Oddly enough, I considered a career in nursing after my appendix had perforated and I had an appendectomy in the middle of the night. Most would see that as a negative experience, but I had an amazing time connecting with various hospital staff. From that moment on, I wanted to give people the same positive experience I had despite a tough situation. Until I was hired at my local hospital, I would always say to myself, "I am going to work there someday." I have been working for UCHealth in Northern Colorado for two years. In my time as an EKG Tech and Nutrition Assistant, I have developed a strong sense of empathy and care for every patient I encounter. Connecting with individuals from various backgrounds is important to me as I want every patient to feel seen and heard. I believe the extra effort of striking up a conversation or helping set up dinner for a patient is crucial to their hospital experience. Many times, my preceptors, supervisors, and nurses on the floor have acknowledged the extra small steps I have taken with patients. Often, they note that they have "never seen someone do that before, thank you." Those words fuel my drive and strengthen my decision to finish an accelerated Bachelor's of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. I want to be in the patient care environment more than I am now. In both of my current work positions, being out on the floor with patients is where I feel the strongest and happiest. During the summers, while finishing my Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, I worked for the City of Fort Collins, coaching kids in track and field. I absolutely love how silly and bright each child is, and working with them on their confidence, happiness, and athletic ability. That, combined with my hospital work, has piqued my interest in pediatric nursing. I love taking the extra time to offer them popsicles, whether they are visiting family in the hospital or just out of surgery in the PEDS unit. Seeing them smile and relax in an unfamiliar environment strengthens my belief that caring for kiddos is my calling. In addition, I have developed a strong interest in caring for the most critically ill pediatric patients. I am especially drawn to working in children’s intensive care units, where I can support patients facing complex and high-acuity conditions. My experience as an EKG Tech has further sparked an interest in pediatric cardiac care, and I can see myself working in a children’s ICU specializing in heart conditions. I believe it takes a special type of person who can connect with children and help them understand scary situations. It is an ability not everyone can master, and I greatly admire the nurses who can. To be able to give yourself to help others in need is admirable, and I strive every day to provide that for at least one person. With this scholarship, I will be able to attend nursing school and finish an accelerated program, so I can begin working in the field quickly. I will also be the first in my family to attend nursing school. My Aunt Elisabeth dreamed of becoming a nurse and was on her way to nursing school when she passed at 19 from alkaptonuria. I want to fulfill her dream of caring for others, become a registered nurse in her name, and make my family proud. I appreciate your consideration and time. Thank you so much!

Oddly enough, I considered a career in nursing after my appendix had perforated and I had an appendectomy two years ago. Most would see that as a negative experience, but I had an amazing time connecting with various hospital staff. From that moment on, I wanted to give people the same positive experience I had despite a tough situation. As a woman entering the healthcare field, that experience also showed me the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care and the unique perspective women bring in creating supportive and inclusive environments for patients. I have been working for UCHealth in Northern Colorado for two years. In my time as an EKG Tech and Nutrition Assistant, I have developed a strong sense of empathy and care for every patient I encounter. Connecting with individuals from various backgrounds is important to me as I want every patient to feel seen and heard. I believe the extra effort of striking up a conversation or helping set up dinner for a patient is crucial to their hospital experience. I strive to contribute to a more inclusive healthcare environment where every patient, regardless of background, feels valued and respected. Many times, my preceptors, supervisors, and nurses on the floor have acknowledged the extra small steps I have taken with patients. Often, they note that they have "never seen someone do that before, thank you." Those words fuel my drive and strengthen my decision to finish an accelerated Bachelor's of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. In both of my current work positions, being out on the floor with patients is where I feel the strongest and happiest. As a woman pursuing nursing, I am motivated to continue breaking barriers in healthcare by advancing into roles that require both leadership and compassion. During the summers, while finishing my Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, I worked for the City of Fort Collins, coaching kids in track and field. I absolutely love how silly and bright each child is, and working with them on their confidence, happiness, and athletic ability. That, combined with my hospital work, has piqued my interest in pediatric nursing. I love taking the extra time to offer them popsicles, whether they are visiting family in the hospital or just out of surgery in the PEDS unit. Seeing them smile and relax in an unfamiliar environment strengthens my belief that caring for kiddos is my calling. I believe it takes a special type of person who can connect with children and help them understand scary situations. It is an ability not everyone can master, and I greatly admire the nurses who can. To be able to give yourself to help others in need is admirable, and I strive every day to provide that for at least one person. As a woman in healthcare, I hope to serve as both a caregiver and an advocate, helping to create a more compassionate and equitable system for future patients and providers. With this scholarship, I will be able to attend nursing school and finish an accelerated program, becoming the first in my family to attend nursing school. My Aunt Elisabeth dreamed of becoming a nurse and was on her way to nursing school when she passed at 19 from alkaptonuria. I want to fulfill her dream of caring for others, become a registered nurse in her name, and make my family proud. Receiving this support would not only help me overcome financial barriers but also empower me to contribute to a future where women continue to shape and lead the healthcare field.

