When someone asked me at seven years old to focus and sit quietly I would respond with a vacant look before launching into a series of inquiries about ancient Rome or Shakespeare and wondering why politicians avoid direct answers. Ever since I was a child I couldn't remain stationary and I worried constantly but whenever history became our topic or we performed onstage my enthusiasm shone through. My first years of school with ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder felt akin to running a race with untied shoes yet I managed to establish my own rhythm amidst the disorder. My ADHD and GAD diagnosis caused me to experience the world from a unique perspective. Loud classroom environments overwhelmed me while minor things caused me to become excessively worried unlike my peers. My condition produced a heightened sensitivity towards human behavior, narrative elements and societal wrongs. Where others saw distraction, I saw connection. Finding history was like returning home to me. Through history I found a framework that explained both the functioning and the purpose behind the world's operations. Through performing arts I found a voice which I didn’t always feel confident enough to use. The stage allowed me to adopt bravery while exploring different personas which led to discovering my true self. My passion for understanding systems and truth expression brought me to choose Political Science with a Pre-Law emphasis. I plan to apply my understanding of empathy from my mental health challenges together with my historical curiosity and performance skills to transform governmental service delivery. I’m not naive. Political processes are often complex and exasperating while moving at a slow pace. The power of political action makes it our strongest instrument to drive genuine transformation. My goal is to work within government structures and later enter the legal field to develop policies that defend vulnerable populations and mental health resources while establishing a fairer society. After mastering self-advocacy throughout my entire life, I now seek to support others as their advocate. This scholarship would not only support my education, but it would also be an investment in the kind of leadership I hope to embody: This approach to leadership emerges from personal experience and operates with a passionate focus on community service. I am not attempting to repair the world but seeking to understand it sufficiently to facilitate its advancement. Effective leadership requires individuals who have experienced struggle themselves and who prioritize both honesty and compassion while treating public service as their life's mission rather than a career move. That’s who I’m becoming. And I’m just getting started.

Jack Terry’s story moves me on a deeply personal level—not just because he survived horrors most of us can’t even imagine, but because of the incredible strength he showed afterward. As a young boy, he lived through three Nazi concentration camps, witnessed unimaginable cruelty, and lost everyone he loved. Yet somehow, instead of letting that pain consume him, he chose to keep going. He found purpose in living fully, helping others, and honoring his family by carrying their memory forward. I feel a deep connection to his resilience not because I share his exact experiences but because I also learned to find strength during difficult times. Living with ADHD and anxiety often feels like you're caught in a constant internal battle—your mind becomes a place where distraction, self-doubt, and overwhelming emotions clash. Adding to that, growing up as an LGBTQ+ individual has layered your life with extra feelings of alienation and confusion, leaving you searching for a space where you truly belong. I experienced moments of defeat while questioning if I would ever feel at home in this world. Basic schoolwork and maintaining relationships became obstacles that I couldn't overcome while others effortlessly surpassed them. Jack Terry's life story sparked a profound change within me. When he transformed his past suffering into service to others I realized that I too could direct my difficulties toward meaningful goals. Jack transformed his experience with loss into compassionate actions. I aspire to lead a life similar to the one he created for himself. My decision to pursue political science with a pre-law focus stems from this understanding. Justice should be more than an abstract idea because it needs to be physical and vital for people who face marginalization or suppression. I want to be an attorney who provides cost-effective legal assistance to low-income families who do not receive adequate support from our legal system. I aspire to fill the void for people who lack financial means to speak up in legal proceedings. While the world frequently values power and privilege I choose to focus on humanity instead. According to Jack Terry endurance means more than just surviving because it requires action after survival. Jack Terry demonstrates through his actions that pain can serve as a foundation for rebuilding and meaningful contribution, showing us that our struggles do not need to define our end. It can also empower us. The challenges of ADHD and anxiety fuel my academic journey because they shape my identity. These experiences have increased my empathy and determination while strengthening my commitment to build a world where justice stands as a universal right not as a privileged commodity. I want to convert my struggles into meaningful initiatives just like Jack Terry does. I am committed to supporting others through their challenges as a way of celebrating my own life's path.

