My name is Maria Louisa Kokkinos, and I am currently a freshman at The University of Tampa where I am majoring in public relations/ advertising. As a society, we need to be more understanding by normalizing open and honest conversations about it. Mental health is just as important as physical and emotional health. We need to have an open dialogue with each other, listen without judging and show compassion for those struggling. We need to speak up when we want help and we need to support others when they do. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar and PTSD affect millions of people so society needs to make a collective effort to end the stigma. Community outreach programs, schools, and workplaces can offer support to those dealing with symptoms and encourage them to seek professional help. Our healthcare system needs to give everyone access to mental health counseling and psychiatric care. Education is the most powerful tool in reshaping how people feel about mental illness because it should never be thought of as a sign of weakness. Mental health is a part of our well-being and everyone will experience some type of struggle in their lives. Teaching students early on fundamental coping skills, empathy, and self awareness will allow them the ability to recognize their symptoms earlier and get help faster. Open dialogue is another key step to ending the stigma. My mom always said to be when I was upset or hurt, "It's ok to not be ok" which made my feelings feel validated and understood. We need to embrace those struggling with mental health instead of ignoring or avoiding the topic. Mental health does not discriminate. It can affect everyone no matter what sex, race, or religion they are. As a society, we need to made a better effort in identifying mental health struggles within ourselves and offering assistance to those who need it. A simple "I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to" can help someone who is struggling figure out what should be the next step to feeling better. Either through counseling or medication, we need to offer assistance for those struggling before it's too late. So many lives can be saved and healed if we pay more attention to one another, engage in conversation, and look for specific programs within the community that can help. As a society, we need to replace harmful stereotypes with love, understanding, and hope.

Last year was the scariest time in my life. My brother was attending a college out of state when he called my mom one evening to tell her that he wasn't feeling well. He had gone to student health for the "flu" and got a prescription, but he was not getting better. That's when he decided to drive himself home. My mom took him to his doctor, and that's when he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia. He started taking the antibiotics at home, but my mom was noticing some red flags. My brother was lying on the couch but his heart rate was over 100 bpm, his respiratory rate was over 30 breaths a minute, his fever kept rising, and his blood pressure was dropping. She rushed him to the ER, and that is the first time anyone ran his blood work. He was in septic shock and was immediately placed on IVs for fluids and antibiotics. She could see his vital signs on the monitor as his blood pressure kept dropping. She called us at home, and we all rushed to the hospital to be by his side. The hours turned into days in the hospital. I could hear the doctor speak at rounds, "19 year old name admitted with pneumonia and sepsis." My brother's kidneys started to shut down, and he became so hypoxic that he was placed on a ventilator Thanksgiving night. This nightmare got worse when he had to be placed on a lung bypass machine called ECMO and airlifted to a level 1 specialty hospital in Philadelphia. The days at Penn Presbyterian Hospital turned into weeks, and there were small victories along the way. My brother's kidneys started making urine, his lungs started to clear, his fevers went away, his blood pressure was stable, and his heart rate normalized. By the grace of God, he was not septic anymore. He was weaned off of the sedation medication and ventilator with a tracheostomy. He started to wake up and realize what had happened to him and the nightmare we had been living for the past 35 days. He had lost so much muscle mass and could not even hold himself up at the edge of the bed. My brother, Constantine, was determined to regain his strength. He persevered through rehabilitation and finally left the hospital on New Year's Day, a symbol of new beginnings. Sepsis is life-threatening, and my mother's instinct to get my brother to the hospital truly saved his life. I am truly thankful that my brother had a full recovery and is back at college. I am grateful to the countless nurses, therapists, and doctors who cared for my brother. I will never take a day for granted after experiencing a loved one with sepsis and how quickly it can take a life.

Sabrina Carpenter is an amazing performer. I admire how she grew up in Pennsylvania and followed her dreams and aspirations to become an artist who connects with her audience through honesty and creativity. Her music is real and relatable to so many whether she is singing about love or heartbreak. I also admire her work ethic. She traveled with Taylor Swift on the ERAS tour and didn't miss a beat on every single stage and country! She shows that passion and perseverance can open many doors for you as long as you keep working hard and never give up on your dreams! She also inspires her fans to be themselves and values authenticity and individuality. She doesn't try to fit into a mold which makes her easy to relate to Being a fan of Sabrina Carpenter means that I appreciate her dedication to making music, her artistry, and the way she empowers her fans to grow and understand more about themselves in her music. She makes me feel understood and inspired to keep moving forward and embracing each new day with a renewed sense of hope. It's ok to be real, to take risks in life, and to keep sparkling no matter how hard the challenges or obstacles might be! I'm proud to be her fan!