Oddly enough, I considered a career in nursing after my appendix had perforated and I had an appendectomy in the middle of the night. Most would see that as a negative experience, but I had an amazing time connecting with various hospital staff. From that moment on, I wanted to give people the same positive experience I had despite a tough situation. Until I was hired at my local hospital, I would always say to myself, "I am going to work there someday." I have been working for UCHealth in Northern Colorado for two years. In my time as an EKG Tech and Nutrition Assistant, I have developed a strong sense of empathy and care for every patient I encounter. Connecting with individuals from various backgrounds is important to me as I want every patient to feel seen and heard. I believe the extra effort of striking up a conversation or helping set up dinner for a patient is crucial to their hospital experience. Many times, my preceptors, supervisors, and nurses on the floor have acknowledged the extra small steps I have taken with patients. Often, they note that they have "never seen someone do that before, thank you." Those words fuel my drive and strengthen my decision to finish an accelerated Bachelor's of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. I want to be in the patient care environment more than I am now. In both of my current work positions, being out on the floor with patients is where I feel the strongest and happiest. During the summers, while finishing my Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, I worked for the City of Fort Collins, coaching kids in track and field. I absolutely love how silly and bright each child is, and working with them on their confidence, happiness, and athletic ability. That, combined with my hospital work, has piqued my interest in pediatric nursing. I love taking the extra time to offer them popsicles, whether they are visiting family in the hospital or just out of surgery in the PEDS unit. Seeing them smile and relax in an unfamiliar environment strengthens my belief that caring for kiddos is my calling. In addition, I have developed a strong interest in caring for the most critically ill pediatric patients. I am especially drawn to working in children’s intensive care units, where I can support patients facing complex and high-acuity conditions. My experience as an EKG Tech has further sparked an interest in pediatric cardiac care, and I can see myself working in a children’s ICU specializing in heart conditions. I believe it takes a special type of person who can connect with children and help them understand scary situations. It is an ability not everyone can master, and I greatly admire the nurses who can. To be able to give yourself to help others in need is admirable, and I strive every day to provide that for at least one person. With this scholarship, I will be able to attend nursing school and finish an accelerated program, so I can begin working in the field quickly. I will also be the first in my family to attend nursing school. My Aunt Elisabeth dreamed of becoming a nurse and was on her way to nursing school when she passed at 19 from alkaptonuria. I want to fulfill her dream of caring for others, become a registered nurse in her name, and make my family proud. I appreciate your consideration and time. Thank you so much!

