During my New York State travel softball team's tournament in Richmond, Virginia, I found myself stepping into a leadership role, especially as we faced formidable opponents and the emotional weight of our final games together as a team. Demonstrating leadership was vital during this experience, and I approached it through encouragement, communication, and camaraderie among my teammates. The tournament began on a challenging note. Our first game resulted in a significant loss. I could see the team’s spirit diminishing as frustration set in. I recognized the importance of maintaining morale, both for individual players and our collective success. Instead of succumbing to despair, I took the initiative to rally the girls. I cheered for our pitcher, offered words of positivity, and ensured that everyone knew how to refocus after mistakes. My goal was to foster an environment where we uplifted one another, even when facing adversity. After that game, I encouraged the team to shake it off. During our post-game huddle with the coach, I emphasized the need to rest and recharge for the next day’s games. I reassured them that we could still make a strong comeback. This positive reinforcement became a critical part of my leadership approach, as I aimed to instill a sense of resilience. As we moved into Saturday, I recognized that our attitude from the first game would heavily influence our performance. While we faced setbacks in our subsequent games, I maintained a consistent message of support and encouragement. Throughout the games, I called for clear communication on the field and reminded my teammates to stay positive and focused each play. Celebrating small victories, such as our pitcher’s strikeouts and successful hits, helped create a supportive atmosphere. The emotional and physical toll of competition began to weigh heavily on us. After a tough loss, I sensed fatigue and defeat creeping into the team. To combat this, I organized a team bonding activity at our hotel. By gathering everyone together for dinner and fun, we strengthened our connections as teammates and friends. This initiative wasn't just about relaxing; it was about rekindling the team spirit and reminding each other of the joy we could find in playing together. Through laughter, shared meals, and even making silly videos, we reconnected and refocused on the fun we had when we first came together as a team. By the time Sunday arrived, it was clear that the stakes were high. We faced single elimination matches, and I knew we had to tap into our inner strengths. I took the lead by giving a motivational speech that highlighted our goals and emphasized the importance of both individual performances and teamwork. I stressed that mental preparation was as crucial as our physical skills. This rallying cry aimed to inspire confidence and camaraderie, uniting the team as we entered our last day of competition. On the field, I maintained clear communication and cohesion. Every play required us to work together, so I ensured that I was vocal and engaged, offering encouragement and constructive feedback during tough moments. I made it a point to check in with my teammates regularly, reinforcing the importance of supporting one another. My efforts led us to two wins and a spot in the championship game which we lost by one run. Although it wasn't our desired outcome, by fostering a culture of support and unity, I helped the team perform better and ensured that we cherished our time together. Ultimately, my actions uplifted my teammates and emphasized that softball is as much about teamwork and resilience as it is about competition.

Being a purposeful, responsible, and productive community member entails a profound commitment to the collective well-being of society and a conscious awareness of the consequences of one’s actions. Such an individual recognizes that every decision reverberates beyond personal interests, potentially impacting others in both positive and negative ways. Consequently, it is imperative to make thoughtful choices that prioritize inclusivity, equality, and respect for diverse experiences. Furthermore, leading by example serves as an effective catalyst for inspiring others within the community, fostering an environment grounded in compassion, understanding, and action. My personal experiences as a Black woman growing up in a predominantly white environment deeply inform my understanding of these ideals. Encountering bullying and racism throughout my formative years has not only shaped my identity but also instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to advocate for marginalized communities. The racially charged comments I endured, along with harassment that negatively affected my mental health, compelled me to seek therapy and ultimately refocus my energies on educational and athletic pursuits. This experience catalyzed a transformative journey, shifting my perspective from victimization to empowerment. I learned the importance of resilience and the power of using one’s voice to advocate for justice and equality. Moving forward, I plan to embody the principles of purposeful, responsible, and productive community engagement by pursuing a career in law, specifically focusing on civil rights advocacy. My ambition to become a legal professional is deeply rooted in my commitment to addressing systemic inequities that affect individuals based on race and gender. Through my research in the field of law, I have become acutely aware of the disparities in sentencing, treatment, and representation that disproportionately impact Black and Brown individuals, as well as women. This awareness solidifies my resolve to be a catalyst for change and to work towards rectifying these injustices. My desire to promote equitable representation is further motivated by high-profile cases such as the Central Park Five, which starkly exemplifies the grave injustices faced by people of color within the justice system. The wrongful convictions stemming from racial bias and prosecutorial misconduct serve as a clarion call for legal professionals to uphold the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” My commitment to preventing wrongful convictions and advocating for fair representation is foundational to my future legal career. To effectively serve my community as a responsible citizen, I will leverage my academic pursuits in political science at Hartwick College to deepen my understanding of legal policy formulation, civil rights issues, and the intricate dynamics of the judicial system. My education will equip me with the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to engage with complex legal challenges and to advocate for those who are often rendered voiceless. Engaging with various community organizations and participating in pro bono legal services will further manifest my dedication to being a purposeful community member. By collaborating with local advocacy groups focused on civil rights, I aim to contribute to initiatives that seek to empower underrepresented populations, providing them with resources and support to navigate the legal system effectively. In conclusion, to be a purposeful, responsible, and productive community member is to actively engage in the promotion of equity, justice, and understanding. My personal experiences have equipped me with the resilience and insight needed to contribute meaningfully to society. As I embark on my educational journey and future legal career, I will remain committed to standing against injustice and advocating for those who encounter systemic barriers. Ultimately, I aspire to lead by example, fostering a community that values inclusivity and works collectively towards a brighter, more equitable future.

Throughout my academic and athletic journey, I have consistently pursued excellence, aiming to surpass expectations of others. With a GPA of 3.3 and my recent acceptance to Hartwick College to study political science and pre-law, I have laid a foundation for my future. My commitment to personal growth is evident in my academic endeavors and my athletic participation—having earned a position on the collegiate softball team while grappling with the challenges of ADHD. Participation in athletics has significantly shaped my development, particularly through my experience in softball. Initially, I encountered difficulties as a player and faced multiple rejections while attempting to gain a spot on travel teams. This adversity became a catalyst for growth when I reached out to Coach Paul Bernardini, who believed in my potential and allowed me to join his team. Accepting a position with limited playing time, I dedicated myself to improving my skills through a disciplined regimen of extra practices, individualized coaching, and rigorous drills. The results of my dedication were manifested during my most recent season, where I transitioned from a struggling player to a starter in both school and travel ball. I achieved notable success, including hitting back-to-back home runs in a tournament and leading my team in triples, while also excelling defensively in left field. Securing a roster spot on Hartwick's collegiate team marked a crucial affirmation of my progress as an athlete and an individual. Beyond developing physical prowess, my experience in softball has fostered critical leadership qualities and self-improvement. The journey has reinforced the significance of mental resilience and the power of teamwork. As I embraced responsibilities such as leading chants, facilitating pre-game huddles, and supporting teammates through adversity, I learned that effective leadership involves skill, empathy, and a positive mindset, and that motivating fellow players through pre-game speeches and promoting a collaborative spirit are essential for collective success. The principles I have gained from my involvement in softball extend beyond the field, illustrating broader life lessons regarding perseverance and determination. I have come to understand that there are no shortcuts to achievement; success is forged through hard work and the resilience to overcome challenges. The focus, patience, and problem-solving skills I acquired have contributed to a growth mindset that enhances my educational aspirations. Additionally, time management has been cultivated through my dual commitment to academics and athletics. Balancing rigorous academic requirements with athletic responsibilities and personal commitments has instilled a strong sense of discipline, enabling me to navigate obstacles effectively. Reflecting on my journey, I recognize the profound impact that a coach can have on an individual’s life. Coach Bernardini's unwavering belief in my potential transformed my perspective and trajectory, providing me with the support essential for my development. Through hard work and determination, I have learned to turn challenges into opportunities for growth, gaining invaluable life lessons that extend far beyond the confines of sports. As I aspire to become a civil rights lawyer, I carry with me the skills and insights garnered through my athletic experiences. The journey has equipped me with the ability to adapt, a strong sense of purpose, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. The values of resilience, teamwork, and leadership I have honed through softball will undoubtedly guide me as I navigate the complexities of my future endeavors, both in academia and in my professional aspirations. My pursuit of success is grounded in gratitude for the opportunities I have received, and I am eager to apply these lessons to contribute to meaningful change in society.

Balancing a demanding academic schedule with extracurricular activities and work commitments, I have actively supported the local chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® (CVMA®), a non-profit organization that aids veterans in need. My involvement includes attending fundraising events where I contribute to various essential tasks to ensure the success of these gatherings which is vital to generating funds to assist local veterans. I have engaged in a range of activities, including setting up and dismantling events, operating the dunking booth, face painting, selling 50/50 tickets, and assisting with live auction items. A particularly impactful experience was when, on a hot summer weekend, a CVMA® member discovered a request on Facebook for help moving a disabled veteran with a heart condition into his new home. My family, chapter members, and I gathered at the veteran's apartment to assist. Throughout the day, I provided water bottles to our team to keep us hydrated and energized. We worked diligently and successfully completed the move by end of day. In addition to my fundraising efforts, I have participated in decorating our CVMA® chapter's parade floats for events such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Christmas parades. During these parades, I toss candy to children along the route and help dismantle the float afterward, ensuring proper disposal and storage of materials. One of my most cherished holiday activities involves assisting the families of veterans with children in need. I ensure they receive groceries for holiday meals and gifts for their children. My role includes promoting gift drives through social media and community outreach, followed by wrapping gifts and collecting grocery store gift cards from generous donors. The highlight of this experience is delivering the items to families, where I witness the relief and joy on parents' faces knowing their children will not go without during Christmas. I have engaged in this initiative for three consecutive years and find great joy in making others feel valued during the holiday season. Beyond my work with the CVMA®, I also help my mother prepare meals for an elderly homebound veteran facing severe health issues. He frequently expresses gratitude for the home-cooked meals and companionship we provide. Additionally, we assist a neighbor in his late 80s, a veteran who recently lost vision in one eye, by periodically taking him to breakfast, allowing him to socialize and stay connected with the community. Throughout my high school years, I have also volunteered at fundraising events hosted by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8104. My responsibilities there include setup, teardown, and selling raffle tickets, all aimed at supporting local initiatives like veteran grave markers and food banks. I usually volunteer for several events during the winter and participate in one or two in the summer. Notably, I played "Taps" during the Taps Across America Ceremony at our post on Memorial Day two years ago. Though my role in the local veteran community may seem small, the impact is profound. I plan to continue my service to this community throughout my college years and beyond. Additionally, I contributed to my high school community by organizing a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for two fellow students affected by a tragic car accident, where my roles included setup, food preparation, and serving attendees, fostering unity during a difficult time. In conclusion, leadership through service exemplifies a commitment to the needs of others. Engaging in volunteer work addresses community needs and promotes personal growth. As I continue my journey, I remain dedicated to embodying this principle, striving to make a meaningful impact on those around me and inspiring others to join in.

I aim to excel in academics and athletics, striving to exceed the expectations set by others. I have achieved a 3.3 GPA and have been accepted to Hartwick College to pursue a degree in political science with a pre-law advising track. Additionally, I have earned a spot on their softball team despite facing challenges along my academic and athletic journey, including navigating a learning disability (ADHD). I am also a marching and jazz band member, engage in community service with local non-profits supporting veterans, and have a part-time job. I have relied on determination, perseverance, and resilience to overcome the obstacles in my path.    Throughout my high school experience, the sport of softball has been a significant source of inspiration. My passion for softball has flourished, but it is important to acknowledge that I initially struggled as a player. In my earlier attempts to join a travel team, I faced rejection and was weak offensively. However, I discovered that a team I had previously tried out for still required additional players. I reached out to the coach for another opportunity. I was fortunate to earn a position on the team, albeit with the understanding that my playing time would be limited as I worked towards improving my skills.    Determined to enhance my performance, I committed to attending every extra practice session, sought the expertise of a hitting coach, and engaged in weekly lessons. I dedicated myself to rigorous drills, sought constructive feedback through video critiques, participated in weekend camps and clinics, and maintained a gym membership to improve my strength and endurance. My relentless work ethic remains a vital component of my athletic journey.    This past season, my dedication resulted in my emergence as a starter and a crucial element of the lineup. I achieved the remarkable feat of hitting home runs in back-to-back at-bats during a tournament, led my varsity team in triples, and made exceptional defensive plays in left field. And, as previously mentioned, I received an offer for a roster spot on Hartwick's collegiate team, affirming my growth and potential as an athlete.    My journey in softball has fostered self-improvement and confidence and facilitated a leadership role within my team. I have taken the initiative to lead chants, facilitate pre-game huddles, communicate effectively on the field, and uplift my teammates during challenging moments. Recognizing that softball is as much a mental game as it is physical, I have embraced the responsibility of providing motivational speeches and conducting group discussions before games, a role I have willingly undertaken to promote my team's success.    My softball experiences have taught me that there is no shortcut to success. A steadfast determination, the ability to overcome challenges, and perseverance are essential qualities I have cultivated. In conclusion, my softball journey has been a transformative experience contributing to my strength as a young woman in a male-dominated world. The challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and personal commitments have taught me invaluable lessons in discipline, resilience, and time management. As I navigated these demands, I developed a strong work ethic and ability to overcome obstacles, which are essential traits for success. Through softball, I have gained confidence and leadership skills, empowering me to assert my voice and inspire others. This experience has equipped me with the skills necessary to navigate competitive spaces and ignited confidence in my ability to become a civil rights lawyer. Ultimately, participating in softball has cultivated my identity as a strong, capable female leader, prepared to challenge societal norms, advocate for change and forge a path toward greater inclusivity and empowerment for women.