My Greek Orthodox faith has always been the foundation of my life, guiding me through moments of joy, sadness, and pain. As a devoted parishioner of St. George Greek Orthodox church, I have learned that prayer and complete trust in God strengthen me, even during the most difficult times of my life. I have experienced firsthand how God's presence has helped me overcome hardships that once felt unimaginable and unbearable. One of the most difficult challenges I faced was being bullied in school. The unkind words and inconsiderate actions of my peers left me feeling isolated and anxious. I felt I had no one to turn to so that is when I looked up and asked for God's guidance. During these moments, I prayed for strength to endure the hurt and wisdom to rise above it. My Orthodox faith reminded me that my worth does not come from the opinions of others. My value cones from God's unconditional love for his servants. Through prayer and perseverance, I found peace in my heart and the courage to forgive those who appeared the happiest when I was at my lowest point. Gradually with time, the pain of those experiences became a lesson in resilience and compassion. I want to lead my life with kindness, no matter how others treat me. Another time in my life when God's presence had a profound effect on me and my faith was tested when my older brother became severely ill in college. He had to be intubated and placed on a lung bypass machine due to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. Seeing someone I love dearly in critical condition was truly heartbreaking. I felt powerless as all I could do was sit next to him in the hospital bed and hold his hand. That is when I turned to God, asking Him to protect my brother, carry him in his loving arms while the machines give his lungs time to heal, and give me and my family strength to overcome this. We prayed constantly over my brother, placed icons of saints around his room, and rubbed holy oil over his hands and face with the sign of the Holy Trinity. These actions gave me comfort to know that God's presence was with us for the 35 days he spent in that hospital room. I prayed endlessly over my brother as did my family. My church community also became a source of comfort as the power of collective prayer brought about miracles in his recovery. I remember the day the doctor told my parents, "His lungs are clear, we will take his off the machines now." At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God for hearing our prayers and blessing us with this miracle. I believed that God was guiding the doctors and nurses, comforting my brother, and watching over my family. When my brother was being weaned off the sedation and moving towards recovery, I felt immense gratitude for God's mercy and for the blessings of faith, love, and prayer. Through these experiences in my life, I have realized that hardships are not meant to break us. They are meant to strengthen our faith in God. Even in darkness and suffering, there is light. Even in fear and anxiety, there can be peace. As a faithful servant in the Greek Orthodox Church, I know that God will always be my guide as I pursue a bachelor's degree in public relations/ advertising. I carry with me Phillippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

When I was in high school, my privacy was violated and I had to deal with ridicule and rumors from my peers. I learned to lean on my family and focus on perseverance, reflection, and faith as I tried to move on from this difficult time in my life. There have been times where I felt that overwhelmed, defeated, and lost. Instead of allowing any setbacks to define me, I chose to view them as opportunities to learn and grow. I constantly reminded myself of the bigger picture which was my dream of graduating high school and attending college away from home to pursue a degree in public relations and advertising. I found strength in knowing that my resilience is part of my journey to a successful future. I an currently a college freshman at The University of Tampa in Florida. When stress or self doubt fills my thoughts, I found that I need to shift my focus to set daily small achievable goals. I have used my support system to help me overcome temporary obstacles, listen to my fears, and help me through my darkest days. These simple steps have helped build my emotional strength and self confidence. I learned that bravery is about choosing to keep moving forward despite feeling afraid, alone, or sad. Public relations and advertising will allow me to use my voice and skills to communicate effectively and advocate for issues that I hold dear to my heart. My experiences overcoming mental adversity have prepared me to succeed in college and in life because they taught me to remain steady, determined, and goal oriented during challenging circumstances. Pairing my degree with a minor in leadership and ethics will allow me to advocate with integrity and inspire others to create a positive change in the world. Bravery to me is sitting with the weight of a difficult moment and deciding to never give up and never give in. By returning back to school, the place where I was a victim of my peers' ridicule and inconsiderate comments, shows great strength and courage. I hope to inspire others to not allow people to change their path. Staying true to your dreams is the greatest act of strength. I hope to exemplify the bravery that Audra Dominguez would be proud of and am committed to keeping her memory alive and her message constant in the way I live, lead, and serve others.

