Growing up poor taught me what it means to fight for every inch of progress. Nothing in my life has ever been handed to me—not stability, not opportunity, not even a clear path forward. But it wasn’t until I became a single father to my son, who has autism, that I learned the deepest lessons about strength, patience, and what truly matters. Taking care of my son has shaped me in ways that no hardship from my childhood ever could. It has redefined my purpose, sharpened my character, and pushed me to grow into a man worthy of being his father. When I first became a dad, I thought hard work meant long hours and physical effort. As a police detective, that kind of work is familiar: late nights, tough cases, and the constant pressure to stay sharp. But raising my son has shown me a different kind of work—the emotional work of slowing down, listening beyond words, and adapting to his world rather than expecting him to fit mine. His autism means he experiences life with a sensitivity and perspective that many people overlook. Learning to understand that has required me to develop patience I didn’t know I had and empathy I didn’t know I was capable of. My son has taught me to see people more clearly, both on and off the job. As a detective, I am responsible for helping people in their worst moments. Understanding my son’s needs has made me better at calming tense situations, reading nonverbal cues, and approaching every person with compassion first. When you love someone who communicates differently, you learn quickly that behavior is often a message. You learn to look deeper. That skill has changed the way I police, the way I parent, and the way I move through my community. There are days when the challenges feel heavy—meltdowns, sensory overload, routines breaking down at the worst moment. On those days, I remind myself of the nights from my childhood when my parents worked multiple jobs, exhausted but determined, doing everything they could just to get us by. Their strength is the foundation that supports me now. I want my son to know that same unshakable love, that same certainty that no matter how difficult things get, I’m not going anywhere. Caring for my son has also taught me to appreciate victories that others might overlook. A successful day at school, a moment of unexpected eye contact, a laugh during a tough morning—these are achievements that mean everything to us. They remind me that progress isn’t measured by speed but by persistence. The world can be loud and unforgiving, but together, we’ve learned to carve out moments of peace and joy. Most importantly, my son has given me a purpose that guides every decision I make about my future. I want to continue my education not just to advance in my career, but to create stability, opportunity, and representation for families like ours. He has shaped me into a more patient father, a more compassionate detective, and a stronger man. Because of him, I don’t just work hard—I work with heart.

Growing up in a neighborhood where every dollar mattered and every choice carried weight, I learned early that character isn’t something you talk about—it’s something you live. As a single dad, a police detective, and the father of a son with autism, these values guide every step I take, whether I’m serving my community or standing quietly on the water with a fishing rod in my hand. In both places, integrity, patience, and work ethic are not optional; they are the foundation that keeps me steady. My childhood taught me resilience. My parents worked harder than anyone I knew, yet some months we still didn’t know how the bills would get paid. Instead of letting that defeat me, it instilled in me a determination to build a better life. Now, in my role as a detective, I try to be the person I needed when I was young—someone steady, honest, and willing to listen. The people in my community expect fairness and consistency, especially from someone in uniform, and I work every day to meet that expectation. Character shows up in the choices no one sees: the extra time spent helping a victim understand the court process, the patience shown during a tense situation, the commitment to treating everyone with dignity, even when emotions run high. Sportsmanship is just as important in my community role as it is in fishing. In law enforcement, no one succeeds alone. I rely on my team, and they rely on me. I’ve learned to accept feedback, celebrate others’ successes, and admit when I’m wrong—skills that are equally valuable on the water. Competitive or not, fishing teaches humility. Some days the fish just don’t bite, no matter how experienced you are. When that happens, I use it as a reminder to be grateful for the opportunity to learn rather than frustrated by the outcome. Fishing is one of the ways I teach my son, Noah, about patience, calm, and the beauty of small victories. His autism means he experiences the world differently, and the quiet rhythm of fishing helps us meet in the middle. When he reels in a fish—or even just keeps his focus long enough to cast—we celebrate like it’s a championship win. That spirit of encouragement is sportsmanship at its core. Work ethic is woven into everything I do. As a detective, I often work long hours, sometimes late into the night, but I always make sure Noah knows he comes first. Balancing demanding work with being a present father is not easy, but it has made me stronger and more disciplined. Fishing reinforces that same truth: success isn’t luck; it’s preparation, persistence, and respect for the process. I study the water, practice new techniques, and teach those skills to others in my community who want to learn. Character, sportsmanship, and work ethic aren’t separate qualities—they work together. They define how I serve my community, how I parent my son, and how I carry myself when I’m out on the water. And they’re the values I will bring with me as I continue my education and work toward building a safer, stronger future for the people around me.

Legacy is a word people often associate with wealth, inheritance, or long-established family names. But growing up with low-income parents, I learned early on that legacy is not built from what you leave behind—it’s built from what you refuse to give up on. For me, legacy means changing the direction of a family story that was shaped by struggle, sacrifice, and doing the best you can with what little you have. It means creating something stronger, safer, and more stable for my son than what I had growing up. My parents worked harder than anyone I know. My father picked up double shifts whenever they were available, and my mother stretched every dollar so far it felt like a miracle. They didn’t have much, but they gave me a blueprint for perseverance. Still, our home life was marked by financial stress that seeped into everything—every decision, every argument, every opportunity we had to turn down because we simply couldn’t afford it. I watched my parents carry that weight every day, and even though they tried to shield me from it, I learned early what it meant to go without. Those experiences did not discourage me; they shaped the path I chose. Growing up with limited resources taught me to see people beyond their circumstances. It taught me that a person’s hardest moments often come from forces outside of their control. That understanding ultimately guided me to law enforcement. I became a police detective because I wanted to be someone who stood between hardship and hope, someone who could show up for others the way my parents always tried to show up for me—even when they had almost nothing left to give. As a single father now, my definition of legacy has only grown deeper. Every time I look at my son, I’m reminded that the story I’m writing doesn’t end with me; it continues in him. I want him to grow up knowing he can dream without worrying about whether we can afford it. I want him to see in me a man who worked hard, not because he wanted to escape his past, but because he wanted to transform it. Breaking the cycle doesn’t mean rejecting where I came from. It means building on it with intention. My upbringing taught me the value of resilience, gratitude, and discipline. But it also revealed the gaps—lack of financial literacy, limited access to education, and opportunities overshadowed by constant worry. I plan to continue the strengths my parents instilled while breaking the patterns that held them back. Education is a key part of that plan. Advancing my career through further training and academic growth isn’t just about me; it’s about providing stability for my son and setting an example that hard beginnings do not have to define the entire journey. This scholarship would help relieve the financial strain of continuing my education while working full-time and raising my child. My legacy, I hope, will be a life that proves struggle can become strength, and that the cycle of hardship can be rewritten through purpose, persistence, and love. My son will inherit more than what’s in my bank account—he will inherit the belief that he is capable, deserving, and free to pursue a future brighter than the one I started with.

