The United States Marine Corps prides itself on the core values of honor, commitment, and courage. Those values are an integral part of everyone who has earned the title of Marine. I know that my father served in the Corps with a pride that comes from those values. Although he only served in the Marine Corps for six years, those were times of great conflict. One of his first deployments, well before he had children, was helping the Kurdish people. This service to others made him very proud and left an indelible impact on him. He encouraged his children to serve their country, and others as well. Serving others is something that I have always wanted to do. When a traumatic brain injury stopped my dreams of serving in the military, I realized that I could serve others as a trauma surgeon. I want to help others overcome the traumas they face through illness, injury, and unforeseen circumstances. However, I have also learned through my fathers’ military service that sometimes traumas cannot be seen. My father also served in the Army. After the terrorist attacks on 9/11, he felt a call to duty again. Even though he had small children at the time, it was something he felt compelled to do. This created some challenges, as his military service often pulled him away from his family. There was a time that he did back-to-back deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan for two years straight. Those tours of duty left scars that still have not healed. His emotional traumas run deep after being in a combat zone for years. The separation grew deeper, and he eventually detached himself from reality through alcoholism. That led to a struggle with mental health issues that he still fights today. Our family suffered as well. We went from a stable family unit to a single-parent household. I have not seen my father in years. He became a shell of a man who was once a proud Marine and Soldier. The trauma can heal though. There is always hope. One of my hopes for all of those who serve is that they can eventually confront the traumas they face both externally and internally. They can overcome the battles they face after they step away from combat and beat the enemy within. I know that my father is still proud of the time he spent as a Marine and Solider but recognizes that it came with a heavy price tag. My career aspirations will help serve these heroes, and others like them, well. As a future doctor, I hope and pray to help people heal from both their physical traumas and their internal ones. That is how I will serve others, and honor that for which my father and others like him fought, and continue to battle.

I have always been interested in science. After suffering a medical trauma of my own, however, I became more interested in becoming a doctor. I appreciated how much a strong medical care system can provide to positively impact people's lives. This interest was further solidified after watching my grandfather fight his battle with cancer. Despite the challenges he faced, my grandfather remained optimistic, and his strength inspired me. As his illness progressed rapidly, I observed how cancer affects not only physical health but also mental well-being and relationships. Witnessing my family struggle with the emotional and financial aspects of his illness made me appreciate the importance of a strong support system. There were days that my mom and grandma were completely exhausted: physically, emotionally, and sometimes even spiritually. Saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy, but a strong support system with understanding care providers helped. A hospice provider stated that one of the best things they could do for the patient was to help support the families through the stages of grief also. There were always other challenges around the corner though. I also saw the limitations of medicine in treating cancer. The best treatments could only slow down the disease running through my grandpa, but not completely cure it. The treatments often made him painfully sick. When it became clear that the treatments were not helping, we focused more on providing a comforting quality of life. His team of doctors helped not only my grandpa but also the family along the way. This realization sparked a strong desire within me to become a surgeon. I wanted to provide hope and reassurance to families during their worst times. Sometimes the way you help families and patients heal is entirely through your own compassion and heart. I spent countless days and nights researching careers in medicine. In high school, I was even able to participate in Health Occupations and shadow numerous surgeons and physicians, as well as other medical care providers. Their kindness, competence, and confidence are what inspired me to pursue this path. Balancing a demanding course load, extracurricular activities, and volunteering at a local hospital is often challenging, but my grandfather's inspirational life and passing kept me motivated. I envision myself in the operating room, saving lives, putting families at ease, and providing hope one day. I know the pathway to becoming a doctor will not be easy, but it will be worth it. In conclusion, my grandfather's battle with cancer shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Witnessing the challenges my family faced made me realize how I wanted to help people and how important a strong support system can be. My passion for medicine was solidified through this experience, and I am determined to become a trauma surgeon to make a positive impact on people's lives.

As a young girl, I always knew that I wanted a career in science. It wasn't until I suffered a traumatic brain injury, however, that I figured out that I was destined to be a surgeon. I became fascinated by the human body and how it functioned. It enthralled me to learn more about how every body system worked together and was vital to one another. Ironically, after suffering my own trauma I realized that being a trauma surgeon was my life goal. I learned first-hand the impact that a traumatic injury could have on a person's life and the way it affected their family. Seeing the emergency responders spring into action, seeing the team of doctors working together, and being aware of the importance of a collaborative team environment in medicine proved to me that being able to provide that level of care and assistance was my calling. Now as a college student, I am finally headed towards my purpose in life: Earning a degree in pre-med with the goal of one day becoming a trauma surgeon. I understand the challenges of the profession, from the long hours and high-stress environment to the emotional trauma that can come from seeing the worst of what humanity can do. Still, I am resolved and dedicated to my goal, knowing that I will have the skills, determination, and fortitude to make a positive impact on the world around me. For me, making a difference in the world means providing care and support to those in need, no matter where they come from or what their circumstances may be. I know that trauma surgery is not just about treating physical injuries, but also about providing emotional support and compassion to patients and their families. I also know that I want to use my skills beyond the hospital setting. I plan to work with organizations that provide medical care in areas affected by conflict and natural disasters. It is a dream to volunteer with Doctors Without Borders. By providing critical care to people in need, I hope to make a positive impact on communities around the world. To prepare myself for this challenging role, I am committed to staying focused and dedicated to my studies. As a dual major (pre-med & biology) and an honors college student, I know that is a challenge that will prepare me for my future. In addition to taking classes in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and biology, I will be continuing to volunteer at local hospitals and clinics to gain hands-on experience in the medical field. At the end of my undergraduate program, I will also be taking part in a fellowship & research project that will hopefully focus on exploring new techniques for treating traumatic injuries and staying up-to-date on emerging fields and practices to prepare myself for the future. As a woman pursuing a career in medicine, I know that I will face challenges that are unique to my gender. But I will keep focused on my goals, knowing that by breaking down barriers and stereotypes, I can help to inspire other women to follow their own paths and pursue their dreams. I know that becoming a trauma surgeon will be a challenging journey. But I remain committed to making a positive impact on the world through my career, one patient at a time. I am determined to use my skills, knowledge, and compassion to make a real difference in the world around me because that’s what it means to truly make the world a better place.

