Passion has always been the force behind everything I do. Whether I’m leading my high school DECA chapter, captaining my rugby and track teams, or supporting my family as the oldest of five children, I approach every opportunity with commitment and a deep sense of responsibility. I’ve never pursued success for recognition alone, I believe that effort, integrity, and leadership are obligations when you’re given the chance to grow and bring others along with you. Rugby taught me what inclusive community building really looks like. Playing for the Madtown Furies, a club high school rugby team that struggled with low numbers and constantly changing coaches, I learned that belonging isn’t just about being the best, it’s about showing up and creating space for everyone. My freshman and sophomore years, we forfeited nearly every game because we didn’t have enough players. Instead of accepting defeat, I made it my mission to recruit girls to the sport I loved so much. I reached out to girls from different schools and backgrounds, many who’d never considered rugby, and invited them to be part of our little community. I emphasized that they didn’t need to be the fastest or most athletic, and that they just needed to try hard and respect the game and each other. Watching those teammates grow from nervous newbies to confident players taught me that inclusive leadership means meeting people where they are and helping them discover strengths they didn’t know they had. I created an environment where mistakes were learning opportunities, where we celebrated effort as much as wins, and where every voice mattered in team decisions. That philosophy transformed our team culture. We went from forfeiting games to a thriving community with mud, tears, laughter, and lots of respect. Rugby’s unique culture of intense inclusivity shaped how I lead everywhere else. After matches, we’d share meals with opposing teams, turning competitors into friends. I’ve hugged opposing team's captains instead of just shaking hands, and I’ve knelt beside injured opponents with genuine concern for players I’d been battling minutes before. These experiences taught me that real connection requires respect beyond competition, something I’ve carried into every leadership role. As DECA chapter president, I applied those same principles. What started as my mom encouraging me to join more clubs became a defining part of my high school experience, where I discovered how strategy, creativity, and human behavior intersect. I focused on creating an environment where members felt genuinely supported, encouraging people to just come try it out, ensuring everyone had someone pushing them towards success. Being the oldest of five children has also reinforced these same leadership lessons daily. Responsibility has never been optional, it’s part of who I am. I’ve learned to manage priorities, support others through their struggles, and step up when something needs to be done. Those skills translate directly into how I build community, how I always try to look at the bigger picture and advocate for people around me. Through all of my high school experiences, I learned that sustainable leadership means knowing when to ask for help and and the importance of relying on community. Building up an inclusive community to help others be the best they can be. I've learned that real success means everyone succeeding, not just individual success. Rugby showed me that the most powerful communities form when we root for each other’s success, not just our own. Whether recruiting people to join the sport I love, leading DECA members to succeed, or just supporting my siblings, I’ve dedicated myself to bringing people together and helping everyone feel like they belong.​​​​​​​​​​

Passion has always been the force behind everything I do. Whether I am leading the Monona Grove DECA chapter, competing in athletics, or supporting my family as the oldest of five children, I try to approach every opportunity with commitment, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility. I have never pursued success for just recognition, but more because I believe effort, integrity, and leadership are obligations when you are given the chance to grow. In DECA, I discovered how creativity, strategy, and human behavior interact. What began as encouragement from my mom to join more clubs quickly became a defining part of my high school experience. As chapter president, I learned how to inspire others, think critically, and look beyond individual success to look at the bigger picture. I take pride in creating environments where people feel motivated and supported, because leadership to me is less about control, and more about bringing people together to do something amazing. That same mindset extends to athletics too. As a varsity athlete and team captain in track and rugby, I learned discipline, resilience, and how to lead under pressure. I also learned the importance of balance. Early in high school, I pushed myself relentlessly, chasing perfection and overwhelming my schedule. Through that experience, I grew into someone who still holds those same high standards but understands that real success comes from sustainable effort, adaptability, and knowing when to ask for help, and also how to help others. Being the oldest daughter in a big family has reinforced those lessons daily. Responsibility has never been optional for me, it is a part of who I am. I’ve learned how to manage my priorities, support others, and how to step up when something needs to be done. Those skills translate directly into how I approach leadership, collaboration, and pursuing my long term goals for myself. I’ve found that constantly supporting the people around me is one of many ways I can keep people around me safe. I’m always looking at the bigger picture, trying to advocate for the people around me, taking pride in standing up for what is right. Financial support would allow me to continue pursuing my education with the same intensity and focus that has helped define my high school career. I am deeply motivated to make the most of every opportunity I am given, and I do not take investment in my education lightly. With multiple siblings and limited resources to go around, financial assistance is not just helpful, but is necessary to ensure that my passion and potential are not limited by my circumstances. I think I am deserving of financial support because I have consistently turned passion into action. I lead, I commit, and I grow from challenges rather than avoiding them. I take responsibility for my goals and for the people around me. I can promise to continuously work relentlessly, lead with empathy, and contribute meaningfully with whatever opportunities I am given.

