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Naija Sasser

1,235

Bold Points

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Finalist

Bio

I strive to live a long and healthy lifestyle by helping others also live long and healthy lives. Assisting in the healthcare field is exactly what I want to do with my life, and I'm sure that even when it feels like the cons outweigh the pros i'll stay strong and achieve my dreams.

Education

Seagoville High School

High School
2022 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
    • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
    • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Physical Therapist

      Sports

      Track & Field

      Varsity
      2021 – 20232 years

      Awards

      • 2nd place 400 meter dash District meet
      • 1st place 4x4 relay District meet

      Arts

      • Adobe Certified Professional in Graphic Design and Illustration

        Graphic Art
        Solar Eclipse Design, Soccor Logo, House Shields, Sugar Skulls Design , Homecoming Spirit Week Poster
        2022 – 2024

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        blood drive — donating blood
        2024 – 2024
      • Volunteering

        Local Food Bank — Handing out/ and packing food boxes
        2023 – 2024

      Future Interests

      Advocacy

      Volunteering

      Philanthropy

      Spider-Man Showdown Scholarship
      In the Spider-verse, there have been several actors who have put on the iconic red and blue suit to bring this character to life on the big screen. Out of them all, Andrew Garfield's portrayal stands out as a fan favorite, and my favorite for many reasons, that are not just his looks. Andrew Garfield brought a unique charm and sharpness to his interpretation of Spiderman that spoke to me. His version of Peter Parker was not only funny but also more talkative compared to the other actors, showcasing a quick sense of humor that popularized him. This added depth and complexity to the character, making him feel more relatable and human. Moreover his physicality in portraying Spiderman was very impressive, along with his physique. He exuded strength both physically inaction and emotionally when facing challenges . I believe this made his performance way more compelling as he embodied both sides of Peter Parker's identity. He was the nerdy high school student by day, and became the crime -fighting superhero by night. One characteristic that I think really set Andrew apart as Spiderman was his ability to spread hope. He showed how holding onto hope can inspire others around you even in their darkest moments. Spiderman is a hero who is always there for those in need despite facing personal struggles himself, Garfield captured the essence of what it means to be a true hero. Someone who gives people something positive they can believe in during difficult times. Overall Andrew Garfield's take on Spiderman left a lasting mark on fans, and most of all me.
      Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
      In this rapidly growing society, the mental health of the youth is very important. I believe that before anything we should take our mental health into account. Mental health, specifically youth mental health is a topic very close to my heart because I've experienced these challenges first hand along with the negative stigma. I've faced moments of darkness and uncertainty, and although I have an amazing support system like my family and my friends, I still felt alone in my battles. It was only through the struggles that I found the courage to face that vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. By diminishing bad stigma and encouraging talking about mental health, it could create a supportive culture that promotes seeking help. I want everyone struggling with mental health to know that they are worthy of support, compassion, and care. I want people to be able to unapologetically prioritize their mental health. My writing isn't just an essay. It's a reflection of my own journey, struggles, and conquering. I am very ambitious. I am extremely passionate, and I am incredibly boundless. Through my passion and unique qualities I hope to inspire more and more people to feed off my positive energy because it only takes one tiny pebble to start a ripple.
      Larry Darnell Green Scholarship
      Since I was little I've always felt the urge to help out where I can. It's the way my grandma raised my mother, and it's the way my mother raised me. One of the first ways I learned to help out around the house was by preparing meals when I felt my mom needed a break. Since I was often with my grandma, I would always just follow her around and watch what she would do. All I had were my grandparents and my mom. I really enjoyed spending time with them both but I can't say I was never upset. I always felt this underlying hatred whenever someone would talk about both of their parents, but now I know that I was just jealous. I could never understand why my dad didn't want to be a father. I grew up hyper independent and started working very hard as a child because I already knew my situation. Working this hard has got me to where I am now. I'm a known leader, graphic artist and now a rising senior in the top 10% of my class. I'm not sure if I would've worked this hard if I was more privileged, but I'm just happy the family I did have did their best to raise me right humbly. I want to show my family what I've worked so hard for in school. I’ve sacrificed what some people call useless and what others call the best years of your life. I've sacrificed making friends and even keeping friends, but I can't say that I haven't made friends along the way. I’ve sacrificed my summers to study and advance, and sacrificed making high school memories just to work even harder to keep myself on my toes. I'm very aware of my financial situation and I will do anything and everything in my power to achieve the dream I've worked so hard for. It's my aspiration to do the very thing I've been taught my whole life. I not only want to prove to my family what I am capable of, but I want to spark creative, enthusiastic, and optimistic energy within the people that help. As a future first-generation