I strive to exceed the expectations set by others and excel in academics and athletics. I have achieved a 3.3 GPA in high school and have been accepted to Hartwick College to study political science and pre-law. Additionally, I have earned a spot on their softball team despite facing challenges along my academic and athletic journey, including navigating a learning disability (ADHD). I am a marching and jazz band member, engage in community service with non-profits supporting veterans, and have a part-time job. I have relied on determination, perseverance, and resilience to overcome the obstacles.    Throughout my high school experience, softball and the mentorship of my travel coach, Paul Bernardini, have been significant sources of inspiration. My passion for softball has flourished, but its important to acknowledge that I initially struggled as a player. In my earlier attempts to join a travel team, I faced rejection and was weak offensively. However, I discovered that a team I had previously tried out for still required additional players. I reached out to Coach Paul for another opportunity. I was fortunate to earn a position on the team, albeit with the understanding that my playing time would be limited as I worked towards improving my skills.    Determined to enhance my performance, I committed to attending every extra practice session, sought the expertise of a hitting coach, and engaged in weekly lessons. I dedicated myself to rigorous drills, sought constructive feedback through video critiques, participated in weekend camps and clinics, and maintained a gym membership to improve my strength and endurance. My relentless work ethic remains a vital component of my athletic journey.    This past season, my dedication resulted in my emergence as a starter and a crucial element of the lineup. I achieved the remarkable feat of hitting home runs in back-to-back at-bats during a tournament, led my varsity team in triples, made exceptional defensive plays in left field, and earned a roster spot on Hartwick's collegiate team, affirming my growth and potential as an athlete.    My journey in softball has fostered self-improvement and confidence and facilitated a leadership role within my team. I have taken the initiative to lead chants, facilitate pre-game huddles, communicate effectively on the field, and uplift my teammates during challenging moments. Recognizing that softball is as much a mental game as it is physical, I have embraced the responsibility of providing motivational speeches and conducting group discussions before games, a role I have willingly undertaken to promote my team's success.    My softball experiences have taught me that there is no shortcut to success, both in athletics and in life. A steadfast determination, the ability to overcome challenges, and perseverance are essential qualities I have cultivated. The sport has instilled discipline, focus, patience, time management, problem-solving skills, responsibility, and resilience, all of which have opened doors for my educational and professional aspirations, positively shaping my identity as a student, teammate, and future civil rights lawyer, which is my ultimate career goal. In conclusion, they say that a good coach can change a game, and a great coach can change your life. Coach Bernardini changed my life just by giving me a chance and believing in me when nobody else would. His unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in my growth as both an athlete and an individual. Through hard work and determination, I have transformed my challenges into triumphs, gaining invaluable lessons along the way. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and look forward to applying these lessons as I pursue my education and career, striving to make a positive impact in the world.

I am Makayla Esau, a high school senior with a cumulative GPA of 3.3, reflecting my determination to manage my ADHD while navigating a rigorous academic program, including multiple collegiate courses, alongside a demanding extracurricular schedule. I am actively engaged in competitive athletics, specifically Varsity and travel softball. In addition, I participate in jazz, concert, and marching band, and dedicate time to volunteering with two local nonprofits that support veterans, all while holding a part-time job to enhance my life skills. I have been accepted to Hartwick College, where I will study political science and pre-law. I have also secured a roster spot on the college's softball team and committed to play there. My ultimate aspiration is to become a civil rights lawyer, focusing on advocating for equitable treatment of women and minorities. My commitment to legal advocacy stems from my personal experiences as a Black girl growing up in a predominantly white community, where I faced unequal treatment and discrimination. This has heightened my awareness of systemic inequities within the legal framework. My research into the legal field has illuminated stark disparities in sentencing and penalties between Black and Brown individuals compared to their white counterparts. I have also observed that women face significant barriers in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, and prostitution, often battling societal misconceptions that undermine their credibility in court. Property ownership, inheritance rights, and access to legal representation also disproportionately favor men, further complicating the challenges women face. My ambition is to address these disparities and advocate for fair representation. The transformative potential of law and my passion for equitable representation inspires me as it aligns with my goal of enacting meaningful social reform. A pivotal influence on my decision to become an attorney was the Central Park Five case, a disturbing example of the injustices faced by people of color in the justice system. Despite a lack of evidence and DNA contradicting that of the five accused, they were wrongfully convicted due to racial bias and prosecutorial misconduct. The eventual confession from the actual perpetrator—confirmed by DNA evidence—led to the exoneration of the five individuals after years of wrongful imprisonment. This case underscores my motivation to uphold the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and my dedication to preventing wrongful convictions, particularly in cases where race is a critical factor. At Hartwick College, I aim to deepen my understanding of legal policy formulation, historical context of civil rights issues, and the analysis of complex legal dynamics, preparing me for a future career as a civil rights attorney dedicated to addressing discrimination and advocating for equitable representation. My journey exemplifies resilience, passion, and a commitment to social justice, all of which make me driven to achieve my dreams. Overcoming challenges related to ADHD while maintaining a solid GPA in a demanding academic program reflects my determination and ability to navigate obstacles—qualities essential for a successful career in law. My personal experiences with discrimination have fueled my desire to advocate for marginalized communities, providing me with a unique perspective that enhances my commitment to civil rights. Additionally, my involvement in competitive athletics and the arts has equipped me with valuable teamwork, leadership, and time management skills. Through my volunteer work, I demonstrate dedication to serving others and understanding social issues. Analyzing systemic inequities and drawing motivation from cases like the Central Park Five, I have cultivated critical awareness of the legal system's flaws and my future role in effecting change. My acceptance to Hartwick College signifies that I am actively working toward my ambitions, making me worthy of the dreams I aspire to achieve.

My name is Makayla Esau, and I am a senior in high school with a cumulative GPA of 3.3. This achievement reflects my determination to manage ADHD while navigating a rigorous academic program, which includes multiple collegiate courses, alongside a demanding extracurricular schedule. I am actively engaged in competitive athletics, specifically Varsity softball and travel softball, complemented by year-round hitting lessons. My involvement extends to the arts, where I participate in jazz band, concert band, and marching band. Additionally, I dedicate time to volunteering with two local nonprofit organizations that support veterans and hold a part-time job to enhance my life skills. I am honored to announce my acceptance to Hartwick College, where I plan to pursue a degree in political science and pre-law. Alongside my academic ventures, I have secured a roster spot on the college's softball team and have committed to playing for them. My ultimate aspiration is to become a practicing civil rights lawyer, focusing on advocating for equitable treatment of women and minorities. My commitment to legal advocacy is deeply rooted in my personal experiences as a Black girl growing up in a predominantly white community. I have faced unequal treatment and discrimination due to my race, which has heightened my awareness of systemic inequities within the legal framework. My research into the legal field has illuminated stark disparities in sentencing and penalties between Black and Brown individuals compared to their white counterparts. Moreover, women encounter significant barriers, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, and prostitution. These cases often reflect societal misconceptions about female behavior, fostering a culture of disbelief that undermines women's credibility in court. I have also observed that issues of property ownership and inheritance disproportionately favor men, exacerbating the challenges faced by women. Furthermore, incarcerated women are not given equal access to justice when compared to their male counterparts. My ambition is to address these disparities, advocating for fair representation for women and minorities on a case-by-case basis. The field of law interests me as a transformative instrument for social change, aligning with my aim to enact meaningful reform. My desire to provide equitable representation for African Americans significantly propels my pursuit of a legal career. A pivotal influence on my decision to become an attorney was the Central Park Five case, a disturbing example of the injustices faced by people of color within the justice system. Despite a lack of evidence and DNA contradicting that of the five accused, they were wrongfully convicted due to racial bias and prosecutorial misconduct. The trials were marred by coercive tactics, and the eventual confession from the actual perpetrator, confirmed by DNA evidence, led to the exoneration of the five individuals after years of wrongful imprisonment. This case underscores my motivation to uphold the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and my commitment to preventing wrongful convictions—particularly in instances where race plays a critical role. At Hartwick College, I aim to deepen my understanding of legal policy formulation, the historical context of civil rights issues, and the analysis of complex legal dynamics. This academic foundation will better prepare me for law school and a future career as a civil rights attorney dedicated to addressing discrimination and advocating for equitable representation within the United States justice system.

Opening Scene: A Glimpse into the Life of Makayla Esau The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the field where Makayla Esau stood gripping her softball bat, the weight of it a comforting reminder of the countless hours spent honing her craft. The distant laughter and cheering of teammates filled the air, but her focus was as sharp as a knife as she prepared for another swing. It was here, on this familiar diamond, that she had learned resilience, tenacity, and the power of community. As the cool breeze rustled through the trees surrounding the field, memories flooded her mind—early morning practices before dawn broke, late nights spent studying for exams that seemed insurmountable, and the unpredictable rollercoaster of living with ADHD. She recalled the struggles with medications, the moments of frustration when her needs felt overlooked, and the steadfast determination that led her family to seek support beyond the confines of her school. Those challenges were as much a part of her journey as the accolades she earned, the friendships she forged, and the experiences that shaped her passionate resolve to pursue justice. The uniform she wore wasn’t just a symbol of her commitment to the game; it embodied her fierce spirit and unyielding drive. The ivy-covered walls of Hartwick College loomed in her future like a beacon of hope, promising a world of possibilities. She envisioned herself walking across campus, books in hand, discussing political theories, and debating social injustices with her peers. The echoes of her voice blended with the sounds of marching band rehearsals, as she balanced her love for music with her academic pursuits, each note resonating with her aspiration to advocate for civil rights. But it wasn't just the academic challenges or athletic triumphs that defined her; it was her heart and dedication to others. The memories of volunteering with veterans played vividly in her mind—picturing laughter shared over activities with children at fundraisers, the joy of wrapping gifts for families in need, and the stories exchanged with those who understood sacrifice all too well. Each moment reinforced her belief in community and compassion, reminding her of the privilege she sought to share with those less fortunate. As the last rays of sunlight danced on the field, Makayla took a deep breath, letting the energy of the moment wash over her. She envisioned not just her own future, but a world where equity and justice reigned—a world where she would rise as a voice for women and minorities, making an impact as a civil rights lawyer. The determination that fueled her journey thus far set her soul ablaze, igniting a vision filled with hope and purpose. With one final glance at her teammates, she stepped into the batter’s box, ready to face whatever challenges came her way, knowing that she was not just swinging for herself but for every dream deferred and every voice silenced. In that moment, she understood this was just the beginning of her remarkable journey.

