If my life were a movie, the title would be "Peace in the Chaos." The opening scene would take place in my sunlit childhood basement, where my two older sisters, Alivia and Bailey, and I are laughing and passionately creating art on the basement wall. Laughter fills the air, and in that moment, everything feels perfect as we share our dreams and make unforgettable memories. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts when a phone call interrupts our laughter, urging me to rush to the hospital. I watch in disbelief as the murals we painted on the walls begin to melt, turning shades of blue and dark purple. I start running out of my house, and as I do, I realize I am no longer 13 years old; I am now 18, wearing my cap and gown as I run across the stage at my high school graduation. Searching for my sisters in the crowd, I spot Alivia, who is no longer just my cool older sister but a grown woman with children I no longer recognize. I see my parents too, but instead of sitting peacefully next to each other, they are separated by a hatred that I can't quite understand. As people congratulate me, I can't help but wonder where Bailey is. My aunt hands me a bouquet, and once again, the atmosphere shifts into utter chaos. Bright white hospital lights flash in my eyes as I'm given yet another bouquet, but instead of congratulations, I receive condolences. I look around for Alivia, Mom, and Dad, but I still can't find Bailey. I start to connect the dots, and find myself back in my childhood basement. I try to warn Bailey that something bad is going to happen to her, but the dark purples and blues of the walls consume me, and I become one with the art on the walls. I observe the events that unfold within these house walls over the years: my dad gathers his things and leaves, we get a new dog, Bailey moves out, and Alivia becomes pregnant. I can't help but notice that huge boxes of Bailey's belongings are being stacked high, covering the art and obstructing my view of life. No matter what I do, I can't escape the swirling dark blues and purples of the walls. What once was a happy moment has now become a prison of my grief. As I finally succumb to the swirls of purple and blue, the sunlight shines on the walls, and I feel my sister's hand pull me away from them and into a warm embrace. When she finally lets go for the last time, memories flash before me: Alivia's child is now three years old, I got accepted into my dream college, I chose my prom dress, and I still paint. For the first time in a long while, I feel hopeful. At this moment, I find myself back on the graduation stage. I search for my sisters in the crowd and see Alivia, my mom, my dad, and Bailey. Bailey embodies the colors of the sky; she represents the love my parents once shared and shines through Alivia's smile. She is the peace in the chaos. Thank you for considering my application for the Success Beyond Borders Scholarship!

My dad grew up in Casper, Wyoming I have heard stories about the beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and animals. When I hear him talk about Wyoming his face lights up, after all, that was his home. One day I looked through one of his photo albums and saw a beautiful picture of a waterfall surrounded by trees. I finally understood why his face lit up, it was beautiful. I studied the picture and pulled out all the shades of greens, blues, yellows, purples, and any color you could think of in that forest. He tells me stories about camping in the woods, seeing bears, and surviving off the land. Whenever we talk about Wyoming his dad, My grandpa always gets brought up. Its almost like my Grandpa is one with the land, weaved into the pattern of the grass and flowing through the waterfall. When I paint I pour my emotions, connections, and personality onto the canvas. Hearing these stories and seeing these so limited pictures truly inspired me to combine my dad's passion with mine. I picked my favorite picture and painted it, it took hours and I enjoyed every minute. I felt as if this photograph consumed me and I was standing there staring at the waterfall hearing the birds chirp. I showed my dad the painting I made for him, and again I listened to the crazy stories about the adventure he and his dad went through. I feel as if I captured memories in these landscape paintings. When I am in nature I find myself picking out colors and shades that are in the trees, grass, rocks, animals, and the sky. This is how the everyday world inspires me as an artist. Thank you for considering my application for the Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship.

I truly believe that a relationship one can have with one's siblings is like no other. Me and my two sisters have always had an excellent bond, from the day I was born to the day that she died the love we shared was irreplaceable. We went through life together. We would spend hours painting together and critique each other's work till it was near perfection. We were supposed to go to a concert on June 14, 2024 I saved that date in my calendar and waited impatiently for that day to come. I wish I was patient, I wish I cherished every single moment that I had with my sister. The day before the concert I called her and asked what she was going to wear, I was going to make us glitter headbands to match, I hung up at 7:47 pm and told her I loved her and that I couldn't wait for tomorrow. I wish I would have said more, there are so many things I wish I did. I woke up at 4 am and I was in a panic, I don't know what woke me up as the house was empty I went to go to my mom's room so she could help me calm down and she was gone, I called her and she was sobbing. She told me Bailey was very sick and it wasn't looking good, I was so confused. I rushed out the door to the hospital and waited to hear the news, my other sister was talking about how we felt her in the other room and that she would make it. I will never forget the doctor's face that told me there was nothing they could do. When we left the hospital to go home the birds were chirping so beautifully, I will never forget that sound. I was so confused about how something could sound so beautiful in a time of complete devastation. I often find myself zoning off and going back to that horrific night, what I would do to forget, but what I would do to remember. I wanna remember every little moment and laugh I had with my sister. She was pronounced dead on June 14, 2024, from a rare condition called pulmonary embolization, no one knew she was sick and there weren't any signs. I find myself looking back and trying to remember if there were any signs she was sick and if there was anything I could have done to prevent this. I feel for Hazel's family it is so incredibly hard to go through an unexpected loss. I don't know if I will ever truly process what happened, but what I do know is I am going to make something of myself to make my sister proud. Even if I don't achieve this scholarship. It is comforting to know I am not alone with these feelings. I look for my sister in everything, and I find her in everything, as you do with Hazel. For this family to be able to carry on life with such a beautiful outlook truly inspires me. I still feel my sister's love even if she isn't here and I hope you feel the same way. I am eternally grateful to be able to hear Hazel's story. Thank you for considering me for the Hazel Joy Memorial Scholarship.