The Heart Rate Monitor Challenge called "Pulse Check” Each Islander wears a fitness tracker that displays their real-time heart rate on a large screen visible to everyone. The challenge unfolds in three rounds designed to test attraction, jealousy, and ultimate compatibility. Round 1 would be The Lap Dance Lineup: All Islanders of one gender sit blindfolded in chairs while the others take turns performing a 60-second dance for each person. The dancer’s goal is to raise the seated Islander’s heart rate as high as possible through flirting, dancing, whispering, or light touching (keeping it PG-13). After everyone has danced for everyone, the top three heart rate spikes are revealed. Those dancers earn immunity from the bottom placement and choose who advances to Round 2. Round 2 is called "The Whisper War": The six Islanders who raised heart rates the most pair up based on mutual spikes. They face their biggest romantic threats: exes, love interests, or new bombshells enter and get 90 seconds alone with one person from each couple. The catch? The partner watches their significant other’s heart rate on the big screen from across the villa. If the heart rate increases by more than 15 beats per minute, the couple loses points. The temptation might involve intimate conversation, physical closeness, or bringing up unresolved feelings. Watching your partner’s heart race for someone else creates instant drama. Round 3 is The Connection Test: The three surviving couples participate in a rapid-fire compatibility quiz while maintaining eye contact. Questions range from “What’s their biggest turn-on?” to “What scares them most about this relationship?” But here’s the twist: they answer about each other simultaneously by holding up cards. Matching answers keep their combined heart rate score, but wrong answers drop points. The pressure of performing under scrutiny while proving you actually know your partner creates genuine tension. The Twist: Throughout all rounds, a secret “Heart Thief” has been chosen by producers. This person’s goal is to raise as many heart rates as possible across all Islanders. If they succeed in spiking at least five different people’s heart rates significantly, they win the power to steal someone’s partner for a date, regardless of the challenge outcome. Prizes: Winning couple gets a private suite for the night with a romantic dinner, complete immunity from the next dumping, and the power to send one couple on a date with people of their choosing (setting up potential chaos). The Heart Thief, if successful, creates immediate relationship turbulence. Why It Works: This challenge combines physical attraction, emotional vulnerability, and strategic gameplay. The heart rate monitors provide undeniable proof of chemistry, making it impossible for Islanders to hide their true feelings. It forces conversations about trust, creates natural jealousy, and gives viewers scientific “proof” of who’s genuinely attracted to whom. The visual element of watching heart rates spike in real-time would be television gold, especially when someone’s body betrays what their mouth is saying

Passion has always been the force behind everything I do. Whether I am leading the Monona Grove DECA chapter, competing in athletics, or supporting my family as the oldest of five children, I try to approach every opportunity with commitment, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility. I have never pursued success for just recognition, but more because I believe effort, integrity, and leadership are obligations when you are given the chance to grow. My interest in business and marketing developed through DECA, where I discovered how creativity, strategy, and human behavior interact. What began as encouragement from my mom quickly became a defining part of my high school experience. As chapter president, I learned how to inspire others, think critically, and look beyond individual success to look at the bigger picture. I take pride in creating environments where people feel motivated and supported, because leadership to me is less about control, and more about bringing people together to do something amazing. That same mindset extends to athletics too. As a varsity athlete and team captain in track and rugby, I learned discipline, resilience, and how to lead under pressure. I also learned the importance of balance. Early in high school, I pushed myself relentlessly, chasing perfection and overwhelming my