My name is Makayla Esau, I am a senior in high school with a cumulative GPA of 3.3. This reflects my determination to manage ADHD while navigating a rigorous academic program, which includes multiple collegiate courses, alongside a demanding extracurricular schedule. I am actively engaged in competitive athletics, specifically Varsity and travel softball, complemented by year-round hitting lessons. My involvement extends to the arts, where I participate in jazz band, concert band, and marching band. Additionally, I dedicate time to volunteering with two local nonprofit organizations that support veterans and hold a part-time job. I am honored to announce my acceptance to Hartwick College, where I plan to pursue a degree in political science and pre-law. Alongside my academic ventures, I have secured a roster spot on the college's softball team. My ultimate aspiration is to become a practicing civil rights lawyer, focusing on advocating for equitable treatment of women and minorities. My commitment to legal advocacy is deeply rooted in my personal experiences as a Black girl growing up in a predominantly white community. I have faced unequal treatment and discrimination due to my race, which has heightened my awareness of systemic inequities within the legal framework. My research into the legal field has illuminated stark disparities in sentencing and penalties between Black and Brown individuals compared to their white counterparts. Moreover, women encounter significant barriers, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, and prostitution. These cases often reflect societal misconceptions about female behavior, fostering a culture of disbelief that undermines women’s credibility in court. I have also observed that issues of property ownership and inheritance disproportionately favor men. Furthermore, incarcerated women are not given equal access to justice when compared to their male counterparts. My ambition is to address these disparities on a case-by-case basis. The field of law interests me as a transformative instrument for social change, aligning with my aim to enact meaningful reform. A pivotal influence on my decision to become an attorney was the Central Park Five case, a disturbing example of injustices faced by people of color within the justice system. Despite a lack of evidence and DNA contradicting the five accused, they were wrongfully convicted due to racial bias and prosecutorial misconduct. The trials were marred by coercive tactics, and the eventual confession from the actual perpetrator, confirmed by DNA evidence, led to the exoneration of the five individuals after years of wrongful imprisonment. This case underscores my motivation to uphold the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and my commitment to preventing wrongful convictions—particularly in instances where race plays a critical role. At Hartwick College, I aim to deepen my understanding of legal policy formulation, the historical context of civil rights issues, and the analysis of complex legal dynamics. This academic foundation will better prepare me for law school and a future career as an attorney, dedicated to addressing discrimination and advocating for equitable representation within the United States justice system. Throughout my high school career, I have also committed significant time to volunteer work with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8104. My contributions have included organizing fundraising events, selling tickets, and engaging with children through face painting and interactive activities. A particularly rewarding experience has been assisting veteran families during the holiday season with groceries and gifts for their children, embodying my belief in serving those who have served our country. This continuous engagement reflects my commitment to leadership and advocacy for marginalized communities and I look forward to continuing to do so in the future.

My name is Makayla Esau, and I am deeply honored to announce my acceptance to Hartwick College, where I will pursue a degree in political science and pre-law. In addition to my academic ambitions, I was offered a roster spot and am committed to the college's softball team. My ultimate career aspiration is to become a practicing civil rights lawyer, focusing on advocating for fair and equal justice for women and minorities. My dedication to softball has evolved significantly over the years. Despite facing obstacles in securing a place on a travel team after several tryouts, I sought out additional opportunities including reaching out to a coach for a second chance and committing myself to rigorous training. My efforts included participating in extra practices, enlisting the help of a hitting coach, attending clinics, and prioritizing my physical conditioning. As a result of this unwavering dedication, I became a starting player, achieved back-to-back home runs during a tournament, and led my varsity team in triples. This commitment not only earned me a position on Hartwick College's softball team but also imparted invaluable lessons about determination and perseverance applicable to both sports and life. I then served my team by embracing leadership roles, fostering team morale through motivational speeches, leading pre-game huddles, and encouraging teammates to remain positive after setbacks. Recognizing that softball is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, I have focused on cultivating an environment where my teammates could thrive. I recognize that I am privileged to have parents who can finance private hitting lessons, a luxury that is not accessible to all players. Consequently, I willingly share knowledge imparted by my coach with my teammates who may not have the same opportunities. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community within the team and helps to level the playing field for all athletes. In addition to my academic and athletic endeavors, I have devoted significant time to volunteer work with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®, a non-profit dedicated to "vets helping vets," as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8104. My roles within these organizations have encompassed participating in fundraising events, assisting with event logistics, selling 50/50 tickets, and engaging children through face painting and operating the dunking booth. Furthermore, I have decorated parade floats for holidays and organized gift drives for veteran families during the holiday season, and prepared home-cooked meals for an elderly veteran in my community. My extensive volunteer efforts have been recognized through the George H. Ball Community Achievement Award. Throughout my journey, my family has been a source of support, serving as my greatest cheerleader in triumphs and setbacks. I am committed to living a life of service to honor them, embodying the strong work ethic and civic responsibility they instilled in me. In conclusion, I have continually strived to honor my family by embodying the strong work ethic and values they instilled within me, ensuring that my actions reflect their sacrifices and support. Through my volunteer work, I have dedicated countless hours to uplift the lives of those who have served our country, demonstrating my belief in the importance of community. As a leader on my softball team, I have made it a priority to foster a supportive environment where my teammates feel valued and motivated, recognizing that our collective success relies on shared encouragement and resilience, cohesion, and camaraderie. Ultimately, my experiences in service to my family, community, and teammates have profoundly enriched my life.

Throughout my high school career, despite my very busy schedule with academics, athletics, and a part-time job, I have engaged in a substantial amount of community service, primarily focused on supporting local veterans—a cause that resonates deeply with me due to my father's experience as a multi-tour combat veteran. I have volunteered with my local chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® and Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Engaging in various activities such as staffing fundraising events, event set up and tear down, selling 50/50 and basket raffle tickets, helping with live auctions, decorating parade floats, loading moving trucks for disabled veterans, and serving and cooking during spaghetti dinners has provided me with invaluable joy. However, among these experiences, my most cherished moments occur when many veteran families face financial hardships during the holiday season. My involvement with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® has allowed me to participate in initiatives that provide holiday meals and gifts, ensuring that children from these families can experience the joy and magic of the season for three consecutive years. My responsibilities have included advertising and collecting items for gift drives, shopping for groceries, organizing donations by age and following children's wish lists, wrapping gifts, and, most importantly, delivering the items while maintaining the confidentiality of the families. This work has been profoundly meaningful to me, as I have witnessed firsthand the relief and pure joy on parents' faces when they realize their children will not go without during a time often marked by stress and uncertainty. It has reaffirmed my belief in the critical importance of community support and philanthropy. As a result of my experiences, I envision several positive changes for my community. First and foremost, I hope to foster greater awareness and involvement concerning the needs of veteran families among community members. Increasing participation in initiatives like ours can amplify the resources available to those in need. Additionally, I aspire to see more collaborations between local businesses and nonprofit organizations that focus on veteran assistance, which would help create a more robust support system. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to the development of a community where every family, regardless of their circumstances, can experience the joy of the holidays without the burden of financial anxiety. Through collective efforts and heightened awareness, I believe we can create a more compassionate and supportive community that honors the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families.

My name is Makayla Esau. I have been accepted to Hartwick College to pursue a degree in political science and pre-law. My aspiration to become a lawyer is deeply rooted in my experiences facing inequality and unfair treatment as a Black girl in a predominantly white community. Law is compelling to me, serving as a powerful vehicle for change. I am dedicated to advocating for minorities and women in the legal system focusing on fair representation. With a law degree, I aim to ensure fair trials for those who face systemic biases. People of color often receive disproportionately harsher sentences than their white counterparts. Additionally, women frequently encounter discrimination in cases of domestic violence and sexual assault. I am committed to addressing these disparities and advocating for women's legal rights. A profound source of inspiration for my ambition is the case of the Central Park Five. This case illustrates the grave injustices faced by people of color; five young Black males were wrongfully convicted despite a lack of evidence and no matching DNA. Racial bias and prosecutorial misconduct marred their trials, resulting in years of wrongful imprisonment. Their eventual exoneration—following the confession of the true perpetrator and DNA evidence—highlights the urgent need for reform in the justice system. As a practicing lawyer, I plan to contribute to preventing wrongful convictions, especially when race is a crucial factor. The principle of innocence until proven guilty is foundational, and I am dedicated to upholding this commitment throughout my career. I also want to inspire other Black women to enter the legal profession, which is male-dominated and lacks diversity. Although about 40% of U.S. lawyers are women and 22% are minorities, Black women represent less than 2% according to the American Bar Association. My journey has already included overcoming adversity related to racism and my ADHD. I have faced bullying and racism that affected my mental health and self-esteem profoundly, prompting me to seek therapy. Managing my ADHD has been challenging. Early on, I experienced significant side effects from medication, leading me to explore alternative strategies. I eventually found effective ways to manage my condition, such as hiring tutors and using alarms to stay on track. Despite these hurdles, I remained committed to my education and completed several collegiate courses with an overall GPA of 3.3. I also balanced my academic responsibilities with sports, band, volunteer work, and a part-time job. Softball has been a constant in my life, even though I initially struggled as a player. Determined, I attended extra practices, worked closely with coaches, and trained diligently. My efforts allowed me to excel in games and tournaments, ultimately earning a spot on a collegiate team. This experience helped me develop leadership skills as I guided my teammates to success. These adversities taught me that success requires perseverance, instilling valuable life skills like discipline, focus, and resilience—all essential for my aspirations of becoming a lawyer. I also volunteer with the local chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®, focusing on supporting veterans in need. My responsibilities include fundraising, organizing events, and providing assistance during holiday gift drives for veterans’ families. A standout experience was volunteering at a spaghetti dinner for families affected by a tragic accident. I helped with setup, food preparation, and serving attendees, helping bring the community together during a difficult time. Another memorable instance involved assisting a disabled veteran with their move. Through volunteering, I have gained mentorship, developed organizational skills, and fostered a strong sense of community. These experiences continue to shape my path as I pursue a career dedicated to justice and advocacy for marginalized populations.

My name is Makayla Esau, I will attend Hartwick College studying political science and pre-law with the goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer. Growing up as a black girl in a predominantly white town, I have experienced firsthand inequality and unfair treatment arising from skin color and gender. Law captivates me; it is a powerful tool for change. I should be selected for this scholarship because I aspire to embody the change I wish to see in the world. I am deeply motivated to assist other minorities and women in obtaining equitable court representation, ensuring that those I represent receive fair trials, leveling the playing field one case at a time. Systemic inequalities continue to pervade today's society, deeply embedded within various institutions, including the legal system. These disparities are worsened by factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, creating barriers for marginalized communities. Civil rights law is important to me, as it confronts systemic inequalities and advocates against the injustices faced by these communities. Cases like that of the Central Park Five inspire me to become a lawyer. This case starkly highlights systemic inequalities in the criminal justice system. In 1989, despite a lack of evidence and DNA that did not match any of the five accused, these young Black and Latino males were wrongfully convicted of the brutal assault and rape of a white jogger in Central Park. The trials were fraught with racial bias and prosecutorial misconduct, including confessions obtained through coercion, illustrating how the system preys on vulnerable individuals, particularly minorities. It was only after years of wrongful imprisonment that the boys were exonerated when the actual perpetrator came forward, and DNA evidence confirmed his confession. In the interim, the lives of the wrongfully convicted were irrevocably altered. Furthermore, the case illustrates the 'funnel' of the justice system, wherein individuals from marginalized communities are disproportionately directed into a system that is likely to impose harsher penalties and longer sentences upon them. Statistics reveal that black and brown individuals face more severe consequences compared to their white counterparts which is evident in sentencing patterns, arrest rates, and instances of wrongful convictions. The lengthy sentences imposed on the Central Park Five—despite evidence of their innocence—highlights tragic outcomes that emerge when systemic bias goes unaddressed. Gender inequality in the United States justice system adds further complexity to these issues. The experiences of minority women, both as victims and defendants, often starkly contrast with those of males. In cases involving violence against women the interplay of race and gender can result in compounded biases. Women of color frequently find it challenging to have their claims taken seriously, facing skepticism and discrimination rather than the support and protection they deserve from the justice system. As we work towards justice and equality, it is essential to confront systemic inequalities by advocating for policy reforms, fostering community engagement, and promoting greater representation within the legal profession. As a civil rights attorney, my focus will be on addressing issues such as discrimination based on protected characteristics, economic justice, and police misconduct, all of which disproportionately impact minorities and women. I intend to contribute to the prevention of wrongful convictions, especially in cases where race plays a significant role. Furthermore, I want to empower other black women to enter this field. Law is male-dominated and desperately needs more diversity. It is estimated that approximately forty percent of lawyers in the United States are women, twenty-two percent are minorities of any gender, and black women comprise slightly less than two percent of all lawyers, as reported by the American Bar Association.

