One of my greatest achievements was being selected for and later serving as a leader in my high school’s Service Club. This was a significant honor, as hundreds of students applied each year and only about twenty were chosen. The club was composed of students deeply committed to serving both the school and the broader community, and being selected affirmed my dedication to service and leadership. Throughout my senior year, I participated in a variety of service projects, including managing sound systems at chorus and band concerts and contributing to campus clean-up efforts by maintaining gardens and school grounds. These roles required reliability, attention to detail, and teamwork, as others depended on me to be prepared and take responsibility without supervision. My most meaningful leadership experience came when I helped select the next group of junior inductees. Reviewing applications required fairness, discernment, and empathy, as I evaluated accomplishments and character. During the induction ceremony, I had the privilege of welcoming two new members in front of the school, sharing words that reflected their qualities. Experiencing the selection process from the other side deepened my understanding of gratitude, responsibility, and what it truly means to lead through service. This experience reinforced my belief that leadership is rooted in giving back and inspired my commitment to continue serving at Virginia Tech and beyond. Outside of leadership and service, I am passionate about dance and skiing, which have taught me discipline, balance, and perseverance. These qualities have carried over into my work as a summer lifeguard, where focus and responsibility are essential. I have worked for the City of Raleigh since I was 15 and have continued through college breaks, reinforcing my sense of accountability and professionalism. As a lifeguard, I have learned the importance of being attentive, supporting my coworkers, and maintaining a safe environment. This role has reinforced my ability to stay alert, act quickly in high-pressure situations, and take responsibility for the well-being of others. I am especially excited for the opportunity to study abroad next fall at the Steger Center through the Salute Study Abroad Program in Ticino, Switzerland. This program aligns with my academic path in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise by combining coursework with immersive learning. Through experiences in Riva San Vitale with local wineries, farms, cheese producers, and laboratories, I will gain insight into how food science, nutrition, and sustainability are applied in real-world settings. Italian language study will further enhance my ability to connect with the local community. During my time abroad, I plan to complete an independent study by volunteering at a home health center Erikure Sagl in Riva San Vitale. I look forward to assisting residents with daily living activities and providing companionship. This experience will allow me to extend my commitment to service while gaining valuable perspective in a healthcare setting, strengthening my goal of serving others through community-based healthcare and volunteer work in the future. The person who motivates me most in life is my mom. She has been a constant source of support and strength throughout my life. She encouraged me to become a lifeguard by sharing her own experience and has always shown up for me, from attending my activities in high school to supporting me in college. She played a significant role in guiding me through the college application process and continues to support opportunities like study abroad. Most importantly, she has made sacrifices for my future, even returning to work to help make these opportunities possible. Her dedication and selflessness inspire me to work hard, stay committed to my goals, and make the most of every opportunity.

My name is Lauren Mullins, and I am a sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in Health and Exercise Science with a focus in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise. I am passionate about understanding the connection between nutrition, health, and community, and I hope to build a future career that allows me to use science to improve the well-being of others. Next fall, I have the opportunity to study abroad through Virginia Tech’s Salute Study Abroad Program at the Steger Center in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. This program aligns closely with my academic path by combining required coursework with immersive, place-based learning. Located in a small Italian-speaking community near cultural hubs such as Lugano and Milan, the Steger Center offers an environment where academic learning and cultural engagement intersect. The program extends beyond the classroom through guided visits to local wineries, sustainable farms, cheese producers, and food laboratories. These experiences will allow me to observe how food science, nutrition, and sustainability are practiced in real-world settings while reinforcing the concepts I study at Virginia Tech. Studying Italian will also encourage meaningful communication with local communities and deepen my understanding of how culture shapes food systems and health. Participating in this program will be an important step in my personal and academic growth. As an out-of-state student at Virginia Tech, I have developed independence and adaptability, but living and studying abroad will challenge me in new ways. Navigating an Italian-speaking region of Switzerland will require me to adapt to new cultural norms, build confidence in unfamiliar environments, and step outside my comfort zone. Experiences like these strengthen the qualities I value most—curiosity, resilience, and openness to new perspectives. Service has played a major role in shaping who I am. One of my proudest achievements was being selected for and later serving as a leader in my high school’s Service Club, where only about twenty students were chosen from hundreds of applicants each year. During my senior year I participated in several service projects, including managing the sound system for chorus and band concerts and helping with campus clean-ups that maintained our school gardens and grounds. These roles required reliability, teamwork, and attention to detail, and others depended on me to take responsibility. Helping select and induct the next group of members reinforced my belief that leadership is rooted in service and encouragement. Athletics have also been an important part of my life. As a varsity cheerleader and member of my high school dance team, I developed discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—values that reflect the dedication to athletics, leadership, and encouragement that defined Kalia D. Davis’s legacy. I have continued my commitment to service at Virginia Tech by volunteering with Special Olympics events, including bowling and basketball tournaments. Working alongside athletes and fellow volunteers has reinforced my belief that sports, community, and encouragement can bring people together while strengthening my desire to pursue a career where I can support others and contribute positively to my community. Kalia D. Davis’s legacy of excellence, ambition, and encouragement deeply resonates with me. Like Kalia, I strive to balance academics, service, and personal growth while supporting those around me. Her example inspires me to pursue opportunities that challenge me and allow me to make a positive impact. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to fully participate in this study abroad experience without the added stress of financial barriers. As an out-of-state student, this support would allow me to focus on the academic and cultural growth this opportunity offers while continuing to pursue my goals with the same dedication and work ethic that this scholarship honors.