schedule. Through that experience, I grew into someone who still holds those same high standards but understands that real success comes from sustainable effort, adaptability, and knowing when to ask for help. Being the oldest daughter in a big family has reinforced those lessons daily. Responsibility has never been optional for me, it is a part of who I am. I’ve learned how to manage my priorities, support others, and how to step up when something needs to be done. Those skills translate directly into how I approach leadership, collaboration, and pursuing my long term goals for myself. Financial support would allow me to continue pursuing my education with the same intensity and focus that has helped define my high school career. I am deeply motivated to make the most of every opportunity I am given, and I do not take investment in my education lightly. With multiple siblings and limited resources to go around, financial assistance is not just helpful, but is necessary to ensure that my passion and potential are not limited by my circumstances. I think I am deserving of financial support because I have consistently turned passion into action. I lead, I commit, and I grow from challenges rather than avoiding them. I take responsibility for my goals and for the people around me. I can promise to continuously work relentlessly, lead with empathy, and contribute meaningfully with whatever opportunities I am given.

Passion has always been the force behind everything I do. Whether I am leading my Monona Grove high school DECA chapter, competing in athletics, or supporting my family as the oldest of five children, I try to approach every opportunity with commitment, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility. I have never pursued success for just recognition, but more because I believe effort, integrity, and leadership are obligations when you are given the chance to grow. In DECA, I discovered how creativity, strategy, and human behavior interact. What began as encouragement from my mom to join more clubs quickly became a defining part of my high school experience. As chapter president, I learned how to inspire others, think critically, and look beyond individual success to look at the bigger picture. I take pride in creating environments where people feel motivated and supported, because leadership to me is less about control, and more about bringing people together to do something amazing. That same mindset extends to athletics too. As a varsity athlete and team captain in track and rugby, I learned discipline, resilience, and how to lead under pressure. I also learned the importance of balance. Early in high school, I pushed myself relentlessly, chasing perfection and overwhelming my schedule. Through that experience, I grew into someone who still holds those same high standards but understands that real success comes from sustainable effort, adaptability, and knowing when to ask for help, and also how to help others. Being the oldest daughter in a big family has reinforced those lessons daily. Responsibility has never been optional for me, it is a part of who I am. I’ve learned how to manage my priorities, support others, and how to step up when something needs to be done. Those skills translate directly into how I approach leadership, collaboration, and pursuing my long term goals for myself. I’ve found that constantly supporting the people around me is one of many ways I can keep people around me safe. I’m always looking at the bigger picture, trying to advocate for the people around me, taking pride in standing up for what is right. Financial support would allow me to continue pursuing my education with the same intensity and focus that has helped define my high school career. I am deeply motivated to make the most of every opportunity I am given, and I do not take investment in my education lightly. With multiple siblings and limited resources to go around, financial assistance is not just helpful, but is necessary to ensure that my passion and potential are not limited by my circumstances. I think I am deserving of financial support because I have consistently turned passion into action. I lead, I commit, and I grow from challenges rather than avoiding them. I take responsibility for my goals and for the people around me. I can promise to continuously work relentlessly, lead with empathy, advocate/stand up for others, and contribute meaningfully with all opportunities I am given.

