Generally, people see mental health "illnesses" as a negative outlook or mindset. People tend to stay as far away from mental health as possible because they don't see the struggle or feel it themselves. Mental health is one of the topics that are very sensitive to me. As an 18 year old girl, I've watched myself and others struggle so hard, especially my loved ones. I've watched people come and go, pass away, take their lives and even some take others accidentally. You're mental health is one of the most important things because the biggest impact from it is it can alter your brain and the way you think or make decisions. It can make you think differently and that's what causes all the other problems that come along with it, like eating disorders or confining yourself to your bed because it just feels super hard in that moment. From early on I had always felt like this; like I was a burden or a terrible person nobody wanted around. I found out I was struggling with major depression disorder growing up, if you asked me when or how it had started, I would tell you too young for anyone. Now, if you had asked me how I grew from it and turned my dreams into reality I would say love and care, that's genuinely all someone needs. For someone to stick around and listen and help because they care and love you for you; because they want to see you succeed and become even better than you already are, but just don't know it. Trust me there is always someone who will love you and see your flaws as perfections, lift you up and will always be there to help. Yet little did I know, my major supporters, my parents, were feeling the exact same way and so were many others, even while trying to help me. In 2020, my mental health started declining rapidly again from the loss of my uncle and it was only my freshman year of high school. His passing and others that had passed before him all pushed me to do better in school and immerse myself into something I wanted and knew I could do. I pushed myself into Automotive and just focused on my goals. I applied for college and got in. Growing up with mental health problems, you genuinely think you wont make it that long or get married, but everything is still possible even if your mind tells you it's not. Your mind has to adapt and open, see everyone else's problems too, acknowledge you are not alone. Even when you think you can't control what's going on around you, take a deep breath, block out the voices and negative commentary and just think about what's best for you. If you would've asked me at the age of 14 if I would've been in college, with new friends, and good life style by 18 doing what I absolutely love, I would've said no you're crazy. You do not have to be alone because there will always be someone who feels the same way. Just remember everything's going to be okay and you never have to struggle alone!

Growing up I wanted to show people that as a female, I can do anything I set my mind too and more. I am the only girl in my family, besides my mother, who told me to chase after what I want. It was always wrestling, smack talking and fending for your own food in a house full of boys. I have grown up around vehicles and even took an interest in them, especially because of my brother. From working in my brother's garage to seeking out where the next car show was going to be. Although for me, that wasn't enough, I needed to learn more and prove to myself and everyone else that I am fully capable of working in the career field. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me, some of them being, pushing myself to have a very high grade in my technical area, becoming Senior Class Vice President, and being the only girl in my senior class to be there for the full 4 years. I’ve competed in new competitions, pushed my limits and tried new things. I’ve put myself out there academically and socially, by taking AP English and Lit courses, joining a new extracurricular – DECA – that deals with people, became a member, competed and placed to go to States. I even pushed myself and qualified for the PAA Skip Wagner Competition in Hershey, Pa, with my classmate and good friend; which was such a great learning experience and just made me love the industry so much more than I already do. I feel I have already been a role model to younger girls who go through our SHINE program and see what it's like to go to our school. That being said, Id like to continue to make that effect throughout college and maybe even when I'm 80. All jokes aside though, I would like to further that positive impact of showing young girls and women that if you are passionate about this career and enjoy learning, it doesn't matter what the boys or haters say. It brings empowerment and a raise in self confidence to yourself and a whole community many may not know about. From this life that I’ve lived so far, I would honestly thank my brothers and parents for helping me grow skills that would benefit me in the future, real world and my career.

