My experiences with mental health have deeply shaped who I am today and the direction my life is taking. During my sophomore year of high school, I struggled in ways I didn’t yet have the language to explain. I felt overwhelmed by pressure, emotions, and the constant feeling that I was falling behind everyone else. Instead of reaching out, I tried to gain control in unhealthy ways. One of the ways I coped was by not eating. At the time, it felt like the only thing I could manage when everything else felt out of control. What I didn’t realize then was how much this behavior was affecting both my mental and physical health. Avoiding food became a way to avoid feelings of stress, sadness, and self-doubt. I convinced myself it was something I could handle alone, but in reality, it pushed me further into isolation. I pulled away from friends and family, not because I didn’t care, but because I didn’t want anyone to notice how much I was struggling. Silence felt easier than admitting I needed help. Eventually, that silence became impossible to maintain. I reached a point where I had to be honest with myself and others. Beginning recovery was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, because it meant letting go of control and trusting people again. Learning to nourish my body was also about learning to respect myself. Recovery taught me that caring for my mental health and my physical health are deeply connected, and that neither should be ignored. As I began healing, my relationships played a huge role in my growth. Opening up to the people in my life wasn’t easy, but it changed everything. I learned that vulnerability doesn’t push the right people away, it brings them closer. Through honest conversations, support, and patience, I rebuilt trust with friends and family. I became more present, more communicative, and more willing to accept help instead of rejecting it. These experiences changed how I show up in relationships now. I am more empathetic and attentive to others, especially those who seem to be struggling quietly. I understand that coping behaviors don’t always look obvious, and that people often need compassion more than judgment. Because I know how much it meant when someone checked in on me, I try to be that person for others. Healing taught me that relationships are not just about being strong for others, but allowing others to be strong for you too. My journey has also led to significant personal growth. I have learned healthier ways to cope with stress and emotions, such as journaling, setting boundaries, and asking for support before things feel overwhelming. I’ve learned that progress is not linear and that setbacks don’t erase growth. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to listen to my body and my mind with care instead of criticism. These lessons have shaped my educational goals as well. I want to pursue a path that allows me to help others. I plan on being a Special Education Teacher in primary schools. I am passionate about contributing to spaces where people feel safe, supported, and understood. I hope to be someone who helps reduce stigma by showing that recovery is possible and that struggles do not define a person’s future. Continuing recovery is something I am committed to. I know that healing is an ongoing process, not a destination.I plan on continuing therapy and trying to reach out. I am proud of how far I’ve come. My past no longer feels like something to hide, but something that has shaped my resilience and compassion. Ella’s Gift represents hope, healing, and belief in growth, all of which reflect my journey. This scholarship would support my education and reinforce my commitment to continuing recovery and using my experiences to help others feel less alone.

My experience with mental health has shaped who I am in ways I never expected. During my sophomore year of high school, I went through one of the hardest periods of my life. I felt overwhelmed, alone, and unsure of how to ask for help. At the time, I thought struggling meant something was wrong with me, so I kept everything bottled up. That silence made everything heavier. What changed my life was realizing I didn’t have to handle everything on my own. Choosing to get help and begin recovery was not easy, but it was the most important decision I’ve ever made. Healing didn’t happen all at once, it came through small steps, support from others, and learning how to be patient with myself. Through this journey, I learned that mental health struggles don’t define a person, and they don’t mean someone is weak. They mean someone is human. My relationships have changed because of this experience. I am more open, understanding, and compassionate than I used to be. I try to be the kind of person who listens without judgment and checks in on others, because I know how much it matters to feel seen. I’ve learned that sometimes the most impactful thing you can do is simply be there for someone. My goals have also been shaped by my journey. I want to help create environments, where mental health is talked about openly and without shame. I believe that when we normalize these conversations, we make it easier for people to ask for help before they feel completely alone. I want to be part of the change that replaces stigma with understanding. Most importantly, my experience has changed how I see myself. I no longer see my past as something to hide. Instead, I see it as proof of my strength and growth. I am proud of how far I’ve come and excited for where I’m going.

What draws me most to special education is the idea that no two students are the same. Every child has their own strengths, challenges, and unique way of seeing the world. I find that incredibly beautiful. I do not see disabilities or learning differences as limitations, but as part of what makes each child special. I want to be someone who helps children discover their abilities, build confidence, and feel proud of who they are. I know that learning might look different for each student, but I believe that with the right support, every child can grow and succeed in their own way. I have always loved being around kids and helping them feel safe and comfortable. Whether it is volunteering at my church, interacting with younger students at school, or simply talking to kids in my community, I naturally want to create a welcoming and caring environment. I am the type of person who notices when someone looks upset, overwhelmed, or left out, and I try to be there for them. I want to carry that same energy into a special education classroom, where students may need extra encouragement, patience, and understanding. Creating a safe space for all children is something I care about deeply. I want every student I work with to feel like they belong and that their voice matters. Too often, children with special needs can feel misunderstood or underestimated, and I want to be the person who changes that for them. I want my future classroom to be a place where students feel accepted, respected, and free to be themselves without fear of judgment. I would do anything to make sure that every child feels seen, heard, and supported. I am also passionate about special education because I believe in advocating for children who may not always be able to advocate for themselves. I want to be someone who stands up for my students, ensures they receive the resources they need, and fights for their right to learn in a positive and inclusive environment. I know that being a special education teacher can be challenging, but I am willing to put in the effort because I truly care about these kids. Beyond academics, I want to help students grow emotionally and socially. I want to teach them that they are important, capable, and worthy of love and respect. If I can make even one child feel more confident, happier, or safer, then I know that all my hard work will be worth it. My passion for special education comes from my heart. I love kids, I believe in inclusion, and I am committed to creating safe, supportive spaces where every child can thrive. I am excited about the possibility of pursuing this path in the future and dedicating my life to helping children feel valued, understood, and empowered.

