I grew up in a small town that prides itself on civil engagement and values the power behind local politics. My parents have been union leaders and administrators in their fields, which sparked my interest in public service and administration. Politics has had a white-knuckle grip on me since I was in second grade. While my career trajectory has shifted and turned one hundred eighty degrees since I was eight, I've always been passionate about helping others and enacting change in the world. I grew up surrounded by working-class Alaskans; my grandmother was a nurse, my grandfather was a commercial fisherman, my mother is a schoolteacher, and my father was a ferry captain. Each has done extensive work to better the community through their careers, guided by their passion for helping others. I wanted to do that, so I took the logical steps of testing out their occupations on a small scale. I discovered the following: I do not like needles or blood, being away from my family on any-sized boat for too long requires a certain kind of gusto that I don't have, and students are great until you have to deal with parents. Around the time I began to learn all of these things, I found an activity that satisfied my craving for knowledge and my knack for arguing: High School Debate. My time on the debate team exposed me to the busy, shiny, and humbling arena of politics. Through extemporaneous speech giving, I learned I love to think about how our political world ticks and what has created our current political climate. I was hooked on political science, history, and economics, the studies I am pursuing today at Willamette University. Over the last two years, I have taken courses in American Politics, Politics and Ethics, the World Order, Anti-Democracy in America, and the Intro Economics class. Each day, I am excited about learning more, connecting the dots, and contemplating real solutions to real issues. I want to make a career as a policymaker in our country. I believe this is how I can help those who cannot directly help themselves and hold our nation to the standards we have set for ourselves. I wish to return to Alaska after my undergraduate studies conclude and work in the state capitol as a staffer or policy advisor, hopefully hold a seat in the state house or senate, and eventually campaign for governor of Alaska. The best advice I've received was from a senator I met. She told me to treat others well, no matter who they are, not just because you may need their kindness someday, but also because they will remember your kindness. I fully intend to lead a political career based on goodwill, empathy, clarity, and justice. I will raise others alongside myself and use my education to give a voice to the voiceless, strength to the weak, and hope to the weary. It would be a great honor to receive this scholarship in Holden's name and to carry his caring and benevolent spirit with me as I continue my studies and give back to my community, state, and nation. I greatly appreciate this opportunity and wish to infuse my service and leadership with the same selflessness Holden carried.