I am a full-time Running Start student at Tacoma Community College, and I will be graduating with my associate’s degree this summer. While this is something I am proud of, my journey to this point has not been as easy as it may seem. I have always been an independent worker who prefers to figure things out on my own, but through my experiences, I have learned that independence can also become a weakness if I am not willing to ask for help. During my first quarter of Running Start, I decided to take an online English class because I thought it would be easy. I was doing well on assignments and essays, so I never felt the need to reach out to my teacher. However, I failed to read the syllabus carefully and did not realize that responding to classmates was a major part of the grade. Because of this, I ended up failing the class. That moment was humbling, but it became one of the most important learning experiences of my academic journey. When I met with my teacher, he told me that I had done a poor job of advocating for myself. At the time, I did not fully understand what that meant, but after our conversation, I realized that even when I think I am doing well, I still need to communicate and make sure I am meeting expectations. This experience showed me that while I am strong at working independently, I need to grow in asking for help and staying engaged. I took that lesson with me into my next online class. This time, I approached it differently. When I began struggling on quizzes, I reached out right away for help. She guided me on how to study effectively and how to approach her class. Because of that, I improved from failing grades to finishing the class with an A-. That experience showed me that advocating for myself is one of the most important skills I can have. Outside of academics, my life has been shaped by relationships, sports, and mentorship. Growing up with my father as an elementary school music teacher had a major influence on me. I saw how he treated his students with patience, empathy, and care, and it showed me the kind of impact a teacher can have. I also experienced this through my wrestling coach, who was a strong but kind mentor. After he unexpectedly passed away, I realized how much of an impact one person can have on others. That experience motivated me to become someone who can guide and support others in the same way. Because of these experiences, my goal is to become an educator who builds meaningful relationships with students. I want to create a classroom where students feel supported, encouraged, and confident in their ability to grow. I believe that education is not just about academics, but about helping students develop character, resilience, and confidence in themselves. However, pursuing this goal comes with financial challenges. My father works as an elementary school music teacher, and while he works hard, my family is not able to fully support the cost of college. I have been blessed to receive a soccer scholarship, but there is still a significant financial gap. Without additional support, I will need to take on student loans, which I plan to manage responsibly, but I want to minimize that burden as much as possible. This scholarship would allow me to focus more on my education and less on financial stress. It would give me the opportunity to fully invest in becoming the best teacher I can be, so that I can give back to my community in a meaningful way. My goal is not just to succeed for myself, but to use my education to positively impact others. Overall, my journey has taught me the importance of perseverance, humility, and self-advocacy. I have learned that growth often comes from failure, and that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength. As I move forward, I will continue to apply these lessons to my education and future career, with the goal of making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Throughout my life, sports have always played a key role in shaping who I am. Not only were they a way to get out of the house and have fun with friends, but they were also a place where I began learning how to become a strong and respectful man. Through sportsmanship, teamwork, and competition, I developed character traits that continue to guide me today. I learned that team sports are never about one person. No matter how talented one individual may be, success requires unity. I depend on my teammates, and they depend on me. That understanding forced me to show compassion and encouragement, even when someone was struggling. I learned that being a true teammate means supporting others at their lowest, not just celebrating them at their best. Winning is great, but loyalty and unity matter more. As a goalkeeper, I have faced unique challenges. Usually, when you picture a goalkeeper, it's this 7-foot-tall behemoth of a guy able to stop anything that comes close to him. But for me, I am 5'8'' and far from that. Throughout my whole time playing, I have been overlooked because of my physical size. During my sophomore year, I never saw the field. No matter how hard I worked, I remained on the bench. That season was humbling and discouraging. It forced me to evaluate how badly I truly wanted to play. Instead of giving up, I made a decision. If I was going to earn that spot despite the forces against my control, I needed to separate myself through effort. I may be physically small, but mentally I am bigger. I began attending private training sessions, working out consistently, studying game film, and pushing myself beyond what was required at practice. I committed to growth even when no one was watching. Now I have persevered and overcome those barriers that I faced as I have just committed to Corban University to play college soccer. I went from not starting to now being able to work my way to a starting spot on a college team, where I can prove everything I have worked so hard for. Prove it to myself and all of those who doubted me before they actually saw what I could do. I will strive to encourage the younger kids around me who may struggle with something similar so that they, too, can overcome their struggles as I have.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish is irreplaceable. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. He had metal plates in his legs and knees from past injuries. And being young, I thought he was a robot. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship, where we could laugh and have fun while being focused on learning how to wrestle. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish is irreplaceable. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. He had metal plates in his legs and knees from past injuries. And being young, I thought he was a robot. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship, where we could laugh and have fun while being focused on learning how to wrestle. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me.