Hi! My name is Megan Stein, but in the future, it will be Dr. Stein, a trauma surgeon. Something as simple as a title change sums up my destiny and the path I have been on since I experienced my trauma. They say our lives have moments of impact that can alter us forever. That was never truer than when I was just twelve years old and suffered a significant brain injury after a cheerleading injury. That trauma was the catalyst for other health impairments that still impact me today, but it was also a catalyst for my future. The irony of the situation is when my brain and mind were the most injured, it became crystal clear that I wanted to be a doctor. As a college student who envisions a career as a surgeon, I comprehend the significance of unwavering determination and hard work. Years of rigorous coursework, volunteering, and hands-on experience will constitute the groundwork for all successful surgeons. Nevertheless, funding such a degree is financially burdensome, and I am aware that I require additional support to accomplish my objectives. Scholarships, therefore, assume a critical role in the realization of my educational goals. Receiving a scholarship would alleviate the pressure of tuition expenses, enabling me to focus on my studies. This financial relief would allow me to devote more time and energy to building my skills and expanding my knowledge. Future doctors study as much as possible, and scholarships must allow me to focus on my education. With financial support, I could partake in research, surgical internships, and eventually even shadow experienced surgeons in the operating room. These ventures would pave the way for a vibrant future, a successful surgical career, and an opportunity to give back to my community. Early in my life, I knew I would want to be a scientist. It wasn't until my trauma that I realized the science I truly belong in is medicine. Becoming a surgeon is my lifelong dream, and a scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also provide me with the impetus to persevere. Scholarships are highly competitive, especially in the medical field. Winning a scholarship would validate my hard work and motivate me to impact society positively. In conclusion, a scholarship opportunity would allow me to pursue my goal of becoming a surgeon without the stress of tuition fees. It would lighten the load for not only myself but also my mom –a single-parent teacher. It would provide access to additional learning opportunities, valuable experience, and networking with experts in the field. This financial assistance will enable me to excel academically, thrive on campus, and contribute to my community. Moreover, winning a scholarship would inspire me to attain greater heights in academic excellence. The future Dr. Stein is eager for the opportunities headed her way.

As a future healthcare professional and community helper, it is essential to exhibit a selfless attitude in every action we undertake. Giving back to the community I am in without expecting anything in return is a crucial aspect of the medical profession and can assist in providing the best healthcare possible. It is one reason why It tried to be selfless and serve others from an early age. One way to exhibit selflessness is by assisting those who need it. As a community volunteer, I have always been eager to help others without any expectations in return. For example, I had the opportunity to fundraise for a children's hospital in the community by raising funds and coordinating events to improve the facility's medical resources. In a little over a week, we raised over $11,000--a school record! One of the keys to the success was community. During the fundraiser, I reached out to businesses and community members for support, and I was astonished by their eagerness to help the children's hospital. It was a humbling experience that taught me how impactful our actions can be in people's lives. Being selfless as a healthcare professional means dedicating ourselves to our patients' overall healing process, not just their medical treatment. We must be there to support them in any way we can. It is essential to genuinely desire to make a difference in their well-being, regardless of their condition. As a community volunteer, I coordinated several blood drives for the Red Cross, to assist those in urgent need of blood transfusions. It was an enlightening experience as it provided me with practical knowledge about the healthcare system and interacting with medical personnel and donors. In my senior year of high school, I volunteered at a local hospital in many capacities. Whether it was through folding countless items from the laundry or helping patients with limited mobility I learned that every role plays an important part. Volunteering requires selflessness and dedication, and it exhibits compassion and empathy, which are also vital traits healthcare professionals must possess. We must strive to go above and beyond to provide our patients with the best possible care. To conclude, as a future healthcare professional and continued community helper, selflessness requires a deep commitment to helping others, and it is essential to the medical profession's success. From my experiences, the medical profession's critical role in creating a healthier and happier society can be achieved by cultivating selflessness as an essential quality.

The power of music to inspire change cannot be denied. In Taylor Swift's album “1989”, there is a special song that has inspired me as I go through the changes of going to college this year. "Walking to New York" is a song filled with poignant lyrics and themes of self-discovery and resilience. By comparing the journey in the song to my experiences at Ball State University, anyone can see the profound impact of Swift's music and the similarities between both journeys. In "Walking to New York," Swift tells the story of a person seeking new perspectives and experiences. Similarly, students entering Ball State University step onto a campus full of opportunities to learn and grow. Just as the song's protagonist faces the unknown with determination, Ball State students like me have embraced the challenges of higher education, eager to expand our knowledge. The chorus of "Walking to New York" reflects an unwavering spirit and symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity. “It’s been waiting for you,” is just like the journey towards my future by being a student at Ball State. Our proud Cardinal community prides itself on resilience, embracing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Ball State Cardinals across campus display a spirit of perseverance akin to that expressed in Swift's song. New York is known as the melting pot of cultures and ideas. It serves as a metaphorical haven for self-expression in the song. Similarly, Ball State University values diversity and fosters a vibrant community where individuals can freely express themselves. I am a part of the Honors College program and feel this even more profound. Through encouragement from our professors, all BSU students are guided to think critically and creatively, creating an environment that promotes personal and intellectual exploration. Furthermore, college is a great melting pot of cultures and ideas. Coming from a small rural town made me appreciate the diversity in the melting pot of college. One of the biggest reasons why "Walking to New York" is one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs is because it emphasizes the transformative power of forging meaningful relationships. As the protagonist navigates the streets of New York, they discover the strength and solace found in human connection. Ball State University has done the same. It encourages students to form genuine connections with peers, faculty, and staff. These relationships provide a support system that propels students forward, empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve their aspirations. Taylor Swift's single from the “1989” album, "Walking to New York," and Ball State University represent transformative journeys where individuals embrace the unknown, tap into their inner strength, and connect with others to foster personal growth and success. My journey at Ball State University has shown me, just like the traveler in “Walking to New York, that an environment that fosters and nurtures personal and intellectual growth, empowering students to walk their path with confidence and purpose is a journey worth taking. Her lyrics describe it perfectly: “Like any great love, it keeps you guessing. Like any real love, it’s ever-changing. Like any true love, it drives you crazy. But you know you wouldn’t change anything.” Yes, going off to college was a daunting task. Sometimes it was hard, and it may have been driving me crazy, but I still wouldn’t change a thing. That is why “Walking to New York” continues to inspire me. It showcases the power of music in mirroring and shaping our lives.

Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked and stigmatized. Many individuals face mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, which can significantly impact their daily lives, relationships, and well-being. It isn’t always easy to admit, but I have battled with battling depression and anxiety following my diagnosis and health changes with POTS syndrome. POTS syndrome, also known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system. It causes a rapid increase in heart rate and other symptoms when standing up, leading to dizziness, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms. Although I was diagnosed with POTS syndrome at the age of 13, it has since had a significant impact on my life growing up. One of the biggest changes that my physical health condition impacted was my mental health. I had to learn to heal in many ways. It took extensive medical treatments and changes in lifestyle to learn to manage my condition, but also became the impetus for an even greater change. It helped me focus on my future goals of becoming a physician and helping others. I saw the need for doctors that look at the whole picture of a patient, and the need for medical care teams that realize that physical health impacts mental health. I also learned that some ties with friends (and even family) needed to be severed, when people would make statements like "There is nothing to be anxious about," or "You need to just snap out of it." If someone couldn't support my WHOLE healing process, they simply didn't have a place in my life. As cliche as it sounds, you really do find out "your tribe" when going through tribulations, and I learned that my tribe may have gotten smaller, but it certainly got stronger. They helped make me strong again, mentally and physically. It is something that I realize I need to do as a future physician...to be there beyond the operating room for my patients and their families. Despite the challenges that a health condition, and subsequent anxiety and depression battles, I found a way to turn those struggles into an opportunity to make a positive impact on others. I have already become an advocate for mental health, raising awareness about the importance of addressing this critical issue. As a future physician, my goal is to share my experiences and educate others about POTS syndrome, mental health, and self-care and how critical it is to have a healthy balance and harmony with all of them. One of my goals is to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek help when they need it. Struggling with depression and anxiety doesn’t mean you can’t be successful—far from it! If we make it the norm to speak openly about our struggles with depression and anxiety, it can provide hope and inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges. I believe that being a physician doesn’t just mean taking care of the medical conditions that a person faces. To truly be healthy, we need a healthy mindset too. One of the biggest social issues facing our society is strengthening our mental health. Hopefully, my own dedication to improving mental health and raising awareness about it can inspire others to do the same. Courage and determination in the face of adversity is an example to us all, showing that even in the most challenging circumstances, one can make a difference in the lives of others.

Volunteering has the power to transform a person's mindset, as it provides an opportunity to care for others who are often less fortunate than ourselves. This was certainly the case for me, when my first volunteer experience running a Red Cross Blood Drive changed my whole outlook on life. Prior to my volunteer work with the Red Cross, I'll confess that I was so focused on my own goals and aspirations that I rarely stopped to consider the countless individuals who were in dire need of help. However, when I got involved with the blood drive, something clicked inside of me. I saw firsthand how a small gesture of donating blood could make a tremendous impact, not only on an individual's life but also in the community and the broader society. Volunteering at a children's hospital and fundraising for its patients also influenced my perspective, allowing me to understand the importance of putting the needs of others before my own. Serving as a hospital volunteer was another pivotal experience for me, as I was able to witness the tireless work of healthcare professionals and the crucial role they play in our society. Since my future goals include being a physician, it was an eye-opening experience, for sure. There is always a need for an extra hand or two. By helping patients navigate the hospital system, providing comfort, and simply offering a listening ear, I came to appreciate the power of empathy and compassion in the healing process. By helping volunteer in the laundry facility, I realized that every single role in health care is a vital part of the healing process for so many. All these experiences together have made me realize that serving people and society is integral to one's personal growth and fulfillment. The impact that we can make, no matter how small, can have significant implications for individuals, communities, and society at large. I no longer see volunteering as a mere altruistic activity; rather, it has become an essential part of my identity and a reflection of my values. As the daughter of a single parent (and teacher), I am also acutely aware of the challenges that college can pose. The financial burden of attending college, for instance, can be especially daunting. However, I believe that with the help of scholarships, I can continue my work and volunteerism without fear of the financial constraints that such work might entail. With this assistance, I can fully realize my potential and further develop my mindset of empathy and care for others. In conclusion, volunteering has been a transformative experience for me, as it has allowed me to develop a mindset focused on helping others and taking action for the betterment of society. Through my work with the Red Cross, fundraising for children's hospitals, and my hospital volunteer experience, I have discovered the power of empathy and compassion as well as the immense impact that even a small gesture can make. As the daughter of a single parent, I am grateful for the opportunities that a scholarship would provide, and I hope to use it to continue my volunteer work and further develop my mindset of service to others.

Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked and stigmatized. Many individuals face mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, which can significantly impact their daily lives, relationships, and well-being. It isn’t always easy to admit, but I have battled with battling depression and anxiety following my diagnosis and health changes with POTS syndrome. POTS syndrome, also known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system. It causes a rapid increase in heart rate and other symptoms when standing up, leading to dizziness, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms. Although I was diagnosed with POTS syndrome at the age of 13, it has since had a significant impact on my life growing up. It took extensive medical treatments and changes in lifestyle to learn to manage my condition, but also became the impetus for an even greater change. It helped me focus on my future goals of becoming a physician and helping others. Despite the challenges that a health condition, and subsequent anxiety and depression battles, I found a way to turn those struggles into an opportunity to make a positive impact on others. I have already become an advocate for mental health, raising awareness about the importance of addressing this critical issue. As a future physician, my goal is to share my experiences and educate others about POTS syndrome, mental health, and self-care and how critical it is to have a healthy balance and harmony with all of them. One of my goals is to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek help when they need it. Struggling with depression and anxiety doesn’t mean you can’t be successful—far from it! If we make it the norm to speak openly about our struggles with depression and anxiety, it can provide hope and inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges. I believe that being a physician doesn’t just mean taking care of the medical conditions that a person faces. To truly be healthy, we need a healthy mindset too. One of the biggest social issues facing our society is strengthening our mental health. Hopefully my own dedication to improving mental health and raising awareness about it can inspire others to do the same. Courage and determination in the face of adversity is an example to us all, showing that even in the most challenging circumstances, one can make a difference in the lives of others.

Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked and stigmatized. Many individuals face mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, which can significantly impact their daily lives, relationships, and well-being. It isn’t always easy to admit, but I have battled with battling depression and anxiety following my diagnosis and health changes with POTS syndrome. POTS syndrome, also known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system. It causes a rapid increase in heart rate and other symptoms when standing up, leading to dizziness, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms. Although I was diagnosed with POTS syndrome at the age of 13, it has since had a significant impact on my life growing up. It took extensive medical treatments and changes in lifestyle to learn to manage my condition, but also became the impetus for an even greater change. It helped me focus on my future goals of becoming a physician and helping others. Despite the challenges that a health condition, and subsequent anxiety and depression battles, I found a way to turn those struggles into an opportunity to make a positive impact on others. I have already become an advocate for mental health, raising awareness about the importance of addressing this critical issue. As a future physician, my goal is to share my experiences and educate others about POTS syndrome, mental health, and self-care and how critical it is to have a healthy balance and harmony with all of them. One of my goals is to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek help when they need it. Struggling with depression and anxiety doesn’t mean you can’t be successful—far from it! If we make it the norm to speak openly about our struggles with depression and anxiety, it can provide hope and inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges. I believe that being a physician doesn’t just mean taking care of the medical conditions that a person faces. To truly be healthy, we need a healthy mindset too. One of the biggest social issues facing our society is strengthening our mental health. Hopefully, my own dedication to improving mental health and raising awareness about it can inspire others to do the same. Courage and determination in the face of adversity is an example to us all, showing that even in the most challenging circumstances, one can make a difference in the lives of others.