Passion has always been the force behind everything I do. Whether I am leading the Monona Grove DECA chapter, competing in athletics, or supporting my family as the oldest of five children, I try to approach every opportunity with commitment, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility. I have never pursued success for just recognition, but more because I believe effort, integrity, and leadership are obligations when you are given the chance to grow. My interest in business and marketing developed through DECA, where I discovered how creativity, strategy, and human behavior interact. What began as encouragement from my mom quickly became a defining part of my high school experience. As chapter president, I learned how to inspire others, think critically, and look beyond individual success to look at the bigger picture. I take pride in creating environments where people feel motivated and supported, because leadership to me is less about control, and more about bringing people together to do something amazing. That same mindset extends to athletics too. As a varsity athlete and team captain in track and rugby, I learned discipline, resilience, and how to lead under pressure. I also learned the importance of balance. Early in high school, I pushed myself relentlessly, chasing perfection and overwhelming my schedule. Through that experience, I grew into someone who still holds those same high standards but understands that real success comes from sustainable effort, adaptability, and knowing when to ask for help. Being the oldest daughter in a big family has reinforced those lessons daily. Responsibility has never been optional for me, it is a part of who I am. I’ve learned how to manage my priorities, support others, and how to step up when something needs to be done. Those skills translate directly into how I approach leadership, collaboration, and pursuing my long term goals for myself. Financial support would allow me to continue pursuing my education with the same intensity and focus that has helped define my high school career. I am deeply motivated to make the most of every opportunity I am given, and I do not take investment in my education lightly. With multiple siblings and limited resources to go around, financial assistance is not just helpful, but is necessary to ensure that my passion and potential are not limited by my circumstances. I think I am deserving of financial support because I have consistently turned passion into action. I lead, I commit, and I grow from challenges rather than avoiding them. I take responsibility for my goals and for the people around me. I can promise to continuously work relentlessly, lead with empathy, and contribute meaningfully with whatever opportunities I am given.

Rugby isn’t just a sport I play, it is a part of who I am and where I come from. I was born into rugby. There’s pictures of me holding rugby balls in my lap before I could walk, and my parents literally met playing rugby in college. I grew up going to my dad’s WRC games, and vaguely remember watching him win MVP in the championship game in Colorado when I was 7 years old. At the time, I had no idea the effect the sport would eventually have on me. The first time I stepped onto the field was summer going into 7th grade, wearing two flags on my hips, surrounded by loud middle school boys. I was nervous, but excited to finally take part in the game I’d been watching my whole life. Summer flag rugby was just the beginning, and soon I was starting my first year of tackle rugby as a freshman. Beyond just the camaraderie of a standard rugby team, the community of my high school team, the Madtown Furies, has played a bigger role in who I am today than I ever thought possible. My freshman and sophomore year, we forfeited almost every game. We never had enough players and were constantly picking up subs from other teams. While it was often difficult, that also helped me gain perspective on one thing I love about rugby- everyone’s on a different team, but we’re all just rooting for the sport itself. Everyone wants the best for each other. The community in rugby is like no other. You don’t have to be the most athletic, the strongest, or the coolest. You just have to show up, give everything you have, and respect the game and the people around you. I’ve recruited so many people to share this passion with me and met people I never would have met otherwise- girls from different schools, families and backgrounds. We’ve cried together, laughed together, gotten muddy together, and pushed each other to be better, both on and off the field. Rugby taught me that leadership isn’t about having everything figured out- it’s about showing up anyway, rallying your teammates, and refusing to let those obstacles define you. As team captain, I’ve learned not just how to lead and motivate people, but the importance of creating community. Those lessons have carried over into every other part of my life, like leading my DECA chapter, relationships with my siblings, and balancing academics, and athletics. Rugby has also taught me resilience in ways no other sport could. Getting tackled hard, getting back up, and laughing about it later isn’t just toughness, it’s about perspective. I’ve given hugs to opposing captains instead of handshakes. I’ve knelt in silence when a player on the other team got hurt, feeling genuine concern for someone I’d been against minutes before. After games, we’ll eat lunch with our opponents, building connections that go beyond the game. Rugby has taught me how to compete fiercely and respect deeply, all at once. Beyond my own development, rugby has brought my family closer. Watching my dad lead over a hundred kids in the youth program alongside his dad and brother, sharing the same passion they instilled in me. To me, rugby isn’t just a sport, it's a community I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Even though my high school career is ending, I am going to continue to play in college, and I know the community will never leave me. Rugby is a part of my family, and my family is a part of rugby.

