with strength. Academics are always a priority in my life, as I believe that the pursuit of knowledge is one of the gifts of life. I work as hard as I possibly can to enhance my intellect while growing into a better version of myself. I am motivated to obtain a higher education through studies in college so that I can become a kind and effective teacher. I am intelligent. Through my perseverance during trials and tribulations, I have shown myself that I am stronger than I believe, I am stronger than I seem, and I am smarter than I think.

Trembling and terrified, my eyes appeared to be watching as my fifth-grade social studies teacher taught us how to decipher and decode elements on a map, but my mind was elsewhere. I was consumed by apprehensive thoughts. The anxiety controlled me, I couldn’t stop the sneaky tears that rolled down my young face. Although it was quite early in the school day, I feared that my mom would run late in the pickup lane. I was irrationally scared of abandonment, but more importantly, I was worried about the small possibility of something happening to my mom in the time we were separated. Of course, I denied my teacher’s recognition that something was wrong. Everybody’s eyes water when they have hiccups, right? Although I could’ve found reassurance in advice from my teacher, who was well aware of my encompassing anxiety, I forced myself to learn self-reliance and independence. My anxiety was highly prevalent throughout the end of my elementary school career, but as the beginning of middle school approached, I knew it was time for a fresh start. Apprehension is not something that can be immediately eliminated, but I made slow progress to find security. Most importantly, I learned to put my faith in my religion. I believe that God has a plan for my life and, therefore, the lives of the people I loved. He would protect my mom from anything that wasn’t explicitly part of His plan. I found comfort in giving my worries to Him, which was significantly transformative in the decreasing extent of my anxiety. Ultimately, I was able to learn how to handle apprehensive thoughts and prevent them from controlling my mind. I realized how much stronger I was and how I shouldn’t allow myself to let my anxiety take hold of my life.

“Take courage when the road is long. Don’t ever forget that you’re never alone.” Drew Holcomb’s “Live Forever” continuously serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and community in my life. I was first introduced to this song when my seminar leader at the Governor’s Scholars Program dedicated it to our class. Although the Program was transformative educationally and personally, I struggled with anxiety being away from my family. The seminar was a class where I was truly able to form meaningful relationships with peers, as the environment was centered on trust. They showed me that I don’t have to fight my battles alone. When I returned home from the program, I learned that my cat, Silver, had entered the end stage of Feline Leukemia. I was, and still am, devastated. She was my joy, my safety, and my best friend. On August 23rd, my family knew it was time to let her go. As my mom called the vet, I sat in her favorite rocking chair and held her close. We listened to “Live Forever” as we treasured our last few moments together. “Live Forever” symbolizes the relationship I held with my sweet cat. She inspires me to fight for what I believe in, as she fought to spend more time with me. When I am struggling, I remind myself of Silver’s courage and determination. Words can’t describe the impact that Silver had on my life, and this song allows me to feel close to her as I wear her paw print over my heart. Even in the midst of scary situations, Silver had courage. Even though she is now at peace in Heaven, she is always with me. I am not alone in my battles.

“You can do this” and “I believe in you” were two seemingly simple statements that were transformative in my confidence level as a growing scholar. When I was struggling with anxiety and sleep deprivation in the midst of an overwhelming academic course load, the kind words my teachers gave me were monumental in my life. When tutoring or even just talking to my friends, providing encouragement and giving helpful advice is my favorite way to help other people. I believe that everyone has the capacity and ability to flourish or succeed, but they have to see their potential first. Our society categorizes tutoring as solely an academic position, but that doesn’t encompass the full truth. Tutors must be mentors, as they must also prioritize the overall well-being of the person they are helping. No one can become the best version of themselves when they are constantly living with the weight of the world on their shoulders. I have stayed up late at night to help a student struggling with depression. I am blessed to be in a position where I can help remove some of the burdens they are carrying. I am known as the mom of my friend group. I’m consistently the one that everyone comes to when they need advice or they need someone to rant to. Even if I don’t completely understand what they’re going through, I do my very best to put everything in perspective and help them rationalize their circumstances. I use encouragement to help my peers see their purpose, or help them figure out their next steps. Everyone has the ability to change the world, but they just need someone to step in when they are discouraged and help them see that. Words have power.

“It was good to have reminders of the struggle and battle - and also reminders that hope could always be found in the middle of them” (Thrasher 139). Written by Travis Thrasher, Indivisible tells the true story of the Turner family and how they put their faith in God, despite everything that was thrown their way. Darren was deployed to serve as an Army Chaplain overseas, leaving his wife and kids at home. He left to fight the battle the Lord called him to fight, but he returned home with new battles to face as he struggled with PTSD. Indivisible highlights the reliance the Turners had on God and His plan for their life, and how they turned to him through every step of their journey. My relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in my life. I have grown up going to church and have been blessed to be able to work as a student leader for the two-year-old class. I have struggled with anxiety through most of my life, and have been working to learn to give my apprehension to God and trust that His plan will be done. Indivisible serves as my reminder that Jesus is always by my side, no matter what I am going through. This book is monumental in my walk with the Lord and my faith in Him. Indivisible inspires me to trust in the Lord throughout every step of my life. No matter where I am, He is always with me. Even if I can’t see it, I know that He is at work and His will is being done. In the words of Darren Turner, “Finally, I do have hope despite the previous ramblings. In the middle of all of this, God is still very much at work” (Thrasher 133).

The current state of our education system is flawed. There is no hiding or covering that up. As a future teacher, I believe that it is crucial for us to acknowledge this problem and do everything we can to reflect equality within our schools. Everyone has the ability to learn and succeed, they just need the right help through their education. When I am tutoring, I only see potential. I never stereotype students and their capabilities based upon the color of their skin. Physical appearance does not symbolize their level of learning. A student should not be defined by something that is out of their control. Students of a minority group have a harder time receiving the same quality education that white Americans receive. Chinese-American students are held to significantly higher standards by adults, sparking astronomical stress levels. Dominican students are stereotyped to have a learning disability, so teachers set their expectations low. Why does our society knowingly allow the state of our education system to remain corrupted and discriminatory? Educational inequity is a devastating reality in America. It’s important that we stand against the unjust categorization of students based upon race, as their quality of education is directly correlated to the contributions they will have to the world. Our society places ample emphasis on race, as many judges our identity and societal role based on our skin color. Our future generation is facing the consequences of discriminatory beliefs, which absolutely have to change. We are so much more than the color of our skin. We are more than the socioeconomic status we come from. We are more than our race.

Three weeks into the five-week Governor’s Scholars Program, my cat became sick. Unbeknownst to me, she had entered the final stage of Feline Leukemia. While I knew she had a slight cold, my parents didn’t share the severity of her illness, as they knew I would leave the program early and would miss out on such an amazing opportunity. A few days after our tearful reunion on closing day, my parents told me the truth. They explained the miracle it was for my sweet Silver to be sitting in my lap. I learned that my parents contacted the program, asking for the ability to let me say goodbye to my best friend if the time came, but the program was not accommodating. Silver’s sister, Ellie, donated blood for a transfusion, as her red blood cells were dying faster than she could generate them. They were skeptical of Silver making it through a couple of days after she got sick, let alone fourteen days to give me time to say goodbye. My family did everything they could, but most importantly, they prayed. And they prayed hard. While our vet did everything in their power to help her, Silver was determined to fight and wait for me. Not only did she make it those fourteen days, but Silver also gave me three more additional weeks of quality time once I returned home. Silver peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge on August 23, 2021. Although my heart is still broken, Silver’s story shows the importance of faith and perseverance. Silver inspires me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. Her virus was fighting her internally, but she fought back harder. I was able to see the power of prayer, as God answered the prayers I didn’t even know I had.

I sparkle with each and every step. The glimmer of royal blue stands out amongst the numerous variations of neutral colors. My eyes look forward with confidence, while the eyes of my peers look down in judgment. I hear their whispers travel from mouth to ear, allowing it to roll right off of my back. Whether I am going to dance practice or attending classes at school, I no longer hesitate to wear my sparkly blue Disney crocs in public. I’ve not always possessed the natural ability to express myself through clothing or even through conversation. The cruel words of a close friend used to deprive me of any freedom to stay true to myself. She temporarily took away my personality and, therefore, the very things that brought me joy. I lived secluded in a corner of comfort until I grasped the courage to venture out into the unknown. I began to ponder why I cared what others thought about me. Disney magic has completely transformed who I am as a person. I aspire to create magical moments for other people, just like a special cast member did for my mother’s birthday. Disney World has been my outlet, my joy, and a bright light in this sometimes dark world. Disney is a place of tranquility, a place where I truly feel like I belong. Why was I hiding who I truly was because an immature teenager tried to convince me that my introverted nature was inferior to her extraverted one? Life’s too short to live for other people. I am who I am because of my love for Disney, and I’m not going to hide that. I stay true to myself because I now know I have the control to “reach out and find my happily ever after.”

Hi! My name is Kristen Bailey and I am a senior at Woodford County High School in Versailles, Kentucky. I have been a competitive dancer for the past fourteen years and have cherished the ability to express myself without the use of words. I am the President of my school’s National Honors Society where I am leading the Tireless Teacher Award that recognizes the resiliency and hard work that our teachers continuously show. Furthermore, I have a heart for tutoring and even established my own tutoring business a few years ago in which I am able to help students of all ages in a plethora of subjects. I hold a special place in my heart for all of my furry friends, past and present, as they have shown me what it means to model pure love and loyalty. I attended the Governor’s Scholars Program this past summer where I was able to further my love of learning without the stress of grades and try new things without the fear of failure. Most importantly, kindness is always my priority. I have been the person whose confidence is stolen by the cruel voice of a peer, which has inspired me to become the person whose voice is used to lift other people up. Reflecting warmth and inclusivity are two of my biggest strengths. I am the person who invites others to join my lunch table if they are sitting alone. I strive to go out of my way to make others feel valued and appreciated. As a future educator, I want to become a voice for the voiceless. A voice for those who lack the ability to stand up for themselves and their needs. College is a wonderful opportunity, as I will be able to obtain a strong academic foundation that will set me up for success later in life, but it is rather expensive. I plan on also attending graduate school, which only increases the cost of my education. From the start of my freshman year of high school, I have done absolutely everything that I can in order to keep my grades high and have a high ACT score for merit-based scholarships. I plan to attend the University of Kentucky where I was offered the Presidential Scholarship, which is around 12.6k annually. In addition, I have also received 10k from my state for “KEES” money for upholding a strong academic standing and I earned 1k from participating in my local Distinguished Young Women program and winning interview, academic, and essay awards. For four years, the University of Kentucky costs around 127k for an undergraduate degree. After those scholarships, I would be paying around 65k for the next four years, which is still quite a lot, especially since I will also be going for a graduate/master's degree after that. I am determined to decrease the cost of college so that I don’t have to worry about student loan debt: the silent killer. To combat this, I spend every second of my free time writing numerous scholarship essays. Even if I don’t win them, I find comfort in knowing I did everything that I could. I will take every opportunity to earn scholarship money so that I don’t dig myself a hole of deep debt. Financial stability is extremely important to me and my plans for the future, highlighting my goal of decreasing the cost of college. I have grown up under the advice of saving extra money for a rainy day. I know my rainy day will soon come, and I will be prepared.

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference,” was the encouragement that my favorite Disney character, Eeyore, shared with the world. The seemingly simple acts of kindness have the power to be life-changing, which is exactly the impact I hope to leave behind. I strive to be the person who reflects inclusivity and warmth throughout all of my endeavors. I used to be the person who was left partnerless in a group activity and the person who was always sitting alone at lunch, so I fully comprehend how isolating and lonely that life soon becomes. I never want anyone to experience that feeling, so I continuously sit with the person sitting alone at lunch and include anyone left out in my group. In middle school, all students were required to sit at their allocated lunch tables designated by the class. I noticed that the sweetest boy was excluded from his classmates and was sitting on the end of the table alone, trying to get the attention of kids who were too wrapped up in their own conversations to notice him. This absolutely broke my heart, so I went up to our lunch ladies and got permission for him to be moved to our table. Watching his face light up when I asked him if he wanted to come to sit at my table was nothing short of inspirational. My history teacher gave me a vinyl sticker that permanently sits beside the mouse pad on my Chromebook which reads “stay humble, hustle hard, & be kind.” Those words serve as my reminder to stay true to my values and to live in an impactful way. I want to leave a legacy filled with integrity and kindness, as our actions and spoken words truly change lives.

My house is a jungle; even the name of our Wifi is “The Zoo.” I have been immensely blessed to grow up with two pet-loving parents, as I’ve always shared my home with multiple furry friends. I’ve developed a vast sensitivity to the well-being of my own cats and dogs, which has expanded to a concern for all animals. I’m extremely passionate about the care and fulfilled needs of pets. One of my cats, Silver, will always hold a special place in my heart. Although I love and appreciate all of my pets equally, Silver was always the one to seek me out and spend quality time with me. Her headbutts wiped my tears and her sweet purrs helped heal my heart. She was my best friend, my joy, and my safety. Silver crossed the Rainbow Bridge in August of 2021 as she ended her courageous fight with Feline Leukemia. To say that she had a positive impact on my life would be a drastic understatement. I am strongly against the tragic prevalence of euthanasia in humane societies. Every animal can find their forever home if they are only given the chance. Pets are such a gift and it is inhumane to take away their life because a selfish person doesn’t see their worth. They have the right to be loved and to be taken care of. I will forever be an advocate for the lives of pets. I collected cat/dog treats for my local Humane Society instead of asking for gifts. Every person deserves to be loved as much as I love Silver, and every person deserves to be loved as much as Silver loved me. Silver changed my life. I am so thankful for the ability to live in “The Zoo” which is the Bailey household.

