At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially with my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially with my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially with my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially with my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially with my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially with my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially with my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially with my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially with my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially with my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially to my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially to my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals. Growing up, I experienced many violent and dangerous situations. My birthmother was an addict, and welcomed violent, dangerous men into our home. I was not protected. As a young teen, I experienced violence at home that no girl should have to endure. Eventually, I was able to escape that situation and move away to live with my father. Settling into my new home was difficult, but I slowly acclimated and began to feel safe and secure. This newfound sense of insecure belonging and safety was quickly dashed the day an active shooter appeared in my high school cafeteria during lunch hour. After the terror and horror of hiding in a classroom, then being ordered to evacuate the school, I ran miles into town to borrow a phone from a random homeowner. My father was able to locate me and pick me up, but we couldn't locate my twin brother, who was also at school with me that day. My father received a panicked phone call, which informed him that my twin brother had been shot multiple times, and we could find him at the hospital. My twin survived, thankfully. But the hours, weeks, months that followed were a whirlwind of violating experiences. News reporters harassing us, incessant, unwanted attention. Medical events, doctor's appointments, and a drawn-out series of complicated surgeries compounded my sense of insecurity. I was diagnosed with PTSD and an array of anxiety, panic, and depression disorders which I still struggle with today. But I won't stop fighting! I dutifully attend therapy sessions and I have big, bright dreams for what my future may be. I can't wait to finish my degree and honing my professional skills in trade school!

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially to my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals. Growing up, I experienced many violent and dangerous situations. My birthmother was an addict, and welcomed violent, dangerous men into our home. I was not protected. As a young teen, I experienced violence at home that no girl should have to endure. Eventually, I was able to escape that situation and move away to live with my father. Settling into my new home was difficult, but I slowly acclimated and began to feel safe and secure. This newfound sense of insecure belonging and safety was quickly dashed the day an active shooter appeared in my high school cafeteria during lunch hour. After the terror and horror of hiding in a classroom, then being ordered to evacuate the school, I ran miles into town to borrow a phone from a random homeowner. My father was able to locate me and pick me up, but we couldn't locate my twin brother, who was also at school with me that day. My father received a panicked phone call, which informed him that my twin brother had been shot multiple times, and we could find him at the hospital. My twin survived, thankfully. But the hours, weeks, months that followed were a whirlwind of violating experiences. News reporters harassing us, incessant, unwanted attention. Medical events, doctor's appointments, and a drawn-out series of complicated surgeries compounded my sense of insecurity. I was diagnosed with PTSD and an array of anxiety, panic, and depression disorders which I still struggle with today. But I won't stop fighting! I dutifully attend therapy sessions and I have big, bright dreams for what my future may be. I can't wait to finish my degree and honing my professional skills in trade school!

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially to my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals. Growing up, I experienced many violent and dangerous situations. My birthmother was an addict, and welcomed violent, dangerous men into our home. I was not protected. As a young teen, I experienced violence at home that no girl should have to endure. Eventually, I was able to escape that situation and move away to live with my father. Settling into my new home was difficult, but I slowly acclimated and began to feel safe and secure. This newfound sense of insecure belonging and safety was quickly dashed the day an active shooter appeared in my high school cafeteria during lunch hour. After the terror and horror of hiding in a classroom, then being ordered to evacuate the school, I ran miles into town to borrow a phone from a random homeowner. My father was able to locate me and pick me up, but we couldn't locate my twin brother, who was also at school with me that day. My father received a panicked phone call, which informed him that my twin brother had been shot multiple times, and we could find him at the hospital. My twin survived, thankfully. But the hours, weeks, months that followed were a whirlwind of violating experiences. News reporters harassing us, incessant, unwanted attention. Medical events, doctor's appointments, and a drawn-out series of complicated surgeries compounded my sense of insecurity. I was diagnosed with PTSD and an array of anxiety, panic, and depression disorders which I still struggle with today. But I won't stop fighting! I dutifully attend therapy sessions and I have big, bright dreams for what my future may be. I can't wait to finish my degree and honing my professional skills in trade school!

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially to my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially to my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially to my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