Rugby isn’t just a sport I play, it is a part of who I am and where I come from. I was born into rugby. There’s pictures of me holding rugby balls in my lap before I could walk, and my parents literally met playing rugby in college. I grew up going to my dad’s WRC games, and vaguely remember watching him win MVP in the championship game in Colorado when I was 7 years old. At the time, I had no idea the effect the sport would eventually have on me. The first time I stepped onto the field was summer going into 7th grade, wearing two flags on my hips, surrounded by loud middle school boys. I was nervous, but excited to finally take part in the game I’d been watching my whole life. Summer flag rugby was just the beginning, and soon I was starting my first year of tackle rugby as a freshman. Beyond just the camaraderie of a standard rugby team, the community of my high school team, the Madtown Furies, has played a bigger role in who I am today than I ever thought possible. My freshman and sophomore year, we forfeited almost every game. We never had enough players and were constantly picking up subs from other teams. While it was often difficult, that also helped me gain perspective on one thing I love about rugby- everyone’s on a different team, but we’re all just rooting for the sport itself. Everyone wants the best for each other. The community in rugby is like no other. You don’t have to be the most athletic, the strongest, or the coolest. You just have to show up, give everything you have, and respect the game and the people around you. I’ve recruited so many people to share this passion with me and met people I never would have met otherwise- girls from different schools, families and backgrounds. We’ve cried together, laughed together, gotten muddy together, and pushed each other to be better, both on and off the field. Rugby taught me that leadership isn’t about having everything figured out- it’s about showing up anyway, rallying your teammates, and refusing to let those obstacles define you. As team captain, I’ve learned not just how to lead and motivate people, but the importance of creating community. Those lessons have carried over into every other part of my life, like leading my DECA chapter, relationships with my siblings, and balancing academics, and athletics. Rugby has also taught me resilience in ways no other sport could. Getting tackled hard, getting back up, and laughing about it later isn’t just toughness, it’s about perspective. I’ve given hugs to opposing captains instead of handshakes. I’ve knelt in silence when a player on the other team got hurt, feeling genuine concern for someone I’d been against minutes before. After games, we’ll eat lunch with our opponents, building connections that go beyond the game. Rugby has taught me how to compete fiercely and respect deeply, all at once. Beyond my own development, rugby has brought my family closer. Watching my dad lead over a hundred kids in the youth program alongside his dad and brother, sharing the same passion they instilled in me. To me, rugby isn’t just a sport, it's a community I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Even though my high school career is ending, I am going to continue to play in college, and I know the community will never leave me. Rugby is a part of my family, and my family is a part of rugby.

When I think about who I admire most, the answer has always been clear: my mom. She was a teacher, and watching her dedicate herself to education planted something deep inside me, a belief that learning isn’t just about grades or achievements, but about becoming someone who can think critically, adapt quickly, and lead with confidence. She was also passionate about DECA during highschool, and that enthusiasm has shaped how I approach both academics and extracurriculars. Her love for learning became my love for learning, and her drive to constantly improve became the standard I hold myself to. My mom taught me that education is a way to grow, and that it’s not just career preparation. She showed me that being curious, asking questions, and challenging myself intellectually are what make life rich and meaningful. That mindset has fueled my commitment to academics and pushed me to seek out opportunities that stretch me beyond my comfort zone. I don’t pursue further education because I’m supposed to, I do it because I’ve seen exactly how it can change people. My mom was able to impact classrooms full of students, and I want to do the same in whatever field I choose. That same drive led me to forensics. I joined the Monona Grove High School forensics club partly because of my mom’s influence- DECA and forensics share that same fast-thinking, high-pressure energy, but I stayed because I discovered something I genuinely loved. Competing in impromptu speaking taught me how to think on my feet, organize my thoughts under pressure, and deliver ideas with clarity, confidence and conviction. There’s something really cool and fun about being handed a topic with just minutes to prepare and knowing you know everything you need to know with just a bit of confidence. Forensics has been one of the most defining experiences of my high school career. I’ve qualified for state two years in a row, and last year, I won gold in impromptu. But beyond the medals, what forensics gave me was a voice. It taught me that