Dance became my sanctuary during a rough period in high school. Struggling with mental health and an eating disorder, I felt very isolated from friends and family. The weight of all the struggles made even simple daily routines feel overwhelming, and I needed a connection and a healthy outlet for my emotions. My dance studio became that outlet. Every night, escaping into the studio was more than just attending class; it was my way of escaping. Surrounded by my dance friends, I found a sense of belonging I had been missing. They weren't just my dance peers, they were a community of support, laughter sharing, encouragement, and a passion for movement. The love within the studio walls helped me fight the feeling of worthlessness and isolation that had become so pervasive in my day to day life. Beyond the social connection, dance, just by itself, became a powerful tool for my healing. Expressing my emotions through movement was so freeing. When my words failed me, my body took over. Each plié, each turn, each leap was a release, a way to channel my anxiety, frustration, and sadness into something delicate and beautiful. Dance allowed me to process complex emotions, to find strength in vulnerability, and to reconnect with my inner self. It was a journey of self-discovery, one graceful movement at a time. This amazing experience ignited a passion with me, a desire to share the healing power of dance with others. I aspire to become a choreographer or dance teacher, particularly for teenagers who may be facing similar challenges. I envision creating a safe and supportive environment in my studio, a space where young dancers can not only develop their technical skills but also find emotional release, build confidence, and discover their own unique voices through movement. I want to be more than just an instructor; I want to be a mentor, an inspiration. I want to show these young dancers that they are not alone, that their struggles are valid, and that dance can be a powerful outlet for healing and self-expression. I believe that by sharing my own story and creating a nurturing community, I can empower them to navigate their challenges, discover their inner strength, and find joy and resilience through the art of dance. This scholarship will be instrumental in helping me pursue my education and ultimately realize my dream of becoming a choreographer, teacher, and inspiration to young dancers.

at first i wasn’t sure if it was true the fact that i said i love you but i feel you slipping away and i know it might be too late but i love you and all that you do i love the way you smile i love the way you talk i love the way you say my name i love the way you walk i love the way you care, i love the way you do your hair i love the way you never gave up on me when it seemed i didn’t care. so please don’t go, please just stay and i promise to show you my love each and every day

The path to self-discovery is rarely linear, it's often a winding road marked by unexpected turns and challenging terrain. My journey through late middle school and high school was no exception. While these years are often associated with growth and exploration, they also became a period of intense struggle with mental health and substance abuse. However, within these challenges, I discovered an inner strength, a resilience that propelled me toward recovery and a renewed focus on my educational aspirations. This essay will explore my experiences, the personal growth they fostered, and my plan for continuing to manage my recovery as I pursue my college education. The seeds of anxiety were sown in my late middle school years, gradually taking root and blossoming into a pervasive force that impacted every aspect of my life. What began as occasional worries morphed into a constant state of unease, making it difficult to concentrate in class, socialize with friends, or even enjoy simple pleasures. The anxiety became a constant companion, whispering doubts and fears, eroding my self-confidence, and leaving me feeling isolated and overwhelmed. In early high school, the anxiety intensified, manifesting in the form of an eating disorder. This became a distorted attempt to regain a sense of control in a life that felt increasingly chaotic. The eating disorder became a destructive outlet for my emotional turmoil, a way to numb the pain and silence the intrusive thoughts. It was a battle fought in secret, a constant struggle between self-loathing and a desperate need for acceptance. By my junior year, the weight of anxiety and the eating disorder became almost unbearable. Seeking escape, I turned to alcohol. Initially, it seemed like a temporary reprieve, a way to quiet the noise in my head and alleviate the feelings of inadequacy. However, what began as occasional drinking quickly escalated into a regular habit, becoming another destructive coping mechanism that only exacerbated my problems. Recognizing the destructive path I was on, I finally acknowledged that I needed help. This realization was a turning point, a moment of clarity that sparked a desire for change. I sought professional therapy, a crucial step that provided me with the tools and support necessary to confront my challenges. I also began practicing regular meditation, a practice that helped me cultivate mindfulness and manage my anxiety in a healthy way. Slowly, I began to unravel the tangled web of mental health and substance abuse, one step at a time. Since that pivotal moment, I have committed myself to sobriety and continued to prioritize my mental health. Therapy has been instrumental in helping me understand the root causes of my anxiety and develop healthy coping strategies. Meditation has become a daily ritual, providing a sense of calm and grounding. I have also rediscovered passions that had been buried beneath the weight of my struggles, including dance, reading, and writing poetry. My experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective and solidified my desire to pursue a college education. I am drawn to. I believe that education is not only a pathway to personal and professional growth but also a means of empowering myself to make a positive impact on the world. I am committed to continuing my recovery journey throughout college. I plan to utilize campus resources such as counseling services, support groups, and wellness programs. I will also maintain my meditation practice, continue engaging in my creative hobbies, and build a strong support network of friends and mentors. This scholarship will be instrumental in helping me achieve these goals, allowing me to focus on my studies while continuing to prioritize my well-being.

