Michele A. Orlowski Audra Dominguez "Be Brave" Scholarship” In the past I have had several experiences of confrontation as a student and how my health issues challenged me, and they have had a great deal in shaping my life. Now I have become a disabled senior, because of different ailments and physical incapabilities that have caused disabilities that developed over the last 20-30 years, which started when I was a teenager. At the age of 15, I contracted rheumatoid arthritis due to rheumatic fever, which led to a long hospitalization at the start of my senior year of high school. My biggest frustration was not being unable to eat solid food. I can recall a mischievous moment when I even snuck food from another patient, a mother, of a high school friend, only to be caught by a nurse who was also my best friend’s mother! I felt so anguished and embarrassed at the same time, but I was hungry! Over the years, my health has worsened, leading to more physical impairments that have hindered my mobility and daily activities. I have suffered various injuries, including a collarbone fracture, a foot injury, and a broken hip that has not been surgically repaired. These issues have resulted in permanent partial impairment in my arm and leg, along with chronic pain in my back. Despite these difficulties, I have remained committed to my (now), online education and personal goals. Much like rediscovering how to ride a bike, falling and getting back up and getting on that bike again, I had to keep the thought every day in my mind that the challenges I felt in everyday living would someday come easier to me, because it changed the way I now have to do things to succeed even cleaning my house, washing the dishes, cooking etc. My wounds and handicaps have presented many obstacles in my life. Furthermore, I have metal in my shoulder that restricts my capacity to grasp things or lift anything heavier than ten pounds, so inflicting persistent agony. This suffering might influence my daily encounters; occasionally I disregard what one may be saying, because of the chronic pain, while I try to pay closer attention to small details. It takes bravery for me every day to live on and reach out for my everyday life obstacles, let alone ask for scholarships, which will help me reach my educational goals. These injuries have made me alter my lifestyle and interactions with others, especially while I am in pain, as I could need repetitions, in what one may be saying. (I used to be extremely shy, now my life is different, just to succeed with everyday life goals or talking to others), while withstanding these difficulties. I have learned to acquire more information so that I might become more conscious of the problems others face. I now can pass along my experiences. Lastly, being brave enough to admit I care and am now more closely coherent with the requirements of others and my surroundings. I took college credit courses during high school and have worked pursuing my dreams of one day teaching, and furthering my higher education, while raising children, even managing an in-home daycare. My persistence has driven me to pursue my goal of graduating from the current college program and using my experiences to teach others. I aspire to obtain a graduate degree in teaching and become a professor, inspired by the educators I now at the university I attend. Now with a strong desire to share the knowledge I’ve learned and support others in their educational journeys.

Being a first-generation college student and what it means to me. It is success, knowledge, gain worth passing on. I graduated high school in 1979. I had a career all planned out and a purpose. Then the ultimate news that would depress someone came to me, I had to move in my senior year of high school. I was then, depending on a scholarship through my local church that I had received or the offer was on the plate you could say. If I graduated there, I had this scholarship to a three-year Christian college. My goal; three-year college then the state university. I had already done all the pre-registration and toured the campuses with my grandparents and was planning my future. Then as mentioned the depressing news of a life changer came, (little did I know at the time) I had to use this scholarship or lose it! Well, I lost it. We moved my parents had taken jobs elsewhere, and it took me clear across the west Coast to Alaska, my third high school senior year! My second in Oklahoma. A new scholarship would help me to achieve my now on-going college career. I am currently a student at the age of 63 years old now with great success. I give all credit to great professors and courses that I am in at Regent University, VA. Where acceptance was in 2023 and now going into my senior year. Still with the hopes and dreams of being able to instill into others what I have learned. I always wanted to be able to teach. I’ve had the opportunity to pass it forward, by volunteering. Now I would like to be able to further my education with going on further to receive a legitimate license to do so. In the meantime, when I graduate in the program that I am in currently, I will be able to tutor, although I would like to teach. I am grateful for online learning. I have had that opportunity to teach online and tutor online as mentioned above, I am still learning different techniques of using the platforms for the social networking to do so. I am very determined to accomplish these goals, and with good standing. I have brought my grades up to A’s and B’s with lots of studies and great professors teaching me now. I want to continue to learn and become a great teacher also. In conclusion, despite having faced all the significant setbacks in my high school relocation and the loss of an initial scholarship, my determination and a new scholarship can help me in my pursuit of furthering higher education at Regent University. Now at 63, I am thriving in senior year, driven by a lifelong dream of teaching and a desire to pass on the knowledge I've gained, with plans to tutor after graduation and obtain a teaching license, while demonstrating the transformative power of perseverance and access to education. From: Michele A Orlowski