My most memorable Taylor Swift performance is when she sits at the piano during her concerts. No backup singers, no dancers, and no other musicians or band. Just a self-made musician with an instrument! In that moment, she shares her heart with thousands of people who sing along to her lyrics. There is something incredibly powerful about the simplicity of this performance- it's pure magic! This performance allows her voice and lyrics to take center stage in a way that feels deeply personal and intimate in a stadium crowd of thousands of fans. In this moment, the crowd comes together, singing with her as if they all lived the same story. For a few minutes, the barriers that divide people disappear and everyone is connected through her music. It's not just a performance, but rather a shared experience of joy, healing, and belonging. Taylor Swift's ability to create this kind of unity during every single concert in the Eras Tour through something as simple as sitting at a piano is simply unforgettable. Her music is a bridge that connects people and to witness the magic is something that I will never forget. Thank you Taylor Swift for connecting us, healing is, and inspiring us to feel less alone in the world!

I was very fortunate to grow up in with a strong family foundation and in a community that supported local initiatives to raise awareness. These programs encouraged me to serve others. Among my greatest influencers was my grandmother. Her wisdom shaped my values and inspired my dreams. She battled with Alzheimer's disease that would gradually take away her independence. She encouraged me to speak up, be heard, and advocate for myself or for those who could not advocate for themselves. She always said, "Use your voice and do good things." This has become a guiding principle in my life. Watching her struggle everyday and witnessing her courage to overcome obstacles has instilled in me a deep desire to make a meaningful difference and use my skills to create a positive impact in society. Throughout my high school years, I pursued leadership and service opportunities. As a captain of my cheerleading squad, I set an example for my teammates and motivated them to work together and support one another. We had a common goal and we persevered together to become National Champions! I also served as President of my GOYA chapter where I organized outreach programs to and initiatives to benefit those less fortunate. We assembled blessing bags, collected winter coats, and delivered meals to bring joy to families in need. Through these experiences, I was able to utilize my communication and time management skills, collaborate with people from various backgrounds , and inspire others to take action with me. I am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree at The University of Tampa in public relations and advertising, and I hope to use my communication skills to make a difference in the world. I know how the use of words, images, and campaigns can influence perceptions, inspire action, and amplify voices that may otherwise go unheard. I want to create messages that inform and empower people to work together to make a difference in their communities. College is my next step to making my vision a reality. With my degree, I hope to gain the knowledge, experience, and tools to advocate for causes that I care about, highlight important social issues, and contribute to society in a meaningful way. My grandmother's motto to speak up has stayed with me through every challenge and achievement. Her lessons have shaped who I am today and who I hope to be in the future- someone who is not afraid to use her voice and advocate for people, just like the Sloan Stephens Foundation has done!

Honestly, I am not just chasing grades or a shiny diploma here. I want to actually grow as a person, not just as a student who knows how to ace tests and get A's on their report cards. I want to figure out how a young girl like me can make a change in the workforce. The people side of business grabs my attention me every time. I care about how people feel at work. For example, if they are supported, if they can actually stand to show up every day, and if they feel like they have the chance to grow. That is exactly why I am going to college to study human resources. HR is not just about forms and hiring sprees—it’s about actually listening, about making sure people do not just get lost in the huge corporate crowd. I have seen the toxic work environment that my parents were placed in. They have told me how it truly messes with your self-esteem and ability to perform a task. I want to flip the script. I want to help build workspaces where folks feel respected and included, where they are encouraged to do their best—not because someone’s watching their every move, but because they really want to for the company. It’s not just about snagging a “good” job from the boss for me. I want a career that will benefit society. I want to be the person who stands up when something’s off, who bridges the gap between management and everyone else. Someone who is stubborn about ensuring fairness and empathy, even when it’s awkward. Down the line, I see myself in a spot where compassion is not just a buzzword—it’s how I lead. I still have a few years until I obtain my bachelor's degree, which means I will have many more lessons to be learned. I am hungry to keep learning, to hear people out, to actually see things from someone else’s shoes, and to figure out how to make change that really sticks. For me, school is not just about surviving finals or collecting credits. It’s about becoming the person others can actually count on. I want to bring a little humanity back into work, even if it’s just one person at a time. I am so excited for my future and blessed to be getting an education that will put me on a path to reach my goals.

