Since I was little, my family has never been financially prosperous. My father and mother have been separate for 17 of my 18 years of life. My mom is a stay at home mother while my stepdad worked for a non-profit— Bible League. Taking care of me and my three younger siblings is expensive. Naturally, there has never been left over money for vacations or shopping sprees. On the other hand, there is my father. He never graduated with a degree from college, but he managed to get a reputable job. He works for Baylor Scott and White (Frisco location) as an HI system administrator and makes around $65,000. He takes care of me, my brother, his parents, and our four pets. Although he has a stable career, we are often on a tight budget. My entire life, my family had enough money to live, not save. However, the year of 2025 wreaked havoc upon my financial status. My mother was diagnosed with stage three cancer. She went through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. This experience not only took a toll on her physical and mental health, but additional money my family earned went to her medical bills. In addition, I have a rare bone disease (osteochondromatosis) that requires multiple costly surgeries, and I am being investigated for an autoimmune disease. In March of 2026, my stepdad lost his job. He is looking for a new career while being a “shopper” at Whole Foods. In a few months, my mom and stepdad’s divorce will be finalized. These circumstances have made my current and future financial situation unclear and convoluted. Personally, I am an extremely dedicated student and member of my community. I participated on the Flower Mound Speech and Debate Team for four years, competing on the state and national level. I am an A+ student with a 3.9 GPA. Also, I take challenging classes, such as: AP Spanish, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Government, Dual Credit College Algebra, etc. I have a competitive drive to deepen my knowledge. When I am not studying, I am deeply involved in my community. As a member of the National Honor Society, I have gained over 205 hours of service during high school. Every Wednesday, I participate in my church's youth group . Plus,every summer, I volunteer at a non-profit camp called Chicks Who Rock. We give underprivileged children (including my siblings) a chance to learn an instrument and join a band. I love volunteering and being an active member of my school. Now, I have committed to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona. They offered me the most scholarship and it is the cheapest option to attend. The cost will be around $15,000 a year for three years. If I get this scholarship, it will immediately go to my tuition. Currently I am majoring in environmental science, and may minor in communications. I have a sense of purpose and want to find a fulfilling career. My dream is to directly help people and make a positive difference in my community. My goal is to graduate with the least amount of debt possible. I want a change; to live a financially stable life and be ready for the challenges that may be thrown at me. I will do everything in my power to accomplish this, for me, my family, and my future.

When I was in fifth grade, I signed up for a vocal competition. Ironic, seeing that I was there for piano lessons. Since my mom is a professional pianist, I can’t imagine my life or my heart without it. My passion is to sing. Little did I know that stepping on that stage would trigger a number of life events. Life events that would strengthen my leadership, music, and community. I did not win the Platinum Voice Competition of 2018, but it didn’t really bother me. For the first time in my life, I faced my fears and employed my voice. Even though I didn’t gain a trophy to reassure my personal triumphs, a member in the audience saw my potential. Patty Allen Driver, a real estate agent by day but hardcore rocker by night, offered a place for me to attend her music camp. Chicks Who Rock is a non-profit camp that allows children to receive instrumental education and practice at no cost. This gives underprivileged children a chance to pursue their passion, and gives hardworking parents eight hours to themselves everyday for a week. The first few days of camp is instrument practice. This is a chance for the kids to learn the basics and grow in confidence when it comes to playing their instrument. Next, they get paired into a band based on age. The kids collaborate, make a song, and perform in the showcase that Friday. While it started off really small, it gained support from the community. Eventually, the Garland Times sent reporters to get interviews. The city council awarded Mrs. Driver with outstanding community service. Now, working Grammy winning musicians and award winning actors come to talk to the students, preparing them for a career in the entertainment world. They show the students how to be cooperative, kind, and sincere rockstars in their community. The moment someone walks through the doors the culture of Chicks Who Rock is clear. There is encouragement arising from every corner. A place that strives to make the community feel safe and heard. Because Rockstars are good for their music, but are extraordinary for their hearts. As a volunteer for Chicks Who Rock, I have the chance to offer those opportunities to others. Each kid that walks through the camp doors is vibrant and full of energy. They have bright ideas and strong emotions floating through their heads, and when I ask them, “what are you thinking?” I am continually surprised by the complexity of a child’s mind and how much they absorb. If things are bad at home, they know camp is an escape and a safe place to cry. If someone is kind and encouraging, they will ask questions. And if you set an example, they will follow. Volunteering at Chicks Who Rock has taught me valuable lessons about leadership. Principally : being the “best” you, allows you to be a better leader. Walking in with a smile on your face, being vulnerable, and showing empathy to others, not only leaves a positive impact, but a legacy. A legacy of people who will see you, copy you, and share compassion. That is the reason I love and choose to volunteer there. I am able to guide others by the example I set. As an eleven year old, I had no idea what stepping on that stage would lead to. While it required me to grow and mature, I will never regret it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to continuously volunteer at Chicks Who Rock, and hopefully the legacy of leadership will never stop.