My favorite thing about math is that everything revolves around it. From the patterns in nature to the logic behind technology, math is the foundation of so much in our lives. Some people explore numerology or have lucky numbers, but I'm fascinated by the concrete ways math impacts the world. When I studied web development, I learned that computers operate entirely on 0s and 1s, binary code. Every app, website, and digital tool we use depends on these mathematical principles, showing me how integral math is to modern life. About four years ago, I decided to invest time in understanding economics, a skill I felt I lacked. I studied various approaches from economists like Rebel Capitalist and read Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad, which introduced me to fundamental financial principles. I also explored Grunch of Giants by Buckminster Fuller and Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness. Through these books, I gained a clearer understanding of how numbers and math drive economies, influence investments, and guide decision-making. Math fascinates me because it is both abstract and practical. It trains the mind to think logically, solve problems, and see patterns where others might not. Whether I'm coding a website, analyzing a financial decision, or studying technological trends, math is the tool that allows me to understand, innovate, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

From my early 20s, I've believed that the true measure of success is not how much you achieve for yourself, but how much you contribute to others. My commitment to service has shaped the person I am today and continues to guide the path I'm building for the future. In the past, I have given back to my community by volunteering my time and skills in various ways. I've served in churches by managing sound systems and announcements, helping ensure that services run smoothly and reach others effectively. I've also contributed by updating church websites to make it easier for community members to locate and connect with local congregations. During my mid-twenties, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to the Dream Center in Los Angeles, where I joined a team feeding and praying with the homeless. Our mission was to show love and offer them the chance to stay at the Dream Center rather than sleep on the streets. That experience deepened my understanding of compassion and the importance of meeting people where they are. Since then, I've also participated in 5K charity events that raise funds for veterans and other meaningful causes. Currently, one of my primary ways of giving back is through web development upkeep for Returing Smiles, an organization dedicated to feeding families in need. Using my technical skills to support a cause that brings hope to others has been both humbling and rewarding. In my professional life, I've also used leadership positions to encourage and uplift younger team members, motivating them to set goals, work hard, and believe in themselves. To me, service is not limited to organized volunteering; it's a lifestyle. Every day presents an opportunity to encourage, uplift, and support someone else. I try to live by example through kindness, integrity, and faith, knowing that even small acts of compassion can create ripples that reach far beyond what we see. Looking ahead, my goal is to expand the ways I can make a lasting impact. I plan to continue developing community-based programs that combine practical support with empowerment, helping people not only overcome challenges, but also to build stronger futures. In the coming years, I hope to collaborate with other non-profit organizations to create a sustainable housing and mentorship program that provides both stability and education to struggling families. Priscilla Shireen Luke's legacy of selfless service resonates deeply with me. Like her, I believe that service is one of the purest forms of leadership, one that leaves behind a legacy of compassion, understanding, and hope. This scholarship would not only support my education but also help me continue building a life devoted to bettering the world around me. Service is not something I do occasionally; it's who I am. Through education, faith, and community action, I intend to spend my life helping others discover the strength and hope within themselves.

My name is Michael Wilson, and I am an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Messianic Jewish Studies at The King's University. I am also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who separated honorably. For the last 13 years, I have worked in warehouse management, where I encouraged my team, many coming out of high school, to grow and pursue their goals. In high school, I played JV baseball my freshman through junior years, and ran cross country in my senior year. Since this time, I have enjoyed hiking and running recreationally. Returning to school after a few years has been challenging, but it has also strengthened my drive, discipline, and commitment to make a meaningful impact. I have also sought opportunities to serve others. Throughout volunteering with Returning Smiles, an organization that provides meals to children in Ecuador and in the U.S., I designed and managed their website to expand their outreach and support their mission. I have also helped pack lunches for children in need in the Lake Norman, NC area. These experiences taught me the importance of using my skills to create real, tangible impact and to value every opportunity to serve others, no matter how small. They have reinforced the idea that leadership is not just about guiding a team, but also about inspiring others to see possibilities and solutions in challenging situations, and to act with integrity and dedication in everything they do. I am self-motivated and strive to solve problems, work hard, and envision ways to improve the future for those around me. Combined with my faith and education, these strengths fuel my ambition to one day serve in government administration and use business and creative financing to positively influence my community. I was inspired by reading a little about Kalia and how she seemed to impact those around her in a positive way. Her dedication and kindness remind me that even small acts of service can have a lasting effect. Her story reminds me that kindness and serving others can truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and volunteer work without the distraction of financial strain. It would help me continue to build the skills and experience necessary to serve others effectively, just as Kalia Davis exemplified through her own work ethic, kindness, and drive.

As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, I've learned that challenges are no obstacles; they are growth opportunities. My journey through military service, civilian transition, and now higher education has strengthened my drive to make a meaningful impact in both my community and my career. After serving four years in the Marine Corps, I faced the challenge of building my path in civilian life. That experience taught me resilience and the value of perseverance, qualities that continue to guide me today. I am now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Messianic Jewish Studies at The King's University, with the long-term goal of serving in government administration, where I can develop programs that support families, veterans, and those in need. What sets me apart is my ability to restore, build, and see potential where others might see difficulty. My top CliftonStrengths (Restoration, Achiever, Analytical, Futuristic, and Context) reflect a mindset rooted in solving problems, understanding the past, and envisioning a better future. These traits have not only guided my studies but also my volunteer work. Through Returning Smiles, I helped create a website that expanded their outreach and helped provide meals to children in Ecuador and the U.S. This scholarship would not only relieve financial pressure but also allow me to continue focusing on creating a lasting impact. I don't just want to earn a degree; I want to use it to serve others, lead with integrity, and bring positive change wherever I can.