Living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder has shaped nearly every part of my life—personally, professionally, and as a single father. For years, I tried to push through it in silence, believing that admitting I struggled would somehow make me less capable, less steady, or less deserving of the badge I wear every day as a police detective. But the truth is that anxiety has taught me more about strength, patience, and resilience than anything else in my life. Anxiety, for me, isn’t just worry. It’s waking up with a mind that’s already racing before my feet touch the floor. It’s replaying every decision I made at a crime scene long after my shift has ended. It’s lying awake at night, wondering whether I am doing enough for my son, whether I missed something in a case, or whether I’m falling short in ways no one else can see. For a long time, these thoughts felt like a personal failing, something I had to work against rather than through. What changed me was fatherhood. As a single dad, I don’t have the option to shut down or withdraw when the anxiety flares. My son depends on me—not just to provide, but to be present, patient, and engaged. There were moments early on when I feared my anxiety made me less of a father, but what I discovered is that it made me more attentive. I became more aware of his emotions, more intentional in creating a calm and stable home, and more committed to showing him that facing your struggles head-on is not something to be ashamed of. Being a detective with anxiety also forced me to develop tools that ultimately make me better at my job. I learned how to slow my breathing in high-stress situations, how to separate facts from the spiraling “what ifs,” and how to lean on my training rather than the noise in my mind. I also discovered the importance of communication—opening up to trusted colleagues and supervisors instead of pretending everything is fine. By doing so, I found support where I once expected judgment. Living with GAD has shaped my long-term goals as well. I’ve seen firsthand how untreated stress and anxiety affect officers, and how many suffer quietly because the culture has not always encouraged vulnerability. I want to help change that. As I pursue further education, my hope is to one day take on leadership roles where I can advocate for mental health resources, normalize seeking help, and build an environment where officers can balance courage with humanity. This scholarship would help me continue my education while maintaining stability for my son. School, full-time work, and single parenthood leave little room for financial strain, and receiving this support would allow me to focus on learning and growing without adding additional pressure. More importantly, it would help me continue becoming the kind of father my son can look up to—someone who doesn’t hide his struggles, but uses them to build empathy, strength, and purpose. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is something I live with, but it is not something that defines me. Instead, it has shaped me into a more compassionate detective, a more attentive parent, and a man committed to using his challenges to make a positive impact on others.

I am a single father to an autistic child. My parents were high school dropouts. My two oldest brothers dropped out of high school. I am the first in my family to go to college. I was born to a military dad who worked two jobs to keep us fed. I have 4 brothers, keeping us all fed was never easy. I grew up in a low income area in a house with no central heating or air conditioning. I was raised to work hard and value family. With those values instilled in me, I want to set a good example for my son. He has autism and his journey will not be easy but I want to provide an example that it can be done no matter the hurdles. That is my biggest dream. I know the scholarship will help ensure I can continue working towards my goal of graduating. Obtaining a degree will help me advance my career and be able to pay for my son to go to college. Thank you for considering me.

I’m a police detective who works tirelessly to protect the citizens in my jurisdiction. Outside of work I’m a single father. I have an 9 year old son who has autism. He is my whole world. Due to his autism my financial situation is tight. I have to pay for therapy and special supplies for him. He has special dietary needs, bathroom issues, and requires a special babysitter. I have been in law enforcement for over 16 years. I have worked all crimes from murder to shoplifting. I enjoy my job because I get to help people. Being victimized by a criminal is a horrible experience and I do my best to guide the victim through that time. Along with working cases I educate the general public about financial crimes and Internet crimes. I have given presentations to multiple groups in the area to help our citizens protect themselves from scammers. I meet with our local high school and teach about law enforcement and dangers to look out for. I graduated high school in 2006. I started college but did not have the financial means to continue so I dropped out and began working. In 2017 I went back and completed my associates degree. I did this while working full time and raising my son. I want to continue what I started in 2006 and finish my bachelors degree. I have learned incredible amounts about individuals with special needs thanks to my son. I learned these people are often misunderstood and mistreated. I have made it my mission in life to be a champion for anyone with special needs. I have organized training for my coworkers to learn how to interact with people with special needs. I have organized and assisted in fundraising for special needs schools. I hope to bring more people together with individuals with special needs. I want to continue educating law enforcement officers and the general public about special needs individuals. I work full time and take care of my son. I make enough money to pay my bills and live a comfortable life. However going back to school is an additional financial burden. I’m hoping to receive scholarships to fund my schooling to prevent any financial strain on my family. I am the head of the household and pay the majority of the bills. The more scholarships I receive the further I can go in my pursuit of a bachelors degree. I love being a dad and a detective. A degree would help advance my career. I want to be a positive role model for my son and my community. I want to share autism awareness with my community and coworkers. It is something that's personally important to me but also affects a large portion of our society. This degree would help me to achieve that goal. I would be able to advance my career and give more back to my community. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading my essay.

Ever since I first pinned on a badge, people have asked me why I chose a life in public safety. The truth is, my interest started long before I ever became a detective—back when I was a kid watching my own father work double shifts to keep our neighborhood safe. But it wasn’t until I became a single dad to my autistic son, Noah, that my understanding of security, protection, and community took on a deeper and more personal meaning. Every decision I make now is shaped by the responsibility I feel not just toward the public I serve, but toward the little boy waiting for me at home, who trusts me to make the world a little safer for him. My interest in private security and public safety grew out of a simple but powerful desire: to prevent harm before it happens. As a detective, I often engage with people after the damage is already done—after the break-in, after the fraud, after the assault. But over the years, I’ve become increasingly drawn to the preventative side of safety. I’ve seen firsthand how trained security professionals can deter incidents, de-escalate conflicts, and intervene long before police arrive. Especially when it comes to vulnerable populations—individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or kids like Noah who experience the world differently—the presence of informed, compassionate, well-trained security personnel can make all the difference. Looking ahead five to ten years, I see private security evolving into an even more essential part of our public safety ecosystem. Technologies like AI-driven monitoring systems, real-time communication platforms, and non-lethal defense tools are becoming more advanced and more accessible. But technology alone won’t define the future of security—people will. Security professionals will increasingly be trained not just in threat response, but in crisis intervention, mental-health-aware communication, and community partnership. In many ways, the next decade will shift the field away from simply guarding property to safeguarding people in a more holistic way. I want to be part of that shift. I want to help build a field where empathy is seen as strength and where professionals are as skilled in understanding human behavior as they are in operating tactical equipment. My hope is to make a meaningful impact both within the industry and in my own community. One of my goals is to create training programs that help security personnel better support neurodivergent individuals. Raising Noah has taught me that the world isn’t always built with him in mind—and that misunderstandings can escalate quickly when people aren’t trained to recognize sensory overload, communication differences, or atypical responses. If I can help even a handful of security professionals approach these moments with patience and awareness, I’ll consider that a contribution worth making. Additionally, I hope to mentor young people considering careers in safety, especially single parents who are trying to balance duty with family life. If I can show them that it’s possible to build a stable, meaningful career while raising a child—especially a child with special needs—then maybe they won’t feel as alone as I once did. This scholarship would play a vital role in helping me achieve my educational and professional goals. As a single dad, every dollar counts, and continued education often feels like a luxury pushed to the bottom of the list behind therapies, rent, and the unpredictable expenses that come with raising a child with autism. But furthering my education in security management is essential if I want to step into leadership roles, develop specialized training programs, or eventually transition into private-sector security consulting. This scholarship would lift a significant financial burden and allow me to focus on building the skills I need to not only advance my own career, but to better serve the communities and individuals who rely on dedicated safety professionals every day.

