Growing up, I learned early that strength is not something you are born with—it is something life demands of you. After the loss of my mother, my world changed in ways I could never have prepared for. Along with the grief came responsibility. I stepped into a role that required maturity, resilience, and selflessness as I worked to help provide for my siblings while still trying to build a future for myself. These experiences shaped my determination to pursue a meaningful career in the healthcare field, specifically in diagnostic medical sonography.I am passionate about healthcare because it combines compassion with science. Sonography is a STEM-based profession that often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a critical role in diagnosing and monitoring patients. Ultrasound technicians are frequently part of life’s most important moments—detecting illness, monitoring pregnancies, and providing answers when patients are scared and uncertain. I am drawn to this field because it allows me to help others during vulnerable times, just as healthcare professionals once supported my family during ours. As a woman pursuing a STEM career, I am motivated to break barriers and challenge expectations. Careers like sonography are not always talked about or encouraged, yet they are essential and require advanced technical knowledge, precision, and critical thinking. I want to represent women in healthcare who work behind the scenes using science and technology to make a real difference. My goal is not only to succeed in this field but to inspire other young women to consider careers in STEM that may not receive enough recognition. Balancing school, financial responsibility, and family obligations has not been easy. Supporting my siblings while coping with the emotional loss of our mother has been one of the hardest challenges of my life. There were moments when giving up would have been the easiest option, but I refused to let my circumstances define my future. Instead, they became my motivation. Every obstacle strengthened my work ethic and reinforced my commitment to building a stable, meaningful career that will allow me to support my family and give back to my community. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also bring me one step closer to achieving my dream of working in diagnostic medical sonography. More importantly, it would validate the perseverance it has taken to continue moving forward despite hardship. I am determined to succeed—not only for myself, but for my siblings, my mother’s memory, and the patients I hope to serve in the future.

🌙 “The Soul Sync Ceremony” 🌙 A Love Island Challenge About Energy, Intuition, and Emotional Connection Challenge Concept “The Soul Sync Ceremony” is a guided, spiritual-inspired experience where Islanders explore emotional intimacy, intuition, and unseen connection rather than physical attraction alone. The challenge focuses on vulnerability, energy, and intention—asking Islanders to connect on a deeper, more meaningful level. Setting & Atmosphere The villa transforms at sunset into a candlelit sanctuary: Soft lanterns floating in the pool Crystals and flowers arranged around a circular platform Calm instrumental music playing in the background Islanders dressed in white or neutral tones A calm narrator (not the usual cheeky host voice) welcomes them and explains that “attraction begins with energy before touch.” Phase 1: The Energy Exchange Islanders are separated and blindfolded. Each Islander sits across from three different people (chosen secretly by producers), without knowing who is who. They are not allowed to speak. Instead, each pair places their palms near each other—without touching—for 30 seconds. During this time, they focus on breathing and intention. After each pairing, Islanders write down: One word describing how the interaction felt Whether the energy felt calming, exciting, safe, or confusing Phase 2: The Soul Questions Blindfolds come off, but Islanders still don’t know who they connected with. Each Islander answers one deep but PG-13 question, such as: “What part of yourself do you hide in relationships?” “What does emotional safety mean to you?” “What kind of love are you searching for right now?” Their answers are recorded privately. Phase 3: The Reveal Islanders are reunited in a circle. One by one, the narrator reveals: Which Islanders felt the strongest mutual energy Which pairs chose the same emotional words Which two Islanders unknowingly described each other’s answers during These pairs are invited to sit together and finally talk—often realizing their connection started before they even saw each other. Phase 4: The Intention Token Each Islander is given one crystal token. They must place it into the bowl of: Someone they feel drawn to Someone they want to explore emotionally Or someone who surprised them This can be romantic or exploratory—no pressure. The Islanders who receive the most mutual tokens win: A private moonlight date And a handwritten “reflection letter” from their partner, guided by prompts about emotional connection Why It’s Special No kissing, dares, or physical challenges Builds tension through emotional intimacy Allows unexpected connections to form Encourages vulnerability without embarrassment Creates moments that feel magical, not messy Host Closing Line “Tonight, you didn’t choose with your eyes… you chose with your energy.”