I am a junior at Shenandoah University and I'm studying criminal justice. I first discovered my interest for this field in middle school because of the Tv show "The Flash." I know it sounds a little weird but Barry Allen, The Flash, was a forensic scientist before he became "The Flash." Being able to see him do his work, aside from being a super hero, made me fall in love with the concept of forensic science. Since middle school, I knew I wanted something to do with that field of work. Once I got to high school, I discovered I am not the greatest at chemistry, even though I love the science. I did some research on the field and I found some really interesting jobs other than forensic science. Crime Scene Investigation caught my interest the most so I have been putting all of my interest into getting familiar with the position. My first two years of college, I went to my local community college because they have a great investigation program. After taking a few investigation courses, I knew that I was going down the right path. Outside of school, I study more deeply into the requirements and job tasks of crime scene investigators to have a better understanding what I need to do to be ready for the job. Studying this major, there's many different career paths I can go down if I can't achieve my goal in becoming a crime scene investigator. I have interest in other careers I'll go for if I end up not being able to get the job that I'd prefer. I also do research on those job just to make sure I am prepared for any outcome that may happen. Another big factor that helped me choose this career path is the fact that I want to be able to help others. Most people with that mind set would get into becoming a doctor or a firefighter but for me, helping is a lot deeper than just that. Being able to identify the cause of a persons death, whether it was homicide or just an accident, can help immensely. Finding out the cause of death gives the family a bit of satisfaction on how the death happened. It helps ease the mind and gives clarity. It makes me feel like I will actually be doing good, mainly because of the fact that families will feel a bit more relaxed.