Oddly enough, I considered a career in nursing after my appendix had perforated and I had an appendectomy in the middle of the night. Most would see that as a negative experience, but I had an amazing time connecting with various hospital staff. From that moment on, I wanted to give people the same positive experience I had despite a tough situation. Until I was hired at my local hospital, I would always say to myself, "I am going to work there someday." I have been working for UCHealth in Northern Colorado for two years. In my time as an EKG Tech and Nutrition Assistant, I have developed a strong sense of empathy and care for every patient I encounter. Connecting with individuals from various backgrounds is important to me as I want every patient to feel seen and heard. I believe the extra effort of striking up a conversation or helping set up dinner for a patient is crucial to their hospital experience. Many times, my preceptors, supervisors, and nurses on the floor have acknowledged the extra small steps I have taken with patients. Often, they note that they have "never seen someone do that before, thank you." Those words fuel my drive and strengthen my decision to finish an accelerated Bachelor's of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. I want to be in the patient care environment more than I am now. In both of my current work positions, being out on the floor with patients is where I feel the strongest and happiest. During the summers, while finishing my Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, I worked for the City of Fort Collins, coaching kids in track and field. I absolutely love how silly and bright each child is, and working with them on their confidence, happiness, and athletic ability. That, combined with my hospital work, has piqued my interest in pediatric nursing. I love taking the extra time to offer them popsicles, whether they are visiting family in the hospital or just out of surgery in the PEDS unit. Seeing them smile and relax in an unfamiliar environment strengthens my belief that caring for kiddos is my calling. In addition, I have developed a strong interest in caring for the most critically ill pediatric patients. I am especially drawn to working in children’s intensive care units, where I can support patients facing complex and high-acuity conditions. My experience as an EKG Tech has further sparked an interest in pediatric cardiac care, and I can see myself working in a children’s ICU specializing in heart conditions. I believe it takes a special type of person who can connect with children and help them understand scary situations. It is an ability not everyone can master, and I greatly admire the nurses who can. To be able to give yourself to help others in need is admirable, and I strive every day to provide that for at least one person. With this scholarship, I will be able to attend nursing school and finish an accelerated program, so I can begin working in the field quickly. I will also be the first in my family to attend nursing school. My Aunt Elisabeth dreamed of becoming a nurse and was on her way to nursing school when she passed at 19 from alkaptonuria. I want to fulfill her dream of caring for others, become a registered nurse in her name, and make my family proud. I appreciate your consideration and time. Thank you so much!

Oddly enough, I considered a career in nursing after my appendix had perforated and I had an appendectomy in the middle of the night. Most would see that as a negative experience, but I had an amazing time connecting with various hospital staff. From that moment on, I wanted to give people the same positive experience I had despite a tough situation. Until I was hired at my local hospital, I would always say to myself, "I am going to work there someday." I have been working for UCHealth in Northern Colorado for two years. In my time as an EKG Tech and Nutrition Assistant, I have developed a strong sense of empathy and care for every patient I encounter. Connecting with individuals from various backgrounds is important to me as I want every patient to feel seen and heard. I believe the extra effort of striking up a conversation or helping set up dinner for a patient is crucial to their hospital experience. Many times, my preceptors, supervisors, and nurses on the floor have acknowledged the extra small steps I have taken with patients. Often, they note that they have "never seen someone do that before, thank you." Those words fuel my drive and strengthen my decision to finish an accelerated Bachelor's of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. I want to be in the patient care environment more than I am now. In both of my current work positions, being out on the floor with patients is where I feel the strongest and happiest. During the summers, while finishing my Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, I worked for the City of Fort Collins, coaching kids in track and field. I absolutely love how silly and bright each child is, and working with them on their confidence, happiness, and athletic ability. That, combined with my hospital work, has piqued my interest in pediatric nursing. I love taking the extra time to offer them popsicles, whether they are visiting family in the hospital or just out of surgery in the PEDS unit. Seeing them smile and relax in an unfamiliar environment strengthens my belief that caring for kiddos is my calling. In addition, I have developed a strong interest in caring for the most critically ill pediatric patients. I am especially drawn to working in children’s intensive care units, where I can support patients facing complex and high-acuity conditions. My experience as an EKG Tech has further sparked an interest in pediatric cardiac care, and I can see myself working in a children’s ICU specializing in heart conditions. I believe it takes a special type of person who can connect with children and help them understand scary situations. It is an ability not everyone can master, and I greatly admire the nurses who can. To be able to give yourself to help others in need is admirable, and I strive every day to provide that for at least one person. With this scholarship, I will be able to attend nursing school and finish an accelerated program, so I can begin working in the field quickly. I will also be the first in my family to attend nursing school. My Aunt Elisabeth dreamed of becoming a nurse and was on her way to nursing school when she passed at 19 from alkaptonuria. I want to fulfill her dream of caring for others, become a registered nurse in her name, and make my family proud. I appreciate your consideration and time. Thank you so much!