Becoming a surgeon is a challenging yet highly rewarding career path that requires a great deal of commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to a constantly evolving field. Out of all the specialties within the medical field, surgery has always held a special place in my heart, inspiring me to pursue it as a career. My interest in surgery developed over time, as I watched my own health struggles with POTS syndrome shape my ideas on what it means to be healthy, and how I can use my own experiences to help others. As someone who has lived with this condition for a long time, I understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both for physical and emotional well-being. POTS syndrome is a relatively rare condition causing dizziness and fainting when standing or sitting up. It often makes everyday tasks, such as standing up or walking, difficult and sometimes impossible. When I first developed the condition, it was a difficult time in my life. However, my experience with POTS has also given me a unique perspective on life, inspiring me to take the road less travelled – following a career path in surgery. Although it might seem counterintuitive for someone with a health condition to want to pursue such a demanding career, my experiences have shown me that good health is essential to achieving success in any field. Managing my condition has taught me that maintaining good health requires not only medication but also a healthy lifestyle. In particular, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep are keys to managing my condition and staying healthy. I’ve found that the most important thing is having a healthy diet, and eating a wide variety of vegetables partnered with low-fat proteins. I believe that my experiences with POTS have given me a unique perspective on the importance of health. As a surgeon, I want to help people not only recover from their ailments but also to maintain a healthy lifestyle so that they can live their best life. I believe that surgery is not just about fixing broken bones or removing tumors but also about working with patients to help them achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. As a physician, I understand that surgery is a demanding job that requires a great deal of concentration, stamina, and technical skill. However, I am confident that my passion for the field, my dedication to maintaining good health, and my experiences with POTS syndrome have given me the tools I need to succeed as a surgeon. I am excited to embark on this challenging journey and look forward to the amazing opportunities that lie ahead.

POTS Syndrome is a debilitating medical condition, but it has also been a profound inspiration in my life. It has pushed me to strive for excellence in spite of the limitations it imposes upon me and has inspired me to seek ways to make a positive impact on the world and empower others. Living with POTS Syndrome is a constant battle. It is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system and causes a range of symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, racing heart, and fainting. Day-to-day activities such as standing up for extended periods of time, exercising, or even just walking up the stairs can be an intense struggle. Nevertheless, I have never allowed my condition to hold me back. Instead, I have used it as a motivator to excel in other areas of my life. When I was first diagnosed, my doctors said the traditional school model may be impossible. My mindset simply said, "Stand back and watch me!" I used that as motivation to try even harder, to get even more involved, and to let it be the catalyst for my future goals. Even with my learning being impacted, and my short-term memory often struggling because of the "brain fog" that POTS syndrome presents, it never stopped me from pushing myself toward excellence. My academic achievement evidences my determination to excel. I have maintained my academic excellence through sheer willpower and discipline, never allowing my condition to weaken my resolve. I have also taken leadership positions in my school activities, along with volunteering with local charities. I never let a diagnosis stop me from reaching for my dreams. Beyond my personal achievements, I am dedicated to positively impacting the world. I know firsthand that living with a chronic illness can be strenuous and isolating at times. Therefore, I am committed to empowering others who are facing similar challenges. It is one of the reasons that I want to become a doctor. I want to be able to share my experiences and offer advice to others with chronic illnesses. I want to inspire my future patients and let them know that they are not alone. In conclusion, my struggle with POTS Syndrome has become a defining factor in my life. It has given me the strength to push past physical limitations and pursue both academic and personal achievements. Above all, it has inspired me to serve as an advocate for those who are struggling with chronic illnesses—my future patients—and empower them to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

The dream version of my future self is easily stated in one sentence: Dr. Megan Stein, the operating room is ready for you now.

Six and a half minutes. Mere moments for most people. But when you find your mother on the floor unconscious and near death, six and a half minutes is a lifetime. My mom—my person—was in critical condition and dying and I didn’t know why. Even though I had faced my own medical trauma just a few years early, it was easily the hardest time of my life. I’d never seen my mom so vulnerable and weak. It made me realize that family is everything, and our time together is to be cherished. My family is built around serving others. My mother is a teacher. She has a true servant's heart and can often be found on her laptop late at night, helping students online long after her days should have ended. As a single-parent, she devoted her life to supporting her family. Our needs always came before hers. My oldest brother, Logan, always wanted to serve in the military but had planned to do so after college. When he found out that our father had taken all of our savings after our parents divorced, he never doubted the direction he would take. Logan chose to enter the military for a future—and found a career. He will still attend college but will do so while being a United States Sailor. My other brother, Tristan, found his passion in carpentry. He had also planned on serving in the military but had a few health setbacks that have delayed that journey. Never missing a beat, Tristan graduated high school during a global pandemic and joined a carpentry program. He is literally building a future not only for himself but others as he builds schools and medical facilities in our local communities. He even manages to go to school part-time to continue to hone his trade. When he is not working, he often volunteers and helps others through his church and community. My entire family never expected anything less than a long college journey for me. I have said since I was a child that I dreamed of becoming a doctor. My mom, my biggest cheerleader, never doubted me. “It may not be easy,” she said. “But great things are rarely easy. Make your dreams come true.” I am now in my second semester of college and thriving. My mom, never missing a beat, still encourages and motivates me. “We’ve been given the gift of time,” she said. “We almost lost that, and we need to make the most of it.” A dream vacation would be to take our family to Bora Bora. This “bucket list” destination would find us celebrating the true gift—time together—by snorkeling, swimming, and fishing in the sea. It has been a dream destination for all of us for years. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best: “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” My family truly took that message and found their calling. We each are moving towards a lifetime of serving others while remembering it is equally important to serve our own family too.

Six and a half minutes. Mere moments for most people. But when you find your mother on the floor unconscious and near death, six and a half minutes is a lifetime. My mom—my person—was in critical condition and dying and I didn’t know why. All I know is I had to wait for help to arrive and do my best to keep her alive while waiting. I come from a single-parent home. My mom is my only parent, and pretty much has been my entire life. Although she and my father were married for the first twelve years of my life, my father was rarely around. When they divorced, it was as if a pressure gauge was released on the home. We could finally breathe as a family again and begin to truly live. I didn’t realize it at the time, but there were times that it was a great struggle for my mom. My father, and I use that term lightly, wiped out any monies that were saved for education. My mom, in the middle of her master’s degree, was left to start over from the ground up. Fortunately, she is a strong woman and set a strong foundation for our entire family. To say my mom shaped my educational journey is an understatement. My mom is an educator—A middle-school teacher who believes in education and the power it can bring. We saw her finish her master’s degree while going through a divorce. She never said it was easy, but that it was always going to be worth it. “Education opens doors, but you have to take the step through and make things happen.” Mom proved that to not only my brothers and me. She showed us that during challenging times in our lives, we have to have the courage to take a big step forward. As I wrap up my first year in college, my mom continues to be my biggest influence. But the most powerful thing my mom does is continue to challenge me to be better. “You aren’t going to make a wonderful doctor one day,” she tells me. When I don my first medical coat one day, my mom will be front and center cheering me on. “We’ve been given a gift,” mom said when she came out of her emergency medical situation. “We need to all make the most of it, and give back to those who helped get us here.” Even in her darkest days, my mom—my person—wanted to give back and thank those who helped save her life. She has motivated me to continue volunteering in our local hospital and serving those who helped save her life. Furthermore, it is a goal to eventually take this on a larger scale. I want to travel with Doctors Without Borders and provide medical care to those in need. I have learned, all too well, the value of precious time. Six and a half minutes nearly changed all of our lives. Were it not for the medical professionals and first responders, my mother would not have survived. I will honor the time I have been given with her by taking my education and training and helping others in need.