My name is Makayla Esau, and I will attend Hartwick College in the fall semester of 2025. I will study political science with a pre-law advising track. My career goal is to become a lawyer and help others who look like me in a court of law because, growing up a black girl in a predominantly white town, I know what it is like to be treated unequally and unfairly due to my skin color and gender. Law is fascinating to me. It is a vehicle for change, and I want to be the change I want to see in the world. Helping other minorities and women get fair court representation is a massive personal motivator for me. With a law degree, I can help people by ensuring those I represent get a fair trial. It is well-known that black and brown people get harsher penalties and longer sentences than their white counterparts and that women face discrimination based on their sex. For instance, in domestic violence, rape, and prostitution cases, women are often not believed in court. Misperceived thoughts regarding how women behave can lead to disbelief in their testimony. Property ownership and inheritance rights lean heavily in a man's favor, and women prisoners do not have access to equal justice at the same rate as males. I want to level the playing field for women and minorities in the legal system, one case at a time. Cases like the Central Park Five inspire me to become a lawyer. This case shows how unfair the justice system is to people of color. Despite a lack of evidence and DNA that did not match that of any of the five accused of committing the crime in the case, the young black males received a wrongful conviction. The trials consisted of racial bias and prosecution misconduct, including obtaining confessions by coercion. Eventually, exoneration occurred after years of imprisonment; the actual criminal came forward, and the DNA evidence matched that of the confessor, but not before the lives of the wrongfully convicted had been negatively impacted as a result. While practicing law, I plan to contribute to preventing wrongful convictions, especially if race is a crucial factor. As a lawyer, I want to uphold the principle of innocence until proven guilty, a core value that should always be remembered and honored. I also want to show other black women they can enter this field. While researching this career field, I quickly discovered that law is male-dominated and desperately needs more diversity. While it is estimated that approximately forty percent of lawyers in the United States are women and twenty-two percent are minorities of any gender, black women only account for slightly less than two percent of all lawyers in our country, according to the American Bar Association.

My name is Makayla Esau, and I will attend Hartwick College in the fall semester of 2025. I will study political science with a pre-law advising track. My career goal is to become a lawyer and help others who look like me in a court of law because, growing up a black girl in a predominantly white town, I know what it is like to be treated unequally and unfairly due to my skin color and gender. Law is fascinating to me. It is a vehicle for change, and I want to be the change I want to see in the world. Helping other minorities and women get fair court representation is a massive personal motivator. Serving my community has always been important to me. I have seen community service's impact on those it serves and the smiles it often brings in challenging times. I have done significant community service with the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® and Veterans of Foreign Wars in my hometown. I have helped a disabled veteran move out of his apartment, assisted with a spaghetti dinner benefit for the families of teens who attended my school and were involved in a tragic car accident, participated in providing families in need with Christmas gifts for their children, and more. Each of these things has one thing in common: gratitude from people when they receive help, which is why I help as much as possible. I want others to be happy, and if helping someone move is the way, I will gladly do so. Serving the local veteran population, in particular, is close to my heart because my father is a combat veteran who served in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He has taught me the toll that war takes and that it is important to care for our veterans and show appreciation for their service. Participating in community service allowed me to develop critical people skills essential to any job, especially that of a lawyer. I will be a successful student and lawyer by implementing these skills in college and the workforce. With a law degree, I can help people by ensuring those I represent get a fair trial. It is well-known that black and brown people get harsher penalties and longer sentences than their white counterparts and that women face discrimination based on their sex. For instance, in domestic violence, rape, and prostitution cases, women are often not believed in court. Misperceived thoughts regarding how women behave can lead to disbelief in their testimony. Property ownership and inheritance rights lean heavily in a man's favor, and women prisoners do not have access to equal justice at the same rate as males. I want to level the playing field for women and minorities in the legal system. Cases like the Central Park Five inspire me to become a lawyer. This case shows how unfair the justice system is to people of color. Despite a lack of evidence and DNA that did not match that of any of the five accused of committing the crime in the case, the young black males received a wrongful conviction. The trials consisted of racial bias and prosecution misconduct, including obtaining confessions by coercion. Eventually, exoneration occurred after years of imprisonment; the actual criminal came forward, and the DNA evidence matched that of the confessor. I hope to contribute to preventing wrongful convictions while practicing law, especially if race is a crucial factor. As a lawyer, I want to uphold the principle of innocence until proven guilty, a core value that should always be remembered and honored.

I love the game of softball. I was not always a strong player, though. Two years ago, I could barely hit the ball and couldn't make a travel team despite trying several times. I learned about a team that needed some additional players. I tried out for them before and did not survive the cut. I messaged the coach for another tryout and barely made the team this time. He had an honest conversation with me and told me I wouldn't play much that year but could start the following year if I worked hard. I took that conversation seriously. I went to every extra practice session, got a hitting coach and began taking weekly lessons, did drills on my own, sent videos to the coach for critique and made adjustments, attended camps and clinics every weekend throughout the winter, got a gym membership, lifted weights, ran, and got faster. I didn't stop working; I still haven't. I knew the coach had allowed me to improve on the field and learn lessons that would translate into academics and the professional world. This season, I was a starter on defense and an essential part of the batting lineup. I hit two home runs in back-to-back at-bats at a tournament and led my varsity team in triples. I also made several highlight reel-worthy catches in left field. I am the teammate who keeps everyone upbeat and is the loudest on the field. Self-improvement resulted in self-confidence and taking on a leadership role, calling the chants, leading pre-game huddles, communicating where the play is, and telling the girls to stay up when a mistake happens. Softball is a mental game; I give a short motivational speech and lead group discussions regarding strategy before taking the field. You won't play well if you don't feel good, so I took on that role to help my team succeed. I learned that softball and life are similar. There's no shortcut to success; you must be determined, work hard, overcome challenges, and persevere. My efforts paid off with a roster spot at Hartwick College. Hard work in my sport taught me discipline, focus, patience, time management, problem-solving, responsibility, determination, and resilience. Softball has allowed me to have a growth mindset while establishing positive self-esteem and confidence and opening doors to my education and future. I have developed a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and fulfillment, which has made me a better person and teammate and will make me a better collegiate student and lawyer. My career goal is to become a lawyer and help others who look like me in a court of law because, growing up a black girl in a predominantly white town, I know what it is like to be treated unequally and unfairly due to my skin color and gender. Law is fascinating to me. It is a vehicle for change, and I want to be the change I want to see in the world. Helping other African Americans and women get fair court representation is a massive personal motivator for me. It is well-known that black and brown people get harsher penalties and longer sentences than their white counterparts and that women face discrimination in court based on their sex. In domestic violence, rape, and prostitution cases, women are often perceived as being untruthful in their testimonies due to preconceived thoughts regarding how women behave, and women prisoners do not have access to equal justice at the same rate as men. I want to level the playing field for women and minorities in the legal system.

My name is Makayla Esau. I am a high school senior taking several collegiate courses and maintaining a 3.3 GPA despite having a learning disability and participating in band, sports, volunteer work, and holding a part-time job. I have been accepted to Hartwick College and offered a roster spot on their softball team. My educational goals include earning a bachelor's degree in political science and attending law school. I want to use my education, experiences, and skills to help minorities and women navigate the legal system fairly and equally. I am passionate about women and minority rights. I participate in community service helping my local chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® and VFW with fundraising to assist local veterans in need. A mission close to my heart because my father is a combat veteran. I want to help others who look like me in a court of law because growing up a black girl in a predominately white town, I know what it is like to be treated unequally and unfairly due to the color of my skin. While researching law, I discovered that black and brown people get harsher penalties and longer sentences than their white counterparts and that women often face discrimination based on their sex. For instance, in domestic violence, rape, and prostitution cases, women are frequently not believed in court due to misperceived thoughts regarding how women behave. Property ownership and inheritance rights lean heavily in a man's favor, leaving women at a disadvantage. Women prisoners also do not have access to equal justice at the same proportional rate that male prisoners do. I want to level the playing field for women and minorities one case at a time. Law is a fascinating topic to me. It is a vehicle for change, and I want to be the change I want to see in the world. Helping other African Americans get fair court representation is a massive personal motivator. The Central Park Five case is one of my biggest inspirations to become a lawyer. This case shows how unfair the justice system is to people of color. Despite a lack of evidence and DNA that did not match that of the five accused of committing the crime, they were convicted. The trials were filled with bias based on race and prosecution misconduct, including obtaining confessions by coercion. Eventually, the man responsible for the crime was arrested for something else and confessed to the rape and assault. His DNA was a match with evidence collected from the scene, and the five boys who were wrongly convicted were exonerated. However, it was not without years of imprisonment having taken its toll. This case exemplifies why I want to be a lawyer. I want to uphold one of the American base views: innocent until proven guilty, and help to prevent wrongful convictions, especially if race is a crucial factor. After further studying the profession and cases such as this, I realized that my niche is that of a civil rights attorney. Their specialty involves cases of discrimination of all sorts of protected characteristics, which will allow me to pursue my passion for helping women and minorities get equal and fair representation in the United States Justice System. My political science studies at Hartwick College will contribute to my future career aspirations by allowing me to cultivate a deep understanding of the process in which legal policy is made, how history plays a role in today's civil rights issues, and how to analyze complex legal and social situations, better preparing me for law school and practicing as a lawyer.

My chosen field of study is a political science program with a pre-law advising track. My career goal is to become a lawyer and help others who look like me in a court of law because, growing up a black girl in a predominantly white town, I know what it is like to be treated unequally and unfairly due to my skin color. Law is a fascinating topic to me. It is a vehicle for change, and I want to be the change I want to see in the world. Helping other African Americans get fair court representation is a massive personal motivator for me. It is a well-known fact that black and brown people get harsher penalties and longer sentences than their white counterparts. Also, common knowledge is that women face discrimination based on their sex. For instance, in domestic violence, rape, and prostitution cases, women are often not believed in court. Misperceived thoughts regarding how women behave can lead to disbelief in their testimony. Property ownership and inheritance rights lean heavily in a man's favor, leaving women at a disadvantage. Women prisoners do not have access to equal justice at the same proportional rate that males do. I want to level the playing field for women and minorities in the legal system, one case at a time. The Central Park Five case is one of my biggest inspirations to become a lawyer. This case shows how unfair the justice system is to people of color. Despite a lack of evidence and DNA that did not match that of any of the five accused of committing the crime in the case, the young black males received a wrongful conviction. The trials consisted of racial bias and prosecution misconduct, including obtaining confessions by coercion. Eventually, exoneration occurred after years of imprisonment; the actual criminal came forward, and the DNA evidence matched that of the confessor. I hope to contribute to preventing wrongful convictions in the United States while practicing law, especially if race is a crucial factor. As a lawyer, I want to uphold the principle of innocence until proven guilty, a core value that should be remembered and upheld. After studying cases like this, I realized that my niche is that of a civil rights attorney. Their specialty involves cases of discrimination against protected characteristics, which will allow me to pursue my passion for helping women and minorities get equal and fair representation in a court of law.

I volunteer for two local non-profit organizations that help veterans in my community. I have done so as often as my busy schedule allows for the past four years. I volunteer at the Waverly Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8104, which supports local veterans and other vital causes within my community. For example, they have food drives to assist local food banks for all (not just veterans). They recently had a tailgate party, and the proceeds went to a local animal shelter. They help to sponsor many other local veterans organizations and have an annual scholarship that they award to family members of veterans. I also volunteer with the Waverly-based chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® (NY 19-10). This non-profit whose mission is "vets helping vets." They assist local veterans in whatever their time of need might entail. For example, they purchased a lift-recliner chair for a veteran with mobility issues, helped another veteran cover the cost of a furnace repair, and hired a cleaning service for a veteran with health issues causing severe shortness of breath, leaving him unable to clean his home, and have helped many other veterans with an array of different things. I have helped these organizations shop for groceries for holiday meals, conduct gift drives, and wrap and deliver gifts for local veteran families in need with small children. I have also helped with meeting prep and event set up and tear down for both groups. I have also assisted with staffing fundraising events, working face painting and dunk booths, and selling raffle tickets for them. I have participated in cooking meals and worked as a server at their events. I have helped box household items and load several moving trucks for a disabled veteran and his family. I made social visits to homebound and lonely disabled veterans. I put my muscles to good use, helping to load an electric wheelchair into the back of a truck and then unloading it to deliver it to a veteran in need who was quickly deteriorating from Lou Gehrig's Disease and was unable to get expedited approval for one at his Veterans Affairs Clinic. This particular type of volunteer work is important to me because I am the daughter of a combat veteran who served in both Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. My father lost several soldiers that he served with in combat and has ensured that I understand the type of sacrifices that service members and their families make for our country. In the future, I plan on helping my community in an entirely different way. I want to become a civil rights attorney. Their specialty involves cases of discrimination against protected characteristics, which will allow me to pursue my passion for helping women and minorities get equal and fair representation in a court of law. That stems from growing up a black girl in a predominantly white town. I know what it is like to be treated unequally and unfairly due to my skin color. Once established in my practice, I hope to provide pro bono services to women and minorities, increasing my positive impact. The parameters of current social norms shape this thinking because most people believe that our veterans are the heroes of our nation and that we should support them. And, the social norm in my community is a white privilege mentality which has led to my experiences with racism, sexism, and discrimination and my passion for civil liberties and defending them for all.