Michele A. Orlowski/Undergraduate student/Regent University, VA. RonranGlee Literary Scholarship January 21, 2025 Application Deadline, Jun 17, 2025 Winners Announced, Jul 17, 2025 The book "Letters to the Churches: An Overview of the Epistles to the Hebrews and General Epistles" by Karen Jobes examines the letters of the New Testament. It discusses important themes, historical background, and practical meaning, making these texts easier to understand for both scholars and general readers. The article highlights the significance of the Book of Acts and how it relates to the Christian community today. In her work, Jobes points out that Hebrews stresses Christ's supremacy and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, urging Christians to stay strong in their faith amid challenges. Jobes also reviews the General Epistles, showing their relevance to early Christians and modern believers facing issues like secularism. Her book reinforces the enduring value of biblical teachings, encouraging readers to stay committed to their faith in today's world. I chose the following paragraph to write about. "And four, one and two of James, points to the desires that battle within as the root cause of strife within the community yielding to do evil. Desires within spiral into increasingly greater sin. James sees this conflicted position of not being singly minded, or loyal to God as the overarching problem among his readers, and so he uses the teachings of Jesus to instruct and exhort them to wise living under the reign and rule of God in Christ, simply knowing the Word and counting. As Christian faith is self-deception, James 122 James exhorts his readers to be doers of the Word, the perfect law that gives freedom. James 125 James exhorts action on many points, but two major issues that pervade. Much of his concern in the letter is the wisdom of godly speech and the wisdom of social justice, both being necessary entailments of the royal law of loving your neighbor as oneself. “Faith without works is dead, but works without faith is too hard.” by Hillary Clinton. Copy of Paragraph above from the book, “Letters to the Church: A Survey of Hebrews and the General Epistles.” Authored by Karen H. Jobes. My explanation of understanding the above paragraph, written by Karen H. Jobes. The book of James offers a gripping look at the struggles among Christians, focusing on the necessity of action, the call to action, and the moral responsibility of faith. Key passages in James 4:1-2 and James 1:22, 1:25 urgently call believers to align their faith with their actions. This article discusses the nature of social conflict, the importance of authentic faith in action, and the importance of speaking with wisdom and righteousness to fulfill the law of love. James, often called James the Just, is a brother of Jesus who addresses a community facing conflict over uncontrolled desires. In James 4:1-2, he reflects on the internal conflicts that lead to conflict and contention among believers. The phrase “seek the things of the heart” involves the struggle of choosing between selfish desires and the will of God. James notes that such desires lead to violence and conflict; he emphasizes that this in turn leads to uncontrollable desires, which lead to greater sin. This study is useful today as society experiences similar conflicts that are driven by individual desires rather than collective desires. There is a great deal of practical interest in James’ teaching. In James 1:22 he warns those who are hearers of the word and not doers not to be deceived. This call to be, doers of the Word, highlights a critical aspect of Christian faith: it is not enough to understand religious teachings; one must integrate them into daily life. James emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through action, especially in the context of loving one's neighbor. This principle serves to counteract the superficiality that can arise in religious practice, pushing believers toward a life characterized by tangible expressions of love and justice. The bible scriptures that Karen Jobes mentions from James 1:25 introduce the concept of the perfect law that gives freedom. This notion suggests that living according to God’s commandments ultimately leads to liberation rather than restriction. The idea of freedom within a framework of divine law is particularly significant in a modern context, where many see legal and moral instructions as limiting. James challenges this understanding by saying that true freedom comes from aligning one’s life with God’s will and requires a deeper relationship between God and society. Central themes of the book of James include the art of God’s words and the pursuit of social justice. Both of these things are inseparable from the supreme law of loving your neighbor as yourself. Effective communication, marked by wisdom and honesty, lays the foundation for healthy relationships in society. James encourages believers to be slow to speak and slow to listen, emphasizing that wise words foster understanding and unity. The current implications of this directive are obvious, especially in a world filled with divisive rhetoric. Communities that value loving relationships can bridge divides and turn conflict into harmony. Additionally, James focuses on social justice, a theme that resonates with modern social movements that advocate for the interests of marginalized groups. Encouraging believers to combine faith with action can inspire them to address institutional injustices. In recent years, calls for social justice