To further my understanding of the subjects I’m studying, I use a variety of online platforms, tools, and resources that help me explore both Education and healthcare. Growing up, I have always valued learning by example and through personal connection, and online resources allow me to extend that same approach to my studies. For Education, I watch videos and read articles that demonstrate teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and child development principles. These resources help me think critically about what makes a classroom successful and how I can create a space where students feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to grow. Watching teaching demonstrations online reminds me of my father, an elementary school music teacher, and how he connected with his students through patience, empathy, and care. I take those lessons to heart as I explore educational theory and learn ways to apply it in real classrooms. For my interest in becoming a CRNA, I use medical and nursing resources such as Nursing.com, Quizlet, simulation videos, and online tutorials to learn about anatomy, patient care, and anesthesia principles. These tools allow me to practice applying knowledge in ways that are safe, detailed, and practical. For example, simulation videos of procedures help me understand complex processes step by step, while practice quizzes and flashcards reinforce key concepts until I can recall and apply them with confidence. Using these online tools has helped me develop perseverance and discipline, qualities I have also honed through sports and academic experiences. In soccer and wrestling, I learned the importance of preparation, patience, and pushing myself even when progress is slow, skills that translate directly to both teaching and healthcare. I also rely on Canvas and online library databases to access lectures, assignments, and scholarly articles. These resources allow me to explore deeper questions in both fields, connect theory to practice, and prepare for real-life challenges. For Education, I can research strategies for engaging students, supporting those with unique needs, and creating lessons that are meaningful and memorable. For CRNA, I can read about patient case studies, anesthesia protocols, and safety measures that ensure high-quality care. These experiences have helped me develop a mindset of critical thinking and problem-solving, allowing me to see not just what needs to be done, but how and why it should be done. Using online resources has taught me to take initiative and apply what I learn in tangible ways. Watching teaching videos or practicing patient care simulations online is similar to my experience in sports, where learning from observation and practice was crucial. Online tools allow me to experiment, reflect, and grow, giving me the confidence that I can handle challenges thoughtfully, whether in a classroom or a clinical setting. They also reinforce values that are central to both Education and healthcare: patience, empathy, perseverance, and dedication. By combining these skills with my personal experiences, faith, and commitment to serving others, I am preparing to be someone who guides, mentors, and supports those in my care, whether students or patients. Ultimately, these online platforms, tools, and resources do more than help me memorize facts; they help me build understanding, apply knowledge practically, and grow as a thoughtful, compassionate leader. They allow me to connect theory to action, learn from experts, and develop habits that will make me effective in my future classroom or clinical practice. Using these tools, I am not only learning content, but I am also learning how to be a teacher, a CRNA, and someone who can make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Throughout my life, sports have always played a key role in shaping who I am. Not only were they a way to get out of the house and have fun with friends, but they were also a place where I began learning how to become a strong and respectful man. Through sportsmanship, teamwork, and competition, I developed character traits that continue to guide me today. I learned that team sports are never about one person. No matter how talented one individual may be, success requires unity. I depend on my teammates, and they depend on me. That understanding forced me to show compassion and encouragement, even when someone was struggling. I learned that being a true teammate means supporting others at their lowest, not just celebrating them at their best. Winning is great, but loyalty and unity matter more. Another major lesson sports taught me is humility. There were times when my team was winning comfortably, and we began to feel secure in our lead. That security sometimes turned into joking around too much or acting a little cocky. Looking back, I can see how that behavior came off as disrespectful to the other team. I have also experienced the opposite—losing badly while the other team celebrated in ways that felt arrogant and unnecessary. That feeling stuck with me. It made me realize that how you carry yourself in both victory and defeat says more about your character than the scoreboard ever could. Because of those experiences, I learned to stay focused and respectful regardless of the outcome. Leadership, I realized, is not about being the loudest voice. It is about setting the standard through actions. As a goalkeeper, I have faced