Throughout my academic, personal, and competitive dance careers, I have been told that I wasn’t good enough. That I would never be successful because I wasn’t smart enough, wasn’t pretty enough, or because I didn’t look the part. My main goal is to prove these people wrong, as I want to show myself that I can work hard and be successful through my endeavors. I plan to attend the University of Kentucky for my undergraduate degree. Although I am confident that I want to pursue an education degree, I am unsure whether I am going to major in secondary social studies or secondary mathematics education. I hold myself to high academic expectations, so I want to graduate with a high GPA while being highly involved in clubs. I want to become a high school teacher that will ultimately teach at Woodford County, where I grew up, once there is job availability. High school students need a positive mentor to reflect kindness and compassion throughout their days, which is what I hope to embody. I run my own tutoring service and find so much joy in helping my peers develop confidence and fully comprehend the content. As an introvert, students in my grade consistently exclude me and overshadow my voice. They don’t understand that being quiet does not equate to being silent. Even though I may never become a stereotypical social butterfly, I want to raise my voice more often, allowing myself to be heard. I want to build meaningful personal and professional relationships with people in my community. Ultimately, I want to be a changemaker. I want to be the person who advocates for others and helps them flourish with empathy and strength. I want to leave a legacy of kindness and dedication while leaving the world a better place.

I have been immensely blessed to grow up with parents that have such a kind and generous heart. The influence that they’ve had on my life is profound, and I strive to follow in their footsteps. My parents do everything they can for our community, especially around the holiday season when they help with Angel Tree programs. As I entered high school, I wanted to find a way to serve fellow scholars at my high school to make a difference in their lives. During our advisory one day, my teacher asked if I would be able to help a classmate with his homework. I had no idea that her seemingly simple request would be the inspiration I needed in order to find my purpose. I began to volunteer daily within a mathematics teacher’s enrichment period where I was able to work alongside a new student every day. For the following three years of high school, I was even given the opportunity to sign up for an algebra class to serve as a peer tutor. When the pandemic prevented me from continuing to work in a classroom, I was determined to continue mentoring. I established my own tutoring service where I am able to volunteer to help students of all ages in every subject. My tutoring service has been monumental in my life, as I am now ensured that I want to pursue a career in the education field. Most importantly, I am in a position where I can encourage students throughout all of their endeavors. I am a constant in their lives that will always be there for them. I give love, compassion, and confidence to every student that I have met, which is transformative in their lives. I will become a changemaker. It is where my heart truly lies.

Going into high school, every adult in my life advised me to enjoy the next four years. It’ll be over you know it, they said. I didn’t believe them at first, but now that I am a high school senior, stressing about what comes next, I have realized that they were correct. Through the stress of taking rigorous academic courses while maintaining involvement in extracurricular activities and community service, I have realized the true importance of finding ways to implement joy into daily routines. I love listening to Lauren Daigle worship music as I complete homework, for it always encourages me to embody courage and passion. I love playing and spending time with my sweet pets, for they always reflect love and companionship. I love watching Grey’s Anatomy after dance practice on Thursday nights, for it consistently gives me something to look forward to. I love writing notes for my friends and family in calligraphy, for it is a way to express my creativity while making other people smile. I love going to Starbucks with my dad on Saturday afternoons, for it is our time to find relaxation as we close our busy week. Life is stressful and difficult, but we have the power to mold it to our passions. I have grown up reading the Pinterest quote that states that “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” I have learned how essential it is to make the most of every situation and enjoy the journey. Rainy days will inevitably come, but that only makes us better appreciate the sunshine in our lives.

I am passionate about the importance of listening to hear, not listening to respond. It is easy to become so fixated on planning what we are going to say next that we filter out the words that someone else is speaking. In today’s society, so many people follow the egocentric belief that their opinion is the only correct one and that their voice is the only one that matters. I strive to listen to my peers in a way that ensures that they feel heard. They deserve to know that their voice matters and that I will always be there for them to listen to whatever they have to say. As an introvert, I worry and overthink almost everything I say. When I speak up, if I realize that no one is actually listening to me, it breaks my heart. It causes me to temporarily revert back to my old beliefs that my quiet nature is inferior to the extroverted nature of my peers. I would never want to do anything that would cause people to think that they aren’t enough or that they aren’t worthy to be heard. Listening is an underappreciated virtue in our world. It’s essential that we all voice our concerns and opinions, but that we also listen to each other while we do. Females are stereotyped as being less dominant than males, and we should be the ones listening to what they have to say. The concept of listening must go both ways in order to be effective. Even if you are told to just listen, always remember the words of Meredith Grey “You have a voice. Use it. Speak up. Raise your hands. Shout your answers. Make yourself heard. Whatever it takes, just find your voice. And when you do: fill the silence.”

As I entered my Freshman Advisory for my very first class of my high school career, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bulletin board with a beautifully articulated quote by Mahatma Gandhi which read “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I knew that I needed to embody leadership characteristics in order to flourish into a changemaker in my community. Within my school, I am highly involved in peer tutoring. I volunteer daily in a mathematics teacher’s classroom during our enrichment period to help students struggling with their homework. I also gave up an elective block to permanently be enrolled as a peer tutor so that I can build connections with the students I am helping. Furthermore, I established my own tutoring service where I am able to expand my role as a mentor to help students of all ages in every subject. I do everything I can to help my peers gain confidence that allows them to grow academically. As soon as I met the age requirement after my 5th grade year, I began to volunteer in the two-year-old classroom at my church. I absolutely adore playing with the students while simultaneously enhancing their Biblical knowledge. The children’s service allows their parents to attend their service without worrying about their kids. I strive to serve others throughout all of my endeavors. I consistently put and fulfill the needs of others above my personal needs. I always hold the door for someone walking behind me, even if they are far away. I always say “thank you” to my teachers as the bell rings at the end of class. No act of service is too small, as it is how we will truly make the world a better place.

Trembling and terrified, my eyes appeared to be watching as my fifth-grade social studies teacher taught us how to decipher and decode elements on a map, but my mind was elsewhere. I was consumed by apprehensive thoughts. The anxiety controlled me, I couldn’t stop the sneaky tears that rolled down my young face. Although it was quite early in the school day, I feared that my mom would run late in the pickup lane. I was irrationally scared of abandonment, but more importantly, I was worried about the small possibility of something happening to my mom in the time we were separated. Of course, I denied my teacher’s recognition that something was wrong. Everybody’s eyes water when they have hiccups, right? Although I could’ve found reassurance in advice from my teacher, who was well aware of my encompassing anxiety, I forced myself to learn self-reliance and independence. Anxiety is not something that can be instantaneously fixed. A simple change cannot be made that will automatically make everything better. I had to learn that small progressions in controlling my anxiety are something that should be celebrated. Even though my anxiety has taken away the joy from some experiences, I have learned so much about myself in the midst of the battle. I can see my resilience, passion, determination, and work ethic. I don’t let my lingering anxiety deter me from reaching a goal that I have set myself. I don’t let my anxiety stop me from living my life the way I desire. My anxiety led me to find my purpose. I want to be there for future students like my past teachers have been there for me during my lowest moments. They have built me up, encouraging me that I am worthy and that I should keep fighting. My teachers have talked me down when I am on the verge of a breakdown. I dream of becoming someone my future students can depend on and can trust to come to when they are struggling. I want to use my experience with anxiety to help carry the burden of mental health that so many adolescents are continuously carrying. I desire to become a changemaker. I want to show my future students that mental health is something they don’t need to shy away from or be ashamed of. I will be open and vulnerable about my anxiety to make struggling students feel more comfortable being genuine and honest in conversations. Most importantly, I learned to put my faith in my religion. I believe that God has a plan for my life and, therefore, the lives of the people I loved. He would protect my mom and family from anything that wasn’t explicitly part of His plan. I found comfort in giving my worries to Him, which was significantly transformative in the decreasing extent of my anxiety. I realized how much I wanted to be in control of everything. I wanted to be able to protect my loved ones from any harm in this sometimes dark world. I wanted to have the control to handle everything and know exactly where I was going to end up. The power of discovering my faith in the Lord was life-changing. I was freed of the burden of seeking perfection. Ultimately, I was able to learn how to handle apprehensive thoughts and prevent them from controlling my mind. I realized how much stronger I was and how I shouldn’t allow myself to let my anxiety take hold of my life. I am more than my anxiety. I am strong.

I grew up with my parents telling me to “save your money for a rainy day.” A rainy day? I had no idea what that meant. If the weather was rainy, I thought, my parents probably wouldn’t take me out shopping. To little Kristen, the logic of their statement just didn’t add up correctly. Nevertheless, I followed their advice. I resisted the temptation of buying the gorgeous dollhouse from Toys R Us when I received money for my birthday. That decision was hard then but has ultimately set me up for financial success in the present. As I matured, I have come to realize what a rainy day represents. Sometimes our weather can be unpredictable. A light flurry can quickly turn into a heavy snowstorm. Just like our ever-changing weather, our life can be turned upside down with only a moment’s notice. Situations can quickly arise unexpectedly where I would need financial savings to get by. My parents taught me the value of saving money for a time where I would really need it. I am applying this philosophy in my life by prioritizing scholarship applications. I have vowed to do absolutely everything in my power to help bring down the expensive cost of attending college. I believe in the importance of hard work and am determined to do all that I can to truly “save my money for a rainy day” by trying to obtain numerous scholarships. I am very blessed to have parents who gave me advice that will set me up for future success. I have big dreams and have learned that in order to live happily and with stability, I need to be financially efficient and spend money wisely. My rainy day will come, and when it does, I know that I will be prepared.

As I nervously walked into my Freshman Advisory class on my first day of high school, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bulletin board with a beautifully articulated quote by Mahatma Gandhi, which read, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Feelings of determination swept over me, as I realized that I could use my desire to serve others to make a positive impact on my community, and more specifically, fellow scholars within the Woodford County school system. How I would make a difference was something that I had yet to figure out. I never would have expected to discover my hidden passion that would directly alter my future career plans and ultimately change my life for the better. While anticipating the start of our Advisory one day, my teacher asked me if I could help my classmate with his math homework. I had no idea that my teacher’s simple question would be the spark I needed in order to make my impact. After helping a student solve one algebraic problem, I knew in my heart that I had finally found my purpose. Witnessing the lightbulb moment for ample scholars was so inspiring, as I could visibly see their level of comprehension strengthen, along with their self-confidence. I was given the platform to reassure students that they were capable of anything that they set their minds to and that they should not be discouraged by the difficulty of solving a mathematical problem. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of high school, I created my own tutoring service. Many of my teachers and guidance counselors were sending scholars my way and I was able to set up sessions to help them after school hours. I was helping students of all ages in math, social studies, science, English, and even Spanish. I spent every free second I had at the library, their house, or staying late in a classroom to pour all of my love onto these students. I was constantly developing practice tests and problems that would reinforce or strengthen what they were learning. Mentoring is definitely my favorite hobby. Through tutoring, I have the opportunity to build up my peers and help them flourish into the best version of themselves possible. Consequently, I have gotten to learn things about myself that I never would have realized. I discovered my heart for service. I am inspired by the moment where a student realizes their worth or their value, as it strengthens my drive to continue mentoring. I am able to do something I am passionate about while giving back to my community simultaneously. To be a mentor is to be a leader, a dedicated and supportive advocate for each and every student. I am ecstatic to dedicate my life to the purpose of education and bettering the lives of my peers. I will become an educator and a bright light in the lives of others. It is where my heart truly lies.

Over the summer, I was given the prestigious opportunity to attend the Governor’s Scholars Program at Bellarmine University. Although I was absolutely elated to step onto campus during opening day, my anxiety heightened the moment I watched my tearful parents leave my dorm. I felt trapped, overwhelmed, and isolated from the people I loved. I knew that I needed to take advantage of my time at the program, but there were times when my anxiety was crippling. At the end of the first week, I started struggling with panic attacks. I felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel, as I was overwhelmed by the drastic change of circumstances. When it came time for the voluntary “Amicizia in the Arboretum” event for socialization, I couldn’t imagine leaving the comfort of my dorm to branch out to new people. As I left the showers early that night, I was stopped by my residential advisor, who was worried that I wasn’t having fun, as she could sense that I was struggling. She sat across from me in our small hallway to try and make conversation. While we talked, two girls in my hall came and joined us, trying to convince me to allow myself to have fun. Instead of going to the party right outside our building, these three wonderful friends chose to help me in my time of need. I built true and meaningful relationships with them as we made string friendship bracelets together. To me, true friends are loyal, comforting, kind, compassionate, and most importantly, genuine. These girls were there for me when I needed someone most. Their friendship lifted me up from my rock bottom, which allowed me to flourish and truly “live in the along.”

Throughout my entire life, Disney World has been my outlet, my joy, and the looming excitement that gets me through the day. My family vacations in this magical place every fall break, but I live the Disney lifestyle daily. As a student taking rigorous academic courses while dancing on a competition team, life can easily become overwhelming and difficult. I was getting through my days by walking on my bare feet, but I soon realized that I could be achieving the same goals while taking the Disney Monorail. While dreaming of Disney doesn’t completely remove the weight of my responsibilities, it certainly adds sparks of joy to my day. I can frequently be found wearing Disney apparel, as I allow myself to prioritize comfort over conforming to societal fashion standards. While I drive to dance practice or complete my nightly homework assignments, I listen to a music playlist filled with Disney rides and movie songs. This radiates positivity throughout stressful moments in my life. My brain continuously associates all things Disney with relaxation and happiness. Disney Imagineers use psychological facts to make their theme parks as magical and whimsical as possible, as they are able to include details that trick our minds into seeing the impossible. Disney Cast Members create magical moments where they perform acts of kindness for the guests. I am learning to create my own magical moments throughout my daily life. I am incorporating elements of joy and laughter into my days, which allows me to flourish with confidence and radiate happiness. Living the Disney lifestyle allows me to become a better version of myself while continuing to complete my responsibilities and obligations with passion, determination, and efficiency. The magic of Disney has truly changed my life for the better.