I have grown up understanding that who you are is shaped not just by your ambitions, but by how you show up for the people around you. I see myself as someone who is hardworking, empathetic, and willing to step up when others need support. My community has played a huge role in shaping these values, and in return, I try to contribute positively wherever I can. Whether at school, at church, or in everyday interactions, I strive to create an environment where people feel seen, respected, and included. Much of my community involvement comes from my church, where I regularly volunteer. Being part of my church community has taught me the importance of service, kindness, and patience. I have helped with events, supported younger members, and participated in activities that bring people together. These experiences have strengthened my sense of responsibility and reminded me that even small actions can make a meaningful impact. I have also been actively involved in my school’s choir, which has been both a creative outlet and a way to connect with others. Choir has taught me teamwork, discipline, and the value of working toward a shared goal. Performing alongside my peers has helped me build confidence and develop strong relationships with people from different backgrounds. One of the most important aspects of who I am is that I try to look out for others. I am always aware of people who might be feeling left out or alone, and I make an effort to reach out to them. Sometimes that means sitting with someone who has no one to talk to, offering a kind word, or simply giving a smile to brighten their day. I believe that everyone deserves to feel valued, and I refuse to tolerate rudeness or bullying toward others. If I see someone being mistreated, I am not afraid to stand up for them in a respectful but firm way. I know that standing up for others can make a difference, even if it feels uncomfortable in the moment. As I prepare to attend Purdue University, I am excited about the opportunities ahead but also aware of the financial challenges that come with higher education. College is a significant investment, and my family and I will need financial support to make this possible. Between tuition, housing, textbooks, and other expenses, the cost is more than we can comfortably manage on our own. Receiving financial assistance would allow me to focus more on my studies and involvement rather than worrying constantly about money. I am committed to working hard in college, but financial support would make it much more achievable for me to succeed. Keeping children and youth safe from bullying, both in person and online, is something I care deeply about. In my community, I believe it starts with fostering a culture of kindness and respect. By encouraging open communication, teaching empathy, and standing up against negative behavior, we can create safer spaces for everyone. At school, I try to model positive behavior and support those who may be struggling socially. Online, I think it is important to educate young people about responsible digital behavior, the impact of their words, and how to report or block harmful content. By promoting awareness, compassion, and accountability, we can help protect children and teens from the damaging effects of bullying. Overall, I see myself as someone who is driven, compassionate, and committed to making a difference. I am grateful for the support of my community, and I hope to continue giving back as I move forward in my education and future career.

I come from a family of educators, beginning with my great grandmother and continuing through the next three generations to my mother. I was told my whole life that I was born to teach. Hearing that, I, of course, wanted to be different; I was fully convinced I was going to be a nurse and aligned my coursework with that career in mind. I have always been described as an uplifting individual. Living as the extrovert and the girl with the biggest smile in the room. You could see me everywhere in and outside of the classroom doing my best to help everyone around me. In all my extracurriculars and with my honor roll grades the word “lazy” doesn't come up when describing me. I have stayed on varsity in my sport since before middle school and have kept that spot. I have moved my way up to a two time state champion show choir. Never once have I given up on something my mind was truly in. I believed that my heart was truly in nursing and that was the only way I could help others. Everything changed for me though when I began tutoring. My first student was a little girl who needed help in fifth grade math. She was one of my mom’s students and had a sweet, bubbly personality, but needed a lot of support with organization and problem solving. I told her I would help and I began lesson planning and teaching her new ways to think, organize, and problem solve. When we began to work together, she was failing math and had very low self esteem when it came to her academics. After working with her for a year, she gained confidence and even tested into the honors math class for middle school. I watched carefully as her problem solving skills grew alongside her grades. It was so exciting to watch her confidence grow and implement some of the strategies I had given her. Not only that, but the way she approached all her academics began to change as well, not just in math. Her grades across the board were improving. I was so proud of her and getting to bond with her while helping her, was unlike any joy I had previously experienced. I soon began to take on other students and learned ways to help them grow individually. I caught myself lesson planning and thinking of my “students” during the day and becoming excited to try my new ideas with them. I soon realized then that my family was right, being a teacher was what I was meant to do. Since making that decision I have changed my schedule and the plan that I had laid out for myself. When I toured college campuses, I no longer wanted to talk to nursing students and teachers, but instead opted for meeting with the education departments and even planning out what courses in college I could take. I found myself dropping my “fun classes” for Speech and Psychology, believing that these classes would be helpful in growing my teaching practices. Helping to understand how young minds work and how to best adhere to how they need to learn based on their behaviors, has been really interesting to me. I am looking forward to diving in deeper to the different ways a child learns and how I can best support their growth. I firmly believe that education is in my heart as well in my blood. I am excited for my journey into teaching and look forward to all opportunities I will gain.