unique challenges. There is only one starting position, which means competition is constant. During my sophomore year, I never saw the field. No matter how hard I worked, I remained on the bench. That season was humbling and discouraging. It forced me to evaluate how badly I truly wanted to play. Instead of giving up, I made a decision. If I was going to earn that spot, I needed to separate myself through effort. I began attending private training sessions, working out consistently, studying game film, and pushing myself beyond what was required at practice. I committed to growth even when no one was watching. When junior year arrived, I felt prepared. However, I was again named the backup. That was difficult, but I stayed ready. During the first game of the season, the starting goalkeeper suffered a concussion and was sidelined for weeks. I was suddenly called in without warning. Despite the pressure, I remained calm. I made several key saves that kept us in the game. When we entered a penalty shootout, I saved two shots, securing the win. In that moment, everything I had worked for came together. I had prepared for an opportunity that I did not know when I would receive. From that point forward, I earned the starting position. That experience taught me that perseverance and preparation matter, even when recognition does not come immediately. While sports built my resilience, relationships built my heart. I want to make smart financial decisions and pay off my loans steadily in small increments so that I can stay in a healthy financial position after graduating. Receiving this scholarship would reduce the financial stress of paying for college and allow me to focus on my education. My goal is to become a teacher and help educate the next generation so they can build a better future for themselves and their communities.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish is irreplaceable. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. He had metal plates in his legs and knees from past injuries. And being young, I thought he was a robot. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship, where we could laugh and have fun while being focused on learning how to wrestle. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish is irreplaceable. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. ​ In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a substantial beard and a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. He had metal plates in his legs and knees from past injuries. And being young, I thought he was a robot. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship, where we could laugh and have fun while being focused on learning how to wrestle. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish is irreplaceable. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. ​ In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a substantial beard and a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. He had metal plates in his legs and knees from past injuries. And being young, I thought he was a robot. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship, where we could laugh and have fun while being focused on learning how to wrestle. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me. Good teachers must be unique and relatable, and I believe I can fulfill that. One quality I bring to being an educator is patience. Every student learns differently and at their own pace, and a good teacher takes the time to ensure each student understands. Connecting individually with a student builds trust and allows them to feel comfortable asking questions. Growing up, I had a teacher who did this exceptionally well. In his class, I wanted to learn and understand, and asking questions strengthened that desire. He made me feel capable even when I was confused, and I deeply admired and respected him for that experience. Another quality I bring is empathy. I understand that students may face challenges outside of school, and teachers must create a supportive environment where students feel safe asking for help. When students feel comfortable, they are more engaged, enjoy school more, and retain information better. Creating that atmosphere reduces stress and increases learning, helping students thrive both academically and personally. I also bring perseverance. Completing Running Start while still in high school taught me the importance of hard work and staying committed to long-term goals. Staying on top of my classes has prepared me to focus on lesson planning and creating engaging, meaningful activities for students. These qualities will help me support students, encourage growth, and build a classroom where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Personally, I learn much better visually rather than auditorily, and so do many other people. Being able to use examples or allow students to visualize concepts helps prove a point or aids in learning the lesson, which is particularly beneficial for many students, especially those in K-12. Visual materials can break down complex topics into clear, understandable parts. By designing a visual aid that directly supports the curriculum standard, students are able to see the relationships between ideas instead of only hearing about them. For example, using contrasting colors helps highlight key ideas while softer colors create a background that is not distracting. Today’s students