As I opened the dreaded email, my heart dropped. All of my friends moved up to the diamond team, while I was stuck on a lower level, as a member of the team my dance teacher admitted several years later that she gave up on. I had worked insanely hard during our summer auditions and I was devastated to know that I was overlooked, again. I thought about leaving the studio completely, as I struggled to feel accepted. I was hidden in the back of every group dance, which caused me to categorize myself as unworthy. I had my heart set on quitting dance, but as I reminisced on old photos, I reminded myself why I pushed through as long as I had. I danced because I cherished the art form. As an introvert, dance allows me to express myself in ways words cannot. I wasn’t on the team for the approval of others or to prove myself in any way. From then on, I promised myself that I wouldn’t allow the hurtful comments from my dance teacher or the snarky remarks from my teammates to stop me from continuing something I loved. That very year, I competed my tap solo, “Linus and Lucy,” at one last competition for the season. I went on that stage with the goal of improvement from the previous time I performed. As I walked in front of my team to be crowned for receiving an overall placement, fabulous tapping special award, and the ultimate victory adjudication, feelings of joy swept over my body. That crown signifies the importance of perseverance, even when faced with adversity and ample obstacles. Although I still face similar challenges, I no longer allow others to have the power to deter me from advancing my love of dance. I'm resilient.

Throughout my high school career, I have had the opportunity to mentor fellow students inside and outside of the classroom. I volunteer daily in a mathematics teacher’s enrichment period and signed up for an algebra class to build connections with students while advancing their comprehension of the curriculum. I am willing to do whatever it takes to help them fully understand the skills they are learning. I have worked with students after school for hours, just to make sure they feel comfortable and confident in their ability to do well on an assignment. Furthermore, I am able to reflect kindness and compassion when helping my peers. I will continue advocating for them and their education, regardless of the circumstances. In particular, mentoring an eight-year-old girl who struggled with reading comprehension has been particularly powerful to me. She was used to in-person schooling, so the adjustment to virtual learning was difficult for her. I was there for her every step of the way, helping keep her on track to better her education in every way that I possibly could. I have learned that I am easily able to have patience for others, but I struggle having patience with myself. I get frustrated when I don’t get a perfect test score or cannot understand a concept the second I am introduced to it. I give others much more grace than I give myself, which is a continuous battle that I am fighting to win. The establishment of my own tutoring service has shown me the true importance of patience and tranquility, as I see the differing needs each individual has. I will meet others wherever they are at, emotionally or academically, while I am simultaneously learning to do the same for myself.

I’m a hard worker. No matter what situation may arise, I'll rise up to the challenge and flourish. I continuously put one hundred and ten percent effort into absolutely everything I do, even when I am tired and know it would be easier to give up. I believe that hard work can outdo natural talent, as a strong work ethic has the capability to take someone anywhere they want to go. My ambition also allows me to become a changemaker in my community, as I am able to become a mentor and a reliable volunteer. My work ethic has and will continue to allow me to travel down the right path in my life. As I nervously walked into my Freshman Advisory class on my first day of high school, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bulletin board with a beautifully articulated quote by Mahatma Gandhi, which read, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Feelings of determination swept over me, as I realized that I could use my desire to serve others to make a positive impact on my community. How I would make a difference was something that I had yet to figure out. I never would have expected to discover my hidden passion that would directly alter my future career plans and ultimately change my life for the better. While anticipating the start of Advisory one day, my teacher asked me if I could help my classmate with his math homework. I had no idea that my teacher’s simple question would be the spark I needed in order to make my impact. After helping a student solve one algebraic problem, I knew in my heart that I had finally found my purpose. I began to volunteer daily within a mathematics hive period, which was a time of enrichment where students could sign up for a teacher’s class that they were struggling with. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of high school, I created my own tutoring service. I was helping students of all ages in math, social studies, science, English, and even Spanish. I spent every free second I had at the library, their house, or staying late in a classroom to pour all of my love onto these students. I was constantly developing practice tests and problems that would reinforce or strengthen what they were learning. The impact that a positive mentor can have on a student is indescribable, and I want to spend my life changing the lives of others for the better. Furthermore, my work ethic will allow me to maintain a strong academic foundation that will allocate future success. Throughout high school, I balanced rigorous course loads, the establishment of my tutoring service with a heavy competitive dance schedule. That didn't stop me from continuing my community service and returning the Tireless Teacher Award to my school as the President of our National Honors Society. I’ve learned time management skills that will benefit me through every stage of my life. I am ecstatic to begin a new chapter of my life during college where I can discover new ways to be an advocate for my peers and work hard to achieve new goals. Whether I am practicing my dance choreography for long hours at the studio, mentoring a student, or completing my own academic assignments, working hard is a skill I’ll never lose. My determination and passion will keep me on track to become the changemaker I desire to be. I will work hard to be a bright light in this sometimes dark world.

To be a mentor is to be a leader, a dedicated and supportive advocate for each and every student. Throughout my high school career, I have had the opportunity to be involved with peer tutoring inside and outside of my school. I volunteer daily within my school’s daily enrichment period, am enrolled as a tutor in a freshman math class, and have established my own tutoring service in which I am able to help students of all ages in every subject. I aspire to be a changemaker in my community, and my role as a mentor is how I am able to achieve that. Not only do I help students perform better academically, I am able to be there for them personally, helping them through every aspect of their life. I stayed up late helping a student who was struggling with depression and family problems. The students I tutor always know that they can trust and count on me with anything. Tutoring is something that I am extremely passionate about that also helps other people in my community flourish into the best version of themselves possible. I am in the position to help them see their potential and their value. Words have power and I will use mine to better the lives of other people in my community and even throughout my state. I am honored to be able to give back to my community as a tutor. Helping students gain the confidence and the work ethic to succeed is nothing short of inspiring, and I am ecstatic to be able to do this for the rest of my life. I will become an educator and I will be a bright light in the lives of my students. It is where my heart truly lies.

Our lives are constantly changing. We are thrown off balance when the heavyweight on our shoulders shifts. Something that can help people who struggle with mental health take that hefty load off of their shoulders is to be more consistent. As people, we have the moral responsibility to be a friend with those who need one. Knowing they have someone to rely on would help those battling a mental illness, as they are ensured that they are not alone. The power of community cannot be overlooked. We need to be more considerate of what other people are going through and make sure we are consistently good friends with them. We need to be more encouraging, kinder, and more charismatic to everyone. Furthermore, we need to find consistency throughout our daily life. This is difficult to do in the midst of our chaotic and stressful schedule, but it is very possible. All it takes is a scheduled five minutes where we are able to do something for ourselves. Personally, I am able to ease my anxiety by listening to my Spotify playlist or watching some of my favorite television scenes. Everyone needs to discover their consistent source of joy that they can return to daily. Consistency requires care. We need to care about our own mental health so that we can help other people who are struggling. It is our duty to catalyze change, to become people who make positive contributions to their communities. We need to lift each other up, being consistent friends in their life. In addition, each individual also has the capability to take initiative and work for the change they wish to see by taking time for tranquility. Let’s be the change we wish to see in the world. Let’s be consistent.

The biggest problem our world faces is the lack of accountability and self-discipline reflected throughout ample aspects of life. Many people have developed a habit of passing off moral or professional responsibilities to their peers, which contributes to a low level of efficiency in the workplace. Throughout my educational journey, I have consistently dreaded group projects. I was always the person who asked to work individually, but that was rarely allowed. The majority of my fellow classmates would refuse to do their part of the assignment, so I would end up doing all the work while they received equal credit. It wasn’t until my experience at the Governor’s Scholars Program where I learned to cherish group projects when everyone had the desire to learn and participate. Teachers should begin placing more of an emphasis on individual projects so students learn to depend on themselves and develop the work ethic required for success. Furthermore, the bystander effect describes the tendency for people to be less likely to help someone in an emergency situation if more people are around. They assume that someone else will help, so they don’t feel any sense of responsibility or moral obligation to help someone struggling. The bystander effect has caused too many civilians to die prematurely, even though they could have been saved had someone taken the responsibility to help. The lack of accountability and self-discipline in our society has become one of our biggest downfalls. If no one takes the initiative to help, nothing will ever be improved. We need to start teaching our school children the importance of intrinsic motivation and help them develop the drive to be the best version of themselves possible. We have the power to make the world a better place. The future is truly in our hands.

“Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God.” Ronald Reagan When I think of a true leader, President Ronald Reagan immediately comes to mind. He was one of the most eloquent Presidents that the United States has ever had. Reagan was a father figure to our country, as our citizens knew he was in charge and would do what was right. After the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded, Ronald Reagan went on national television and gave a speech that continuously stands out in my mind. He spoke with empathy and established a theme of resilience. He grieved with the country, making everyone feel safe as he spoke. In particular, he addressed the countless school children who watched the challenger explode. He gave hope to the impressionable minds of our youth, telling them that painful occurrences are part of our journey into discovery. Furthermore, President Ronald Reagan led the United States during a Cold War where people went to bed at night wondering if the USSR was going to drop the bombs that ended the world. Reagan stood up to them, leading to the collapse of the Soviet Union. He led our country through a terrifying situation, leaving us stronger and prepared for the future. Our country is in dire need of a leader that is just as personable and emotionally intelligent as President Ronald Reagan was. In today’s society, politics is such a divisive and controversial topic. Regardless of political beliefs, President Ronald Reagan left our country more united. I wish that I were alive at the time where President Ronald Reagan ran our country with kindness, resiliency, and integrity, as I look up to him as a leader and a changemaker. He truly made our country a safer and more prosperous place.

Education holds power. Our teachers and administrators have a duty to act as agents of change in the lives of their students. Schools need to have the resources to provide an academic foundation that allows their students to flourish through whatever path they choose to travel down. One change within the educational system that would catalyze ample positive impacts for future generations is becoming more consistent throughout every aspect of education. As a future educator, I do acknowledge the difficulties of truly achieving this change, but I believe that the effect it would have on our future students is something that we can’t ignore. Students deserve consistency of workloads. Many schools begin the year with a light workload, but then every class ends with a heavy and stressful schedule. This is extremely unfair to the students, who are struggling to keep up. I have personally felt as if I were drowning in my school assignments as I tried to push myself beyond my limits. I believe that classes need to stabilize their course load, keeping the work consistent and organized. This will allow students to develop a work schedule and study method that allocates the level of learning and comprehension that is necessary for success. Students deserve consistency of care. Not every student comes from a household filled with warmth and love. They need a level of support and encouragement at school to gain the motivation and self-confidence to achieve the success that they are capable of. Teachers need to be understanding and compassionate. They need to choose their words carefully, making sure they don’t exclude or discriminate against anyone. Every student needs to know from the moment they walk into the classroom that they have a place where they are appreciated, loved, and cared for. With this reassurance, students will be more likely to perform better academically and are more apt to make positive contributions to the community in the future. Students deserve consistency of resources. Every student comes from a different background, and it is extremely unfair for one student to have an academic advantage because they come from a home with a larger income. My school offers Homework Club after school where students can receive free tutoring and are also provided with snacks. This program is significant because it allows students to have a way of getting extra help without their parents spending extra money that they may not have. Every school needs to have a program or a method where students can get the help they deserve, regardless of their socioeconomic status. With the increased dependence upon virtual learning, schools need to ensure that every student has a source of WiFi to connect to. There are small devices that schools can pass out that serve as a personal WiFi hotspot that our Chromebooks can connect to. The power of education would be amplified if everything could become more consistent. Our students deserve a stable academic environment and foundation that will allow them to change the world.

To be a mentor is to be a leader, a dedicated and supportive advocate for each and every student. Throughout my high school career, I have had the opportunity to be involved with peer tutoring inside and outside of my school. I volunteer daily within my school’s daily enrichment period, am enrolled as a tutor in a freshman math class, and have established my own tutoring service in which I am able to help students of all ages in every subject. I aspire to be a changemaker in my community, and my role as a mentor is how I am able to achieve that. Not only do I help students perform better academically, I am able to be there for them personally, helping them through every aspect of their life. I stayed up late helping a student who was struggling with depression and family problems. The students I tutor always know that they can trust and count on me with anything. Tutoring is something that I am extremely passionate about that also helps other people in my community flourish into the best version of themselves possible. I am in the position to help them see their potential and their value. Words have power and I will use mine to better the lives of other people in my community and even throughout my state. I am honored to be able to give back to my community as a tutor. Helping students gain the confidence and the work ethic to succeed is nothing short of inspiring, and I am ecstatic to be able to do this for the rest of my life. I will become an educator and I will be a bright light in the lives of my students. It is where my heart truly lies.

There is more to life than perfection. During my sophomore year of high school, life felt like a never-ending race. I was mentally drowning as I balanced rigorous academic courses along with studying, a heavy competitive dance schedule, community service hours, and involvement in outside extracurricular activities and clubs. I was so focused on achieving perfection in everything that I did that I was unable to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings and see just how blessed I was. If I received a 99% on a test, I wouldn’t be satisfied with the 99% I got correct. I would beat myself up over the 1% I missed, wondering how my grade would be affected. I stayed up extremely late every night to study my curriculum, pushing myself to my breaking point. I would break down in tears the moment I stepped into my mom’s car after school, as I was putting way too much pressure on myself and set unrealistic goals I was inevitably failing to reach. I was sleep-deprived, anxious, and insecure. When the covid-19 pandemic sent the world into a period of social isolation, my schedule was suddenly much lighter. I was able to work at my own pace, studying as much as I needed. In addition, I was able to spend a lot more time with my family, which I will cherish forever. I realized how much of life I was missing as I buried my face into my textbooks. The pandemic gave my family much-needed time to strengthen our relationships. I will never again try to force myself to achieve perfection, as that isn’t possible. While I will always challenge myself and work hard, I know that there is a limit to how far I can go. Perfectionism does not lead to perfection.