At a young age, I was pushed into a situation where I had no choice but to begin working. My first job was in middle school, where I sold snow cones on the sandy beach in my hometown in Florida. As my family financial situation grew more strenuous, I knew I needed to pursue a more stable job. A local, family-owned restaurant hired me despite my young age and inexperience. This was an incredible opportunity, as the owner treated me well, the pay was generous, and the people there encouraged and taught me all there was to know about daily restaurant operations. I spent many years working there, and with time and a lot more experience, I secured a job in management. When I moved to Wisconsin, I worked as a baker and custom cake decorator for more than a year. During this time was when I finished my AA through Florida State University, and I was presented with the opportunity to get back into pizza restaurant management. Ian's Pizza scouted me as an outside hire to be the Assistant General Manager of their Garver location. I was beyond grateful for the job, and I worked there for a year and a half until I made the decision to pursue my dream of attending Culinary School. With rising costs of tuition, rent, food, and just about everything else, life for the average person has become quite difficult. I am one child of many to a single parent, my father. My siblings and I don't have a mom. Our father single-handedly worked full-time and raised my twin and I through nearly all stages of school. While our father did all that was in his power to give us everything we could have ever needed or wanted, he has not had the capacity to assist financially to my education. My current financial plan now is to seek a culinary internship in order to experience fine dining restaurant operations in the next semester. Exercising gratitude and humility has been a lifelong philosophy. Appreciating what I have now, and never taking what I have for granted has been an intentional effort. A scholarship to assist in tuition fees, or possibly an international learning experience through the college, would truly be an amazing gift. A successful life for me would have an overwhelming sense of calm and comfort. I hope to make a humble living, and make changes for the better. I value human nutrition and health when it comes to diet and accessibility. My goal is to uplift the general public's health and nutrition and improve the average health of individuals.

When I was a student at Florida State, I was active in a volunteer program that worked to restore an African American cemetery in Panama City, Florida which had been wrongfully paved over and destroyed. The Covington Cemetery on 23rd St in Panama City was nearly forgotten, buried under the asphalt of a Piggly Wiggly grocery store. In its prime, the cemetery served as a place to pay respects to over 200 graves. The land was registered with the city as a cemetery, which meant it was a tax-free plot of land. Unfortunately, a corrupt local politician secretly changed the land’s classification to enable it to be taxed, and when the property taxes weren’t paid, the land was put up for auction. The Piggly Wiggly corporation bought it, paved over 90% of the space, and built a grocery store and parking lot over top. There was a small portion of the cemetery that was preserved, with only 10 marked graves in the small section. Our volunteer organization would meet at the site weekly to clear out garbage and plant matter, rake the ground, plant decorative greenery, document the graves that remained, and overall pay our respects to the injustice these people had endured in death. During our clean up efforts, we discovered two unmarked graves, one of which belonged to a child. We found multiple offerings to the graves. The relics found included various offerings of sea shells, indicating that the people buried there could be of East African culture. Porcelain sculptures of small animals and girls were found near the unmarked grave. These new findings let us to believe this was an unmarked grave which likely held a child's remains. The site was also home to a homeless couple, who had lost everything in the aftermath of hurricane Michael. The university was proactive in assisting them in their situation, referring them to resources and directly assisting them with daily basic needs. The homeless man was able to secure a job in his trade, and his wife was able to get a job too. A few weeks later, our volunteer team had not seen or heard from the couple for a few weeks. When we called them to check on them, they let us know that they had successfully moved into a humble apartment, and they were able to start building a comfortable life for themselves, together. This was an experience that deeply affected me, as I’ve carried the weight of the indecency and injustice that was inflicted to those African American people. I hope and fight for a better future.

When I was a student at Florida State, I was active in a volunteer program that worked to restore an African American cemetery in Panama City, Florida which had been wrongfully paved over and destroyed. The Covington Cemetery on 23rd St in Panama City was nearly forgotten, buried under the asphalt of a Piggly Wiggly grocery store. In its prime, the cemetery served as a place to pay respects to over 200 graves. The land was registered with the city as a cemetery, which meant it was a tax-free plot of land. Unfortunately, a corrupt local politician secretly changed the land’s classification to enable it to be taxed, and when the property taxes weren’t paid, the land was put up for auction. The Piggly Wiggly corporation bought it, paved over 90% of the space, and built a grocery store and parking lot over top. There was a small portion of the cemetery that was preserved, with only 10 marked graves in the small section. Our volunteer organization would meet at the site weekly to clear out garbage and plant matter, rake the ground, plant decorative greenery, document the graves that remained, and overall pay our respects to the injustice these people had endured in death. During our clean up efforts, we discovered two unmarked graves, one of which belonged to a child. We found multiple offerings to the graves. The relics found included various offerings of sea shells, indicating that the people buried there could be of East African culture. Porcelain sculptures of small animals and girls were found near the unmarked grave. These new findings let us to believe this was an unmarked grave which likely held a child's remains. The site was also home to a homeless couple, who had lost everything in the aftermath of hurricane Michael. The university was proactive in assisting them in their situation, referring them to resources and directly assisting them with daily basic needs. The homeless man was able to secure a job in his trade, and his wife was able to get a job too. A few weeks later, our volunteer team had not seen or heard from the couple for a few weeks. When we called them to check on them, they let us know that they had successfully moved into a humble apartment, and they were able to start building a comfortable life for themselves, together. This was an experience that deeply affected me, as I’ve carried the weight of the indecency and injustice that was inflicted to those African American people. I hope and fight for a better future.