Books have always been my quiet place, my escape, my teacher, and sometimes even my mirror. I gravitate toward stories that are raw and real: books about abuse, mental health struggles, survival, and healing, mixed with romance and thrillers that keep my heart racing. While some people might read for entertainment alone, I read to understand people—and myself. These stories have shaped how I see the world, taught me empathy, and inspired my desire to be a voice of hope for others. Reading about characters who have faced trauma or emotional battles has helped me realize how deeply people carry invisible pain. It's made me want to be someone who listens, understands, and reminds others that healing is possible. I’ve learned that strength doesn’t always look like perfection—it often looks like surviving, standing up again, or helping someone else through their darkness. That belief fuels my goals. I plan to pursue a degree that allows me to serve others—especially teens—through counseling, advocacy, or mental health education. I want to create spaces in my community where people feel safe to talk about their pain without shame. Whether through starting support groups, organizing events around mental health awareness, or simply being the person someone can trust, I hope to make a lasting difference. But my path hasn’t been perfect. There was a time when I started a school project meant to raise awareness about teen depression, but I didn’t plan well. I waited too long to ask for help and tried to do everything on my own. The result? It didn’t come together like I imagined, and I felt like I had failed. But looking back, that moment taught me one of my biggest lessons: failure isn’t the end—it's feedback. I learned to ask for help, plan ahead, and work with others. Most importantly, I learned that passion needs structure to create real impact. One thing that’s made a huge difference in my life is mentorship. Having someone older, wiser, and willing to invest in me has changed everything. My mentor saw strength in me when I couldn’t see it myself. She reminded me that my voice matters, that my past doesn’t define me, and that I have something to give. Her encouragement helped me gain the confidence to start giving back—whether volunteering, encouraging my peers, or helping younger students with schoolwork. What makes me unique is not just what I’ve been through, but how I’ve turned it into purpose. My background, my love for books that tell hard stories, and my desire to be a light for others are what drive me. I’m not perfect, but I am passionate. I’m creative. I’m resilient. And I truly care. So far, I’ve contributed to my community by showing up—whether that means helping at youth events, being someone friends can confide in, or simply leading by example. But I know I’m just getting started. My goal is to continue learning, growing, and using everything I’ve been through—and everything I’ve learned—to help others feel seen, heard, and valued.

Mental health has been a significant part of my journey, shaping my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. The tragic loss of my grandmother, who was like a mother to me, and the death of my best friend when I was 12, profoundly impacted my understanding of mental health. Along with these events, I struggled with self-harm, though I am in a much better place now. These experiences have taught me resilience, the importance of empathy, and the necessity of seeking support, which have shaped my life and my future goals. When I was a teenager, I lost my grandmother unexpectedly. I was alone with her when she went into cardiac arrest and died in my arms. This traumatic event forced me to deal with intense grief and sadness at a young age. I didn’t know how to process these emotions and felt isolated. This experience taught me that mental health is invisible, and coping with loss is not always straightforward. Over time, I realized the importance of acknowledging emotions and seeking support when needed, as well as the healing power of sharing struggles. When I was 12, I lost my best friend in a house fire. The weight of these losses led me to struggle with self-harm as a way to cope. The feelings of guilt, sadness, and anger became overwhelming, and I didn’t know how else to manage them. It took years of therapy and self-reflection to understand that self-harm wasn’t a healthy coping mechanism. Today, I’m proud to say I’m in a better place, having learned healthier ways to deal with my emotions, such as seeking therapy and relying on a supportive network. These experiences have shaped my beliefs about mental health. I now believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that it’s essential to seek help when struggling. I’ve learned the importance of compassion and creating spaces where people can process emotions without judgment. I’ve become more empathetic and understanding toward others facing mental health challenges, knowing how important it is to have someone listen and offer support. These lessons have influenced my career aspirations. I want to help others navigate their mental health journeys, whether through education or counseling. I aim to provide a safe space for people to express their feelings, process trauma, and learn healthier ways to cope. Having experienced mental health struggles myself, I understand the power of support and want to be that source of encouragement for others. In conclusion, my experiences with mental health—especially the losses of my grandmother and best friend and my own struggles with self-harm—have shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career goals. I’ve learned that healing takes time and that seeking support is essential. These lessons inspire me to pursue a career where I can make a difference in the lives of others, offering compassion and support that I wish I had received.