I’m a police detective who works tirelessly to protect the citizens in my jurisdiction. Outside of work I’m a single father. I have an 9 year old son who has autism. He is my whole world. Due to his autism my financial situation is tight. I have to pay for therapy and special supplies for him. He has special dietary needs, bathroom issues, and requires a special babysitter. I have been in law enforcement for over 16 years. I have worked all crimes from murder to shoplifting. I enjoy my job because I get to help people. Being victimized by a criminal is a horrible experience and I do my best to guide the victim through that time. Along with working cases I educate the general public about financial crimes and Internet crimes. I have given presentations to multiple groups in the area to help our citizens protect themselves from scammers. I meet with our local high school and teach about law enforcement and dangers to look out for. I graduated high school in 2006. I started college but did not have the financial means to continue so I dropped out and began working. In 2017 I went back and completed my associates degree. I did this while working full time and raising my son. I want to continue what I started in 2006 and finish my bachelors degree. I have learned incredible amounts about individuals with special needs thanks to my son. I learned these people are often misunderstood and mistreated. I have made it my mission in life to be a champion for anyone with special needs. I have organized training for my coworkers to learn how to interact with people with special needs. I have organized and assisted in fundraising for special needs schools. I hope to bring more people together with individuals with special needs. I want to continue educating law enforcement officers and the general public about special needs individuals. I work full time and take care of my son. I make enough money to pay my bills and live a comfortable life. However going back to school is an additional financial burden. I’m hoping to receive scholarships to fund my schooling to prevent any financial strain on my family. I am the head of the household and pay the majority of the bills. The more scholarships I receive the further I can go in my pursuit of a bachelors degree. I love being a dad and a detective. A degree would help advance my career. I want to be a positive role model for my son and my community. I want to share autism awareness with my community and coworkers. It is something that's personally important to me but also affects a large portion of our society. This degree would help me to achieve that goal. I would be able to advance my career and give more back to my community. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading my essay.

Essay: A Father’s Hope Beyond the System As a single father to a young boy with autism, I’ve spent most of my life feeling like an outsider looking in. My parents never made it past high school my father left school to join the Army and my mother stayed home to raise me and my siblings. Education was a dream that lived in the background of our lives, something meant for other people. Growing up in a family that worked hard but didn’t have the guidance or resources to pursue college, I learned early that survival came first, and everything else came second. But as I stand on the threshold of higher education, I know that for me and for my son survival is no longer enough. I want to build something more. Being a first-generation college student comes with a mix of pride and pressure. My parents worked tirelessly to give me a better start than they had, but without higher education themselves, they couldn’t always guide me through the academic side of things. I often had to figure it out as I went financial aid forms, applications, and college jargon all felt like a language I was learning on the fly. There were no family traditions of campus visits or graduation photos in caps and gowns. Still, what my parents lacked in experience, they made up for in values: determination, work ethic, and compassion. Those lessons have stayed with me far longer than any classroom lecture ever could. When I became a father especially to a child with autism I realized how critical education truly is, not just formal education but understanding how to advocate, research, and communicate effectively. Navigating my son’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), therapy schedules, and medical needs has often felt overwhelming. Without the right knowledge and confidence, it’s easy to feel lost in a maze of specialists, paperwork, and decisions that all impact your child’s future. That experience pushed me to want more from myself. I decided that going back to school wasn’t just about earning a degree; it was about setting an example of persistence and showing my son the power of knowledge. Still, entering higher education as a first-generation student feels daunting. I often worry that I won’t fit in or that my age, my background, or my responsibilities as a single dad will make me stand out in all the wrong ways. I don’t have the luxury of studying full-time; I work long hours, and most nights I’m cooking dinner or helping my son wind down after therapy before I can even open a textbook. Yet, those same challenges are what drive me. Every obstacle I’ve faced financial stress, social stigma, and self-doubt has built a resilience that no classroom could ever teach. My upbringing has shaped not only my educational path but my sense of purpose. My parents taught me that even when doors aren’t open to you, you find a way to build your own. I want to show my son that education is more than grades or diplomas it’s empowerment. I want him to grow up knowing that his differences don’t limit him; they define his strength. So yes, I may be an outsider to higher education. But I’ve learned that being an outsider gives you a different kind of vision. You see not just what the system is, but what it could be. My goal isn’t simply to earn a degree it’s to change the cycle, to make sure that when my son looks at me, he sees not where we started, but how far we’ve come.

The acronym PLUR, standing for Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect, resonates deeply within the electronic dance music (EDM) and rave community, but its principles extend far beyond the dance floor. To me, PLUR is more than just a catchy phrase; it's a guiding philosophy that shapes my interactions, informs my worldview, and inspires my commitment to fostering positive change in every community I touch. Peace, for me, is not merely the absence of conflict, but an active state of inner tranquility and outward harmony. It's about cultivating a calm mind amidst life's chaos, practicing mindfulness, and seeking understanding rather than confrontation. In my daily life, this translates into choosing empathy over judgment, listening actively, and striving to de-escalate tensions. Whether it's a disagreement among friends or a heated debate in a group project, I aim to be a voice of reason, seeking common ground and promoting peaceful resolutions. I believe that true peace begins within each individual, and by nurturing my own inner peace, I can contribute to a more peaceful environment around me. Love, in the context of PLUR, is an expansive and unconditional force. It's the recognition of our shared humanity, the embrace of diversity, and the genuine desire for the well-being of others. This isn't just romantic love, but a universal compassion that extends to strangers and friends alike. I embody this by actively practicing kindness, offering support to those in need, and celebrating the unique qualities of every individual. In my community work, I volunteer at a local food bank, where I witness firsthand the power of love in action – the simple act of providing a meal can restore dignity and hope. I also strive to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and accepted, regardless of their background or beliefs. Unity is the understanding that we are all interconnected, a tapestry woven from diverse threads. It's about breaking down barriers, fostering collaboration, and recognizing that our collective strength far surpasses our individual capabilities. I actively seek opportunities to build bridges between different groups and perspectives. In my academic pursuits, I thrive in collaborative environments, understanding that diverse viewpoints lead to richer solutions. Outside of academics, I participate in community organizing initiatives, working alongside individuals from various walks of life to achieve shared goals, whether it's cleaning up a local park or advocating for social justice. I believe that true progress is only possible when we stand united. Respect is the cornerstone upon which peace, love, and unity are built. It's acknowledging the inherent worth and dignity of every person, their opinions, their experiences, and their boundaries. For me, respect means listening without interrupting, disagreeing respectfully, and valuing different perspectives even when they diverge from my own. It's about treating others as I wish to be treated, with courtesy, consideration, and an open mind. In my interactions, I make a conscious effort to be mindful of cultural differences and to challenge my own biases. I advocate for respectful dialogue in all settings, understanding that genuine understanding can only flourish in an atmosphere of mutual respect. In essence, PLUR is my personal compass. It guides my actions, shapes my character, and fuels my commitment to creating a more compassionate and harmonious world. By actively embodying Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect in my daily life and within the communities I am a part of, I strive to be a positive force, contributing to a ripple effect of understanding and acceptance that extends far beyond the dance floor.

I’m a police detective who works tirelessly to protect the citizens in my jurisdiction. Outside of work I’m a single father. I have an 9 year old son who has autism. He is my whole world. Due to his autism my financial situation is tight. I have to pay for therapy and special supplies for him. He has special dietary needs, bathroom issues, and requires a special babysitter. I have been in law enforcement for over 16 years. I have worked all crimes from murder to shoplifting. I enjoy my job because I get to help people. Being victimized by a criminal is a horrible experience and I do my best to guide the victim through that time. Along with working cases I educate the general public about financial crimes and Internet crimes. I have given presentations to multiple groups in the area to help our citizens protect themselves from scammers. I meet with our local high school and teach about law enforcement and dangers to look out for. I graduated high school in 2006. I started college but did not have the financial means to continue so I dropped out and began working. In 2017 I went back and completed my associates degree. I did this while working full time and raising my son. I want to continue what I started in 2006 and finish my bachelors degree. I have learned incredible amounts about individuals with special needs thanks to my son. I learned these people are often misunderstood and mistreated. I have made it my mission in life to be a champion for anyone with special needs. I have organized training for my coworkers to learn how to interact with people with special needs. I have organized and assisted in fundraising for special needs schools. I hope to bring more people together with individuals with special needs. I want to continue educating law enforcement officers and the general public about special needs individuals. I work full time and take care of my son. I make enough money to pay my bills and live a comfortable life. However going back to school is an additional financial burden. I’m hoping to receive scholarships to fund my schooling to prevent any financial strain on my family. I am the head of the household and pay the majority of the bills. The more scholarships I receive the further I can go in my pursuit of a bachelors degree. I love being a dad and a detective. A degree would help advance my career. I want to be a positive role model for my son and my community. I want to share autism awareness with my community and coworkers. It is something that's personally important to me but also affects a large portion of our society. This degree would help me to achieve that goal. I would be able to advance my career and give more back to my community. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading my essay.