I truly believe that I am the best option for this scholarship. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me, some of them being, pushing myself to have a very high grade in my technical area, becoming Senior Class Vice President, and being the only girl in my senior class to be there for the full 4 years. I’ve competed in new competitions, pushed my limits and tried new things. I’ve put myself out there academically and socially, by taking AP English and Lit courses, joining a new extracurricular – DECA – that deals with people, became a member, competed and placed to go to the States. I even pushed myself and qualified for the PAA Skip Wagner Competition in Hershey, Pa, with my classmate and good friend; which was such a great learning experience and just made me love the industry so much more. Over my time in the summer, I decided to come back to school and help our SHINE Program. We run a summer camp that runs from a week to 2 weeks and shows kids from 5th to 8th grade what a technical school looks like and a look at a possible future. They visit as many technical areas as possible and do an "assignment" or craft. You can volunteer to help teach the kids valuable skills while making it fun for the both of you. You get to know the kids and their interests in which tech area they love most. This previous summer, the teachers and students who volunteered for the camp, created a ramp. The kids would go throughout the tech areas to build a wooden race-car and customize it, to be their very own. At the end of the week, all the kids would have the chance to race theirs and see who was the fastest. When the camp was finished, all the kids were encouraged to take home their race-cars and show their parents what they accomplished while they were there. Most of the kids that go to the summer camp are super interested in going to this school or having a career in the work industry. However, all of the kids that go to the summer camp make and customize everything themselves. I get treated like a teacher but I'm just there as an aid for the kids, if they ever need help, they can come to me and I will be there. This summer camp helps support kids' dreams, helps kids who have trouble learning or learn better hands on and helps the aids and teachers get a better understanding of the people coming into the workforce, within the next 10-15 years. Overall, I help kids see a new path for their future, as long as they're willing to take a look at it and take that road.

I've struggled with mental health since I was probably 9 or 10. At a young age my brain had to process the inevitably saddening realization of death. From the second to third grade, I had lost my childhood best friend to a rare brain tumor. Her mother held celebration of life parties and her family created a scholarship in her honor. Throughout my life, I've struggled with traumatic deaths of close friends and family. I've also struggled with my self image and the way my brain thinks. Depression and these deaths have been huge factors and from them other disorders' ' can occur, such as Anxiety, PTSD, etc. From my younger years, to even now, I still struggle. The moment that truly impacted my life was the moment my mother told me my uncle had died. I had been through previous deaths, but my brain was so impacted from this, it just stuck. I remember the whole day, each second after the other. I had been in school, my uncle had worked there as well. I knew him and his wife were having a little trouble but I only heard the bits and pieces of what had actually been going on. He, himself, had been dealing with mental health and relationship issues as well, mostly PTSD from being in the Army. After lunch that day, there had been an announcement that we were going into a yellow lock-down. About 30 min after, they gave the announcement that we could resume our normal school day. I had asked my teacher if he knew if my uncle had come into work that day. He said no and I thought that he must've been okay. The day continued like normal, I went home, did my normal stuff and decided to call my mom. She told me she wasn't going to be home till late tonight, which was unusual since she had worked at the school and got out at 4 pm. My brothers had come home and I made them dinner, it was only 5 now. We decided to watch movies and just chill out, eventually they fell asleep. Now it was 9 pm, so I decided to close my eyes for a little. The next time I opened my eyes, my mother and father had come walking through the door, it was 11 pm. My mother whispered for me and my younger (now 13 yr) brother to come to her. She had us sit down in the kitchen and I immediately knew something was wrong, my dad was crying. They had told us that he passed away today and that's why we had a lock-down. I was confused and asked so many questions, like how, what, when, etc. My brain could not process this event, it made me feel like my 9 year old self, going through it again like the first time. My heart sank and I dropped to my knees on the floor sobbing and screaming, now fully realizing what had just been told to me. Realizing that my uncle, my second dad, had just left this Earth and I didn't get to say goodbye. My world broke and our family has been bland without him. I wasn't told til days later that he had committed suicide. This impacted me so much, I vowed to him I would do the absolute best I could in school, my career and life. I've pushed myself to obstacles I thought I could never get passed, the places and opportunities ive done in this short amount of time since he's been gone. I text his phone number after every accomplishment, certification, and award. Thank you for all the advice and love Uncle Frank, wouldn't be where I am without you.

