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Mia Bowen

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Finalist

Bio

My educational goals include becoming a Registered Nurse and onto a Nurse Practitioner. I am currently attending Alvin College and will be attending Houston Christian In the fall. Ever since I was in kindergarten I wanted to be in the medical field. I want to help others who have the same struggles I have had with sometimes just focusing on simple things. Show them that they can succeed academically and socially and that whatever they are facing they can overcome. That these things or others are not what defines them, but they are defined by who they are in themselves.

Education

Alvin Community College

Associate's degree program
2024 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Physical Sciences

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Medicine
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medicine

    • Dream career goals:

    • Took care of families pets and homes when they were away.

      Self-Employed Pet/House sitter
      2019 – Present7 years

    Sports

    Golf

    Junior Varsity
    2020 – 20222 years

    Cheerleading

    Varsity
    2015 – 202510 years

    Volleyball

    Varsity
    2023 – 20252 years

    Arts

    • Piano

      Music
      2016 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      The Harbor Church — Volunteer grade leader
      2021 – Present
    • Advocacy

      Arcadia Christian School — Mentor to younger students
      2019 – 2022
    • Volunteering

      Galveston Urban Minintries — volunteer
      2021 – 2023
    • Volunteering

      Grace Episcopal Mobile Food Bank — volunteer
      2023 – 2025

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Christian Fitness Association General Scholarship
    Resilience has shaped every part of my journey. Living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD has presented challenges that affect both my health and learning, but these experiences have strengthened my perseverance, adaptability, and empathy. Rather than allowing these conditions to limit me, I have learned to push forward with determination and purpose. Managing Neurofibromatosis and ADHD requires discipline, structure, and self-advocacy. Through persistence and hard work. Neurofibromatosis has causes anxiety, focus and learning problems, tumor pain. And the constant question: What are those spots? Why so many big birthmarks? Some nights the anxiety is so bad that I am suddenly awakened in the middle of the night and wake my parents. Together as a family we work to ease the anxiety and reassure that I can overcome. It takes a lot of hard work, time management, family, friends support and planning to achieve my academic success. Even with this I have maintained strong academic performance and earned membership in the National Honor Society. This achievement represents not only my commitment to excellence, but also my dedication to leadership, integrity, and service. My educational goals include becoming a Registered Nurse and onto a Nurse Practitioner. I am currently attending Alvin College and will be attending Houston Christian in the fall. Ever since I was in kindergarten, I wanted to be in the medical field. I want to help others who have the same struggles I have had with sometimes just focusing on simple things. Show them that they can succeed academically and socially and that whatever they are facing they can overcome. That these things or others are not what defines them, but they are defined by who they are in themselves. Athletics played a role in my personal growth. Through cheerleading, volleyball and golf. I developed confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Cheerleading became especially meaningful to me, as I was cheer captain during my senior year. As captain, I worked to motivate my teammates, foster unity, and create an environment where everyone felt supported. Being able to balance leadership responsibilities with my academic and health challenges taught me accountability and the importance of leading with compassion. I was also in mentorship program where I was able to advocate and support younger students navigate their own academic and personal challenges having faced such obstacles myself. Being a mentor to young students was both rewarding and challenging. The rewarding part was building lifelong relationships and friendships with mentees. Seeing them grow as young students and becoming successful young people was encouraging for the future. The challenging part was seeing and experiencing some of their struggles. One experience was one of my mentee friends were cutting themselves. The courage it took for her to come to me with that and to trust that I would advise leadership of this other student struggles and to get them the assistance they needed to overcome. Service has always been important to me. Helping others where one can should be essential to everyone. I have volunteered with Mission Santa Fe, the Houston Food Bank, Galveston Urban Ministries, Grace Episcopal Mobile Food Bank, and Three Little Pitties as well as serving every other week in the Children’s Ministry at my church. I am also a youth leader for the sixth-grade girls in the student youth. These experiences opened me to diverse communities and people and reinforced the importance of giving back. Those in need just want to be seen as people and not just as the needy. We should just serve just serve them unconditionally. Alongside my volunteer work, I am also a self-employed pet and house sitter, caring for animals including dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, chickens, goats, donkeys, and rodents. This responsibility requires adaptability, attention to detail, and trust Caring for such a variety of animals and client’s