I volunteer for two local non-profit organizations that help veterans in my community. I have done so as often as my busy schedule allows for the past four years. I volunteer at the Waverly Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8104, which supports local veterans and other vital causes within my community. For example, they have food drives to assist local food banks for all (not just veterans). They recently had a tailgate party, and the proceeds went to a local animal shelter. They help to sponsor many other local veterans organizations and have an annual scholarship that they award to family members of veterans. I also volunteer with the Waverly-based chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® (NY 19-10). This non-profit whose mission is "vets helping vets." They assist local veterans in whatever their time of need might entail. For example, they purchased a lift-recliner chair for a veteran with mobility issues, helped another veteran cover the cost of a furnace repair, and hired a cleaning service for a veteran with health issues causing severe shortness of breath, leaving him unable to clean his home, and have helped many other veterans with an array of different things. I have helped these organizations shop for groceries for holiday meals, conduct gift drives, and wrap and deliver gifts for local veteran families in need with small children. I have also helped with meeting prep and event set up and tear down for both groups. I have also assisted with staffing fundraising events, working face painting and dunk booths, and selling raffle tickets for them. I have participated in cooking meals and worked as a server at their events. I have helped box household items and load several moving trucks for a disabled veteran and his family. I made social visits to homebound and lonely disabled veterans. I put my muscles to good use, helping to load an electric wheelchair into the back of a truck and then unloading it to deliver it to a veteran in need who was quickly deteriorating from Lou Gehrig's Disease and was unable to get expedited approval for one at his Veterans Affairs Clinic. This particular type of volunteer work is important to me because I am the daughter of a combat veteran who served in both Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. My father lost several soldiers that he served with in combat and has ensured that I understand the type of sacrifices that service members and their families make for our country. In the future, I plan on helping my community in an entirely different way. I want to become a civil rights attorney. Their specialty involves cases of discrimination against protected characteristics, which will allow me to pursue my passion for helping women and minorities get equal and fair representation in a court of law. That stems from growing up a black girl in a predominantly white town. I know what it is like to be treated unequally and unfairly due to my skin color. Once established in my practice, I hope to provide pro bono services to women and minorities, increasing my positive impact.

My chosen field of study is a political science program with a pre-law advising track. My career goal is to become a lawyer and help others who look like me in a court of law because, growing up a black girl in a predominantly white town, I know what it is like to be treated unequally and unfairly due to my skin color. Law is a fascinating topic to me. It is a vehicle for change, and I want to be the change I want to see in the world. Helping other African Americans get fair court representation is a massive personal motivator for me. It is a well-known fact that black and brown people get harsher penalties and longer sentences than their white counterparts. Also, common knowledge is that women face discrimination based on their sex. For instance, in domestic violence, rape, and prostitution cases, women are often not believed in court. Misperceived thoughts regarding how women behave can lead to disbelief in their testimony. Property ownership and inheritance rights lean heavily in a man's favor, leaving women at a disadvantage. Women prisoners do not have access to equal justice at the same proportional rate that males do. I want to level the playing field for women and minorities in the legal system, one case at a time. The Central Park Five case is one of my biggest inspirations to become a lawyer. This case shows how unfair the justice system is to people of color. Despite a lack of evidence and DNA that did not match that of any of the five accused of committing the crime in the case, the young black males received a wrongful conviction. The trials consisted of racial bias and prosecution misconduct, including obtaining confessions by coercion. Eventually, exoneration occurred after years of imprisonment; the actual criminal came forward, and the DNA evidence matched that of the confessor. I hope to contribute to preventing wrongful convictions in the United States while practicing law, especially if race is a crucial factor. As a lawyer, I want to uphold the principle of innocence until proven guilty, a core value that should be remembered and upheld. After studying cases like this, I realized that my niche is that of a civil rights attorney. Their specialty involves cases of discrimination against protected characteristics, which will allow me to pursue my passion for helping women and minorities get equal and fair representation in a court of law. Once I get established in my practice, I hope to provide pro bono services to women, minorities, and those wrongfully convicted to cast a wider net and increase my positive impact on the community.

My grandfather was an alcoholic, and as a result, his personality was not tolerable to most people. He was critical of everyone and everything and generally just an unhappy person. For some reason, I was the person he would crack his tough exterior for and show love and affection to. As I grew older, I started playing softball, something that he used to do with my mother when she was growing up. It became a shared passion of ours. He wanted to see me perfect my skills and play at the collegiate level in the worst way. Unfortunately, about two and a half years ago, he passed away from a gastrointestinal bleed caused by his chronic alcoholism. After I recovered from the initial shock and devastation from his passing, I decided to return to the field and attempt to make our dream a reality in his honor. However, I was not the most skilled player. Despite trying out for several travel organizations, I could barely hit the ball and couldn't make a team. Eventually, I learned about a team needing additional players due to injuries. I had previously tried out for the same one and did not survive the cut. I messaged the coach for another tryout and made the team this time. My coach told me I wouldn't play much during my first season but could earn a starting position the following year if I worked hard. I took that conversation seriously. I went to every extra practice session offered, got a hitting coach I worked with once a week, did drills at home, sent video footage of me performing the drills to my coach for critique, and made appropriate adjustments. I attended camps and clinics with collegiate coaches and players every weekend for months, bought a gym membership and lifted weights, went to the field on my own, ran bases with ankle and wrist weights, and got faster and more robust. I didn't stop working; I still haven't. I knew the coach had created an opportunity for me to improve on the field and learn lessons that translate to academics and the professional world. He allowed me a fighting chance to make my shared dream with Grandpa come true. This season, I was a starter on defense and a permanent part of the batting lineup. I played outfield and filled in at catcher. I hit two home runs in back-to-back at-bats during a travel tournament. I led my high school team in triples. I also had a few doubles and several singles and racked up numerous runners batted in. I became a leader on my team, calling huddles, cheering, and keeping their spirits up. I made sure that we were all communicating on the field. My hard work paid off with several college softball offers, resulting in a roster spot at Hartwick College for the 2025 season. Losing him impacted my life by intensifying my focus on developing as an athlete, which taught me many things. I learned that softball and life are similar; there's no shortcut to success; you must put in hard work, weather storms, overcome challenges, and persevere. Adversity in the sport shaped me by teaching me a strong work ethic, leadership, teamwork, accountability, sacrifice, and resilience. The most profound impact his loss has had has nothing to do with softball, though. After watching him die in such a traumatic way, I want to lead a healthy lifestyle and altogether avoid alcohol use. I try to think of it as his death not being in vain because I was able to learn from it.

I have always absolutely loved the game of softball. That doesn't mean I was always good at it though. Two years ago, I could barely hit and couldn't make a travel team despite trying out for several. I learned about a team that needed some additional players. I had previously tried out for the same one and did not survive the cut. I messaged the coach for another tryout and made the team this time. My coach told me I wouldn't play much my first season, but could earn a starting position the following year if I worked hard. I took that conversation seriously. I went to every extra practice session that was offered, got a hitting coach that I worked with once a week, did drills at home, sent video footage of me performing the drills to my coach for critique and made appropriate adjustments. I attended camps and clinics with collegiate coaches and players every weekend for months, bought a gym membership and lifted weights, went to the field on my own and ran bases with ankle and wrist weights, and got faster and stronger. I didn't stop working; I still haven't. I knew the coach had created an opportunity for me to improve on the field and learn lessons that translate to academics and the professional world. This season, I was a starter on defense and a permanent part of the batting lineup. I played outfield and filled in at catcher. I hit two home runs in back-to-back at-bats during a travel tournament. I led my high school team in triples. I also had a few doubles, several singles, and racked up numerous runners batted in. I became a leader on my team, calling huddles, cheering, and keeping their spirits up. I made sure that we were all communicating on the field. My hard work paid off with several college softball offers, ultimately resulting in a roster spot at Hartwick College for the 2025 season. I learned that softball and life are similar; there's no shortcut to success; you must put in hard work, weather storms, overcome challenges, and persevere. Adversity in the sport shaped me by teaching me strong work ethic, leadership, teamwork, accountability, time management, sacrifice, and resilience. I plan on applying all those lessons while attending college, earning a bachelor's degree in Political Science, completing law school, becoming a civil rights lawyer, and helping those facing racism and sexism navigate the legal system while inspiring others to overcome adversity.

Why do I want to become a lawyer? Law is just a fascinating topic to me. It is a vehicle for change, and I want to drive it! I want to help others who look like me in a court of law because while growing up a black girl in a predominately white town, I know what it is like to be treated unequally and unfairly due to the color of my skin. It is a well-known fact that black and brown people get harsher penalties and longer sentences than their white counterparts. It is also well known that women oftentimes face discrimination based on their sex. For instance, in domestic violence, rape, and prostitution cases, women are often not believed in court. There are misperceived thoughts regarding how women behave, and this can lead to disbelief. Property ownership and inheritance rights lean heavily in a man's favor, leaving women at a disadvantage. Women prisoners also do not have access to equal justice at the same proportional rate that male prisoners do. I want to level the playing field for both women and minorities, at least as far as the legal system goes, one case at a time. The Central Park Five case is one of my biggest inspirations to become a lawyer. This case shows how unfair the justice system is to people of color. Yes, it was a different time, but this type of inequality still exists today. Despite a lack of evidence and DNA that did not match that of any of the five accused of committing the rape and physical assault in the case, they were convicted. The trials were filled with bias based on race and prosecution misconduct, including obtaining confessions by coercion. The defense attempted to point out the coercion, but they were ignored, and the rest of the court quickly jumped to conclusions. Eventually, the man responsible for the crime was arrested for something else and confessed to the Central Park rape and assault. His DNA was a match with the evidence collected from the scene, and the five boys who were wrongly convicted were exonerated. However, it was not without years of imprisonment having taken its toll. They lost much of their childhood and years of freedom, and their reputation had been destroyed. Therefore, if I can help just one person from being wrongly accused of a crime they did not commit, I will be so happy. This is the main reason I want to be a lawyer. I want to uphold one of the American base views: innocent until proven guilty. This core value is not always upheld as it is supposed to be. After researching this profession and studying cases such as this, I realized that my niche is that of a civil rights attorney. Their specialty involves cases of discrimination of all sorts of protected characteristics, which will allow me to pursue my passion for helping women and minorities get equal and fair representation in the United States Justice System. Perhaps the final reason that I want to enter into the law profession is to prove to people that I can do this because some doubt me due to my disability (ADHD). I have already applied to and been accepted at a four-year college majoring in Political Science with a pre-law advising track. After that, I will take the LSAT and apply for pre-law. Once that is completed, I will finish law school, take the bar exam, then become a practicing attorney. Eventually, I plan on doing pro bono work for women and minorities in need.

While I know there is no easy answer to improving the relationships between the African American population and law enforcement in the United States, I have several ideas on where to start. Increasing the number of black and brown officers in law enforcement would be an excellent start for several reasons. For example, the African American community may view black and brown officers as being more knowledgeable regarding the culture and concerns of minorities. Black and brown officers may be more empathetic due to their ability to see things from the perspective of minorities. In turn, this develops an increased sense of trust from the African American community regarding the police. Implementing cultural diversity training is helpful, it could be more so if it includes testing that reveals subconscious biases that may exist among the officers without realizing it. It is also of essential importance that the training consists of ways to overcome those biases and treat all citizens ethically and fairly. I think that in the past, crime data was used as a weapon rather than as an objective tool. For instance, it led to policies such as "stop and frisk" in highly minority-populated areas. The research did not take into consideration that black people are almost six times more likely, and Hispanics are about three times more likely to be incarcerated than white people. Their sentences are also harsher at a highly disproportional rate. Law enforcement also needs to be more transparent. According to Harvard, when attempting to research the use of lethal force in America, police were often not willing to give them access to their data. More methods of non-lethal force need to be readily available to officers, and they need to be well-trained in how to implement them. Their training should engrain into their minds that lethal force is an absolute last resort. De-escalation training is essential, and officers should consider whether a mental health component is involved in all situations. Mental health staff, such as crisis-trained social workers, should be readily available to assist around the clock. Law enforcement agencies should implement programs at the local level to decrease social disparities, such as food and school supply programs. Often, people of color have less access to resources such as this, which leads to crime to satisfy their basic needs or to try to get the things that they need for an education. It is quite possible that preventing petty crimes that lead to African Americans' introduction to the crime system could help to improve police and minority relations by allowing them to have a positive first experience with officers rather than a negative one. Perhaps an event could be held where the citizens "shop with a cop" to receive groceries or school supplies and strengthen their relationships with the law enforcement community. Lastly, I think there needs to be legislation passed that sets the monetary penalties and jail/prison sentences for a particular crime flat across the board regardless of skin color. For instance, if a person commits petty theft, the penalty for that crime would automatically be six months in jail and a one thousand dollar fine for everyone, no matter their race. Right now, things are on a sliding scale, and it is up to the individual judges to assign penalties on each case, leaving room for inequalities based on race. Often, African Americans end up with higher monetary penalties and longer jail sentences than other races.