I was either considered too girly or too manly growing up, which caused me to have a hard time finding a balance of femininity and masculinity. I am the only girl in my family, besides my mother, who told me to chase after what I want. It was always wrestling, smack talking and fending for your own food in a house full of boys. I have grown up around vehicles and even took an interest in them, especially because of my brother. From working in my brother's garage to seeking out where the next car show was going to be. Although for me, that wasn't enough, I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else that I am fully capable of working in a male dominated career field, especially one I have grown to love so much. So I enrolled at Carbon Career and Technical College and started taking their Automotive Service and Technology course. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me, like pushing myself to have a very high grade in my technical area and being the only girl in my senior class to be there for the full 4 years. I even pushed myself and qualified for the PAA Skip Wagner Competition in Hershey, Pa, with my classmate and good friend; which was such a great learning experience and just made me love the industry so much more than I already do. That being said, I feel I have already been a role model to empower young women who go through our SHINE program and see what it's like to go to our school. Going through the SHINE summer camp when I was younger helped me with confidence. I remember the young girl who showed us around, her name was Skylar and she had been empowering us, even though she didn't know it. This field is constantly changing and evolving, so you constantly learn new things everyday. The idea and empowerment I've seen growing up, has brought me to who I am today. I am and would like to continue to be an empowering woman, not only to the girls of the Automotive world, but girls in general overcoming obstacles everyone told them they couldn't. I would especially like to empower the girls that are having a hard time overcoming the obstacles they’ve set up for themselves in their minds. Yet, I would like to further that positive impact of showing young girls and women it doesn't matter what the boys or haters say. It brings empowerment and a raise in self confidence to a whole community many may not know about. From this life that I’ve lived so far, I would honestly thank my brothers for helping me grow skills that would benefit me in the future, real world and my career.

I've struggled with mental health since I was probably 9 or 10. At a young age my brain had to process the inevitably saddening realization of death. From the second to third grade, I had lost my childhood best friend to a rare brain tumor. Her mother held celebration of life parties and her family created a scholarship in her honor. Throughout my life, I've struggled with traumatic deaths of close friends and family. I've also struggled with my self image and the way my brain thinks. Depression and these deaths have been huge factors and from them other disorders' can occur, such as Anxiety, PTSD, etc. From my younger years, to even now, I still struggle; most of it being now in my high school experience. I believe that my mental health diagnosis isn't even the correct one, which can lead to the wrong routine or medications which can cause some of the things that I deal with. Concentrating in class can be very difficult, memories will pop up or I'll hear a voice of someone I've lost and I will shut down and forget everything I'm doing. It gets hard to get back in the groove of class and how my brain was thinking before these memories occurred. It gets extremely hard when I'm at home doing homework. Sometimes I will procrastinate so much because of my depression, I don't want to even go out and go to work some days. Other days I won't leave me room or even my bed, which means homework and maintaining my room or myself is out of the picture as well. Bad mental health or mental health "defects" can cause so much more than what some people know. Your days are always different, it all depends on how you feel when you wake up that day. I am trying to motivate myself more in the mornings and make sure I try to have a good day. I'm trying to update my schedule and adapt to the mental health obstacles that I have to endure and overcome. Even throughout this small essay, my attitude, mental and physical tiredness has gone up and I took a small nap because I couldn't help myself from getting so tired. Even communication is hard for people with mental health issues, simple words or sayings can trigger their response system or cause them to completely shut down in my case. Regular conversations and encounters with people can cause anxiety attacks or cause them to feel super uncomfortable; it can also make them to say the wrong things or make them do things they don't want to do.

