Why do others think the way that they do? I believe that everything has a cause and that everyone has an influence on that cause. I believe that everyone's actions lead to something significant in life. Similar to the butterfly effect, anything that happens can change anyone or anything. I believe that people should be forgiven for their actions, but there is always a reason behind it all. For example, someone might act a certain way because of how their parents raised them as a child and adolescent. They may make some good choices or they may make some bad choices. No matter what choices they choose to make, their actions will have an impact, whether negative or positive, on the people and world around them. There are millions of different possibilities. When I was a child, I was deeply hurt by someone else's actions. It was someone close to me, someone that I never would have expected to harm me. What this person did changed me for life, and I will never be the same. I struggled for a long time trying to understand why that person would do that to me, and it ultimately led me to wonder what happened to them in their lives to make such a decision. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I have the choice to do things whether I’m influenced by others or not. I have come to realize that even if something terrible has happened to you, there is no excuse for your actions, and you should own up to them no matter what the circumstances. I am not condoning any of these negative actions; in fact, I openly shun some of them, but I simply want to understand why someone would choose to make any decision. For example, a decision could lead someone to win the big one million dollar prize in the lottery or even achieve their dream job as a neurologist, but it could also lead to a person losing their life or someone losing the ability to walk. There are endless opportunities for greatness and failures at every waking moment. There will always, without a doubt, be a reason why people act the way that they do, but with these opportunities always comes an opportunity for change. Just because, for example, your parents were famous musicians, that doesn't mean you have to be one, or if your brother became a drug abuser, it doesn’t mean you have to abuse drugs as well. Just because something impacted a person’s life doesn’t mean they shouldn't be held responsible for their actions. Because just like you, they have the opportunity to change. I believe that everything has a reason, but that everyone has a choice. As an artist and designer, I plan to design my life by learning from both mistakes and successes. My parents were not able to finish college, so my success is for more than just me. It's a way to pay forward their hard work. It has been said that, 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ' - Winston Churchill. Only through making a conscious effort will I succeed in making a positive impact on the world. After college, as a future educator, opportunities to be an advocate and volunteer will allow me to pay forward all the positive impacts teachers have made in my life. These future life lessons will shape me, and others around me. What good is it to learn and not pass on your knowledge? Or, as another thought, why wouldn’t we want to share our positive attitude and experiences with others? Our human connection is the root of our existence. We are human first. We start off seeing the world in muted shades of color. Our parents learned that bold colors would keep our attention, so that was the next phase. From infancy to adolescence, we see the world through different shades of glass. Like the song, “Rose Colored Glasses,” our perspective changes based on our circumstances. I understand that might sound naive, but ultimately, how we view others can determine our responses and, in some cases, theirs. As my future unfolds, I want to be kind, encouraging, and build lifelong connections. I am looking forward to the college experience, not only to learn my craft, but to learn more about myself and others and how each of us can make a difference.

Why do others think the way that they do? By Kyra Vaughn I believe that everything has a cause and that everyone has an influence on that cause. I believe that everyone's actions lead to something significant in life. Similar to the butterfly effect, anything that happens can change anyone or anything. I believe that people should be forgiven for their actions, but there is always a reason behind it all. For example, someone might act a certain way because of how their parents raised them as a child and adolescent. No matter what choices they choose to make, their actions will have an impact, negative or positive, on the people and world around them. When I was a child, I was deeply hurt by someone else's actions. It was someone I knew well, so the effect was devastating. What this person did changed me for life, and I will never be the same. With my parents' support, I sought therapy to understand my feelings and to try to get past the memories. I struggled for a long time trying to understand why that person would do that to me, and it ultimately led me to wonder what happened to them in their lives to make such a decision. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I have the choice to do things whether I’m influenced by others or not. I have come to realize that even if something terrible has happened to you, there is no excuse for your actions, and you should own up to them no matter what the circumstances. I am not condoning any of these negative actions; in fact, I openly shun some of them, but I simply want to understand why someone would choose to make any decision. For example, a decision could lead someone to win the big one million dollar prize in the lottery or even achieve their dream job as a neurologist, but it could also lead to a person losing their life or someone losing the ability to walk. There are endless opportunities for greatness and failures at every waking moment. There will always, without a doubt, be a reason why people act the way that they do, but with these opportunities always comes an opportunity for change. Just because, for example, your parents were famous musicians, that doesn't mean you have to be one, or if your brother became a drug abuser, it doesn’t mean you have to abuse drugs as well. Just because something impacted a person’s life doesn’t mean they shouldn't be held responsible for their actions. Because just like you, they have the opportunity to change. I believe that everything has a reason, but that everyone has a choice. I believe that while we all want to be accepted in society, we want to stand out as well. To show our personalities and quirks. It’s that initiative and calculated risk-taking that allows us to be unique and explore our personal freedom in our everyday lives. Fashion design is said to be a cutthroat industry. While that may be true, I believe that following my dreams will benefit society as much as it will me. In 2023, I started donating clothing to hospitals that I sewed and altered. Just knowing that I made someone's day with something that I created makes me very happy. The long-term plan is to teach Fashion & Costume Design at the collegiate level. I don’t necessarily want to be a world-famous designer, but I do want to be a designer who makes a difference in the world.

Goals and Dreams by Kyra Vaughn For as long as I can remember, I have found joy in playing dress up. My mother often discovered me exploring her closet, piecing together unique outfits, and orchestrating impromptu fashion shows in the living room. Her encouragement for my passion has directly influenced the goals I am pursuing today. Growing up in a small town, I have often been surrounded by adults and kids who were struggling financially. Many of these kids didn't have the funds for new clothes, let alone clothes that fit them. When I was younger, kids would poke fun at me for my outdated, shabby Walmart clothes, and it always hurt my feelings. Knowing that there are kids out there who have to deal with that every day, or worse, hurts my heart. In my junior year of high school, I was invited to join the National Honor Society. What a boost to my academic achievement, but more importantly, the activities that followed helped me to learn important lessons about people and our society. In 2022, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and two years later, I started donating clothing to hospitals for those in need. I wanted to use my talents to help kids in tough situations be able to wear nice, warm clothing. I started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, and over the spring, I made cute dresses and shirts. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. Recently, one of my best friends gave birth to her daughter, and I have shifted my focus to making clothes for her little one. Though this was really fun for me, this winter I plan to refocus on donating clothing to children's hospitals and triple the amount donated last year. In the future, I would like to continue broadening my area and maybe even start donating to homeless shelters. My Small Town Remedy organization includes building wealth so as to teach others to sew and to donate. The old saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime," is applicable here. The benefit for others is obvious, but for the person teaching or donating, the benefit is so much greater. Throughout my time sewing, creating, and donating, I have come to learn that everyone has a story and a reason for where they are in their lives. I will never judge someone for the way that they dress or the way that they live. I believe you can never truly understand what is going on in someone's life, and the best thing to do is just give them any help that you can offer. Every little seam and every little smile that my sewing brings for those in need is just one more reason to keep going. The prospect of being the first generation in our immediate family to attend university is a great honor. Building on this foundation, I aspire to teach Fashion Design at the collegiate level, sharing the rewards and fulfillment of this field with future generations. This scholarship would allow me to bridge the gap both financially and as the first in my immediate family to pursue a university-level education. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to share my dreams with you. I don’t necessarily want to be a world-famous designer, but I do want to be a designer who makes a difference in the world.