I plan to build a career as an esthetician because it aligns with both my interests and my personal experiences. Before attending school, I used to practice beauty services such as makeup, lashes, and brows on my mother. Beauty was something we shared, and it brought her joy. After my mother was unexpectedly killed by gun violence in 2023, continuing in this field became even more meaningful to me. Becoming an esthetician allows me to honor her memory by doing something she loved and would be proud of me for pursuing. I am currently studying to become an esthetician in trade school. I chose this skilled trade because I have a genuine passion for beauty, skincare, and helping people feel confident in themselves. Esthetics allows me to be creative while also learning hands-on, practical skills that can lead directly to a career. Since starting school, I have truly enjoyed the learning process and feel motivated every day to improve my skills. I believe I will be successful as an esthetician because I am dedicated, disciplined, and passionate about my education. I am currently earning grades between 90% and 100% on my tests, which shows my strong work ethic and commitment to learning. I take pride in doing my best, staying focused, and constantly improving my skills. My passion for beauty, combined with my determination and consistency, gives me confidence that I will succeed in this trade. To me, a successful life means being mentally stable, financially secure, and free from student loans or debt. It also means being able to take care of my family in sickness and in health and being someone they can rely on. I believe I will be successful because I have clear goals, strong motivation, and a deep reason behind what I do. I am driven not only by personal success but also by the desire to build a better future and make my family proud. I would be extremely grateful to receive this scholarship, as it would help relieve financial stress and allow me to stay fully focused on my education and career goals. This support would bring me one step closer to completing trade school without taking on unnecessary debt and building a stable future for myself. Being awarded this scholarship would not only support my journey to becoming a licensed esthetician, but it would also serve as encouragement and reassurance that my hard work, dedication, and passion are being recognized. I would carry that support with me throughout my career and use it as motivation to continue striving for success.

I’ve been a Taylor Swift fan for as long as I can remember, but her twelfth studio album, *The Life of a Showgirl*, feels like a whole new level of magic. From the first track, it’s clear that this isn’t just another collection of songs—it’s a story, a mood, a journey. The album captures her as a performer and as a person, blending vulnerability, glamour, and unapologetic confidence. Each song is like a glittering snapshot of life on and off stage, full of honesty and emotion that I can’t stop thinking about. One performance, in particular, completely blew me away. When Taylor performed the title track live, I felt the energy pulse through me like I was right there in the crowd. She didn’t just sing the words; she embodied them. Her movements, her expressions, even the subtle way she engaged with the audience made every lyric feel personal. Watching her, I realized that being a “showgirl” isn’t just about sparkle and spectacle—it’s about strength, resilience, and the courage to be seen. That performance made me feel everything: joy, sadness, excitement, and awe, all at once. What I love most about *The Life of a Showgirl* is how it balances glamour with honesty. The songs are catchy and fun, yet they also explore deeper emotions—loneliness behind the spotlight, the pressures of fame, and the bittersweet moments of life. It’s an album that makes me want to dance and cry at the same time. Taylor has a way of making every listener feel understood, like she’s singing directly to us, sharing a piece of her own story while inviting us to reflect on ours. As a fan, I admire how fearless she is. She embraces both her vulnerability and her strength, showing that being a performer doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being real, raw, and unapologetically yourself. That is what makes her performances so incredible. She connects with every single person in the audience, not just through music but through presence, authenticity, and emotion. *The Life of a Showgirl* isn’t just an album; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of music that stays with you long after the last note, reminding you that it’s okay to be complex, to shine brightly, and to show the world exactly who you are. Taylor Swift doesn’t just perform—she inspires, and that’s why I will always be her fan.

Growing up, my life was shaped by challenges I could never have prepared for. Losing my mom unexpectedly was one of the most devastating experiences I’ve ever faced. She was my anchor, my guide, and my protector. Just a month later, my dad went to jail, leaving me and my siblings to navigate life without the two people who were supposed to guide and support us. I had to figure out where we would live, how to care for my siblings, and how to survive emotionally and financially. These hardships left deep emotional scars and contributed to mental health struggles I continue to manage today. Though I have never turned to drugs, I have faced anxiety, sadness, and the heavy responsibility of taking care of my family at a young age. I won’t judge people who do turn to drugs but that’s not for me. Everybody handle things differently and do whatever helps you. Through it all, my grandmother became my anchor. She has always been my greatest source of strength, stepping in with love, guidance, and unwavering support. Watching her struggle with heart problems and undergo heart surgery was terrifying. Seeing her in pain made me realize just how fragile life is and how important it is to dedicate my future to helping others. Her resilience and care inspire me every day and fuel my desire to build a career that combines compassion, healing, and service. Cooking became another way I coped with grief and stress. My mom, dad, and grandmother all loved to cook, and preparing meals helps me feel connected to them while processing my emotions. Cooking allows me to channel my feelings into something tangible, creative, and nurturing—a quiet way to honor their love and lessons while finding a sense of peace during difficult times. These personal experiences inspired my career goals. I plan to become both an aesthetician and an ultrasound technician. As an aesthetician, I want to help people feel confident, comfortable, and cared for in their own skin. I understand how important small acts of self-care can be, especially in turbulent times. As an ultrasound technician, I want to support patients and families during vulnerable, uncertain moments, offering reassurance, guidance, and compassion—just as I wish I could have had during my family’s struggles. Both careers will allow me to combine technical skill with empathy, giving people the care they need while providing emotional support in ways that can truly make a difference. However, pursuing these careers requires financial resources that I currently do not have. Tuition, certification programs, supplies, and living expenses are overwhelming, and I cannot achieve my goals without assistance. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education without constant financial worry. It would give me the foundation I need to complete my training, build stability for myself and my family, and pursue a career dedicated to helping others. Through my journey, I have learned resilience, empathy, and the importance of giving back. This scholarship will allow me to honor my family, support my grandmother, and transform the pain I have endured into hope, healing, and service for others. My past has shaped me, but my future will be defined by purpose, compassion, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

