I grew up in the aftermath of two wars I never fought. My grandfather served as a U.S. Marine in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and the impact of those experiences shaped the emotional foundation of my childhood. My maternal grandfather, a Gros Ventre Native American from Fort Belknap, Montana, helped raise me. He was a man I admired for his discipline, writing talent, and devotion to family. Yet I also witnessed the invisible wounds he carried, which included grief from war, racism, and memories he never spoke aloud. What was once called “shell shock” lived in our household as hypervigilance, emotional distance, and a quiet suffering none of us had the language to name or comprehend. My grandfather struggled with alcoholism, chasing away sorrows carved deep into him by trauma. He carried the ghosts of his past and, unintentionally, brought his family into that turmoil. Stoic and soft‑spoken, he expressed his pain through visible emotion and long hours spent reading. His struggles were part of a larger pattern that had taken root in my family long before I was born. Alcohol had been introduced to Native communities generations ago, and its effects rippled through my lineage, shaping behaviors, relationships, and coping mechanisms. Growing up, I saw how mental illness, especially when unrecognized or untreated can drastically affect the person who carries it and everyone around them. Specifically, loved ones of the person experiencing such mental anguish. As a child, I didn’t understand that what I was witnessing was trauma. I only knew I had to grow up quickly, learning to navigate an environment marked by instability and emotional unpredictability. Those early experiences taught me resilience and revealed how deeply mental illness can echo across generations. When I enlisted in the U.S. Army as a young adult, I carried those patterns with me. Military culture, stress, and unprocessed family history created a familiar environment, and I found myself slipping into the same coping mechanism I had originally witnessed throughout my childhood. For a period of time, I struggled with alcohol as well. It was a painful realization that I was repeating a cycle I had spent my life trying to understand and prevent. Unlike previous generations, I had access to healthier outlets and the self‑awareness to change course. Running, exercise, writing, and learning became my anchors. They gave me structure, clarity, and a sense of agency. Over time, I rebuilt my life around habits that supported my well‑being. Choosing sobriety was not just a personal decision but also a conscious act of breaking a generational pattern. Today, I am pursuing a dual Master’s degree in English and Information Science. My academic path is shaped by the same experiences that once felt like obstacles. Growing up around mental illness taught me to observe, communicate clearly, ask for help, and build boundaries. As a first‑generation college graduate, I am creating a new legacy as the first in my family to pursue a Master’s degree, aiming to earn two. My education is to advance my career, but more importantly, a way to honor my lineage and the generations before me who did not have the opportunities or support that I do. Mental illness has affected my family in profound ways, but it has also taught me empathy, discipline, and the importance of breaking cycles. As a self‑made student, this scholarship would support my continued education and help me carry forward the lessons of my upbringing: that healing is possible, resilience can be learned, and the impact of mental illness does not have to define the future.

My name is Monica Old Elk-East. I am a female, Native American, and a former U.S. Army veteran. I am drawn to business because of its many innovative and lucrative opportunities. The future for business majors across various industries looks promising. I enrolled in my current business administration program to pursue a business career. This program has ignited a sense of creativity and passion within me. The business administration program has enabled me to reflect on my past business experiences and better understand their outcomes. It fosters the development of essential skills, including analytical thinking, collaboration, communication, decision-making, and leadership. These vital skills are transferable across most industries and are often sought after for successful positions. Numerous reasons drew me to the business administration program, motivating my decision to enroll. I will use the knowledge I have acquired to benefit society by fostering innovation, applying my skills to develop effective strategies, and promoting inclusion. Integrating my knowledge into a successful career will contribute to economic growth and development. My accomplishments will lead to more tremendous success for businesses and advance my career, which will drive further economic progress in society. In my career, I can encourage ethical standards and sustainability to be achieved. I can also foster more diversity and add to the development and improvement of a positive society. As a working professional, I will also serve as a role model of a successful female Native American veteran who has pursued academic advancement and continued striving for improvement and ongoing learning. I can inspire others to complete their education and pursue their highest career goals by being an example and a leader. Working as a college student has impacted me by allowing me to apply what I have learned to real-life situations. These real-world work experiences have helped me build a stronger foundation for my career path. I faced many financial obstacles while pursuing my program, but I knew I would achieve great success if I continued my educational pursuit. Many difficulties arose, yet I overcame career and educational challenges because I remained determined, persistent, and resilient in my studies. I am grateful for where I am and how far I have come. I am also inspired to see my next steps as I continue my education program and further advance myself. This scholarship represents a tremendous opportunity and a highly valued award because it will alleviate financial strain and enable me to pursue my academic program. For this reason and my firm belief in my ability to achieve my goals, I am applying for the Pushing Our Scholars Forward Scholarship. Thank you for this opportunity to allow me to submit my application.

