My path to college has not been traditional, but each step has helped me discover my purpose and strengthened my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world. I recently graduated cum laude from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, along with minors in Criminal Law and Homeland Security. This fall, I will begin graduate school at Tarleton to pursue a master’s degree and a certification in Homeland Security. My long-term goal is to work in law enforcement or an NGO focused on combating child exploitation and human trafficking. Before returning to school, I focused on my horsemanship and became a riding instructor and mentor for youth in the rodeo community. That role became a source of healing after the heartbreak of three failed pregnancies. During that time, helping others gave me strength and a renewed sense of purpose. I learned the importance of mentorship and the value of guiding young people through difficult moments. Those years taught me compassion, resilience, and leadership, giving me qualities that now shape both my academic journey and my career goals. Returning to college after twelve years was one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made. Like many non-traditional students, I questioned whether I could keep up or find my place in the classroom. I soon realized that I was not only capable but fully prepared to excel. My time at Tarleton reignited my passion for public service and deepened my understanding of criminal justice and homeland security. I earned strong grades and was accepted into the graduate program before officially applying through hard work and dedication. I now approach the next chapter of my education with even greater focus and determination. My career goal is to protect the most vulnerable members of society. Crimes such as child exploitation and human trafficking require focused attention, informed policy, and detailed investigative work. I want to contribute to the efforts of specialized teams that dismantle trafficking networks, advocate for survivors, and pursue justice with compassion and urgency. The graduate program will give me a solid foundation in areas like threat assessment, criminal behavior analysis, and homeland security operations—all essential skills for making a real impact in this field. I believe that lasting change begins with integrity and empathy. My life experiences have instilled a sense of purpose and persistence that I intend to carry into every stage of my professional life. In the future, I also hope to support students and early-career professionals entering the criminal justice field. I understand how powerful encouragement can be, especially for those who take unconventional paths. I want to be a source of that encouragement, helping others recognize their potential and succeed on their terms. I want to personally thank you for your time and consideration as a potential candidate for the A Man Helping Women Helping Women Scholarship. Through education, determination, and compassionate service, I hope to make a lasting impact on public safety and justice. My mission is to protect lives, honor human dignity, and be a voice for those who are too often unheard. I am fully committed to building a career grounded in these values and dedicated to creating a safer, more just world.

Returning to college after 12 years was a life-changing decision that redefined my future. I recently graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, along with minors in Criminal Law and Homeland Security. Due to my academic performance and commitment to the field, I was accepted into Tarleton’s graduate program. This fall, I will begin pursuing a master’s degree and a certification in Homeland Security. Receiving the OMC Graduate scholarship is essential to helping me reach both my academic and professional goals. Graduate school requires a significant financial investment, and as a non-traditional student returning after a long break, I must carefully manage my resources. This scholarship would help cover the outstanding balance for the cost of attendance for this upcoming academic year, allowing me to focus fully on my coursework and to make the most of the opportunities the program offers. My long-term goal is to work in law enforcement or within a specialized agency dedicated to combating child exploitation and human trafficking. These are complex and deeply troubling issues that demand specialized knowledge, policy understanding, and advanced investigative training. I am confident that attending graduate school will offer me a strong foundation in threat assessment, criminal behavior analysis, and homeland security practices—skills that are critical to making a meaningful impact in protecting vulnerable populations and dismantling trafficking networks. Furthermore, I hope to use my education to serve others. My goal is to build a career focused on preventing exploitation, conducting thorough investigations, and delivering justice to those who have been harmed. This scholarship will bring me one step closer to completing my education, beginning a meaningful career, and contributing to safer communities through knowledge, compassion, and unwavering determination. Beyond financial support, this scholarship would also serve as affirmation that the path I have chosen is meaningful and worth the challenges I have faced. One of the best decisions I have ever made was returning to school, and I wish to continue my academic journey. I have proven to myself that I can succeed and that I have the drive and dedication to make a difference. Receiving this support would reinforce my commitment and motivate me to continue pushing forward with purpose. I want to personally thank you for your time and consideration. Your investment in students like me makes it possible to pursue higher education with focus and confidence. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and hope to honor this support through continued academic excellence and dedicated service in my future career.