grow up surrounded by visual media, technology, and digital information. Because of this, many learners process information more effectively when it is presented visually rather than only through text. Visual learning materials can also support different learning styles and make education more accessible for students who may struggle with traditional teaching methods. By combining clear visuals with structured information, teachers can create lessons that are more engaging, inclusive, and effective. Kids need things to relate to each other to learn how things work. Similarly, when you have a color that relates to a number, that child may learn the number AND color better because they can correlate the two. If you make the number 1 red, and the number 2 blue, then if you add them together, 3 would be the color purple. This visual can aid in learning addition and how different colors combine to make different ones. Visual learning has become increasingly important in modern K–12 classrooms. In the end, designing visual learning materials is about helping students succeed. When thoughtful design choices are used to support academic standards, students are given tools that make complex ideas easier to understand and remember. As someone who will work in education in the future, creating a space for learning and supporting students is something I believe is incredibly valuable.

God has helped me learn so many things in my life, and that is shown by the people he placed in my life. Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. He had metal plates in his legs and knees from past injuries. And being young, I thought he was a robot. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship, where we could laugh and have fun while being focused on learning how to wrestle. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me. My father is an elementary school music teacher, and growing up with him as my teacher at home and at school strongly influenced my desire to teach. I watched how he interacted with students and how he was slow to anger and quick to listen. Seeing the way he cared for his students left a deep impression on me. Following Jesus has also shaped the way I see teaching and relationships. His teachings have changed my life and taught me to love others with humility and patience. Colossians 3:1–3 describes how setting your mind on Christ changes how you live. As I enter this next stage of life, it can feel uncertain, but my faith reminds me not to worry. Matthew 6 teaches that worrying cannot add a single hour to our lives. Trusting God gives me peace that He will guide me forward.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me. This scholarship will help me pursue my education. My father is an elementary school music teacher, and I have seen firsthand the financial challenges that come with working in education. Because of this, my family is not able to fully support the cost of my college education. Scholarships are the best option for me to make college possible without relying heavily on student loans. Even with scholarships, I understand that I will likely have some student debt. However, I have a plan to manage it responsibly. I want to make smart financial decisions and pay off my loans steadily in small increments so that I can stay in a healthy financial position after graduating. My parents have faced financial struggles in the past, and through their experiences, they have learned valuable lessons that they have shared with me. Because of this, I feel more prepared to avoid those same mistakes and handle my finances carefully. Receiving this scholarship would reduce the financial stress of paying for college and allow me to focus on my education. My goal is to become a teacher and help educate the next generation so they can build a better future for themselves and their communities.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish is irreplaceable. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. ​ In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a substantial beard and a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. He had metal plates in his legs and knees from past injuries. And being young, I thought he was a robot. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship, where we could laugh and have fun while being focused on learning how to wrestle. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish is irreplaceable. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. ​ In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a substantial beard and a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. He had metal plates in his legs and knees from past injuries. And being young, I thought he was a robot. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship, where we could laugh and have fun while being focused on learning how to wrestle. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish is irreplaceable. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. ​ In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a substantial beard and a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. He had metal plates in his legs and knees from past injuries. And being young, I thought he was a robot. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship, where we could laugh and have fun while being focused on learning how to wrestle. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me.