have grown in many church groups, sparking discussions about the role of faith at work. James' instructions serve to inspire faith that acts on behalf of those who suffer, thereby reflecting the character of Christ tangibly. Karen Jobes, in her work "Letters to the Church," elucidates these themes and provides a scholarly framework for understanding the historical and theological context of James' teachings. She highlights influential theological perspectives that view the Book of James as a practical manual for Christian living rather than merely a collection of ethical exhortations. The emphasis on action not only reinforces traditional Christian doctrine but also addresses contemporary concerns about the authenticity of faith in public life. The statement from Hillary Clinton, "Faith without works is dead, but works without faith is too hard," encapsulated in this comment the dual necessity of faith and action. Both emphasize that faith should inspire action, and that action should be based on correct faith. The ongoing discussion surrounding these ideas shows that the book of James in the Bible and this scholarly resource of Karen Jobes of literary history remain relevant in today’s discussion of what it means to be a faithful Christian. Finally, the book of James explains the disagreements among Christian congregations regarding the connection between desire and action. The advice given to those who speak emphasizes the importance of demonstrating sincerity in action. This lesson has relevance as society struggles today. Understanding James's counsel, believers are inspired to live out their faith and build strong communities through actions that demonstrate love, solidarity, and justice. And more difficult. As modern society faces challenges of morality and identity, James's teachings are relevant, encouraging people to align their lives with the transformative power of Christ, and loving their neighbor’s. In your work surroundings, and your daily lives. References Jobes Karen, H., Letters to the Church: A Survey of Hebrews and the General Epistles. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011.

Michele A Orlowski January 16, 2025 400 - 600 words How has your experience with disability influenced your beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations? Please include a bit about yourself and your leadership experiences. Disability influences how a person views the world and affects their beliefs, relationships, and career goals. My experience with disability, including vision and mobility issues, has greatly shaped my life. As an undergraduate student, striving to make a meaningful impact in my field, despite having faced physical challenges that once hindered my ambitions. The experience of navigating life with disabilities has transformed my understanding of resilience, influencing my beliefs about overcoming obstacles and redefining my career aspirations in ways never anticipated. Vision problems have made it hard for me to participate in various activities, especially at night. This affected my desire to attend football games in high school. Doctors suggested rose-colored night vision glasses, which helped somewhat. As an adult, working night shifts was difficult, and ended up often with the 3-11 shift, relying on rides for transportation. Everyday tasks like reading, writing, and recognizing faces became harder for me, affecting my ability to work and identify customers. Additionally, the injuries to my arm, shoulder, elbow, left leg, and hip, have restricted my movement and further limited my functions at work. Then becoming numb and discouraged about my studies and work. In the past started some college courses but quit. Also, injuries to my left leg make it hard for me to walk long distances on campus or even attend events. Since then, these experiences have taught me the importance of access and inclusion. I have learned to overcome my challenges through online education and am grateful to be an online student. Everyone deserves equal opportunities, regardless of physical challenges. This journey has been helpful in facing challenges, but there are still tough days with pain and eyesight issues that make me feel like giving up. It can be lonely, as others may not understand my struggles. Building relationships is hard, and I often worry about saying the wrong thing or getting upset during times when I'm in lots of physical pain. However, my experiences have made me more empathetic towards others with similar issues, strengthening my relationships. Seeing others in worse situations has humbled me, and I now want to help them. My husband and I have been leading together for five years. From a leadership viewpoint, my disability has inspired me to follow my dreams. While not being able to be physically present in student groups or on campus, I can use video chats to connect with others and share what I’ve learned from my education and personal experiences. My disabilities have taught me to support others and help them with their challenges, overcome their obstacles, and meet the needs of goals or opportunities. It is important for me to create an environment where everyone can succeed, regardless of disabilities. Everyone should have the chance to thrive and reach their goals. Good leadership involves listening to others' needs and using resources to support them. This includes mentoring and tutoring people, both with and without disabilities, to help them achieve their goals. In conclusion, my disability experience has shaped not only my beliefs but also my relationships and career aspirations. It gave me the strength and compassion to move forward in my professional life. The challenges I faced inspired me to fight for inclusion and a world where disability is not a barrier. These lessons are invaluable as I continue my studies and strive to be a leader in my field.