Growing up there wasn’t a lot of support from friends or my teachers of my dreams. There were a lot of people who looked down on me or didn't think I'd be able to get to where I am. Little did they know, I had grown up around vehicles and even took an interest in them, because of my brother. I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else that I am fully capable of working in a male dominated career field, especially one I have grown to love so much. So I enrolled at Carbon Career and Technical College and started taking their Automotive Service and Technology course. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me, like pushing myself to have a very high grade in my technical area and being the only girl in my senior class to be there for the full 4 years. I even pushed myself and qualified for the PAA Skip Wagner Competition in Hershey, Pa, with my classmate and good friend; which was such a great learning experience and just made me love the industry so much more than I already do. Through this I wanted to empower girls and anybody who thinks they cant do it. You can as long as you put your mind to it. That being said, I feel I have already been a role model to empower young women who go through our SHINE program and see what it's like to go to our school. Going through the SHINE summer camp when I was younger (2018) helped me with confidence. I remember the young girl who showed us around, her name was Skylar and she had been empowering us, even though she didn't know it. Yet, I would like to further that positive impact of showing young women that if you are passionate about this career and enjoy learning, it doesn't matter what anyone says. This field is constantly changing and evolving, so you constantly learn new things everyday. The idea and empowerment I've seen growing up, has brought me to who I am today. I am and would like to continue to be an empowering woman, not only to the girls of the Automotive world, but girls in general overcoming obstacles everyone told them they couldn't. I would especially like to empower the girls that are having a hard time overcoming the obstacles they’ve set up for themselves in their minds. That is what empowerment means to me and why I would like to be part of the definition of girl empowerment and girl power.

Growing up there wasn’t a lot of support from friends or my teachers of my dreams. There were a lot of people who looked down on me or didn't think I'd be able to get to where I am. I pushed myself and decided to work harder. My motivation was hate from others, it fueled me into learning new things, skills and people. It pushed me so far I joined school clubs and started to volunteer everywhere and collect donations for anything and everything. I volunteered at the local libraries, fairs, schools, etc. Over my time in the summer, I decided to come back to school and help our SHINE Program. We run a summer camp that runs from a week to 2 weeks and shows kids from 5th to 8th grade what a technical school looks like and a look at a possible future. They visit as many technical areas as possible and do an "assignment" or craft. You can volunteer to help teach the kids valuable skills while making it fun for the both of you. You get to know the kids and their interests in which tech area they love most. This previous summer, the teachers and students who volunteered for the camp, created a ramp. The kids would go throughout the tech areas to build a wooden race-car and customize it, to be their very own. At the end of the week, all the kids would have the chance to race theirs and see who was the fastest. When the camp was finished, all the kids were encouraged to take home their race-cars and show their parents what they accomplished while they were there. Most of the kids that go to the summer camp are super interested in going to this school or having a career in the work industry. However, all of the kids that go to the summer camp make and customize everything themselves. I get treated like a teacher but I'm just there as an aid for the kids, if they ever need help, they can come to me and I will be there. This summer camp helps support kids' dreams, helps kids who have trouble learning or learn better hands on and helps the aids and teachers get a better understanding of the people coming into the workforce, within the next 10-15 years. Overall, I help kids see a new path for their future, as long as they're willing to take a look at it and take that road.

I truly believe that I am the best option for this scholarship. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me, some of them being, pushing myself to have a very high grade in my technical area, becoming Senior Class Vice President, and being the only girl in my senior class to be there for the full 4 years. I’ve competed in new competitions, pushed my limits and tried new things. I’ve put myself out there academically and socially, by taking AP English and Lit courses, joining a new extracurricular – DECA – that deals with people, became a member, competed and placed to go to the States. I even pushed myself and qualified for the PAA Skip Wagner Competition in Hershey, Pa, with my classmate and good friend; which was such a great learning experience and just made me love the industry so much more. Over my time in the summer, I decided to come back to school and help our SHINE Program. We run a summer camp that runs from a week to 2 weeks and shows kids from 5th to 8th grade what a technical school looks like and a look at a possible future. They visit as many technical areas as possible and do an "assignment" or craft. You can volunteer to help teach the kids valuable skills while making it fun for the both of you. You get to know the kids and their interests in which tech area they love most. This previous summer, the teachers and students who volunteered for the camp, created a ramp. The kids would go throughout the tech areas to build a wooden race-car and customize it, to be their very own. At the end of the week, all the kids would have the chance to race theirs and see who was the fastest. When the camp was finished, all the kids were encouraged to take home their race-cars and show their parents what they accomplished while they were there. Most of the kids that go to the summer camp are super interested in going to this school or having a career in the work industry. However, all of the kids that go to the summer camp make and customize everything themselves. I get treated like a teacher but I'm just there as an aid for the kids, if they ever need help, they can come to me and I will be there. This summer camp helps support kids' dreams, helps kids who have trouble learning or learn better hands on and helps the aids and teachers get a better understanding of the people coming into the workforce, within the next 10-15 years. Overall, I help kids see a new path for their future, as long as they're willing to take a look at it and take that road.