A time I faced adversity was before I resumed my educational journey. This experience occurred when I was a solo minority female OTR truck driver navigating the mountainous terrain of Montana during a snowstorm. There was a shortcut that could save miles if I took a mountain route instead of sticking to the main highway. I often chose this shortcut to save time. Fortunately, I was the first driver to be stopped and had to wait for a woman to clear me. When a woman appeared in a yellow reflective jacket, she warned me about an avalanche expected to occur down the mountain I was on. However, she wasn’t sure when it would happen. Police officers and other personnel were in the area, leaving me unsure about what to do. The woman ran off to speak to the police after our conversation. She soon returned with two options, neither of which was ideal. The options involved either continuing my journey toward the potential avalanche, putting myself in danger, or accepting help to turn my semi around in a narrow space and backtrack several miles to safety. The turnaround was very tight, and I risked jackknifing my truck. As a solo female truck driver, I chose the second option and had the safety woman assist me in slowly making the turn as I headed back to a weigh station. It was intimidating, and I gripped the steering wheel tightly while maneuvering the big rig several miles back, losing mileage, time, and money. The snow was falling harder at that point, and I grew terrified. Once I turned around, I noticed other truck drivers, primarily men, staring at me with judgmental looks. At that moment, I didn’t care what they thought; my life and safety were my top priorities. When I finally reached the weigh station, I called my dispatcher to inform him of what had occurred and my decision to stop for the night. My dispatcher became irate, but that didn’t concern me as I focused solely on my safety and securing the load I was transporting. After speaking with my dispatcher, I went outside to check that my truck wasn’t jackknifed and that no injuries had occurred to the truck and trailer. All the equipment was in good condition, and I realized that turning around and backtracking miles was the right choice. The next day, I heard over the radio that the avalanche had fallen, causing many truck drivers to flip over with their trailers. I’m not sure if anyone lost their life, and I hope everyone made it out safely. I arrived at my destination safely and on time. I overcame this adversity by prioritizing safety and taking the least risky path. Using logic and mindfully caring for the load I was transporting empowered me to confront this challenge. It was a frightening experience that redirected and shaped a new life path. I refocused on returning to school to pursue my college degree. This experience made me believe more in myself and trust my judgment in the face of adversity. A new trajectory was set as I chose higher pursuits in education. I would advise anyone facing similar circumstances always to prioritize their life and safety. Cutting corners with hasty shortcuts, saving money through unsafe measures, and rushing are never worth the value of a person’s life. I’m grateful for this experience as it propelled me to return to my educational goals and empowered me with confidence and strength.

My maternal grandfather was a member of the federally recognized Gros Ventre tribe at Fort Belknap, Montana. He was the youngest of five boys and one girl, and the last to enlist in the Armed Forces. While all his brothers joined the military, he didn’t want to follow in their footsteps, so he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. All of his brothers fought in Vietnam, and he lost one brother during this war. One of his brothers served in the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Coast Guard. After graduating from boarding school on his reservation in Montana, he enlisted before the Vietnam War began. In the U.S. Marines, his role was that of a journalist. He was an excellent writer who could tell a story with vital details. He was intelligent and encouraged continuous learning. He was the first person to give me a book and teach me the significance of words. The first book I owned, which he gave me, was a complete collection of the Brothers Grimm. He also nurtured my love of learning, analyzing, and researching. My maternal grandfather helped raise me while I grew up in his home. My parents didn’t raise me; my maternal grandparents did. I was raised in a strict household that admired the Armed Forces. My grandfather fought in Vietnam and documented events while sharing stories from the battlefield. He eventually retired and developed a deep love for history and literature, which he shared with me. He stayed active throughout his life and embodied the values he gained during service. From a young age, I recognized his deep connection and respect for the U.S. Marine Corps. One Christmas, I bought him a miniature sculpted replica of the iconic planting of the U.S. flag by six Marines during the Battle of Iwo Jima on Mount Suribachi. I had never seen my grandfather shed a tear until he received this gift. He told me it was the best gift he had ever received. His love of country and his belief in respect, justice, and rights for all inspired me to enlist in the U.S. Army. He was a remarkable man who walked up to seven miles daily into his 80s and maintained a healthy diet. He taught me the importance of daily learning, healthy eating, holistic self-care, resilience, and striving to lead a fulfilling life. He also encouraged me to pursue higher education and attend college to earn the highest degree possible and achieve a successful career. My grandparents raised me to be ambitious, authentic, creative, motivated, and caring toward others. Although both have passed away, their values resonate with me. Their beliefs and upbringing have kept my desire for education alive. Despite the many obstacles life has presented and the challenges I faced, what they taught me has motivated me to move forward. My grandfather ignited a fire within me to pursue education, honoring both my grandparents, who rest peacefully, and my family, who believe in my abilities. I dream of fully applying myself and pursuing my Master of Business Administration degree.