college student I believe my greatest achievement is making it this far and not giving up on myself, this experience is teaching me perseverance and mental strength, and I've never been more proud of myself than I am right now. Giving back to the community that treated me so well is one of my top priorities, because I will never forget where I came from. Serving and showing empathy to people in need is my “ it factor” and I am not afraid to step up nor look “weak” as long as someone is getting the positive treatment that they deserve. I plan on giving back to the community through funding, food drives, free meals and shelters. Majoring in kinesiology and becoming a physical therapist is one of my long term goals, and I'll keep pushing myself and striving for excellence. I am very ambitious. I am extremely passionate, and I am incredibly boundless. My passion is to help out where I can and inspire others to do the same. Because if it only takes a small pebble to start a ripple in a puddle, imagine what a boulder can do to an ocean.
      West Family Scholarship
      “ I need three strong boys to come and help me carry these chairs”. I’m sure all women have heard this phrase, or similar, when they were in school. This would always upset me, especially hearing it over and over in elementary school. I never knew why teachers would act like boys were so much stronger, but to be fair, society had already put us against each other. We would usually compete in teams when we were younger, and boys versus girls was a nonnegotiable for our little brains. It would always make us more determined to win when it was time to compete, but why? Why did we crave making the other gender feel inferior? It's because we already had double standards set upon us when we started school, for example, “ girl pushups”. I’ll admit that I enjoyed girl pushups far more than regular ones, but it's ridiculous knowing it was already stigmatized that girls were weaker than boys. Gender disparity in Texas is far more complex than people realize, and it affects people even when they are unaware of why. I'm motivated to confront this issue because I believe in the inherent equality of all individuals, regardless of gender. I am inspired by the numerous stories of women who have overcome adversity and made significant contributions to society. Mary Kenner is a famous black inventor, but she wouldn't have gotten the recognition she deserved without having to overcome gender disparity. It's very disheartening to think about the fact that every woman will go through misogynistic comments and or unfair treatment at least once in their lives. I want to help change that. I hope to attend Midwestern State University in the fall of 2025, which has a strong commitment to gender equality. I plan to use my degree in physical therapy, a female dominated field, and use my knowledge to advocate for gender equality in my future. As a known leader at my school and a graphic artist, I'm continuously showcasing my abilities, already challenging the status quo and expressing my dreams and visions to help the people around me. As a black female, and future first- generation college student, I'm going to push myself to the limit to not only prove to my family what I can do, but also to be an inspiration to all the little girls around the world. I will always advocate for women’s rights even if it feels like the world is against me. I am very ambitious. I am extremely passionate, and I am incredibly boundless. Through my passion and unique qualities I hope to inspire more and more people to feed off my positive energy. Because, if it only takes one pebble to start a ripple in a puddle, I can only imagine what a boulder can do to an ocean.
      Lotus Scholarship
      Since I was little I've always felt the urge to help out where I can, it's the way my mother raised me. One of the first ways I learned to help out around the house was by preparing meals when I felt my mom needed a break. I grew up hyper independent and started working very hard as a child because I already knew my situation growing up in a single- parent household. Working this hard has got me to where I am now. I'm a known leader, graphic artist and now a rising senior in the top 10% of my class. I want to show my family what I've worked so hard for in school. I’ve sacrificed what some people call useless and what others call the best years of your life. I've sacrificed making friends and even keeping friends. I’ve sacrificed my summers to study and advance, and sacrificed making high school memories just to work even harder to keep myself on my toes. I'm very aware of my financial situation and I will do anything and everything in my power to achieve the dream I've worked so hard for. As a future first-generation college student I believe my greatest achievement is making it this far and not giving up on myself, this experience is teaching me perseverance and mental strength, and I've never been more proud of myself than I am right now. Becoming a physical therapist is one of my long term goals, and I'll keep pushing myself and striving for excellence. I am very ambitious, extremely passionate, and incredibly boundless. My passion is to help out where I can and inspire others to do the same because it only takes a small pebble to start a ripple.
      WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship
      Since I was little I've always felt the urge to help out where I can. It's the way my grandma raised my mother, and it's the way my mother raised me. One of the first ways I learned to help out around the house was by preparing meals when I felt my mom needed a break. Since I was often with my grandma, I would always just follow her around and watch what she would do. All I had were my grandparents and my mom. I really enjoyed spending time with them both but I can't say I was never upset. I always felt this underlying hatred whenever someone would talk about both of their parents, but now I know that I was just jealous. I could never understand why my dad didn't want to be a father. I grew up hyper independent and started working very hard as a child because I already knew my situation. Working this hard has got me to where I am now. I'm a known leader, graphic artist and now a rising senior in the top 10% of my class. I'm not sure if I would've worked this hard if I was more privileged, but I'm just happy the family I did have did their best to raise me right humbly. I want to show my family what I've worked so hard for in school. I’ve sacrificed what some people call useless and what others call the best years of your life. I've sacrificed making friends and even keeping friends, but I can't say that I haven't made friends along the way. I’ve sacrificed my summers to study and advance, and sacrificed making high school memories just to work even harder to keep myself on my toes. I'm very aware of my financial situation and I will do anything and everything in my power to achieve the dream I've worked so hard for. It's my aspiration to do the very thing I've been taught my whole life. I not only want to prove to my family what I am capable of, but I want to spark creative, enthusiastic, and optimistic energy within the people that help. As a future first-generation college student I believe my greatest achievement is making it this far and not giving up on myself, this experience is teaching me perseverance and mental strength, and I've never been more proud of myself than I am right now. Majoring in kinesiology and becoming a physical therapist is one of my long term goals, and I'll keep pushing myself and striving for excellence. I am very ambitious. I am extremely passionate, and I am incredibly boundless. My passion is to help out where I can and inspire others to do the same. Because if it only takes a small pebble to start a ripple in a puddle, imagine what a boulder can do to an ocean.
      Lindsey Vonn ‘GREAT Starts With GRIT’ Scholarship
      Since I was little I've always felt the urge to help out where I can. It's the way my grandma raised my mother, and it's the way my mother raised me. One of the first ways I learned to help out around the house was by preparing meals when I felt my mom needed a break. Since I was often with my grandma, I would always just follow her around and watch what she would do. All I had were my grandparents and my mom. I really enjoyed spending time with them both but I can't say I was never upset. I always felt this underlying hatred whenever someone would talk about both of their parents, but now I know that I was just jealous. I could never understand why my dad didn't want to be a father. I grew up hyper independent and started working very hard as a child because I already knew my situation. Working this hard has got me to where I am now. I'm a known leader, graphic artist and now a rising senior in the top 10% of my class. I'm not sure if I would've worked this hard if I was more privileged, but I'm just happy the family I did have did their best to raise me right humbly. I'm going to be a first- generation college student, which compels me to push myself to the limit. I want to show my family what I've worked so hard for in school. I’ve sacrificed what some people call useless and what others call the best years of your life. I've sacrificed making friends and even keeping friends, but I can't say that I haven't made friends along the way. I’ve sacrificed my summers to study and advance, and sacrificed making high school memories just to work even harder to keep myself on my toes. I'm very aware of my financial situation and I will do anything and everything in my power to achieve the dream I've worked so hard for. It's my aspiration to do the very thing I've been taught my whole life. I not only want to prove to my family what I am capable of, but I want to spark creative, enthusiastic, and optimistic energy within the people that help. Majoring in kinesiology and becoming a physical therapist is one of my long term goals, and I'll keep pushing myself and striving for excellence. I am very ambitious. I am extremely passionate, and I am incredibly boundless. My passion is to help out where I can and inspire others to do the same. Because if it only takes a small pebble to start a ripple in a puddle, imagine what a boulder can do to an ocean.
      Dimon A. Williams Memorial Scholarship
      Since I was little I've always felt the urge to help out where I can. It's the way my grandma raised my mother, and it's the way my mother raised me. One of the first ways I learned to help out around the house was by preparing meals when I felt my mom needed a break. Since I was often with my grandma, I would always just follow her around and watch what she would do. All I had were my grandparents and my mom. I really enjoyed spending time with them both but I can't say I was never upset. I always felt this underlying hatred whenever someone would talk about both of their parents, but now I know that I was just jealous. I could never understand why my dad didn't want to be a father. I grew up hyper independent and started working very hard as a child because I already knew my situation. Working this hard has got me to where I am now. I'm a known leader, graphic artist and now a rising senior in the top 10% of my class. I'm not sure if I would've worked this hard if I was more privileged, but I'm just happy the family I did have did their best to raise me right humbly. I'm going to be a first- generation college student, which compels me to push myself to the limit. I want to show my family what I've worked so hard for in school. I’ve sacrificed what some people call useless and what others call the best years of your life. I've sacrificed making friends and even keeping friends, but I can't say that I haven't made friends along the way. I’ve sacrificed my summers to study and advance, and sacrificed making high school memories just to work even harder to keep myself on my toes. I'm very aware of my financial situation and I will do anything and everything in my power to achieve the dream I've worked so hard for. It's my aspiration to do the very thing I've been taught my whole life. I not only want to prove to my family what I am capable of, but I want to spark creative, enthusiastic, and optimistic energy within the people that help. Majoring in kinesiology and becoming a physical therapist is one of my long term goals, and I'll keep pushing myself and striving for excellence. I am very ambitious. I am extremely passionate, and I am incredibly boundless. My passion is to help out where I can and inspire others to do the same. Because if it only takes a small pebble to start a ripple in a puddle, imagine what a boulder can do to an ocean.