The path to self-discovery is rarely linear, it's often a winding road marked by unexpected turns and challenging terrain. My journey through late middle school and high school was no exception. While these years are often associated with growth and exploration, they also became a period of intense struggle with mental health and substance abuse. However, within these challenges, I discovered an inner strength, a resilience that propelled me toward recovery and a renewed focus on my educational aspirations. This essay will explore my experiences, the personal growth they fostered, and my plan for continuing to manage my recovery as I pursue my college education. The seeds of anxiety were sown in my late middle school years, gradually taking root and blossoming into a pervasive force that impacted every aspect of my life. What began as occasional worries morphed into a constant state of unease, making it difficult to concentrate in class, socialize with friends, or even enjoy simple pleasures. The anxiety became a constant companion, whispering doubts and fears, eroding my self-confidence, and leaving me feeling isolated and overwhelmed. In early high school, the anxiety intensified, manifesting in the form of an eating disorder. This became a distorted attempt to regain a sense of control in a life that felt increasingly chaotic. The eating disorder became a destructive outlet for my emotional turmoil, a way to numb the pain and silence the intrusive thoughts. It was a battle fought in secret, a constant struggle between self-loathing and a desperate need for acceptance. By my junior year, the weight of anxiety and the eating disorder became almost unbearable. Seeking escape, I turned to alcohol. Initially, it seemed like a temporary reprieve, a way to quiet the noise in my head and alleviate the feelings of inadequacy. However, what began as occasional drinking quickly escalated into a regular habit, becoming another destructive coping mechanism that only exacerbated my problems. Recognizing the destructive path I was on, I finally acknowledged that I needed help. This realization was a turning point, a moment of clarity that sparked a desire for change. I sought professional therapy, a crucial step that provided me with the tools and support necessary to confront my challenges. I also began practicing regular meditation, a practice that helped me cultivate mindfulness and manage my anxiety in a healthy way. Slowly, I began to unravel the tangled web of mental health and substance abuse, one step at a time. Since that pivotal moment, I have committed myself to sobriety and continued to prioritize my mental health. Therapy has been instrumental in helping me understand the root causes of my anxiety and develop healthy coping strategies. Meditation has become a daily ritual, providing a sense of calm and grounding. I have also rediscovered passions that had been buried beneath the weight of my struggles, including dance, reading, and writing poetry. These creative outlets have become powerful forms of self-expression, allowing me to process my emotions, celebrate my resilience, and connect with my inner self. My experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective and solidified my desire to pursue a college education. I am drawn to [mention your intended major and why it connects to your experiences or future goals – be specific!]. I believe that education is not only a pathway to personal and professional growth but also a means of empowering myself to make a positive impact on the world. I am committed to continuing my recovery journey throughout college. I plan to utilize campus resources such as counseling services, support groups, and wellness programs. I will also maintain my meditation practice, continue engaging in my creative hobbies, and build a strong support network of friends and mentors. I understand that recovery is an ongoing process, and I am prepared to face any challenges that may arise with the same resilience and determination that have brought me this far. My journey through mental health challenges and substance abuse has been a difficult but ultimately transformative experience. It has taught me the importance of self-care, the power of resilience, and the unwavering strength that can be found within. I am confident that the lessons I have learned, combined with my commitment to continued recovery, will enable me to thrive in college and pursue my educational and career aspirations with passion and purpose. This scholarship will be instrumental in helping me achieve these goals, allowing me to focus on my studies while continuing to prioritize my well-being.

The pursuit of justice is a fundamental human drive, a yearning to right wrongs and ensure that the vulnerable are protected. While often associated with grand gestures or public advocacy, I believe that positive impact can also be achieved through dedication to seemingly small, yet profoundly important, acts. My aspiration to become a crime scene investigator, and ultimately serve within the FBI, is rooted in this conviction – a belief that even in the face of tragedy, I can contribute to building a safer and more just world. The scene of a crime is a silent storyteller, holding within its details the echoes of what transpired. As a crime scene investigator, I would be entrusted with the crucial task of deciphering these silent narratives, meticulously collecting and analyzing evidence to uncover the truth. While the work may be painstaking and emotionally challenging, I recognize its profound importance. Each piece of evidence, each carefully examined detail, could be the key to unlocking a mystery, bringing closure to grieving families, and preventing further harm. The impact of violent crime extends far beyond the immediate victims. Families are left shattered, grappling with unanswered questions and the agonizing weight of loss. I believe that by diligently pursuing the truth, I can offer these families a measure of solace, a sense of justice served. Knowing that someone is dedicated to finding answers, to holding perpetrators accountable, can be a source of strength in their darkest hours. I want to be a part of that process, offering not only my expertise but also my empathy and understanding. My ambition extends beyond individual cases. I aspire to join the ranks of the FBI, where I can contribute to the safety and security of our nation on a larger scale. By working to apprehend criminals, disrupt criminal networks, and prevent acts of violence, I hope to play a role in creating a society where everyone feels safe and protected. I am particularly drawn to the FBI's commitment to upholding the law and protecting civil rights, values that align deeply with my own. The path to achieving these goals requires a unique blend of skills and dedication. I am committed to developing the scientific expertise, analytical abilities, and unwavering attention to detail necessary to excel as a crime scene investigator. Furthermore, I understand the importance of integrity, ethical conduct, and a deep sense of responsibility in this field. I am confident that I possess these qualities and am prepared to dedicate myself fully to this challenging, yet rewarding, career. Making a positive impact on the world doesn't always require grand, sweeping gestures. Sometimes, it's about the quiet dedication to truth, the unwavering commitment to justice, and the profound respect for human life. My dream of becoming a crime scene investigator and serving within the FBI is driven by this belief. This scholarship will be instrumental in helping me acquire the necessary education and skills to pursue this path, enabling me to contribute to a safer and more just society, one case at a time.