Michele A Orlowski michor1@mail.regent.edu 304-839-9984 Submitted-September 29, 2024 Deadline date of January 6, 2025 for: Ryan R. Lusso Memorial Scholarship How has your experience with your parent’s cancer journey impacted who you are? Losing my mother to cancer also affected my relationships with others in the family. Realized that it is important to cherish the time we spend with our loved ones, and to express our feelings and emotions openly and honestly. Relationships have improved, and I strive to show gratitude and love to the people who matter most to me. Mother’s death also made me realize the fragility of life and the importance of making the most of every moment with the people we care about. The experience of losing my mother to cancer two years ago had a profound effect on me as a person. It profoundly shaped my perspective on life, relationships, and personal growth. When my mother was first diagnosed with cancer, my world was not only turned upside down, but it also made me take a look at my health uniquely. The event was unexpected and heartbreaking and made me think about the fragility of life and the impossibility of death. As I watched my mother bravely fight the disease, I understood the meaning of endurance and determination. Her strength and courage to overcome difficulties motivated me to never give up even in demanding situations. Had to care for my mother from a distance, as we do not live close to her and my dad. During her illness, it also taught me the importance of empathy and compassion. Even from a distance, this made me see cancer firsthand, (when my parents were able to visit, or my husband and I were able to see my mom and dad) it made me realize the physicality, mental, and emotional, struggles others may face, as going through their treatments and health concerns while having this disease. This experience made me more compassionate and understanding and more sensitive to the suffering of others, who may go through this in their lives as well. On a personal note, my mother's cancer journey forced me to face my fears and insecurities. I felt sad, angry, and lost, and I thought about the complicated emotions that come with the death of a loved one. The experience was a definite sign of personal growth and self-reflection as I was forced to confront my mortality and think about the legacy I wanted to leave behind. Finally, losing my mother to cancer affected me as a person. It taught me valuable lessons about resilience, empathy, relationships, and personal growth. Although the pain of losing her will always be with me, I am grateful that the experience made me a stronger, more compassionate, and self-aware person. Mother’s cancer may have ended in tragedy, but she taught me deeply about the beauty and fragility of life. She always had a positive outlook on any outcome of her treatments and or surgical procedures due to the disease of Cancer. Because of this, it made me take a second look at my life and where I want to go. Want to be able to be effective and instill in others as I am on my journey in life to succeed.