homes has strengthened my work ethic and reinforced the importance of patience, reliability and grace. My experiences living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD have shaped my character and strengthened my resolve. They have taught me how to have empathy, serve with purpose, and persevere through adversity. This scholarship would support my continued education and empower me to keep making a positive impact in my community and beyond. My accomplishments have included: Class Valedictorian National Honor Society. Cheerleading for four years and cheer captain senior year Senior Volleyball Student Council Student Mentorship Math Club Youth assistant leader for the sixth-grade girls in church youth group Children’s Ministry Volunteer for my church The Harbor Mission Santa Fe volunteer Houston Food Bank volunteer Galveston Urban Ministries volunteer Children’s Ministry Volunteer for my church The Harbor Grace Episcopal Church mobile food pantry volunteer Three Little Pitties volunteer
    Bulkthreads.com's "Let's Aim Higher" Scholarship
    My educational goals include becoming a Registered Nurse and onto a Nurse Practitioner. Ever since I was in kindergarten, I wanted to be in the medical field. I have a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis which one of the effects is that I have a learning disability(ADHD/ADD) and bouts of anxiety. Along with tumors on my body. Some days is very difficult to focus and process simple daily information or tasks. It takes a lot of hard work, time management, family, friends support and planning to achieve my academic success. I want to become a Nurse so that I can help other children such as myself. Show them that they can succeed academically and socially and that whatever they are facing they can overcome. That these things or others are not what defines them, but they are defined by who they are in themselves. I have been attending Avin College and this fall will be starting the Nursing Program at Hoston Christian University. I have a heart for serving others by leading young children and serving those in need. So many of the medical teams that have cared for myself with Neurofibromatosis have inspired me to help other children. I have been cheerleading for four years and cheer captain senior year. Senior Volleyball Student council Student mentorship Math Club Youth assistant leader for the sixth-grade girls in church youth group Children’s Ministry Volunteer for my church The Harbor Mission Santa Fe volunteer Houston Food Bank volunteer Galveston Urban Ministries volunteer Children’s Ministry Volunteer for my church The Harbor Grace Episcopal Church mobile food pantry volunteer Three Little Pitties volunteer National Honor Society. Class Valedictorian Alongside my volunteer work, I am also a self-employed pet and house sitter, caring for animals including dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, chickens, goats, donkeys, reptiles and rodents. This responsibility requires adaptability, attention to detail, and trust. Caring for such a variety of animals and client’s homes has strengthened my work ethic and reinforced the importance of patience, reliability and grace.
    Brian Moore Memorial Scholarship
    My educational goals include becoming a Registered Nurse and onto a Nurse Practitioner. Ever since I was in kindergarten, I wanted to be in the medical field. I have a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis which one of the effects is that I have a learning disability(ADHD/ADD) and bouts of anxiety. Along with tumors on my body. Some days is very difficult to focus and process simple daily information or tasks. It takes a lot of hard work, time management, family, friends support and planning to achieve my academic success. I want to become a Nurse so that I can help other children such as myself. Show them that they can succeed academically and socially and that whatever they are facing they can overcome. That these things or others are not what defines them, but they are defined by who they are in themselves. I have been attending Avin College and this fall will be starting the Nursing Program at Hoston Christian University. I have a heart for serving others by leading young children and serving those in need. So many of the medical teams that have cared for myself with Neurofibromatosis have inspired me to help other children I have been cheerleading for four years and cheer captain senior year. Senior Volleyball Student council Student mentorship Math Club Youth assistant leader for the sixth-grade girls in church youth group Children’s Ministry Volunteer for my church The Harbor Mission Santa Fe volunteer Houston Food Bank volunteer Galveston Urban Ministries volunteer Children’s Ministry Volunteer for my church The Harbor Grace Episcopal Church mobile food pantry volunteer Three Little Pitties volunteer National Honor Society. Class Valedictorian Alongside my volunteer work, I am also a self-employed pet and house sitter, caring for animals including dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, chickens, goats, donkeys, reptiles and rodents. This responsibility requires adaptability, attention to detail, and trust. Caring for such a variety of animals and client’s homes has strengthened my work ethic and reinforced the importance of patience, reliability and grace.
    EverGreen Trails of Service Scholarship
