The marching arts have completely changed my life. I started color guard in 7th grade and continued for 6 years until graduation. Before this activity, I had few friends, no confidence, and no purpose. But marching with the Campbell County Color Guard changed that. I was able to find myself and be confident in the person I am as I grew and changed. I built a community where I eventually found a leadership position which gave me a purpose. The friends I made spinning are still my strongest relationships and have helped me get through the lowest points of my life. Guard is and forever will be my home, a safe space where I can escape and focus on something more positive. This activity got me through the passing of my mom my senior year, I was actually at practice when I found out, and looking back I wouldn't have it any other way. The support of my coaches and teammates is what helped me survive that grief throughout the end of my high school experience. The marching arts has taught me countless lessons that I use in every aspect of my life, and I can't wait to learn more through Drum Corps.  Deciding what I want for my future has been a struggle for me. There are so many different opportunities but as I've given it thought I have decided to pursue a degree in Sociology at Northern Kentucky University. My goal is to use this degree, as well as a minor in environmental science, to better the world we live in. Specifically working with a nonprofit to look into how society can better ecological issues. Throughout my college experience, it's important to me that I continue pursuing my colorguard career. Color Guard makes me who I am and without it I am incomplete. My goal is to march at least one season of DCI if not more if I can afford it, and a few seasons with a winterguard. I want to be realistic with my expectations but I do not want to give up my passion for this activity.  Receiving this scholarship would be an honor and would help me make my dream of marching DCI come true. I currently have a contract with the Bluestars and I am so excited to have that opportunity but the biggest stressor has been coming up with the funds. My family is low-income and I have worked since I was 16 to help pay the bills and necessities. Because of this, I am completely alone in coming up with the tuition fees, plane ticket fees, and personal spending required for Bluestars. This scholarship would make a huge contribution to those fees and would bring me much closer to my dream of marching Drum Corps.