Oddly enough, I considered a career in nursing after my appendix had perforated and I had an appendectomy in the middle of the night. Most would see that as a negative experience, but I had an amazing time connecting with various hospital staff. From that moment on, I wanted to give people the same positive experience I had despite a tough situation. Until I was hired at my local hospital, I would always say to myself, "I am going to work there someday." I have been working for UCHealth in Northern Colorado for two years. In my time as an EKG Tech and Nutrition Assistant, I have developed a strong sense of empathy and care for every patient I encounter. Connecting with individuals from various backgrounds is important to me as I want every patient to feel seen and heard. I believe the extra effort of striking up a conversation or helping set up dinner for a patient is crucial to their hospital experience. Many times, my preceptors, supervisors, and nurses on the floor have acknowledged the extra small steps I have taken with patients. Often, they note that they have "never seen someone do that before, thank you." Those words fuel my drive and strengthen my decision to finish an accelerated Bachelor's of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. I want to be in the patient care environment more than I am now. In both of my current work positions, being out on the floor with patients is where I feel the strongest and happiest. During the summers, while finishing my Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, I worked for the City of Fort Collins, coaching kids in track and field. I absolutely love how silly and bright each child is, and working with them on their confidence, happiness, and athletic ability. That, combined with my hospital work, has piqued my interest in pediatric nursing. I love taking the extra time to offer them popsicles, whether they are visiting family in the hospital or just out of surgery in the PEDS unit. Seeing them smile and relax in an unfamiliar environment strengthens my belief that caring for kiddos is my calling. In addition, I have developed a strong interest in caring for the most critically ill pediatric patients. I am especially drawn to working in children’s intensive care units, where I can support patients facing complex and high-acuity conditions. My experience as an EKG Tech has further sparked an interest in pediatric cardiac care, and I can see myself working in a children’s ICU specializing in heart conditions. I believe it takes a special type of person who can connect with children and help them understand scary situations. It is an ability not everyone can master, and I greatly admire the nurses who can. To be able to give yourself to help others in need is admirable, and I strive every day to provide that for at least one person. With this scholarship, I will be able to attend nursing school and finish an accelerated program, so I can begin working in the field quickly. I will also be the first in my family to attend nursing school. My Aunt Elisabeth dreamed of becoming a nurse and was on her way to nursing school when she passed at 19 from alkaptonuria. I want to fulfill her dream of caring for others, become a registered nurse in her name, and make my family proud. I appreciate your consideration and time. Thank you so much!

Oddly enough, I considered a career in nursing after my appendix had perforated and I had an appendectomy two years ago in the middle of the night. Most would see that as a negative experience, but I had an amazing time connecting with various hospital staff. From that moment on, I wanted to give people the same positive experience I had despite a tough situation. Until I was hired at my local hospital, I would always say to myself, "I am going to work there someday." I have been working for UCHealth in Northern Colorado for two years. In my time as an EKG Tech and Nutrition Assistant, I have developed a strong sense of empathy and care for every patient I encounter. Connecting with individuals from various backgrounds is important to me as I want every patient to feel seen and heard. I believe the extra effort of striking up a conversation or helping set up dinner for a patient is crucial to their hospital experience. Many times, my preceptors, supervisors, and nurses on the floor have acknowledged the extra small steps I have taken with patients. Often, they note that they have "never seen someone do that before, thank you." Those words fuel my drive and strengthen my decision to finish an accelerated Bachelor's of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. I want to be in the patient care environment more than I am now. In both of my current work positions, being out on the floor with patients is where I feel the strongest and happiest. During the summers, while finishing my Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, I worked for the City of Fort Collins, coaching kids in track and field. I absolutely love how silly and bright each child is, and working with them on their confidence, happiness, and athletic ability. That, combined with my hospital work, has piqued my interest in pediatric nursing. I love taking the extra time to offer them popsicles, whether they are visiting family in the hospital or just out of surgery in the PEDS unit. Seeing them smile and relax in an unfamiliar environment strengthens my belief that caring for kiddos is my calling. In addition, I have developed a strong interest in caring for the most critically ill pediatric patients. I am especially drawn to working in children’s intensive care units, where I can support patients facing complex and high-acuity conditions. My experience as an EKG Tech has further sparked an interest in pediatric cardiac care, and I can see myself working in a children’s ICU specializing in heart conditions. I believe it takes a special type of person who can connect with children and help them understand scary situations. It is an ability not everyone can master, and I greatly admire the nurses who can. To be able to give yourself to help others in need is admirable, and I strive every day to provide that for at least one person. With this scholarship, I will be able to attend nursing school and finish an accelerated program, so I can begin working in the field quickly. I will also be the first in my family to attend nursing school. My Aunt Elisabeth dreamed of becoming a nurse and was on her way to nursing school when she passed at 19 from alkaptonuria. I want to fulfill her dream of caring for others, become a registered nurse in her name, and make my family proud. I appreciate your consideration and time. Thank you so much!