My maternal grandmother passed away in 2012. Although most people may not consider their grandparents immediate family members, my maternal grandparents were. Neither of my parents raised me, and I went to live with my grandparents when I was five years old. A tumultuous divorce affected my parents' relationship and shattered our family. As the oldest child, I was placed in my maternal grandparents' home. My grandmother and I were both October babies, sharing a close bond. My grandmother’s nurturing mannerisms raised me and instilled in me the importance of education and finding a lifelong purpose. Although both my grandparents have passed away, they have imparted significant values that continue to resonate with me. Their beliefs and guidance have fueled my desire to pursue an education. I am currently enrolled full-time at Bay Mills Community College. As a former U.S. Army veteran, I will be the first in my family to complete a college degree and pursue higher education. The business field appeals to me because of its many innovative and lucrative opportunities, and the positive outlook for various industries for business majors. My grandmother also shared a strong interest in business, which inspired me. A business degree opens the door to many innovative and lucrative opportunities. As a college student, I have learned about the strong career prospects for business majors. Solid career options and ample opportunities have allowed me to develop various skills through this degree. My knowledge of finance, human resources, and marketing will deepen, and my research skills will improve. I am particularly interested in marketing and human resources, so I will focus on entering the job market in those fields. This degree will provide me a competitive professional advantage, as this career field is essential for promoting financial independence. My grandmother strongly advocated for me to earn my education and become financially independent when she was alive. She believed this would be challenging for me because of my Native American heritage, so she instilled in me a commitment to lifelong learning. My passion for education and self-improvement has been inspired by my grandparents, who passed away. They both served as parental figures in my life. My grandfather taught me resilience, dedication, and commitment. He was a U.S. Marine and journalist who fought in Vietnam and survived Native American boarding schools. His military service and dedication to the United States inspired me to enlist in the Army. As a U.S. Army veteran, one of my career goals is to give back to the military. Earning my business degree will help make these goals achievable. My grandmother strongly supported my education. She taught me the value of self-advancement, the significance of words, the importance of analyzing information, and the worth of creativity. My grandparents' principles inspired my pursuit of education and higher career aspirations. Receiving my education will be more than just a step closer to achieving my career objectives; it will also serve as a tribute to my grandparents and their lasting inspiration.

I’ve chosen my field of interest, business, because it ensures my employability. With a business administration degree, I can pursue various career paths, such as marketing. As a creative individual, I enjoy writing and promoting positive social changes. This field allows me to make a difference through marketing efforts and raise awareness about important issues. In marketing, positive social changes can be fostered, and this area supports business growth through brand awareness and achieving goals. The job outlook for business majors is strong, and this degree opens new opportunities across diverse fields. There are numerous prospects, and I have developed many skills through this program. A Business Administration degree provides a competitive edge in my professional career. It will enable me to implement ethical business standards. After graduation, I can work in various venues and create social impact. I am an enrolled member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) tribe. My father is from Crow Agency, and my mother is from the Gros Ventre tribe, both located in Montana. I was born on the Crow Agency reservation and grew up in Sierra Vista, Arizona. As an Indigenous person, I desire to create an impact by highlighting the importance of Native American representation in the professional sector. As a professional, I want to share an accurate account of my perspective and what I have learned about my people. Obtaining my education, building a solid career, and achieving success can be influential ways to advance Indigenous representation. Without a commitment to accuracy, influence may fall short. It is crucial to present a true depiction of Native American representation and remind others that we are still proudly here, earning our degrees and striving to advance despite life's challenges. My personal reasons stem from my maternal grandparents, who raised me. My father was an alcoholic, and my mother became a single parent. I didn’t grow up with either my father, who returned to the Crow Reservation after he lived in Arizona or my mother, who also did not raise me but remained in Arizona. As a consequence of generational trauma, my grandparents, although they both passed away, taught me valuable lessons. My grandfather retired from the Marine Corps after he fought in Vietnam. He taught me the significance of continuous learning and the pursuit of education. My bibliophile grandmother instilled in me the value of daily reading and self-care. Both my maternal grandparents have been integral to my achievements in completing my educational goals and pursuing professional success while maintaining passion and positivity.