My desire to become a teacher has been shaped by my personal experiences, particularly my interactions with my younger siblings. Growing up, I found myself helping them with their education in ways I didn’t fully realize at the time. These experiences ignited a passion for teaching that has grown over the years, leading me to pursue a career where I can support and guide others through their own learning journeys. One of the most significant influences on my decision to become a teacher is my younger brother, who has Down syndrome. Watching him navigate the challenges he faces every day has taught me how important it is to approach education with patience, understanding, and creativity. I’ve seen how specialized support can make a world of difference in someone’s ability to learn and succeed, which inspired me to consider teaching as a way to provide that kind of support to others. Helping him with simple tasks or celebrating his small victories opened my eyes to the power of individualized learning, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career where I could help students, especially those with unique needs, find success in their own way. In addition to my brother, I’ve always been involved in helping my younger sister with her schoolwork. I remember sitting with her for hours, explaining lessons, offering encouragement, and finding ways to make learning fun. This experience deepened my appreciation for the role of a teacher in a student’s life. The joy I felt when my sister grasped a difficult concept or improved in a subject was something I will never forget. Those moments helped me realize how rewarding teaching can be, and they sparked my desire to make a career out of it. Books and stories about educators who made a difference in the lives of their students have also played a role in motivating me to pursue teaching. I’ve read about teachers who went above and beyond to inspire their students, who saw potential in every child and helped them believe in themselves. Their stories resonated deeply with me, and I realized that being a teacher is not just about sharing knowledge—it’s about creating an environment where students feel supported, seen, and valued. I want to be the kind of teacher who does that for others, someone who fosters a love for learning and helps students feel confident in their abilities. Moreover, my own educational experiences have influenced my decision to become a teacher. I’ve been fortunate to have teachers who were not only knowledgeable but also kind and understanding. They helped me through challenging moments and celebrated my successes. I want to be that kind of teacher for others—the one who takes the time to listen, understand, and support students in their learning journey. The impact a caring teacher can have on a student is profound, and that is something I strive to emulate. In conclusion, my drive to become a teacher is rooted in my experiences with my siblings, my desire to make a positive impact, and my belief in the power of education to transform lives. I want to be the teacher who not only educates but also supports, inspires, and encourages students to reach their full potential. This is the path I am passionate about, and I am committed to pursuing it with all my heart.

The books I’ve read over the years have profoundly shaped my perspective on life and guided my future goals. Through stories of resilience, empathy, personal growth, and the power of education, books have offered me insights that have helped me define my aspirations. These lessons have inspired me to pursue a career in education, where I can support others in their journeys of learning and self-discovery. One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned from books is resilience. Many of the characters I’ve encountered face challenges and setbacks, but what makes their stories inspiring is their ability to persist. These characters don’t give up when life gets tough—they rise above their struggles, adapt, and keep moving forward. Reading about their perseverance has taught me that failure is not something to be feared, but an opportunity for growth. Whether through stories of personal triumph or tales of overcoming hardship, books have shown me that resilience is key to achieving anything meaningful. This lesson has shaped my own approach to obstacles, inspiring me to keep pursuing my goals even when faced with difficulties. Empathy is another essential lesson I’ve gained from the books I’ve read. Stories from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives have expanded my understanding of human experiences. I’ve learned that everyone has their own struggles and joys, and recognizing this helps us build meaningful connections with others. Books have shown me how empathy allows us to relate to others in deep and meaningful ways, helping us better understand their needs and offer support. This lesson has influenced my desire to work in a field where I can actively listen, understand, and support others, particularly in education. I want to foster an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and understood, and I believe empathy is key to achieving that. The transformative power of education is another theme that has shaped my aspirations. Many of the characters in the books I’ve read have experienced life-changing moments because of education—whether through formal schooling, self-teaching, or personal discovery. These stories have taught me that education is more than just learning facts; it is a tool for personal growth, empowerment, and social change. I’ve come to believe that education has the potential to break barriers, change lives, and provide opportunities. As I’ve learned from books, education is not only about achieving academic success but about developing confidence, curiosity, and a passion for lifelong learning. This realization has inspired my goal of becoming an educator who can make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Finally, the books I’ve read have emphasized that growth is a continuous journey. Whether it’s a character learning from their mistakes or evolving through experiences, books remind me that growth doesn’t stop at a specific point. Personal development is an ongoing process. This lesson has encouraged me to always strive for self-improvement, both in my personal and professional life. It has shaped my goal of seeking continuous learning and growth, ensuring that I am always evolving and adapting to new challenges. In conclusion, the lessons I’ve learned from the books I’ve read have played a significant role in shaping my goals and aspirations. Resilience, empathy, the power of education, and the importance of lifelong growth are principles I aim to incorporate into my future career. I hope to work in education, where I can use these lessons to empower others, support their development, and make a meaningful impact.