Oddly enough, I considered a career in nursing after my appendix had perforated and I had an appendectomy at 2 a.m., two years ago. Most would see that as a negative experience, but I had an amazing time connecting with various hospital staff. From that moment on, I wanted to give people the same positive experience I had despite a tough situation. Until I was hired at my local hospital, I would always say to myself, "I am going to work there someday." I have been working for UCHealth in Northern Colorado for two years. In my time as an EKG Tech and Nutrition Assistant, I have developed a strong sense of empathy and care for every patient I encounter. Connecting with individuals from various backgrounds is important to me as I want every patient to feel seen and heard. I believe the extra effort of striking up a conversation or helping set up dinner for a patient is crucial to their hospital experience. Many times, my preceptors, supervisors, and nurses on the floor have acknowledged the extra small steps I have taken with patients. Often, they note that they have "never seen someone do that before, thank you." Those words fuel my drive and strengthen my decision to finish an accelerated Bachelor's of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. I want to be in the patient care environment more than I am now. In both of my current work positions, being out on the floor with patients is where I feel the strongest and happiest. During the summers, while finishing my Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, I worked for the City of Fort Collins, coaching kids in track and field. I absolutely love how silly and bright each child is, and working with them on their confidence, happiness, and athletic ability. That, combined with my hospital work, has piqued my interest in pediatric nursing. I love taking the extra time to offer them popsicles, whether they are visiting family in the hospital or just out of surgery in the PEDS unit. Seeing them smile and relax in an unfamiliar environment strengthens my belief that caring for kiddos is my calling. I believe it takes a special type of person who can connect with children and help them understand scary situations. It is an ability not everyone can master, and I greatly admire the nurses who can. To be able to give yourself to help others in need is admirable, and I strive every day to provide that for at least one person. With this scholarship, I will be able to attend nursing school and finish an accelerated program, so I can begin working in the field quickly. I will also be the first in my family to attend nursing school. My Aunt Elisabeth dreamed of becoming a nurse and was on her way to nursing school when she passed at 19 from alkaptonuria. I want to fulfill her dream of caring for others, become a registered nurse in her name, and make my family proud. I appreciate your consideration and time. Thank you so much! I found this scholarship on Bold.org.

Oddly enough, I considered a career in nursing after my appendix had perforated and I had an appendectomy at 2 a.m., two years ago. Most would see that as a negative experience, but I had an amazing time connecting with various hospital staff. From that moment on, I wanted to give people the same positive experience I had despite a tough situation. Until I was hired at my local hospital, I would always say to myself, "I am going to work there someday." I have been working for UCHealth in Northern Colorado for two years. In my time as an EKG Tech and Nutrition Assistant, I have developed a strong sense of empathy and care for every patient I encounter. Connecting with individuals from various backgrounds is important to me as I want every patient to feel seen and heard. I believe the extra effort of striking up a conversation or helping set up dinner for a patient is crucial to their hospital experience. Many times, my preceptors, supervisors, and nurses on the floor have acknowledged the extra small steps I have taken with patients. Often, they note that they have "never seen someone do that before, thank you." Those words fuel my drive and strengthen my decision to finish an accelerated Bachelor's of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. I want to be in the patient care environment more than I am now. In both of my current work positions, being out on the floor with patients is where I feel the strongest and happiest. During the summers, while finishing my Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, I worked for the City of Fort Collins, coaching kids in track and field. I absolutely love how silly and bright each child is, and working with them on their confidence, happiness, and athletic ability. That, combined with my hospital work, has piqued my interest in pediatric nursing. I love taking the extra time to offer them popsicles, whether they are visiting family in the hospital or just out of surgery in the PEDS unit. Seeing them smile and relax in an unfamiliar environment strengthens my belief that caring for kiddos is my calling. I believe it takes a special type of person who can connect with children and help them understand scary situations. It is an ability not everyone can master, and I greatly admire the nurses who can. To be able to give yourself to help others in need is admirable, and I strive every day to provide that for at least one person. With this scholarship, I will be able to attend nursing school and finish an accelerated program, so I can begin working in the field quickly. I will also be the first in my family to attend nursing school. My Aunt Elisabeth dreamed of becoming a nurse and was on her way to nursing school when she passed at 19 from alkaptonuria. I want to fulfill her dream of caring for others, become a registered nurse in her name, and make my family proud. I appreciate your consideration and time. Thank you so much!