My name is Malachi Wilson, and I am 18 and a senior at Gig Harbor High School, and enrolled in Running Start at Tacoma Community College. I have committed to Corban University in Salem, Oregon, which is a small Christian college with a population of about the same size as Gig Harbor High School. What caught my eye about Corban was that they are focused on personal connection as well as building and growing each other's faith in Jesus. The whole atmosphere is so wonderful, and the kindness I felt from everyone I met when I visited was astounding. I have also signed to play for their men's soccer team as a goalkeeper. A door being opened and an opportunity to play a sport that I love at a Christian college is exactly what I was looking for. The combination of the environment of an intense sport, but also being able to stay centered in Christ on and off the field, is something I am looking forward to. I am very excited for this next chapter of life and to continue to follow the plan the Lord has for me. I am going to Major in Education and Minor in Theology. I sat in on a class during my tour, and I loved the Theology teacher there. He had fun energy combined with knowledge and the ability to be serious. The things he spoke and taught on were really interesting, and aside from my major, I need to take his class. Taking a minor on top of my major will be difficult, but the skills I have learned by being a running start student and graduating with my associate's degree have helped shape me into a student who will thrive and succeed with an advanced schedule. My personal hobby is collecting Pokémon cards, and I tie that into my faith by making Instagram videos where I open a pack and read and interpret scripture, and how Jesus changed my life and how He can change other people's. If I could start a charity, it would include both Pokémon and Jesus. I am thinking of donating cards along with stickers of scripture or notes of encouragement to those in tough situations. Spreading love into children's hospitals, orphanages, or any other area where children may feel down. My mission would be to show others the same love of Jesus that He showed me, despite my circumstances. To give those who struggle encouragement that He is with them no matter what, and He loves and cares for them. Visiting children and giving them gifts and smiles is something I have always wanted to do, and in the future, I would love to do this for real. Just sharing life and sitting with kids in the midst of their pain, comforting them, is a goal of mine and something I think everyone should do.

Growing up, I always valued personal connection and relationships. The meaningful time spent learning from someone who cares about you is something that cannot easily be replaced. As I have gotten older, I have realized how important teachers are in shaping the way students think, learn, and interact with the world. Because of this, when designing my visual learning material, I wanted it to reflect not only an academic concept but also a clear and supportive way for students to understand the content. Personally, I learn much better visually rather than auditorily, and so do many other people. Being able to use examples or allow students to visualize concepts helps prove a point or aids in learning the lesson, which is particularly beneficial for many students, especially those in K-12. I selected this standard because many students struggle to fully grasp abstract ideas when they are presented only through text or lectures. Visual materials can break down complex topics into clear, understandable parts. By designing a visual aid that directly supports the curriculum standard, students are able to see the relationships between ideas instead of only hearing about them. The visual elements of the design were carefully chosen to help students comprehend and remember the academic concept being taught. Color theory plays an important role in guiding students’ attention. Bright but balanced colors help separate different parts of the concept, allowing students to easily identify important sections. For example, using contrasting colors helps highlight key ideas while softer colors create a background that is not distracting. Layout is also essential. The information is organized in a clear and logical order so that students can follow the concept step by step. When a design is cluttered or confusing, students may struggle to understand where to focus. A structured layout makes the learning process easier and more intuitive. The example I made showcases that color and numbers can go hand in hand, especially with learning. Kids need things to relate to each other to learn how things work. Similarly, when you have a color that relates to a number, that child may learn the number AND color better because they can correlate the two. If you make the number 1 red, and the number 2 blue, then if you add them together, 3 would be the color purple. This visual can aid in learning addition and how different colors combine to make different ones. As well as this, visual learning has become increasingly important in modern K–12 classrooms. Today’s students grow up surrounded by visual media, technology, and digital information. Because of this, many learners process information more effectively when it is presented visually rather than only through text. Visual learning materials can also support different learning styles and make education more accessible for students who may struggle with traditional teaching methods. By combining clear visuals with structured information, teachers can create lessons that are more engaging, inclusive, and effective. In the end, designing visual learning materials is about helping students succeed. When thoughtful design choices are used to support academic standards, students are given tools that make complex ideas easier to understand and remember. As someone who hopes to work in education in the future, creating learning materials that truly support students is something I believe is incredibly valuable.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish is irreplaceable. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. He had metal plates in his legs and knees from past injuries. And being young, I thought he was a robot. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship, where we could laugh and have fun while being focused on learning how to wrestle. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me.

