The spark that ignited my interest in medicine originated from my curiosity about the inner workings of the human body; however, it gained its full significance once my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. My grandfather’s cancer was first diagnosed using an X-ray scan. As soon as his cancer was detected, my grandfather received the necessary treatments, which helped him defeat the illness and recover from it. Observing the process gave me the understanding of the importance of early diagnoses and the significance of a radiographic examination in detecting cancer at an early stage. Seeing my grandfather go through his own diagnosis and treatment gave me insight into the human aspect of healthcare. In every scan and diagnostic procedure, there is a person behind that is looking for an answer. It was the importance of radiology in the diagnosis and management of diseases that caught my interest. I would like to join in the process of assisting in the detection of disease and the formulation of proper treatment plans for patients. Radiology interests me because it combines technology with patient care. It requires strong attention to detail, responsibility, and focus. Even one small mistake can affect a diagnosis, so accuracy is extremely important. I am motivated to work hard in my education and training so I can develop the skills needed to produce clear and reliable images. I also want to stay updated with new technology as the field continues to grow and improve. Radiology is fascinating because it involves the use of technology in providing patient care services. It needs people who are attentive to details, responsible, and focused since even a slight error might alter the outcome of an examination. I am willing to strive in my studies to gain knowledge that will enable me to create quality images that will be used in diagnosing diseases. In terms of my future career, I hope to add value by working hard and diligently in carrying out my duties while displaying compassion to each of my patients. While radiography may be an invisible service to many people, I know that it plays a vital role in the whole health care process, and my input could aid physicians to make sound decisions about their patients' treatment. The field of radiology does not only depend on my passion for science; it is also an endeavor where I have the opportunity to make a real difference in someone else’s life. This is based on what I have seen with my grandfather who realized the value of early diagnosis. He inspires me to choose this career path. word count 432

I believe I am a “You Got It Girl” because of my resilience, discipline, and faith. When things get hard, I don’t give up I give it to God and keep pushing forward. That mindset has carried me through some of the toughest moments in my life. I would describe myself as hardworking, disciplined, and tough. As the oldest of four siblings, including two younger brothers under the age of four, I take on a lot of responsibility. I help care for them, drive them where they need to go, and step up whenever my family needs me. My coaches also rely on me to show up every day and give my full effort, whether it’s practice or game day. Balancing school, sports, work, and family has taught me how to handle pressure and manage my time wisely. No matter how much is on my plate, I find a way to get it done. That’s what makes me a “You Got It Girl” I don’t fold under pressure, I rise through it. 2. I have been playing soccer since I was four years old, and it has always been my passion. While I’ve also competed in track (hurdles), volleyball, softball, cross country, and basketball, soccer is where my heart truly is. I play as a striker and love the energy, competition, and connection I share with my teammates. Some of my accomplishments include being named MVP, receiving the Lady Cat Heart Award, earning 1st Team All-County, and 1st Team All-District. These achievements reflect the hard work and dedication I’ve put into the sport over the years. What I love most about soccer is the sisterhood. It’s more than just a game it’s about growing together, supporting one another, and building strong relationships on and off the field. However, playing soccer has not always been easy financially. The cost of cleats, travel, and uniforms has been a challenge for my family, but they have always done everything they could to support me. 3. One of the biggest challenges I faced was during my freshman year when I struggled with an eating disorder. It affected both my health and my performance in sports, making it a very difficult time mentally and physically. During the recruiting process, I also experienced a major setback. I flew eight hours to visit a school, believing it could be my future, only to be told by a coach that because of my height (5’0”), I would get “eaten alive” at the next level. That moment hurt deeply, but I refused to let it define me. Instead, I used it as motivation. I came back stronger, both mentally and physically, and proved to myself that my size does not determine my ability. This experience taught me that no matter how small I may seem, I can compete like the biggest athlete on the field. 4. The person I admire most is my mom. She is the strongest and most hardworking person I know. I have seen her go through abuse, financial struggles, and overwhelming responsibility, yet she has never given up. Even when we were left with nothing, she found a way to keep going and provide for us. She always puts her children first and never lets her circumstances define her. What inspires me most is her faith. No matter what she goes through, she turns to God, and somehow, she always finds a way forward. Watching her overcome so much has taught me strength, perseverance, and the importance of staying grounded in faith. She is the reason I am who I am today. 5. I have committed to Texas Lutheran University, where I will be playing soccer this fall. Attending a private university is a huge opportunity, but it also comes with significant financial challenges for my family. We currently live paycheck to paycheck, and the cost of tuition, along with expenses like gear, travel, and training, adds additional stress. This scholarship would help relieve some of that burden, not just for me, but for my family as well. It would allow me to focus more on my education and athletic development without constantly worrying about finances. More importantly, it would help me continue pursuing my goals of becoming a nurse and competing at the next level. 6. What makes me different is my ability to balance everything while staying humble and focused. My daily routine reflects my dedication. I wake up early to complete sprint workouts and soccer drills, go to school, train at the gym, come home to eat and complete my homework, and then work from 3–10 p.m. Despite everything on my schedule, No matter what challenges come my way, I will continue to push forward, stay disciplined, and trust God’s plan for my life.