I truly believe that I am the best option for this scholarship. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me, some of them being, pushing myself to have a very high grade in my technical area, becoming Senior Class Vice President, and being the only girl in my senior class to be there for the full 4 years. I’ve competed in new competitions, pushed my limits and tried new things. I’ve put myself out there academically and socially, by taking AP English and Lit courses, joining a new extracurricular – DECA – that deals with people, became a member, competed and placed to go to States. I even pushed myself and qualified for the PAA Skip Wagner Competition in Hershey, Pa, with my classmate and good friend; which was such a great learning experience and just made me love the industry so much more. I’ve thought about my career goals/dreams a lot recently and realized I don't need everything figured out right away. Yet I feel the career goals I have planned so far sound so simple, but are truly important to me that I graduate college from OTC, find a good job in my career path, whether it be at my home state or wherever my job will take me. My dream is to work my way up high enough to work for NASCAR, either racing, fixing the cars, or just helping manage a team. I am hoping to make enough money to support mine and my children's families even when they are grown up, even though it's very difficult in this economy. I also hope to teach my younger siblings a new skill set as well, being they can take care of themselves through their vehicle. It is truly important to me that my family and people in general at least take some of my advice into their daily life and trust into their vehicle. This scholarship can really help me by taking care of some of my loans, so I can help my parents and other family with their debt and help fix my parents house. This can also help with moving locations for school (Pennsylvania to Ohio) and moving out of my parents house, to start my own life with my partner. And lastly this will help put my skills out in the career field sooner so I can start helping people right away and possibly be seen by a bigger automotive scene or employer.

Growing up there wasn’t a lot of support from friends or my teachers of my dreams. There were a lot of people who looked down on me or didn't think I'd be able to get to where I am. I was interested in things other kids were not and I didn't have as much as them growing up, money or space-wise. I was either considered too girly or too manly, which caused me to have a hard time finding a balance of femininity and masculinity. I am the only girl in my family, besides my mother, who told me to chase after what I want. It was always wrestling, smack talking and fending for your own food in a house full of boys. I have grown up around vehicles and even took an interest in them, especially because of my brother. From working in my brother's garage to seeking out where the next car show was going to be. I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else that I am fully capable of working in a male dominated career field, especially one I have grown to love so much. So I enrolled at Carbon Career and Technical College and started taking their Automotive Service and Technology course. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me, like pushing myself to have a very high grade in my technical area and being the only girl in my senior class to be there for the full 4 years. I even pushed myself and qualified for the PAA Skip Wagner Competition in Hershey, Pa, with my classmate and good friend; which was such a great learning experience and just made me love the industry so much more than I already do. I've even volunteered at my school over the summer helping kids experience the technical and career trades. For 2 weeks the kids rotate through technical areas and learn new skills and how to create new things. At the beginning of the week, the kids start a project, different from last year's project, and complete it at the end of week 2 to take home with them. I would like to further my positive impact of showing young girls and women that if you are passionate about this career and enjoy learning, it doesn't matter what the boys or haters say. It brings empowerment and a raise in self confidence to a whole community many may not know about.