    Resilience has shaped every part of my journey. Living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD has presented challenges that affect both my health and learning, but these experiences have strengthened my perseverance, adaptability, and empathy. Rather than allowing these conditions to limit me, I have learned to push forward with determination and purpose. Managing Neurofibromatosis and ADHD requires discipline, structure, and self-advocacy. Through persistence and hard work. Neurofibromatosis has causes anxiety, focus and learning problems, tumor pain. And the constant questions; What are those spots? Why so many big birthmarks? It takes a lot of hard work, time management, family, friends support and planning to achieve my academic success. Even with this I have maintained strong academic performance and earned membership in the National Honor Society. This achievement represents not only my commitment to excellence, but also my dedication to leadership, integrity, and service. My educational goals include becoming a Registered Nurse and onto a Nurse Practitioner. I am currently attending Alvin College and will be attending Houston Christian in the fall. Ever since I was in kindergarten, I wanted to be in the medical field. I want to help others who have the same struggles I have had with sometimes just focusing on simple things. Show them that they can succeed academically and socially and that whatever they are facing they can overcome. That these things or others are not what defines them, but they are defined by who they are in themselves. Service has always been important to me. Helping others where one can should be essential to everyone. I have volunteered with Mission Santa Fe, the Houston Food Bank, Galveston Urban Ministries, Grace Episcopal Mobile Food Bank, and Three Little Pitties as well as serving every other week in the Children’s Ministry at my church. These experiences opened me to diverse communities, people and reinforced the importance of giving back Alongside my volunteer work, I am also a self-employed pet and house sitter, caring for animals including dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, chickens, goats, donkeys, and rodents. This responsibility requires adaptability, attention to detail, and trust. Caring for such a variety of animals has strengthened my work ethic and reinforced the importance of patience and reliability. My experiences living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD have shaped my character and strengthened my resolve. They have taught me how to have empathy, serve with purpose, and persevere through adversity. This scholarship would support my continued education and empower me to keep making a positive impact in my community and beyond
    Autumn Davis Memorial Scholarship
    Resilience has shaped every part of my journey. Living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD has presented challenges that affect both my health and learning, but these experiences have strengthened my perseverance, adaptability, and empathy. Rather than allowing these conditions to limit me, I have learned to push forward with determination and purpose. Managing Neurofibromatosis and ADHD requires discipline, structure, and self-advocacy. Through persistence and hard work. Neurofibromatosis has causes anxiety, focus and learning problems, tumor pain. And the constant questions; What are those spots? Why so many big birthmarks? It takes a lot of hard work, time management, family, friends support and planning to achieve my academic success. Even with this I have maintained strong academic performance and earned membership in the National Honor Society. This achievement represents not only my commitment to excellence, but also my dedication to leadership, integrity, and service. My educational goals include becoming a Registered Nurse and onto a Nurse Practitioner. I am currently attending Alvin College and will be attending Houston Christian In the fall. Ever since I was in kindergarten I wanted to be in the medical field. I want to help others who have the same struggles I have had with sometimes just focusing on simple things. Show them that they can succeed academically and socially and that whatever they are facing they can overcome. That these things or others are not what defines them, but they are defined by who they are in themselves. Athletics played a role in my personal growth. Through cheerleading, volleyball and golf. I developed confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Cheerleading became especially meaningful to me, as I was cheer captain during my senior year. As captain, I worked to motivate my teammates, foster unity, and create an environment where everyone felt supported. Being able to balancing leadership responsibilities with my academic and health challenges taught me accountability and the importance of leading with compassion. I was also in mentorship program where I was able to advocate and support younger students navigate their own academic and personal challenges having faced such obstacles myself. Service has always been important to me. Helping others were one can should be essential to everyone. I have volunteered with Mission Santa Fe, the Houston Food Bank, Galveston Urban Ministries, Grace Episcopal Mobile Food Bank, and Three Little Pitties as well as serving every other week in the Children’s Ministry at my church. These experiences opened me to diverse communities, people and reinforced the importance of giving back Alongside my volunteer work, I am also a self-employed pet and house sitter, caring for animals including dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, chickens, goats, donkeys, and rodents. This responsibility requires adaptability, attention to detail, and trust. Caring for such a variety of animals has strengthened my work ethic and reinforced the importance of patience and reliability. My experiences living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD have shaped my character and strengthened my resolve. They have taught me how to have empathy, serve with purpose, and persevere through adversity. This scholarship would support my continued education and empower me to keep making a positive impact in my community and beyond
    Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship
    Resilience has shaped every part of my journey. Living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD has presented challenges that affect both my health and learning, but these experiences have strengthened my perseverance, adaptability, and empathy. Rather than allowing these conditions to limit me, I have learned to push forward with determination and purpose. Managing Neurofibromatosis and ADHD requires discipline, structure, and self-advocacy. Through persistence and hard work. Neurofibromatosis has causes anxiety, focus and learning problems, tumor pain. And the constant questions; What are those spots? Why so many big birthmarks? It takes a lot of hard work, time management, family, friends support and planning to achieve my academic success. Even with this I have maintained strong academic performance and earned membership in the National Honor Society. This achievement represents not only my commitment to excellence, but also my dedication to leadership, integrity, and service. My educational goals include becoming a Registered Nurse and onto a Nurse Practitioner. I am currently attending Alvin College and will be attending Houston Christian In the fall. Ever since I was in kindergarten I wanted to be in the medical field. I want to help others who have the same struggles I have had with sometimes just focusing on simple things. Show them that they can succeed academically and socially and that whatever they are facing they can overcome. That these things or others are not what defines them, but they are defined by who they are in themselves. Athletics played a role in my personal growth. Through cheerleading, volleyball and golf. I developed confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Cheerleading became especially meaningful to me, as I was cheer captain during my senior year. As captain, I worked to motivate my teammates, foster unity, and create an environment where everyone felt supported. Being able to balancing leadership responsibilities with my academic and health challenges taught me accountability and the importance of leading with compassion. I was also in mentorship program where I was able to advocate and support younger students navigate their own academic and personal challenges having faced such obstacles myself. Service has always been important to me. Helping others were one can should be essential to everyone. I have volunteered with Mission Santa Fe, the Houston Food Bank, Galveston Urban Ministries, Grace Episcopal Mobile Food Bank, and Three Little Pitties as well as serving every other week in the Children’s Ministry at my church. These experiences opened me to diverse communities, people and reinforced the importance of giving back Alongside my volunteer work, I am also a self-employed pet and house sitter, caring for animals including dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, chickens, goats, donkeys, and rodents. This responsibility requires adaptability, attention to detail, and trust. Caring for such a variety of animals has strengthened my work ethic and reinforced the importance of patience and reliability. My experiences living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD have shaped my character and strengthened my resolve. They have taught me how to have empathy, serve with purpose, and persevere through adversity. This scholarship would support my continued education and empower me to keep making a positive impact in my community and beyond
    Sammy Hason, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
    Resilience has shaped every part of my journey. Living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD has presented challenges that affect both my health and learning, but these experiences have strengthened my perseverance, adaptability, and empathy. Rather than allowing these conditions to limit me, I have learned to push forward with determination and purpose. Managing Neurofibromatosis and ADHD requires discipline, structure, and self-advocacy. Through persistence and hard work. Neurofibromatosis has causes anxiety, focus and learning problems, tumor pain. And the constant questions; What are those spots? Why so many big birthmarks? It takes a lot of hard work, time management, family, friends support and planning to achieve my academic success. Even with this I have maintained strong academic performance and earned membership in the National Honor Society. This achievement represents not only my commitment to excellence, but also my dedication to leadership, integrity, and service. My educational goals include becoming a Registered Nurse and onto a Nurse Practitioner. I am currently attending Alvin College and will be attending Houston Christian In the fall. Ever since I was in kindergarten I wanted to be in the medical field. I want to help others who have the same struggles I have had with sometimes just focusing on simple things. Show them that they can succeed academically and socially and that whatever they are facing they can overcome. That these things or others are not what defines them, but they are defined by who they are in themselves. Athletics played a role in my personal growth. Through cheerleading, volleyball and golf. I developed confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Cheerleading became especially meaningful to me, as I was cheer captain during my senior year. As captain, I worked to motivate my teammates, foster unity, and create an environment where everyone felt supported. Being able to balancing leadership responsibilities with my academic and health challenges taught me accountability and the importance of leading with compassion. I was also in mentorship program where I was able to advocate and support younger students navigate their own academic and personal challenges having faced such obstacles