I was born in April of 2007, at the time, my father was a sergeant in the United States Army and deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Just 12 days before I was born, my dad traded places with one of his best friends that he had been stationed with since basic training on a mission. That friend hit an improvised explosive device just outside of the gate to their base. My dad was able to help rescue him. They stabilized him enough to catch an emergency medical flight to the military hospital in Germany. What they had no way of knowing was that the impact of the soldier's body armor had caused internal bleeding. He passed away on that flight. I can remember my dad saying that they did roll call the next morning, the soldier's cross was displayed. They called the soldier's name three times, there was an obvious silence. My dad said that he had tears streaming down his face and some of their other friends lost their composure as well. I can't imagine how hard that was. He doesn't talk about the things that happened in war much, but I have overheard him reminiscing with his Veterans of Foreign Wars buddies. He mentioned a young solider in the same humvee as he was being hit by an explosive device and having to clean up brain matter as a result. My dad got to come home for two weeks of rest and relaxation leave when I was born. He made it for my birth, but was informed the day that my mom delivered that his deployment had been extended from twelve to fifteen months. Although I don't remember it, my mom said she held me in the airport and just sobbed as he got on the plane to go back. My mom told me about news reports daily of US troops missing or dead. My parents said that they went weeks at a time without speaking because the phones would get shut down for families of the wounded and deceased to be notified. My mom said it was absolutely terrifying. When he finally returned home, I was about nine months old, crawling, and almost walking. He had trouble adjusting. My mom said that he would run red lights and swerve into the other lane if there was garbage near the road. He explained that in Iraq, often times if they stopped, they would get attacked and that explosives were often disguised as things like trash. At one point he had an anger and a drinking problem, but refused to get help because "the military frowned upon it" and he didn't want to seem weak or like he couldn't handle things. He eventually got counseling and got his drinking under control and I am so proud of him for that. But, there are still lasting impacts of post traumatic stress. He always has his back to the wall to see everything that is going on. He can be very harsh, critical, and a little closed off emotionally at time as well. But, at the end of the day, he has always held a good job and made sure that I was well taken care of. He did get help. He has used the good things that he learned from being a soldier to teach me important lessons like work ethic and integrity. I have been taught to respect the flag and the ultimate sacrifice. He is my hero and I am thankful that he made it home to me!

I started out playing tee ball baseball in first grade because there wasn't a local softball team for my age group. After two years, I transitioned to recreational softball and have been playing ever since. I have played at the modified, JV, and Varsity levels for school softball, and this season will be my third year playing travel softball. I have several offers to play at the collegiate level, but they're all community colleges and NCAA Division III schools and do not offer sports scholarships. Although I love the game, it was not an easy road. I was not good enough to make a travel team at first, I tried out for six and was cut from every one. A couple of months later, one of the teams that I had previously been cut from needed a couple more players. I messaged the coach and went to a second tryout and the coach gave me a shot. He informed me I would be sitting the bench the majority of the time that season, but had potential if I worked hard and could earn more playing time the following season. I went to every extra session, hitting lessons, did drills at home, attended clinics and camps, ran, lifted weights, and never stopped putting hard work in. I would even take video of the work that I was doing at home and sent it to my coach for critique so I could make adjustments. By the next season, I was a starter every game and one of the strongest hitters on the team. I hit back to back homeruns in a game this summer during travel ball and led my varsity team in triples this year. I became a leader calling all of the huddles, cheering everyone on, and keeping the team's spirit up. My team became like my family, I love them, and that field is my therapist. Softball has taught me work ethic, perseverance, teamwork, selflessness, leadership, discipline, sacrifice, confidence, mental strength, time management, and so many other lessons that are carried over to the classroom and my professional life. I plan on utilizing all of those lessons and the knowledge that I can persevere through any challenge with hard work as I graduate high school, begin college, and enter this next stage of my life. I plan on earning a degree in political science, attending law school, becoming a lawyer and helping women and minorities navigate the legal system. I am passionate about the rights of woman and minorities. I plan on playing college softball for four years, then coaching and inspiring "underdog" players like I was.

Online learning was a foreign concept to me early in my high school career. Then, with the COVID-19 pandemic in full force and schools being shut down, I was basically thrust into it overnight. Traditional physical classroom learning was no longer an option at that time. My high school uses Microsoft Teams and posts video and lesson material links on there to facilitate learning. It is also used for virtual meetings spaces to discuss materials as a class. The messenger function on there is used for communication between teachers and students. There are also links to access assignments and to submit completed assignments. A few of my teachers also used the zoom application for virtual class meetings. I have also been taking several college classes while in high school through the College Now Program at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Some of those classes are hybrid meaning that a portion of the material is presented online and some of it is done in person. Others are a fully online format and use the Blackboard program which is somewhat similar to teams, but tailored specifically to secondary education. While taking collegiate courses, I also make use of the online library access provided by he college via a link on their website to do any necessary research for my classes. In addition to that, I use other platforms like YouTube to watch documentaries and political debates regarding some of the material that I am studying in my collegiate level political science class. They are convenient because I can pause, rewind, and review them as needed and take notes about taking points, allowing me better prepare debate material for class. I have learned about a filter on google search which narrows results down to reliable academic resources only. This is especially helpful when conducting research in which I am unable to find enough information via the online or physical school provided libraries. Perhaps one of the best resources that I have found regarding online learning is the Khan Academy. They have pre-recorded online lessons in just about any subject. It is like having a virtual tutor. They even give you practice material and quizzes. You can go at your own pace and review as many times as needed to grasp the material. I particularly struggle with math and get anxiety making it difficult to retain information as soon as it is presented to me in class. Khan Academy was integral to my success on the New York State math regents exam. It is a resource that I definitely plan on continuing to utilize during my collegiate education. These online platforms, tools, and resources have helped me to learn and to better apply my knowledge by allowing me a way to continue receiving an education while brick and mortar schools were closed, by providing multiple resources at my fingertips in an instant when I need additional information on any given subject, and they allow me to learn at my own pace and review material as much as I need to in order to ensure my academic success.

Being a black girl with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a predominantly white town is challenging. Unfortunately, bullying and racism comes with the territory. I’ve been told "I don't like you because you're black,” "your mom must be a drug dealer because you're black,” and “your hair looks like Ramen noodles" by other students in additional to racial slurs my school career. I’ve reported them to staff, they ask students not to say things like that and the superintendent asked me to sit on a diversity committee, but no real change. I've been embarrassed, accused of stealing from the school café, had to demand video surveillance review to prove my innocence, and received no apology. A white woman clutched her purse and moved away from me as I walked into a store. There's no elaborate story about my ADHD. I had issues concentrating, teachers told my parents it was concerning, my doctor prescribed medication, it wasn’t working. The dose was increased, I felt horrible. I couldn’t eat, got headaches, mood swings, and lost ten pounds. I was doing fantastic in school, but at the expense of my physical and mental health. I told my mom how awful the medication made me feel. She stopped it, we tried vitamins, phone reminders, and post-it notes to keep me on track. We met with the school to ask for help. Despite providing documentation, calls, e-mails, and meetings, the school did not offer assistance. I kept working independently to find solutions (private tutors, checklists). Although things improved slightly, I was struggling. My junior year, the pediatrician tried different medication, side effects aren’t as severe, and I learned workarounds like having a high protein meal to maintain weight and avoid hunger headaches. I learned that medication is a valuable tool to keep me focused and to ignore bullies; only I can determine my worth. I applied lessons from my struggles, improved my grades, and figured out how to manage everything. Throughout it all has been softball. That doesn't mean I was always good. Two years ago, I could barely hit and couldn't make a travel team, despite trying several times. I learned about a team that needed players, messaged the coach for a tryout, and made it. My coach told me I wouldn't play much, but if I worked hard, I could start the following year. I went to every extra practice, got a hitting coach, did drills and camps, lifted weights, ran, and got faster. I didn't stop working; I still haven't. I knew that coach gave me an opportunity to improve on the field and lessons that translate to academics and the professional world. This season, I was a starter on defense and a permanent part of the batting lineup. I hit two home runs, a few triples and doubles, and had several singles and runners batted in. I became a leader on my team, calling huddles, cheering, and keeping spirits up. I learned that softball and life are similar; there’s no shortcut to success; you must put in hard work, weather storms, overcome challenges, and persevere. Adversity shaped me by teaching me to tune out negativity, fueling my strong work ethic, teaching me reliance, and creating a passion for minority and women's rights. I plan on attending college, earning a Political Science degree, completing law school, becoming a lawyer, and helping those who face racism and sexism navigate the legal system while inspiring others to overcome adversity. However, there is financial burden associated with my plans. The Bright Lights Scholarship would greatly help me in easing that burden and ensuring success.

Growing up as a black female in a predominately white town has not been easy. I started to experience racism in the first grade. A boy kept hitting, kicking, and shoving me, calling me names, and telling me that he did not like me because I am black. I was devastated and confused. You see, my father is black, and my mother is white. My cousins have a white and Puerto Rican mother. My father was in the military when I was younger, and we had friends that were like extended family from all sorts of races and ethnicities. I didn't even know what racism was. I came home crying and told my parents I am not black; my skin is brown. That is how innocent and clueless that I was. I would like to say that was an isolated incident, but it wasn't. The behavior continued and my parents met with the principal only to be told that I would have to learn that not everyone has a warm and fuzzy personality and that I should just learn to avoid that student and "go my own way." It was clear that the school wasn't going to be helpful, so my dad taught me to have thick skin, be the better person, and persevere through it. I was doing well until later in my elementary career, a new girl moved to town, and I was excited to befriend her. But, when I attempted to speak to her, I was met with a dirty look and told that she also doesn't like me because I am black, and "because you're black, your mom must be a drug dealer, that's how you can afford Converse sneakers, "you're ugly, your hair looks like Ramen noodles," and so on. Unfortunately, the verbal bullying went on for almost two years until she moved away. Each time that I got an adult, they didn't do anything or didn't believe me. It got worse to the point she was telling me "go kill yourself and let someone throw you in a ditch where you belong." My mental health was suffering, and I was having thoughts of harming myself. I finally got brave enough to tell my mother. She was very supportive, immediately enrolled me in therapy, and called the school and ensured that they gave me all of the mental health resources and support that was available to me there. Eventually, that student moved away, and the counseling helped, and my mental health improved. However, similar remarks about my race and racial slurs have been a common occurrence throughout my high school career. I’ve reported them to staff who ask students not to say things like that and the superintendent asked me to sit on a diversity committee, but no real change has occurred. I've been embarrassed, accused of stealing from the school café, had to demand video surveillance review to prove my innocence, and received no apology. A white woman clutched her purse and moved away from me as I walked into a store. Because of what I have been through, I have developed a strong passion for the rights or women and minorities and the defense of them and became a NAACP member. My eyes have been opened to inequalities minorities face in the United States justice system. For me, going to college means becoming a lawyer, making sure laws that ensure protection of women and minorities are passed, and being able to do pro bono work to help them navigate the legal system on a fair playing field.

I started out playing tee ball baseball in first grade because there wasn't a local softball team for my age group. After two years, I transitioned to recreational softball and have been playing ever since. I have played at the modified, JV, and Varsity levels for school softball, and this season will be my third year playing travel softball. I have several offers to play at the collegiate level, but they're all community colleges and division III schools and do not offer sports scholarships. Although I love the game, it was not an easy road. I was not good enough to make a travel team at first, I tried out for six and was cut from every one. A couple of months later, one of the teams that I had previously been cut from needed a couple more players. I messaged the coach and went to a second tryout and the coach gave me a shot. He informed me I would be sitting the bench the majority of the time that season, but had potential if I worked hard and could earn more playing time the following season. I went to every extra session, hitting lessons, did drills at home, attended clinics and camps, ran, lifted weights, and never stopped putting hard work in. I would even take video of the work that I was doing at home and sent it to my coach for critique so I could make adjustments. By the next season, I was a starter every game and one of the strongest hitters on the team. I hit back to back homeruns in a game this summer during travel ball and led my varsity team in triples this year. I became a leader calling all of the huddles, cheering everyone on, and keeping the team's spirit up. My team became like my family, I love them, and that field is my therapist. Softball has taught me work ethic, perseverance, teamwork, selflessness, leadership, discipline, sacrifice, confidence, mental strength, time management, and so many other lessons that are carried over to the classroom and my professional life. I plan on utilizing all of those lessons and the knowledge that I can persevere through any challenge with hard work as I graduate high school, begin college, and enter this next stage of my life. I plan on earning a degree in political science, attending law school, becoming a lawyer and helping women and minorities navigate the legal system. I am passionate about the rights of woman and minorities. I plan on playing college softball for four years, then coaching and inspiring "underdog" players like I was.