My sister Bailey was a beautiful person, as I write about her I realize her beauty and kindness can't be put into words. I wish everyone could have known her. We were not just siblings she was my best friend. She was an artist and taught me how to paint, we would do craft shows together and it was my favorite thing to do. On June 14, 2024, my life and how I viewed everything changed. Bailey, my sister, and best friend, passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 25 from an unknown heart condition no one knew about. There were no signs of her being sick and no warning of her passing. Life and everyone around me kept going but my life came to a crashing halt. As much as I would like to forget I still remember everything about that horrific day and often feel like I am trapped in that place and time. That day I had to decide whether or not I wanted to see her in the hospital bed, it was and always will be the biggest decision I will have to make. I choose not to, I want to remember my best friend as a bright colorful person. She had red hair and a nose ring, she always wore my clothes even though they didn't fit her, and she would get so mad when I would steal her stuff. I always thought she was so cool, the person I looked up to the most as she was my big sister. The grief I feel is something I wouldn't wish on anyone. My whole life and the way I view everything is forever change. I am sad for myself, but I am more sad for her. She is going to miss out on so much. I am so grateful now I hold everyone so much tighter. Bailey’s death taught me to take the grief I had and put it on a canvas or a piece of paper. The pieces I create Are not just art, it's the connection I have with everyone around me, Each piece I create reminds me of someone or something that has happened to me in my life, whether it be a smile from a stranger or someone holding a door open for me, or just someone confiding in me. I took all the pain and sorrow I had and turned it into strength to keep pushing through and make something of myself. She and I always dreamed about going to college together; she wanted to go back, but that chance was taken from her. Since her passing, I made a promise to myself that no matter what happens I am going to keep doing what I love: art. I understand now that I am capable of so much more than I thought. I am going to become an amazing artist no matter what obstacles I face. My sister isn't gone because she is still alive in the art pieces she created. Sometimes I like to think of the person she would have became, A famous artist? A mother? A wife? I will never know. What I do know is the kind of person I am going to become and its gonna be something she would be proud of.

Jack Terry's story Inspired me to be eternally greatful for the life I have today. It breaks my heart to hear someone so sweet and kind have to go through ultimatly the worst. I feel for Jack and the loss of his family, losing a family member is a firmilar feeling that no one should have to go through. As a child, my sisters and I would spend hours painting murals on every wall in our basement. I would lose myself in those creations, It all made the big scary world seem simple. Reflecting on the time I spent with my sisters, I realize how fortunate I am to have had them in my life. To me, they were role models and best friends. My older sister, Bailey, went to school to be an art therapist. Watching her do homework fascinated me as she contemplated the colors to use to create magic on canvas. Her brush strokes were bold and expressive and her eyes were laser focused. Thus, my passion for all things creative began. She encouraged me to become an artist like her, and we would even do local art shows together. On June 14, 2024, my life and how I viewed everything changed. Bailey, my sister and best friend, passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 25 from an unknown heart condition no one knew about. There were no signs of her being sick and no warning of her passing. Life and everyone around me kept going but my life came to a crashing halt. Days after, I gathered what courage was left inside me and made my way to the basement. Looking around the room, I was flooded with memories. I could point to every brushstroke she made. I knew them by heart. I stared at our murals for hours reminiscing of our time with these walls. Doing so calmed me down. Today, painting and doing anything artistic and expressive is a way for me to unwind, let go, and relax. I feel like my sister is by my side watching me and helping me navigate through life. Bailey’s death taught me to take the grief I had and put it on a canvas or a piece of paper. The pieces I create Isnt just art, its the connect I have with everyone around me, Each piece I create reminds me of someone or something that has happened to me in my life, whether it be a smile from a stranger or someone holding a door open for me, or just someone confiding in me. I took all the pain and sorrow I had and turned it into strength to keep pushing through and make something of myself. She and I always dreamed about going to college together; she wanted to go back, but that chance was taken from her. Since her passing, I made a promise to myself that no matter what happens I am going to keep doing what I love: art. I understand now that I am capable of so much more than I thought. I am going to become an amazing artist no matter what obstacles I face. My sister isn't gone because she is still alive in the art pieces she created. I will forever keep her memory alive and never stop talking about the amazing person she was and how it shaped me into the person I am today. I will continue to make her proud and live out my dreams not only for myself but also for her.