myself. Service has always been important to me. Helping others were one can should be essential to everyone. I have volunteered with Mission Santa Fe, the Houston Food Bank, Galveston Urban Ministries, Grace Episcopal Mobile Food Bank, and Three Little Pitties as well as serving every other week in the Children’s Ministry at my church. These experiences opened me to diverse communities, people and reinforced the importance of giving back Alongside my volunteer work, I am also a self-employed pet and house sitter, caring for animals including dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, chickens, goats, donkeys, and rodents. This responsibility requires adaptability, attention to detail, and trust. Caring for such a variety of animals has strengthened my work ethic and reinforced the importance of patience and reliability. My experiences living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD have shaped my character and strengthened my resolve. They have taught me how to have empathy, serve with purpose, and persevere through adversity. This scholarship would support my continued education and empower me to keep making a positive impact in my community and beyond
    RELEVANCE Scholarship
    Resilience has shaped every part of my journey. Living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD has presented challenges that affect both my health and learning, but these experiences have strengthened my perseverance, adaptability, and empathy. Rather than allowing these conditions to limit me, I have learned to push forward with determination and purpose. Managing Neurofibromatosis and ADHD requires discipline, structure, and self-advocacy. Through persistence and hard work. Neurofibromatosis has causes anxiety, focus and learning problems, tumor pain. And the constant questions; What are those spots? Why so many big birthmarks? It takes a lot of hard work, time management, family, friends support and planning to achieve my academic success. Even with this I have maintained strong academic performance and earned membership in the National Honor Society. This achievement represents not only my commitment to excellence, but also my dedication to leadership, integrity, and service. My educational goals include becoming a Registered Nurse and onto a Nurse Practitioner. I am currently attending Alvin College and will be attending Houston Christian In the fall. Ever since I was in kindergarten I wanted to be in the medical field. I want to help others who have the same struggles I have had with sometimes just focusing on simple things. Show them that they can succeed academically and socially and that whatever they are facing they can overcome. That these things or others are not what defines them, but they are defined by who they are in themselves. Athletics played a role in my personal growth. Through cheerleading, volleyball and golf. I developed confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Cheerleading became especially meaningful to me, as I was cheer captain during my senior year. As captain, I worked to motivate my teammates, foster unity, and create an environment where everyone felt supported. Being able to balancing leadership responsibilities with my academic and health challenges taught me accountability and the importance of leading with compassion. I was also in mentorship program where I was able to advocate and support younger students navigate their own academic and personal challenges having faced such obstacles myself. Service has always been important to me. Helping others were one can should be essential to everyone. I have volunteered with Mission Santa Fe, the Houston Food Bank, Galveston Urban Ministries, Grace Episcopal Mobile Food Bank, and Three Little Pitties as well as serving every other week in the Children’s Ministry at my church. These experiences opened me to diverse communities, people and reinforced the importance of giving back Alongside my volunteer work, I am also a self-employed pet and house sitter, caring for animals including dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, chickens, goats, donkeys, and rodents. This responsibility requires adaptability, attention to detail, and trust. Caring for such a variety of animals has strengthened my work ethic and reinforced the importance of patience and reliability. My experiences living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD have shaped my character and strengthened my resolve. They have taught me how to have empathy, serve with purpose, and persevere through adversity. This scholarship would support my continued education and empower me to keep making a positive impact in my community and beyond
    Timothy Reyes Stuckman Memorial Scholarship
    Resilience has shaped every part of my journey. Living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD has presented challenges that affect both my health and learning, but these experiences have strengthened my perseverance, adaptability, and empathy. Rather than allowing these conditions to limit me, I have learned to push forward with determination and purpose. Managing Neurofibromatosis and ADHD requires discipline, structure, and self-advocacy. Through persistence and hard work. Neurofibromatosis has causes anxiety, focus and learning problems, tumor pain. And the constant questions; What are those spots? Why so many big birthmarks? It takes a lot of hard work, time management, family, friends support and planning to achieve my academic success. Even with this I have maintained strong academic performance and earned membership in the National Honor Society. This achievement represents not only my commitment to excellence, but also my dedication to leadership, integrity, and service. My educational goals include becoming a Registered Nurse and onto a Nurse Practitioner. I am currently