The Kalia D. Davis memorial scholarship is more than a monetary award, it's a legacy that I will be able to carry on with me in my daily life. Her story and courageous fight reminds me how precious and fragile life is. I plan to honor her memory but approaching every opportunity with gratitude, empathy, and determination. I will be attending the University of Tampa next month as freshman, majoring in public relations and advertising with a minor in marketing. Like Kalia, I will be working with the Office of Residence life as a front desk attendant for my work study position. I enjoy being around people and helping others. I was an honor roll student in high school graduating with a 4.0 GPA. I was a competitive cheerleader in high school, and I will use my extensive training and work ethic to become a Spartan dancer on the competitive dance team. I also find great joy in giving back to my community. Through my church group, I have organized various food drives, assembled blessing bags for a woman's shelter, and brought gifts to sick children at the hospital. These small acts of kindness have brought bring relief and smiles to those struggling in some way or another. If I am not in the classroom, you can find me chasing sunsets as I enjoy the colors of the day's end and the peace that it brings me no matter how hectic life gets. I find great importance in finding time for myself to reflect, slow down, focus, and breathe. The powerful colors of the night's sky bring me hope for a new day, a new beginning, and a new goal for the next day. Family time is also very important to me as I enjoy listening to my grandparents' wisdom, eating my mom's home cooked meals, driving around with my dad, and spending time with my brothers and nephew. I will miss my family when I will be at Tampa, but I will always make time to be there for them as they have always done for me. With this scholarship, I hope to carry Kalia's bright light forward as her memory will be honored with my every act of kindness and every helping hand on campus and in the community. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my education and reduce the financial stress of obtaining a college degree. It will give me the ability to study, grow, and serve others in meaningful ways which I believe Kalia would have valued. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and honor her memory.

Have you ever set a goal and had multiple obstacles get in the way of achieving that goal? When the goal is fueled by love, respect, and commitment, nothing can get in the way! I have seen this story unfold with my own grandparents. When they married in Karpathos Greece, my grandfather was given an opportunity to come to the United States to earn a living. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that he could not turn down. He had to leave my grandmother behind to follow his dreams and pursue his passion of cooking and running a restaurant business. At first, this task seemed manageable. His job was to work, learn new skills, save money and bring her to the United States. When a few weeks turned into several months, their loneliness grew and made their time apart unbearable. My grandmother helped her family on the farm, but the days were long and the nights were longer. My grandfather worked tirelessly to learn a new trade and build his American dream, but he kept thinking of his beautiful wife across the Atlantic ocean. He did something that reminded me of Odysseus. No matter how tired he was from the day's work at the restaurant, he wrote in his book about my grandmother. Each entry focused on one thing he loved about her and how it made him feel. He wrote about her sky blue eyes, her floral smell, her gentle touch, her inviting smile, her contagious laugh...the list went on and on with over 300 entries. Almost a year passed when my grandfather was able to finally return back to his homeland of Greece to see his bride and bring her back with him to the United States. He presented her with the his genuine and thoughtful writings. She cried when she realized how much she was loved even when her physical presence was thousands of miles away. Their love was tested by distance, distraction, and time. My grandfather's simple gesture was a way for him to prove that true love endures even the most difficult journeys. Homer's The Odyssey is a piece of ancient literature that has a deeper meaning. This particular paragraph in Book 1 depicts the physical and emotional struggle of Odysseus as he tries to return home from Trojan War. "Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns, driven time and again off course, once he had plundered the hallowed heights of Troy. Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds, many pains he suffered, heartsick, on the open sea, fighting to save his life and bring his comrades home." Odyseus' desperate desire to return home to his wife is a complicated journey of a hero filled with obstacles, detours, and struggles. He learns from his experiences and becomes wiser along the way as he faces every obstacle with a clever approach. Through lies and deceit, he is forced to think outside the box to ensure his safety and ability to get back on his path to return home to his dear Penelope. He is a brave and noble man who deeply loves his wife and will sacrifice everything for his devotion and commitment to her. In the end, their relationship is tested and love wins! He was able to return home as promised twenty years later. Like my grandparents' commitment to eachother, Odysseus was able to sacrifice a lot in order to return to his dear wife. Their paths are parallel as they were both fueled by love and nothing could get in their way. Tested by time, distance, patience, and faith, love is real and love conquers all.