Resilience, to me, isn’t about pretending to be strong, it’s about finding the courage to keep going when life feels impossibly heavy. As a single father to an autistic son, a police detective, and someone living with generalized anxiety disorder, I’ve had to redefine what strength really means. It’s not the absence of fear or struggle, it’s the ability to keep showing up, no matter how uncertain or overwhelming things become. Every day, my life is a balancing act between duty, fatherhood, and managing my own mental health. My job as a detective demands precision, calm under pressure, and emotional control. But beneath the badge, I’m still a dad, one who wakes up early to make breakfast, helps with sensory routines, and spends evenings ensuring my son feels understood and loved in a world that doesn’t always make that easy. There are nights when the anxiety hits hardest, when the weight of both worlds collides and I feel stretched thin. But then I see my son smile, or I catch a small breakthrough in his progress, and I remember why I keep pushing forward. Being a college student on top of all that isn’t easy. Late nights studying after long shifts, juggling assignments between therapy appointments, and fighting through anxiety to stay focused—it all tests me. But I’ve learned to adapt. I plan meticulously, set small achievable goals, and give myself grace when things don’t go perfectly. I’ve come to see resilience as not just enduring, but evolving learning new ways to manage, to grow, and to keep faith in the process. Living with anxiety has also made me a more empathetic leader and student. It’s taught me to notice when others are struggling, to offer patience and understanding. It’s deepened my ability to connect with people whether that’s a victim seeking justice, a classmate facing their own challenges, or my son learning to navigate his world. My anxiety used to feel like a weakness; now, I see it as a reminder of my humanity and a tool for compassion. My goal in pursuing higher education is to advance in my field and serve as a voice for others balancing invisible struggles. I want to use my experience to advocate for mental health awareness within law enforcement and beyond to show that vulnerability and strength can coexist. I want my son to see that even when life throws obstacles in your path, you don’t have to stop dreaming, growing, or reaching for something better. Resilience, for me, is waking up each morning and choosing to try again. It’s the quiet strength in showing up to class after a sleepless night. It’s holding my son’s hand through his meltdowns while managing my own anxiety. It’s believing that hope can exist even in hard seasons. I may not have all the answers, but I have the determination to keep moving forward and that, to me, is the heart of resilience.

Being a single father and a police detective has shaped the man I am today, and every day demands that I live out five traits that define both my personal and professional life: leadership, resilience, unselfishness, focus, and a strong work ethic. These qualities aren’t just ideals to me, they’re survival tools. They’re how I keep my son safe, solve cases that bring justice to victims, and push myself to build a better future for both of us. Leadership and communication go hand in hand in my line of work. As a detective, I lead by example, staying calm in chaos, making decisions under pressure, and keeping my team motivated even when the hours are long and the cases are tough. Leadership isn’t about barking orders; it’s about listening, guiding, and earning respect. I’ve learned that the same approach works at home. My son watches everything I do, and I know that the way I handle stress or speak to others teaches him far more than my words ever could. I strive to lead with empathy, whether I’m briefing my team on a case or helping my boy with his homework. Resilience is something I’ve had to build over time. There are days when the job feels heavy, when the evidence doesn’t line up, or the emotional toll of seeing people at their worst starts to wear you down. Add to that the challenges of raising a child on my own, and there’s no choice but to be strong. I’ve learned to adapt, to find strength in routine, and to keep moving forward even when exhaustion sets in. Resilience isn’t about never breaking; it’s about bending without giving up. Being unselfish is second nature as both a father and a detective. My priorities revolve around serving others my son, my community, and my team. I’ve missed holidays, worked late nights, and sacrificed sleep to be there when I’m needed. It’s not always easy, but I remind myself that making a difference often means putting others first. The satisfaction comes from knowing that my efforts matter, even in small ways. Focus and determination are what drive me through long investigations and long nights at home. When I commit to something whether it’s solving a case or earning my degree I don’t let distractions steer me off course. My son deserves to see what determination looks like in action. I want him to understand that hard work and persistence can change the trajectory of a life, no matter where you start. My work ethic is rooted in gratitude. I take pride in showing up every day, giving my best, and refusing to cut corners. It’s what my father taught me, and it’s what I hope to pass down to my son. I’m pursuing a degree to strengthen my leadership and open doors for advancement. I want to set an example for my son that education and growth never stop, no matter your age or responsibilities. To me, leadership means service. It’s about lifting others, not standing above them. A true leader inspires through integrity, compassion, and consistency. My goal is to keep leading with heart, with focus, and with the determination to leave this world, and my son’s future, a little better than I found it.

Living with or caring for someone with a chronic medical condition changes the way you see everything. It reshapes your sense of time, your priorities, and even how you measure success. For me, it has taught the value of small victories: a day without pain, a full night’s rest, a moment of laughter that drowns out the worry. It’s shown me that strength doesn’t always look like pushing through sometimes, it’s learning to pause, to adapt, and to keep showing up, even when things feel uncertain. The condition has impacted nearly every part of my life, from my routines to my relationships. Plans often have to be flexible, and “normal” looks different than it used to. There are times when the weight of responsibility feels heavy, especially watching someone you love fight battles you can’t fix. But through it all, I’ve learned empathy in its truest form. I understand now that everyone carries something unseen and that kindness, patience, and understanding can mean more than we realize. What inspires me to excel, despite the challenges, is the person at the center of it all my son. His resilience, humor, and determination remind me daily that life is still full of joy, purpose, and possibility. When I see him face the day with courage, it drives me to be better not just for him, but for others walking similar paths. He’s my reason to keep going, to keep learning, and to never settle for less than the best I can give. My goal is to use my experience to help others feel less alone. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, advocating for more understanding in my community, or simply showing that compassion and perseverance can coexist with hardship I want to make a difference. I want people to see that life, even when it doesn’t go according to plan, can still be meaningful and beautiful. If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that hope is a powerful force. No matter how uncertain the road becomes, hope paired with love and determination can light the way forward for us all. That’s why I continue to push myself. My journey is not easy and I will not complain. I will persist and provide the best life for my son. He did not ask for his situation and I will not allow him to be limited by it. This scholarship will make my journey easier and I hope you will consider me.

I’m a police detective who works tirelessly to protect the citizens in my jurisdiction. Outside of work I’m a single father. I have an 9 year old son who has autism. He is my whole world. Due to his autism my financial situation is tight. I have to pay for therapy and special supplies for him. He has special dietary needs, bathroom issues, and requires a special babysitter. I have been in law enforcement for over 16 years. I have worked all crimes from murder to shoplifting. I enjoy my job because I get to help people. Being victimized by a criminal is a horrible experience and I do my best to guide the victim through that time. Along with working cases I educate the general public about financial crimes and Internet crimes. I have given presentations to multiple groups in the area to help our citizens protect themselves from scammers. I meet with our local high school and teach about law enforcement and dangers to look out for. I graduated high school in 2006. I started college but did not have the financial means to continue so I dropped out and began working. In 2017 I went back and completed my associates degree. I did this while working full time and raising my son. I want to continue what I started in 2006 and finish my bachelors degree. I have learned incredible amounts about individuals with special needs thanks to my son. I learned these people are often misunderstood and mistreated. I have made it my mission in life to be a champion for anyone with special needs. I have organized training for my coworkers to learn how to interact with people with special needs. I have organized and assisted in fundraising for special needs schools. I hope to bring more people together with individuals with special needs. I want to continue educating law enforcement officers and the general public about special needs individuals. I work full time and take care of my son. I make enough money to pay my bills and live a comfortable life. However going back to school is an additional financial burden. I’m hoping to receive scholarships to fund my schooling to prevent any financial strain on my family. I am the head of the household and pay the majority of the bills. The more scholarships I receive the further I can go in my pursuit of a bachelors degree. I love being a dad and a detective. A degree would help advance my career. I want to be a positive role model for my son and my community. I want to share autism awareness with my community and coworkers. It is something that's personally important to me but also affects a large portion of our society. This degree would help me to achieve that goal. I would be able to advance my career and give more back to my community. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading my essay.

