Hard working and kindness. These are values that the IB program instilled in me through my teachers, my peers, and the rigorous courses that have shaped and refined my academic habits. Initially enrolling in the IB program was a partially impulsive decision, where I sought to academically challenge myself, and receive rewarding college aid that would kick-start my journey in receiving a higher education. These past two years have not only given me a chance to reach my academic goals, but also to succeed in tackling the challenging coursework that college will offer. The rigor of the IB program prepared me to write scrutinous research papers, prepare for nuanced exams, create and share in-depth presentations, and to advocate for myself and my peers– all are skills that I plan to use and build upon in college. The program also taught me how to handle stressful coursework. I’ve learned that procrastination is not an option, and a true effort must be made on every assignment, which are lessons that have greatly widened the scope of my academic abilities. However, these are values that not only improved my academic abilities, but also how I respond to stress and adversity in all aspects of my life. The principles that IB has instilled in me have allowed me to face conflict head on, so that I can succeed in long term endeavors to support my future. Furthermore, the unique atmosphere of IB classes introduced me to a new level of companionship and amity. Knowing that all my classmates were enduring the same stressful assignments and projects, and that we were together to act as helpers to one another for two years was really comforting. This unique experience offered a temporary family where I was able to support and care for my classmates, while appreciating the love that they radiated. It also gave me the opportunity to share my faith with classmates, and show them not only the love that I wanted to offer them, but also the love and support Jesus has to offer. Through a fellow IB classmate, I got a job working in customer service as a cashier. IB’s unique social environment had shaped and improved my social skills and it made a significant impact in this job. Navigating challenging social conflicts, while remaining kind and composed was crucial, and I had learned these skills through interacting with my classmates. The IB program has been an incredible blessing in my life. It has been a great opportunity to prepare myself for adulthood, and I am incredibly grateful that God placed me in a program that introduced me to the teachers and peers that taught me such valuable lessons. The benefits of the IB program have been invaluable and unexpected, although, when I initially joined the program I looked forward to the financial aid and college credit that would assuage deep financial burdens from receiving a higher education. In the fall of 2025, I plan to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at Clemson University. Visiting Clemson, I adored the sense of community and companionship on campus. I would love to join this community, and share the love of Jesus and the love I’ve learned to give through my classmates. However, with my current financial situation, this dream looks more unlikely by the day. The total cost of attending Clemson is far beyond the realm of what I or my family can pay, and I did not receive a merit scholarship to attend Clemson, despite my strong academic resume. The TTOG scholarship would give me the opportunity to achieve this dream.

Hard working and kindness. These are values that the IB program instilled in me through my teachers, my peers, and the rigorous courses that have shaped and refined my academic habits. Initially enrolling in the IB program was a partially impulsive decision, where I sought to academically challenge myself, and receive rewarding college aid that would kick-start my journey in receiving a higher education. These past two years have not only given me a chance to reach my academic goals, but also to succeed in tackling the challenging coursework that college will offer. The rigor of the IB program prepared me to write scrutinous research papers, prepare for nuanced exams, create and share in-depth presentations, and to advocate for myself and my peers– all are skills that I plan to use and build upon in college. The program also taught me how to handle stressful coursework. I’ve learned that procrastination is not an option, and a true effort must be made on every assignment, which are lessons that have greatly widened the scope of my academic abilities. However, these are values that not only improved my academic abilities, but also how I respond to stress and adversity in all aspects of my life. The principles that IB has instilled in me have allowed me to face conflict head on, so that I can succeed in long term endeavors to support my future. Furthermore, the unique atmosphere of IB classes introduced me to a new level of companionship and amity. Knowing that all my classmates were enduring the same stressful assignments and projects, and that we were together to act as helpers to one another for two years was really comforting. This unique experience offered a temporary family where I was able to support and care for my classmates, while appreciating the love that they radiated. It also gave me the opportunity to share my faith with classmates, and show them not only the love that I wanted to offer them, but also the love and support Jesus has to offer. Through a fellow IB classmate, I got a job working in customer service as a cashier. IB’s unique social environment had shaped and improved my social skills and it made a significant impact in this job. Navigating challenging social conflicts, while remaining kind and composed was crucial, and I had learned these skills through interacting with my classmates. The IB program has been an incredible blessing in my life. It has been a great opportunity to prepare myself for adulthood, and I am incredibly grateful that God placed me in a program that introduced me to the teachers and peers that taught me such valuable lessons. The benefits of the IB program have been invaluable and unexpected, although, when I initially joined the program I looked forward to the financial aid and college credit that would assuage deep financial burdens from receiving a higher education. In the fall of 2025, I plan to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at Clemson University. Visiting Clemson, I adored the sense of community and companionship on campus. I would love to join this community, and share the love of Jesus and the love I’ve learned to give through my classmates. However, with my current financial situation, this dream looks more unlikely by the day. The total cost of attending Clemson is far beyond the realm of what I or my family can pay, and I did not receive a merit scholarship to attend Clemson, despite my strong academic resume. The TTOG scholarship would give me the opportunity to achieve this dream.