Education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV is fundamentally rooted in power dynamics, ignorance, and generational trauma. When people--especially young people--are educated about healthy relationships, boundaries, communication skills, consent, and emotional regulation, they are more likely to avoid unhealthy relationships and will be able to spot red flags early on. Education teaches people about their self-worth, gives them an understanding of how to communicate when they are uncomfortable, and provides important resources to gain access to safety and support. I learned first-hand from a very young age just how IPV can crush an individual’s spirit. A close family member of mine, my Aunt Sophie, had a relationship that was made up of mostly emotional manipulation and control, and while it may have looked “normal” to outsiders, it still ruined her spirit and sense of worth. For a long time I didn’t for have the courage or confidence to speak up about what I had been witnessing. I took my first psychology and sociology class in high school and everything changed for me. Those courses gave me clarity to see just how common IPV was and how often the victims of IPV are silenced. It gave me courage to speak up, it gave me tools to support my Aunt, and it gave me an insatiable ambition to make sure others do not feel like she did. I plan to graduate with a degree in Human Resources Management and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. While that may sound like an unusual pairing for my major, I see HR as an area with a unique opportunity to initiate systemic change, especially regarding how people relate to one another in a workspace, as well as for employee well-being. When IPV survivors return to work, they are often expected to “leave their trauma at the door,” which we know cannot happen in true healing. I want to be a voice in HR, advocating for trauma-informed practices, flexibility when requesting leave for those exiting abusive situations, and offering training in the workplace to promote awareness about IPV—not only in personal relationships, but how power and coercion could be present in workplaces. Outside of my job, I want to work directly with teens and young adults—especially girls—through mentorship or speaking opportunities. I want to share my journey and knowledge to show them what true love and respect actually looks like. I want them to know they do not have to shrink to feel safe, and they do not have to stay quiet to keep the peace. My education has already opened my eyes to the hard reality. Now I want to be the springboard for someone else. If we can invest in education that includes empathy, communication, and empowerment in under-resourced communities, we can interrupt cycles of violence before they even start. I personally believe that change starts when one person sees that they deserve more, and I want my story to be that extra push for people who wish to break the cycle of IPV.

As a senior in high school, I think about my past few years and realize how much volleyball has affected me—not just as an athlete or a student, but as a young woman learning to find my voice in our world that often puts men first. Volleyball did not just teach me how to win a volleyball game; it taught me how to take back my power in a world that sometimes tells girls to be quiet, to sit back, or let the men lead. Being a female athlete in a male-dominated world of sports has not always been easy. From boys' sports teams getting all the attention to better resources and roaring support, I watched as every time we won, were recognized, or fought for the respect of being an athlete we denigrated as "cute" or "lucky" instead of hard working. We trained just as many hours, and sometimes more than the boys. I say all this to stress that I could have been discouraged by that message. But I wasn't, in fact I was moved and inspired. Volleyball provided me with a place where I could become confident in my abilities and leadership. As a setter, I was responsible for directing plays, sending information, and controlling the game—all things I never thought I would be able to do when I started. I came to realize that strength is not always physical; it is also how you hold yourself, how you lead others, and how you stand tall while you are belittled. I’ve learned to keep my chin up when people don’t think I’m good enough, I’ve learned to speak with confidence even if my voice shakes, and I’ve learned to act on my beliefs with consistency and heart. The discipline, grit, and emotional toughness I learned from volleyball have helped me handle classrooms, interviews, and relationships with the same grit I apply when the match is tight. Being a volleyball player in a male-dominated sport has shown me that being a strong woman means I don’t have to prove I’m better than anyone; I just have to understand that I’m enough. It means taking up space, using my voice, and not accepting less than I am worth. And also, it means making sure I lift up other girls to do the same. I'm proud to say that volleyball helped build the strong and powerful women that I am today.