While anticipating the start of Advisory one day, my teacher asked me if I could help my classmate with his math homework. I had no idea that my teacher’s simple question would be the spark I needed in order to make my impact. After helping a student solve one algebraic problem, I knew in my heart that I had finally found my purpose. I was given the platform to reassure students that they were capable of anything that they set their minds to and that they should not be discouraged by the difficulty of solving a mathematical problem. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of high school, I created my own tutoring service. I was helping students of all ages in math, social studies, science, English, and even Spanish. I spent every free second I had at the library, their house, or staying late in a classroom to pour all of my love onto these students. I was constantly developing practice tests and problems that would reinforce or strengthen what they were learning. Tutoring has allowed me to be a leader in my school, paving the way to become the changemaker I desire to be. Furthermore, I was elected by teachers to be the President of my school’s National Honors Society. This gives me the opportunity to help our scholars catalyze change in our community through community service and help develop their leadership skills. I brought back the Tireless Teacher and Staff Award, where I am able to recognize the hard work and dedication that our school’s faculty continuously show that keeps our school functioning. I created a Google Form where students leave kind messages to staff members which were compiled into a card for each person. In addition, officers will roll a tire into a classroom to celebrate the chosen award winner and highlight them on social media. Our teachers have sacrificed so much and continuously reflect flexibility while educating through a pandemic, of which they deserve so much recognition and appreciation. Being a leader requires kindness, passion, and resiliency. They must be personable and show compassion to the people around them. A leader must show dedication and possess a strong work ethic, as their drive will encourage them to truly embody their role. Circumstances can change in a heartbeat, which highlights the importance of adaptability and preparation for the unknown. Tutoring has inspired me to pursue a career in education where I can help students reach their full potential. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. As an educator, I will be a resource for students to stimulate academic growth and prepare them for their future. As an educator, my goal will be to change lives. The influence of a good teacher can never truly be erased. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them.

“It was good to have reminders of the struggle and battle - and also reminders that hope could always be found in the middle of them” (Thrasher 139). Written by Travis Thrasher, Indivisible tells the true story of the Turner family and how they put their faith in God, despite everything that was thrown their way. Darren was deployed to serve as an Army Chaplain overseas, leaving his wife and kids at home. He left to fight the battle the Lord called him to fight, but he returned home with new battles to face as he struggled with PTSD. Indivisible highlights the reliance the Turners had on God and His plan for them, and how they turned to him through every step of their journey. My relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in my life. I have grown up going to church and have been blessed to be able to work as a student leader for the two-year-old class. I have struggled with anxiety through most of my life, and have been working to learn to give my apprehension to God and trust that His plan will be done. Indivisible serves as my reminder that Jesus is always by my side, no matter what I am going through. This book is monumental in my walk with the Lord and my faith in Him. Indivisible inspires me to place trust in the Lord throughout every step of my life. No matter where I am, He is always with me. Even if I can’t see it, I know that He is at work and His will is being done. In the words of Darren Turner, “Finally, I do have hope despite the previous ramblings. In the middle of all of this, God is still very much at work” (Thrasher 133).

Hi! I’m Kristen Bailey. I would rather eat cookie dough than a baked cookie of any variation. The potential that cookie dough holds is often overlooked and is underappreciated in society. It can be molded into any design, works well with any flavor, and still maintains the ability to be baked to perfection. While the ingredients differ through different recipes, cookie dough is always sweet. It’s not the popular choice, but that doesn’t diminish its value and satisfactory endings. I believe that my choice of cookie dough reflects a lot about me as a person and changemaker.

Generosity means living selflessly, consistently prioritizing the well-being of others. This involves positive contributions and engagement within your community through volunteerism and donations. The story told in the Bible about the Widower’s Offering through Mark 12:41-44 truly encompasses the level of generosity I strive to embody. While many were giving large amounts, the widow was only able to offer two copper coins into the temple treasury. “Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on.’” The widow barely had any financial resources to depend on, yet she gave everything she had to Jesus. Her selflessness inspires me to give my everything to my community. Furthermore, being generous requires acts of kindness and volunteerism through ample aspects of one’s life. Helping others truly reflects a generous heart. Volunteering helps a community become a better place for all of its residents, which is crucial for its effective functioning. This is important because it allows citizens to embody the change they wish to see. In my life, I show generosity through giving back to my community. My family adopts angels at Christmas and helps to provide gifts for underprivileged children. We donate money to our church and pet charities. Prior to the covid-19 pandemic, I was a children's check-in and two-year-old class student leader at my church. In addition, I volunteer as a peer tutor within my school and community. I spend most of my free time tutoring students of all ages in a variety of subjects. The spirit of generosity is an essential aspect of my life, one that I will always follow.

“You don’t have to decide right now.” I’m a planner. I desire to know how my day is going to end before it begins. I overthink every possibility for ways things could go wrong and articulate an imaginary solution to turn things back around. Consequently, my planner mindset causes me to feel the need to have my entire life planned out. I feel extremely unsettled if I don’t know exactly what college I want to attend, or exactly what major I hope to complete. While planning is extremely important and beneficial for balancing my rigorous academic course loads with a heavy competitive dance schedule, it can become mentally draining rather quickly. The increased pressure takes a toll on my mental health, as I can never truly plan for every situation, let alone decide my life’s plans as a seventeen-year-old. As I struggled to figure out my perfect college and major, my family was able to sense my heightened anxiety. Instead of stressing me out further by elaborating on my panicked statements, they simply told me that I don’t have to decide anything at that moment. There is no deadline to figure out the path that I want to take. There was no need for me to commit to a particular journey at that moment. Their wise words inspire me to find tranquility throughout my day. I will never have all of the answers, and my family has taught me that not knowing is okay. I have time to develop my identity and my calling, which is something that I should never rush into. A rash split-second decision is never a good one. I don’t have to figure out my future right now, and that is a blessing.

Throughout high school, I balanced rigorous academic courses and a heavy competitive dance schedule with the establishment of my own tutoring service. I have four years of experience tutoring students of all ages in every core subject. As it went from being my passion to my becoming my purpose, tutoring has ensured me that I want to pursue a teaching career. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. As an educator, I will be a resource for students to stimulate academic growth and prepare them for their future. The most important quality of a teacher is kindness. A charismatic and trusting adult will allocate a more meaningful relationship with students, which sparks their respect and desire to perform better in class. A teacher is a role model for the students, and I believe that a quality educator must embody the characteristics that they wish to see reflected in their students. Teachers owe their students dedication and passion. As an educator, my goal will be to change lives. The influence of a good teacher can never truly be erased. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. My priority will be reflecting warmth and inclusivity, showing every student that they are worthy of learning and that they matter. It is essential that students feel supported as learners, as that will give them the confidence to show dedication to their academic success.

My pointed toes stretch as I glissade across the Marley floor. The rhythm of my tap sounds tells a story that words cannot. My jazz hands expand as I leap through the air. My heart rate and anxiety increase as I gracefully walk onto the stage, but as soon as the music starts, I am in my habitat. Reality seems to fade away. I am blinded by the bright lights gleaming onto the stage, my smile just as bright. The art of dance allows me to express my creativity, as I am able to truly be myself. Through dance, I am able to speak without words. As an introvert, I overthink everything I say, but when I dance, I am able to move freely, without restraint. I spend countless hours at the studio daily after school working on my technique and choreographed dances. I take classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, acrobatics, and lyrical. While I enjoy all genres of dance, tap will always hold a special place in my heart. My seventh-grade tap solo to “Linus and Lucy” was the first dance where I was able to break out of my shell and live up to my potential. Dancing also gives me the opportunity to make my family smile. The first time that my lyrical solo moved my grandmother to tears was especially powerful to me, as I realized that I am dancing for her. When I get overwhelmed or am going through a tough period at dance, I remind myself of the gift this art form provides me, as it helps me bond with my loved ones. I have learned so much through my fourteen years as a competitive dancer. I have gained confidence and poise that will carry me through any journey in my life.

As Anna Nalick once sang, “There is a light at each end of this tunnel you shout.” I listened to “Breathe” constantly as an adolescent, as it established a sense of tranquility and reassurance that was unmatched in my life. When I went through my toughest moments, I was able to listen to this song and discover a sense of comfort hidden in those words. I came across this song as a middle schooler, a time when I didn’t have any friends to rely upon. False rumors led to my exclusion from my friend group, so I was left alone. I was always the person without a partner. In spite of that, I didn’t give up. I held out hope that I would find loyal and honest friends, and during my high school career, I did. “Breathe” by Anna Nalick truly symbolizes hope and resilience in the midst of a stressful or unprecedented situation. The power of prayer is something that I have relied on, as it gives me hope that a seemingly uncontrollable situation is in the hands of a greater God. I was given the opportunity to attend the Governor’s Scholars Program at Bellarmine University this past summer. The experience was everything that I had dreamed of, until my cat, my best friend of fourteen years, got sick. She entered the end stage of Feline Leukemia. While I knew Silver was sick, I wasn’t aware of how bad it actually was. My Silver did everything she could to fight and wait until I returned home in fourteen long days, as the program would not let me leave to say goodbye. Not only did she give me our tearful reunion, but she also gave me four more weeks of quality time. Prayer gave me the time that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The power of prayer gives me hope in our future, as our God’s plan will pan out. Many adults consistently put down my generation, as they are stereotyping everyone based on the immature actions of a few. They say that kids these days lack discipline, human decency, and even common sense. But, times are constantly changing and I greatly disagree with their rude remarks. Hope in my generation should be restored based upon everything we have achieved, everything we have gone through. We are living in a time filled with violence, sickness, and instantaneous changes. Despite everything, we still flourish. We survive and sometimes, that is an accomplishment itself. Our passion, determination, and will to make our world a better place give me hope for the future. As we enter 2022, we are traveling into the unknown. There is no way to know what our future holds, but I am confident that no matter what is thrown our way, we will not run from a challenge. I fully believe that “There is a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day.”

“List three things you are thankful for that occurred in the last twenty-four hours.” A seemingly simple assignment from my Freshman English teacher turned into meaningful minutes of self-reflection. The last twenty-four hours were typical, nothing stood out in my mind, so what could I write down? I soon realized everything I was taking for granted. I am immensely blessed with a great family, wonderful pets, a few close friends, a good dance team, a free education, the opportunity to be a mentor, and a safe home to come to at the end of the day. From that day on, I knew that I needed to be more appreciative of what I had. I began to reflect more gratitude throughout all of my endeavors, showing my friends and family how thankful I was for everything that they’ve done for me. I put more thought into finding ways to create magical moments for the people I loved. I created calligraphy cards when someone I knew was struggling. I personally designed each card, filling it with things I appreciated about them as well as with words of kindness and encouragement. Furthermore, I have gained a more positive outlook on life as a result of the gratitude I express. My mind is able to fixate on the good aspects of each day, instead of focusing on the negatives. When I have a bad day, I am able to go to sleep with the reassurance that the sun will rise again and that I will get through the rough patch. As Walt Disney once said, “The more you are in a state of gratitude, the more you will attract things to be grateful for.” The most important lesson I have learned in that English class is the lesson of gratitude.

During high school, I balanced rigorous academic courses and a heavy competitive dance schedule with the establishment of my own tutoring service. I have four years of experience tutoring students of all ages in every core subject. As it went from being my passion to my becoming my purpose, tutoring has ensured me that I want to pursue a teaching career. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. As an educator, I will be a resource for students to stimulate academic growth and prepare them for their future. A charismatic and trusting adult will allocate a more meaningful relationship with students, which sparks their respect and desire to perform better in class. A teacher is a role model for the students, and I believe that a quality educator must embody the characteristics that they wish to see reflected in their students. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. My priority will be reflecting warmth and inclusivity, showing every student that they are worthy of learning and that they matter. The meaning of life is to be a changemaker. I want to be the person who helps others flourish with empathy and strength. I want to leave a legacy of kindness and dedication, as I want to help make the world and, more specifically, my community a better place for upcoming generations. I want to give back to the place that has given me so much. I will be someone who catalyzes positive change.

As Disney’s Jasmine once said, “Sometimes we only see how people are different from us. But if you look hard enough, you can see how much we’re all alike.” I strive to be the person who reflects inclusivity and warmth throughout all of my endeavors. I used to be the person who was left partnerless in a group activity and the person who was always sitting alone at lunch, so I fully comprehend how isolating and lonely that life soon becomes. I never want anyone to experience that feeling, so I continuously sit with the person sitting alone at lunch and include anyone left out in my group. In middle school, all students were required to sit at their allocated lunch tables designated by the class. I noticed that the sweetest boy was excluded from his classmates and was sitting on the end of the table alone, trying to get the attention of kids who were too wrapped up in their own conversations to notice him. This absolutely broke my heart, so I went up to our lunch ladies and got permission for him to be moved to our table. Watching his face light up when I asked him if he wanted to come to sit at my table was nothing short of inspirational. I believe that everyone deserves kindness, no matter what their history looks like. An act of gratitude or compassion has the power to be life-changing. I do everything I can to make sure everyone around me knows that they are loved and that they are appreciated. We only know one page of someone’s story, which shows the importance of treating others with empathy in order to ensure their worth. We must treat others the way we want to be treated. It’s truly the golden rule.

