From a young age, I have always believed that learning is something that goes far beyond school walls — it is a way to grow as a person, understand others, and see the world through new eyes. My love of learning has helped me discover who I am and who I want to become, even when life has challenged me in unexpected ways. In high school, my curiosity was shaped on and off the field. Playing soccer all four years and lacrosse for two taught me lessons that no textbook could. I learned how to lead by example, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to support others even when things get tough. Sports opened my eyes to the power of teamwork and taught me that you can learn just as much from a loss as you can from a win. One of the biggest lessons my love of learning taught me came when I tore my patella. At first, the injury felt like a setback that could derail my plans. But instead of giving up, I chose to treat it as a lesson in resilience and adaptability. I learned how to balance my recovery with my demanding sonography classes at St. Catherine University. I stayed ahead on assignments, asked for help when I needed it, and pushed through the pain so I could keep moving forward. It was not easy, but it reminded me that true learning happens when you refuse to give up, even when it would be easier to stop trying. Inside the classroom, my studies in sonography have only deepened my curiosity. I love how detailed and precise the field is and how every image I help capture can bring answers and relief to patients. I know this work will always challenge me to learn new techniques and keep up with advances in technology. That keeps me motivated because I never want to stop growing. Outside the classroom, a TED Talk called How Silence Can Be So Deadly changed how I see the world. It taught me how dangerous it can be to stay quiet when something needs to be said, especially in healthcare. Before, I often kept my thoughts to myself, but now I see how important it is to speak up for people who may not have a voice. That lesson has made me more aware, more compassionate, and more determined to advocate for others in my future career. I try to share my passion for learning every day — whether I am helping classmates prepare for an exam, organizing a study session, or just checking in on a friend who feels overwhelmed. I know that when we share what we know and support each other, everyone grows stronger. Looking ahead, I see my love of learning guiding every step I take. I plan to continue my education, earn advanced certifications, and keep up with new developments in sonography. More importantly, I want to keep learning from my patients, my coworkers, and the world around me. I believe that staying curious and open-minded will help me provide the best care possible and make a difference in every life I touch.

When I tore my patella and could barely walk, I faced a decision that would define who I am: give up or keep going. I chose to keep going. That injury could have put my education and future on hold, but instead, it taught me what resilience truly looks like and showed me how to become a leader through challenges. I am currently a student at St. Catherine University, pursuing my dream of working in the sonography field, focusing on either abdomen-extended or OB/GYN care. Even before my injury, this path was demanding with long clinical hours, tough exams, and constant learning. But when I injured my knee, everything got harder. Everyday tasks, like getting to class or clinicals, felt impossible at times. But instead of letting it stop me, I adapted. I learned to plan my days more carefully, asked for help when I needed it, and stayed disciplined with my physical therapy. Some days I was exhausted and frustrated, but giving up was never an option. I knew my future patients would count on me to show up for them, no matter what I was facing. This experience also reminded me how important it is to have a strong support system and to be that support for others too. Throughout high school, I played soccer all four years and lacrosse for two. Those years taught me the value of teamwork and leading by example. I was never the loudest person on the field, but I was always the one encouraging my teammates when they were tired or frustrated. I knew that sometimes leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about showing up, putting in the effort, and lifting others up when they feel like they cannot go on. In college, I have carried that same mindset into my everyday life. I live on campus and always try to be someone my classmates can count on, whether that is starting study groups before big exams or just inviting someone to get coffee when I notice they are struggling. In my sonography classes, we watched TED Talks that showed me how dangerous silence can be, especially in healthcare. One talk that stayed with me was How Silence Can Be So Deadly. It made me realize how important it is to speak up for others, even when it feels uncomfortable. In the past, I tended to hold back my opinions because I felt it was not my problem, but I know now that silence can hurt the people I care about. Because of that, I have been more intentional about using my voice to make a difference. When I see a classmate falling behind, I check in on them. When my friends feel anxious or burned out, I remind them to take care of themselves and share resources that help. When I worked in sales, I learned how to use silence as a tool to understand people’s needs, but I also learned that sometimes breaking the silence is the bravest thing you can do. Looking back, tearing my patella was one of the hardest things I have faced so far, but I am grateful for it. It forced me to grow, taught me to adapt when life does not go according to plan, and showed me that my biggest strength is my willingness to stand up for myself and others. As I continue my journey in sonography, I know these qualities resilience, compassion, and quiet but steady leadership will help me make a real difference for every patient I meet.

