When I was 9 years old, I was told that I had type 1 diabetes. At the time, I didn't understand what it meant, only that the doctor said I would struggle to play sports and eat foods that I liked. Though at nine I was more worried about the food, it ended up coming back into play when I started high school. As a child, my primary concern was about the foods I would have to limit, but as I entered high school, the reality of managing my diabetes set in. I realized that living with this condition required immense discipline, resilience, and effort. I learned to balance my love for sports with my health needs, which not only taught me time management and self-regulation but also fueled a passion for advocating for others with similar challenges. When I go to college, I plan on joining a program by the company Dexcom that sponsors college athletes and encourages them to share their journey with diabetes. On the field, I am chasing the dream of becoming a Track & Field state champion. This is what drives me, the determination to become a state champion, to show that my disability isn't actually disabling me. To fulfill this dream, I practice 4 times a week, and while practicing, I learn new ways to handle my diabetes. Another dream I have in the classroom is to become a Biomedical Engineer. Using this degree, I would like to be a part of the inventors who create medical devices for student athletes who struggle to deal with chronic illnesses. I would like to receive this scholarship because it represents a critical stepping stone toward achieving my academic and athletic aspirations while managing my type 1 diabetes. As someone who has faced challenges associated with this condition, I understand the importance of perseverance and hard work. This scholarship would alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus more on my studies in Biomedical Engineering and my training for Track & Field. I plan to use this scholarship to further both my academic and athletic goals by providing me with the necessary resources to manage my diabetes while pursuing my passions. This scholarship will help cover the medical expenses of diabetes, such as insulin, Dexcom, and food for low blood sugar. This scholarship would enable me to continue my education and navigate these challenges while pursuing my goals. It represents the ability to succeed despite adversity. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity, not only for myself but also to inspire others who face their own obstacles. Thank you for reading my application.

Community service is important to me because community is a reflection of who you are. Community is a reflection of who you are because it embodies the values, efforts, and connections we explore within it. I believe that each interaction we have with people contributes to the overall character of our community. I find that making connections with others enriches my life and the people I talk with. When I serve the people in my community, I can see the effects of my efforts when I look at the faces of the people I am helping. Recently, I went to the gas station near my house. As I was about to pay for my drink, I was told that the lady in front of me had already paid for it. I ran outside to find her, and she was gone. The impact of what she did for me stayed with me. Remembering how I felt that day made me more inspired to help others through community service. This small act of kindness opened my eyes to the effects of generosity within our community. In addition to that, it told me that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a big impact. Currently, I am involved in 3 different types of community service. Firstly, in sports-related community service, I usually work as an official for sports games in Gaithersburg(where I live). Specifically, I work with youth interested in track & field and basketball. For track & field, I set up the track meet and help kids make it on time to their events. For basketball, the Watkins Mill High School basketball team and I set up clinics for middle school and elementary schoolers to improve their skills. Secondly, in school-related community service. Every Saturday morning, my classmates and I give out food for our school's food drive. My job is to load boxes into the cars of the people waiting for food. Lastly, my stepmom and I volunteer at the local homeless shelter twice a month. In this line of work, I usually do different things each time with the overall goal of serving food or prepping food. In college, I plan on majoring in biomedical engineering. With this degree, I hope to improve the health of my community by making more affordable options for an MRI or CT scan, so that lower-income individuals can access them. I also plan to use this degree to help my family. A few months ago, my mother was diagnosed with skin cancer and has been battling it since. With my degree, I hope to invent easier and more affordable ways to detect cancer for people who are at high risk. In conclusion, I truly believe that while we can hope for miraculous changes, often, that miracle is simply us stepping up to help one another.

The average SAT score at my high school is 983. In my community, most students find success outside of the classroom, in extracurricular activities, which truly benefit us. One of the activities in which I play a significant role is a club I founded called The Mill. The name comes from our school's name, Watkins Mill. The primary goal of this club is to provide opportunities for students who struggle academically. One of the primary ways we support our community is by leveraging Instagram as a powerful tool for connection and outreach. This platform allows us to share information about various student-led clubs, inspiring classmates to get involved and discover new interests. By highlighting the achievements and activities of these clubs, we create a vibrant online community that encourages participation and engagement. A key collaboration we have is with our school’s dance teams, which are a source of pride and unity. Due to our school’s rich cultural diversity, we proudly support two distinct teams: the African Dance Team and the Latin Dance Team. Each team serves as a celebration of cultural heritage, showcasing traditional dances that reflect the rich histories and narratives of their respective cultures. Through their performances, these teams not only entertain but also educate the student body about the beauty of diverse traditions. Moreover, these dance teams play a significant role in building connections among students. As individuals from various backgrounds come together to practice, rehearse, and perform, they form lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging. This communal aspect of dance fosters an inclusive environment where students can express themselves freely and appreciate the differences that make our school community unique. By promoting these teams on Instagram, we enhance their visibility and attract new members who are eager to join a supportive network of peers. Through our collective efforts, we help cultivate a spirit of camaraderie and understanding that resonates throughout our school. Seeing students find new communities and friends with both similar and different cultural backgrounds makes me very passionate about this work, which is why I continue my involvement. Supporting other clubs led by students helps create a culture of collaboration in our community. Many clubs appreciate our efforts to help them build their programs. My passion for supporting my community stems from my deep connection to the school and the people in it, having been a part of this environment for four years. Throughout my time here, I’ve built strong relationships with my peers, teachers, and staff, which gives me a unique perspective on their needs and challenges. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to create support systems for students, especially those who may feel overwhelmed in a traditional academic setting. Helping to foster these connections and opportunities brings me immense joy and fulfillment. I believe that when students come together and support one another, we can uplift our entire community, creating a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Being able to contribute to this positive change is what motivates me to continue my work with The Mill and other student-led initiatives.