I truly believe that I am the best option for this scholarship. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me. I’ve been working and learning about cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc since I was a little girl. My older brother is the main reason I got into and fell in love with this amazing field. When I got to my 8th grade year, I applied for the Exploratory program at our career and technical school. I wrote an essay, toured and got accepted into the Automotive Service and Technology program at Carbon Career and Technical Institute. I have been there since I was a freshman and have gotten so many opportunities along with it. I feel my career goals sound simple, but are truly important to me that I graduate college from OTC, find a good job in my career path, whether it be at my home state or wherever my job will take me. My absolute dream is to build my own house with my husband and have my children grow up in that house. I want to live in a small town, where everyone knows everyone but minds their business. I honestly believe my dream is hard to achieve in this lifetime and economy. I am hoping to make enough money to support mine and my children's families even when they are grown up and live outside of my house. I intend to make my dream a reality, even if it's still changing and it's not set in stone. I also hope to end up teaching my younger siblings a new skill set as well, being they can take care of themselves through their vehicle. Throughout this program I learn new information everyday and get to teach others new things. While I love learning new things, money is a big part of life now, whether we like it or not. In order to make sure that my children and my partner have acceptable futures in a future that could hold anything in its hands for anyone. The future is big, bright, and unimaginable, especially in times like this when people need jobs, money and more space because of how much our population is constantly growing. My only wish/ goal is to make it easy and beautiful for the family I have now in the future and for my future family I get to create with my partner.

I am the only girl in my family, besides my mother, who told me to chase after what I want. It was always wrestling, smack talking and fending for your own food in a house full of boys. I have grown up around vehicles and even took an interest in them, especially because of my brother. From working in my brother's garage to seeking out where the next car show was going to be. Although for me, that wasn't enough, I needed to learn more and prove to myself and everyone else that I am fully capable of working in the career field. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me, some of them being, pushing myself to have a very high grade in my technical area, becoming Senior Class Vice President, and being the only girl in my senior class to be there for the full 4 years. I’ve competed in new competitions, pushed my limits and tried new things. I’ve put myself out there academically and socially, by taking AP English and Lit courses, joining a new extracurricular – DECA – that deals with people, became a member, competed and placed to go to States. I even pushed myself and qualified for the PAA Skip Wagner Competition in Hershey, Pa, with my classmate and good friend; which was such a great learning experience and just made me love the industry so much more than I already do. To make a difference in my community and myself, I volunteered at my school. We run a summer camp that runs from a week to 2 weeks and shows kids from 5th to 8th grade what a technical school looks like and a look at a possible future. They visit as many technical areas as possible and do an "assignment" or craft. You can volunteer to help teach the kids valuable skills while making it fun for the both of you. You get to know the kids and their interests in which tech area they love most. This previous summer, the teachers and students who volunteered for the camp, created a ramp. The kids would go throughout the tech areas to build a wooden race-car and customize it, to be their very own. At the end of the week, all the kids would have the chance to race theirs and see who was the fastest. When the camp was finished, all the kids were encouraged to take home their race-cars and show their parents what they accomplished while they were there. Most of the kids that go to the summer camp are super interested in going to this school or having a career in the work industry. However, all of the kids that go to the summer camp make and customize everything themselves. I get treated like a teacher but I'm just there as an aid for the kids, if they ever need help, they can come to me and I will be there. This summer camp helps support kids' dreams, helps kids who have trouble learning or learn better hands on and helps the aids and teachers get a better understanding of the people coming into the workforce, within the next 10-15 years. Overall, I help kids see a new path for their future, as long as they're willing to take a look at it.