While babysit may not fit the mold of traditional leadership, it has been one of themost significant ways I have learned to lead by example. Ihave been babysitting for three siblings in my neighborhood, ages three, seven, and nine, for over two years. Initially, I thought babysitting merely meant "watching out" for the kids-keeping them safe and entertained. In reality, I underestimated the amount of influence I have on those kids and the impact my words and actions had on them. I have learned that kids see and hear everything. They see how you talk to them, how you react when things go sideways and how you treat other people. I have learned that they mimic what they see much more than they repeat what they hear. One afternoon stands out. The two older kids started teasing their little sister because of the way she sounded when she talked. They were mocking her voice and laughing. She immediately went quiet and looked hurt. I was heartbroken for her and her embarrassment, but I knew it was a time for me to intervene—not just as a babysitter, but as a leader. Instead of just telling them to stop, I sat them down and asked how they would feel if someone laughed at them like that. I wanted them to know how their words affect their sister. I explained what it meant to treat each other with kindness and respect, especially as family. I could see them starting to think about what I had said, so I decided to shift the energy. I asked each of them to say one thing that they liked or admired about their sister. At first, they stalled and checked out, but they started sharing sweet things about her that made her smile. That day, the teasing stopped, and since then I know they've thought twice about making fun of her when it comes to wanting attention. I learned from that experience that a large part of leadership is not always being in a position of authority or needing to make any authoritative choices. Leadership can sometimes look like being the still voice, modeling the behavior you want others to demonstrate in your influenceable moments with kids, acting with quiet patience and kindness, and taking the opportunity to teach values and expectations in very normal situations. I realized that my behavior, the presence of my action, influenced those children more than I thought possible. So now when I babysit, I try to lead through modeling respect, patience, and compassion. I try to correct behavior in a gentle way and model how to positively cope with frustration and disagreements. I know that I am helping to influence how these kids treat other people, and how they see themselves. As a Seelaus Scholar, I would continue with this mentality—not just leading by what I say, but leading through action that creates growth and development in another person.

My junior year of high school began to truly take a tole on my physical and emotional well being. I was taking difficult classes, cheering several days a week, striving toward college prep, and keeping up with friendships. But what hit me hardest was when my grandmother--someone who I essentially grew up with--became severely sick. To watch my grandma--who had always been so strong and independent--go through a process that required constant help was heart-wrenching. I felt scared, helpless, and strained beyond my capacity. I tried to maintain myself, going to school with a smile and going through the motions of practices like everything was okay, but in reality I was completely drained--mentally, emotionally, and physically. I was drowning in depression and sorrow. I was not really getting enough sleep, I had to do homework late in the evening after helping my mom care for my grandmother, and was subconsciously starting to skip meals. I was on the brink of emotional breakdown almost every minute of every day. One evening, after coming home to a long day and hearing my grandmother had declined, I sat in my room and just cried. That was the moment I recognized I could not keep ignoring what I was feeling, it was time to take care of myself if I wanted to care for my loved ones. I finally opened up to my mom and told her all the things I had kept inside. She hugged me and told me that it was fine to feel overwhelmed. With my mom's encouragement, I reached out to my school counselor—which was one of the best decisions I made. I started journaling so that I could get my emotions, and frustrations, and feelings out of my mind; I began taking daily 30-minute walks for some mental clarity; and made minor adjustments like limiting my time on my phone and practicing deep breathing exercises when I was feeling anxious. I also allowed myself to step away from some of my commitments—not because I was quitting, but because I was finally putting myself first. That experience changed my perception of life. I learned that strength doesn’t always mean pushing when the pain feels unbearable; sometimes it means giving yourself enough grace to rest, breath, and heal. Prioritizing my mental and emotional health granted me a newfound sense of balance and resilience. I have carried this lesson with me while looking ahead—whether it is in regard to college, work, or my personal life. I have recognized what it looks like to need rest, when have to ask for help, and when to take a moment to breathe. I have learned that I can embrace challenges with a clearer mind and fuller heart because I have already experienced one of the most difficult seasons of my life.

My upbringing in New Jersey has been arguably the most influential times of my life. I spent the majority of my youth in a small town known as Burlington Township where everyone knew each other, and at a point in time, I didn't think of how much that would influence my values and worldview. However, I now appreciate looking back on how those early years instilled in me a sense of community, support and perspective. The most significant influence my childhood had on me was how to forge genuine, enduring connections with individuals. When you live in a small town, you pick up on the fact that you have to take care of each other rather quickly. Whether we were shoveling people's sidewalks in the winter, helping to rake the neighbors leaves, attending school events, or supporting hometown fundraisers, the sense of community stuck with me. I take this same mentality into my friendships, professional relationships, and even new people I meet. I have learned to actively listen more, put empathy at the forefront of my interactions, and value trust over superficial relationships. Growing up in New Jersey also had an influence on me with its distinct combination of rural tranquility and proximity to urban life. While my hometown provided me personal, calm, and tight-knitted community, I was still never more than a short drive from the Cherry Hill mall and, eventually, New York City. That dynamic provided me with a wide lens for life. It allowed me to think big while remaining humble, and appreciative of hard work. I was able to envision different paths and opportunities; the inner ambition to desire these paths while understanding that I will always want to have a positive impact in my respective communities. In conclusion, I truly believe my childhood in New Jersey has shaped who I am: a strong, caring, driven individual. The community support, the values instilled, and the people I was surrounded by have grounded me on a foundation that I continue to cultivate. As I enter into my college career, I will remember the core values I've learned from living and growing up in Burlington Township, New jersey. I will forever cherish my childhood and home state – both for lessons I didn't know I was receiving at the time, and for the village that fostered my growth into an individual whose values are tied to connection, meaning, and integrity.