My journey has been shaped by loss, resilience, and a deep desire to create a better future for myself and those I love. Losing my mother unexpectedly and watching my father go to jail soon after forced me to grow up faster than I ever imagined. I had to find a place to live, support myself, and navigate life with very little guidance. During those difficult years, my grandmother became my greatest support, even while facing serious heart issues and undergoing heart surgery. Watching her suffer made me realize how fragile and precious life is—and it pushed me toward choosing career paths with purpose. My goals are to become both an aesthetician and an ultrasound technician. These fields may seem different, but to me, they represent the same mission: **healing, helping, and giving others the comfort and support I once needed**. As an aesthetician, I want to help people feel confident and cared for. I know how powerful it is to have something that makes you feel grounded and at peace, especially when life feels overwhelming. Through skincare and wellness, I hope to create safe spaces for people to relax, heal, and rebuild their self-esteem. As an ultrasound technician, I want to be there for patients during moments of fear, uncertainty, or hope. After seeing my grandmother struggle with heart pain, I realized how important early detection and emotional reassurance are. I want to be the person who provides clarity, compassion, and support to families going through medical challenges. However, pursuing these careers requires education, training, and financial resources I do not currently have. Because I had to support myself at a young age—with no parents to rely on and limited family assistance—financial stability has always been a challenge. I am determined to complete my schooling, but the cost of tuition, supplies, certification exams, and transportation is overwhelming. **This scholarship would make a tremendous difference in my life.** It would allow me to stay focused on my education instead of worrying about how I will pay for classes or whether I can continue my program. It would give me the chance to build the future I have fought so hard to reach—a future where I am financially stable, emotionally grounded, and able to give back to my community. My objectives are clear: finish school, enter both fields with dedication, and use my personal experiences to uplift others. With the help of this scholarship, I will be able to turn my goals into reality and transform my hardships into a career built on purpose, compassion, and strength.

My life has been shaped by hardships that forced me to grow up quickly, but those same hardships also gave me a sense of purpose. Losing my mother unexpectedly and watching my family fall apart left me searching for stability in a world that suddenly felt unsafe. When my dad went to jail shortly after, I had to navigate life on my own, finding a home, supporting my siblings, and learning to survive without the two people who were supposed to guide me. In the middle of that pain, I found peace in stamp collecting—something small, steady, and meaningful during a time when everything else felt chaotic. It taught me that healing doesn’t always come loud; sometimes it arrives quietly, through the things that bring us comfort. That lesson became even more important when my grandmother, the person who stepped in when I had no one else, began experiencing heart problems and eventually underwent heart surgery. Watching her struggle was a pain I can’t fully describe. She has always been my anchor, and seeing her in that condition made me realize how deeply I want to work in a field where I can help people the way she has helped me. Her strength—and my fear of losing her—sparked the fire behind my future goals. My career plan is to become both an aesthetician and an ultrasound technician. These may seem like different paths, but to me, they are connected by one purpose: **helping people feel better, heal better, and trust their bodies again**. As an aesthetician, I want to help people build confidence, feel comfortable in their own skin, and find moments of peace in a world that often feels overwhelming. I know firsthand how important it is to find something that brings you calm, and I want to provide that experience to others. As an ultrasound technician, I want to support patients during some of their most vulnerable moments—whether they are worried about their health, facing uncertainty, or seeking reassurance. After watching my grandmother fight through her heart issues, I understand how powerful it can be to have someone who cares during those moments. This scholarship will give me the opportunity to continue my education, complete my training, and move closer to these goals. It will allow me to build a stable future not just for myself, but for my family and for the people I hope to serve. My past has shaped me, but my future is driven by purpose—and with this scholarship, I will be able to turn that purpose into a career that truly gives back.

Throughout my life, I have had to face challenges that shaped me long before I understood their impact. Growing up in a single-parent household taught me early on what strength and sacrifice look like. My mom raised six children by herself, working two jobs and running a business just to keep us afloat. As a child, I didn’t see how heavy that burden was—but as an adult, I understand now that every tear she hid, every long night, and every moment she pushed through exhaustion was an act of love. Losing her unexpectedly shattered me, and a month later, when my dad went to jail, my world fell apart again. I had to learn how to survive, find a place to live, and support myself and my siblings with very little guidance. Those experiences could have broken me completely, but instead, they became the foundation of my determination. In the middle of all this pain, I found an unexpected form of healing through stamp collecting. What started as a simple hobby became a source of peace—something steady, something I could control when life felt overwhelming. Sorting through stamps, each with its own story, helped me cope with things I couldn’t explain. It was proof that beauty and meaning can still exist even in moments of deep hurt. Then came another emotional challenge: watching my grandmother, the woman who stepped in with love and support when I had no one else, suffer from heart problems and undergo heart surgery. Seeing her in pain was something I could barely process. She has always been my everything—my safe place—and the fear of losing her pushed me to think seriously about my future, my education, and the career I want to build. All these experiences—loss, survival, healing, and love—are what drive me to pursue my education and career with purpose. I want to use my future in ultrasound and aesthetics to help others the way people have helped me. With ultrasound, I can provide reassurance, early detection, and hope to families facing medical uncertainty. With aesthetics, I can help people feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. This scholarship would not only help me continue my education—it would help me give back. I want to share my story with others who have faced loss, instability, or fear, and show them that healing is possible. My journey has taught me resilience, empathy, and the power of giving back—and I plan to carry those lessons into every part of my future career.