I truly believe that I am the best option for this scholarship. I am the only girl in my family, besides my mother, who told me to chase after what I want. Yet, it was always wrestling, smack talking and fending for your own food in a house full of boys. I have grown up around vehicles and even took an interest in them, especially because of my brother. From working in my brother's garage to seeking out where the next car show was going to be. Although for me, that wasn't enough, I wanted and needed to prove to myself and everyone else that I am fully capable of working in a male dominated career field, especially one I have grown to love so much. So I enrolled at Carbon Career and Technical College and started taking their Automotive Service and Technology course. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me, some of them being, pushing myself to have a very high grade in my technical area, becoming Senior Class Vice President, and being the only girl in my senior class to be there for the full 4 years. I’ve competed in new competitions, pushed my limits and tried new things. I’ve put myself out there academically and socially, by taking AP English and Lit courses, joining a new extracurricular – DECA – that deals with people, became a member, competed and placed to go to States. I even pushed myself and qualified for the PAA Skip Wagner Competition in Hershey, Pa, with my classmate and good friend; which was such a great learning experience and just made me love the industry so much more than I already do. That being said, I feel I have already been a role model to younger girls who go through our SHINE program and see what it's like to go to our school. Yet, I would like to further that positive impact of showing young girls and women that if you are passionate about this career and enjoy learning, it doesn't matter what the boys or haters say. It brings empowerment and a raise in self confidence to a whole community many may not know about. From this life that I’ve lived so far, I would honestly thank my brothers for helping me grow skills that would benefit me in the future, real world and my career. This scholarship can help me put a dent into my tuition and help me be able to help provide for my family and get ready for my own family.

I've struggled with mental health since I was probably 9 or 10. At a young age my brain had to process the inevitably saddening realization of death. From the second to third grade, I had lost my childhood best friend to a rare brain tumor. Her mother held celebration of life parties and her family created a scholarship in her honor. Throughout my life, I've struggled with traumatic deaths of close friends and family. I've also struggled with my self image and the way my brain thinks. Depression and these deaths have been huge factors and from them other "disorders" can occur, such as Anxiety, PTSD, etc. From my younger years, to even now, I still struggle. The moment that truly impacted my life, was the moment my mother told me my uncle had died. I had been through previous deaths, but my brain was so impacted from this, it just stuck. I remember the whole day, each second after the other. I had been in school, my uncle had worked there as well. I knew him and his wife were having a little trouble but I only heard the bits and pieces of what had actually been going on. He, himself, had been dealing with mental health and relationship issues as well, mostly PTSD from being in the Army. After lunch that day, there had been an announcement that we were going into a yellow lock-down. About 30 min after, they gave the announcement that we could resume our normal school day. I had asked my teacher if he knew if my uncle had come into work that day. He said no and I thought that he must've been okay. The day continued like normal, I went home, did my normal stuff and decided to call my mom. She told me she wasn't going to be home til late tonight, which was unusual since she had worked at the school and got out at 4 pm. My brothers had come home and I made them dinner, it was only 5 now. We decided to watch movies and just chill out, eventually they fell asleep. Now it was 9 pm, so I decided to close my eyes for a little. The next time I opened my eyes, my mother and father had come walking through the door, it was 11 pm. My mother whispered for me and my younger (now 13 yr) brother to come to her. She had us sit down in the kitchen and I immediately knew something was wrong, my dad was crying. They had told us that he passed away today and that's why we had a lock-down. I was confused and asked so many questions, like how, what, when, etc. My brain could not process this event, it made me feel like my 9 year old self, going through it again like the first time. My heart sank and I dropped to my knees on the floor sobbing and screaming, now fully realizing what had just been told to me. Realizing that my uncle, my second dad, had just left this Earth and I didn't get to say goodbye. My world broke and our family has been bland without him. I wasn't told til days later that he had committed suicide. This impacted me so much, I vowed to him I would do the absolute best I could in school, my career and life. I text his phone number after every accomplishment, certification, and award. Thank you for all the advice and love Uncle Frank, wouldn't be where I am without you.

