Earning a college degree will represent years of determination, growth, and preparation for a future where I can advocate for justice, equity, and inclusion. It will be the start of a career that aligns with my deepest values and aspirations. My hope is that college will shape me into a leader, not just in title, but in action. A leader who listens, who learns from different perspectives, and who uses knowledge to drive change. Once I achieve my goal of graduating from college, I want to use the tools I have acquired to make a real difference in the lives of those who are often overlooked. I see education not as a finish line, but as a launching point. My desire to serve and advocate for others stems from a personal loss that changed my life forever. The moment my brother Jackson was born, he was already leaving the world. He lived for only a few minutes, but those minutes left a lasting impact on me. Jackson was born with severe heart and brain defects, and his passing became the first major loss I ever experienced. Grieving his death was a challenge that required time, reflection, and support. But through that pain, I found purpose. Jackson’s short life inspired me to speak up for children with disabilities and commit myself to building a more inclusive and compassionate world. This loss taught me that resilience is not just about recovering from hardship. It is about using hardship to fuel action. Volunteering with programs like Special Stars and Create for Kids helped me channel my grief into service. At Special Stars, where I coached children with disabilities in adaptive soccer, I saw the same determination in them that I had to find in myself. Watching them rise after every fall reminded me that setbacks can be powerful teachers. These experiences built my empathy, strengthened my leadership, and gave me insight into how people persevere when systems are not built for them. They helped me see how meaningful change often starts at the community level but needs structural support to succeed. This realization sparked my interest in policy and the law. The first academic spark came in my AP Government class, where I explored how laws are made, how power is distributed, and how rights are protected...or denied. My curiosity grew into conviction as I began to understand the real-world consequences of decisions made by those in power. The more I learned, the more I recognized the urgent need for advocates who understand both the law and the lives of those affected by it. I want to be one of those advocates. I want to use my education to work in the fields of law and public service, fighting for those whose voices are often unheard, including children and individuals with disabilities. To prepare for this path, I plan to study political science or government in college and pursue opportunities that deepen both my academic and practical understanding of justice and inclusion. I am eager to take part in internships with public service organizations, volunteer with legal aid clinics, and join student groups focused on advocacy. I hope to travel through study abroad programs to better understand global approaches to equality and leadership. Through clubs and service organizations, I will continue giving back while growing in my ability to lead with empathy and effectiveness. Receiving this scholarship would have a profound impact on my ability to pursue these opportunities and reach my goals. College is a significant financial commitment, and while I have worked hard to prepare by saving, working part-time jobs, and applying for scholarships, I know that covering the full cost of tuition, housing, books, and other expenses will be a challenge. This scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to focus more fully on my academics and community engagement. It would free me to say yes to learning opportunities that might not be paid, such as internships or service trips, but that would be invaluable in shaping my skills and perspectives. Beyond financial assistance, this scholarship would be a meaningful affirmation of the work I have done and the path I am committed to. Knowing that someone believes in my potential enough to invest in my education would be an incredible source of motivation. It would remind me that I am not walking this path alone, and that others believe in the future I am trying to build. My long-term goals include attending law school after completing my undergraduate degree. There, I want to specialize in public interest law, civil rights, or disability law. I want to gain hands-on experience through legal clinics and internships that serve underserved populations. Ultimately, I hope to work for a nonprofit or government agency that focuses on justice and access for all, particularly children and families affected by disability or poverty. My dream is to be in a position where I can influence policy, advocate in the courtroom, and contribute to creating systems that truly serve everyone. In addition to my legal and policy work, I want to continue giving back through mentorship and education. I want to help students from underserved backgrounds navigate college, find their voices, and become leaders in their own right. My goal is not just to achieve success for myself but to open doors for others, especially those who, like my brother, may not always have a voice in the systems that affect them. This scholarship would play a vital role in helping me realize these plans. It would not only reduce the financial barriers I face but also allow me to pursue this journey with a greater sense of security and purpose. It would support a future dedicated to advocacy, service, and systemic change. Applying for scholarships has shown me how powerful it is when others choose to believe in your potential. Each application is more than a request for help. It is a statement of hope, a commitment to the future. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and for the chance to receive support that will enable me to grow, learn, and serve. This scholarship would not just be an investment in my education. It would be an investment in a future dedicated to creating a more just and inclusive society. In conclusion, my dream of graduating from college is about more than personal achievement. It is about equipping myself to be an effective advocate, a thoughtful leader, and a dedicated servant to the community. It is about honoring my brother’s brief but powerful life by creating change that lasts. With your support, I will be one step closer to making that vision a reality.

When my brother Jackson entered the world, he was already leaving it. His heart beat for only a few minutes, yet those brief moments altered the course of my life. Jackson was born with multiple brain defects, and although he never had the chance to grow, his life left me with a purpose. My youngest brother Jackson passed away a few years ago. Until October 13, 2015, I had never experienced or understood grief. That morning, we woke up early to go to the hospital, but instead of the excitement of meeting my brother, I was filled with worry and nerves. Jackson’s little life had not developed as it should, and though it was time to meet him, we already knew the heartbreak that awaited. The grief we felt wasn’t just about his passing, it stretched into the past and the future. We mourned not only his final breath but also the months leading up to that moment when we were told he wouldn’t develop properly. Along with that came the painful realization that all our dreams of park days, board games, and birthday celebrations would never come to be. It was an unbelievably hard day for me and my family. Although our time with him was brief it was full of love. Love for Jackson and also love for each other, from the comforting hug of my parents, to the support of my grandparents, and friends' condolence cards. In the embrace of those who cared for me, I found not only comfort but also the courage to continue forward. Although the pain is still present, all of these relationships helped me heal during the bereavement process. I want to be that love and comfort when others need support. Jackson's brief life instilled a passion for advocating for individuals with disabilities. Witnessing the challenges they face has ignited my desire to ensure all voices are heard and represented. I find meaning by volunteering with youth in programs like Special Stars and Create for Kids, which transformed my perspective on resilience and the importance of service. Special Stars engages children with special needs in developing soccer skills. I coached them through drills, offering guidance and encouragement. Watching these children experience the joy of learning new skills despite their challenges is humbling. I also enjoy thinking critically and constructing solid arguments, a skill I am working on in school. This passion aligns seamlessly with a career in law, where the ability to present clear, persuasive cases is crucial. I hope to use this skill to uplift and protect others. I plan to pursue a law degree, focusing on public interest law or civil rights, empowering myself with the knowledge to navigate and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. I will apply for internships and volunteer opportunities that provide practical experience in legal advocacy, especially in supporting children and families facing challenges. My choice to pursue a career in government and law is personal. I hope to challenge injustices, ensuring fairness, especially those facing the greatest challenges. Jackson’s memory and the lessons I’ve learned through Special Stars and other volunteer experiences inspire me to fight for a world where every child can thrive.