The pain I have had to experience while watching my grandmother struggle with heart problems and undergo heart surgery is something I still struggle to put into words. It is a feeling that sits heavy in my chest, a fear that follows me everywhere, and a sadness so deep that some days I don’t want to believe it’s real. My grandmother is not just a family member—she is my foundation, my comfort, and the one person who has been there for me through every hardship I’ve faced. She has guided me, protected me, and loved me in ways that have shaped who I am. The thought of losing her feels unbearable, and seeing her in pain reminded me just how fragile life can be. During some of the hardest moments of my life—losing my mom unexpectedly, my dad going to jail shortly after, and having to build my life from the ground up—my grandmother’s presence was one of the few things that gave me strength. When I felt alone, she gave me a place to land. When I didn’t know what direction to go, she gave me guidance. And even when she was hurting, she still tried to be strong for me. Watching her fight through her own health battles made me realize how strong she truly is, and it pushed me to want to become stronger myself. That is why this scholarship means more to me than just financial help. It represents hope—hope for my future, hope for my grandmother’s well-being, and hope that I can someday support her the same way she has always supported me. Education is my path to stability, to a career, and to building a life where I can give back to her. I want to be able to help her manage medical needs, reduce her stress, and provide her with the peace she deserves after everything she’s done for me. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education with purpose and determination. It would help me step into a future where I am not just surviving the challenges life has thrown at me but rising above them. Most of all, it would help me honor my grandmother’s strength by becoming someone she can be proud of—someone who uses their pain, their resilience, and their love to create something better, not just for themselves, but for the people who carried them through it.

Stamp collecting may seem like a small or unusual hobby, but for me, it has become a source of comfort, stability, and deep personal meaning. I’ve been collecting stamps for a long time, and each one feels like a tiny window into a story, a place, or a moment in history. Whenever I sit down and sort through my collection, I feel a peace that is hard to explain. It helps me cope with things I can’t control and emotions I sometimes struggle to express. While others may not fully understand the joy I find in it, stamp collecting has been one of the most powerful tools in helping me heal. My love for stamps became even more important during one of the hardest chapters of my life. Losing my mom unexpectedly was a pain I was not prepared for. She was killed, and with her gone, my entire world fell apart. Just a month later, my dad went to jail, leaving me and my siblings suddenly without the two people who were supposed to guide and support us. I had to figure out my life almost overnight. I struggled to find a place to live and had to learn how to survive emotionally and financially with very little help. I felt broken, abandoned, and overwhelmed. It was as if life had forced me to grow up faster than anyone should ever have to. During this time, stamp collecting became more than a hobby—it became a grounding force. In moments when I felt lost, sorting through my stamps helped me slow down and breathe. Each stamp reminded me that the world was bigger than my pain, that there was still beauty, history, and meaning out there. It gave me something steady to hold onto when everything else felt unstable. It was a small but powerful reminder that healing can come from unexpected places. This scholarship represents more than financial support for my education; it represents an opportunity to turn my pain into purpose. I want to use my experiences to give back to the community and connect with people who have gone through similar hardships. By sharing my story, I hope to let others know that they are not alone, that even after life breaks you, you can find strength again. I want to inspire others to find their coping mechanisms and to believe in their ability to overcome. Through my journey, I’ve learned resilience, independence, and compassion. With the help of this scholarship, I plan to continue growing, rebuilding, and giving back—one story, one act of support, and one life at a time.