Goals and Dreams by Kyra Vaughn For as long as I can remember, I have found joy in playing dress up. My mother often discovered me exploring her closet, piecing together unique outfits, and orchestrating impromptu fashion shows in the living room. Her encouragement for my passion has directly influenced the goals I am pursuing today. Growing up in a small town, I have always been surrounded by adults and kids who were struggling financially. Many of these kids didn't have the funds for new clothes, let alone clothes that fit them. When I was younger, kids would poke fun at me for my outdated, shabby Walmart clothes, and it always hurt my feelings. Knowing that there are kids out there who have to deal with that every day, but worse, hurts my heart. In my junior year of high school, I was invited to join the National Honor Society. What a boost to my academic achievement, but more importantly, the activities that followed helped me to learn important lessons about people and our society. In 2022, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and two years later, I started donating clothing to hospitals for those in need. I wanted to use my talents to help kids in tough situations be able to wear nice, warm clothing. I started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, and over the spring, I made cute dresses and shirts. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. Recently, one of my best friends gave birth to her daughter, and I have shifted my focus to making clothes for her little one. Though this was really fun for me, this winter I plan to refocus on donating clothing to children's hospitals and triple the amount donated last year. In the future, I would like to continue broadening my area and maybe even start donating to homeless shelters. My Small Town Remedy organization includes building wealth so as to teach others to sew and to donate. The old saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime," is applicable here. The benefit for others is obvious, but for the person teaching or donating, the benefit is so much greater. Throughout my time sewing, creating, and donating, I have come to learn that everyone has a story and a reason for where they are in their lives. I will never judge someone for the way that they dress or the way that they live. I believe you can never truly understand what is going on in someone's life, and the best thing to do is just give them any help that you can offer. Every little seam and every little smile that my sewing brings for those in need is just one more reason to keep going. I have been accepted into the Fashion Design undergraduate program at Stevenson University. I will continue toward my master’s and then follow up with an Associate's Degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. As I grow my brand, I promise to give back. My Small Town Remedy will be a big part of my future and how I plan to use my skills in my community. I want the public to see designs produced with grit, planning, and, most of all, humor and honesty. Artificial Intelligence is the way of the future, and while I see the value, I also see the effects of using it. My generation is already starting to depend on it, and to me, that is a failure waiting to happen. Like President Reagan, we should use our wit and persuasion to earn our place in history, not cheat and use AI to write a paper, design a garment, or earn a living. If I am selected for this scholarship, you can be sure that I will work hard to earn my degree and will use that degree to make a difference. I appreciate your consideration and know that one day, I'll be able to do this on a grand scale to make a difference! The prospect of being the first generation in our immediate family to attend university is a great honor. Building on this foundation, I aspire to teach Fashion Design at the collegiate level, sharing the rewards and fulfillment of this field with future generations. This scholarship would allow me to bridge the gap both financially and as the first in my immediate family to pursue a university-level education. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to share my dreams with you. I don’t necessarily want to be a world-famous designer, but I do want to be a designer who makes a difference in the world.

Goals and Dreams by Kyra Vaughn For as long as I can remember, I have found joy in playing dress up. My mother often discovered me exploring her closet, piecing together unique outfits, and orchestrating impromptu fashion shows in the living room. Her encouragement for my passion has directly influenced the goals I am pursuing today. Growing up in a small town, I have often been surrounded by adults and kids who were struggling financially. Many of these kids didn't have the funds for new clothes, let alone clothes that fit them. When I was younger, kids would poke fun at me for my outdated, shabby Walmart clothes, and it always hurt my feelings. Knowing that there are kids out there who have to deal with that every day, or worse, hurts my heart. In my junior year of high school, I was invited to join the National Honor Society. What a boost to my academic achievement, but more importantly, the activities that followed helped me to learn important lessons about people and our society. In 2022, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and two years later, I started donating clothing to hospitals for those in need. I wanted to use my talents to help kids in tough situations be able to wear nice, warm clothing. I started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, and over the spring, I made cute dresses and shirts. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. Recently, one of my best friends gave birth to her daughter, and I have shifted my focus to making clothes for her little one. Though this was really fun for me, this winter I plan to refocus on donating clothing to children's hospitals and triple the amount donated last year. In the future, I would like to continue broadening my area and maybe even start donating to homeless shelters. My Small Town Remedy organization includes building wealth so as to teach others to sew and to donate. The old saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime," is applicable here. The benefit for others is obvious, but for the person teaching or donating, the benefit is so much greater. Throughout my time sewing, creating, and donating, I have come to learn that everyone has a story and a reason for where they are in their lives. I will never judge someone for the way that they dress or the way that they live. I believe you can never truly understand what is going on in someone's life, and the best thing to do is just give them any help that you can offer. Every little seam and every little smile that my sewing brings for those in need is just one more reason to keep going. The prospect of being the first generation in our immediate family to attend university is a great honor. Building on this foundation, I aspire to teach Fashion Design at the collegiate level, sharing the rewards and fulfillment of this field with future generations. This scholarship would allow me to bridge the gap both financially and as the first in my immediate family to pursue a university-level education. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to share my dreams with you. I don’t necessarily want to be a world-famous designer, but I do want to be a designer who makes a difference in the world.

For as long as I can remember, I have found joy in playing dress up. My mother often discovered me exploring her closet, piecing together unique outfits, and orchestrating impromptu fashion shows in the living room. Her encouragement for my passion has directly influenced the goals I am pursuing today. Growing up in a small town, I have often been surrounded by adults and kids who were struggling financially. Many of these kids didn't have the funds for new clothes, let alone clothes that fit them. When I was younger, kids would poke fun at me for my outdated, shabby Walmart clothes, and it always hurt my feelings. Knowing that there are kids out there who have to deal with that every day, or worse, hurts my heart. In my junior year of high school, I was invited to join the National Honor Society. What a boost to my academic achievement, but more importantly, the activities that followed helped me to learn important lessons about people and our society. In 2022, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and two years later, I started donating clothing to hospitals for those in need. I wanted to use my talents to help kids in tough situations be able to wear nice, warm clothing. I started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, and over the spring, I made cute dresses and shirts. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. Recently, one of my best friends gave birth to her daughter, and I have shifted my focus to making clothes for her little one. Though this was really fun for me, this winter I plan to refocus on donating clothing to children's hospitals and triple the amount donated last year. In the future, I would like to continue broadening my area and maybe even start donating to homeless shelters. My Small Town Remedy organization includes building wealth so as to teach others to sew and to donate. The old saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime," is applicable here. The benefit for others is obvious, but for the person teaching or donating, the benefit is so much greater. Throughout my time sewing, creating, and donating, I have come to learn that everyone has a story and a reason for where they are in their lives. I will never judge someone for the way that they dress or the way that they live. I believe you can never truly understand what is going on in someone's life, and the best thing to do is just give them any help that you can offer. Every little seam and every little smile that my sewing brings for those in need is just one more reason to keep going. The prospect of being the first generation in our immediate family to attend university is a great honor. Building on this foundation, I aspire to teach Fashion Design at the collegiate level, sharing the rewards and fulfillment of this field with future generations. This scholarship would allow me to bridge the gap both financially and as the first in my immediate family to pursue a university-level education. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to share my dreams with you. I don’t necessarily want to be a world-famous designer, but I do want to be a designer who makes a difference in the world.