I am a determined and resilient student who has grown through adversity and found strength in my challenges. Being raised by a single mother alongside my two siblings taught me the true meaning of sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance. My mother worked multiple low-paying jobs, doing everything she could to provide for us and to create a better future. Watching her overcome hardships inspired me to develop a strong sense of responsibility, independence, and motivation to succeed not just for myself but also to honor everything she has done for us. Her example taught me never to give up, even when life feels overwhelming. Soccer became my outlet and passion early on in life. It gave me a space to grow, learn teamwork, and build confidence. I was not the fastest player on the field, but I gave every practice and game my full effort because I loved the challenge. Soccer taught me how to handle pressure, how to support my teammates, and how to lead by example. Off the field, I faced other kinds of challenges, including toxic relationships that affected my self-worth and emotional well-being. There were times when I felt broken and unsure of who I was, but over time I found the strength to step away from those situations, heal, and rebuild my confidence. These experiences taught me valuable lessons about setting boundaries, knowing my worth, and choosing to protect my peace. They also deepened my empathy for others who struggle silently. That is why I want to pursue a career in psychology or counseling. I want to help others who are going through difficult times feel seen, heard, and supported. I know what it feels like to carry pain silently and to try to stay strong when everything feels heavy. I want to be a voice of encouragement for people who need someone to believe in them. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial support. It would represent an opportunity to continue building a future rooted in growth, healing, and purpose. I am committed to using my education not just for my own success, but to give back to my community. I plan to mentor young people, advocate for mental health resources, and create safe spaces where people feel comfortable asking for help. I believe that every person deserves a chance to rise above their circumstances, and I want to be part of that journey for others. I am proud of my past because it has shaped me into a person who is compassionate, driven, and unafraid of hard work. I see this scholarship as a stepping stone toward the future I envision—one where I can turn my pain into purpose and use my voice to lift others up.

Playing golf has had a significant impact on my life and has helped shape the person I am today. It has taught me discipline, patience, mental strength, and the importance of staying calm under pressure. Golf is not just a sport to me; it has become a lifestyle and a source of personal growth. Through golf, I have learned how to handle failure, how to stay focused on my goals, and how to push through tough situations with determination and a clear mindset. One of the most important lessons golf has taught me is that progress does not happen overnight. Improving in this sport takes consistent effort, hours of practice, and the ability to learn from mistakes without giving up. That mindset has influenced other parts of my life as well, including school and personal relationships. Golf has also helped me build strong connections with others. Whether through team competitions, local tournaments, or school matches, I have been able to meet people who share the same passion for the game, and many of them have become close friends and mentors. The golf course has been a place where I have grown in confidence, learned to lead by example, and found my voice both as a player and as a young woman in a sport that is still growing in diversity and inclusion. As a female golfer, I have faced challenges like being underestimated or overlooked, but overcoming those moments has only made me stronger and more determined to keep improving. I am proud of how far I have come, and I know there is still so much more ahead. Looking forward, I absolutely plan to continue playing golf in college. I am excited to compete at a higher level and continue to push myself athletically and mentally. College golf will offer new challenges, from tougher competition to balancing academics and practice schedules, but I feel ready for it. I know that being part of a college golf team will give me the opportunity to grow even more, not only as a player but as a teammate and leader. I am eager to contribute to a program that values hard work, integrity, and mutual support. As for my academics, while I am not pursuing a golf-related major specifically, I do plan to stay connected to the sport in any way I can. I am considering studying sports management or psychology, both of which could tie back into golf later in life, whether through coaching, mentoring, or working in the golf industry. I want to keep the game close to me because it has given me so much already, and I believe it will continue to be a major part of my future.