While anticipating the start of Advisory one day, my teacher asked me if I could help my classmate with his math homework. I had no idea that my teacher’s simple question would be the spark I needed in order to make my impact. After helping a student solve one algebraic problem, I knew in my heart that I had finally found my purpose. I began to volunteer daily within a mathematics hive period, which was a time of enrichment where students could sign up for a teacher’s class that they were struggling with. I was given the platform to reassure students that they were capable of anything that they set their minds to and that they should not be discouraged by the difficulty of solving a mathematical problem. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of high school, I created my own tutoring service. I was helping students of all ages in math, social studies, science, English, and even Spanish. I spent every free second I had at the library, their house, or staying late in a classroom to pour all of my love onto these students. I was constantly developing practice tests and problems that would reinforce or strengthen what they were learning. I have spent hundreds of hours mentoring. Tutoring has allowed me to be a leader in my school, paving the way to become the changemaker I desire to be. Furthermore, I was elected by teachers to be the President of my school’s National Honors Society. This gives me the opportunity to help our scholars catalyze change in our community through community service and help develop their leadership skills. I brought back the Tireless Teacher and Staff Award, where I am able to recognize the hard work and dedication that our school’s faculty continuously show that keeps our school functioning. I created a Google Form where students leave kind messages to staff members which were compiled into a card for each person. In addition, officers will roll a decorated tire into a classroom to celebrate the chosen award winner and highlight them on social media. As of right now, I have spent seven hours working on this, but that will increase this next semester. Our teachers have sacrificed so much and continuously reflect flexibility while educating through a pandemic, of which they deserve so much recognition and appreciation. I have had the incredible opportunity to volunteer within my church’s two-year-old classroom as a student leader, as well as a children’s check-in leader for all families. Volunteering as a check-in leader gave me the opportunity to get to know so many different families and watch their kids blossom with maturity and compassion. I have spent at least 260 hours volunteering in Journey Church. I was able to share Bible stories in an interactive and engaging way, which sparked their curiosity and led them to ask questions. In addition, I was able to help all of the kids make fun crafts to go along with our Bible story. I helped them handle gluing and taping, but ultimately left the creative aspects of the project to them. While some people categorize two-year-olds as being in the “terrible twos” stage, that couldn’t be more inaccurate. They reflected generosity, kindness, and courage into everything they did, and I am continuously inspired by their determination to learn. They didn’t let fear deter them from reaching for their goals, and even if we stopped them from doing something dangerous, they persevered to find another way to achieve the same goal.

As I opened the dreaded email, my heart dropped. All of my friends moved up to the diamond team, while I was stuck on a lower level, as a member of the team my dance teacher admitted several years later that she gave up on. I had worked insanely hard during our summer auditions and I was devastated to know that I was overlooked, again. I thought about leaving the studio completely, as I struggled to feel accepted. I was hidden in the back of every group dance, which caused me to categorize myself as unworthy. I had my heart set on quitting dance, but as I reminisced on old photos, I reminded myself why I pushed through as long as I had. I danced because I cherished the art form. As an introvert, dance allows me to express myself in ways words cannot. I wasn’t on the team for the approval of others or to prove myself in any way. From then on, I promised myself that I wouldn’t allow the hurtful comments from my dance teacher or the snarky remarks from my teammates to stop me from continuing something I loved. That very year, I competed my tap solo, “Linus and Lucy,” at one last competition for the season. I went on that stage with the goal of improvement from the previous time I performed. As I walked in front of my team to be crowned for receiving an overall placement, fabulous tapping special award, and the ultimate victory adjudication, feelings of joy swept over my body. That crown signifies the importance of perseverance, even when faced with adversity and ample obstacles. Although I still face similar challenges, I no longer allow others to have the power to deter me from advancing my love of dance.

Throughout my academic, personal, and competitive dance careers, I have been told that I wasn’t good enough. That I would never be successful because I wasn’t smart enough, wasn’t pretty enough, or because I didn’t look the part. As an introvert, I have consistently been put down by my peers. I have grown up silencing my own voice out of anxiety. I feared facing the judgment of my peers based upon the words I spoke. I feared losing the true friends that I spent years learning to trust if they misunderstood my seemingly innocent statement. I feared compromising the relationships I built with teachers due to a misspeaking error. I saw myself as inferior to my outgoing classmates who allowed their words to travel without a filter. It wasn’t until the influence of two phenomenal educators that I truly realized that my introverted personality was not a weakness. Their kind words of encouragement raised my confidence, as I was able to see that I was not inferior to my extroverted peers. I realized that being quiet does not equate to being silent. I gained the confidence to use my voice to be an advocate for what I believed in and to become a leader in my community. The establishment of my own tutoring service opened my eyes to the possibilities of my future. I realized that my introverted nature did not prohibit me from pursuing the future that I wanted. Our society romanticizes and celebrates extroverted individuals, but that doesn’t mean that I am any less compatible to be successful. I am never going to allow my personality or anxious thoughts to hold me back from becoming the person that I strive to be. Because of my introverted nature, I will succeed and blossom into a compassionate and confident educator.

My pointed toes stretch as I glissade across the Marley floor. The rhythm of my tap sounds tells a story that words cannot. My jazz hands expand as I leap through the air. My heart rate and anxiety increase as I gracefully walk onto the stage, but as soon as the music starts, I am in my habitat. Reality seems to fade away. I am blinded by the bright lights gleaming onto the stage, my smile just as bright. The art of dance allows me to express my creativity, as I am able to truly be myself. Furthermore, calligraphy allows me to express my creativity while making other people smile. The smooth strokes of the pen allocate freedom of expression throughout my design. I am able to make cards for my friends and family when they are going through a tough time. I’m so grateful to have found something that I greatly enjoy doing that has the power to make other people feel loved. Dance and calligraphy have both had a positive impact on my life. As an introvert, I constantly overthink what I am going to say. I repeat the same sentence over and over in my head to make sure it accurately embodies what I want to say. But, through dance, I am able to speak without words. I can communicate by the movement of my body, reflecting my story and the story of the music. Calligraphy allows me to express my appreciation for my peers while lifting their spirits if they are struggling. Dance gives me the opportunity to express myself, while calligraphy gives me the opportunity to pour love onto others. I’m immensely thankful that I have discovered my love for both of these art forms that allow me the opportunity to be my authentic self.

Throughout my academic, personal, and competitive dance careers, I have been told that I wasn’t good enough. That I would never be successful because I wasn’t smart or pretty enough. My main goal is to prove these people wrong, as I want to show myself that I can work hard and be successful through my endeavors. As an introvert, students in my grade consistently exclude me and overshadow my voice. They don’t understand that being quiet does not equate being silent. Even though I may never become a stereotypical social butterfly, I want to raise my voice more often, allowing myself to be heard. During high school, I balanced rigorous academic courses and a heavy competitive dance schedule with the establishment of my own tutoring service. I have four years of experience tutoring students of all ages in every core subject. As it went from being my passion to my becoming my purpose, tutoring has ensured me that I want to pursue a teaching career. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. As an educator, I will be a resource for students to stimulate academic growth and prepare them for their future. A charismatic and trusting adult will allocate a more meaningful relationship with students, which sparks their respect and desire to perform better in class. A teacher is a role model for the students, and I believe that a quality educator must embody the characteristics that they wish to see reflected in their students. Teachers owe their students dedication and passion. Ultimately, I want to be a changemaker. I want to be the person who helps others flourish with empathy and strength. I want to leave a legacy of kindness and dedication while leaving the world a better place.

While anticipating the start of Advisory one day, my teacher asked me if I could help my classmate with his math homework. I had no idea that my teacher’s simple question would be the spark I needed in order to make my impact. After helping a student solve one algebraic problem, I knew in my heart that I had finally found my purpose. I began to volunteer daily within a mathematics hive period, which was a time of enrichment where students could sign up for a teacher’s class that they were struggling with. Witnessing the lightbulb moment for ample scholars was so inspiring, as I could visibly see their level of comprehension strengthen, along with their self-confidence. I was given the platform to reassure students that they were capable of anything that they set their minds to and that they should not be discouraged by the difficulty of solving a mathematical problem. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of high school, I created my own tutoring service. I was helping students of all ages in math, social studies, science, English, and even Spanish. I spent every free second I had at the library, their house, or staying late in a classroom to pour all of my love onto these students. I was constantly developing practice tests and problems that would reinforce or strengthen what they were learning. Tutoring has allowed me to be a leader in my school, paving the way to become the changemaker I desire to be. Furthermore, I was elected by teachers to be the President of my school’s National Honors Society. This gives me the opportunity to help our scholars catalyze change in our community through community service and help develop their leadership skills. I brought back the Tireless Teacher and Staff Award, where I am able to recognize the hard work and dedication that our school’s faculty continuously show that keeps our school functioning. I created a Google Form where students leave kind messages to staff members which were compiled into a card for each person. In addition, officers will roll a tire into a classroom to celebrate the chosen award winner and highlight them on social media. Our teachers have sacrificed so much and continuously reflect flexibility while educating through a pandemic, of which they deserve so much recognition and appreciation. Being a leader requires kindness, passion, and resiliency. They must be personable and show compassion to the people around them. A leader must show dedication and possess a strong work ethic, as their drive will encourage them to truly embody their role. Circumstances can change in a heartbeat, which highlights the importance of adaptability and preparation for the unknown. Tutoring has inspired me to pursue a career in education where I can help students reach their full potential. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. As an educator, I will be a resource for students to stimulate academic growth and prepare them for their future. As an educator, my goal will be to change lives. The influence of a good teacher can never truly be erased. We have the power to help our students confidently flourish into the best version of themselves applicable, and it is our duty to follow that. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. My priority will be reflecting warmth and inclusivity, showing every student that they are worthy of learning and that they matter.

I had dreamed of being a Kentucky Governor’s Scholar from the moment that I heard of the prestigious program back in middle school. I was absolutely elated to be accepted and my heart was filled with pure joy as I stepped onto the campus of Bellarmine University to begin my five-week journey. I stood paralyzed as I watched my tearful parents leave my dorm that day. I felt trapped and overwhelmed. I organized my room in an attempt to calm my feelings of anxiety, but my breath caught in my throat. I would be away from my home and my people for a long period of time. How could something that I dreamed since middle school feel so suffocating? During the start of the program, I was in the worst mental state that I have ever been in. My anxiety was heightened and I was experiencing frequent panic attacks for the first time. I feared this homesickness would forever inhibit my potential to thrive while at the program, but I stepped out of my comfort zone. Ultimately, I had the courage to teach my own tap class for the scholars. Dance has continuously been my outlet to express myself without speaking, but I finally gained the courage to share my expression with others, which was a remarkable moment in my self-growth. Throughout the program, my mind was consumed with anxiety, but I was determined to not let that control me. I was ambitious to try new things while maintaining relationships with my family at home. Although I learned many things over the course of those five weeks, the most important thing I discovered was bravery. I saw that I am capable of more than I realized, and I will not let my anxiety stop me from reaching my full potential.

The goal of life should be the expansion of knowledge, highlighting the importance of studying to obtain this information. I consistently hold myself to high academic standards and have found myself spending quite a bit of time sitting at my dining room table in front of my Chromebook and notebooks. Studying allows me to further my comprehension of the curriculum I am learning, which can outwardly seem tedious but has become quite enjoyable when I'm able to be creative and make my assignments unique. During the period of social isolation sparked by the covid-19 pandemic, I was constantly reviewing for my upcoming AP exams. Although I was motivated to learn the material, I was becoming burned out, as the method to which I was studying became too repetitive. I began to learn calligraphy to make my notes and papers more aesthetically pleasing, which helped expand my engagement in my work. I used my calligraphy skill to make the labels of my notes more clear. I was able to express my creativity through the strokes of the pen and the color coordination system I followed. Furthermore, the higher level of organization I was able to implement in my assignments helped me study them at a later date, as the information was perfectly placed under their appropriate subtitle. Not only did I pass all of my AP exams that year, but I was also able to use the same study strategies for every class I have taken since. Writing down new information is a helpful method to aid comprehension, which has increased my test scores. Studying is an outlet for growth. The art of calligraphy allows me to make studying colorful and interactive. I’m excited to start my college journey, where I'll discover new study methods that will stimulate further academic improvement.

My pointed toes stretch as I glissade across the Marley floor. The rhythm of my tap sounds tells a story that words cannot. My jazz hands expand as I leap through the air. My heart rate and anxiety increase as I gracefully walk onto the stage, but as soon as the music starts, I am in my habitat. Reality seems to fade away. I am blinded by the bright lights gleaming onto the stage, my smile just as bright. The art of dance allows me to express my creativity, as I am able to truly be myself. As an introvert, I constantly overthink what I am going to say. I repeat the same sentence over and over in my head to make sure it accurately embodies what I want to say. I read the same email over and over again to ensure there are no grammatical errors or sentences that could be interpreted in the wrong way. But, through dance, I am able to speak without the use of words. I can communicate by the movement of my body, reflecting my story and the story of the music. While the choreography of my group routines is strictly set, I am able to interpret my solo pieces in a way that highlights the words I want to share. My lyrical solo is a dedication to my cat who recently passed away, and I am able to dance for her. Furthermore, I was given the opportunity to choreograph a solo for a younger dancer this year, where I am able to articulate a dance that gives her the chance to shine. Through dance, I am expressive, dedicated, and passionate. I am able to freely be myself. I am creative.

Throughout high school, I balanced rigorous academic courses and a heavy competitive dance schedule with the establishment of my own tutoring service. I have four years of experience tutoring students of all ages in every core subject. As it went from being my passion to my becoming my purpose, tutoring has ensured me that I want to pursue a teaching career. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. As an educator, I will be a resource for students to stimulate academic growth and prepare them for their future. The most important quality of a teacher is kindness. A charismatic and trusting adult will allocate a more meaningful relationship with students, which sparks their respect and desire to perform better in class. A teacher is a role model for the students, and I believe that a quality educator must embody the characteristics that they wish to see reflected in their students. Teachers owe their students dedication and passion. As an educator, my goal will be to change lives. The influence of a good teacher can never truly be erased. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. My priority will be reflecting warmth and inclusivity, showing every student that they are worthy of learning and that they matter. It is essential that students feel supported as learners, as that will give them the confidence to show dedication to their academic success.

Kristen’s Bucket List 1.) I want to visit every Disney park in the world. 2.) I want to meet Sarah Drew. 3.) I want to become a teacher, a bright light in the lives of my students. 4.) I want to raise a family, leaving the most beautiful legacy. 5.) I want to be a changemaker, embodying kindness and compassion. While my bucket list is ever-changing, these five things remain consistent. Some points are more superficial than others, but, nonetheless, all are important on some level to my life. Disney World serves as my place of tranquility, a place where I can truly be happy. My family takes me to Disney annually, and I look forward to the day where I can take them to Disney parks all around the world. I had the opportunity to talk to Sarah Drew virtually for three minutes and it was remarkable. She inspires me on my walk with Jesus and I greatly admire her selflessness and integrity. To be a teacher is to be a leader, a supportive and dedicated advocate for the students. I want to become an educator that sees the good in every student and reflects the work ethic and compassion to bring the good out of them. I look forward to being able to grow a family, where I can help my kids flourish into wonderful people. Motherhood is a gift and I can’t wait to help my future children navigate the world. Above all else, I want to make a difference. I want to help make the world and, more specifically, my community a better place for upcoming generations. I want to give back to the place that has given me so much. I will be someone who catalyzes positive change.