Empowerment truly does mean a lot to me. Growing up there was a lot of support from friends or my teachers of my dreams. There were a lot of people who looked down on me or didn't think I'd be able to get to where I am. Little did they know, I had grown up around vehicles and even took an interest in them, because of my brother. I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else that I am fully capable of working in a male dominated career field, especially one I have grown to love so much. So I enrolled at Carbon Career and Technical College and started taking their Automotive Service and Technology course. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me, like pushing myself to have a very high grade in my technical area and being the only girl in my senior class to be there for the full 4 years. I even pushed myself and qualified for the PAA Skip Wagner Competition in Hershey, Pa, with my classmate and good friend; which was such a great learning experience and just made me love the industry so much more than I already do. That being said, I feel I have already been a role model to empower young women who go through our SHINE program and see what it's like to go to our school. Going through the SHINE summer camp when I was younger helped me with confidence. I remember the young girl who showed us around, her name was Skylar and she had been empowering us, even though she didn't know it. Yet, I would like to further that positive impact of showing young women that if you are passionate about this career and enjoy learning, it doesn't matter what anyone says. This field is constantly changing and evolving, so you constantly learn new things everyday. The idea and empowerment I've seen growing up, has brought me to who I am today. I am and would like to continue to be an empowering woman, not only to the girls of the Automotive world, but girls in general overcoming obstacles everyone told them they couldn't. I would especially like to empower the girls that are having a hard time overcoming the obstacles they’ve set up for themselves in their minds. That is what empowerment means to me and why I would like to be part of the definition of girl empowerment and girl power.

Empowerment truly does mean a lot to me. Growing up there was a lot of support from friends or my teachers of my dreams. There were a lot of people who looked down on me or didn't think I'd be able to get to where I am. Little did they know, I had grown up around vehicles and even took an interest in them, because of my brother. I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else that I am fully capable of working in a male dominated career field, especially one I have grown to love so much. So I enrolled at Carbon Career and Technical College and started taking their Automotive Service and Technology course. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me, like pushing myself to have a very high grade in my technical area and being the only girl in my senior class to be there for the full 4 years. I even pushed myself and qualified for the PAA Skip Wagner Competition in Hershey, Pa, with my classmate and good friend; which was such a great learning experience and just made me love the industry so much more than I already do. That being said, I feel I have already been a role model to empower young women who go through our SHINE program and see what it's like to go to our school. Going through the SHINE summer camp when I was younger helped me with confidence. I remember the young girl who showed us around, her name was Skylar and she had been empowering us, even though she didn't know it. Yet, I would like to further that positive impact of showing young women that if you are passionate about this career and enjoy learning, it doesn't matter what anyone says. This field is constantly changing and evolving, so you constantly learn new things everyday. The idea and empowerment I've seen growing up, has brought me to who I am today. I am and would like to continue to be an empowering woman, not only to the girls of the Automotive world, but girls in general overcoming obstacles everyone told them they couldn't. I would especially like to empower the girls that are having a hard time overcoming the obstacles they’ve set up for themselves in their minds. That is what empowerment means to me and why I would like to be part of the definition of girl empowerment and girl power.

I have always felt like I wasn't “normal” or I didn't fit in with the kids in my grade. I was interested in things other kids were not and I didn't have as much as them growing up, money or space-wise. I was either considered too girly or too manly, which caused me to have a hard time finding a balance of femininity and masculinity. I am the only girl in my family, besides my mother, who told me to chase after what I want. It was always wrestling, smack talking and fending for your own food in a house full of boys. I have grown up around vehicles and even took an interest in them, especially because of my brother. From working in my brother's garage to seeking out where the next car show was going to be. Although for me, that wasn't enough, I needed to learn more and prove to myself and everyone else that I am fully capable of working in the career field. I've broken barriers that I and others set for me, some of them being, pushing myself to have a very high grade in my technical area, becoming Senior Class Vice President, and being the only girl in my senior class to be there for the full 4 years. I’ve competed in new competitions, pushed my limits and tried new things. I’ve put myself out there academically and socially, by taking AP English and Lit courses, joining a new extracurricular – DECA – that deals with people, became a member, competed and placed to go to States. I even pushed myself and qualified for the PAA Skip Wagner Competition in Hershey, Pa, with my classmate and good friend; which was such a great learning experience and just made me love the industry so much more than I already do. That being said, I feel I have already been a role model to younger girls who go through our SHINE program and see what it's like to go to our school. Yet, I would like to further that positive impact of showing young girls and women that if you are passionate about this career and enjoy learning, it doesn't matter what the boys or haters say. It brings empowerment and a raise in self confidence to a whole community many may not know about. From this life that I’ve lived so far, I would honestly thank my brothers for helping me grow skills that would benefit me in the future, real world and my career.