My softball team is a group of girls who have played together since 10U. We know each other on and off the field and know what to expect in most plays. We have been very fortunate and have had winning seasons throughout our time together. We won the TopGun Winter World Series three times in a row and numerous other tourneys. That said, you may be thinking we are just that good. That is where you are wrong. Individually, we do okay, but it’s the team attitude that makes us great. In the dugout, you’ll hear us singing, see us dancing, and always cheering each other on. We are not one of those teams that shout the chants. No way! That’s lame to us. We show encouragement from the heart. “You got this!” or “Show them what you got!” Anything to keep the morale high and the other team on the edge. We have wonderful parents who keep us going. One parent, mine, I might add, is always telling our pitcher to “Finish her off!” when she has two strikes. A little smirk will come across the pitcher’s face, and then she sends her best. I can’t tell you how many times she has indeed finished her off. These sisters from other Misters are my family. I’m an only child, yet I rarely feel alone. Softball isn’t just a game for me; it is a family. Whether we’re chatting on our phones, sharing photos on Instagram, or keeping a video conference open to do homework, we are always available for each other. That kind of positivity allows us to believe we can do anything we put our minds to. We are constantly inspiring and encouraging each other. At Stevenson University, I plan to ‘Design a Life of Success.’ I have been lucky to have my team and my parents to encourage me. With their help, I want to pay this positivity forward on my next team. My parents had me later in life, and I have heard lots of stories about Ronald Reagan. What I am most drawn to is how he used humor to make a point. The President was a funny man, though I must admit, I don’t always understand his point. I suppose that is the generation gap. Softball is a fun game, but it can be very serious. My coach is quick to make us laugh and never berates us when we make a mistake. We appreciate his seriousness when he points out how we can improve, but most of all, we appreciate his willingness to forgive our mistakes and not embarrass us. I want to use that sort of positive influence in my designs. Not for the actual designs, but in how I design, create, and market them. I want the public to see designs produced with grit, planning, and, most of all, humor and honesty. Artificial Intelligence is the way of the future, and while I see the value, I also see the effects of using it. My generation is already starting to depend on it, and to me, that is a failure waiting to happen. Like President Reagan, we should use our wit and persuasion to earn our place in history, not cheat and use AI to write a paper, design a garment, or earn a living. If I am selected for this scholarship, you can be sure that I will work hard to earn my degree and will use that degree to make a difference. I appreciate your consideration and the opportunity to reach my potential.

For as long as I can remember, I have found joy in playing dress up. My mother often discovered me exploring her closet, piecing together unique outfits, and orchestrating impromptu fashion shows in the living room. Her encouragement for my passion has directly influenced the goals I am pursuing today. Growing up in a small town, I have often been surrounded by adults and kids who were struggling financially. Many of these kids didn't have the funds for new clothes, let alone clothes that fit them. When I was younger, kids would poke fun at me for my outdated, shabby Walmart clothes, and it always hurt my feelings. Knowing that there are kids out there who have to deal with that every day, or worse, hurts my heart. In my junior year of high school, I was invited to join the National Honor Society. What a boost to my academic achievement, but more importantly, the activities that followed helped me to learn important lessons about people and our society. In 2022, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and two years later, I started donating clothing to hospitals for those in need. I wanted to use my talents to help kids in tough situations be able to wear nice, warm clothing. I started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, and over the spring, I made cute dresses and shirts. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. Recently, one of my best friends gave birth to her daughter, and I have shifted my focus to making clothes for her little one. Though this was really fun for me, this winter I plan to refocus on donating clothing to children's hospitals and triple the amount donated last year. In the future, I would like to continue broadening my area and maybe even start donating to homeless shelters. My Small Town Remedy organization includes building wealth so as to teach others to sew and to donate. The old saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime," is applicable here. The benefit for others is obvious, but for the person teaching or donating, the benefit is so much greater. Throughout my time sewing, creating, and donating, I have come to learn that everyone has a story and a reason for where they are in their lives. I will never judge someone for the way that they dress or the way that they live. I believe you can never truly understand what is going on in someone's life, and the best thing to do is just give them any help that you can offer. Every little seam and every little smile that my sewing brings for those in need is just one more reason to keep going. The prospect of being the first generation in our immediate family to attend university is a great honor. Building on this foundation, I aspire to teach Fashion Design at the collegiate level, sharing the rewards and fulfillment of this field with future generations. This scholarship would allow me to bridge the gap both financially and as the first in my immediate family to pursue a university-level education. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to share my dreams with you. I don’t necessarily want to be a world-famous designer, but I do want to be a designer who makes a difference in the world.

"Adversity is just a slight bend in the road of life." by Kyra Vaughn Competitive softball is a huge part of my life. Because of its importance, I work very hard to stay in shape, practice my drills, and improve my skills. That all changed in the winter of 2025. Coaches stress the importance of stretching and preparing yourself to play, and I live by those rules. What they don’t tell you is that track stretching is entirely different. I was stretching, but not nearly long enough to allow for my muscles to adapt to longer distances. Three practices in, I feel something tear in my hip, and the pain stops me in my tracks. The doctors told me that my running career stopped before it even started. I was crushed! I couldn’t walk, lie down, sit, or even sleep without being in pain. As an athlete, I know how to push through pain, but this was different. This felt like a huge part of my life was over. How would I play softball in the spring? I would let my family, my coaches, and most of all my team down with this needless injury. The next chapter of this story is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. The MRI results showed no tear, and surgery would not be required. Still, I had a lot of pain and would have to work hard to get the muscles back to normal. For weeks, I went to physical therapy appointments. It didn’t seem to be helping the pain or my strength. One day, I came out of class with my silly little cane to balance, and realized I didn’t need it anymore. The pain was still there, but it was bearable. The Physical Therapist was putting me through my paces to ensure a full recovery. In the meantime, my coaches encouraged me to work on other aspects of the game and not worry about running. What a difference a few months made! My strength was coming back, the pain was easing, and best of all, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Having never experienced adversity that was so debilitating, I couldn’t understand what happens mentally when your world gets turned upside down. I can honestly say that I was depressed and felt useless, all because I couldn’t play softball. That’s when I realized that I am much more than a softball player. I am a team player, and that means I had to set my feelings and pain aside to support my teammates. My softball sisters gave me their support and encouragement, and it was my turn to be there for them. This lesson echoed throughout my junior year of high school, allowing me to grow as a person, a friend, and a teammate. While I wouldn’t suggest anyone injure themselves intentionally, I can say that something good came out of this unfortunate situation. I am more focused on what is important, looking forward to my goals and future. I have been accepted to Stevenson University in the fall of 2026 to study Fashion Design. Those months with limited mobility opened opportunities for me to be creative, study design and narrow my college focus. I am back to playing competitive softball. In fact, I have been signed to play at Stevenson University next year. I am looking forward to proving my value to the team on and off the field. Thankfully, the light at the end of the tunnel was very bright, and so is my future.