Growing up in todays society, many of us find ourselves struggling to find who we are, searching for meaning and stability. For me, high school became a period of much struggle, followed by a severe sense of depression and just feeling completely disconnected with myself. While in the darkness, I discovered the unwavering light of faith, a beacon that guided me back to myself and illuminated a path forward. The weight of depression settled upon me like a heavy cloak that I couldn't take off. My grades slipped, my friendships faltered, and the joy I once found in everyday activities vanished. I felt disconnected, isolated, and overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness. The world seemed muted, and I struggled to find meaning or purpose. Simple tasks became not so simple anymore, and the future stretched before me, it just felt so empty and worthless. My journey toward healing began with many small steps. To start, I joined a youth group with friends and it felt like a social outlet, a way to connect with others. However, as I participated in discussions and activities, I found myself drawn to the stories and teachings, a sense of hope began to flicker within me. I began to learn more about God and the power of faith, discovering a source of strength and comfort I hadn't known existed. Inspired by my youth group experiences, I felt a growing desire to deepen my connection with God. I spoke with my parents about attending church regularly, and they wholeheartedly supported my decision. Sunday services became a sanctuary, a place where I could find peace, reflect on my life, and connect with a community of believers. The messages resonated deeply, offering guidance and reminding me of my inherent worth. The act of worship, the shared prayers, and the sense of belonging provided a sense of grounding and purpose that had been missing for so long. Now, as a college student far from home, my faith has become even more essential. The challenges of navigating a new environment, academic pressures, and being away from my family could have easily overwhelmed me. However, the foundation I built in high school has sustained me. My roommate and I attend church every Sunday, continuing to nurture our spiritual growth and finding strength in community. This practice provides a sense of continuity and stability, reminding me that I am never truly alone. My journey through depression and back to wholeness was profoundly shaped by faith. It taught me the power of hope, the importance of community, and the unwavering strength that comes from a deep connection with something greater than myself. This scholarship will enable me to continue pursuing my education, grounded in my faith and committed to using my experiences to support others in their own journeys. I am confident that the lessons I have learned, and the faith that sustains me, will guide me toward a future of purpose and contribution.

I am a junior at Shenandoah University and I'm studying criminal justice. I first discovered my interest for this field in middle school because of the Tv show "The Flash." I know it sounds a little weird but Barry Allen, The Flash, was a forensic scientist before he became "The Flash." Being able to see him do his work, aside from being a super hero, made me fall in love with the concept of forensic science. Since middle school, I knew I wanted something to do with that field of work. Once I got to high school, I discovered I am not the greatest at chemistry, even though I love the science. I did some research on the field and I found some really interesting jobs other than forensic science. Crime Scene Investigation caught my interest the most so I have been putting all of my interest into getting familiar with the position. My first two years of college, I went to my local community college because they have a great investigation program. After taking a few investigation courses, I knew that I was going down the right path. Outside of school, I study more deeply into the requirements and job tasks of crime scene investigators to have a better understanding what I need to do to be ready for the job. Studying this major, there's many different career paths I can go down if I can't achieve my goal in becoming a crime scene investigator. I have interest in other careers I'll go for if I end up not being able to get the job that I'd prefer. I also do research on those job just to make sure I am prepared for any outcome that may happen. Another big factor that helped me choose this career path is the fact that I want to be able to help others. Most people with that mind set would get into becoming a doctor or a firefighter but for me, helping is a lot deeper than just that. Being able to identify the cause of a persons death, whether it was homicide or just an accident, can help immensely. Finding out the cause of death gives the family a bit of satisfaction on how the death happened. It helps ease the mind and gives clarity. It makes me feel like I will actually be doing good, mainly because of the fact that families will feel a bit more relaxed.