Why I’m a Fan of Wicked Being a single father and a police officer doesn’t leave much room for musicals, but life has a funny way of surprising you. My son, who’s on the autism spectrum, discovered Wicked one evening when the soundtrack played during a commercial break on TV. He was instantly fascinated by the music—the energy, the voices, the colors that he imagined while listening. At first, I didn’t know much about it, but because he loved it, I started listening too. Over time, Wicked became more than just a musical to us—it became something that taught both of us about understanding, acceptance, and seeing the world from another point of view. As a cop, I see a lot of gray areas—situations where people make judgments without knowing the full story. Wicked is built around that very idea. It takes the story we all think we know—the Wizard of Oz—and flips it on its head. Suddenly, the so-called “Wicked Witch” isn’t wicked at all. She’s just misunderstood. That message hit me hard. I’ve spent my career trying to see people as they are, not as others label them. And as the father of a child who sometimes gets misunderstood himself, the story of Elphaba—being different, being judged, yet staying true to who she is—feels deeply personal. When my son and I finally went to see Wicked live, I’ll admit I didn’t expect to get emotional. But when Elphaba sang “Defying Gravity,” I felt something shift. The song is about rising above what people think of you, refusing to be limited by their expectations. Watching my son’s face light up, completely absorbed in that moment, I realized it was more than theater to him—it was a kind of encouragement. For a kid who sometimes struggles to fit in, hearing a story about embracing your uniqueness was powerful. For me, it was a reminder that strength doesn’t always look like toughness—it can also look like resilience, compassion, and hope. At home, we play the soundtrack constantly. My son loves to recite the lyrics, sometimes out loud, sometimes just quietly humming to himself. It calms him. And for me, after long shifts, hearing those songs brings peace. It’s something that belongs to both of us, something joyful in a world that can often feel heavy. Wicked taught me that everyone has a story—one that’s often more complicated than it looks from the outside. It reminded me that “different” isn’t bad; it’s just another word for special. As a cop, as a father, and as a man still trying to do right by his kid, I find comfort in that message. So yeah, I’m a police officer. I’ve seen plenty of real-life wickedness. But when I think about Wicked, I don’t think about villains—I think about understanding, about love, and about how being different might just be the most heroic thing of all.

Why I’m a Fan of Sabrina Carpenter As a single father and a police officer, my days are often long, unpredictable, and filled with stress. Between late-night shifts, paperwork, and trying to make sure my son feels loved and supported, it’s easy to forget to slow down. Somewhere in all that noise, I stumbled across Sabrina Carpenter’s music—and to my surprise, it stuck with me. What started as songs my son played in the car soon became something I found myself listening to on my own. Sabrina’s music is catchy, sure, but what really gets me is the honesty behind it. She sings about heartbreak, confidence, and growing into yourself—things I want my son to understand. There’s strength in her lyrics, even when she’s being funny or playful. When I hear a song like “Feather” or “Nonsense,” I see someone who knows how to stand tall after being underestimated. As a dad raising a boy in a world that can be confusing about emotions, I appreciate that. Sabrina shows my son—and me—that confidence doesn’t have to mean hiding how you feel; it can come with humor, openness, and heart. On the hardest days, when I get home from a late shift and the house is quiet, I’ll sometimes find her music still playing on my son’s speaker. It reminds me that even in small ways, art connects us. Sabrina Carpenter’s career has become a bridge between my son and me—a reminder that joy and authenticity are worth celebrating, no matter what life throws at you. So yeah, I’m a cop, a dad, and—maybe unexpectedly—a proud fan of Sabrina Carpenter. Her songs keep our home light, our spirits up, and our bond stronger.

Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl: A Tribute to Her Journey in the Spotlight Taylor Swift’s twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, serves as a glittering reflection of her long and transformative career in the spotlight. Known for her ability to blend storytelling with emotion, Taylor uses this album to celebrate the highs and lows of fame, love, and self-discovery. Each track acts as a chapter in her story, weaving together the experiences of a woman who has grown up under the world’s watchful eye. Among the many moments in Taylor’s career that mirror the album’s themes, one performance stands out as especially moving: her 2023 Eras Tour performance of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).” The Life of a Showgirl captures what it means to live a life constantly on stage—both literally and figuratively. The album blends elements of pop, folk, and cinematic production, symbolizing Taylor’s evolution through different musical “eras.” Lyrically, it’s full of references to the costumes she’s worn, the applause she’s earned, and the heartbreaks she’s endured. Rather than simply glorifying fame, Taylor uses this record to reveal its double-edged nature: the beauty of performance and the loneliness that can accompany it. Songs like “Spotlight Syndrome” and “Mirrorball Reprise” acknowledge how performing can both empower and exhaust an artist. In this way, the album becomes both a love letter to her career and a meditation on identity and authenticity. The most moving live performance that connects deeply with this album’s message is her Eras Tour rendition of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).” Performed under soft red lights with her guitar in hand, this song represents Taylor at her most vulnerable and powerful. What makes the performance remarkable is not just her emotional delivery, but the history behind it. “All Too Well” has always been one of her most personal songs, originally written over a decade ago, yet in this moment, it becomes a symbol of endurance and artistic freedom. The extended version allows her to reclaim her own narrative—an artist who once felt heartbroken now sings as someone who has transformed pain into art. As she sings each verse, her voice carries both nostalgia and strength. The crowd’s response—tens of thousands of fans singing every word—turns the performance into something larger than music; it becomes a shared emotional experience. In that moment, Taylor isn’t just a global superstar—she’s a storyteller connecting directly with her audience. It’s a vivid example of the album’s title in motion: she is the “showgirl,” giving everything she has on stage, but also the woman behind the glitter, reliving real memories through her art. Ultimately, The Life of a Showgirl and performances like “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” remind listeners why Taylor Swift continues to captivate the world. She turns her personal journey into universal truth, using performance as both expression and healing. Her music reminds us that the spotlight may be bright, but it’s her authenticity that truly shines.