As a veteran, one of the greatest challenges I've overcome was returning to civilian life. While serving, my days were structured around routine, discipline, and teamwork. When I departed from this environment, I quickly realized how much those elements had shaped my daily life. Returning home, I was grateful for the support of my brother and his family, but things felt different. I no longer had people around me who shared the same worldview or experiences of military life. That made the transition more difficult than I expected. As I searched for purpose in this new chapter, I was given the opportunity to take on a leadership role at a company. That position became a turning point for me as it allowed me to rediscover the value of teamwork and purpose. I learned to channel the discipline I developed in the Marine Corps into creative problem solving. I began developing new systems and processes that provided structure and value to the company, many of which are still in use today. That experience reminded me that leadership is not just about giving direction, it is also about building stability and inspiring growth in others. Receiving this scholarship would not only help relieve the financial burden of continuing my degree, but it would also bring peace of mind, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies. In turn, this will give me the capacity to focus on helping others, both within my local community and through the faith based work I plan to pursue after graduation. My interest in stamp collecting began when I was about ten years old. My brother, preparing to leave for college, gave me his collection as a parting gift. At the time, many of the stamps were scattered and unorganized. I took the time to purchase proper holders and assembled them carefully into an album, a practice I still continue today when I come across stamps that stand out to me. Though none of the stamps in my collections are particularly valuable, they hold great meaning. Some feature presidents, historical events, and beautiful artwork that tell stories of the past. For me, stamp collecting is a reminder that time changes all things. I have some stamps that are valued at just one and a half cents, while others are forever stamps. It's a small but powerful reelection of growth, legacy, and endurance, which are values I strive to carry into every part of my life.

From 2008-2012, I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. This experience instilled in me the discipline, perseverance, and confidence I had been lacking prior to my enlistment. I joined the Marines because I needed direction and wanted to be part of something greater than myself, something that would challenge me to grow and aim for something higher. From earning my Eagle, Globe, and Anchor in boot camp to fulfilling my duty assignments in Camp Lejeune and Okinawa, I was continually tested and shaped by experiences that strengthened my sense of purpose. When I transitioned back to civilian life, I quickly realized how valuable those lessons would be beyond the uniform. The leadership skills I developed as a Marine helped me succeed as a manager, where I encouraged others to set goals and believe in their potential. Watching people grow under my guidance reminded me that real leadership means serving others, and that the same principles that make a strong Marine also make a strong community member. Today, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Messianic Studies at The King's University. Returning to school later in life has been both humbling and rewarding. As I once guided those I supervised, I now hold myself to the same standards of growth by completing my degree. With only a year remaining, I am eager to finish strong and put my education to work in meaningful ways. Once I graduate, I plan to use my education to serve my local community, whether in a position in the city or county government or by contributing to programs that strengthen families and neighborhoods. I also hope to serve within my spiritual community, offering guidance and encouragement to others seeking purpose and direction in their lives. The Marine Corps taught me to never stop improving, and my return to school is a continuation of that mission. Education is my way of carrying forward the same resilience, drive, and commitment to service that defined my military experience. I want my journey to remind others, as Monti E. Hall did, that it's never too late to learn, to lead, and to make a difference.

I began my educational journey in 2018 at the age of 35, while working full-time to support my wife. Balancing work and school was challenging, so I took classes part-time, often only attending a couple at a time. My routine consisted of going to work, coming home to study, and spending weekends catching up on assignments. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, my job was considered essential, and I was required to take on additional responsibilities. After much thought, I decided it was best to pause my education to focus on maintaining stability during a difficult time. Shortly after 2020, I wanted to help a friend who dreamed of feeding children and families in Ecuador. I volunteered my time by creating a web site for his organization, Returning Smiles. Since then, the organization has brought Christmas to children in Ecuador four times and continues to serve families locally in the Lake Norman, NC area by providing meals and support. This experience allowed me to use my skills to make a positive difference in the lives of others. A year ago, my wife and I made the decision to start over. We moved to Florida to be closer to family and to find a Messianic Congregation where we could grow spiritually and serve others. During that transition, I attempted to start a small business, but it didn't go as planned. As I began applying for jobs, I realized that many of the positions I was qualified for required a bachelor's degree. That realization reignited my determination to complete my education. In mid-2025, at the age of 42, I made the commitment to finish my degree in Biblical and Messianic Studies. I am currently in my junior year, and expect to graduation in a year. Returning to school later in life has given me a stronger sense of purpose. My life experiences have shaped my values of perseverance, service, and faith, which I now bring into the classroom. I believe my perspective is more mature than when I first began college in 2018, and I've developed a deeper appreciation for learning and community leadership. I've learned that education is not only a personal achievement, but also a responsibility to use knowledge to uplift others and contribute to meaningful change. After graduation, my goal is to find a position working for the city or county where I can contribute to the well-being of the community. I also plan to stay active in my synagogue, volunteering in outreach programs that help families and individuals in need. My hope is to use what I've learned, both academically and through life experience, to encourage others who may feel it's too late to start over. This scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my studies by reducing financial pressure, helping me complete my degree and achieve my goal of serving others with integrity, compassion, and faith.