Being a black girl in a predominantly white town is challenging and overshadows my intelligence and athletic abilities. Unfortunately, bullying and racism comes with the territory. As early as the first grade, I had a boy call me a racial slur and hit and kick me. When my family brought it to the principal's attention, we were told "she has to learn that not everyone has a warm and fuzzy personality" and that I should just avoid that person so there isn't any conflict. I’ve been told "I don't like you because you're black,” "your mom must be a drug dealer because you're black,” and “your hair looks like Ramen noodles" by other students. Similar remarks and racial slurs have been a common occurrence throughout my high school career. I’ve reported them to staff with responses ranging from adults asking students not to say things like that to the superintendent asking me to sit on a diversity committee, but no real change. I have been embarrassed, accused of stealing from the school café while working, had to demand video surveillance review to prove my innocence, and received no apology. A white woman clutched her purse and moved away from me as I walked into a store. On top of all of that, I was diagnosed with ADHD, my parents met with the school on several occasions, provided documentation from the pediatrician, sent multiple e-mails, and had many phone conversations, they still did not provide any extra help for me. So, eventually we hired tutors at our own expense and tried a couple of medications before finding one that worked without severe side effects. Despite all of that, I have managed to maintain a 3.3 overall GPA and earn several offers to play collegiate softball. I volunteer at the local VFW post and with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®, a non-profit that helps local veterans in need. I play trumpet in the high school band. I work part-time at a local convenience store. I refuse to let the actions of other people hold me down. I am the only person that can author my story. Because of everything that I have been through, I have grown very passionate about minority and women's rights. I have also become a member of the NAACP. I am going to earn a bachelor's degree in political science, then apply for law school, and eventually become I lawyer. I envision leveraging my degree to champion the power of BIPOC women by advocating for laws to defend their rights, possibly becoming part of the NAACP's legal team, and doing pro-bono work to help them navigate the legal system which is too often not a fair playing field for people of color.

I have ADHD, which has made my academic career a challenge. When I first tried medication, there were terrible side effects of weight loss, appetite suppression, headaches, and mood swings. I had to stop the medications because my physical and mental health was suffering, but without it my grades were. I tried vitamins, phone reminders, and post-it notes to try to stay on track without much success. My family and I met with the school and provided documentation from the doctor, but they did not provide any assistance. We hired private tutors, which was helpful, but my grades were not reaching my potential. My junior year, I met with my doctor and decided to try a different medication. There are side effects, but less severe, and I learned work arounds like eating a high protein meal before to maintain my weight and fight off headaches from appetite suppression. I learned how to better manage everything and my grades improved. I am carrying a 3.3 overall grade point average and plan to continue to work hard and raise it further. I am also a black girl in a predominantly white town. Unfortunately, bullying and racism comes with the territory. I’ve been subjected to racial slurs and remarks throughout my school career. I’ve reported it to staff, they ask students not to say things like that and the superintendent asked me to sit on a diversity committee, but no real change. I've been embarrassed, accused of stealing from the school café, had to demand video surveillance review to prove my innocence, and received no apology. A white woman clutched her purse and moved away from me as I walked into a store. Throughout it all, there has been softball. I started out playing tee ball baseball because there wasn't a local softball team for my age group. After two years, I transitioned to recreational softball and have been playing ever since. I have played at the modified, JV, and Varsity levels for school softball, and this season will be my third year playing travel softball. I have several offers to play at the collegiate level, but they're all community colleges and division III schools and do not offer sports scholarships. Although I love the game, it was not an easy road. I was not good enough to make a travel team at first, I tried out for six and was cut from every one. I went to a second tryout for one of the teams and the coach gave me a shot. He informed me I would be sitting the bench, but had potential if I worked hard. I went to every extra session, hitting lessons, did drills at home, attended clinics and camps, ran, lifted weights, and never stopped putting hard work in. By the next season, I was a starter every game and one of the strongest hitters on the team. I became a leader calling all of the huddles, cheering everyone on, and keeping the team's spirit up. My team became like my family, I love them, and that field is my therapist. softball has taught me work ethic, perseverance, teamwork, selflessness, leadership, discipline, and so many other lessons that are carried over to the classroom and my professional life. I plan on earning a degree in political science, attending law school, becoming a lawyer and helping women and minorities navigate the legal system. Everything that I have been through has made me passionate about the rights of woman and minorities. I plan on playing college softball for four years, then coaching and inspiring "underdog" players like I was.

My favorite team USA athlete to cheer on is Simone Biles. She is my favorite for so many reasons. I admire her for all the adversity that she has overcome while becoming the greatest of all time in her sport. She had a mother with substance abuse issues and was put into the foster system before being adopted by her grandparents. While training, she became a victim of sexual abuse and spoke about against her abuser for the sake of not just herself, but countless others who had also been abused. She went through some serious mental health issues that affected her safety and made a very courageous move of taking a step back and taking care of her well-being. Then, returning to the sport was very scary for her, but she kept working at it little by little until she was able to make a return. Then, she participated in the Paris Olympics winning multiple metals all while pregnant. I also recently found out that she uses her platform to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. As an athlete myself, although in a different sport, she demonstrates the discipline that it takes to be a successful athlete. Even though she is so famous, she seems to stick to her values and remain down to earth. Last, but not least, she is one amazing role model for other black women such as myself.

I am the daughter of an Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veteran. Because of my father's service in the Army and the fellow soldiers he lost, I am passionate about helping veterans. I volunteer at VFW Post 8104 and with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® (CVMA) NY 19-10 chapter. CVMA is a non-profit whose mission is "vets helping vets." I have worked at benefit dinners and fundraising events for both groups for approximately four years. I have also helped provide holiday dinners and gifts for children of veterans in need. I continue to help both organizations as often as my busy schedule allows. My dad is my hero. Despite PTSD and other disabilities from combat, he's always held a good job and made sure that he takes good care of me. He has taught me about sacrifices that service members make and inspired me to support them however I can. I have played recreational, modified, JV, Varsity, and this season will and travel softball. I have several offers to play at the collegiate level, but they're all community colleges and division III schools and do not offer sports scholarships. Although I love the game, it was not an easy road. I was not good enough to make a travel team at first, I tried out for six and was cut from every one. I went to a second tryout for one of the teams and the coach gave me a shot. He informed me I would be sitting the bench, but had potential if I worked hard. I went to every extra session, hitting lessons, did drills at home, attended clinics and camps, ran, lifted weights, and never stopped putting hard work in. By the next season, I was a starter every game and one of the strongest hitters on the team. Those lessons that carried over to the classroom and my professional life. I have ADHD, which has made my academic career a challenge. My family and I met with the school and provided documentation from the doctor, but they did not provide any assistance. We hired private tutors, which was helpful, but my grades were not reaching my potential. My junior year, I met with my doctor and decided to try medication. There are side effects, but I learned work arounds like eating a high protein meal to maintain my weight and fight off headaches from appetite suppression. I learned how to better manage everything and my grades improved. My overall grade point average is 3.3 and I will work hard and raise it further. I have been a member of the high school marching, jazz, and concert bands throughout my high school career. I play the trumpet and taught myself bass guitar using You-Tube videos. I work part time job at a local convenience. I plan on earning a degree in political science, attending law school, becoming a lawyer and focusing on helping women and minorities navigate the legal system. I am a NAACP member.

Being a black girl with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a predominantly white town is challenging. Unfortunately, bullying and racism comes with the territory. I’ve been told "I don't like you because you're black,” "your mom must be a drug dealer because you're black,” and “your hair looks like Ramen noodles" by other students in additional to racial slurs my school career. I’ve reported them to staff, they ask students not to say things like that and the superintendent asked me to sit on a diversity committee, but no real change. I've been embarrassed, accused of stealing from the school café, had to demand video surveillance review to prove my innocence, and received no apology. A white woman clutched her purse and moved away from me as I walked into a store. There's no elaborate story about my ADHD. I had issues concentrating, teachers told my parents it was concerning, my doctor prescribed medication, it wasn’t working. The dose was increased, I felt horrible. I couldn’t eat, got headaches, mood swings, and lost ten pounds. I was doing fantastic in school, but at the expense of my physical and mental health. I told my mom how awful the medication made me feel. She stopped it, we tried vitamins, phone reminders, and post-it notes to keep me on track. We met with the school to ask for help. Despite providing documentation, calls, e-mails, and meetings, the school did not offer assistance. I kept working independently to find solutions (private tutors, checklists). Although things improved slightly, I was struggling. My junior year, the pediatrician tried different medication, side effects aren’t as severe, and I learned workarounds like having a high protein meal to maintain weight and avoid hunger headaches. I learned that medication is a valuable tool to keep me focused and to ignore bullies; only I can determine my worth. I applied lessons from my struggles, improved my grades, and figured out how to manage everything. Throughout it all has been softball. That doesn't mean I was always good. Two years ago, I could barely hit and couldn't make a travel team, despite trying several times. I learned about a team that needed players, messaged the coach for a tryout, and made it. My coach told me I wouldn't play much, but if I worked hard, I could start the following year. I went to every extra practice, got a hitting coach, did drills and camps, lifted weights, ran, and got faster. I didn't stop working; I still haven't. I knew that coach gave me an opportunity to improve on the field and lessons that translate to academics and the professional world. This season, I was a starter on defense and a permanent part of the batting lineup. I hit two home runs, a few triples and doubles, and had several singles and runners batted in. I became a leader on my team, calling huddles, cheering, and keeping spirits up. I learned that softball and life are similar; there’s no shortcut to success; you must put in hard work, weather storms, overcome challenges, and persevere. Adversity shaped me by teaching me to tune out negativity, fueling my strong work ethic, teaching me reliance, and creating a passion for minority and women's rights. I plan on attending college, earning a Political Science degree, completing law school, becoming a lawyer, and helping those who face racism and sexism navigate the legal system while inspiring others to overcome adversity. However, there is financial burden associated with my plans. The Simon Strong Scholarship would greatly help me in easing that burden and ensuring success.

There is no elaborate story to tell about my ADHD. I had issues concentrating starting at a very young age and teachers told my parents it was an issue. My doctor put me on medication, it was not working well, she increased the dose and I felt horrible. I could not eat anything, got headaches, terrible mood swings, and lost ten pounds while on my medication. I was doing fantastic in school, but at the cost of my physical health. My mental health was also affected; I could not feel emotion, I was going through the day without being mentally present.    I told my mom how awful the medication was making me feel. She took me off the medication, we tried vitamins, setting phone reminders, and post-it notes to keep me on track. We met with the school to ask for help or an education plan. Despite providing documentation from the pediatrician, several calls, e-mails, and meetings with my parents, the school did not offer any assistance. I kept working independently and with my family to find solutions such as private tutors and making checklists. Although things improved slightly, I was struggling.    Finally, this past year, as a junior, we met my pediatrician and tried a different medication at the lowest dose. There are still side effects, but not as severe. I have learned workarounds like having a high protein meal to help maintain my weight and fight off the appetite suppression associated headaches. After that, my overall grade point average rose to a 3.3 and I plan on continuing to apply the strategies that I have learned to manage my ADHD and bring it up even further.    I have learned that my medication is a valuable tool to use when it feels like I am listening to twelve different songs in my head. I figured out that listening to music and participation in band and sports helps to keep me focused. I applied everything I learned from my struggles to the classroom and improved my grades immensely. I figured out how to manage everything. I have also come to realize that ADHD is not all bad and can be advantageous. For example, if I really like something and I am passionate about it, I have the ability to hyper-focus on it. I plan on using that to my advantage to successfully complete college and become a lawyer. I am very passionate about the rights of minorities and woman and want to defend them some day.