Growing up in a single-parent household is something I didn’t fully understand until years later, when I finally had the maturity to look back and see my childhood through a clearer, more honest lens. My parents weren’t together when I was young, and although I saw my dad sometimes, my real home—my heart—was wherever my mom was. She carried the weight of raising six kids on her own, and at the time, I didn’t realize how heavy that weight truly was. As a child, you don’t always see the sacrifices. You just see the results: the food on the table, the clothes that somehow appear when you outgrow the old ones, the lights that stay on even when money is tight. Back then, I didn’t recognize that every one of those things came from my mother’s exhaustion, her long nights, and her refusal to give up. She worked two jobs and still managed to run a business—not because she had extra time or energy, but because she wanted her children to feel secure, to feel loved, to feel like they had a chance. There were moments that stick with me now in ways they didn’t before. Quiet nights when the house felt too still, and I would see her sitting alone, her shoulders heavy and her eyes tired. Sometimes I’d catch her crying softly, the kind of crying a mother hides because she doesn’t want her kids to worry. It wasn’t weakness—now I realize it was strength. It was the release of a woman who had the whole world on her shoulders but still woke up the next morning ready to carry it again. She never complained. She never asked for anyone to feel sorry for her. Even in her frustration, even when life pushed her to her limits, she kept showing up—working late, waking up early, pushing through pain, stress, and fear. She made sure we had what we needed, even if it meant she went without. And no matter how hard things got, she stayed present for us. She loved us fiercely. It wasn’t until I became older that I could see all of this clearly—the sacrifices, the love, the silent battles she fought every day. Losing her, especially in the way we did, only deepened that understanding. I lived with her up until she was killed, and that loss cut deep. But even now, her strength is something I carry with me. It’s a part of who I am, a part of how I face the world. Growing up with her taught me that real strength isn’t about never breaking—it’s about breaking, and still choosing to keep going anyway. She showed me love not through words, but through actions that spoke louder than anything. She showed me what it means to fight for your family. She showed me what it means to love so deeply that your children never truly understand the depth of it until they look back as adults. My mom did the best she could—and her best was powerful, inspiring, and filled with a love that continues to guide me even now. She may be gone, but the imprint she left on my life will never fade. I can use my ultrasound and aesthetician skills to help people feel healthier, more confident, and more informed about their bodies. Through ultrasound, I can support early detection and reassurance, while my aesthetic work can help clients feel comfortable in their own skin. Together, these paths let me empower others and make a positive impact on their well-being.

**1. Favorite EDM Experience** I’ve been to so many EDM concerts and festivals that it’s almost impossible to choose just one favorite. Each event has its own energy, its own story, and its own moments that stay with me long after the music stops. What stands out most is the feeling—this overwhelming mix of excitement, connection, and pure joy that hits the second I walk into a venue or step foot onto a festival ground. It genuinely feels like a lifetime experience every single time. Going to these events has shaped my outlook in a big way. They’ve shown me how powerful music can be in bringing people together, no matter where they come from or what they’re going through. EDM has pushed me to be more open-minded, more expressive, and more connected to the people around me. It reminds me that life is meant to be lived fully, and that passion—whether in music, community, or creativity—is something worth chasing. I truly believe everyone should experience an EDM festival at least once in their life; the energy, the people, and the atmosphere are something you can’t really explain until you’re there. --- **2. Inspiration From EDM and the Community** EDM has inspired me in ways I never expected. The community itself is one of the biggest reasons I fell so deeply in love with the culture. At shows and festivals, I’ve met strangers who felt like friends instantly—people who share the same passion, who hype each other up, who look out for each other, and who celebrate every moment like it matters. Being surrounded by that kind of positivity and acceptance is something really special. The music has also impacted me personally. It’s been a constant source of motivation, comfort, and release. Whether I’m in a great mood or going through something difficult, there’s always a track, a drop, or a set that matches exactly what I need. The creativity in EDM pushes me to be bold with my own goals and reminds me that passion can drive incredible things. --- **3. What PLUR Means to You** To me, PLUR—Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect—is more than a slogan. It’s the foundation of what makes the EDM community so meaningful. **Peace** means bringing calm and positivity wherever I go. **Love** is about spreading kindness, even in small ways. **Unity** is the feeling of connection I share with everyone on a dance floor. **Respect** means valuing people for exactly who they are. I try to embody PLUR in my everyday life, not just at festivals. I make an effort to be supportive, inclusive, and understanding of the people around me. Whether it’s helping someone who needs it, being a positive force in my friend group, or simply treating people with kindness and openness, I want others to feel the same warmth and acceptance that the EDM community has given me.

I’m a Sabrina Carpenter fan because I grew up watching her on Disney Channel, and in many ways, I feel like we grew up together. She was on *Girl Meets World* during a time when I was still figuring out who I was, and it meant so much to see someone close to my age on TV achieving her dreams. I’m 24, and she’s only about two years older than me—she’s 26, with a birthday on May 11th, just a little over a month after mine on March 31st. That small age difference always made her feel relatable, like her accomplishments were something I could reach for too. Watching her grow from a Disney actress into a worldwide touring artist is so inspiring. She went from being known for a TV character to owning stages, writing songs, and building her own identity in the music industry. Her evolution shows that you don’t have to limit yourself to one dream—you can have multiple careers, expand into new creative spaces, and continue growing throughout your life. That’s something that really connects to me personally. I have a Film and Media Arts degree, but I’m also striving to become an esthetician and eventually an ultrasound technician. Seeing Sabrina succeed in acting, singing, performing, and songwriting reminds me that it’s okay to want more than one path for your life. It’s okay to reinvent yourself, explore new passions, and chase every dream that matters to you. She makes me feel like my goals are possible. Her music has also deeply touched my heart. My favorite song of hers is **“Eyes Wide Open.”** Every time I listen to it, I feel emotional. It’s a song that makes me think about growth, loss, and the journey of becoming the person you’re meant to be. It makes me cry sometimes, especially when I think about my mother’s passing. The lyrics hit differently when you’ve experienced real pain and change. That song holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me to keep pushing forward, even when life feels heavy. Sabrina’s journey inspires me to believe in myself, to stay ambitious, and to trust that I can create a life with multiple passions just like she has. She reminds me that growth is beautiful, reinvention is powerful, and dreams are worth fighting for. That’s why I’m such a big fan—not just because of her talent, but because of how she makes me believe in my own possibilities.