For as long as I can remember, I have found joy in playing dress up. My mother often discovered me exploring her closet, piecing together unique outfits, and orchestrating impromptu fashion shows in the living room. Her encouragement for my passion has directly influenced the goals I am pursuing today. Growing up in a small town, I have often been surrounded by adults and kids who were struggling financially. Many of these kids didn't have the funds for new clothes, let alone clothes that fit them. When I was younger, kids would poke fun at me for my outdated, shabby Walmart clothes, and it always hurt my feelings. Knowing that there are kids out there who have to deal with that every day, or worse, hurts my heart. In 2022, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and two years later, I started donating clothing to hospitals for those in need. I wanted to use my talents to help kids in tough situations have nice, warm clothing to wear. I started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, and over the spring, I made cute dresses and shirts. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. I call it the Small Town Remedy. Recently, one of my best friends gave birth to her daughter, and I have shifted my focus to making clothes for her little one. Though this was really fun for me, this winter I have refocused on donating clothing to children's hospitals and tripling the amount donated last year. In the future, I would like to continue broadening my area and maybe even start donating to homeless shelters. In my junior year of high school, I was invited to join the National Honor Society. What a boost to my academic achievement, but more importantly, the activities that followed helped me to learn important lessons about people and our society. My Small Town Remedy organization includes building wealth, so I can teach others to sew and to donate. The old saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime," is applicable here. The benefit for others is obvious, but for the person teaching or donating, the benefit is so much greater. Throughout my time sewing, creating, and donating, I have come to learn that everyone has a story and a reason for where they are in their lives. I will never judge someone for the way that they dress or the way that they live. I believe you can never truly understand what is going on in someone's life, and the best thing to do is just give them any help that you can offer. Every little seam and every little smile that my sewing brings for those in need is just one more reason to keep going. The prospect of being the first generation in our immediate family to attend university is a great honor. Building on this foundation, I aspire to teach Fashion Design at the collegiate level, sharing the rewards and fulfillment of this field with future generations. This scholarship would allow me to bridge the gap both financially and as the first in my immediate family to pursue a university-level education. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to share my dreams with you. I don’t necessarily want to be a world-famous designer, but I do want to be a designer who makes a difference in the world.

"Kindness In Action" In 2022, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and two years later, I started donating clothingfor those in need. I wanted to use my talents to help kids in tough situations be able to wear nice, warm clothing. I started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, and over the spring, I made cute dresses and shirts. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. My Small Town Remedy organization includes building wealth so as to teach others to sew and to donate. The old saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime," is applicable here. The benefit for others is obvious, but for the person teaching or donating, the benefit is so much greater. Throughout my time sewing, creating, and donating, I have come to learn that everyone has a story and a reason for where they are in their lives. I will never judge someone for the way that they dress or the way that they live. I believe you can never truly understand what is going on in someone's life, and the best thing to do is just give them any help that you can offer. Every little seam and every little smile that my sewing brings for those in need is just one more reason to keep going. "Creating Connection" Competitive softball is a huge part of my life. Because of its importance, I work very hard to stay in shape, practice my drills, and keep improving my skills. That all changed in the winter of 2025. I decided to try out for our track team to improve my sprints. Coaches stress the importance of stretching and preparing yourself to play, and I live by those rules. What they don’t tell you is that track stretching is entirely different. I was stretching, but not nearly long enough to allow for my muscles to adapt to longer distances. Three practices in, and I feel something tear in my hip, and the pain stopped me in my tracks. The doctor told me my running career stopped before it even started. As an athlete, I know how to push through pain, but this was different. This felt like a huge part of my life was over. For weeks, I went to physical therapy appointments. It didn’t seem to be helping the pain or my strength. One day, I came out of class with my silly little cane to balance, and realized I didn’t need the cane anymore. The pain was still there, but it was bearable. In the meantime, my coach encouraged me to work on other aspects of the game and not worry about running. What a difference a few months made! That’s when I realized that I am much more than a softball player. I am a team player, and that means I had to set my feelings and pain aside to support my teammates. My connection to my softball sisters gave me support and encouragement, and it was my turn to be there for them. This lesson echoed throughout my junior year of high school, allowing me to grow as a person, a friend, and a teammate. While I wouldn’t suggest anyone injure themselves, I can say that something good came out of this unfortunate situation. I am more focused on what is important, being there for others in times of need.

Goals and Dreams by Kyra Vaughn For as long as I can remember, I have found joy in playing dress up. My mother often discovered me exploring her closet, piecing together unique outfits, and orchestrating impromptu fashion shows in the living room. Her encouragement for my passion has directly influenced the goals I am pursuing today. Growing up in a small town, I have often been surrounded by adults and kids who were struggling financially. Many of these kids didn't have the funds for new clothes, let alone clothes that fit them. When I was younger, kids would poke fun at me for my outdated, shabby Walmart clothes, and it always hurt my feelings. Knowing that there are kids out there who have to deal with that every day, or worse, hurts my heart. In my junior year of high school, I was invited to join the National Honor Society. What a boost to my academic achievement, but more importantly, the activities that followed helped me to learn important lessons about people and our society. In 2022, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and two years later, I started donating clothing to hospitals for those in need. I wanted to use my talents to help kids in tough situations be able to wear nice, warm clothing. I started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, and over the spring, I made cute dresses and shirts. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. Recently, one of my best friends gave birth to her daughter, and I have shifted my focus to making clothes for her little one. Though this was really fun for me, this winter I plan to refocus on donating clothing to children's hospitals and triple the amount donated last year. In the future, I would like to continue broadening my area and maybe even start donating to homeless shelters. My Small Town Remedy organization includes building wealth so as to teach others to sew and to donate. The old saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime," is applicable here. The benefit for others is obvious, but for the person teaching or donating, the benefit is so much greater. Throughout my time sewing, creating, and donating, I have come to learn that everyone has a story and a reason for where they are in their lives. I will never judge someone for the way that they dress or the way that they live. I believe you can never truly understand what is going on in someone's life, and the best thing to do is just give them any help that you can offer. Every little seam and every little smile that my sewing brings for those in need is just one more reason to keep going. The prospect of being the first generation in our immediate family to attend university is a great honor. Building on this foundation, I aspire to teach Fashion Design at the collegiate level, sharing the rewards and fulfillment of this field with future generations. This scholarship would allow me to bridge the gap both financially and as the first in my immediate family to pursue a university-level education. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to share my dreams with you. I don’t necessarily want to be a world-famous designer, but I do want to be a designer who makes a difference in the world.