The Summer of 2021 was one of the hardest summers of my life because my mom—the most important person in my life—almost died. What I realized after that summer, however, is one thing that my education and goals can’t give to me, and that is the gift of time. It took almost losing my mother to drive that point home. She has always supported my goals for education, but also pushed us to make memories as a family. She nearly died this summer, and the first thing she wanted to do when she was released from the hospital is visit my dream college. “Megan,” she said, “College leads you to the life you want. It’s time to make that happen.” Her goal of helping me achieve my own goals became paramount and became a driving force in my final high school days. It became part of my “why.” There was a time that I wasn’t sure higher education could even be possible. For me, that moment came after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a sports injury. This challenge brought on many other health problems, which still impact me today. These trials may have made many others in this situation give up; however, it became a motivation for me. I use it as an impetus to become a stronger person for not only myself but others. It solidified my dream of becoming a doctor. These health challenges also strengthened the bond my mother and I have. I understood how someone will fight for what they believe in. My mom became my warrior when needed, which inspired me to push on despite any challenges I faced. It may sound cliché, but I want to go to college to build a great future for myself. College creates that opportunity for me. It helps me make my dreams come true. A college education opens doors to the goals I have set in becoming a doctor. In school, I will be able to improve my background knowledge of medicine and anatomy and expand my understanding of chemistry. I plan to study pre-med with a major in biology so that I can one day become a trauma surgeon and help others face their health crisis with a confident, compassionate, caring, and qualified doctor and advocate. I appreciate and respect the fact that my goal of becoming a board-certified trauma surgeon requires over a decade of education ahead of me, but I look forward to that challenge with enthusiasm. Seeing my mom’s health crisis showed me the importance of quality caregivers and amplified my desire to be the best I can be. We were given more time together, and I intend to make the most of every moment. One day, I hope to give back to others by serving in free clinics and volunteering with Doctors Without Borders. As a doctor, my ultimate goal is to always remember how far I have come from my own trauma, and my mothers, and serve others to give back. Working to help others will make my “why” come true.

Sometimes the greatest gifts in life stem from the biggest challenges. It was the end of the final practice for seventh-grade cheerleading. My coach wanted to try a new stunt, but mats were already put away. Although warning bells were going off in my head, I agreed. My base let go for a split second, and the next thing I remember is waking up after being unconscious on the cement floor. I suffered a concussion so severe the emergency room thought I had been in a car accident. What I didn’t realize then was that my life just changed forever. The traumatic brain injury I suffered became the catalyst for another health challenge: POTS. My body battles itself daily. At the onset, I would pass out more than fifteen times a day. I went from being an incredibly active young lady to being nearly fully incapacitated. School—what should have been my safe space—became a nightmare. Students and even staff harassed me about my health, making fun of me for passing out or needing accommodations. I fell into a deep depression, often thinking that death was the only way out of the pain I faced living. My saving grace came from a teacher who continued to push me—despite the challenges I had medically. Although he was my band teacher, his words motivated me in my entire life. He said to “find the joy…seek it out and never give up the quest.” That was a turnaround point in my life. I find the joy in even the smallest victories of the day now, and that turned my mindset completely around. I’m proud of how far I have come from that time. I know that that moment in my life led me to me future as a trauma surgeon.

The summer of 2021 was one of the hardest summers of my life because my mom almost died. What I realized after that summer, however, is one thing that my education and goals can’t give to me, and that is the gift of time. It took almost losing my mother to drive that point home. She has always supported my goals for education, but also pushed us to make memories as a family. She nearly died this summer, and the first thing she wanted to do when she was released from the hospital is visit my dream college. “Megan,” she said, “College leads you to the life you want.” Her goal of helping me achieve my own goals became paramount and became a driving force in my final high school days. It became my “why.” There was a time when I wasn’t sure higher education could even be possible. For me, that moment came after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a sports injury. This challenge brought on many other health problems, which still impact me today. These trials may have made many others in this situation give up; however, it became a motivation for me. I use it as an impetus to become a stronger person for not only myself but others. It solidified my dream of becoming a doctor. These health challenges also strengthened the bond my mother and I have. I understood how someone will fight for what they believe in. My mom became my warrior when needed, which inspired me to push on despite any challenges I faced. It may sound cliché, but I want to go to college to build a great future for myself. College creates that opportunity for me. It helps me make my dreams come true. A college education opens doors to the goals I have set in becoming a doctor. In school, I will be able to improve my background knowledge of medicine and anatomy and expand my understanding of chemistry. I plan to study pre-med with a major in biology so that I can one day become a trauma surgeon and help others face their health crisis with a confident, compassionate, caring, and qualified doctor and advocate. I appreciate and respect the fact that my goal of becoming a board-certified trauma surgeon requires over a decade of education ahead of me, but I look forward to that challenge with enthusiasm. Seeing my mom's health crisis showed me the importance of quality caregivers, and amplified my desire to be the best I can be. One day, I hope to give back to others by serving in free clinics and volunteering with Doctors Without Borders. As a doctor, my ultimate goal is to always remember how far I have come from my own trauma, and my mothers, and serve others to give back. Working to help others will make my “why” come true.

We all have moments of impact in our lives—a life-altering event that changes us for better or worse. For me, that moment came after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a sports injury. This challenge brought on many other health problems, which still impact me today. These trials may have made many others in this situation give up; however, it became a motivation for me. I use it as an impetus to become a stronger person for not only myself but others. It solidified my dream of becoming a doctor. It may sound cliché, but I want to go to college to build a great future for myself. College creates that opportunity for me. It helps me make my dreams come true. A college education opens doors to the goals I have set. In school, I will be able to improve my background knowledge of medicine and anatomy and expand understanding of chemistry. I plan to study pre-med with a major in biology, so that I can one day become a trauma surgeon. I appreciate the fact that my goals of becoming a board-certified trauma surgeon requires over a decade of education ahead of me, but I look forward to that challenge with enthusiasm. One day, I hope to give back to others by serving in free clinics, and volunteering with Doctors Without Borders. As a doctor, my ultimate goal and dream is to always remember how far I have come from my own trauma and serve others to give back.