Mental health shapes every part of a person’s life—how they think, how they move through the world, how they love, and how they hope. For me, mental health is not just an abstract idea; it is something I live with, struggle with, and work through every single day. The challenges I have faced in my life—especially losing my mother to gun violence and watching my father enter the jail system only a month later—have changed me in ways I am still trying to understand. These experiences have affected my goals, my relationships, and my entire view of the world. On October 9th, 2023, my life broke in a way I never expected. Losing my mom to gun violence is a pain I carry constantly. There are moments when the memory of her hits me so hard it steals my breath. She was taken from me and my siblings too soon, too violently, and too unfairly. Grief like that settles into your bones; it becomes part of your everyday life. It changes the way you think about safety, love, and the fragility of life. And just as I was trying to understand how to live without her, my father went into the jail system a month later. It bad felt like losing both of my parents at once, being left to stand in a world. These experiences have taken a toll on me and my siblings. We think about it every day—sometimes silently, sometimes out loud, but always with a heaviness that is hard to describe. Mental health challenges often come when you are trying to survive the unimaginable, and that has been my reality. The grief, the anger, the confusion, the loneliness—it all affects me deeply. My goals are not untouched by what happened. In fact, my mental health has made my goals feel both harder and more important. Some days, the weight of everything makes it difficult to focus or believe in myself. I worry about how my past will shape my future and whether I will ever fully heal. But at the same time, losing my parents in such painful ways has made me want to fight even harder for a better life. I want stability. I want peace. I want to prove to myself that trauma doesn’t define me. These experiences have made me more determined, even if the path forward feels uncertain and heavy at times. My relationships have also been shaped by what I have gone through. Losing the two people who were supposed to guide me through life changed the way I connect with others. Sometimes I struggle with opening up or trusting that people will stay. Other times, I cling to the people I care about because I know how quickly life can change. I think more deeply about the people I love now. I appreciate them in ways I never used to. My trauma has made me more sensitive, more understanding, and more aware of what others might be going through beneath the surface. And when it comes to how I see the world, everything is different. I have seen how violence destroys families. I have seen how the justice system can take people away just as quickly as tragedy can. These experiences have shown me how unfair and unpredictable the world can be. But they have also shown me strength—my own and my siblings’. They have shown me resilience in moments where giving up felt easier. They have shown me how important mental health is and how much people need support, compassion, and healing.

Being a first-generation college student means everything in the world to me. My name is Martiana Lumbus, and even my name reminds me of who I am—unique, uncommon, and someone who stands out in her own way. My name gives me confidence, and being the first in my family to pursue higher education gives me purpose. It means breaking cycles, opening doors, and building a future that the generations before me didn’t have the chance to create. My journey has not been easy. Losing my mother to gun violence and having my father go to jail a month later changed my life forever. Those moments were traumatic and painful, but they also lit a fire in me. They taught me that I have to work twice as hard, not only for myself but for the family members who still depend on me. My motivation comes from wanting more—more stability, more opportunity, and more success than the circumstances I was born into. I want to be someone my future children can look up to, someone my siblings can lean on, and someone who turns hurt into strength. Being a first-generation student means I am willing to dream bigger than my challenges. I have many dreams because I refuse to limit myself. I already hold a Film and Media Arts degree, and at 24 years old, I am proud of how far I’ve come. But I also know I want to build stability for my future, so I am studying cosmetology and esthetics to create businesses I can eventually pass down to my kids one day. I want to set up a strong foundation with an LLC, business insurance, and a business 401(k) plan so my work can grow even when I’m no longer physically able to do hair or skincare services. I also dream of becoming an ultrasound technician. It is a career that would give me consistent income, something to rely on as I get older, while my business investments and retirement plans build in the background. I want a life that allows me to take care of myself, my future family, and the family I have now who are struggling. I want to break generational patterns and create generational wealth. This scholarship would help me move closer to those goals. It would allow me to pay for school, invest in my education, and get the proper training I need to build the future I’m working so hard for. Winning this award would not solve everything, but it would give me a real start—a chance to breathe, focus, and invest in the dreams I’ve laid out for myself. I am not perfect, and my life has been far from easy, but I have heart, determination, and a clear sense of purpose. I want more for myself and my family, and being a first-generation student is my first step toward rewriting my future. This scholarship would help me continue that journey.