Growing up with my younger siblings, particularly my 7-year-old sister and 2-year-old brother with Down syndrome, has profoundly influenced my decision to pursue a career in education. Watching them grow, learn, and overcome challenges has given me a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education, and it’s inspired me to become someone who can guide and support others in their learning journeys. As the eldest, I’ve always had a natural inclination to help my siblings. With my sister, I’ve been able to assist her with homework, teach her new things, and provide a safe space for her to ask questions and explore the world. With my younger brother, who has Down syndrome, I’ve had to be more patient and creative in finding ways to engage him and encourage his development. His unique learning needs have taught me the importance of adapting teaching strategies to meet individual needs. Through my experiences with both of them, I’ve come to realize how essential it is to foster an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment for learning, where every child can feel valued and capable. Raising my brother with Down syndrome has been an especially important experience in shaping my view on education. He may learn differently, but the progress he makes—whether it’s learning to speak a new word or interacting with others more confidently—is incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned that teaching isn’t just about academic content; it’s also about supporting a child’s emotional and developmental needs. With my brother, it’s about breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, offering praise and encouragement along the way, and celebrating every little victory. His journey has shown me that learning looks different for everyone, and as an educator, I hope to create classrooms that recognize and embrace those differences. Seeing my siblings’ growth and challenges has also taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and flexibility. There are days when my brother may struggle more, or when my sister needs extra support in grasping a concept. But by being there for them, offering encouragement, and adjusting my approach when needed, I’ve learned how crucial it is to be adaptable in teaching. It’s not always about following a set plan, but about being able to meet each child where they are and guiding them from there. The joy I feel when I see my siblings succeed, no matter how big or small the achievement, is indescribable. It’s that same sense of fulfillment that drives my passion for education. I want to be the kind of teacher who can empower students, help them recognize their potential, and encourage them to keep growing—even in the face of challenges. My experiences with my siblings have shown me the value of individualized learning, patience, and compassion, and I hope to bring those qualities into my future career as an educator.