We all have moments of impact in our lives—a life-altering event that changes us for better or worse. For me, that moment came after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a sports accident in middle school. This challenge brought on many other health problems, which still impact me today. These trials may have made many others in this situation give up; however, it became a motivation for me. A lesson in perseverance. I use it as an impetus to become a stronger person for not only myself but others. Consequently, it solidified my dream of becoming a doctor. Before my brain injury, life seemed simple. Before my injury, activities came easily. I was heavily involved in extra-curriculars such as gymnastics, dance, and theatre even as a young child. Grades came easily, and I thrived in science-based courses. One evening at a middle school activity, however changed my life. A split-second bad decision by a cheerleading coach was all it took. A moment of impact from an eight-foot high fall onto concrete. When I regained consciousness, I thought I was ok. Little did I realize my entire life just changed. I suffered a concussion so severe that the emergency room doctor thought I had been in a car accident. It took months to heal from the brain injury, but little did I know that a more severe health condition was lurking. Suffering a traumatic brain injury was challenging enough, but it became a catalyst for another challenge—POTS: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. My body began a battle with itself. Early into my diagnosis, doctors told me that athletics and extra-curricular activities were out of the question. Even attending traditional school was in jeopardy. Those words became an incentive to prove the naysayers wrong. Another moment of impact. I had to relearn how to do everything with my new health challenges, but I turned it into the biggest motivation of my life so far. As I headed into high school, I refused to let my health conditions slow me down. I became extremely involved in athletics, extra-curriculars, community service, and even found time to work part-time. What I had to come to terms with, however, is that my way of learning was impacted forever. What once came easily now took more effort. My memory deficits meant finding new ways to learn and retain information. I also had to come to terms with the fact that I may never get straight A’s again—and learn to be ok with that. That is not easy for an honors student. What finally made that lesson sink in was some words of wisdom from a coach. They told me that working through adversity was more important than constantly achieving perfection. We grow from challenge. We find ourselves through our obstacles. I found my purpose through those challenges and began becoming the person I was destined to be. The lessons we take from obstacles can often be fundamental to our success. The moments of impact that my health crises created may have been a reason to give up for someone else. For me, it became the fuel to my fire. I had always known I was destined to be a scientist, but my health journey showed me my pathway—I was meant to become a surgeon and help others through their own traumas. Things may have not come as easy as life before my injury, but it has made the victory and journey sweeter. Going to college and becoming a doctor will help me turn a moment of impact into a future of making an impact.

I’m a good student, but not an excellent one. All because one grade—calculus and trigonometry—was a C. I bombed one final exam, during yet another quarantine due to contract tracing—which dropped my GPA to a 3.6. That put me out of the running for most academic scholarships. I deserve this scholarship because I refuse to take on debt to achieve my dreams. As I prepare for college, my academic goals remain sound. I want to graduate with honors, but not kill myself trying to achieve straight A’s. Even the doctor with a lower GPA still graduated med school, right? I want to find a happy balance with academics and a healthy campus social life. My career goals are simple—become a trauma surgeon. Anything less than that is intolerable. Mere days ago, the weekend following a grueling diving sectional, I saw a glimmer of hope—a long-awaited day off. Crazily, I decided to brave prom dress shopping. I battled through throngs of other teens in a quest to find the perfect dress. After trying on dozens of options and suffering one mini-breakdown in a dressing room over sticker shock, I overcame my obstacle. I said yes to the dress.

We all have moments of impact in our lives—a life-altering event that changes us for better or worse. For me, that moment came after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a sports injury. This challenge brought on many other health problems, which still impact me today. I used these challenges as an impetus to become a stronger person both physically and mentally. Learning to grow from these trials became my greatest strength and my greatest accomplishment. While a brain injury may sound like the end of someone’s story, it is only the beginning of mine. I have always been a solid student—honor roll my entire academic career. With a brain injury, and subsequent health problems from it, that became difficult. I recognized that to thrive, my mindset needed to switch. This mindset change strengthened me as not only a student, but a person. Shortly after my health diagnosis, a few doctors said that school might not be a possibility. I viewed that as a direct challenge and used it as motivation to push myself to excel. One of the greatest accomplishments I have, to date, was pushing through the trauma I faced after my brain injury and rising because of it. The personal strength and fortitude that it took to not only proceed with life but succeed in it became the driving force for my success now, and in the future. There was a time that I wasn’t even sure success in school would be possible. But the trauma I faced motivated me to prove the naysayers wrong. Not only did I proceed, but I succeeded. I will graduate high school with academic and technical honors. This growth was because of the mindset that nothing can stop me. That will lead me into my future with zeal. In the next five years of my life, I will be shining through yet another period of immense growth. I will be graduating with honors from college, and the Honors College program within that university, and will be beginning medical school. My goals of being a trauma surgeon will be coming to fruition. I will reflect back on the challenges that I faced and know that nothing will stop me. But more importantly, I will think back to that scared young patient that I started as and remember that fear and trepidation with every trauma patient I encounter. I will remind myself, and my patients, that growth comes from personal challenges. We become stronger through our adversities. It is my job to pay it forward.

Over five years ago, my mother made the decision to end a very dysfunctional marriage. That was an incredibly strong decision on her part, but it wasn’t without sacrifices. We went from a very financially comfortable household with two incomes to a single-parent household overnight. My father, and I use that word lightly, saw it as an opportunity to give up all responsibilities including his children. I haven’t seen or heard from him since he moved out. One area that it really hurt us in, however, was a college fund. My father drained the bank accounts dry, so my mom was literally starting over from scratch. My mom pushed on, and continued to earn her Master's Degree, despite the turmoil and stress in our family at the time. She showed us all that regardless of the challenges, a quality education is worth fighting for. We knew, however, that college expenses were going to be a struggle. As a family, we had a rough talk about those finances one day. My mom said we would all have to work together to make college happen for my siblings and me. During the time after that, we never wanted for much. My mother always found a way to make ends meet. On her meager teacher salary, I’m sure it wasn’t always easy. But she did it and provided a good life to my brothers and me. It’s a humbling thing to admit when you need help, and a bit more humbling to ask for it. That is something my mother would rarely do. But nothing is more important to both her and I as me achieving my goals. She does everything she can do to provide a good life for her family, but a teacher’s salary can only stretch so far. As the old adage says, however, "It takes a village." She reminded us all that even though times may get rough, there is always someone who has it worse and it is our duty to give back to them with our time, talents, and passions. Even with her challenging schedule, she always managed to volunteer in the community and attend all of our educational and extra-curricular events. As I head off to college, I know that if my mom can do it while working full-time and raising three children, than I can do it too. I also recognize that there were people in "her village" that helped along the way. It is my goal to give back to them when I achieve my dreams of being a surgeon, and devote time to serving the lower income families who often skip medical treatments to keep a roof over their heads. Hosting and participating in free medical clinics would be one step, but ultimately my dream would be to worth with Doctors Without Borders, and give back on a larger scale.