Growing up, I learned early what it means to persevere through hardship. When I was ten years old, my family went through a life-changing experience that shaped who I am today. My mother, who worked tirelessly to support our family, faced physical abuse despite being the sole provider. She paid all the bills, took care of not only her three children but also three stepchildren, and furnished our home on her own. Yet, after enduring so much, we were suddenly forced out of our home with nothing. That moment could have broken us, but instead, it revealed my mother’s strength. Even after we left, she continued to carry the weight of financial responsibilities, including a mortgage and loans that she still pays to this day. We have often lived paycheck to paycheck, but my mother never stopped working to make sure we had what we needed. Watching her resilience taught me the importance of hard work, determination, and never giving up, even when life feels overwhelming. Because of these experiences, I have developed a strong work ethic and a deep sense of empathy for others who are struggling. I understand what it feels like to face uncertainty and to rely on the strength of others to get through difficult times. This is one of the main reasons I want to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing matters to me because I want to help people feel cared for, heard, and supported during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I want to be the kind of nurse who treats every patient with kindness and respect, no matter their background or situation. More importantly, I want to advocate for my patients to make sure their voices are heard and that they receive the care they deserve. My past has shown me how important it is to have someone who stands up for you when you cannot stand up for yourself. As a nurse, I plan to use my education to not only provide medical care but also to be a source of comfort and strength for my patients. I want to make the world a better place by ensuring that people are treated with dignity and compassion, especially during their hardest moments. Although my family continues to face financial challenges, these experiences have made me stronger and more determined to succeed. I am motivated to pursue my education not only for myself but also for my family and the future patients I will serve. I believe that through nursing, I can turn my experiences into something meaningful and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

The worst time in my soccer career was during my freshman year of high school. It was my first year playing on varsity, and there were many high expectations for me. While people saw me as a strong athlete on the field, behind the scenes I was struggling mentally and physically. My schedule was extremely demanding. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays I had weight training, track practice, soccer practice, and then club soccer afterward. On Tuesdays and Fridays we had high school soccer games, and on weekends I often had tournaments with my club team. My body was constantly exhausted. I was always sore, tired, and in pain, but I kept pushing myself because I felt like I had to meet everyone’s expectations. At the same time, I was battling an eating disorder. I convinced myself that if I could just get under 100 pounds, my life would somehow be perfect. Instead of fueling my body properly as an athlete, I was hurting it. The moment that changed everything was when my mom found me passed out on the restroom floor after I had been throwing up. That moment made me realize that something had to change. My struggles began to affect other parts of my life as well. I went from being a straight-A student to barely keeping my grades high enough to stay eligible to play soccer. I missed a lot of school because of my mental and physical health, and I also started attending therapy. On the field, I felt overlooked and had very little confidence. I constantly felt like I had to prove myself. However, those struggles eventually became a turning point in my life. Through therapy, support from my family, and my faith in God, I began to rebuild myself. I learned that taking care of my body is just as important as training it. I also learned that my worth is not defined by a number on a scale or by the expectations of others. Now, as a senior, I can proudly say that the best time in my soccer career is this season. After everything I have been through, I have been able to play with confidence, strength, and gratitude. This year I am currently the top goal scorer in my district, our team made the playoffs, and I was honored to receive the MVP award at our recent banquet. I give all the glory to God for helping me overcome the hardest time in my life and allowing me to grow stronger through it. Those experiences have shaped me into a more resilient and determined person. They taught me perseverance, discipline, and the importance of mental and physical health. I now push myself every day with gratitude, knowing that I have been blessed with the opportunity to play the sport I love. I am committed to attend Texas Lutheran University, where I plan to continue playing soccer while pursuing my education. Receiving this scholarship would help me achieve my goal of attending college and continuing my athletic career. More importantly, I hope to use my experiences to help other athletes who may be struggling the way I once did. I want to be someone who encourages others to take care of themselves and reminds them that they are more than their struggles. My journey has taught me that even the hardest seasons can lead to the greatest growth.