Over the last 4 months, I have started an Instagram account where I post videos where I read through the bible and open a pack of Pokémon cards. This has allowed me to dive deeper into my faith and walk with Christ, posting videos and being vulnerable. It has also given me an opportunity to use the hobby that I am in to reach people who may not experience or see the love of Christ in their day-to-day lives. I was recently invited to be a content creator at a local card show in Everet Washington, and I did some interviews with some really cool people. I interviewed Christians, atheists, people on the fence, not so sure, and even a transgender person. Being able to spread the love of Christ in a setting where Jesus isn't as talked about was nerve-racking and exciting. Sharing respectfully is key, and listening is too. This calling the Lord has put on my life has been something I have dove headfirst into, and I am so grateful for all the doors being opened in this aspect. All I want to do is learn more so that I can grow myself and be able to share wisely with those around me so that they, too, can see how much Jesus has affected my life and how He can change theirs. Aside from this, I have been playing drums on my church worship team for the last 5 years. Again, using the gifts God has given me to serve the kingdom is such a fulfilling aspect in my life and something I am so thankful for. Seeing the congregation praising the Father and knowing that I am using my talents to impact them is something so profound and impactful in my life. Listening to the call on my life, I want to pursue Christ and keep diving deeper into scripture and everything that the Lord has in store for me. I am going to Corban University, which is a Christian college in Salem, Oregon, to get my education degree. I want to become a teacher so I can teach and educate the next generations with the same kind of love and patience that I have been shown. Living like Jesus in a generation where Jesus isn't seen much is how others will come to know Him. So, an opportunity to go to college and be able to make an even bigger impact starts with this scholarship and many others that I have entered. I know that God has a plan for me, and I am so excited to see where He leads me.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish is irreplaceable. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, and perseverance is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone who is a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me.

Throughout my life, sports have always played a key role in shaping who I am. Not only were they a way to get out of the house and have fun with friends, but they were also a place where I began learning how to become a strong and respectful man. Through sportsmanship, teamwork, and competition, I developed character traits that continue to guide me today. I learned that team sports are never about one person. No matter how talented one individual may be, success requires unity. I depend on my teammates, and they depend on me. That understanding forced me to show compassion and encouragement, even when someone was struggling. I learned that being a true teammate means supporting others at their lowest, not just celebrating them at their best. Winning is great, but loyalty and unity matter more. Another major lesson sports taught me is humility. There were times when my team was winning comfortably, and we began to feel secure in our lead. That security sometimes turned into joking around too much or acting a little cocky. Looking back, I can see how that behavior came off as disrespectful to the other team. I have also experienced the opposite, losing badly while the other team celebrated in ways that felt arrogant and unnecessary. That feeling stuck with me. It made me realize that how you carry yourself in both victory and defeat says more about your character than the scoreboard ever could. Because of those experiences, I learned to stay focused and respectful regardless of the outcome. Leadership, I realized, is not about being the loudest voice. It is about setting the standard through actions. As a goalkeeper, I have faced unique challenges. There is only one starting position, which means competition is constant. During my sophomore year, I never saw the field. No matter how much effort I put in, I remained on the bench. That season was humbling and discouraging. It forced me to evaluate how badly I truly wanted to play. Instead of giving up, I made a decision. If I was going to earn that spot, I needed to separate myself through effort. I began attending private training sessions, working out consistently, studying game film, and pushing myself beyond what was required at practice. I committed to growth even when no one was watching. When junior year arrived, I felt prepared. However, I was again named the backup. That was difficult, but I stayed ready. During the first game of the season, the starting goalkeeper suffered a concussion and was sidelined for weeks. I was suddenly called in without warning. Despite the pressure, I