We all have moments of impact in our lives—a life-altering event that changes us for better or worse. For me, that moment came after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a sports injury in seventh-grade. This challenge brought on many other health problems, which still impact me today. These trials may have made many others in this situation give up; however, it became a motivation for me. I use it as an impetus to become a stronger person for not only myself but others. While a brain injury may sound like the end of someone’s story, it is only the beginning of mine. With a very determined mother, I worked hand in hand with a team of medical professionals to find a way to move forward from the health challenges I faced and not only proceed with school and activities but succeed. It was in the middle of this that I solidified my dreams of becoming a doctor. After I graduate from med school, I want to begin my surgical residency in a trauma unit. Although this will be many years from now, the challenges I faced beginning in seventh-grade will always remain a motivator. I want to give back and show that everyone deserves a chance to heal, but not everyone is a blessed as I was with the care team I had. It gave me another goal: To travel after med school and residency to help others around the world who may not have the chance to have quality surgeons readily available. While many may consider a health challenge like a brain injury a negative impact, mine became a beacon for the future. It brought me a purpose, a clarity, and a future that I know I can achieve.

We all have moments of impact in our lives—a life-altering event that changes us for better or worse. For me, that moment came after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a sports injury in seventh-grade. This challenge brought on many other health problems, which still impact me today. These trials may have made many others in this situation give up; however, it became a motivation for me. I use it as an impetus to become a stronger person for not only myself but others. While a brain injury may sound like the end of someone’s story, it is only the beginning of mine. With a very determined mother, I worked hand in hand with a team of medical professionals to find a way to move forward from the health challenges I faced and not only proceed with school and activities but succeed. It was in the middle of this that I solidified my dreams of becoming a doctor. I was accepted into the Ball State University Honors College program and will be pursuing a pre-med major with a chemistry focus. I know that wanting to be a surgeon requires over a decade of education ahead of me but looking towards the future is exciting. After I graduate from med school, I want to begin my surgical residency in a trauma unit. Although this will be many years from now, the challenges I faced beginning in seventh-grade will always remain a motivator. I want to give back and show that everyone deserves a chance to heal, but not everyone is a blessed as I was with the care team I had. It gave me another goal: To travel after med school and residency to help others around the world who may not have the chance to have quality surgeons readily available. While many may consider a health challenge like a brain injury a negative impact, mine became a beacon for the future. It brought me a purpose, a clarity, and a future that I know I can achieve. I realized the importance of having quality health care providers that communicate with one another. Collaboration was the key to my early diagnosis and strong treatment plan. I will continue that as a doctor and surgeon. This scholarship would be the first step in allowing me to take my health challenges from a moment of impact and moving on to help others through their own tribulations. It will give me the chance to continue my dream of going to college, yes, but more importantly it will give me a chance to payback the gift I have been given after I graduate from college and med school.

I had a dream recently that I was just beginning my career as a surgeon. It made me wonder what it would be like if I could look into my future. If I had the opportunity to spend the next year of my life at some point in the future, I would travel to the year 2030. I will be celebrating graduating medical school and be embarking on the first year of my medical residency program. Although many people would want to choose a year well into their career, there is nothing more exciting to me than looking forward to the first time that I, Dr. Megan Stein, step into that operating room and know that it is my room. My chance to help heal someone and learn from other top-notch surgeons in the process. I value the learning opportunities and experiences that being a surgical resident will provide and know that during that time in my life I will probably be too busy to appreciate how special it will be. We can’t spend time looking at the past but being given the opportunity to look towards the future is exactly what incoming college students are all about. I not only welcome the future and my goals but embrace the path I am taking to achieve them. Having the chance to travel into the future would be like stepping into the Robert Frost poem The Road Not Taken and know that although I chose a path that will be challenging, it will make “all the difference.”

We all have moments of impact in our lives—times that alter us forever. For me, that came after suffering a traumatic brain injury in seventh-grade. Bouncing back from the injury was challenging enough, but the subsequent health challenges it presented threatened to change my life before it had really started. What I didn’t realize, however, was that it would become a blessing in disguise. I truly came alive and began thriving once again when I was able to join the Unified Track and Field team. My fellow team athletes—special education students with their own challenges—made me feel like I belonged. They helped and inspired me to keep running! Becoming a Unified Track & Field athlete gave me hope again. Hope that the challenges that I had faced may always remain with me, but they didn’t have to define me. I went from barely being able to stand in eighth-grade to running sprints in ninth. By the time I was a junior, I was a long-distance runner, determined to do whatever it took to help my team. As I head off to college, and a challenging pre-med program, I know that many of the lessons I learned in Unified Track and Field will remain my biggest motivator. I will become a trauma surgeon and know that the endurance that I built (both physically and mentally) through four years of Unified Track & Field will remain with me far into the future, every step of the way.

We all have moments of impact in our lives—a life-altering event that changes us for better or worse. For me, that moment came after suffering a traumatic brain injury. These challenges may have made many others in this situation give up; however, it became a motivation for me. I use it as a chance to become a stronger person for not only myself but others. Having a debilitating health condition shapes you like nothing else. You quickly learn the definition of perseverance. You have to learn to navigate a new world, and do it while becoming an advocate for not only yourself, but others. I saw this as a crucial moment in my life--one that required me to find a voice for myself, my health, and my future. I worked together with my medical care team to find a way to make school and extra-curriculars not only possible, but the only option. We found ways to educate school staff, coaches, and even nurses on the challenges this syndrome can create. While many may consider a health challenge like a brain injury and autoimmune disease a negative impact, mine became a shining beacon for the future. This health challenge brought me a purpose, a clarity, and a future that I know I can achieve. I realized the importance of having quality health care providers that communicate with one another. I realized that a true partnership with health care means making the patient and their families a part of the care plan. It made me solidify my plans to become one of those doctors. As I gaze into my future, I know that the future Dr. Stein will look back at that moment of impact with appreciation. Sometimes the greatest gifts come out of the greatest challenges.