Title: “The Secret Match Challenge” Love Island is famous for its flirty games, emotional twists, and relationship-testing challenges that push Islanders to reveal their true feelings. To keep both contestants and viewers on their toes, the new “Secret Match Challenge” introduces a blend of strategy, chemistry, and hidden alliances—testing trust, intuition, and romantic compatibility like never before. Concept and Objective The Secret Match Challenge is designed to shake up established couples while encouraging Islanders to explore hidden connections. At the start, each Islander secretly takes a compatibility quiz that measures personality traits, humor, communication style, and love language. The results are analyzed by the show’s “Love Algorithm,” which secretly pairs Islanders into mystery matches based on compatibility—not on who they are currently coupled with. The main goal is simple: Islanders must complete a series of mini-games and emotional tasks with random partners, while secretly trying to identify their algorithm-assigned match. At the end, everyone guesses who they believe their secret match is. Points are awarded for correct guesses, teamwork, and how well couples perform throughout the challenge. Setup and Structure The villa is transformed into a romantic maze of activity zones. Each zone features a mini-challenge designed to highlight a different aspect of connection: 1. “Heart to Heart” Zone – Islanders answer revealing personal questions while maintaining eye contact for a full minute. Emotional honesty earns bonus points. 2. “The Trust Test” Zone – One Islander is blindfolded while the other guides them through an obstacle course. This tests communication and trust. 3. “The Chemistry Lab” Zone – Islanders create mock “love potions” using symbolic ingredients like rose petals (romance) or chili flakes (passion). Their reasoning reveals how they perceive relationships. 4. “Dance of Desire” Zone – Each pair choreographs a short dance together. The performance is judged by the rest of the Islanders, testing chemistry and teamwork. Each Islander rotates partners several times so that everyone interacts. The key twist is that no one knows who their secret match really is until the reveal, creating an atmosphere of playful suspicion and excitement. Twist and Reveal After completing the zones, Islanders privately write down who they believe their secret match is. During the evening’s firepit ceremony, the host reveals the official matches created by the Love Algorithm. The pairs who correctly identified each other win a romantic date outside the villa—while the least compatible matches must spend a night in the “Friendship Shack,” away from their current partners, to discuss what they learned. Purpose and Impact The Secret Match Challenge would spark drama, laughter, and heartfelt moments all at once. It pushes contestants to look beyond physical attraction and explore deeper emotional compatibility. Viewers would love seeing genuine reactions when unexpected pairs score high compatibility or when loyal couples discover they might not be as compatible as they thought. Ultimately, the Secret Match Challenge captures everything Love Island fans crave—romance, risk, and revelation. It’s a fun yet meaningful reminder that love isn’t always about who you expect—it’s about who truly connects with your heart.

I have two passions that I work with now and will be able to do better after graduation. The first is autism awareness. I am a single father of an autistic son. I knew tremendously little about autism before my son was diagnosed. Now I work to educate others and help others who struggle with raising autistic children. I have raised awareness and funds for autism childcare. In the metro Atlanta area we have several daycares and schools that focus on working with autistic children. My son went to one of these schools and I will continue to assist with that school and others in my community. My second passion is law enforcement. I have been a cop for 17 years. I have learned as a cop I have a higher responsibility to work with my community. Cops are often only seen during emergency situations. How cops respond in those situations and the follow up that is needed so important. I have been through critical incident training. This training shows officers that mental health situations can be handled differently than they were ten years ago. An individual may be yelling and breaking stuff. As an officer we have to assess is this individual trying to cause damage, having a mental health episode or some combination. We have to determine what’s the best way to protect the citizens and property of the victim. The more training officers have the more options they have at their disposal. I recently became a General Instructor with our Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training. This certification allows me to train other law enforcement officers. I want to use this certification and my college education to train others these techniques that I have learned. Some of the techniques come from my personal experiences with my son, some have come from my CIT training, and the rest comes from my experiences with individuals through my job. This scholarship is incredibly important because as a single father money is tight. Without scholarships I will not be able to continue my education and achieve my goal. I hope you will recognize my current effort to to make my community a better place and will assist me with doing more to help my community. The Atlanta area is growing so rapidly and with this growth brings more individuals who may have a mental health crisis or may be autistic. Knowing how to interact and deescalate those situations is vital to our community.

I have two passions that I work with now and will be able to do better after graduation. The first is autism awareness. I am a single father of an autistic son. I knew tremendously little about autism before my son was diagnosed. Now I work to educate others and help others who struggle with raising autistic children. I have raised awareness and funds for autism childcare. In the metro Atlanta area we have several daycares and schools that focus on working with autistic children. My son went to one of these schools and I will continue to assist with that school and others in my community. My second passion is law enforcement. I have been a cop for 17 years. I have learned as a cop I have a higher responsibility to work with my community. Cops are often only seen during emergency situations. How cops respond in those situations and the follow up that is needed so important. I have been through critical incident training. This training shows officers that mental health situations can be handled differently than they were ten years ago. An individual may be yelling and breaking stuff. As an officer we have to assess is this individual trying to cause damage, having a mental health episode or some combination. We have to determine what’s the best way to protect the citizens and property of the victim. The more training officers have the more options they have at their disposal. I am a certified Cyber Crimes Investigator. I have worked hundreds of cases of fraud and Internet crimes against children. The more technology we add to our life the more we need security for that technology. I recently became a General Instructor with our Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training. This certification allows me to train other law enforcement officers. I want to use this certification and my college education to train others these techniques that I have learned. Some of the techniques come from my personal experiences with my son, some have come from my CIT training, and the rest comes from my experiences with individuals through my job. I currently do presentations about possible scams and fraud trends we see. I do these presentations at local churches, schools and wherever I have a platform. I want to use my instructor certification to help officers feel more confident working these cases and be able to arrest more criminals. This scholarship is incredibly important because as a single father money is tight. Without scholarships I will not be able to continue my education and achieve my goal. I hope you will recognize my current effort to to make my community a better place and will assist me with doing more to help my community. The Atlanta area is growing so rapidly and with this growth brings more individuals who may have a mental health crisis or may be autistic. Knowing how to interact and deescalate those situations is vital to our community.

I am a first generation student to go to college. I was born to low income family. My father has a GED that the army helped him to achieve. He was only in the army because a judge gave him the option of go to prison or go to the army. My mother dropped out of high school to be with my father. While they were in the army. My parents had five sons. I am number four of five. Wow my parents always made sure that we were fed. We did not have luxuries such as central heating and air or Internet access during high school. I would have to arrive at school early to complete homework because it required an Internet search. After graduating high school, I began my college career. Shortly after beginning my career my parents needed help with finances. I had to stop college to go to work and assist my parents now that I am a father is important to me to finish what I started. I want to set an example for my son and the rest of my family that we can achieve our goals. As a single father money is always tight. The scholarship would allow me to continue my pursuit of a college education. My nieces and nephew are getting to the age where they are about to start college. I want to show them that it is possible, and that are humble beginnings are not life sentences. Being a first generation student is a large burden. My oldest two brothers dropped out of high school. The third son barely passed high school. Education has not always been a priority in my family because we had to survive. I understand the importance of school and know it will continue to assist me.

I have two passions that I work with now and will be able to do better after graduation. The first is autism awareness. I am a single father of an autistic son. I knew tremendously little about autism before my son was diagnosed. Now I work to educate others and help others who struggle with raising autistic children. I have raised awareness and funds for autism childcare. In the metro Atlanta area we have several daycares and schools that focus on working with autistic children. My son went to one of these schools and I will continue to assist with that school and others in my community. My second passion is law enforcement. I have been a cop for 17 years. I have learned as a cop I have a higher responsibility to work with my community. Cops are often only seen during emergency situations. How cops respond in those situations and the follow up that is needed so important. I have been through critical incident training. This training shows officers that mental health situations can be handled differently than they were ten years ago. An individual may be yelling and breaking stuff. As an officer we have to assess is this individual trying to cause damage, having a mental health episode or some combination. We have to determine what’s the best way to protect the citizens and property of the victim. The more training officers have the more options they have at their disposal. I recently became a General Instructor with our Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training. This certification allows me to train other law enforcement officers. I want to use this certification and my college education to train others these techniques that I have learned. Some of the techniques come from my personal experiences with my son, some have come from my CIT training, and the rest comes from my experiences with individuals through my job. This scholarship is incredibly important because as a single father money is tight. Without scholarships I will not be able to continue my education and achieve my goal. I hope you will recognize my current effort to to make my community a better place and will assist me with doing more to help my community. The Atlanta area is growing so rapidly and with this growth brings more individuals who may have a mental health crisis or may be autistic. Knowing how to interact and deescalate those situations is vital to our community.