Oddly enough, I considered a career in nursing after my appendix had perforated and I had an appendectomy at 2 a.m., two years ago. Most would see that as a negative experience, but I had an amazing time connecting with various hospital staff. From that moment on, I wanted to give people the same positive experience I had despite a tough situation. Until I was hired at my local hospital, I would always say to myself, "I am going to work there someday." I have been working for UCHealth in Northern Colorado for two years. In my time as an EKG Tech and Nutrition Assistant, I have developed a strong sense of empathy and care for every patient I encounter. Connecting with individuals from various backgrounds is important to me as I want every patient to feel seen and heard. I believe the extra effort of striking up a conversation or helping set up dinner for a patient is crucial to their hospital experience. Many times, my preceptors, supervisors, and nurses on the floor have acknowledged the extra small steps I have taken with patients. Often, they note that they have "never seen someone do that before, thank you." Those words fuel my drive and strengthen my decision to finish an accelerated Bachelor's of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. I want to be in the patient care environment more than I am now. In both of my current work positions, being out on the floor with patients is where I feel the strongest and happiest. During the summers, while finishing my Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, I worked for the City of Fort Collins, coaching kids in track and field. I absolutely love how silly and bright each child is, and working with them on their confidence, happiness, and athletic ability. That, combined with my hospital work, has piqued my interest in pediatric nursing. I love taking the extra time to offer them popsicles, whether they are visiting family in the hospital or just out of surgery in the PEDS unit. Seeing them smile and relax in an unfamiliar environment strengthens my belief that caring for kiddos is my calling. I believe it takes a special type of person who can connect with children and help them understand scary situations. It is an ability not everyone can master, and I greatly admire the nurses who can. To be able to give yourself to help others in need is admirable, and I strive every day to provide that for at least one person. With this scholarship, I will be able to attend nursing school and finish an accelerated program, so I can begin working in the field quickly. I will also be the first in my family to attend nursing school. My Aunt Elisabeth dreamed of becoming a nurse and was on her way to nursing school when she passed at 19 from alkaptonuria. I want to fulfill her dream of caring for others, become a registered nurse in her name, and make my family proud. I appreciate your consideration and time. Thank you so much!