We all have moments of impact in our lives—a life-altering event that changes us for better or worse. For me, that moment came after suffering a traumatic brain injury. This challenge brought on many other health problems, including an autoimmune disease, which still impact me today. These challenges may have made many others in this situation give up; however, it became a motivation for me. I use it as a chance to become a stronger person for not only myself but others. It was the end of the year for cheerleading. We were practicing for our final game of the year—a charity basketball game. I was in a stunt group and was a flier—the person who is on top of stunts, often several feet high in the ground. After a solid practice of a normal stunt, our coach asked us to try something more intense. She agreed to be a base and hold me with another student, and would talk us through the stunt. I can still visualize the moment it all fell apart. My coach lost her grip, and I began slipping. After what seemed like minutes of being suspended in air, I fell. A back support/safety position is supposed to be there to catch a fall. She wasn’t. I was dropped onto cement from nearly seven feet in the air, and landed with a thud. When I regained consciousness, the team was trying to drag me to my feet. Big mistake! This brain injury became a catalyst to an autoimmune disease known as POTS syndrome. My body fights a battle with itself daily. There are days that even sitting in a classroom becomes too much for my overworked heart. I was told to drop all extra-curricular activities, and consider being homeschooled. That will never happen! Having a debilitating health condition shapes you like nothing else. You have to quickly learn to navigate a new world, and do it while becoming an advocate for not only yourself, but others. I saw this as a crucial moment in my life--one that required me to find a voice for myself, my health, and my future. I worked together with my medical care team to find a way to make school and extra-curriculars not only possible, but the only option. We found ways to educate school staff, coaches, and even nurses on the challenges this syndrome can create. While many may consider a health challenge like a brain injury and autoimmune disease a negative impact, mine became a shining beacon for the future. This health challenge brought me a purpose, a clarity, and a future that I know I can achieve. I realized the importance of having quality health care providers that communicate with one another. I realized that a true partnership with health care means making the patient and their families a part of the care plan. It made me solidify my plans to become one of those doctors. As I gaze into my future, I know that the future Dr. Stein will look back at that moment of impact with appreciation. Sometimes the greatest gifts come out of the greatest challenges.

Education is something I always took for granted. I appreciated it. I liked learning and was always up for a challenge educationally. But I never realized how lucky we are as Americans to have the education system we do. That viewpoint changed after my mom and brother went on a trip to China. It changed again after the Covid Pandemic. Our middle school has a sister school in Hangzhou, China. My mom, a teacher, took a group of middle school students on a trip to visit. My brother was able to go on that trip as well. Students are packed like sardines in the classrooms in China; Many of the classrooms my mother observed had ratios of 40 students to one teacher. If a student had a disability or learning challenge, they simply weren’t taught. There is one big test that students take that determines whether or not they continue learning and go on to the university. So, in that environment, naturally, students are very focused and very competitive. It comes as no surprise when China is near the top in “testing” scores. Of course they are, when they refuse to teach a big segment of their population. It saddens me to see my peers ambivalent to the educational opportunities we are given for free in America. Yes, we may pay for books & laptops, but ultimately public education is funded through our taxes and free. We teach everyone, regardless of ability. It makes me angry to see students refusing to try. But, the Covid Pandemic of 2020 (and still ongoing) has opened up my eyes even more to how lucky we are as Americans. In the Spring of 2020, everything came to halt. Educators around the world had to pivot and adjust to take care of their students. Some countries shined and began distance learning in a fantastic way. Impoverished nations, however, stopped learning. Students were stuck and fell further and further behind. At our school, the dividing lines were obvious. Those that had strong parental support, and higher incomes, were doing fine. The parents were able to arrange childcare or stay home with their children, and ensured they stayed active in the learning process. Lower income families, and families without strong supports, fell through the cracks. It showed me that even in the greatest nation in the world, we still have a long way to go to improve. Our poverty-stricken students around the world need access to quality technology and internet, so that they can continue to improve their education. We take it for granted when we simply push a button and have the world at our fingertips. My educational story has been blessed because I have a parent that believes in it and makes sure I have the resources needed to be successful. If I want to learn more about the world, I can. I can read and research online, chat with students from around the world, and guide my own learning. Others cannot. Expanding my worldview has shown me that education had a long way to go to make it truly equitable for all. Whether it is the poor practices of another country, or the lack of resources in our country (and others), things have to change. I want to continue to learn about this disparity, and

Hi! I’m Megan Stein, a future surgeon, and future Ball State Honors College Cardinal. Looking at years of college is a bit daunting when you look at the mountain of debt that can accumulate from that. I am taking a well-earned lesson from my mother and developing a plan to help avoid as much college debt as possible. The burdening pressure of debt is something that I am very familiar with, especially when it comes to student loans and college debt. My mom went back to school to become a teacher after having her children and went on to get her master’s degree. Although she had a plan to pay down her college debt, those plans came crashing down when my parents divorced. Although many kids would look at a parents’ divorce as a negative thing, for our family it was a breath of fresh air. It was like coming up from the waters of a near drowning, and beginning life again saved. But it taught me a lesson. It showed me that even the best plans can change, and it is important to plan ahead. I was able to qualify as a Twenty-First-Century Scholar in eighth-grade. Although that is a huge blessing, having tuition covered for four years is not nearly enough. I am applying for any and all scholarships that I qualify for. I should also obtain a small Pell Grant. Although I realize that this will not cover all of my room/board/books, etc. for college, it is a start. I will also actively seek out any work opportunities I can get while in school, including work study programs. I have no problems finding and using used books. Finally, I plan to work in the summers and on breaks to put as much money away as possible to pay down any loans I may need to get. Since I will be in school for so long, I have to be as aggressive as possible to avoid the mountain of college debt. Becoming a doctor is a dream of mine and has been for most of my life. I know that college and college debt will be a part of this. I have learned from my mom’s experience and have many plans in place to be as proactive as possible. I will make myself open to any opportunities I can take when it comes to limiting my college debt. Whether it is a scholarship for $500, or $5000, I will go for it! I know that when I become Dr. Megan Stein, it will all be worth it.

The Student Council plans and organizes many events, but none were as near and dear to my heart as our annual fundraising for Riley’s Children’s Hospital. Annual “Riley Week” has many amazing activities; The ever-popular selling snacks door-to-door to the school kicks it off. Then, we host a talent show and collect admissions to donate. This often alone raises thousands of dollars. But the changes necessary during a pandemic required us to make a new approach. The challenges of going to school during a pandemic were hard enough but trying to fundraise during this time was even more challenging. It took an entirely different collaboratively approach. School came to a halt, which meant so did our plans. We had to adjust. So, we decided to host a sponsorship drive for Riley Week and were able to still raise significant funds in a year when everything was uncertain. The following year, we took that drive and let it kick off our event. As the Vice-President, and chair, I realized the changed the previous year also changed me. It showed me that it took an entire community working together to truly make a difference. It showed me that our community valued the collaborative effort. I was able to get committees organized for each aspect of the fundraiser the following year, and the collaborative effort garnered over $10,000. That positive impact immediately helped the children & families of Riley Children's Hospital, and brought our community together to help others. It took a true team effort, and it was entirely altruistic. It also showed me that working together for the greater good and rely on a team approach can improve and change lives. The positive impact of changing things during times of unprecedented change showed me that change can be good.