I have two passions that I work with now and will be able to do better after graduation. The first is autism awareness. I am a single father of an autistic son. I knew tremendously little about autism before my son was diagnosed. Now I work to educate others and help others who struggle with raising autistic children. I have raised awareness and funds for autism childcare. In the metro Atlanta area we have several daycares and schools that focus on working with autistic children. My son went to one of these schools and I will continue to assist with that school and others in my community. My second passion is law enforcement. I have been a cop for 17 years. I have learned as a cop I have a higher responsibility to work with my community. Cops are often only seen during emergency situations. How cops respond in those situations and the follow up that is needed so important. I have been through critical incident training. This training shows officers that mental health situations can be handled differently than they were ten years ago. An individual may be yelling and breaking stuff. As an officer we have to assess is this individual trying to cause damage, having a mental health episode or some combination. We have to determine what’s the best way to protect the citizens and property of the victim. The more training officers have the more options they have at their disposal. I recently became a General Instructor with our Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training. This certification allows me to train other law enforcement officers. I want to use this certification and my college education to train others these techniques that I have learned. Some of the techniques come from my personal experiences with my son, some have come from my CIT training, and the rest comes from my experiences with individuals through my job. This scholarship is incredibly important because as a single father money is tight. Without scholarships I will not be able to continue my education and achieve my goal. I hope you will recognize my current effort to to make my community a better place and will assist me with doing more to help my community. The Atlanta area is growing so rapidly and with this growth brings more individuals who may have a mental health crisis or may be autistic. Knowing how to interact and deescalate those situations is vital to our community.

I have two passions that I work with now and will be able to do better after graduation. The first is autism awareness. I am a single father of an autistic son. I knew tremendously little about autism before my son was diagnosed. Now I work to educate others and help others who struggle with raising autistic children. I have raised awareness and funds for autism childcare. In the metro Atlanta area we have several daycares and schools that focus on working with autistic children. My son went to one of these schools and I will continue to assist with that school and others in my community. My second passion is law enforcement. I have been a cop for 17 years. I have learned as a cop I have a higher responsibility to work with my community. Cops are often only seen during emergency situations. How cops respond in those situations and the follow up that is needed so important. I have been through critical incident training. This training shows officers that mental health situations can be handled differently than they were ten years ago. An individual may be yelling and breaking stuff. As an officer we have to assess is this individual trying to cause damage, having a mental health episode or some combination. We have to determine what’s the best way to protect the citizens and property of the victim. The more training officers have the more options they have at their disposal. I recently became a General Instructor with our Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training. This certification allows me to train other law enforcement officers. I want to use this certification and my college education to train others these techniques that I have learned. Some of the techniques come from my personal experiences with my son, some have come from my CIT training, and the rest comes from my experiences with individuals through my job. These two passions are the biggest challenge to law enforcement. As cops we are held in high regard and with that comes high scrutiny. How we handle individuals with mental health issues and individuals with conditions like autism will affect our whole community and profession. It is greatly important for me to assist my other law enforcement officers. If we cannot respond appropriately to these situations we will lose our credibility in the community. Every law enforcement encounter is recorded and we have more access to review encounters. This review allows us to grow and improve. This scholarship is incredibly important because as a single father money is tight. Without scholarships I will not be able to continue my education and achieve my goal. I hope you will recognize my current effort to to make my community a better place and will assist me with doing more to help my community. The Atlanta area is growing so rapidly and with this growth brings more individuals who may have a mental health crisis or may be autistic. Knowing how to interact and deescalate those situations is vital to our community.

I have two passions that I work with now and will be able to do better after graduation. The first is autism awareness. I am a single father of an autistic son. I knew tremendously little about autism before my son was diagnosed. Now I work to educate others and help others who struggle with raising autistic children. I have raised awareness and funds for autism childcare. In the metro Atlanta area we have several daycares and schools that focus on working with autistic children. My son went to one of these schools and I will continue to assist with that school and others in my community. My second passion is law enforcement. I have been a cop for 17 years. I have learned as a cop I have a higher responsibility to work with my community. Cops are often only seen during emergency situations. How cops respond in those situations and the follow up that is needed so important. I have been through critical incident training. This training shows officers that mental health situations can be handled differently than they were ten years ago. An individual may be yelling and breaking stuff. As an officer we have to assess is this individual trying to cause damage, having a mental health episode or some combination. We have to determine what’s the best way to protect the citizens and property of the victim. The more training officers have the more options they have at their disposal. I recently became a General Instructor with our Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training. This certification allows me to train other law enforcement officers. I want to use this certification and my college education to train others these techniques that I have learned. Some of the techniques come from my personal experiences with my son, some have come from my CIT training, and the rest comes from my experiences with individuals through my job. This scholarship is incredibly important because as a single father money is tight. Without scholarships I will not be able to continue my education and achieve my goal. I hope you will recognize my current effort to to make my community a better place and will assist me with doing more to help my community. The Atlanta area is growing so rapidly and with this growth brings more individuals who may have a mental health crisis or may be autistic. Knowing how to interact and deescalate those situations is vital to our community.

Nothing is worse than your brain revolting against you. I have anxiety and experienced panic attacks. The first panic attack was when I was driving to get lunch. The next thing I know my chest is tight, I feel like I can’t breathe and I think I’m dying. In reality I’m perfectly healthy but my brain was fighting me and it was winning. The next few months were my personal hell. No one wants to admit they have a mental health issue but it is common among Americans. The largest hurdle I had to overcome was that I could will it away. I did not understand mental health. I believed I could adjust my thinking and make the anxiety go away. While therapy and coping mechanisms help with anxiety it is not a full proof solution. The first few months I missed work, missed social events and had multiple panic attacks. I tried to conquer this issue on my own. I soon realized it was not weak to ask for help. I went to therapy and learned that my brain had chemicals. These chemicals sometimes get unbalanced and your brain needs medicine to overcome the imbalance. Just like a diabetic needs insulin to help for what their body lacks my brain needed medicine. So that’s when I started my path to regaining control of my life. With therapy and medication I took my life back from anxiety. Now one thing to note about my life is that I am police officer. I deal with high stress situations daily. Another issue I deal with is mental health crisis. After my own issue I began learning more about interacting with individuals having a mental health crisis and what I could do to help. I then arranged for my agency to host training for others. I championed a movement to increase my agency’s understanding of mental health and how we could better handle it. Living through panic attacks and knowing that sometimes logic cannot win changed how I did my job. It changed how I interacted with the public. We all have mental health issues. Some issues are small like a stressful day, a death in the family or a breakup. Some are large like bipolar depression. These issues do not define us and do not enslave us. Every person has the ability to overcome their mental health issues with the right assistance. No one can do it alone. If you see someone struggling reach out and help them. If you’re struggling let someone help you, it doesn’t mean your weak. It means you’re human.

