At age nine in 2016, I was fascinated by the presidential debates. I wondered: how can disrespectful comments and political division lead a country? We all live in America, can’t we find common ground? That question sparked a deep interest in history, government, and politics: not in party division, but in the potential for bipartisan collaboration. In June of 2024, the summer before my senior year of high school, I was one of three students in my class selected for Badger Girls State, a weeklong government simulation hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary. I was elected as City Treasurer and appointed to the Party Platform Committee. Although our parties were fictional, the policy debates were real. Tensions ran high during platform negotiations as women from across Wisconsin clashed over political beliefs. At a critical moment, I encouraged the group to take a step back and truly listen to their peers. This small shift opened the door to respect and mutual productivity that encouraged real compromise. By the end of our meetings, we had crafted a platform that reflected a balance of our perspectives, not because we agreed on everything, but because we respected each other. That experience showed me the power of creating spaces where everyone feels respected expressing their views, even if they are unpopular. After that experience, I sought real-world political experience. Later that summer, I interned with a Democratic State Representative, a minority in the Legislature, and the Republican State Treasurer, the only Republican on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands. In both offices, I witnessed how partisanship obstructed progress. Bills were dismissed not for their merit, but because of the party behind them. TheTreasurer was often excluded from discussion because of his political affiliation. These experiences made the issue of political polarization real to me. It’s not just a buzz word on the news, but a real obstacle to daily governance. Since then, I’ve committed myself to promoting informed civil engagement and bipartisan collaboration. While I’m still exploring what level of government I want to serve in, I know I want to work wherever respectful dialogue creates change rather than personal attacks. One specific policy I truly believe in is expanding civic education in schools; encouraging civil discourse and respectful debates is the foundation for effective policy. To me, ensuring everyone has a voice means more than offering a platform, it means fostering an environment where others are not only heard, but respectfully understood.

Losing my Dad to brain cancer when I was seven years old shaped so much of who I am. At that age, I didn’t completely understand what was happening, but I felt the weight of his absence in every milestone he missed. As I grew older, I realized how isolating it can be to experience loss so young. That feeling, of being alone, inspired me to help other people facing the same grief, stress, and pain. Ever since I can remember, I have been committed to raising awareness for brain cancer research and supporting families of those who have been affected by cancer. In 2017, at 10 years old, the only thing I wanted for Christmas was a donation to the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), to fund research for a cure. After my Mom saw this, she collected donations for the ABTA on her Facebook page. It was my simple Christmas wish that led to hundreds of dollars more being donated to a cause close to my heart. Although the ABTA is a tremendously important organization, my focus has shifted to Camp Kesem more recently. Camp Kesem is a national summer camp that provides a free, week-long experience to children who have been affected by a parent’s cancer. Camp Kesem is so much more than a summer camp. It is an opportunity for children to find support, love, and belonging in their communities. It is an opportunity for children to see other people going through the same thing. It is an opportunity for children to be kids again. Because I understand the stress and grief of experiencing a family member’s cancer journey, I know how important it is for children to have a space where they can simply be themselves and find happiness amid hardship. Through my local Camp Kesem chapter, I have helped raise tens of thousands of dollars, providing countless opportunities for children to find belonging in a supportive community. In turn, this sense of connection and understanding strengthens the larger community, fostering empathy, resilience, and a shared commitment to supporting families impacted by cancer. In the fall, I will be following in my Father’s footsteps, attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease the burden of university expenses, as I am paying for my education, without support or substantial financial aid. Although my intended major, Political Science, is not directly related to cancer research or care, I am confident that my college degree will equip me with the skills that are necessary to advocate for cancer patients and their families. In the future, I plan to attend law school and may join the Cancer Legal Advocacy Interest Group of the American Bar Association, furthering my mission to help those affected by cancer. While I am not certain where exactly my path will lead, one thing remains certain: I will always be dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families because we have lost too many incredible people to this devastating disease.