The reason I love golf is that it offers a unique kind of challenge that is different from many other sports. I enjoy activities that don’t rely heavily on physical speed or running, so golf is perfect for me because it focuses more on precision, patience, and mental strategy than on fast movements or constant physical exertion. One of the things I find most fascinating about golf is the creativity involved in aiming. Every shot requires careful thought about the angle, distance, wind, terrain, and obstacles. It’s like solving a puzzle each time I prepare to swing. I love visualizing the path the ball needs to take and adjusting my stance and swing to make that happen. It requires focus, creativity, and a good understanding of physics, and that keeps the game interesting and mentally engaging. Unlike many other sports where success depends mostly on speed or strength, golf challenges me to develop my mind and technique in a way that feels rewarding. Being a female golfer has come with its own set of challenges. Golf is traditionally seen as a male-dominated sport, and sometimes that means I have to work harder to prove myself and earn respect on the course. There have been times when I’ve felt underestimated by other players or even overlooked when competing in tournaments. It can be discouraging at times, especially when people assume that women don’t have the same level of skill or competitiveness. However, I have learned to use those moments as motivation rather than obstacles. I have focused on improving my skills through consistent practice and learning from mentors who support female athletes. Over time, I’ve become more confident in my abilities and more comfortable asserting myself in competitive settings. One of the biggest challenges I have overcome is dealing with the pressure to perform perfectly every time. Golf is a sport of small mistakes and fine margins, so even a slight miscalculation can affect the outcome of a shot. Early on, I struggled with frustration when things didn’t go as planned, but I learned to stay calm and keep a positive mindset. Patience and mental toughness are just as important as physical skills in golf, and overcoming this mental challenge has been one of the most valuable lessons the sport has taught me. Another rewarding part of playing golf is the sense of independence it gives me. When I step onto the course, I am responsible for every decision and every shot. This has helped me grow not only as an athlete but also as a person by teaching me to trust my judgment and stay focused under pressure. The game has also introduced me to a community of supportive players, both male and female, who share my passion and encourage each other’s growth. In conclusion, I enjoy playing golf because it combines creativity, strategy, and skill in a way that suits me perfectly. The challenge of aiming creatively and precisely is something I find exciting and fulfilling. While being a female golfer has meant overcoming doubts and stereotypes, it has made my journey even more rewarding. Golf has taught me perseverance, confidence, and how to remain calm in tough situations. It is more than just a sport for me—it is a way to develop my mind, body, and character. I look forward to continuing to improve and break barriers as a female golfer, enjoying every moment on the course.

It was a really big experience for me and my two siblings. At the time, I didn’t realize how much my mother had sacrificed for us. She wanted a better career not just for herself but for us as well. Thinking back on all those times, as someone who was raised by a single mother, it really motivates me because she was able to do it all on her own with three kids and a low-paying job. Even when she got fired, she didn’t give up and was able to push through the hard times, which was really inspiring. She always made sure we had food on the table and a house to live in. Growing up, I didn’t fully understand the challenges she faced, but she worked long hours and sometimes took on multiple jobs to provide for us. Despite the stress and exhaustion, she always put our needs first. It was only when I became older that I began to appreciate the sacrifices she made daily. She did not just want to survive, she wanted to give us a better life and more opportunities than she had. Watching her work so hard without complaining taught me the value of perseverance and showed me that no matter how difficult life gets, it is important to keep moving forward. Her example has shaped how I face my own challenges and whenever I feel like giving up, I remember her strength and it encourages me to keep going. Being raised by a single mother also taught me independence and responsibility. From a young age, I learned to help out around the house and take care of my siblings. We became a team supporting each other through tough times and my mother’s sacrifices brought us closer together as a family. Her love was always the foundation of our home. Looking back now, I realize how much she gave up for us. She missed out on personal time, social events, and even rest to make sure we were safe and cared for. Her dreams became our dreams and her hope for a better future motivated everything she did. I am grateful for her hard work and dedication because it made me who I am today. Her story is one of resilience, love, and sacrifice. It reminds me that sometimes the greatest strength lies in never giving up no matter what life throws at you. My mother’s journey inspires me every day and I hope to carry forward her spirit in my own life.