I’m a police detective who works tirelessly to protect the citizens in my jurisdiction. Outside of work I’m a husband and father. I have an 8 year old son who has autism. He is my whole world. Due to his autism my financial situation is tight. I have to pay for therapy and special supplies for him. I have been in law enforcement for over 16 years. I have worked all crimes from murder to shoplifting. I enjoy my job because I get to help people. Being victimized by a criminal is a horrible experience and I do my best to guide the victim through that time. Along with working cases I educate the general public about financial crimes and Internet crimes. I have given presentations to multiple groups in the area to help our citizens protect themselves from scammers. I meet with our local high school and teach about law enforcement and dangers to look out for. I graduated high school in 2006. I started college but did not have the financial means to continue so I dropped out and began working. In 2017 I went back and completed my associates degree. I did this while working full time and raising my son. I want to continue what I started in 2006 and finish my bachelors degree. I have learned incredible amounts about individuals with special needs thanks to my son. I learned these people are often misunderstood and mistreated. I have made it my mission in life to be a champion for anyone with special needs. I have organized training for my coworkers to learn how to interact with people with special needs. I have organized and assisted in fundraising for special needs schools. I hope to bring more people together with individuals with special needs. I want to continue educating law enforcement officers and the general public about special needs individuals. I work full time, have a wife and a son. I make enough money to pay my bills and live a comfortable life. However going back to school is an additional financial burden. I’m hoping to receive scholarships to fund my schooling to prevent any financial strain on my family. I am the head of the household and pay the majority of the bills. The more scholarships I receive the further I can go in my pursuit of a bachelors degree. I love being a dad and a detective. A degree would help advance my career. I want to be a positive role model for my son and my community. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

My grandfather and father were manual labor workers. They worked long hours for multiple days in the elements. They worked in extreme heat and extreme cold depending on the season. My parents worked hard so I could get a good education and have a job that was better than their jobs. I want to continue that tradition. I have an eight year old son who I want to provide a wonderful life for. I want my son to be able to enjoy a life where he can enjoy the world and not work from sun up to dark. If I go to college I will be able to advance through the ranks of my career choice. I am in law enforcement and above front line supervisors they want a candidate to have a degree. So if I wish to advance my career I will need to have a degree. That is why this scholarship is so important. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education. My education is not only important for me but for my family. It would make my father proud to see his hard work had paid off. It would also my son proud to know his father was a graduate.

I’m a police detective who works tirelessly to protect the citizens in my jurisdiction. Outside of work I’m a husband and father. I have an 8 year old son who has autism. He is my whole world. Due to his autism my financial situation is tight. I have to pay for therapy and special supplies for him. I have been in law enforcement for over 16 years. I have worked all crimes from murder to shoplifting. I enjoy my job because I get to help people. Being victimized by a criminal is a horrible experience and I do my best to guide the victim through that time. Along with working cases I educate the general public about financial crimes and Internet crimes. I have given presentations to multiple groups in the area to help our citizens protect themselves from scammers. I meet with our local high school and teach about law enforcement and dangers to look out for. I graduated high school in 2006. I started college but did not have the financial means to continue so I dropped out and began working. In 2017 I went back and completed my associates degree. I did this while working full time and raising my son. I want to continue what I started in 2006 and finish my bachelors degree. I have learned incredible amounts about individuals with special needs thanks to my son. I learned these people are often misunderstood and mistreated. I have made it my mission in life to be a champion for anyone with special needs. I have organized training for my coworkers to learn how to interact with people with special needs. I have organized and assisted in fundraising for special needs schools. I hope to bring more people together with individuals with special needs. I want to continue educating law enforcement officers and the general public about special needs individuals. I work full time, have a wife and a son. I make enough money to pay my bills and live a comfortable life. However going back to school is an additional financial burden. I’m hoping to receive scholarships to fund my schooling to prevent any financial strain on my family. I am the head of the household and pay the majority of the bills. The more scholarships I receive the further I can go in my pursuit of a bachelors degree. I love being a dad and a detective. A degree would help advance my career. I want to be a positive role model for my son and my community. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I am a thirty six year old male who is a police detective for my local police department with an autistic son. I have anxiety. I turned my life around with therapy and medication. My anxiety gave me panic attacks. These panic attacks and anxiety prevented me from going to work, prevented me from going outside my house, and prevented me from being around others. My life suddenly came to a screeching halt and I was no longer in charge. The next six months were the hardest months of my life. I went to counseling, tried natural ways to handle my anxiety and initially tried to avoid medication. However I was unable to overcome my anxiety without medication. Once I started medication it was trial and error until I found the right one. Once I was able to get the right medication and get where I could leave the house I started going to counseling. The counseling helped me understand that anxiety was not a weakness and was not something that could be cured. I learned anxiety was something to be treated and learned to deal with it during my everyday life. I have started sharing my experiences with other people. I had to struggle with the negative stigma of having anxiety and I do not want others to have to fight that battle. Having anxiety or depression is just like having diabetes. There is nothing the person can do but treat it, understand it, and learn to live with it. The fact that I have anxiety has also affected my work. I am a police detective and deal with people going through mental health episodes. I have learned to recognize the signs of mental health and help people get treatment for their issues and not prison time. I come across multiple people who use drugs to self medicate. I work with these people to get both rehabilitation for the drug use but also get treatment for the cause of the drug issue. I think having my anxiety has made me a better cop. I am more empathetic with others and understand their struggle. All of this combined shows me that I need to complete my education. I will be able to get promotions and mentor more people. The more people I can help the more people who can help others. That’s why going back to school is so important to me.

I have been a law enforcement officer for the last 16 years. I have interacted with numerous people having a mental health episode. I received an award last year for saving the life of someone who was cutting their own throat. I work with other officers to stay educated and learn how to deal with people going through a mental health crisis. I recently worked with a parent to get their child into a mental health program instead of prison. Their child was committing crimes because of his mental health disorder. I recognized this and worked to get him treatment.

Dirt Road Duck Give me a Quack Yeah! Dirty is a redneck duck He once slept with a chicken bc he don’t give a cluck He doesn’t have a pond or a lake home He has a mud puddle next to a broken garden gnome He doesn’t want you to toss him any bread or crackers He just wants some wintergreen long cut chewing tobacker He learned how to ride a Harley when he was a duckling He’s the only duck with a tattoo sleeve on his wing He doesn’t fly south for the winter because he lives in the real South If you talk bad about Murica he will punch you in the mouth Dirty is a duck so he can’t a regular job or cash he just steals his beer and eats food from the trash So the next time you’re driving down a dirt road And you see a duck in a mud puddle, you better do what you’re told That duck carries a pocket knife and has two ex wives And he might be the last thing you see in your life

I’m a police detective who works tirelessly to protect the citizens in my jurisdiction. Outside of work I’m a husband and father. I have an 8 year old son who has autism. He is my whole world. Due to his autism my financial situation is tight. I have to pay for therapy and special supplies for him. I have been in law enforcement for over 16 years. I have worked all crimes from murder to shoplifting. I enjoy my job because I get to help people. Being victimized by a criminal is a horrible experience and I do my best to guide the victim through that time. Along with working cases I educate the general public about financial crimes and Internet crimes. I have given presentations to multiple groups in the area to help our citizens protect themselves from scammers. I meet with our local high school and teach about law enforcement and dangers to look out for. I graduated high school in 2006. I started college but did not have the financial means to continue so I dropped out and began working. In 2017 I went back and completed my associates degree. I did this while working full time and raising my son. I want to continue what I started in 2006 and finish my bachelors degree. I have learned incredible amounts about individuals with special needs thanks to my son. I learned these people are often misunderstood and mistreated. I have made it my mission in life to be a champion for anyone with special needs. I have organized training for my coworkers to learn how to interact with people with special needs. I have organized and assisted in fundraising for special needs schools. I hope to bring more people together with individuals with special needs. I want to continue educating law enforcement officers and the general public about special needs individuals. I work full time, have a wife and a son. I make enough money to pay my bills and live a comfortable life. However going back to school is an additional financial burden. I’m hoping to receive scholarships to fund my schooling to prevent any financial strain on my family. I am the head of the household and pay the majority of the bills. The more scholarships I receive the further I can go in my pursuit of a bachelors degree. I love being a dad and a detective. A degree would help advance my career. I want to be a positive role model for my son and my community. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.