Being a first-generation college student means everything in the world to me. My name is Martiana Lumbus, and even my name reminds me of who I am—unique, uncommon, and someone who stands out in her own way. My name gives me confidence, and being the first in my family to pursue higher education gives me purpose. It means breaking cycles, opening doors, and building a future that the generations before me didn’t have the chance to create. My journey has not been easy. Losing my mother to gun violence and having my father go to jail a month later changed my life forever. Those moments were traumatic and painful, but they also lit a fire in me. They taught me that I have to work twice as hard, not only for myself but for the family members who still depend on me. My motivation comes from wanting more—more stability, more opportunity, and more success than the circumstances I was born into. I want to be someone my future children can look up to, someone my siblings can lean on, and someone who turns hurt into strength. Being a first-generation student means I am willing to dream bigger than my challenges. I have many dreams because I refuse to limit myself. I already hold a Film and Media Arts degree, and at 24 years old, I am proud of how far I’ve come. But I also know I want to build stability for my future, so I am studying cosmetology and esthetics to create businesses I can eventually pass down to my kids one day. I want to set up a strong foundation with an LLC, business insurance, and a business 401(k) plan so my work can grow even when I’m no longer physically able to do lashes, brows or waxing services. I also dream of becoming an ultrasound technician. It is a career that would give me consistent income, something to rely on as I get older, while my business investments and retirement plans build in the background. I want a life that allows me to take care of myself, my future family, and the family I have now who are struggling. I want to break generational patterns and create generational wealth. This scholarship would help me move closer to those goals. It would allow me to pay for school, invest in my education, and get the proper training I need to build the future I’m working so hard for. Winning this award would not solve everything, but it would give me a real start—a chance to breathe, focus, and invest in the dreams I’ve laid out for myself. I am not perfect, and my life has been far from easy, but I have heart, determination, and a clear sense of purpose. I want more for myself and my family, and being a first-generation student is my first step toward rewriting my future. This scholarship would help me continue that journey for me and my current family and future family.

Choosing cosmetology and esthetics as my career path is not just a professional decision—it is a personal calling shaped by love, memories, and the desire to make every woman feel confident, beautiful, and valued. Beauty, to me, is not just about outward appearance; it is about helping people discover their inner light, their confidence, and the parts of themselves they may have forgotten or doubted. I want to help women see the beauty they already carry within, because I know how powerful it is when someone believes in you, supports you, and helps you feel like the best version of yourself. My passion for this field began long before I ever realized it could be a career. It began in my home, with my mother. She was the first person who introduced me to the world of hair, makeup, and self-expression. Growing up, she always did my hair, and she taught me so much about taking care of it, styling it, and embracing my natural beauty. My mother used to tell me, “You are beautiful within and out,” and those words stayed with me. They shaped the way I see myself—and the way I want to help other women see themselves. Some of my favorite memories with her were the YouTube videos we made together. We would do fun challenges, like me doing her makeup and hair blindfolded, laughing at the results and enjoying the time we spent creating something together. Those moments were more than just videos; they were lessons in love, creativity, and connection. They showed me that beauty can be joyful, healing, and a way to bond with the people you care about. Losing my mother to gun violence in our own home changed my life in ways I am still learning to understand. Her passing was a trauma that shook my world, but it also taught me something powerful: life is fragile, and the things we love—our passions, our talents, our dreams—should be honored. Cosmetology and esthetics help me stay connected to her. When I do hair, when I apply makeup, when I make another woman feel beautiful, I feel like I am continuing the bond we shared. I feel like I am carrying a piece of her with me into my future. My decision to pursue this field is also fueled by the impact I hope to make. I want every woman who sits in my chair to feel seen, valued, and uplifted. I want to create a space where they can rediscover their confidence, express who they are, and celebrate their beauty inside and out. Whether it’s through skincare, makeup, or hairstyling, I want to help women embrace the parts of themselves they may hide or doubt. Beauty is not about transforming someone into something new—it’s about bringing forward the beauty they already have within. Cosmetology and esthetics allow me to blend creativity, healing, and personal connection. It allows me to honor my mother’s memory, continue the traditions she passed down to me, and do something meaningful for others. My career choice is a reflection of my heart, my experiences, and my desire to make a positive difference in women’s lives. This path is more than a job; it is a part of who I am. And through it, I hope to carry my mother’s love, lessons, and strength with me—helping others feel beautiful, confident, and empowered, just as she taught me.