Michele A. Orlowski michor1@mail.regent.edu Application Date: September 23, 2024 Deadline Date: November 1, 2024 Mental Health Importance Scholarship Mental health is critical in all our lives. It affects how we think, feel, and behave in everyday life. In today's fast-paced, stressful world, taking care of our mental health is more important than ever. As an undergraduate student, I believe prioritizing mental health is essential to success and happiness. There are many reasons why mental health is important. First, good mental health helps me cope with the stress and challenges that life throws at me. Being a student is important as I am constantly faced with daily challenges. Solely I am a provider for my husband, helping him in re-cooperating from Cerebral Stroke. Strokes can be triggered by stress, prompting me to prioritize my mental health and daily challenges. Aiming to maintain healthy habits like eating well, sleeping enough, and exercising to better cope with stress. In addition, good mental health affects my relationships with others. When I have a cheerful outlook, I can communicate better, show compassion, and connect better with friends, family, and colleagues. On the other hand, depression can make a person feel lonely, angry, and quarrelsome. By prioritizing my mental health, I can develop healthy relationships and support in my life. To maintain my mental health, I have developed great strategies that help me. First, I prioritize self-care. This includes doing things that bring me joy and relaxation, such as reading, walking, or managing my artsy crafty time wisely. Taking time to do things alone also energizes me and reduces any added stress that comes with my time devoted to helping my husband recoup. Another important part of staying healthy is asking for help when you need it. This may include talking to a trusted friend or family member about how you are feeling or seeking help from a professional or counselor. It is important to remember that it is okay to ask for help when you are feeling unsuccessful in any task of daily circumstance, asking for help made a significant difference in how I feel, and how I succeed. Finally, as a full-time student, I believe that prioritizing my mental health is essential to my overall health. By taking care of my mental health through exercise I get the endorphins in the brain working to stimulate how I feel also, by seeking help when needed, I can manage stress, build strong relationships, and maintain a positive outlook on life. It is important to recognize the importance of good health and prioritize it in our lives to thrive. Overall, maintaining mental health and well-being is crucial for my academic success. Strategies like self-care, asking for help when needed, and staying positive can impact overall mental well-being. Self-care practices such as getting enough sleep, exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management can help me and other students stay focused and motivated. Building a support system with trusted friends, family, or counselors can provide comfort and encouragement during tough times. Encouraging a cheerful outlook through gratitude, realistic goal-setting, and optimism can help individuals overcome challenges and build resilience. Developing healthy habits and routines, like creating a study schedule and incorporating mindfulness practices, can support mental well-being. Prioritizing mental health habits in any school grade level is essential for academic success, and establishes a solid foundation for effective study skills in all individuals, even students in reaching full potential.

Being the first in my family to earn a college degree means everything to me. It represents not only my accomplishments but also the possibilities and opportunities it will bring to my family for generations to come. Growing up, my family always valued hard work and dedication. Education was seen as an option to improve life, but for a variety of reasons, no one in my family had the opportunity to go to college. Helped with my children and their higher education and prepared them for the directions they wanted to take in life. However, I never had the opportunity to pursue or further my higher education, until a few years ago. When I entered the University, I am attending, I knew I was breaking that cycle and carving out a new path for myself and my family. While I am now earning a college degree it is a great accomplishment that reflects my commitment to learning, growing, and bettering myself. It represents the years of my hard work, and now studying late into the night, and overcoming obstacles. It is teaching me about perseverance, strength, and the importance of setting goals and working toward them. Being the first person (even at my age), in my family to go to a University and get a degree brings with it a sense of responsibility. Want to be a role model for my younger siblings and relatives, and show them that with determination and hard work, they too can achieve their dreams. (no matter their age) I want them to see that education is a powerful tool that can change their lives for the better. Additionally, earning a college degree has opened the world for me. Volunteer and teach online. This has enlightened me in the areas that I used to be shy of, for instance being in from of strangers and presenting anything in front of a crowd. Showed that I can teach, and I can instill knowledge into others. It has expanded my career options, increased my earning potential, and allowed me to pursue my interests and passions. It has given me the confidence and knowledge to navigate the complexities of today's world and make the right decisions for my future. Overall, being the first in my family to earn a college degree is always a proud moment. It represents not only my accomplishments but also the hopes and dreams of my family. Grateful for the educational opportunities given to me and determined to strive for excellence in all that I do. Would like to continue to teach online. I wanted to share my knowledge and expertise. Enthusiastic about education and believe online teaching is an effective way to reach students from diverse backgrounds. One of the reasons I love online teaching is how simple it is to deliver. As an online teacher, I can work from anywhere in the world and interact with students from all over the world. Want to use technology to create exciting learning experiences for my students and help them achieve their goals. My long-term goal is to teach online full-time, or part-time. Want to inspire and empower my students to achieve their academic goals and pursue their passions. Finally, finding a job teaching online is my goal for college. Extremely excited about the opportunities online teaching offers and hope to have an influence on students’ lives in the future. Committed to continuing my education and developing my teaching skills to become a successful online teacher. By: Michele A Orlowski michor1@mail.regent.edu