Option 1: Relationships & Impact Why do others think the way that they do? I believe that everything has a cause and that everyone has an influence on that cause. I believe that everyone's actions lead to something significant in life. Similar to the butterfly effect, anything that happens can change anyone or anything. I believe that people should be forgiven for their actions, but there is always a reason behind it all. For example, someone might act a certain way because of how their parents raised them as children or adolescents. They may make some good choices, or they may make some bad choices. No matter what choices they choose to make, their actions will have an impact, whether negative or positive, on the people and world around them. There are millions of different possibilities. When I was a child, I was deeply hurt by someone else's actions. It was someone close to me, someone that I never would have expected to harm me. What this person did changed me for life, and I will never be the same. I struggled for a long time trying to understand why that person would do that to me, and it ultimately led me to wonder what happened to them in their lives to make such a decision. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I have the choice to do things whether I’m influenced by others or not. I have come to realize that even if something terrible has happened to you, there is no excuse for your actions, and you should own up to them no matter what the circumstances. I am not condoning any of these negative actions; in fact, I openly shun some of them, but I simply want to understand why someone would choose to make any decision. For example, a decision could lead someone to win the big one million dollar prize in the lottery or even achieve their dream job as a neurologist, but it could also lead to a person losing their life or someone losing the ability to walk. There are endless opportunities for greatness and failures at every waking moment. There will always, without a doubt, be a reason why people act the way that they do, but with these opportunities always comes an opportunity for change. Just because, for example, your parents were famous musicians, that doesn't mean you have to be one, or if your brother became a drug abuser, it doesn’t mean you have to abuse drugs as well. Just because something impacted a person’s life doesn’t mean they shouldn't be held responsible for their actions. Because just like you, they have the opportunity to change. I believe that everything has a reason, but that everyone has a choice. As an artist and designer, I plan to design my life by learning from both mistakes and successes. My parents were not able to finish college, so my success is for more than just me. It's a way to pay forward their hard work. It has been said that, 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ' - Winston Churchill. Only through making a conscious effort will I succeed in making a positive impact on the world. After college, as a future educator, opportunities to be an advocate and volunteer will allow me to pay forward all the positive impacts teachers have made in my life. These future life lessons will shape me, and others around me. What good is it to learn and not pass on your knowledge? Or, as another thought, why wouldn’t we want to share our positive attitude and experiences with others? Our human connection is the root of our existence. We are human first. We start off seeing the world in muted shades of color. Our parents learned that bold colors would keep our attention, so that was the next phase. From infancy to adolescence, we see the world through different shades of glass. Like the song, “Rose Colored Glasses,” our perspective changes based on our circumstances. I understand that might sound naive, but ultimately, how we view others can determine our responses and, in some cases, theirs. As my future unfolds, I want to be kind, encouraging, and build lifelong connections. I am looking forward to the college experience, not only to learn my craft, but to learn more about myself and others and how each of us can make a difference.

Art: It’s All In the Family By Kyra Vaughn Until recently, I didn’t know whether I would have described myself as an artist, but applying to various colleges has given me a different perspective on my passions and goals. I have always loved art. From coloring, sketching, papier-mâché, painting, sculpture, and my favorite, fashion design, I love them all. In my junior year of advanced art class, my instructor encouraged me to try different media. We were assigned subject matter options, including portraits, landscapes, and stills. I quickly chose landscapes as I love nature and living on a farm. We live in a small county in Virginia called Floyd, population 15,185. When I say small, I mean in regard to citizens and business. In fact, the only chain businesses are Subway, Hardee’s, Food Lion, and, of course, the rural standard of Dollar General and Family Dollar. Our county has one stoplight and more farm animals than people, but I think those are the things I love most. Our county is home to the Buffalo Mountain Nature Area Preserve. Buffalo Mountain, a knob within the preserve, peaks out at 3,971 feet in elevation above sea level. The view from the top is vast and stretches into North Carolina, encompassing numerous counties and landmarks. The view I love the most is on my gravel road to my home in Willis. I chose this view because I love the changes of the seasons and how it can be the same mountain, yet look so different. It’s been a favorite to photograph and paint by neighbors, visitors, and even our family. My father painted the same view in 1986 for an art project, and I thought it would be really cool to see how my version might compare. Turns out it was similar from the mountain view and the road, with only a few changes in the field. I call that a success. When I brought home the art to share with my family, my father commented that he had seen this same view hundreds of times on paper. In fact, his 2nd cousin had also painted it while teaching art in our local high school. I’m glad to have chosen our Buffalo as my subject and join an impressive family tradition. As an artist and designer, I plan to design my life by learning from both mistakes and successes. My parents were not able to finish college, so my success is for more than just me. It's a way to pay forward their hard work. It has been said that, 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ' - Winston Churchill. Only through making a conscious effort will I succeed in making a positive impact on the world with my art.

Hello, my name is Kyra Vaughn. I live in the small county of Floyd, Virginia. As a member of the Honor Society, I volunteer each year in my community. My talent is fashion design and sewing. Just three years ago, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and one year ago, I started donating clothing to hospitals for those in need. I wanted to use my talents to provide kids in tough situations with nice, warm clothing. What started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, turned into cute dresses and shirts in the spring. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. Cyberbullying is an issue in our school. Female students have reported instances of male students using violent threats to force them to send pictures of themselves. Those victims are more terrified of the threats than the possible damage to their reputations if the pictures are released. By then, it is too late, and the pictures are all over the school. Our educational community, our School Resource Officers, and our student body work together to report and hold those accountable. When I was a child, I was deeply hurt by someone else's actions. What this person did changed me for life, and I will never be the same. I struggled for a long time trying to understand why that person would do that to me, and it ultimately led me to wonder what must have happened in their lives to make such a decision. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that I have the choice to do things whether I’m influenced by others or not. I have come to realize that even if something terrible has happened to you, there is no excuse for your actions, and you should own up to them no matter what the circumstances. There are endless opportunities for greatness and failures at every waking moment. There will always, without a doubt, be a reason why people act the way that they do, but with these opportunities always comes an opportunity for change. Just as this person made an impact on my life, I have the opportunity to do the same. Each encounter with a person, friend, or stranger will result in either a positive or a negative. While we may never know the impact we have on others, we can control how we present ourselves and how our actions may be viewed by others. The result may not be immediately obvious, but the goal is to remain positive. As a future educator, opportunities to be an advocate and volunteer will allow me to pay forward all the positive impacts teachers have made in my life. These future life lessons will shape me, and others around me. What good is it to learn and not pass on your knowledge? Or, as another thought, why wouldn’t we want to share our positive attitude and experiences with others? As an artist and fashion designer, I plan to design my life by learning from both mistakes and successes. I am pleased to have been accepted to study Fashion at Stevenson University. Academic scholarships have been awarded, but I am still facing a $10-15,000 deficit per year and am applying for numerous scholarships to reduce future debt. I also plan to work part-time. My goal is to finish with as little debt as possible. Thank you for your consideration and your concern for bullying in our communities.