Olivia Rodrigo’s “Pretty Isn’t Pretty” from her album GUTS delves into the pressures that come with societal beauty standards and the internal struggle of self-worth, a theme that resonates deeply with my teenage experience. The lyric “I could change up my body and change up my face, I could try every lipstick in every shade. But I’d always feel the same, cause pretty isn’t pretty enough anyway” perfectly captures the complex relationship many teenagers have with self-image. It speaks to the unrealistic expectations placed on us and the realization that external changes will not resolve deeper feelings of insecurity. As a teenager, I’ve often felt that my value is tied to how I look, influenced by the constant stream of curated images on social media. It’s easy to compare myself to others who seem to effortlessly meet beauty standards, and this often leaves me feeling inadequate. At times, I’ve found myself thinking that if I could change something about my appearance—whether it’s my body, my face, or my wardrobe—I would feel more confident and comfortable with who I am. But Olivia Rodrigo’s lyric “I could try every lipstick in every shade, but I’d always feel the same” perfectly articulates the realization I’ve had: no matter how much I alter my outward appearance, it doesn’t change how I feel inside. The truth is, changing the surface won’t fix the deeper insecurities that many of us face as teenagers. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, but it’s also a time of immense pressure to look and act a certain way. We are constantly trying to find our identity and fit into the expectations set by society, peers, and even ourselves. Rodrigo’s lyric captures this struggle, as it expresses the frustration of trying to meet external standards, only to discover that it never feels like enough. It’s as if we’re constantly chasing something that remains out of reach. “Pretty isn’t pretty enough anyway” reflects the futility of trying to find happiness through appearance alone, which I’ve come to realize is a lesson I needed to learn. Over time, I’ve understood that beauty isn’t the key to feeling good about myself. True confidence comes from within, from learning to accept myself as I am, flaws and all. Rodrigo’s lyric reminds me that outward changes will never bring lasting satisfaction if I don’t first work on embracing who I am on the inside. This lesson has been difficult to accept, but it has helped me focus on qualities beyond my appearance—like my kindness, resilience, and creativity. These traits are what truly define me, not the number of likes or compliments I get based on my looks. In conclusion, Olivia Rodrigo’s “Pretty Isn’t Pretty” is a powerful reflection of the pressures we face as teenagers, and the realization that no amount of external change can fix the internal struggles we experience with self-worth. The lyric has helped me understand that beauty is not the key to happiness; rather, true confidence comes from embracing who we are on the inside. As I continue to grow and navigate adolescence, I’m learning to prioritize self-acceptance over external validation and to value my worth beyond what meets the eye.

Through the game of golf, I’ve learned that success is not always immediate, and the road to improvement is often paved with frustration and failure. The biggest life lesson I’ve learned from golf is the importance of patience and persistence, both on and off the course. Golf has shown me that while talent can get you far, the key to long-term success lies in the ability to push through adversity, stay composed under pressure, and continually work toward your goals, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. When I first started playing golf, I had an unrealistic expectation that I would immediately excel. I was eager to see progress and frustrated by the obstacles that came with learning such a precise sport. I remember being frustrated by missing simple putts or hitting bad drives. There were many times when I felt like giving up after a particularly bad round or a frustrating practice session. However, over time, I realized that improvement in golf, much like in life, is gradual and requires consistent effort. Just as you can’t rush a perfect shot, you can’t rush personal growth. Golf taught me to be patient with myself, accept my mistakes, and recognize that setbacks are a natural part of the process. The key to improvement wasn’t avoiding mistakes but learning from them and moving forward with a positive attitude. The game of golf also reinforced the importance of resilience. In any competitive sport, you will face challenges, whether it’s a rough patch during a tournament or struggling to break through a certain score. Golf teaches you to take those setbacks in stride and not let them define you. I’ve had rounds where I performed poorly, yet rather than dwelling on mistakes, I’ve learned to adjust my mindset, stay focused, and work toward improving my game for the next round. This attitude of resilience has helped me in many other areas of my life. Whether dealing with academic setbacks or handling social challenges, I know now that failure is not final unless I let it be. Instead, I have learned to push through difficult moments and stay committed to progress. Finally, golf has taught me the value of persistence. Success in golf isn’t defined by one perfect round or one great shot, it’s the result of consistent practice, self-discipline, and a willingness to keep improving over time. Early on, I would become frustrated when I didn’t see immediate results, but I quickly learned that persistence is key. The discipline it takes to practice regularly, analyze performance, and make adjustments is something I plan on carrying forward into my future. Whether in my academic pursuits or professional goals, I know that persistence will be crucial in achieving long-term success. I plan on utilizing the lessons I’ve learned from golf in every aspect of my future. The patience, resilience, and persistence I’ve developed will help me navigate the inevitable challenges I will face in college and beyond. I know that success won’t always come easily or quickly, but with the mindset that golf has instilled in me, I will keep striving to improve, remain focused on my long-term goals, and never give up, no matter the obstacles in my path.