remained calm. I made several key saves that kept us in the game. When we entered a penalty shootout, I saved two shots, securing the win. In that moment, everything I had worked for came together. I had prepared for an opportunity that I did not know when I would receive. From that point forward, I earned the starting position. That experience taught me that perseverance and preparation matter, even when recognition does not come immediately. While sports built my resilience, relationships built my heart. Growing up, I have always valued strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish cannot be replaced. As I’ve grown older, I have come to understand how deeply relationships shape our values, mindset, and direction in life. Teachers and coaches, especially, play a powerful role in shaping young students. The best ones are not just instructors; they are mentors and examples of the kind of person you hope to become. In sixth grade, I joined the wrestling team at my middle school. I had never wrestled before and was extremely nervous. When I walked into the gym, I saw our coach, a large man with a substantial beard and metal plates in his legs from past injuries. At that age, he seemed intimidating, and I was honestly afraid of being singled out or embarrassed. I approached practice cautiously, trying not to draw attention to myself. Over time, I began to understand him differently. Beneath his tough exterior was a kind, patient, and encouraging mentor. As I grew more comfortable, I built the courage to talk with him. Our conversations became moments of laughter mixed with hard work. He pushed me to improve, but he also showed genuine care for each athlete. He balanced discipline with compassion. That balance left a lasting impression on me. He showed me what it looks like to lead with strength and kindness at the same time. Then one night, he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. The news shook me deeply. It was the first major loss I had experienced outside of my family. In that moment, I realized how much of an impact one person can make in a short amount of time. He did not just teach me wrestling techniques. He modeled perseverance, humility, and empathy. His life showed me that influence is built through relationships, not titles. Because of my experiences in sports and the lessons I learned from my coach, I want to be someone who makes that kind of impact. I want to lead with humility, work with perseverance, and build authentic relationships wherever I go. Whether through athletics, education, or mentorship, I hope to encourage others to grow in confidence and character. This scholarship will allow me to pursue higher education while continuing to grow both academically and athletically. Earning my bachelor’s degree will provide stability for my future and allow me to support a family one day. More importantly, it will position me to give back—to mentor, to lead, and to invest in others the way my coach invested in me. The lessons I have learned through victory, defeat, perseverance, and loss have shaped my character. My goal is not simply to succeed for myself, but to use that success to positively influence the lives of others.

I personally believe that there is no such thing as a coincidence. I was diagnosed with ADHD about 3 years ago, my sophomore year of high school. I always knew I was, but I never wanted to admit it. I struggled with school, relationships, and my mental health. I took this diagnosis and wanted to do something good with it. I went to therapy for the mental struggles I was facing and learned ways to help regulate my ADHD and my active mind. I learned countless strategies to help maintain my emotions and keep my thoughts in check. The method that worked for me the best was a hand breathing exercise where you trace along your whole hand, starting at your thumb and ending at your pinky, breathing in every time you go up, and breathing out when you go down. Then repeating that process backwards. This worked the best for me, and I wanted to help others. I was at a church camp in the summer of 2025, and there was this one boy in my youth group who had autism. He was still functional but definitely struggled with a lot of things. He is not the best at regulating his emotions, and when they are big, they stay big. One night, as we were doing a station, he was really stressed and crying heavily, and couldn't stop when the other youth leaders were helping him. They asked me to come help because we were friends and I showed him this breathing method. As we went, he started to breathe more calmly, but it was still rough, so I told him to do his other hand back and front, and then eventually his toes as well to get him to laugh. Ultimately, I was able to help him to calm down by just using a skill that I learned from my own personal struggles. I plan on becoming an elementary or high school teacher, and I believe that the things I have gone through will help me to show love and patience to the kids I teach in the future and give them the education they deserve, despite their struggles.