Why do others think the way that they do? By Kyra Vaughn I believe that everything has a cause and that everyone has an influence on that cause. I believe that everyone's actions lead to something significant in life. Similar to the butterfly effect, anything that happens can change anyone or anything. I believe that people should be forgiven for their actions, but there is always a reason behind it all. For example, someone might act a certain way because of how their parents raised them as a child and adolescent. They may make some good choices, or they may make some bad choices. No matter what choices they choose to make, their actions will have an impact, whether negative or positive, on the people and world around them. There are millions of different possibilities. When I was a child, I was deeply hurt by someone else's actions. What this person did changed me for life, and I will never be the same. I struggled for a long time trying to understand why that person would do that to me, and it ultimately led me to wonder what happened to them in their lives to make such a decision. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I have the choice to do things whether I’m influenced by others or not. I have come to realize that even if something terrible has happened to you, there is no excuse for your actions, and you should own up to them no matter what the circumstances. I am not condoning any of these negative actions; in fact, I openly shun some of them, but I simply want to understand why someone would choose to make any decision. For example, a decision could lead someone to win the big one million dollar prize in the lottery or even achieve their dream job as a neurologist, but it could also lead to a person losing their life or someone losing the ability to walk. There are endless opportunities for greatness and failures at every waking moment. There will always, without a doubt, be a reason why people act the way that they do, but with these opportunities always comes an opportunity for change. Just because, for example, your parents were famous musicians, that doesn't mean you have to be one, or if your brother became a drug abuser, it doesn’t mean you have to abuse drugs as well. Just because something impacted a person’s life doesn’t mean they shouldn't be held responsible for their actions. Because just like you, they have the opportunity to change. I believe that everything has a reason, but that everyone has a choice. Ultimately, our mental health, both personally and in our community, can be the single most important effort to improve our lives. Whether we suffer from depression, have anger issues, or something else, responsibility and desire may be the driving forces behind our happiness.

Small Town Remedy by Kyra Vaughn Growing up in a small town, I have always been surrounded by adults and kids who were struggling financially. Many of these kids didn't have the funds for new clothes or even clothes that fit them. When I was younger, a lot of times, kids would poke fun at me for my outdated, shabby Walmart clothes, and it always hurt my feelings. Knowing that there are kids out there who have to deal with that every day, but worse, hurts my heart. Just two years ago, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and one year ago, I started donating clothing to hospitals that I sewed and altered. I wanted to use my talents in order to help kids in tough situations be able to wear nice and warm clothing. I started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, and over the spring, I made cute dresses and shirts. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. Recently, one of my best friends gave birth to her daughter, and I have shifted my focus to making clothes for her little one. Though this was really fun for me, this winter I plan to refocus on donating clothing to children's hospitals, and I want to triple the amount that I donated last year. In the future, I would like to continue broadening my area and maybe even start donating to homeless shelters. My small town remedy includes teaching others to sew and to donate. The old saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime,” is applicable here. Kids my age don't always know how they can help, but they know they want to find a way to use their talents for others. Here's a little quiz I came up with: 1. What activity brings you joy? This could be anything from reading to playing sports. 2. How could this activity be shared with others? 3. Can you start this activity on a small scale in your hometown? 4. What is your target audience for your small town remedy? 5. Is this scalable for others to start in their small towns? The benefit for others is obvious, but for the person teaching or donating, the benefit is so much greater. Throughout my time donating, I have come to learn that everyone has a story and a reason for where they are in their lives. I will never judge someone for the way that they dress or the way that they live. I believe you can never truly understand what is going on in someone's life, and the best thing to do is just give them any help that you can offer. Every little seam and every little smile that my sewing brings for those in need is just one more reason to keep going. I have been accepted into the Fashion Design undergraduate program at Stevenson University. My Small Town Remedy will be a big part of my future and how I plan to use my skills in my community. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll be able to do this on a grand scale!

Design a Life of Success by Kyra Vaughn We start off seeing the world in muted shades of color. Our parents learned that bold colors would keep our attention, so that was the next phase. From infancy to adolescence, we see the world through different shades of glass. Like the song, “Rose Colored Glasses,” our perspective changes based on our circumstances. When I was a child, I was deeply hurt by someone else's actions. What this person did changed me for life, and I will never be the same. I struggled for a long time trying to understand why that person would do that to me, and it ultimately led me to wonder what happened to them in their lives to make such a decision. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I have the choice to do things whether I’m influenced by others or not. I have come to realize that even if something terrible has happened to you, there is no excuse for your actions, and you should own up to them no matter what the circumstances. There are endless opportunities for greatness and failures at every waking moment. There will always, without a doubt, be a reason why people act the way that they do, but with these opportunities always comes an opportunity for change. Just as this person made an impact on my life, I have the opportunity to do the same. Each encounter with a person, friend, or stranger will result in either a positive or a negative. While we may never know the impact we have on others, we can control how we present ourselves and how our actions may be viewed by others. The result may not be immediately obvious, but the goal is to remain positive. As an artist and designer, I plan to design my life by learning from both mistakes and successes. My parents were not able to finish college, so my success is for more than just me. It's a way to pay forward their hard work. It has been said that, 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ' - Winston Churchill. Only through making a conscience effort will I succeed in making a positive impact on the world. After college, as a future educator, opportunities to be an advocate and volunteer will allow me to pay forward all the positive impacts teachers have made in my life. These future life lessons will shape me, and others around me. What good is it to learn and not pass on your knowledge? Or, as another thought process, why wouldn’t we want to share our positive attitude and experiences with others?