attending Alvin College and will be attending Houston Christian In the fall. Ever since I was in kindergarten I wanted to be in the medical field. I want to help others who have the same struggles I have had with sometimes just focusing on simple things. Show them that they can succeed academically and socially and that whatever they are facing they can overcome. That these things or others are not what defines them, but they are defined by who they are in themselves. Athletics played a role in my personal growth. Through cheerleading, volleyball and golf. I developed confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Cheerleading became especially meaningful to me, as I was cheer captain during my senior year. As captain, I worked to motivate my teammates, foster unity, and create an environment where everyone felt supported. Being able to balancing leadership responsibilities with my academic and health challenges taught me accountability and the importance of leading with compassion. I was also in mentorship program where I was able to advocate and support younger students navigate their own academic and personal challenges having faced such obstacles myself. Service has always been important to me. Helping others were one can should be essential to everyone. I have volunteered with Mission Santa Fe, the Houston Food Bank, Galveston Urban Ministries, Grace Episcopal Mobile Food Bank, and Three Little Pitties as well as serving every other week in the Children’s Ministry at my church. These experiences opened me to diverse communities, people and reinforced the importance of giving back Alongside my volunteer work, I am also a self-employed pet and house sitter, caring for animals including dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, chickens, goats, donkeys, and rodents. This responsibility requires adaptability, attention to detail, and trust. Caring for such a variety of animals has strengthened my work ethic and reinforced the importance of patience and reliability. My experiences living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD have shaped my character and strengthened my resolve. They have taught me how to have empathy, serve with purpose, and persevere through adversity. This scholarship would support my continued education and empower me to keep making a positive impact in my community and beyond
    Dylan's Journey Memorial Scholarship
    Resilience has shaped every part of my journey. Living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD has presented challenges that affect both my health and learning, but these experiences have strengthened my perseverance, adaptability, and empathy. Rather than allowing these conditions to limit me, I have learned to push forward with determination and purpose. Managing Neurofibromatosis and ADHD requires discipline, structure, and self-advocacy. Through persistence and hard work. Neurofibromatosis has causes anxiety, focus and learning problems, tumor pain. And the constant questions; What are those spots? Why so many big birthmarks? It takes a lot of hard work, time management, family, friends support and planning to achieve my academic success. Even with this I have maintained strong academic performance and earned membership in the National Honor Society. This achievement represents not only my commitment to excellence, but also my dedication to leadership, integrity, and service. My educational goals include becoming a Registered Nurse and onto a Nurse Practitioner. I am currently attending Alvin College and will be attending Houston Christian In the fall. Ever since I was in kindergarten I wanted to be in the medical field. I want to help others who have the same struggles I have had with sometimes just focusing on simple things. Show them that they can succeed academically and socially and that whatever they are facing they can overcome. That these things or others are not what defines them, but they are defined by who they are in themselves. Athletics played a role in my personal growth. Through cheerleading, volleyball and golf. I developed confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Cheerleading became especially meaningful to me, as I was cheer captain during my senior year. As captain, I worked to motivate my teammates, foster unity, and create an environment where everyone felt supported. Being able to balancing leadership responsibilities with my academic and health challenges taught me accountability and the importance of leading with compassion. I was also in mentorship program where I was able to advocate and support younger students navigate their own academic and personal challenges having faced such obstacles myself. Service has always been important to me. Helping others were one can should be essential to everyone. I have volunteered with Mission Santa Fe, the Houston Food Bank, Galveston Urban Ministries, Grace Episcopal Mobile Food Bank, and Three Little Pitties as well as serving every other week in the Children’s Ministry at my church. These experiences opened me to diverse communities, people and reinforced the importance of giving back Alongside my volunteer work, I am also a self-employed pet and house sitter, caring for animals including dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, chickens, goats, donkeys, and rodents. This responsibility requires adaptability, attention to detail, and trust. Caring for such a variety of animals has strengthened my work ethic and reinforced the importance of patience and reliability. My experiences living with neurofibromatosis and ADHD have shaped my character and strengthened my resolve. They have taught me how to have empathy, serve with purpose, and persevere through adversity. This scholarship would support my continued education and empower me to keep making a positive impact in my community and beyond