I am an enrolled member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) tribe. My father is from Crow Agency, and my mother hails from the Gros Ventre tribe, both located in Montana. I was born on the Crow Agency reservation and grew up in a military town called Sierra Vista, Arizona, near Fort Huachuca. My mother later became a struggling single parent due to my father's alcoholism. I didn’t grow up with either my father, who returned to the Crow Reservation, or my mother, who also did not raise me. My maternal grandparents raised me and instilled in me the importance of education and a lifelong sense of purpose. Although both have passed away, the values they imparted continue to resonate. Their beliefs and guidance have fueled my desire to pursue education. I am currently enrolled full-time at Bay Mills Community College. As a former U.S. Army veteran, I will be the first in my family to complete a college degree and pursue higher education. The business field appeals to me due to its innovative and lucrative opportunities and the positive outlook for numerous industries for business majors. The impoverished conditions I grew up in made me realize that I am not defined by the poverty and intergenerational trauma my family has faced. I can achieve great success. My aspiration includes pursuing an MBA, which will strengthen my foundation in business principles and enable me to build a more successful career. I am facing financial hardships, and I know the Lotus Scholarship would be a greatly appreciated blessing. This award will help me further my education and bring my dream of earning a degree closer to reality.

I am an enrolled member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) tribe. My father is from Crow Agency, and my mother is from the Gros Ventre tribe, both located in Montana. I was born on the Crow Agency reservation and grew up in a military town called Sierra Vista, Arizona, near Fort Huachuca. My mother later became a struggling single parent due to my father's alcoholism. I didn’t grow up with either my father, who returned to the Crow Reservation, or my mother, who also did not raise me. My maternal grandparents raised me and instilled in me the importance of education and lifelong purpose. Although both have passed away, the values they imparted continue to resonate. Their beliefs and guidance have fueled my desire to pursue education. I am currently enrolled full-time at Bay Mills Community College. As a former U.S. Army veteran, I will be the first in my family to complete a college degree and pursue higher education. The business field appeals to me because of its many innovative and lucrative opportunities, and the outlook for numerous industries for business majors is positive. A business degree opens the door to many innovative and lucrative opportunities. As a college student, I learned about the strong career prospects for business majors. Solid career options and ample opportunities have allowed me to develop various skills through this degree. My knowledge of finance, human resources, and marketing will deepen, and my research skills will improve. I am particularly interested in marketing and human resources, so I will focus on entering the job market in those fields. This degree will provide me with a competitive advantage professionally. My grandfather taught me resilience, dedication, and commitment. He was a U.S. Marine and a journalist who fought in Vietnam and survived Native American boarding schools. His military service and dedication to his beloved country, the United States, inspired me to enlist in the Army. As a U.S. Army veteran, one of my career goals is to give back to the military and Indigenous nations. Earning my business degree will help make these goals achievable. My grandmother strongly supported my education. She taught me the value of continuous learning, the significance of words, the importance of analyzing information, and the worth of creativity. My grandparents' principles inspired my pursuit of education and higher career aspirations. Receiving my education will be more than just a step closer to achieving my career objectives; it will also serve as a tribute to my grandparents and their lasting inspiration. After graduating, I can work in various venues. However, I aspire to pursue my MBA, as it will strengthen my foundation in business principles and enable me to build a more successful career. With my education, I believe a fantastic opportunity will arise at the right time in the business sector. The key is to remain positive and resilient. I am facing financial hardships, and I know the Boyd J. Cameron Memorial Scholarship would be a greatly appreciated blessing. This award will help me further my education and bring my dream of earning a degree closer to reality.