Picture this: I’m a 17-year-old female playing softball for both Varsity HS and Travel Ball. I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old, so I know the game, and I love the strategy. I just hit a hard grounder to right of center. It zoomed past the second baseman and totally burnt the outfielders. It’s not hard enough for more than a double, but I’m going to give it my best shot. The hit already brought in two RBI’s, but we really need the extra run. Their second baseman is disoriented, and the shortstop is trying to back her up. The problem is, the outfielder just threw a passed ball to second, and no one is there to stop me. So, I keep running, headed to third. By now, the shortstop has the ball and is launching it to third. Inside my head, I hear, “SLIDE!” So, I do. The third baseman misses the throw, and now I’m headed for home. Here’s where the story takes a turn. I’ve picked myself up from the slide, and about halfway to home plate, I trip over my own two feet. My helmet goes array, and I can’t see where I’m going. I get up off the ground and run as fast as I can to home. Just before I reach home, I see the catcher lining up to catch the ball. I slide headfirst into the plate, my helmet is barely hanging on, and my team is screaming. I made it! “SAFE,” yells Blue. And so begins one of the craziest runs in my career. My team is a group of girls who have played together since 10U. We know each other on and off the field and know what to expect with most plays. We have been very fortunate and have had winning seasons throughout our time together. We won the TopGun Winter World Series three times in a row and numerous other tourneys. That said, you may be thinking we are just that good. That is where you are wrong. Individually, we do okay, but it’s the team attitude that makes us great. In the dugout, you’ll hear us singing, see us dancing, and always cheering each other on. We are not one of those teams that shout the chants. No way! That’s lame to us. We show encouragement from the heart. “You got this!” or “Show them what you got!” Anything to keep the morale high and the other team on the edge. We have wonderful parents who keep us going. One parent, mine, I might add, is always telling our pitcher to “Finish her off!” when she has two strikes. A little smirk will come across the pitcher’s face, and then she sends her best. I can’t tell you how many times she has indeed finished her off. These sisters from other Misters are my family. I’m an only child, yet I rarely feel alone. Softball isn’t just a game for me; it is a family. Whether we’re chatting on our phones, sharing photos on Instagram, or keeping a video conference open to do homework, we are always available for each other. That kind of positivity allows us to believe we can do anything we put our minds to. At Stevenson University, I plan to ‘Design a Life of Success.’ I have been lucky to have my team and my parents to encourage me. With their help, I want to pay this positivity forward on my next team.

Picture this: I’m a 17-year-old female playing softball for both Varsity HS and Travel Ball. I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old, so I know the game, and I love the strategy. I just hit a hard grounder to right of center. It zoomed past the second baseman and totally burnt the outfielders. It’s not hard enough for more than a double, but I’m going to give it my best shot. The hit already brought in two RBI’s, but we really need the extra run. Their second baseman is disoriented, and the shortstop is trying to back her up. The problem is, the outfielder just threw a passed ball to second, and no one is there to stop me. So, I keep running, headed to third. By now, the shortstop has the ball and is launching it to third. Inside my head, I hear, “SLIDE!” So, I do. The third baseman misses the throw, and now I’m headed for home. Here’s where the story takes a turn. I’ve picked myself up from the slide, and about halfway to home plate, I trip over my own two feet. My helmet goes array, and I can’t see where I’m going. I get up off the ground and run as fast as I can to home. Just before I reach home, I see the catcher lining up to catch the ball. I slide headfirst into the plate, my helmet is barely hanging on, and my team is screaming. I made it! “SAFE,” yells Blue. And so begins one of the craziest runs in my career. My team is a group of girls who have played together since 10U. We know each other on and off the field and know what to expect with most plays. We have been very fortunate and have had winning seasons throughout our time together. We won the TopGun Winter World Series three times in a row and numerous other tourneys. That said, you may be thinking we are just that good. That is where you are wrong. Individually, we do okay, but it’s the team attitude that makes us great. In the dugout, you’ll hear us singing, see us dancing, and always cheering each other on. We are not one of those teams that shout the chants. No way! That’s lame to us. We show encouragement from the heart. “You got this!” or “Show them what you got!” Anything to keep the morale high and the other team on the edge. We have wonderful parents who keep us going. One parent, mine, I might add, is always telling our pitcher to “Finish her off!” when she has two strikes. A little smirk will come across the pitcher’s face, and then she sends her best. I can’t tell you how many times she has indeed finished her off. These sisters from other Misters are my family. I’m an only child, yet I rarely feel alone. Softball isn’t just a game for me; it is a family. Whether we’re chatting on our phones, sharing photos on Instagram, or keeping a video conference open to do homework, we are always available for each other. That kind of positivity allows us to believe we can do anything we put our minds to. At Stevenson University, I plan to ‘Design a Life of Success.’ I have been lucky to have my team and my parents to encourage me. With their help, I want to pay this positivity forward on my next team.

Small Town Remedy by Kyra Vaughn Growing up in a small town, I have always been surrounded by adults and kids who were struggling financially. Many of these kids didn't have the funds for new clothes or even clothes that fit them. When I was younger, a lot of times, kids would poke fun at me for my outdated, shabby Walmart clothes, and it always hurt my feelings. Knowing that there are kids out there who have to deal with that every day, but worse, hurts my heart. Just two years ago, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and one year ago, I started donating clothing to hospitals that I sewed and altered. I wanted to use my talents in order to help kids in tough situations be able to wear nice and warm clothing. I started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, and over the spring, I made cute dresses and shirts. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. My small town remedy includes teaching others to sew and to donate. The old saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime,” is applicable here. Here's a little quiz I came up with: 1. What activity brings you joy? 2. How could this activity be shared with others? 3. Can you start this activity on a small scale in your hometown? 4. What is your target audience for your small town remedy? 5. Is this scalable for others to start in their small towns? The benefit for others is obvious, but for the person teaching or donating, the benefit is so much greater. Throughout my time donating, I have come to learn that everyone has a story and a reason for where they are in their lives. I will never judge someone for the way that they dress or the way that they live. Every little seam and every little smile that my sewing brings for those in need is just one more reason to keep going. I have been accepted into the Fashion Design program at Stevenson University. My Small Town Remedy will be a big part of my future and how I plan to use my skills in my community.

Small Town Remedy by Kyra Vaughn Growing up in a small town, I have always been surrounded by adults and kids who were struggling financially. Many of these kids didn't have the funds for new clothes or even clothes that fit them. When I was younger, a lot of times, kids would poke fun at me for my outdated, shabby Walmart clothes, and it always hurt my feelings. Knowing that there are kids out there who have to deal with that every day, but worse, hurts my heart. Just two years ago, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and one year ago, I started donating clothing to hospitals that I sewed and altered. I wanted to use my talents in order to help kids in tough situations be able to wear nice and warm clothing. I started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, and over the spring, I made cute dresses and shirts. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. Recently, one of my best friends gave birth to her daughter, and I have shifted my focus to making clothes for her little one. Though this was really fun for me, this winter I plan to refocus on donating clothing to children's hospitals, and I want to triple the amount that I donated last year. In the future, I would like to continue broadening my area and maybe even start donating to homeless shelters. My small town remedy includes teaching others to sew and to donate. The old saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime,” is applicable here. Kids my age don't always know how they can help, but they know they want to find a way to use their talents for others. Here's a little quiz I came up with: 1. What activity brings you joy? This could be anything from reading to playing sports. 2. How could this activity be shared with others? 3. Can you start this activity on a small scale in your hometown? 4. What is your target audience for your small town remedy? 5. Is this scalable for others to start in their small towns? The benefit for others is obvious, but for the person teaching or donating, the benefit is so much greater. Throughout my time donating, I have come to learn that everyone has a story and a reason for where they are in their lives. I will never judge someone for the way that they dress or the way that they live. I believe you can never truly understand what is going on in someone's life, and the best thing to do is just give them any help that you can offer. Every little seam and every little smile that my sewing brings for those in need is just one more reason to keep going. I have been accepted into the Fashion Design undergraduate program at Stevenson University. My Small Town Remedy will be a big part of my future and how I plan to use my skills in my community. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll be able to do this on a grand scale!