I am a black female in a predominately white neighborhood. Unfortunately, bullying and racism comes with the territory. Racial slurs and remarks have been a common occurrence throughout school. Reports to staff resulted in them asking students not to say those things and the superintendent asking me to sit on a diversity committee, but no real change. I have been embarrassed, accused of stealing from the school café, had to demand video surveillance review to prove my innocence, and received no apology. A white woman clutched her purse and moved away from me as I walked into a store. Because of these adversities, I am a NAACP member and passionate about the rights of minorities and women. I have played recreational, modified, JV, Varsity, and travel softball. I have several offers to play at the collegiate level, but they're all community colleges and division III schools and don't offer sports scholarships. Although I love the game, it was not an easy road. I wasn't good enough to make a travel team at first, I tried out for six and was cut. I went to a second tryout for one of the teams and the coach gave me a shot. He informed me I would be sitting the bench, but had potential if I worked hard. I went to every extra session, hitting lessons, did drills at home, attended clinics and camps, ran, lifted weights, and never stopped putting hard work in. By the next season, I was a starter every game and one of the strongest hitters on the team. Those lessons that carried over to the classroom and my professional life. I have ADHD, which has made my academic career a challenge. When I first tried medication, there were terrible side effects of weight loss, appetite suppression, headaches, and mood swings. I had to stop medication because my physical and mental health was suffering, but without it my grades were. I tried vitamins, phone reminders, and post-it notes to try to stay on track without much success. My family and I met with the school and provided documentation from the doctor, but they did not provide any assistance. We hired private tutors, which was helpful, but my grades were not reaching my potential. My junior year, I met with my doctor and decided to try a different medication. There are side effects, but less severe, and I learned work arounds like eating a high protein meal before to maintain my weight and fight off headaches from appetite suppression. I learned how to better manage everything and my grades improved. I am carrying a 3.3 overall grade point average and plan to continue to work hard and raise it further. I have been a member of the high school marching, jazz, and concert bands throughout my high school career. I play the trumpet and taught myself bass guitar using You-Tube videos. I'm the daughter of an Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom veteran. Because of my father's Army service and the fellow soldiers he lost, I'm passionate about helping veterans. I volunteer at the VFW and with Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® (CVMA). CVMA is a non-profit whose mission is "vets helping vets." I work part time job at a local convenience store as a cashier and deli assistant. I plan on earning a political science degree, attending law school, becoming a lawyer and helping women and minorities navigate the legal system. Unfortunately, my dreams and aspirations come at a large financial expense. The One Chance Scholarship would help to ease that burden and ensure that I am able to achieve them.

I am a black female in a predominately white neighborhood. Unfortunately, bullying and racism comes with the territory. Racial slurs and remarks have been a common occurrence throughout school. Reports to staff resulted in them asking students not to say those things and the superintendent asking me to sit on a diversity committee, but no real change. I have been embarrassed, accused of stealing from the school café, had to demand video surveillance review to prove my innocence, and received no apology. A white woman clutched her purse and moved away from me as I walked into a store. I have played recreational, modified, JV, Varsity, and travel softball. I have several offers to play at the collegiate level, but they're all community colleges and division III schools and do not offer sports scholarships. Although I love the game, it was not an easy road. I was not good enough to make a travel team at first, I tried out for six and was cut from every one. I went to a second tryout for one of the teams and the coach gave me a shot. He informed me I would be sitting the bench, but had potential if I worked hard. I went to every extra session, hitting lessons, did drills at home, attended clinics and camps, ran, lifted weights, and never stopped putting hard work in. By the next season, I was a starter every game and one of the strongest hitters on the team. Those lessons that carried over to the classroom and my professional life. I have ADHD, which has made my academic career a challenge. When I first tried medication, there were terrible side effects of weight loss, appetite suppression, headaches, and mood swings. I had to stop the medications because my physical and mental health was suffering, but without it my grades were. I tried vitamins, phone reminders, and post-it notes to try to stay on track without much success. My family and I met with the school and provided documentation from the doctor, but they did not provide any assistance. We hired private tutors, which was helpful, but my grades were not reaching my potential. My junior year, I met with my doctor and decided to try a different medication. There are side effects, but less severe, and I learned work arounds like eating a high protein meal before to maintain my weight and fight off headaches from appetite suppression. I learned how to better manage everything and my grades improved. I am carrying a 3.3 overall grade point average and plan to continue to work hard and raise it further. I have been a member of the high school marching, jazz, and concert bands throughout my high school career. I play the trumpet and taught myself bass guitar using You-Tube videos. I'm the daughter of an Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom veteran. Because of my father's Army service and the fellow soldiers he lost, I'm passionate about helping veterans. I volunteer at the VFW and with Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® (CVMA). CVMA is a non-profit whose mission is "vets helping vets." I work part time job at a local convenience store as a cashier and deli assistant. I plan on earning a degree in political science, attending law school, becoming a lawyer and focusing on helping women and minorities navigate the legal system. I am a NAACP member. Unfortunately, my dreams and aspirations come at a large financial expense. The Anthony B. Davis scholarship would help to ease that burden and ensure that I am able to achieve them.

I am the daughter of an Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veteran. Because of my father's service in the Army and the fellow soldiers he lost, I am passionate about helping veterans. I volunteer at VFW Post 8104 and with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® (CVMA) NY 19-10 chapter. CVMA is a non-profit whose mission is "vets helping vets." I have worked at benefit dinners and fundraising events for both groups for approximately four years. I have also helped provide holiday dinners and gifts for children of veterans in need. I continue to help both organizations as often as my busy schedule allows. I started out playing tee ball baseball because there wasn't a local softball team for my age group. After two years, I transitioned to recreational softball and have been playing ever since. I have played at the modified, JV, and Varsity levels for school softball, and this season will be my third year playing travel softball. I have several offers to play at the collegiate level, but they're all community colleges and division III schools and do not offer sports scholarships. Although I love the game, it was not an easy road. I was not good enough to make a travel team at first, I tried out for six and was cut from every one. I went to a second tryout for one of the teams and the coach gave me a shot. He informed me I would be sitting the bench, but had potential if I worked hard. I went to every extra session, hitting lessons, did drills at home, attended clinics and camps, ran, lifted weights, and never stopped putting hard work in. By the next season, I was a starter every game and one of the strongest hitters on the team. Those lessons that carried over to the classroom and my professional life. I have ADHD, which has made my academic career a challenge. When I first tried medication, there were terrible side effects of weight loss, appetite suppression, headaches, and mood swings. I had to stop the medications because my physical and mental health was suffering, but without it my grades were. I tried vitamins, phone reminders, and post-it notes to try to stay on track without much success. My family and I met with the school and provided documentation from the doctor, but they did not provide any assistance. We hired private tutors, which was helpful, but my grades were not reaching my potential. My junior year, I met with my doctor and decided to try a different medication. There are side effects, but less severe, and I learned work arounds like eating a high protein meal before to maintain my weight and fight off headaches from appetite suppression. I learned how to better manage everything and my grades improved. I am carrying a 3.3 overall grade point average and plan to continue to work hard and raise it further. I have been a member of the high school marching, jazz, and concert bands throughout my high school career. I play the trumpet and taught myself bass guitar using You-Tube videos. I work part time job at a local convenience store as a cashier and deli assistant. I plan on earning a degree in political science, attending law school, becoming a lawyer and focusing on helping women and minorities navigate the legal system. I am a NAACP member. Unfortunately, my dreams and aspirations come at a large financial expense. The Kalia D. Davis scholarship would help to ease that burden and ensure that I am able to achieve them.

Being a black girl with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a predominantly white town is challenging and overshadows my intelligence and athletic abilities. Unfortunately, bullying and racism comes with the territory. I’ve been told "I don't like you because you're black,” "your mom must be a drug dealer because you're black,” and “your hair looks like Ramen noodles" by other students. Similar remarks and racial slurs have been a common occurrence throughout school. I’ve reported them to staff with responses ranging from adults asking students not to say things like that to the superintendent asking me to sit on a diversity committee, but no real change. I have been embarrassed, accused of stealing from the school café while working, had to demand video surveillance review to prove my innocence, and received no apology. A white woman clutched her purse and moved away from me as I walked into a store. There's no elaborate story about my ADHD. I had issues concentrating and teachers told my parents it was concerning. My doctor prescribed medication, it wasn’t working well, the dose was increased, I felt horrible. I couldn’t eat, got headaches, mood swings, and lost ten pounds. I was doing fantastic in school, but at the expense of my health. My mental health suffered; I couldn’t feel emotion, I was going through the day without being mentally present. I told my mom how awful the medication made me feel. She stopped it, we tried vitamins, phone reminders, and post-it notes to keep me on track. We met with the school to ask for help. Despite providing documentation, calls, e-mails, and meetings, the school did not offer assistance. I kept working independently to find solutions (private tutors, checklists). Although things improved slightly, I was struggling. My junior year, the pediatrician tried different medication. The side effects aren’t as severe, and I learned workarounds like having a high protein meal to maintain my weight and fight off hunger headaches. I learned that my medication is a valuable tool to keep me focused, and to ignore bullies; only I can determine my worth. I applied lessons from my struggles to improve my grades and figured out how to manage everything. Throughout it all, there has been softball. That doesn't mean I was always good. Two years ago, I could barely hit and couldn't make a travel team, despite trying several times. I learned about a team that needed players, messaged the coach for a tryout, and made it. My coach told me I wouldn't play much, but if I worked hard, I could start the following year. I went to every extra practice, got a hitting coach, did drills and camps, lifted weights, ran, and got faster. I didn't stop working; I still haven't. I knew that coach gave me an opportunity to improve on the field and lessons that translate to academics and the professional world. This season, I was a starter on defense and a permanent part of the batting lineup. I hit two home runs, a few triples and doubles, and had several singles and runners batted in. I became a leader on my team, calling huddles, cheering, and keeping spirits up. I learned that softball and life are similar; there’s no shortcut to success; you must put in hard work, weather storms, overcome challenges, and persevere. To me, success is the fact that I was able to tune out negatively, find ways to cope with my ADHD symptoms, and refine my athletic skills. Due to those successes, I can make big and important goals and know that I am more than capable of achieving them. Because of those successes, I am planning on attending college, earning a Political Science degree, completing law school, becoming a lawyer, and helping those who face racism and sexism navigate the legal system while inspiring others to overcome adversity as I have. While I clearly have the work ethic and resiliency, I still must face the financial burden associated with my future successes. The opportunity to be awarded the redefining victory scholarship would greatly help me in doing so.

Being a black girl with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a predominantly white town is challenging and overshadows my intelligence and athletic abilities. Unfortunately, bullying and racism comes with the territory. I’ve been told "I don't like you because you're black,” "your mom must be a drug dealer because you're black,” and “your hair looks like Ramen noodles" by other students. Similar remarks and racial slurs have been a common occurrence throughout school. I’ve reported them to staff with responses ranging from adults asking students not to say things like that to the superintendent asking me to sit on a diversity committee, but no real change. I have been embarrassed, accused of stealing from the school café while working, had to demand video surveillance review to prove my innocence, and received no apology. A white woman clutched her purse and moved away from me as I walked into a store. There's no elaborate story about my ADHD. I had issues concentrating and teachers told my parents it was concerning. My doctor prescribed medication, it wasn’t working well, the dose was increased, I felt horrible. I couldn’t eat, got headaches, mood swings, and lost ten pounds. I was doing fantastic in school, but at the expense of my health. My mental health suffered; I couldn’t feel emotion, I was going through the day without being mentally present. I told my mom how awful the medication made me feel. She stopped it, we tried vitamins, phone reminders, and post-it notes to keep me on track. We met with the school to ask for help. Despite providing documentation, calls, e-mails, and meetings, the school did not offer assistance. I kept working independently to find solutions (private tutors, checklists). Although things improved slightly, I was struggling. My junior year, the pediatrician tried different medication. The side effects aren’t as severe, and I learned workarounds like having a high protein meal to maintain my weight and fight off hunger headaches. I learned that my medication is a valuable tool to keep me focused, and to ignore bullies; only I can determine my worth. I applied lessons from my struggles to improve my grades and figured out how to manage everything. Throughout it all, there has been softball. That doesn't mean I was always good. Two years ago, I could barely hit and couldn't make a travel team, despite trying several times. I learned about a team that needed players, messaged the coach for a tryout, and made it. My coach told me I wouldn't play much, but if I worked hard, I could start the following year. I went to every extra practice, got a hitting coach, did drills and camps, lifted weights, ran, and got faster. I didn't stop working; I still haven't. I knew that coach gave me an opportunity to improve on the field and lessons that translate to academics and the professional world. This season, I was a starter on defense and a permanent part of the batting lineup. I hit two home runs, a few triples and doubles, and had several singles and runners batted in. I became a leader on my team, calling huddles, cheering, and keeping spirits up. I learned that softball and life are similar; there’s no shortcut to success; you must put in hard work, weather storms, overcome challenges, and persevere. I am planning on attending college, earning a Political Science degree, completing law school, becoming a lawyer, and helping those who face racism and sexism navigate the legal system while inspiring others to be resilient and overcome adversity as I have.