In a world increasingly driven by individual pursuits, the power of community and the importance of giving back cannot be overstated. As someone who has always been deeply connected to my community, I am committed to using my degree to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. My academic journey is not just a personal endeavor; it is a path paved with the intention of fostering change, providing support, and creating opportunities for those who might not otherwise have them. Growing up in Cumberland, Maryland, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by many in our community. From limited access to quality education and healthcare to economic hardships, the needs are vast and varied. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the critical role that education and community service play in addressing these issues. With a degree in criminal justice, I plan to develop and implement programs that provide essential resources and support to underserved populations. My vision is to create a network of community centers that offer educational workshops, career counseling, and mental health services. By collaborating with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers, I aim to build a comprehensive support system that empowers individuals and families to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term resilience and self-sufficiency. I am going to start my journey as a police officer. I want to prove that not all police officers are bad. we have such a bad image from corrupted officers and I hope to help be the change. after a few years, I would love to be a part of the FBI, furthering my ability to bring justice to the United States and impacting us as well. I would love to be a part of the change to the United States and I hope I would be able to make at least a little bit of a change, especially in the towns like Cumberland Maryland, where I grew up. As well as earning a degree in criminal justice, I have volunteered at our local animal shelters. Our animals get treated so poorly which I find disgusting. I started a project with a few of my friends where we created care packages with dog and cat treats, toys, food, and cat litter for the shelter. we also had donated about 20 blankets and sheets for their cages.

I am planning on being in the Criminal Justice field. For years, I was set on becoming a CSI agent because of watching "The Flash" but after experiencing life the last few years, I want to start out as a police officer and hopefully become and FBI agent. I want to be able to prove to the world that not all police officers are bad. I also want to be able to bring justice to our country. There are so many bad people out there that deserve to be locked away but aren't and I want to change that. Over the summer, I am volunteering for Homeland security to help with their training process. I feel that this will be a great opportunity for me to learn more.

I have always volunteered at our animal shelters and donated toys and blankets every once in awhile but, this past year I had a tragic experience with one of my own animals. For a little bit of a background on my pets, I had six cats. Their names were Benji, Meatloaf, Emily, Bins, Oscar, and Angel. They all got along but Benji and Meatloaf were very close, they were always together, no matter what. This past summer, I had noticed Benji acting a little weird. He was limping. I didn't notice right away but he had a big cut right on the bottom of his spin. It got to the point where we wasn't able to use his back legs in just a few hours. All of the vets were closed over the weekend so we waited until Monday to take Benji to the vet. The cut was healing fine and he seemed to have been doing better but we took him anyways just to make sure he was okay. When we got to the vet, they took Benji to the back to get some X-rays. they found that his bladder was swollen and the cut on his back was super sensitive since it was on his spine. they told us they had to drain his bladder but he "got aggressive" and bit them. she them proceeded to tell us that they shaved his back so they could see the cut better but pus started to come out of it. Even though they had told us we had to be careful with the cut on his back because it could paralyze him, they proceeded to tell us that they tried squeezing all of the pus out of his cut. when they brought Benji back to us, he was not the same boy that he was an hour ago. Benji could not move at all. The vet had paralyzed our cat and didn't even feel bad about it. We took Benji home that day and he was is such a bad condition. He wasn't even able to meow anymore, no sound would come out. I was starting to regret taking him to the vet. After a few days it seemed like he was doing better, he was able to lift his head again, which was good progress. Friday May 31st, the day before my birthday, he had passed away. his body gave up fighting, all just because the vets were not being careful with him. from that day forward, I have tried donating money and blankets to the shelter monthly. No cat should have to experience pain like that and no owner should have to feel that pain of losing their pet in such a horrible way.