      Henry Bynum, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
      As a past star runner on the track team, I can tell you that running was the easiest part. The hardest part that no one tells you about is being mentally strong. Having mental strength is what will get you through every practice, and it's what sets you apart from your teammates as a leader. Everyone on the team looked up to me in some kind of way whether it was my positive attitude, my drive, or my actual skill on the track. The ugly truth I never wanted to face was that being a runner was never my passion, but a sacrifice I thought I had to make. See, I thought it would be better to focus on performing my best in something I'm already good at, rather than trying to achieve a dream I'm not good at, at all . It was finally time to think divergently and I was ready for that change. Telling my coach was the easy part, but what would my teammates think? It took a mental toll on me because I knew how much the team looked up to me, but how much longer could I pretend that I loved track? I could only hope they wouldn't be too mad, but I knew that no matter how mad they were they would put themselves in my shoes and understand. I was face to face with adversity, and having to deal with it was the most difficult part of my junior year. I knew that quitting would feel like being shunned, but once it was over I felt so light. It was like jumping on the bed as a little girl, or coming home to a clean room. I'd see my teammates and they would crack a few jokes here and there about me getting back on the team, or replacing the track manager, but I was just so relieved that they could take everything in and have a laugh. It was refreshing, and it made me remember how great and upstanding my teammates really are. As a known leader, graphic artist and rising senior on campus I'm continuously showcasing my abilities, already challenging the status quo and expressing my dreams and visions to help the people around me. Facing adversity has taught me that you're going to disappoint people, you're going to make mistakes, and you're going to upset people. But overcoming adversity has taught me to be true to myself, and to rise above it all. I will never forget where I came from and how my community has treated me, so to give back to my community in the future I will use my platform to advocate for mental health programs, homeless shelters, and food drives. I want to be able to inspire not only adults but also children to help out where they can in their communities. I am extremely passionate, and I am incredibly boundless. Through my passion and unique qualities I hope to inspire more and more people to feed off my positive energy. Because, if it only takes one pebble to start a ripple in a puddle, I can only imagine what a boulder can do to an ocean.
      Simon Strong Scholarship
      As a past star runner on the track team, I can tell you that running was the easiest part. The hardest part that no one tells you about is being mentally strong. Having mental strength is what will get you through every practice, and it's what sets you apart from your teammates as a leader. Everyone on the team looked up to me in some kind of way whether it was my positive attitude, my drive, or my actual skill on the track. The ugly truth I never wanted to face was that being a runner was never my passion, but a sacrifice I thought I had to make. See, I thought it would be better to focus on performing my best in something I'm already good at, rather than trying to achieve a dream I'm not good at, at all . It was finally time to think divergently and I was ready for that change. Telling my coach was the easy part, but what would my teammates think? It took a mental toll on me because I knew how much the team looked up to me, but how much longer could I pretend that I loved track? I could only hope they wouldn't be too mad, but I knew that no matter how mad they were they would put themselves in my shoes and understand. I was face to face with adversity, and having to deal with it was the most difficult part of my junior year. I knew that quitting would feel like being shunned, but once it was over I felt so light. It was like jumping on the bed as a little girl, or coming home to a clean room. I'd see my teammates and they would crack a few jokes here and there about me getting back on the team, or replacing the track manager, but I was just so relieved that they could take everything in and have a laugh. It was refreshing, and it made me remember how great and upstanding my teammates really are. As a known leader, graphic artist and rising senior on campus I'm continuously showcasing my abilities, already challenging the status quo and expressing my dreams and visions to help the people around me. Facing adversity has taught me that you're going to disappoint people, you're going to make mistakes, and you're going to upset people. But overcoming adversity has taught me to be true to myself, and to rise above it all. I'd tell people in the same circumstances as me to put yourself first, because you won't be able to help anyone if you aren't helping yourself.
      Aaryn Railyn King Foundation Scholarship