Since I was a child, I've had a passion for the power of communication—how the right words, at the right time, can educate, inspire, and unite people in a message. From watching a keynote address, to seeing a brand connect with their audience through storytelling, to seeing the impact a message made on someone's perspective, I knew that I wanted to be a part of that world. And that is why I chose public relations. Public relations is more than just selling a brand's message or covering media—it's relationship building and trust building, and allowing a story that matters to be heard. It's caring that the company, individual, or organization is telling a story, and it is creating a way for that story to resonate with the right audience, Making an impact and influence through strategic communication is what gets me excited. While building my career in PR, I am excited to continually learn about media relations, brand storytelling, crisis communication, and strategic messaging. I thrive on creativity and collaboration, and I am excited about the opportunity to formulate messages that not only gain attention, but will also be talked about for a long time to come. I understand that PR is fast-paced and every day will be different and that is what I'm most looking forward to. A primary motivating factor in my pursuit of a Public Relations (PR) career is my passion for people. I have always loved building relationships, learning about other people’s viewpoints, and finding ways to encages a message in a way that is sincere and impactful. Whether it is in writing a compelling press release, managing social media engagement, or helping an organization manage through a crisis, I want to use this skillset to make a difference. In the future, I aspire to bring authenticity, passion, and creativity to the public relations field. I want to be part of creating something bigger than myself—contributing to narratives that matter, building trust between organizations and audiences, and working towards a more informed and connected world. While I am aware that this will be a learning process, I am excited about that learning experience. I am dedicated to my own growth and development and I am excited to enter into this profession with an open mind, extremely strong work ethic and unwavering belief in the power of communication. Public relations is the point at which my passion and skillset intersect and I am eager to see it come to fruition.

From the moment I stepped onto the debate stage, I realized the power of words to persuade, inspire, and connect. My experience in speech and debate has not only honed my ability to communicate effectively but has also equipped me to share my Christian faith with confidence, clarity, and compassion. One of the most valuable skills I have developed through debate is the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. In competitions, I have learned to structure my arguments logically, support them with evidence, and present them with conviction. Similarly, when discussing my faith, I must express my beliefs in a way that is both thoughtful and engaging. The Gospel is the most important message I can share, and my training in debate has taught me how to do so with precision and confidence. Beyond speaking skills, debate has also instilled in me the importance of active listening and empathy. Engaging with opposing viewpoints is essential in debate, and the same principle applies when discussing faith. Not everyone shares my beliefs, and some may have doubts or misconceptions about Christianity. By listening patiently and respectfully, I can better understand where others are coming from and respond in a way that fosters meaningful, open conversations rather than confrontational debates. Jesus himself listened with compassion before sharing truth, and I strive to follow that example in every faith-based discussion. Additionally, my experience in speech and debate has strengthened my confidence in defending my faith. Just as I research evidence for my arguments in debate rounds, I have learned the importance of studying Scripture and Christian apologetics to support my beliefs. 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Debate has prepared me to do just that—with both boldness and humility. Moreover, debate has taught me the value of grace and patience in difficult conversations. In a debate round, winning is not just about proving a point—it’s about persuading others with logic and respect. Similarly, when sharing my faith, I understand that transformation does not happen through argument alone but through love, understanding, and the work of God in people’s hearts. Ultimately, speech and debate have shown me that sharing my faith is not about winning arguments but about planting seeds of truth, demonstrating love, and fostering understanding. Whether on a debate stage or in everyday life, I am grateful for the tools I have gained to be a more effective ambassador for Christ. I look forward to continuing to use my voice to glorify God and share His message with the world.