I am a second-year criminal justice student at Allegany College of Maryland and I will be transfering to another college to continue my education and recieve a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. I also plan on double majoring in Spanish whenever I transfer to a 4-year school to better understand the language and the culture. It's very important to be bilingual becuase by knowing another language in the criminal justice field, I will be able to help a larger variety of people with solving a case. Growing up, I've always wanted to be a forensic scientist but when I watched the TV show "The Flash," I fell more in love with the idea. Barry Allen not only protected his community by using his superspeed, he protected his community by solving different types of murder cases and so on. The way that a forensic can solve a murder case just by looking at different forms of DNA is just so amazing to me. Being a forensic scientist not only means solving crimes, it involves helping families come to ease by solving the case wheither it's murder or something as simple as a hit and run. No one wants to be scared to step outside their house at night and that's what the world has come to nowadays. Being a part of the criminal justice field of work means to avoid making people scared to go outside. I would love to prove to the world that anyone in the criminal justice field is here for a good reason, to help protect and serve our community. Being in this field nowadays is going to be difficult because of the bad name that the field is given but i am determind to prove people wrong. Everyone assumes that the criminal justice field is full of corrupt people but in reality, we are here to protect the community. In conclusion, I am so excited to make a change in this world by becoming a forensic scientist and solving crimes that will help our community be a safer place to live. As I said previously, helping people is all I have ever wanted to do. Recieving this scholarship will help me afford my way into completing all of the college courses I will need to one day work my dream job as a forensic scientist and maybe even one day become an FBI agent for our country.

Mckinley Mikula, mckinleymikula@gmail.com Harry Potter and the Sorting Hat Scholarship 7 July 2023 Connecting with Harry Potter I was never much of a reader until I discovered the magic of Harry Potter. As I got more into the wizarding world of Harry Potter, I associated myself with the Hogwarts house, Ravenclaw. Growing up, it was difficult for me to read or do anything that includes writing because of my dyslexia but I never gave up and I finally reached my goal. When I entered middle school, my grandmother bought me the first Harry Potter book and I instantly fell in love. This was the first teen reading-level book I was ever able to finish, so I continued the series. The Harry Potter series inspired me to be a better person and I felt a lot smarter after reading the series. When I read about the different houses, I automatically connected to Ravenclaw. I am a very independent person; I enjoy solving things on my own because I feel like I need to prove myself to people. It shows that I am not only intelligent, but I am also not willing to give up. It’s always nice to have book smarts but that is not what Ravenclaw stands for. Any house is allowed to be smart and allowed to be on top of all their classes, but they don’t carry the trait of intelligence. The term intelligence means a lot more than just being smart. To me, being intelligent also means being emotionally intelligent, having curiosity and being unique. To be emotionally intelligent means being able to connect with people in any situation. I’m the type of friend that will listen to you when you need someone to talk to and being able to emotionally connect with them to understand how they are feeling. I also find myself to be a witty person. Whenever there’s tension, I’m always the one to break it with a humorous joke. I enjoy being able to be the one in the friend group to ease the tension because that’s just who I am as a person. And on top of that, I have this uniqueness to my personality that I just can’t explain but I will do anything for the people I love. The way Harry Potter changed my life makes me so appreciative of the opportunity of being able to be a part of the wizarding world and being able to read and watch the series. Being able to emotionally connect with the character and a specific house makes me feel comforted. I have definitely changed for the better because of this series and because of being able to connect so deeply with the Hogwarts House Ravenclaw.