My name is Margaret Behnke, and I am a Junior attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. I am currently pursuing a Business Management degree with a Leadership Studies certificate. In addition, I am also in the process of adding an Entrepreneurship minor. Outside of my academics, I am a proud member of the UWEC Women's Rugby Club, where I am an active player, Captain, and on the club board as Fundraising and recruitment chair. Rugby has given me numerous opportunities to travel, meet new, amazing women, and learn valuable life lessons, for which I am beyond grateful. In the last few years, I have learned so much about myself and my passions. During my freshman year, I started learning about nutrition on my own time through podcasts and my own research. I started to really dive into that passion once I moved out of the dorms and began making my own meals. This curiosity grew into a true passion for understanding what it means to nourish my body. As I continued researching, I found myself drawn to women’s health in particular. I began learning about hormone regulation and the menstrual cycle, which are topics I had really never been properly taught. Understanding my body at this deeper level was genuinely life-changing, and it showed me how many women are left without the education they deserve. This brings me to my aspirations of making a positive difference in the world through my chosen career path. All I can say is that my goal right now is to find a company that is making an impact in the nutrition field. As a Business Management student, I want to work for a company that influences others to take care of themselves and their bodies. As someone who has benefitted deeply from learning how to nourish myself, I want to help other people feel strong, confident, and informed, rather than confused or overwhelmed. My mind is always changing about what type of career I want to pursue. On top of physical health, I also have a passion for art. Another Idea of mine that would make a positive impact on the world would be through my entrepreneurial side in creating an art studio. I believe creativity is incredibly important for the mind and soul, and is a great hobby to help express oneself. Creating an art studio would allow me to create a community of all types of artists where they can express themselves together and learn from one another. My vision is to create a community of artists, enabling them to express themselves and learn from each other. During college business planning, I also envisioned expanding the studio by collaborating with doctors. This partnership could recommend individuals struggling with depression or anxiety to a community where they can find a sense of belonging and channel their creativity. Engaging in such activities has proven beneficial for mental well-being, releasing endorphins. While this approach may not fully address mental health challenges, it could significantly positively impact those affected. While I may not have a detailed plan for my future after graduation, and who knows, maybe I’ll fulfill all the promises I made in this essay, I’ve gained valuable insights into maintaining my well-being through my mind, body, and soul. I aspire to one day help others achieve the same and promote self-love along the way. I believe I have the potential to make a positive impact because I’ve personally experienced dark times in my life. Through nourishing my body well, learning proper female body care, staying active, and finding creative outlets, I’ve transformed my life.

My favorite athlete to cheer for on Team USA is Ilona Meyer. She stands out to me because my college rugby team posted a video of me scoring the game-winning try to make it to nationals and she commented on the post. Her comment gave me so much confidence and a great feeling to be seen by someone who has a big voice in women's rugby. Rugby is a super aggressive and physical sport but Ilona brings beauty and femininity to the game. As she has been brought into the spotlight she has not changed herself in any way to be liked by the public which you don't see often. She continues to show her genuine, goofy, and charismatic personality through the media. Her commitment to rugby and the country is truly commendable, and her achievements are showcased by her hard work and passion. Supporting Ilona Meyer is not just about celebrating her victories, but also about appreciating her journey and the inspiration she provides to aspiring athletes everywhere. Ilona and the Team USA Women's Rugby team's accomplishments in the 2024 Summer Olympics have certainly created a rise in rugby in the USA which is amazing to see as a rugby player who has been playing for four years now. I am excited to continue following Ilona through the next years in rugby and her other media presences including "Dancing With the Stars". She will continue being a huge role model for me and other women in the world.