The current state of our education system is flawed. There is no hiding or covering that up. As a future teacher, I believe that it is crucial to acknowledge this problem and do everything we can to reflect equality within our schools. Everyone has the ability to learn and succeed, they just need the right help through their education. When I am tutoring, I only see potential. I never stereotype students and their capabilities based upon the color of their skin. Physical appearance does not symbolize their level of learning. A student should not be defined by something that is out of their control. Students of a minority group have a harder time receiving the same quality education that white Americans receive. Chinese-American students are held to significantly higher standards by adults, sparking astronomical stress levels. Dominican students are stereotyped to have a learning disability, so teachers set their expectations low. Why does our society knowingly allow the state of our education system to remain corrupted and discriminatory? Educational inequity is a devastating reality in America. It’s important that we stand against the unjust categorization of students based upon race, as their quality of education is directly correlated to the contributions they will have to the world. Our society places ample emphasis on race, as many judges our identity and societal role based on our skin color. Our future generation is facing the consequences of discriminatory beliefs, which absolutely have to change. We are so much more than the color of our skin. We are more than the socioeconomic status we come from. We are more than our race.

“You can do this” and “I believe in you” were two seemingly simple statements that were transformative in my confidence level as a growing scholar. When I was struggling with anxiety and sleep deprivation in the midst of an overwhelming academic course load, the kind words my teachers gave me were monumental in my life. When tutoring or even just talking to my friends, providing encouragement and giving helpful advice is my favorite way to help other people. I believe that everyone has the capacity and ability to flourish or succeed, but they have to see their potential first. Our society categorizes tutoring as solely an academic position, but that doesn’t encompass the full truth. Tutors must be mentors, as they must also prioritize the overall well-being of the person they are helping. No one can become the best version of themselves when they are constantly living with the weight of the world on their shoulders. I have stayed up late at night to help a student struggling with depression. I am blessed to be in a position where I can help remove some of the burdens they are carrying. I am known as the mom of my friend group. I’m consistently the one that everyone comes to when they need advice or they need someone to rant to. Even if I don’t completely understand what they’re going through, I do my very best to put everything in perspective and help them rationalize their circumstances. I use encouragement to help my peers see their purpose, or help them figure out their next steps. Everyone has the ability to change the world, but they just need someone to step in when they are discouraged and help them see that. Words have power.

“You have a voice. Use it. Speak up. Raise your hands. Shout your answers. Make yourself heard. Whatever it takes, just find your voice. And when you do: fill the silence.” As an introvert, I have struggled to find my voice. I was consistently overshadowed by the dominant voices of my extroverted peers, which has caused me to lose sight of my worth. I felt like I had no control over the situation and that no one was listening when I spoke. The exclusivity of my friends led me to feel inferior to everyone around me. Ultimately, I found my purpose and, therefore, my worth through the encouragement of compassionate teachers and have learned the value of my words. Being quiet does not equate to being silent. My words matter. My opinion matters. I have something to say and it is incredibly important that I use my voice. I am a future teacher who will advocate for the betterment of my student’s education. I will use my words to reflect compassion and kindness, to truly become the bright light that my students deserve. I will use my voice to transfer knowledge that they can use to make their community, or even the world, a better place. To be the changemaker that I am determined to be, I have to speak up. I will use my voice to be a passionate leader, someone who stands up for what they believe in. I will use my voice to not only fill the silence but to make the world brighter.

“It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears. It’s a world of hopes and a world of fears.” Despite the annoyance of the repetitive nature of the song lyrics getting stuck in your head, the foundation of the song is factual. Our world is ever-changing, as are our emotions struggling to keep up with the circumstances. A glimmer of hope, a glimmer of sunshine, or a glimmer of laughter is all it takes to physically turn one’s frown upside down. To me, Disney serves as my symbol of tranquility. My family vacations to Disney World annually and it is the one week where we are truly able to escape from reality. The magic consumes my brain and I feel like I am a kid again, full of happiness and lacking stress. I feel the same emotions walking down Magic Kingdom’s Main Street as a seventeen-year-old that I felt like a five-year-old, seeing the castle for the very first time. Although I can’t be at Disney anytime I need to relax, the magic lingers like a hitchhiking ghost from the Haunted Mansion. I wear my Disney spirit jerseys often, as they are comfortable, yet remind me of my happy place. I listen to Disney music if I am overwhelmed about my academic responsibilities, as it sets a better tone for the stressful environment. If I have a free night over the weekend, I pick out a Disney movie to watch that reminds me of the park. My favorite is watching Ratatouille which is reminiscent of the new Remy-themed ride. Disney’s magic is truly timeless. It gives me hope to continue working hard and growing into the best version of myself possible. Disney World has helped me feel like myself in the midst of chaos.

As Disney’s Jasmine once said, “Sometimes we only see how people are different from us. But if you look hard enough, you can see how much we’re all alike.” I strive to be the person who reflects inclusivity and warmth throughout all of my endeavors. I used to be the person who was left partnerless in a group activity and the person who was always sitting alone at lunch, so I fully comprehend how isolating and lonely that life soon becomes. I never want anyone to experience that feeling, so I continuously sit with the person sitting alone at lunch and include anyone left out in my group. In middle school, all students were required to sit at their allocated lunch tables designated by the class. I noticed that the sweetest boy was excluded from his classmates and was sitting on the end of the table alone, trying to get the attention of kids who were too wrapped up in their own conversations to notice him. This absolutely broke my heart, so I went up to our lunch ladies and got permission for him to be moved to our table. Watching his face light up when I asked him if he wanted to come to sit at my table was nothing short of inspirational. I believe that everyone deserves kindness, no matter what their history looks like. An act of gratitude or compassion has the power to be life-changing. I do everything I can to make sure everyone around me knows that they are loved and that they are appreciated. We only know one page of someone’s story, which shows the importance of treating others with empathy in order to ensure their worth. We must treat others the way we want to be treated. It’s truly the golden rule.

I am fueled by the love of Christ and my devotion to spreading the word of God while helping form more disciples. I am fueled by the unconditional love of my family, as well as their unwavering support through every step of my journey. I am fueled by the loyalty and charismatic nature of my pets, as they are by my side through every up and down. I am fueled by the consistency of Grey’s Anatomy and its symbolization of the light at the end of the week. I am fueled by the encouragement of my teachers, as their advocacy and passion for my success and future career ensure that I am becoming the person I was meant to be. I am fueled by the magic of Disney World, how reality seems to fade away the moment I visualize the radical shift from green road signs to the whimsical purple ones. I am fueled by the tranquil and accomplished feeling of hitting the submit button on a school assignment, knowing that I worked as hard as possible. I am fueled by my family’s weekly trip to Starbucks, as their signature “Pink Drink” serves as a bright light at the end of a busy week. I am fueled by the gift of being able to express myself through the art of dance and the relationships I have built with not only my team but also the younger students around me. I am fueled by the opportunity to watch students in my county and beyond better comprehend their academic curriculum through my tutoring service. I am fueled by my desire to become a changemaker in the educational system, as I want to embody integrity and compassion as a leader in my future classroom.

As I nervously walked into my Freshman Advisory class on my first day of high school, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bulletin board with a beautifully articulated quote by Mahatma Gandhi, which read, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Feelings of determination swept over me, as I realized that I could use my desire to serve others to make a positive impact on my community. How I would make a difference was something that I had yet to figure out. I never would have expected to discover my hidden passion that would directly alter my future career plans and ultimately change my life for the better. While anticipating the start of Advisory one day, my teacher asked me if I could help my classmate with his math homework. I had no idea that my teacher’s simple question would be the spark I needed in order to make my impact. After helping a student solve one algebraic problem, I knew in my heart that I had finally found my purpose. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of high school, I created my own tutoring service. I was helping students of all ages in math, social studies, science, English, and even Spanish. I became an advocate for the educational and personal needs of students I helped. As an ambitious Freshman, I set a goal for myself to be a changemaker, as I wanted to give back to the community that I love. Tutoring has become such an important part of my life and I am now ensured that I want to pursue a teaching career. I will be an educator and I will be a bright light in the lives of others. It is where my heart truly lies.

Following the problem-free philosophy of Hakuna Matata, meaning to possess no worries, embodies the true definition of joy in my life. From a young fourth grader to a senior in high school, I have struggled with anxiety through every step of my life. I was deprived of fully reaching a joyful emotion because my mind was consumed with apprehensive thoughts and concerns. Although anxiety is not something that can instantaneously go away when someone takes the initiative to eliminate it, I am now able to find joy in the midst of anxiety, as I have learned to regulate and rationalize my worried thoughts. Even when my life seems overwhelming or out of control, I am able to find elements reflective of Disney magic throughout my day. I find great joy in creating magical moments for my peers, similar to how Disney cast members create those memories for their guests. I create cards for my friends and family members to lift their spirits, which in turn, lifts my own through the smiles they share with me. I listen to Disney music anytime I find myself struggling, as it mimics the feelings I had when walking through Main Street U.S.A in Disney World. I spend time with my pets, who always reflect unconditional love and appreciation for the cuddles we share. Finding a true level of joy was something that took me years to achieve. I had to develop the courage to persevere past the fears and anxious “what if” thoughts in order to truly be able to live in the present. Hakuna Matata inspires me to prioritize happiness in the midst of a stressful period of time that could easily become overwhelming. To hold no worries means to find happiness right where you are.

In October of 2019, my mom celebrated her 50th birthday at the happiest place on earth: Disney World. She wore a birthday button to commemorate this monumental day, which consistently caught the attention of Disney cast members who frequently stopped to wish her a happy birthday. Suddenly, Big Al from the Country Bear Jamboree gave my mom her first magical moment, gifting her a Mickey pretzel for her birthday celebration. Not only did that make her day, but it also serves as one of our favorite memories from our Disney vacation. This experience inspired me to create magical moments for my friends and family members during our daily lives. When I notice that someone I am close with is struggling, I write them a handwritten note in calligraphy filled with words of kindness and encouragement. The note is always personalized, which shows them that I truly care about their well-being. I text my friends and family often just to check up on them and see how their day is going. This makes them feel appreciated and valued in our relationship. Furthermore, I do everything I can to lift their spirits. I will congratulate their successes and reassure them of their worth. I show gratitude whenever I can. I make sure that my friends and family are all taken care of, and I will help them in any way to make them happier or more comfortable. I tell them that I love them at the end of every phone conversation, as I want to end our message on a positive note. Disney magic isn’t specific to just Disney world. Big Al inspired me to take initiative and spread joy throughout my daily life, as everyone deserves to feel as celebrated as my mom did on her birthday.

“It was good to have reminders of the struggle and battle - and also reminders that hope could always be found in the middle of them” (Thrasher 139). Written by Travis Thrasher, Indivisible tells the true story of the Turner family and how they put their faith in God, despite everything that was thrown their way. Darren was deployed to serve as an Army Chaplain overseas, leaving his wife and kids at home. He left to fight the battle the Lord called him to fight, but he returned home with new battles to face as he struggled with PTSD. Indivisible highlights the reliance the Turners had on God and His plan for them, and how they turned to him through every step of their journey. My relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in my life. I have grown up going to church and have been blessed to be able to work as a student leader for the two-year-old class. I have struggled with anxiety through most of my life, and have been working to learn to give my apprehension to God and trust that His plan will be done. Indivisible serves as my reminder that Jesus is always by my side, no matter what I am going through. This book is monumental in my walk with the Lord and my faith in Him. Indivisible inspires me to place trust in the Lord throughout every step of my life. No matter where I am, He is always with me. Even if I can’t see it, I know that He is at work and His will is being done. In the words of Darren Turner, “Finally, I do have hope despite the previous ramblings. In the middle of all of this, God is still very much at work” (Thrasher 133).

During my sophomore year of high school, life felt like a never-ending race. I was drowning in stress sparked by academic and extracurricular responsibilities. My internal desire to obtain perfect grades was draining, leading me to become blind to the beauty of my surroundings because I was so overwhelmed. When the covid-19 pandemic sent the world into a period of social isolation, I was forced to take a break from the chaos of my typical daily schedule. The pandemic allowed me to take time for self-reflection, causing me to see the negative consequences of my perfectionist mindset while learning to appreciate everything that I had. I was able to find countless examples of joy in my life that I was unknowingly taking for granted. My family. They are always by my side, reflecting unconditional love and support. I am immensely blessed to have such a wonderful and charismatic family to rely on. My pets. Oh, how special they are to me. I have grown up with cats and dogs all my life, and the love I have developed for them is astronomical. They make my heart so happy. Disney, truly the most magical place on earth. My family vacations at Disney World annually and it is our escape from reality, a place where we truly find tranquility. The magic and fantasy of Disney are inspiring. Dance. As an introvert, I overthink my words before I speak. But through dance, I can express myself without words. The art of dance is truly freeing. As Moana once said, “There comes a day when you’re gonna look around and realize happiness is where you are.” Our happily ever after is right in front of us, but we must possess the courage to reach out and grab it.