Small Town Remedy by Kyra Vaughn Growing up in a small town, I have always been surrounded by adults and kids who were struggling financially. Many of these kids didn't have the funds for new clothes or even clothes that fit them. When I was younger, a lot of times, kids would poke fun at me for my outdated, shabby Walmart clothes, and it always hurt my feelings. Knowing that there are kids out there who have to deal with that every day, but worse, hurts my heart. Just two years ago, I began sewing and altering my own clothing, and one year ago, I started donating clothing to hospitals that I sewed and altered. I wanted to use my talents in order to help kids in tough situations be able to wear nice and warm clothing. I started by making pajama pants and scarves in the winter, and over the spring, I made cute dresses and shirts. Donating these outfits and knowing that I made someone's day, or week, better with something that I created makes me very happy. Recently, one of my best friends gave birth to her daughter, and I have shifted my focus to making clothes for her little one. Though this was really fun for me, this winter I plan to refocus on donating clothing to children's hospitals, and I want to triple the amount that I donated last year. In the future, I would like to continue broadening my area and maybe even start donating to homeless shelters. My small town remedy includes teaching others to sew and to donate. The old saying, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime,” is applicable here. Kids my age don't always know how they can help, but they know they want to find a way to use their talents for others. Here's a little quiz I came up with: 1. What activity brings you joy? This could be anything from reading to playing sports. 2. How could this activity be shared with others? 3. Can you start this activity on a small scale in your hometown? 4. What is your target audience for your small town remedy? 5. Is this scalable for others to start in their small towns? The benefit for others is obvious, but for the person teaching or donating, the benefit is so much greater. Throughout my time donating, I have come to learn that everyone has a story and a reason for where they are in their lives. I will never judge someone for the way that they dress or the way that they live. I believe you can never truly understand what is going on in someone's life, and the best thing to do is just give them any help that you can offer. Every little seam and every little smile that my sewing brings for those in need is just one more reason to keep going. I have been accepted into the Fashion Design undergraduate program at Stevenson University. My Small Town Remedy will be a big part of my future and how I plan to use my skills in my community. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll be able to do this on a grand scale!

Stealin’ Ain’t a Crime in Softball By Kyra E Vaughn kyraevaughn@gmail.com 540.267.1843 Picture this: I’m a 17-year-old female playing softball for both Varsity HS and Travel Ball. I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old, so I know the game, and I love the strategy. I just hit a hard grounder to right of center. It zoomed past the second baseman and totally burnt the outfielders. It’s not hard enough for more than a double, but I’m going to give it my best shot. The hit already brought in two RBI’s, but we really need the extra run. Their second baseman is disoriented, and the shortstop is trying to back her up. The problem is, the outfielder just threw a passed ball to second, and no one is there to stop me. So, I keep running, headed to third. By now, the shortstop has the ball and is launching it to third. Inside my head, I hear, “SLIDE!” So, I do. The third baseman misses the throw, and now I’m headed for home. Here’s where the story takes a turn. I’ve picked myself up from the slide, and about halfway to home plate, I trip over my own two feet. My helmet goes array, and I can’t see where I’m going. I get up off the ground and run as fast as I can to home. Just before I reach home, I see the catcher lining up to catch the ball. I slide headfirst into the plate, my helmet is barely hanging on, and my team is screaming. I made it! “SAFE,” yells Blue. And so begins one of the craziest runs in my career. My team is a group of girls who have played together since 10U. We know each other on and off the field and know what to expect with most plays. We have been very fortunate and have had winning seasons throughout our time together. We won the TopGun Winter World Series three times in a row and numerous other tourneys. That said, you may be thinking we are just that good. That is where you are wrong. Individually, we do okay, but it’s the team attitude that makes us great. In the dugout, you’ll hear us singing, see us dancing, and always cheering each other on. We are not one of those teams that shout the chants. No way! That’s lame to us. We show encouragement from the heart. “You got this!” or “Show them what you got!” Anything to keep the morale high and the other team on the edge. We have wonderful parents who keep us going. One parent, mine, I might add, is always telling our pitcher to “Finish her off!” when she has two strikes. A little smirk will come across the pitcher’s face, and then she sends her best. I can’t tell you how many times she has indeed finished her off. These sisters from other Misters are my family. I’m an only child, yet I rarely feel alone. Softball isn’t just a game for me; it is a family. Whether we’re chatting on our phones, sharing photos on Instagram, or keeping a video conference open to do homework, we are always available for each other. That kind of positivity allows us to believe we can do anything we put our minds to. At Stevenson University, I plan to ‘Design a Life of Success.’ I have been lucky to have my team and my parents to encourage me. With their help, I want to pay this positivity forward on my next team.

Design a Life of Success We start off seeing the world in muted shades of color. Our parents learned that bold colors would keep our attention, so that was the next phase. From infancy to adolescence, we see the world through different shades of glass. Like the song, “Rose Colored Glasses,” our perspective changes based on our circumstances. When I was a child, I was deeply hurt by someone else's actions. What this person did changed me for life, and I will never be the same. I struggled for a long time trying to understand why that person would do that to me, and it ultimately led me to wonder what happened to them in their lives to make such a decision. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I have the choice to do things whether I’m influenced by others or not. I have come to realize that even if something terrible has happened to you, there is no excuse for your actions, and you should own up to them no matter what the circumstances. There are endless opportunities for greatness and failures at every waking moment. There will always, without a doubt, be a reason why people act the way that they do, but with these opportunities always comes an opportunity for change. Just as this person made an impact on my life, I have the opportunity to do the same. Each encounter with a person, friend or stranger, will result in either positive or negative. While we may never know the impact we have on others, we can control how we present ourselves and how our actions may be viewed by others. The result may not be immediately obvious, but the goal is to remain positive. As an artist and designer, I plan to design my life by learning from both mistakes and success. 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ' - Winston Churchill. Only through making a conscience effort will I succeed in making a positive impact on the world. After college and, as a future educator, opportunities to be an advocate and volunteer will allow me to pay forward all the positive impacts teachers have made in my life. These future life lessons will shape me, and others around me. What good is it to learn and not pass on your knowledge? Or, as another thought process, why wouldn’t we want to share our positive attitude and experiences with others?