Breast cancer is more than a medical challenge to me—it is a deeply personal issue that has shaped my passions, my goals, and the future I imagine for myself. As a woman, I cannot help but feel a profound connection to the millions of women who have faced or will face this diagnosis. The thought of experiencing breast cancer myself is terrifying, and the idea of watching another woman endure that pain is equally heartbreaking. Women carry an incredible amount of strength, but no one should have to fight a battle as heavy and life-changing as breast cancer. This understanding is one of the biggest reasons why I want to be part of the effort to cure this disease. I believe every woman deserves a future where breast cancer is no longer something to fear. My determination is also deeply rooted in my family history. Cancer runs in my family, leaving behind a path of loss, struggle, and emotional scars. It has taken lives far too soon and has caused pain that continues to affect us today. Growing up, I learned early on that cancer is not just a medical term or a statistic—it is something that can change an entire family’s life in an instant. The anxiety, the uncertainty, the feeling of helplessness when someone you love is fighting for their life—these experiences are impossible to forget. They have shaped my understanding of how urgently we need better treatments, better support, and ultimately, a cure. But my family’s story with breast cancer holds both tragedy and triumph. My auntie is one of the strongest people I know, and she survived her battle with breast cancer. Watching her fight was both painful and inspiring. I saw her strength on days when she felt weak, and her determination when the odds seemed stacked against her. Her ability to overcome such a frightening diagnosis showed me the power of resilience, the importance of medical advancements, and the real difference that research and treatment can make. Her survival is a reminder that progress is possible and that every step forward in cancer research truly matters. On the other hand, my great-grandmother’s experience represents the heartbreaking reality that many families still face. She lost her life to breast cancer, and although I never had the chance to know her personally, her story has always been present in my family. The pain of losing her was passed down through stories, memories, and the emotions that my family still carries. Her death is a reminder of what happens when the disease wins, and it strengthens my desire to help create a world where fewer families have to experience that kind of loss. These personal experiences—both the victories and the losses—are what motivate me to pursue a path that contributes to curing breast cancer. It is not just a scientific curiosity or a career choice; it is a mission that comes from my heart. I want to help protect women everywhere—from mothers and daughters to sisters, friends, and future generations. I want to honor the strength of survivors like my auntie and the memory of women like my great-grandmother who fought as long as they could. Most of all, I want to make sure that no woman has to face this disease alone or live in fear of it. A world without breast cancer may feel distant, but it is not impossible. Every breakthrough, every new treatment, and every life saved brings us closer to that reality. My passion to help cure breast cancer comes from a deep place of empathy, family history, and hope.

Mental health shapes every part of a person’s life—how they think, how they move through the world, how they love, and how they hope. For me, mental health is not just an abstract idea; it is something I live with, struggle with, and work through every single day. The challenges I have faced in my life—especially losing my mother to gun violence and watching my father enter the jail system only a month later—have changed me in ways I am still trying to understand. These experiences have affected my goals, my relationships, and my entire view of the world, leaving a lasting impact on who I am and who I am becoming. On October 9th, 2023, my life broke in a way I never expected. Losing my mom to gun violence is a pain I carry constantly. There are moments when the memory of her hits me so hard it steals my breath. She was taken from me and my siblings too soon, too violently, and too unfairly. Grief like that settles into your bones; it becomes part of your everyday life. It changes the way you think about safety, love, and the fragility of life. And just as I was trying to understand how to live without her, my father went into the jail system a month later. It felt like losing both of my parents at once, being left to stand in a world that suddenly felt much colder and more confusing. These experiences have taken a toll on me and my siblings. We think about it every day—sometimes silently, sometimes out loud, but always with a heaviness that is hard to describe. Mental health challenges often come when you are trying to survive the unimaginable, and that has been my reality. The grief, the anger, the confusion, the loneliness—it all affects me deeply. It affects how I wake up in the morning, how I talk to people, how I trust, and how I dream about the future. My goals are not untouched by what happened. In fact, my mental health has made my goals feel both harder and more important. Some days, the weight of everything makes it difficult to focus or believe in myself. I worry about how my past will shape my future and whether I will ever fully heal. But at the same time, losing my parents in such painful ways has made me want to fight even harder for a better life. I want stability. I want peace. I want to prove to myself that trauma doesn’t define me. These experiences have made me more determined, even if the path forward feels uncertain and heavy at times. My relationships have also been shaped by what I have gone through. Losing the two people who were supposed to guide me through life changed the way I connect with others. Sometimes I struggle with opening up or trusting that people will stay. Other times, I cling to the people I care about because I know how quickly life can change. I think more deeply about the people I love now. I appreciate them in ways I never used to. My trauma has made me more sensitive, more understanding, and more aware of what others might be going through beneath the surface. And when it comes to how I see the world, everything is different. I have seen how violence destroys families. I have seen how the justice system can take people away just as quickly as tragedy can. These experiences have shown me how unfair and unpredictable the world can be. But they have also shown me strength—my own and my siblings’. They have shown me resilience in moments where giving up felt easier. They have shown me how important mental health is and how much people need support, compassion, and healing. I think about my future every day—how my past affects it, how my pain shapes it, and how my strength will carry me through it. Mental health is a journey I am still navigating, but everything I have survived has taught me that I am capable of moving forward, even when life tries to break me. My story may be filled with loss, but it is also filled with determination, hope, and the belief that I can build a future that honors the people I have lost and the person I am becoming.