As far back as I can remember the idea of being a “strong girl” has always had an appeal to me. Naturally, I’ve been very athletic with some sort of muscle since I was young. Weightlifting or training wasn’t something I had heard of until middle school when I was able to choose my elective classes. A weightlifting elective was offered, allowing the opportunity to learn how to lift and become stronger. I, of course, was interested in the class. When I expressed my interest, everyone around me told me the class was for boys. Truly, anyone could sign up, but no one encouraged girls to. Despite what I was hearing I signed up for the class multiple times and never got in until my last year in 8th grade. At first, it was not what I imagined. To be honest, it was disorganized and disappointing being the only female, however, it sparked a passion inside me. I have been a part of the varsity track and field team since my freshman year of high school. Track and field is one of my biggest passions and loves, and to be a top track athlete, means training in the beloved weightlifting room. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that they offered a class specifically directed toward athletes trying to improve their performance. The head track coach took the position of coaching the Athletic Weight Training Program and got to work. Constantly he was pushing me to become stronger and faster. My dreams of being a “strong girl” were rapidly becoming true. I fell in love with the idea of always pushing myself to reach my next goal. This concept has carried over into my academic life and my life outside of school. The mindset of always wanting to be better and working for it has aided me greatly in all aspects. What my coach did for me is something I’ll never forget and I’ll always look up to. His love for coaching and leading ignited the same interest in me. Eventually, when I was the strongest girl in the room and could perform movements correctly, I would venture around the gym and aid other athletes as well. Seeing people achieve correct form and meet their goal weights excites me every time. I love seeing the joy on their faces when they thank me for my advice and help. The best part is seeing someone walking into that gym “weak”, shy, and clueless and walking out strong, confident, and capable. Knowing that I was able to lead them one step closer to their better self, truly fulfills me. A goal of mine for the future is to provide the same experience for young girls, that my coach gave me. Empowering future generations, especially young women, is my true aspiration in life.

Dark, foggy, and gray was all that I experienced my sophomore year, and no one really wanted to be around me. I hated myself because of this. But there was a light that came when the world was shut down in 2020. Forced to live in my own solitude with my family, I began to discover who I was, on my own. I was able to self-reflect on my few years in high school and figure out who I truly wanted to be. The persona of Laura Croft from Tomb Raider is how I wished to be perceived. Intelligent, confident, fearless, and most importantly independent are all character traits I wanted to have. I realized that I did possess these traits, I just needed to figure out a way to express them. Finding joy in my own solitude and working on these characteristics allowed me to be that radiant girl when in-person activities resumed. I remember my track coach saying he had never seen me so happy and confident before. It was like I was a whole new person. The person I am now can come off as intimidating, but I take that as a compliment. Before I was weak and insecure, an easy target for harassment. But from my own strength, I built myself up again. With so much negativity surrounding the pandemic, there were small silver linings in-between. I am thankful that I was forced to be alone with my thoughts because I am now confident, independent, joyful, and fearless, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

Being sexually harassed for two years gave me the confidence I have now. It started off simple. I rejected a young boy, in freshman year because I was focused on school and sports instead of a boyfriend. It was at that moment, that I set the path to change myself into the young woman I am now. My confidence was very low during my freshman and sophomore years, and this boy did everything in his power to tear it down even further. Vile language was whispered to me every morning when I would have to see him at school. Dark and foggy were all that I experienced my sophomore year, as his words echoed through my mind. But there was a light that came when the world was shut down in 2020. Forced to live in solitude with my family, I discovered who I truly am. I self-reflected on my start of high school and figured out who I wanted to be. The persona of Laura Croft from Tomb Raider is how I wished to be perceived. Independent, fearless, and confident are all character traits I wanted to have. I realized that I did possess these traits, I just needed to figure out a way to express them. Finding joy in my own solitude and working on these characteristics allowed me to be that confident girl when in-person activities resumed. The person I am now can come off as intimidating, but I take that as a compliment. Before I was insecure and an easy target for harassment. From my own strength, I built myself up again. I am thankful for what happened to me, I wouldn’t be the person I am without my experience. I am now confident, independent, and fearless, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

I love my muscular body. It is not always seen as typical or "beautiful" for a girl to be muscular. Society's standards have convinced us that in order to be pretty you need to be thin, with a big butt, and big boobs; something that is nearly impossible naturally. The definition of beauty is not set in stone, over the course of history it has changed drastically. Beauty comes in all forms. There is not a single requirement you need to obtain in order to be considered pretty. Everyone has their own idea of what being beautiful is. I am thankful for my muscular body because it allows me to experience life and all the love it has to offer. My body allows me to sprint on the track team, lift big weight in the training room, help others when they need a little extra strength, and hike many miles. I think that is beautiful. I might not look like most girls, but what girl does? I am happy with who I am and what my body can do. Because in the end, it is just a body. It doesn't matter what your body looks like, what matters is what it can do for you. It is not always easy learning to love yourself. It has taken me many years and I have to still constantly work on it. I believe self-love is the most important love, and I love what my body can do for me. I love my muscular body.