My name is Michael, and until February 2024, I was an outgoing, outspoken, fun-loving individual. My life changed one day when I was the victim of a vicious attack from a bully. I have always been well-liked by my peers and accepted as a member of the LGBTQ+ community since coming out. I always felt secure being myself. Some days, I dress like a typical teenage boy; others, I dress more femininely. I have many friends from all walks of life - jocks, thespians, scholars, LGBTQ+, etc. I am very personable and talkative and can relate to people on many levels, making gaining acceptance into many different groups easy. I want to share a difficult experience I had in school involving a student who held negative views about the LGBTQ+ community. It began with name-calling, using hurtful language that many within our community unfortunately recognize. This escalated when he stole my wallet and shared it on Snapchat, humiliating me with more slurs. After endless weeks of slurs and theft, I felt compelled to confront him, which sadly led to a physical assault in my classroom. This traumatic experience deeply affected me, resulting in anxiety and PTSD. I became fearful of leaving the house alone. In an effort to protect myself, I changed the way I dressed—opting for jeans and plain T-shirts to blend in and avoid drawing attention. The emotional toll became so overwhelming that I eventually needed medication to help manage my anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I’m grateful to share that I've since found my way back to being myself, embracing who I am fully once again. Reflecting on that time, I realize now what I could have done not just for my own well-being, but also to support others who were affected by his behavior. Those months were undoubtedly challenging, but they also ignited a desire in me to advocate for kindness and understanding. It's crucial for adults to let children know they have at least one trusted adult to turn to for support. Although I had allies available, I often felt I could handle things on my own. Children should never live in fear and must understand they can report bullying without repercussions. Identify your trusted adult and speak up! While this is easier said than done, it's essential for kids to learn that bullying is unacceptable. If you witness bullying, don’t hesitate to report it—schools can keep your identity anonymous, and friends can help by speaking up for you. With kids spending more time on their devices, parents need to monitor usage and have these important conversations. As a camp counselor for 11-12-year-olds, I’ve found that open discussions about bullying and its impacts are vital. I love being involved in my community, especially with youth, where I feel my life experiences can help them make better choices. In June, I am going on a mission trip to Costa Rica to help rebuild an orphanage. I am also the kids' ministry DJ, Easter Bunny, and group leader for elementary students at my church. Entering college is an exciting milestone for me, especially as I aspire to earn my law degree and make a difference in the lives of those affected by bullying or hate crimes. However, I’m aware of the financial challenges that come with it. My father is laid off for six months each year, and this has made money tight for our family. Additionally, I’ve had the experience of living with two foster brothers for three years, which has given me insight into the extra expenses my parents took on during that time.

When I saw this essay prompt, I knew immediately that I needed to share my story outside my immediate family and close friends for the first time. I have identified as LGBTQ+ for as long as I can remember. I have always been surrounded by love and acceptance by my family and friends. I always felt safe in the world, knowing that my parents gave me the tools to be successful, ignore bigotry, and stand up for my beliefs with conviction. I was always very happy-go-lucky, and anyone who has met me would say I am one of the most authentic people they have ever met. I am very comfortable about who I am and proud of the young man I am becoming. While all of this past and present information sounds impressive, it has not always been this way. In February of 2024, I was physically attacked by another student at my high school because of my sexual identity. It was indeed a hate crime, and this event changed my life forever. I will not discuss all of the details here, but I was assaulted, called horrible gay slurs, and left to defend myself by my teacher and peers. To make matters worse, I had to protect myself through physical means, which went against everything I always stood for: peace among all. Subsequently, the other student was slightly injured, which led to his parents pressing charges and me spending the night in juvenile detention. Before this event, I was about to be inducted into NHS; I was active in our theater program, holding the lead role in the upcoming April production; I was on the speech team, participated in debate and archery, and was highly involved in my church. That semester, I was also taking 4 AP classes at once. I was in the 95 percentile in the country for my SAT score and the 97 percentile for Illinois (my home state). I received an award for outstanding academic achievement through the First Generation National Recognition Program. My life before that fateful day in February was quite frankly amazing, and my future felt bright and unstoppable. My every dream felt within reach. This is where my ongoing personal growth and understanding of myself and others began. The first month this took place, I fell into a deep depressive and anxiety-ridden state. The mental hardship was only the beginning, as my education could not simply halt. I suffered from PTSD and nightmares and was scared to be alone in the outside world for fear of another bigot acting out of hatred. Thankfully, I am proud to say that I can see myself growing as a person again, and I am motivated to continue on this mental and spiritual journey. I have forgiven my attacker, graduated high school a semester early, no longer fear hiding who I am, and the spark in my eyes has returned. I genuinely love the person I am again. Although this experience damaged me for a long time, I have become stronger and wiser. There is something that can be said about experiences shaping who we are, however, with a college degree, I truly believe that I could change the world for the better. My dream is to mediate and lead America through this period of coming instability. I have participated in debate, theatre, and the speech team. My innate ability towards public speaking and acting, fostered by a drive to further my education. Future generations WILL remember the name Michael Angelo Montalto. You can count on that.