leadership isn’t just about having the right answers, it’s about communicating effectively, reading the room, and adapting in real time. Those skills translate directly into how I lead my DECA chapter, captain my sports teams, and navigate responsibility at home as the oldest of five kids. Impromptu speaking forces you to be sharp, strategic, and composed, even when you don’t feel ready. That’s exactly what my mom modeled for me my entire life. She taught me how to show up, do the work, and never let uncertainty stop me from moving forward. She taught me that confidence isn’t about never doubting yourself, it’s about trusting that you’ve prepared enough to handle whatever comes your way. That lesson has carried me through every speech round, every DECA competition, and every moment when I’ve had to step up and lead. My mom inspired me to pursue further education because she showed me that learning never stops, and forensics has taught me that I thrive when I’m challenged, when I’m forced to think quickly and communicate clearly, and when I’m given the chance to prove that preparation and passion can carry you farther than natural talent alone. I admire my mom because she believed in the power of education long before I understood what that even meant. And I love forensics because it gave me a space to practice the skills she too values most, like critical thinking, confidence, and the courage to speak up. Both have shaped who I am, and both will continue to shape who I’m becoming.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

When I tell people I’m the oldest of five kids, I usually get a look. Sometimes it’s sympathy, maybe a wince, or a knowing smile. If they know me well, they often say, “That makes sense.” And it does. My relationships with my parents, siblings and family has played a huge part in who I am today. Constantly prioritizing each of my siblings, not picking favorites, keeping good relationships with my parents, all of that has helped me become who I am today. How I navigate my relationships with my siblings have shaped everything about me. It impacts how I lead, how I think, and how I carry pressure. From a young age, I never doubted who I was. I was raised confident and capable, always expected to set the example. I was the kid who didn't need validation or praise from anyone; I knew my worth. I craved excellence- not just for myself, but for everyone around me. I could write pages about how my parents’ attention stretched thinner with each kid, or about the countless hours of babysitting I did after my youngest sibling was born when I was 13 years old. But what matters more is how that responsibility has shaped who I am today. Someone who finds themselves most satisfied by supporting other people, and who always tries to see the bigger picture. This past Mother’s Day, all my mom wanted was a clean house- no gifts or big plans. Of course, I still got her a present, but I also took the lead on getting the house cleaned. I gave each of my siblings tasks that I knew they could handle and took on the harder jobs myself, knowing that arguing over chores would only cause stress for my mom. Over the years, I’ve gotten pretty good at reading people and figuring out what will work best for everyone. That way of thinking has helped me become a stronger leader, someone who earns trust by understanding others and someone who always strives to do what’s right. That instinct to lead shows up everywhere- on the track or rugby field, where I’ve served as a team captain, or in DECA, where I’ve taken on a role as club president, and also in my daily life, where I constantly ask myself, “What needs to be done, and how can I help?” I hold myself to high standards, and I’m constantly motivated by pressure. I take pride in doing what’s right, even when no one’s watching. Always trying to fix everyone else's breaks, patching the holes and mistakes of forgotten Christmas gifts, and messes left in the kitchen. No fault goes unnoticed, and I can't afford a single mistake. For a long time, I struggled with the fact that not everyone thinks like that. Not everyone felt guilty about their screen time when they were eleven, or the urge to clean the whole house every time their parents went out of town. I thought that not a single second could be wasted that could be spent doing something productive. As I've gotten older, though, I've realized how many minutes are in a day, and that I do have a couple extra to take a break. I still carry responsibility- I always will- but I’ve realized that part of growing up is trusting others to carry their share. I can’t patch every tear or clean every mess. Sometimes, I have to let my siblings fix their own cracks. I keep my standards high and take advantage of every opportunity, but I also know my limits. If I feel myself about to snap, I let up a bit of pressure. And that too is part of being a leader. Knowing when to carry the weight and when to set it down. Being the oldest daughter has shaped me in ways I’m proud of. It’s taught me how to lead with empathy, stay grounded under pressure, and hold onto positivity even under the weight of it all. But most importantly, it’s taught me that strength isn’t about being unbreakable- it’s about knowing when to rest, and rising stronger every time you do, because even the oldest daughter needs a break sometimes.