Just breathe. Two simple words remind us to do something we normally do unconsciously. Each breath is a gift, yet we still take its ability for granted. When everything feels overwhelming, our breathing is one thing that we can control. For as long as I can remember, my favorite song has been “Breathe” by Anna Nalick. When I was first introduced to this song in 7th grade, I was going through a rough patch, struggling with anxiety and exclusion. I found comfort in the song’s reassurance that “there is a light at each end of this tunnel you shout” and that I needed to “just breathe.” I listened to this song on repeat so frequently that my family had all of the lyrics memorized, and not by choice. “Breathe” was even my eighth-grade lyrical solo song, one of my personal favorite dances I have done. While just breathing can never take the full pain of a situation away, sometimes it is all we can do. Fixating upon our breath can establish a sense of tranquility that relaxes us in the midst of stress. Our breathing holds the power to regulate our emotions, while also carrying us into the next chapter of our lives. Without which we would be deprived of truly being alive. The words “just breathe” got me through some of the worst moments in my life. If I could truly share one sentence with the world, these two words come to mind because they are monumental in allowing someone to see the light in a dark situation. Fixating on something we can control is transformative in pushing through an uncontrollable circumstance. No matter what is going on, sometimes all we can do is “just breathe.”

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference,” was the encouragement that my favorite Disney character, Eeyore, shared with the world. The seemingly simple acts of kindness have the power to be life-changing, which is exactly the impact I hope to leave behind. I strive to be the person who reflects inclusivity and warmth throughout all of my endeavors. I used to be the person who was left partnerless in a group activity and the person who was always sitting alone at lunch, so I fully comprehend how isolating and lonely that life soon becomes. I never want anyone to experience that feeling, so I continuously sit with the person sitting alone at lunch and include anyone left out in my group. In middle school, all students were required to sit at their allocated lunch tables designated by the class. I noticed that the sweetest boy was excluded from his classmates and was sitting on the end of the table alone, trying to get the attention of kids who were too wrapped up in their own conversations to notice him. This absolutely broke my heart, so I went up to our lunch ladies and got permission for him to be moved to our table. Watching his face light up when I asked him if he wanted to come to sit at my table was nothing short of inspirational. My history teacher gave me a vinyl sticker that permanently sits beside the mouse pad on my Chromebook which reads “stay humble, hustle hard, & be kind.” Those words serve as my reminder to stay true to my values and to live in an impactful way. I want to leave a legacy filled with integrity and kindness, as our actions and spoken words truly change lives.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” It’s the responsibility of current and future educational leaders to ensure that everyone has equal access to a foundation of intellectual knowledge that will allocate later success. Students of a minority group have a harder time receiving the same quality education that white Americans receive. Chinese-American students are held to significantly higher standards by adults, sparking astronomical stress levels. Dominican students are stereotyped to have a learning disability, so teachers set their expectations low. Why does our society knowingly allow the state of our education system to remain corrupted and discriminatory? Educational inequity is a devastating reality in America. It’s crucial that we stand against the unjust categorization of students based upon race, as their quality of education is directly correlated to the contributions they will have to the world. Our society places ample emphasis on race, as many judges our identity and societal role based on our skin color. Our future generation is facing the consequences of discriminatory beliefs, which absolutely have to change. We are so much more than the color of our skin. We are more than the socioeconomic status we come from. We are more than our race.

As I scroll through countless websites to seek out scholarships I am eligible to apply for, I consistently run across specific applications dedicated to the life of someone. The scholarship is looking to reward someone who reflects similar characteristics to the legacy of the person who passed away, such as resilience, courage, or generosity. While I reminisce on past memories to find the best personal story to share, I begin wondering what my legacy would be if someone honored my life with a scholarship for graduating seniors. How do I categorize my hopeful legacy in a few short words? My first thought goes to being a difference-maker. I have dedicated countless hours to tutoring my peers, ensuring that they have a strong academic foundation to flourish into the best version of themselves possible. I have loved building relationships with fellow students and becoming someone they know they can trust. Contrary to societal categorization, being an effective tutor requires much more than intellectual knowledge. A mentor must be compassionate and charismatic, as there could be outside factors that are influencing a student’s ability to focus, such as family or mental health problems. What they need, above absolutely anything else, is kindness. Someone to be there for them when they go through rough patches. Someone to encourage them when they lack the confidence needed to grow. Someone to show them that they are worthy of success. Therefore, I want my legacy to be one of kindness. I want people to remember me as the girl who was always willing to help others with a smile on her face. In the words of Cinderella, “Where there is kindness, there is goodness, and where there is goodness, there is magic.”

As I entered my Freshman Advisory for the very first class of my high school career, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bulletin board with a beautifully articulated quote by Mahatma Gandhi which read “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I knew that I needed to embody leadership characteristics in order to flourish into a changemaker in my community. Within my school, I am highly involved in peer tutoring. I volunteer daily in a mathematics teacher’s classroom during our enrichment period to help students struggling with their homework. I also gave up an elective block to permanently be enrolled as a peer tutor so that I can build connections with the students I am helping. Furthermore, I established my own tutoring service where I am able to expand my role as a mentor to help students of all ages in every subject. I do everything I can to help my peers gain confidence that allows them to grow academically. As soon as I met the age requirement after my 5th-grade year, I began to volunteer in the two-year-old classroom at my church. I absolutely adore playing with the students while simultaneously enhancing their Biblical knowledge. The children’s service allows their parents to attend their service without worrying about their kids. I strive to serve others throughout all of my endeavors. I consistently put and fulfill the needs of others above my personal needs. I always hold the door for someone walking behind me, even if they are far away. I always say “thank you” to my teachers as the bell rings at the end of class. No act of service is too small, as it is how we will truly make the world a better place.

I am passionate about the importance of listening to hear, not listening to respond. It is easy to become so fixated on planning what we are going to say next that we filter out the words that someone else is speaking. In today’s society, so many people follow the egocentric belief that their opinion is the only correct one and that their voice is the only one that matters. I strive to listen to my peers in a way that ensures that they feel heard. They deserve to know that their voice matters and that I will always be there for them to listen to whatever they have to say. As an introvert, I worry and overthink almost everything I say. When I speak up, if I realize that no one is actually listening to me, it breaks my heart. It causes me to temporarily revert back to my old beliefs that my quiet nature is inferior to the extroverted nature of my peers. I would never want to do anything that would cause people to think that they aren’t enough or that they aren’t worthy to be heard. Listening is an underappreciated virtue in our world. It’s essential that we all voice our concerns and opinions, but that we also listen to each other while we do. Females are stereotyped as being less dominant than males, and we should be the ones listening to what they have to say. The concept of listening must go both ways in order to be effective. Even if you are told to just listen, always remember the words of Meredith Grey that “You have a voice. Use it. Speak up. Raise your hands. Shout your answers. Make yourself heard. Whatever it takes, just find your voice. And when you do: fill the silence.”

Throughout my academic, personal, and competitive dance careers, I have been told that I wasn’t good enough. That I would never be successful because I wasn’t smart enough, wasn’t pretty enough, or because I didn’t look the part. My main goal is to prove these people wrong, as I want to show myself that I can work hard and be successful through my endeavors. I plan to attend the University of Kentucky for my undergraduate degree. Although I am confident that I want to pursue an education degree, I am unsure whether I am going to major in secondary social studies or secondary mathematics education. I hold myself to high academic expectations, so I want to graduate with a high GPA while being highly involved in clubs. I want to become a high school teacher that will ultimately teach at Woodford County, where I grew up, once there is job availability. High school students need a positive mentor to reflect kindness and compassion throughout their days, which is what I hope to embody. I run my own tutoring service and find so much joy in helping my peers develop confidence and fully comprehend the content. As an introvert, students in my grade consistently exclude me and overshadow my voice. They don’t understand that being quiet does not equate to being silent. Even though I may never become a stereotypical social butterfly, I want to raise my voice more often, allowing myself to be heard. I want to build meaningful personal and professional relationships with people in my community. Ultimately, I want to be a changemaker. I want to be the person who advocates for others and helps them flourish with empathy and strength. I want to leave a legacy of kindness and dedication while leaving the world a better place.

My house is a jungle; even the name of our Wifi is “The Zoo.” I have been immensely blessed to grow up with two pet-loving parents, as I’ve always shared my home with multiple furry friends. I’ve developed a vast sensitivity to the well-being of my own cats and dogs, which has expanded to a concern for all animals. I’m extremely passionate about the care and fulfilled needs of pets. One of my cats, Silver, will always hold a special place in my heart. Although I love and appreciate all of my pets equally, Silver was always the one to seek me out and spend quality time with me. Her headbutts wiped my tears and her sweet purrs helped heal my heart. She was my best friend, my joy, and my safety. Silver crossed the Rainbow Bridge in August of 2021 as she ended her courageous fight with Feline Leukemia. To say that she had a positive impact on my life would be a drastic understatement. I am strongly against the tragic prevalence of euthanasia in humane societies. Every animal can find their forever home if they are only given the chance. Pets are such a gift and it is inhumane to take away their life because a selfish person doesn’t see their worth. They have the right to be loved and to be taken care of. I will forever be an advocate for the lives of pets. I collected cat/dog treats for my local Humane Society instead of asking for gifts. Every person deserves to be loved as much as I love Silver, and every person deserves to be loved as much as Silver loved me. Silver changed my life. I am so thankful for the ability to live in “The Zoo” which is the Bailey household.

“Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” says Winnie the Pooh. Throughout my childhood, I never fully understood the weight of his transformative words, but now I can see the true implications in my life. I have proven to myself that I am courageous, strong, and intelligent. Through ample stages of my life, I have struggled with anxiety. In elementary school, I was scared my mom would run late to pick me up. At the Governor’s Scholars Program, I was apprehensive about being away from home. In high school, I worried about test scores and avoiding failure. In spite of that, I have the ability to push forward and constantly give my all to everything I do. I am brave. As a sensitive person, the cruel words of my peers always stick with me. I forgive easily, but forgetting is a long internal struggle. I used to allow their immaturity to bring me down, but now I am secure in my self-worth, so their opinion doesn’t matter to me as much. I persevere with strength. Academics are always a priority in my life, as I believe that the pursuit of knowledge is one of the gifts of life. I work as hard as I possibly can to enhance my intellect while growing into a better version of myself. I am motivated to obtain a higher education through studies in college so that I can become a kind and effective teacher. I am intelligent. Through my perseverance during trials and tribulations, I have shown myself that I am stronger than I believe, I am stronger than I seem, and I am smarter than I think.

If someone had asked about my motivation for working hard as a middle school student, my answer would have been simple, yet egocentric: money. I wanted to not only be able to provide for my future family and help others around my community but also live extravagantly. When I began to mentor students throughout my high school career, my mindset was drastically shifted. Tutoring allowed me to see my purpose in life, which is something that I hadn’t revealed itself yet. Throughout middle school, I wanted to be a pediatric surgeon not only because of my love for Grey’s Anatomy but also because of their hefty paycheck. When the covid-19 pandemic sparked a shift to virtual learning, I was no longer able to work alongside students in a classroom environment. To combat this, I established my own tutoring service where I am able to tutor students of all ages in every subject. Although I was pouring academic knowledge to catalyze the learning of the students I tutored, I was simultaneously learning just as much. I realized that I was put on this earth to help my peers and other students flourish into the best version of themselves possible, educationally and personally. I am motivated to further my learning while I watch the “lightbulb” moment in those I tutor. That inspires me to be my best self so that I can help catalyze success in others around me. I work tremendously hard so that I can give to others. My heart longs to serve people around me, and I am immensely blessed to be in a position where I can mentor my peers. I wish I could tell my middle school self that money truly isn’t everything in life. The impact we have on others can be life-changing.

Trembling and terrified, my eyes appeared to be watching as my fifth-grade social studies teacher taught us how to decipher and decode elements on a map, but my mind was elsewhere. I was consumed by apprehensive thoughts. The anxiety controlled me, I couldn’t stop the sneaky tears that rolled down my young face. Although it was quite early in the school day, I feared that my mom would run late in the pickup lane. I was irrationally scared of abandonment, but more importantly, I was worried about the small possibility of something happening to my mom in the time we were separated. Of course, I denied my teacher’s recognition that something was wrong. Everybody’s eyes water when they have hiccups, right? Although I could’ve found reassurance in advice from my teacher, who was well aware of my encompassing anxiety, I forced myself to learn self-reliance and independence. My anxiety was highly prevalent throughout the end of my elementary school career, but as the beginning of middle school approached, I knew it was time for a fresh start. Apprehension is not something that can be immediately eliminated, but I made slow progress to find security. Most importantly, I learned to put my faith in my religion. I believe that God has a plan for my life and, therefore, the lives of the people I loved. He would protect my mom from anything that wasn’t explicitly part of His plan. I found comfort in giving my worries to Him, which was significantly transformative in the decreasing extent of my anxiety. Ultimately, I was able to learn how to handle apprehensive thoughts and prevent them from controlling my mind. I realized how much stronger I was and how I shouldn’t allow myself to let my anxiety take hold of my life.

To tap is to speak without words. The rhythms tell a story, one that I can articulate with creative freedom. I am able to truly express myself, without the boundaries set by surrounding people. Tap dancing is one of my best talents, as I have dedicated fourteen years to perfecting the art. I have competed in numerous competitions, which has allowed me to establish friendships with dancers from my studio, as well as with dancers from other studios. In addition, I have had the opportunity to take workshop classes from many professional dancers, which has inspired me to continue working as hard as I can to improve my technique. I have been able to use my knowledge to help younger students who aspire to further their skills. I love being able to pour love into them and enhance their passion for dancing. Furthermore, tapping means a lot to me, as I am able to make my family members happy. Seeing my grandmother cry in the audience as I performed my breakout solo to “Linus and Lucy” in seventh grade was monumental, as I realized who I was dancing for. The joy she gets when I dance for her has encouraged me to keep practicing, even when life gets overwhelming and I feel like giving up. I spend at least ten hours at the studio during a normal week, but that increases as we get closer to competition. Although it’s tiring and stressful, I couldn’t imagine my life without it. Tap allows me to tell the story of my life. I am in control of the sounds made when the metal on my shoes hits the floor. I am able to be myself while making those close to me smile. Tap has truly changed my life.

