Mathematics was never just a subject to me. Even when I was just a kid in my elementary schools 24 club I knew it was something I loved. It is a way of thinking that helps me make sense of the world. While other subjects often required memorization of facts and definitions, math was different. While there were many things to memorize math reached much further than that requiring critical thinking, trial and error, and genuine effort to finally get to one correct solution. I didn’t just enjoy getting the right answer; I enjoyed the journey of figuring out how to get there. Math's most defining characteristic is that it is consistent. There are no differing opinions on proven concepts and no matter where you are in the world or what language you speak, the rules of mathematics stay the same. It’s a universal language that connects ideas across cultures, fields, and eras. Whether I’m solving a basic algebra problem or exploring different concepts of calculus, I know that each step I take is grounded in logic and order. That sense of structure is comforting, especially when life outside of math is not always so grounded. Math is just as much about creativity though as it is about logic. I’ve always been fascinated by how math can be used to model real-life scenarios. One of my favorite examples is when I imagine the graphs that describe motion—how acceleration, velocity, and position relate to each other when I drive. When I press on the gas pedal or tap the brakes, I can picture the curves shifting on a graph. It’s these kinds of connections between abstract math and real-world behavior that make the subject so enthralling. As I look toward the future, my love of math has shaped both my academic and career goals. I plan to study actuarial science in college, where I’ll be able to use mathematical models to solve complex problems and help organizations plan for risk. Math teaches me how to think critically, analyze patterns, and make thoughtful decisions. Those are skills I know I’ll use for the rest of my life. I love math because it challenges me, grounds me, and empowers me to understand the world in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Change has always been difficult for me to accept—especially when it comes without warning. But cancer has forced me to face change again and again, shaping my relationships, my understanding of life, and who I am as a person. Through the losses, the distance, and the gradual shifts it has caused in the people I love, cancer has taught me how to let go of what used to be while still holding on to what matters most. More than anything, I’ve learned that change is painful, but it can also help us grow. When I was ten, my Nana passed away from lung cancer. She was one of the kindest people in my life, and some of my favorite memories are of our trips to the zoo together. She loved animals, and we’d spend hours walking from exhibit to exhibit while she pointed out her favorites and told me stories. When she got sick, I didn’t really understand what was happening. I visited her in the hospital oblivious to the weight of the situation. Then, one day, she was just gone. It was the first time I ever experienced grief, and I didn’t know how to process it. I felt confused, even numb. Looking back, losing my Nana was the beginning of my understanding that life can change suddenly and without fairness—but also that memories can stay with you, even when people can't. My Uncle Paul was diagnosed with a brain tumor not long after my Nana passed. He survived, but the surgery he had was very aggressive and changed his life. Before that, he was brilliant at chess, and I always looked forward to trying to beat him, even though I never came close. After the surgery however, he changed. He still remembers how to play chess and is still much better than me at it, but I can’t play with him anymore like I used to. He ended up moving further away into Section 8 housing, and it became harder for me to visit. Our bond faded with time and distance. This type of change was different, one that didn’t happen all at once, but gradually. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that even when people survive cancer, their lives, and our relationships, may never go back to how they were. Over the past five years, my Grandpa has battled both pancreatic and skin cancer. He’s mostly recovered, but it keeps coming back for him to fight. When I was younger, we used to go fishing and golfing together whenever I could see him. I developed a connection with my grandpa over these activities. But now, because of ongoing treatments and how weak he often feels, we can no longer go out to the pond or the greens. At first, this change made me frustrated but over time, I’ve realized that love doesn’t have to look the same to still be real. Whether we’re on the golf course or just talking on the phone, what matters is being there in whatever way I can especially now when he needs me than ever. All of these experiences have shown me how deeply cancer can change lives—not just through loss, but through the slow and difficult shifts in connection, ability, and routine. At the same time, these changes have made me more empathetic, more adaptable, and more grateful. I’ve learned how to let go of what was while still finding meaning in what remains. Change will always be hard, but I no longer see it as something to fear. I see it as something to grow from.

I decided to attend Lycoming College because I think that it is the type of environment in which I can develop into the person I would like to be. The first time I visited the campus was through a summer program called Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) and I was instantly impressed by the friendly and encouraging environment. I came back another time on an overnight visit with the men's soccer team, and I experienced the same warmth, this time by the players and coaches who made me feel like part of the team as soon as I got there. All these experiences together made me sure that Lycoming is the place where I will not only be a student or an athlete, but a member of a community that will encourage me to develop and become successful. Another reason I chose Lycoming is because I want more than a diploma out of college. I desire to build the skills and attitude that will enable me to think critically, problem solve and make proper decisions. I have been interested in mathematics and, therefore, I am pursuing a degree in actuarial science. I am attracted to this field due to it being a logical, analytical, and strategic field that aims at assisting individuals and organizations to be ready to face uncertainty. The skill to evaluate risk and make data-driven decisions is both practical and effective. The academic program at Lycoming provides me the necessary foundation, but more importantly, direct mentorship from professors that will cultivate a more engaged experience in my secondary education. At larger institutions, I worried I might become just another face in a lecture hall; a number on a data sheet. At Lycoming, I know I’ll be part of a community that encourages active participation, values engagement, and helps students refine their thinking. These interactions will play a key role in preparing me for the demands of a career in actuarial science, where both technical ability and communication are essential. Being able to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level is also something I’m grateful for. Soccer has shaped me as a person as I have grown up. Soccer has taught me discipline, resilience, and how to work within a team toward a common goal. These qualities extend beyond the field and influence how I approach academics, time management, and future goals. Balancing athletics and academics will challenge me, but it’s also a part of what will shape me into a more well-rounded person. Ultimately, I chose a smaller liberal arts college because I believe in the value of a well-rounded education—one that not only builds knowledge but also encourages reflection, connection, and personal growth. Lycoming isn’t just a place where I’ll earn a degree. It’s a place where I’ll develop the perspective, habits, and sense of purpose that I need to succeed after graduation. I look forward to becoming someone who brings structure to uncertainty, who can recognize patterns and offer insight, and who uses those skills to make a meaningful impact.