Growing up, I always valued personal connection and relationships. The meaningful time spent together with someone you cherish or love deeply is something you can't replicate. As I have grown older, I have come to realize just how important these connections are. They are the sole values that we have as humans and shape the ways we think and act. It is important to have people whom you look up to, who share a personal relationship with you. Who else but teachers play a more important role in young people's lives? Having a teacher who shows empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. To be taught such important values at a young age encourages those behaviors to root themselves in our lives. A teacher shouldn't be a person you have to see every day; they should be a person you get to see. A friend, a mentor, a role model. I want to be that person. My father is an elementary school music teacher, and growing up with him being my teacher at home and at school was very influential in my passion for wanting to teach. I saw the ways he acted and taught, and how he had something different than other teachers. He was slow to get angry and was good at listening to his students so that he could help them with their problems. I was amazed by this, and from a young age, this kind of teaching was imprinted upon me. Special people need special people. That is a quote I was reminded of when I read the prompt. I heard it when I was young, and it always stuck with me. I have always had a strong love for people with special needs, especially autistic people. I love the joy they bring to the world, and it is unlike any other. They are all unique in their own way, and that's what I love the most. They aren't afraid to be themselves, and that's something we all should learn from. I have always wanted to become a teacher and be a role model for young kids and students, and give them more than just education, but someone to look up to and strive to be. With people with autism specifically, they need a lot of patience to work with sometime, and that is a gift I have. Being able to calm someone down and de-escalate a situation, especially in the heat of the moment, is something not a lot of people can do. Working with autistic kids in the past has been challenging at times, but it's something I am continuing to build on and improve. I want to follow this passion that I have for working with students with autism, and special education is a good route for me to follow. To have the opportunity to go to college and get the education I need, to give someone else the education they need, is important to me and exactly what I want to do.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish is irreplaceable. As I’ve grown older, I've come to realize the importance of these connections. They shape our thinking and actions, representing our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. ​ In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a substantial beard and a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. He had metal plates in his legs and knees from past injuries. And being young, I thought he was a robot. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship, where we could laugh and have fun while being focused on learning how to wrestle. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me.

Growing up, I always valued building strong personal relationships. Time spent with people you cherish is irreplaceable. As I’ve grown older, I realize how essential these connections are. They shape our thinking and actions and represent our core values as humans. It’s important to have role models you look up to and share a personal relationship with, and teachers often fill this role. Having a teacher who demonstrates empathy, kindness, perseverance, and dedication is fundamental for young students. Learning these values early encourages positive behaviors to take root. A teacher shouldn’t be someone you have to see every day, but someone you get to see—a friend, mentor, and role model. I want to be that person. ​ In 6th grade, I did wrestling at my middle school. I had never done it before, and I was super nervous. When I arrived, I noticed the coach was a large, intimidating man with a substantial beard and a large stomach, and quite frankly, he scared me. He had metal plates in his legs and knees from past injuries. And being young, I thought he was a robot. I approached the tryouts with caution, as I didn't want to be picked on or called out by the coach in front of everyone. However, as things progressed, I was getting the hang of things and learning a lot from him, but I was still hesitant to get to know him. Slowly but surely, I realized he was not a big, huge, angry, or mean person here to yell at me all the time, but in reality, he was a kind and gentle man with a strong, intimidating outward appearance. Once I mustered the courage to talk with him, I started growing closer and forming a friendship, where we could laugh and have fun while being focused on learning how to wrestle. It was the perfect example of what a good coach and teacher was to me. As the weeks went on, everything was going great until one night he suffered a heart attack in his sleep and passed away. This shook me to my core. It was the first real loss I had experienced outside of my family. Through this experience, I truly understood the impact a good coach and teacher can have. He influenced me deeply, teaching me perseverance and kindness. The sadness I felt became a driving force: I want to follow his example. My goal is to be a role model, a teacher, and a friend for others, just as he was for me. I am committed to helping others grow and become better individuals, inspired by the lessons my coach left with me.