My beliefs about this subject come from my personal experience. My mom used to work at a nursing home. It started with her asking me to stay with her so she could have help, but soon I loved going there and seeing how much the residents loved me just being there. It brought me a sense of fulfillment. I started to go there even when my mom wasn't working. I developed a real relationship with the residents. Most of them had a tough time remembering things, as they were in their 90s. Although I loved them all, one of them stuck with me. Her name was Shelly. I would go into her room to find her sitting in a chair staring at a wall and ask her what was wrong. Nothing would pull her out of the foggy state she was constantly in. One day, I asked her about a picture on her wall. It was of her and her husband. Her face lit up and we sat there for hours going through her Photo album revisiting those memories she once lived. She told me she missed her husband and I sat there and listened. I don't think anyone sat there and listened to her talk so passionately about people she loved and her family for a very long time, and I'm glad I was the person she opened up to. After that, I realized what a big impact I had on these residents and what a big impact they had on me. My experiences doing community service at the nursing home shaped me into the person I am today. If more people took opportunities like the one I was given, they would see how deeply it affects the people around them and how fortunate we all are to still have the ability to give back.

As a child, my sisters and I would spend hours painting murals on every wall in our basement. I would lose myself in those creations, It all made the big scary world seem simple. Reflecting on the time I spent with my sisters, I realize how fortunate I am to have had them in my life. To me, they were role models and best friends. My older sister, Bailey, went to school to be an art therapist. Watching her do homework fascinated me as she contemplated the colors to use to create magic on canvas. Her brush strokes were bold and expressive and her eyes were laser focused. Thus, my passion for all things creative began. She encouraged me to become an artist like her, and we would even do local art shows together. On June 14, 2024, my life and how I viewed everything changed. Bailey, my sister and best friend, passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 25 from an unknown heart condition no one knew about. There were no signs of her being sick and no warning of her passing. Life and everyone around me kept going but my life came to a crashing halt. Days after, I gathered what courage was left inside me and made my way to the basement. Looking around the room, I was flooded with memories. I could point to every brushstroke she made. I knew them by heart. I stared at our murals for hours reminiscing of our time with these walls. Doing so calmed me down. Today, painting and doing anything artistic and expressive is a way for me to unwind, let go, and relax. I feel like my sister is by my side watching me and helping me navigate through life. Bailey’s death taught me to take the grief I had and put it on a canvas or a piece of paper. The pieces I create Is not just art, its the connect I have with everyone around me, Each piece I create reminds me of someone or something that has happened to me in my life, whether it be a smile from a stranger or someone holding a door open for me, or just someone confiding in me. I took all the pain and sorrow I had and turned it into strength to keep pushing through and make something of myself. She and I always dreamed about going to college together; she wanted to go back, but that chance was taken from her. Since her passing, I made a promise to myself that no matter what happens I am going to keep doing what I love: art. I understand now that I am capable of so much more than I thought. I am going to become an amazing artist no matter what obstacles I face. My sister isn't gone because she is still alive in the art pieces she created. I will forever keep her memory alive and never stop talking about the amazing person she was and how it shaped me into the person I am today. I will continue to make her proud and live out my dreams not only for myself but also for her.

When I think of who I wanna be 5 to 10 years from now I would love to be an art therapist. I want to help someone get through their grief and struggles by putting all that feeling and hate onto paper or a canvas. As a child, my sisters and I would spend hours painting murals on every wall in our basement. I would lose myself in those creations. Painting and doing anything artistic and expressive is a way for me to unwind, let go, and relax. Those art pieces are who I am, Expressive, colorful, complex, and passionate. I would love for my art pieces to inspire those around me and help them to unwind, let go, and relax. After the recent passing of my Oldest sister Bailey who was an artist, my role model, and my best friend; I decided to do what was best and put all my pain and sorrow on a canvas, It made me feel as if she wasn't gone and instead by my side helping me. I promised myself that no matter what happens I am going to keep doing what I love: art. I understand now that I am capable of so much more than I thought. I am going to become an amazing individual no matter what obstacles I face. Painting and doing anything artistic and expressive is a way for me to unwind, let go, and relax. I feel as if those art pieces are who I am, Expressive, colorful, complex, and passionate. I would love for my art pieces to inspire those around me and help them to unwind, let go, and relax. I find at times it is hard to confide in people you do not know, sometimes they don't give the best replies and it ultimately causes more damage but with art it all makes sense, I confide in my canvas and put it all out for me to see and for the world to see, I would love to do what my sister did for me and help them when the worst happens.