“Take courage when the road is long. Don’t ever forget that you’re never alone.” Drew Holcomb’s “Live Forever” continuously serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and community in my life. I was first introduced to this song when my seminar leader at the Governor’s Scholars Program dedicated it to our class. Although the Program was transformative educationally and personally, I struggled with anxiety being away from my family. Our seminar was a class where I was truly able to form meaningful relationships with peers, as the environment was centered on trust. They showed me that I don’t have to fight my battles alone. When I returned home from the program, I learned that my cat, Silver, had entered the end stage of Feline Leukemia. I was, and still am, devastated. She was my joy, my safety, and my best friend. On August 23rd, my family knew it was time to let her go. As my mom called the vet, I sat in her favorite rocking chair and held her close. We listened to “Live Forever” as we treasured our last few moments together. “Live Forever” symbolizes the relationship I held with my sweet cat. She inspires me to fight for what I believe in, as she fought to spend more time with me. When I am struggling, I remind myself of Silver’s determination and compassion. Words can’t describe the impact that Silver had on my life, and this song allows me to feel close to her as I wear her paw print over my heart. Even in the midst of scary situations, Silver had courage. Even though she is now at peace in Heaven, she is always with me. I am not alone in my battles.

“You can do this” and “I believe in you” were two seemingly simple statements that were transformative in my confidence level as a growing scholar. When I was struggling with anxiety and sleep deprivation in the midst of an overwhelming academic course load, the kind words my teachers gave me were monumental in my life. When tutoring or even just talking to my friends, providing encouragement and giving helpful advice is my favorite way to help other people. I believe that everyone has the capacity and ability to flourish or succeed, but they have to see their potential first. Our society categorizes tutoring as solely an academic position, but that doesn’t encompass the full truth. Tutors must be mentors, as they must also prioritize the overall well being of the person they are helping. No one can become the best version of themselves when they are constantly living with the weight of the world on their shoulders. I have stayed up late at night to help a student struggling with depression. I am blessed to be in a position where I can help remove some of the burdens they are carrying. I am known as the mom of my friend group. I’m consistently the one that everyone comes to when they need advice or they need someone to rant to. Even if I don’t completely understand what they’re going through, I do my very best to put everything in perspective and help them rationalize their circumstances. I use encouragement to help my peers see their purpose, or help them figure out their next steps. Everyone has the ability to change the world, but they just need someone to step in when they are discouraged and help them see that. Words have power.

I have been immensely blessed to grow up with parents that have such a kind and generous heart. The influence that they’ve had on my life is profound, and I strive to follow in their footsteps. My parents do everything they can for our community, especially around the holiday season when they help with Angel Tree programs. As I entered high school, I wanted to find a way to serve fellow scholars at my high school to make a difference in their lives. During our advisory one day, my teacher asked if I would be able to help a classmate with his homework. I had no idea that her seemingly simple request would be the inspiration I needed in order to find my purpose. I began to volunteer daily within a mathematics teacher’s enrichment period where I was able to work alongside a new student every day. For the following three years of high school, I was even given the opportunity to sign up for an algebra class to serve as a peer tutor. When the pandemic prevented me from continuing to work in a classroom, I was determined to continue mentoring. I established my own tutoring service where I am able to volunteer to help students of all ages in every subject. My tutoring service has been monumental in my life, as I am now ensured that I want to pursue a career in the education field. Most importantly, I am in a position where I can encourage students throughout all of their endeavors. I am a constant in their lives that will always be there for them. I give love, compassion, and confidence to every student that I have met, which is transformative in their lives. Their academic success and overall well-being is incredibly important to me.

Going into high school, every adult in my life advised me to enjoy the next four years. It’ll be over you know it, they said. I didn’t believe them at first, but now that I am a high school senior, stressing about what comes next, I have realized that they were correct. Through the stress of taking rigorous academic courses while maintaining involvement in extracurricular activities and community service, I have realized the true importance of finding ways to implement joy into daily routines. I love listening to Lauren Daigle worship music as I complete homework, for it always encourages me to embody courage and passion. I love playing and spending time with my sweet pets, for they always reflect love and companionship. I love watching Grey’s Anatomy after dance practice on Thursday nights, for it consistently gives me something to look forward to. I love writing notes for my friends and family in calligraphy, for it is a way to express my creativity while making other people smile. I love going to Starbucks with my dad on Saturday afternoons, for it is our time to find relaxation as we close our busy week. Life is stressful and difficult, but we have the power to mold it to our passions. I have grown up reading the Pinterest quote that states that “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” I have learned how essential it is to make the most of every situation and enjoy the journey.

A piece of my heart went to Heaven when my sweet Silver P. passed away three months ago. She was my joy, my safety, and my best friend. I wear a necklace with her paw print daily, as I hold her in my heart forever. If love could have kept her alive, she would have lived forever. Silver was the sweetest and smartest cat I have had the blessing to know. We had a Christmas tradition of taking tree light photos together, and this is the first year without taking one. I will love and miss my Angel always.

As I nervously walked into my Freshman Advisory class on my first day of high school, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bulletin board with a beautifully articulated quote by Mahatma Gandhi, which read, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Feelings of determination swept over me, as I realized that I could use my desire to serve others to make a positive impact on my community, and more specifically, fellow scholars within the Woodford County school system. How I would make a difference was something that I had yet to figure out. I never would have expected to discover my hidden passion that would directly alter my future career plans and ultimately change my life for the better. While anticipating the start of Advisory one day, my teacher asked me if I could help my classmate with his math homework. I had no idea that my teacher’s simple question would be the spark I needed in order to make my impact. After helping a student solve one algebraic problem, I knew in my heart that I had finally found my purpose. Witnessing the lightbulb moment for ample scholars was so inspiring, as I could visibly see their level of comprehension strengthen, along with their self-confidence. I was given the platform to reassure students that they were capable of anything that they set their minds to and that they should not be discouraged by the difficulty of solving a mathematical problem. During the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year of high school, I created my own tutoring service. Many of my teachers and guidance counselors were sending scholars my way and I was able to set up sessions to help them after school hours. I was helping students of all ages in math, social studies, science, English, and even Spanish. I spent every free second I had at the library, their house, or staying late in a classroom to pour all of my love onto these students. I was constantly developing practice tests and problems that would reinforce or strengthen what they were learning. As an ambitious Freshman, I set a goal for myself to be a changemaker, as I wanted to give back to the community that I love. Tutoring has become such an important part of my life and I am now ensured that I want to pursue a teaching career. The impact that a positive mentor can have on a student is indescribable, and I want to spend my life changing the lives of others for the better. I have been immensely blessed to have had teachers and mentors that have shaped me into the person that I am today, which has truly reflected how important it is for everyone to have that kind of support, guidance, and encouragement in their lives. I am so grateful for the involvement that I have had within the academic and personal growth of many scholars, and the trust that my teachers have instilled in me to allow me to be in the position that I am in. I am incredibly thankful that the fire burning inside of me led me to engage with others around me and fight for the betterment of their self-confidence and educational growth. This scholarship would help my pursuit of a college education. I would use the money to help pay for my undergraduate degree where I will major in secondary education. I would love to earn this scholarship to further my education and desire to embody the change I wish to see in the education system.

Over the summer, I was given the prestigious opportunity to attend the Governor’s Scholars Program at Bellarmine University. Although I was absolutely elated to step onto campus during opening day, my anxiety heightened the moment I watched my tearful parents leave my dorm. I felt trapped, overwhelmed, and isolated from the people I loved. I knew that I needed to take advantage of my time at the program, but there were times that my anxiety was crippling. At the end of the first week, I started struggling with panic attacks. I felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel, as I was overwhelmed by the drastic change of circumstances. When it came time for the voluntary “Amicizia in the Arboreto” event for socialization, I couldn’t imagine leaving the comfort of my dorm to branch out to new people. As I left the showers early that night, I was stopped by my residential advisor, who was worried that I wasn’t having fun, as she could sense that I was struggling. She sat across from me in our small hallway to try and make conversation. While we talked, two girls in my hall came and joined us, trying to convince me to allow myself to have fun. Instead of going to the party right outside our building, these three wonderful friends chose to help me in my time of need. I built true and meaningful relationships with them as we made string friendship bracelets together. To me, true friends are loyal, comforting, kind, compassionate, and most importantly, genuine. These girls were there for me when I needed someone most. Their friendship lifted me up from my rock bottom, which allowed me to flourish and truly “live in the along.”

Throughout my entire life, Disney World has been my outlet, my joy, and the looming excitement that gets me through the day. My family vacations in this magical place every fall break, but I live the Disney lifestyle daily. As a student taking rigorous academic courses while dancing on a competition team, life can easily become overwhelming and difficult. I was getting through my days by walking on my bare feet, but I soon realized that I could be achieving the same goals while taking the Disney Monorail. While dreaming of Disney doesn’t completely remove the weight of my responsibilities, it certainly adds sparks of joy to my day. I can frequently be found wearing Disney apparel, as I allow myself to prioritize comfort over conforming to societal fashion standards. While I drive to dance practice or complete my nightly homework assignments, I listen to a music playlist filled with Disney rides and movie songs. This radiates positivity throughout stressful moments in my life. My brain continuously associates Disney with relaxation and happiness. Disney Imagineers use psychological facts to make their theme parks as magical and whimsical as possible, as they are able to include details that trick our minds into seeing the impossible. Disney Cast Members create magical moments where they perform acts of kindness for the guests. I am learning to create my own magical moments throughout my daily life. I am incorporating elements of joy and laughter into my days, which allows me to flourish with confidence and radiate happiness. Living the Disney lifestyle allows me to become a better version of myself while continuing to complete my responsibilities and obligations with passion, determination, and efficiency. The magic of Disney has truly changed my life for the better.

As I opened the dreaded email, my heart dropped. All of my friends moved up to the diamond team, while I was stuck on a lower level, as a member of the team my dance teacher admitted several years later that she gave up on. I had worked insanely hard during our summer auditions and I was devastated to know that I was overlooked, again. I thought about leaving the studio completely, as I struggled to feel accepted. I was hidden in the back of every group dance, which caused me to categorize myself as unworthy. I had my heart set on quitting dance, but as I reminisced on old photos, I reminded myself why I pushed through as long as I had. I danced because I cherished the art form. As an introvert, dance allows me to express myself in ways words cannot. I wasn’t on the team for the approval of others or to prove myself in any way. From then on, I promised myself that I would keep a positive mindset and prioritize my personal growth. I vowed not to compare my journey to that of my peers. That very year, I competed my tap solo, “Linus and Lucy,” at one last competition for the season. I went on that stage with the goal of improvement from the previous time I performed. As I walked in front of my team to be crowned for receiving an overall placement, fabulous tapping special award, and the ultimate victory adjudication, feelings of joy swept over my body. That crown signifies the importance of perseverance, even when faced with adversity and ample obstacles. Although I still face similar challenges, I no longer allow others to have the power to deter me from advancing my love of dance.

Throughout my high school career, I have had the opportunity to mentor fellow students inside and outside of the classroom. I volunteer daily in a mathematics teacher’s enrichment period and signed up for an algebra class to build connections with students while advancing their comprehension of the curriculum. I am willing to do whatever it takes to help them fully understand the skills they are learning. I have worked with students after school for hours, just to make sure they feel comfortable and confident in their ability to do well on an assignment. Furthermore, I am able to reflect kindness and compassion when helping my peers. I will continue advocating for them and their education, regardless of the circumstances. In particular, mentoring Hadleigh, an eight-year-old girl who struggled with reading comprehension has been particularly powerful to me. Hadleigh was used to in-person schooling, so the adjustment to virtual learning was difficult for her. I was there for her every step of the way, helping keep her on track to better her education in every way that I possibly could. I have learned that I am easily able to have patience for others, but I struggle to have patience with myself. I get frustrated when I don’t get a perfect test score or cannot understand a concept the second I am introduced to it. I give others much more grace than I give myself, which is a continuous battle that I am fighting to win. The establishment of my own tutoring service has shown me the true importance of patience and tranquility, as I see the differing needs each individual has. I will meet others wherever they are, emotionally or academically, while I am simultaneously learning to do the same for myself.

Gwendolyn Brooks ended her poem “Speech to the Young: Speech to the Progress-Toward” by encouraging readers to “Live not for Battles won. Live not for The-End-of-the-Song. Live in the along.” I was introduced to this poem at the Governor’s Scholars Program where these three lines were repeated daily, serving as the theme of our summer. I entered the program as an anxious, insecure, and shy person, but as a result of the program’s positive influence, I was able to blossom into a more confident and braver person. Through our leadership-building classes, I was able to discover my hidden truths and see how I could continue growing into a more responsible and happier person. As an overachiever, I am a very goal-oriented person and I continuously find myself focusing on the future far more than I should. In the middle of a stressful school year, my mind always fixates on completing items on my to-do list. Consequently, I realized that I was blind to the beauty of the world surrounding me because I couldn’t see past my academic responsibilities. This beautifully articulated quote by Gwendolyn Brooks has sparked ample self-reflection in my life, as I am now working to find ways to implement joy in the midst of a tough period of time. Growing up, I have always been a person who worries about every little detail. I worried about how different circumstances would play out, even those that were not an applicable possibility in the near future. I would begin to dread the end of our annual vacation on Tuesday when we did not depart for home until the following Saturday. I didn’t allow myself to enjoy the fun of the vacation I was on, as I was consumed by the anxiety that came with the return to school and other extracurricular activities. I was so worried about the future that I wasn’t able to live in the present. It took me a long time to realize that there is more to life than my high school grade point average or my act score. While those are definitely things that I will continue to prioritize, I am now able to admire the world around me and find elements of joy within the little things. There is much more to life than I was allowing myself to view, and I am immensely grateful that I was introduced to this moving poem. After my time at the Governor’s Scholars Program, I have been able to see the world around me from a totally different perspective. The words of Gwendolyn Brooks have been a catalyst for me to truly be able to find a light in the midst of a dark situation. The heartfelt words within the poem “Speech to the Young: Speech to the Progress-Toward” will forever inspire me to appreciate the alluring nature of the environment surrounding me. Living in the along has allowed me to grasp a better perspective on the world and the obstacles I face.