I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I have developed the mindset, determination, and work ethic needed to pursue them with intention and resilience. I don’t believe dreams are handed out. They are earned through persistence, discipline, and a willingness to keep going when things get difficult. I’ve worked hard to build those qualities in myself, and I continue to grow into someone capable of not just dreaming, but doing. My goals are not based on fantasy, they are rooted in a realistic understanding of what success demands. I’ve learned to stay focused and disciplined, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. Throughout high school, I’ve balanced academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and leadership responsibilities, all while planning for the future I envision. That balancing act hasn’t always been easy, but it has taught me how to manage my time, prioritize what matters, and hold myself accountable. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is pressure. Pressure to perform, pressure to be perfect, and pressure to succeed in environments that haven’t always been supportive. As a young woman in competitive spaces, I’ve often felt the need to prove myself in ways others haven’t. I’ve experienced performance anxiety and self-doubt, and I’ve had to learn how to push through mental blocks that threatened to hold me back. Rather than giving in to fear or pressure, I’ve chosen to grow through it. I’ve worked on building confidence not just in my abilities, but in my value as a person, regardless of the outcome. That growth has made me stronger, both mentally and emotionally. I’ve also learned how important it is to advocate for myself and others. In environments that weren’t always positive, I chose to be someone who speaks up, leads with integrity, and supports the people around me. I aspire to build a future that includes helping others do the same, especially young women who feel unseen, underestimated, or discouraged. I want my success to be more than personal. I want it to create a ripple effect that empowers others to believe in their own potential. This scholarship would not just support my education, it would support a student who is committed to showing up, working hard, and making a difference. I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I’ve proven that I’m not afraid of the work it takes to get there. I don’t expect anything to be handed to me. I’m here to earn it, with every hour of effort, every goal I set, and every challenge I overcome. My dreams are big, but I am ready, and I am worth them.

When I started golf, I was very young. My grandpa (and golf coach) got me my first set around five or six years old. One day I stood on the green, squinting at the tiny hole like it had personally insulted me. After three putts, none of which even grazed the cup, I slammed my tiny putter into the ground and dramatically declared, “That’s a little baby club—I’m done.” Then I stormed off with the kind of flair only I could pull off. Everyone laughed, but that moment stuck with me. At the time, golf seemed impossible, boring, and honestly a little embarrassing. I never thought it would become something I loved, let alone something that shaped who I am. Fast forward to high school, and not only am I still using a putter (a regular-sized one now), but I’ve learned that golf is about so much more than just swinging a club. As a female golfer, I’ve faced real challenges—mental, emotional, and even social. One of the hardest has been managing performance anxiety. Golf is a quiet sport, but inside, my mind has often been anything but. Before big matches, I used to get so nervous I couldn’t eat. I worried about every possible mistake, every spectator, every bad shot. The pressure to perform perfectly, especially as one of the few girls on a team or in a tournament, sometimes felt overwhelming. There’s also this constant expectation to prove yourself. While some of my male teammates could have an off day without comment, I felt like I had to be twice as focused just to be taken seriously. That pressure pushed me, but it also wore me down. I’ve had to learn how to shake off bad holes, reset my mindset, and focus on one shot at a time. Over time, I’ve built mental toughness and learned that my worth isn’t based on one round, or what anyone else thinks of my game. And to be honest, not all golf environments have been supportive. I’ve experienced toxic team cultures where negativity and comparison ran wild. I’ve dealt with being underestimated, and I’ve felt the sting of comments that made me want to quit. But I didn’t. I remembered that little girl on the green who thought golf was dumb—and how far she’s come. I found mentors who encouraged me, and teammates who had my back. I learned to speak up when something wasn’t right and to lead by example. Golf has challenged me in ways I never expected—but it’s also made me stronger. I’ve learned how to handle pressure, overcome fear, and keep showing up even when things are hard. I used to say, “I’m done.” Now, even after the worst rounds, I say, “Let’s go again.” Because golf isn’t just about winning—it’s about grit, growth, and learning to keep swinging.