      Bad car wrecks, the military, and personal accidents can dreadfully injure not only people all around the world, but even the people closest to you. There is no telling what experience life will give you, but there are ways to counter them. In my early years as a student- athlete, struggling with injuries became the norm, not only for me, but also for my teammates. Trips to the trainer were regular occurrences for all of us, and rehabilitation sessions became more than just exercises; they were long and tedious journeys back to sporting excellence. These experiences ignited my passion for helping others regain their strength, mobility, and their lifestyle. This has specifically inspired, and prompted me to want to pursue physical therapy education. I plan to use my education in physical therapy to help my community. By providing accessible high-quality care to those in need I hope to make a positive impact on people's lives, making them happier, healthier and stronger members of the community. I aim to work in rural or underserved areas, where access to physical therapy may be limited. I want to help improve the overall health and well being of the community and empower individuals of all ages to take control of their own lives. In addition to providing physical therapy services , I also plan to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning by continuously updating my skills and receiving feedback. I will engage in ongoing professional development and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to stay current with the latest research and best practices. I will volunteer at local clinics and schools to teach about the importance of physical therapy and healthy lifestyles. Not only will I continue professional development, I will also seek out more education courses and mentorship programs to ensure that I remain a competent and effective physical therapist. My mom has always had a hard time saying no to people when they need anything, and I've noticed that her hospitality carried a big influence on the way I deal with situations. I have witnessed the transformative impact of physical therapy on individuals who have suffered from various physical and mental conditions and I am eager to contribute to this field. I am inspired by the stories of people who have overcome those limitations and I am positive that I want to be a part of that process. I believe that physical therapy is a very rewarding career that allows me to use my knowledge to help people recover.
      B.A.B.Y. L.O.V.E. Scholarship
      Bad car wrecks, the military, and personal accidents can dreadfully injure not only people all around the world, but even the people closest to you. There is no telling what experience life will give you, but there are ways to counter them. In my early years as a student- athlete, struggling with injuries became the norm, not only for me, but also for my teammates. Trips to the trainer were regular occurrences for all of us, and rehabilitation sessions became more than just exercises; they were long and tedious journeys back to sporting excellence. These experiences ignited my passion for helping others regain their strength, mobility, and their lifestyle. This has specifically inspired, and prompted me to want to pursue physical therapy education. I plan to use my education in physical therapy to help my community. By providing accessible high-quality care to those in need I hope to make a positive impact on people's lives, making them happier, healthier and stronger members of the community. I aim to work in rural or underserved areas, where access to physical therapy may be limited. I want to help improve the overall health and well being of the community and empower individuals of all ages to take control of their own lives. In addition to providing physical therapy services , I also plan to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning by continuously updating my skills and receiving feedback. I will engage in ongoing professional development and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to stay current with the latest research and best practices. I will volunteer at local clinics and schools to teach about the importance of physical therapy and healthy lifestyles. Not only will I continue professional development, I will also seek out more education courses and mentorship programs to ensure that I remain a competent and effective physical therapist. My mom has always had a hard time saying no to people when they need anything, and I've noticed that her hospitality carried a big influence on the way I deal with situations. I have witnessed the transformative impact of physical therapy on individuals who have suffered from various physical and mental conditions and I am eager to contribute to this field. I am inspired by the stories of people who have overcome those limitations and I am positive that I want to be a part of that process. I believe that physical therapy is a very rewarding career that allows me to use my knowledge to help people recover.
      Rosa A. Wilson Scholarship
      “ I need three strong boys to come and help me carry these chairs”. I’m sure all women have heard this phrase, or similar, when they were in school. This would always upset me, especially hearing it over and over in elementary school. I never knew why teachers would act like boys were so much stronger, but to be fair, society had already put us against each other. We would usually compete in teams when we were younger, and boys versus girls was a nonnegotiable for our little brains. It would always make us more determined to win when it was time to compete, but why? Why did we crave making the other gender feel inferior? It's because we already had double standards set upon us when we started school, for example, “ girl pushups”. I’lll admit that I enjoyed girl pushups far more than regular ones, but it's ridiculous knowing it was already stigmatized that girls were weaker than boys. Gender disparity in Texas is far more complex than people realize, and it affects people even when they are unaware of why. I'm motivated to confront this issue because I believe in the inherent equality of all individuals, regardless of gender. I am inspired by the numerous stories of women who have overcome adversity and made significant contributions to society. Mary Kenner is a famous black inventor,but she wouldn't have gotten the recognition she deserved without having to overcome gender disparity. It's very disheartening to think about the fact that every woman will go through misogynistic comments and or unfair treatment at least once in their lives. I want to help change that. I hope to attend Midwestern State University in the fall of 2025, which has a strong commitment to gender equality. I plan to use my degree in physical therapy, a female dominated field, and use my knowledge to advocate for gender equality in my future. As a known leader at my school and a graphic artist, I'm continuously showcasing my abilities, already challenging the status quo and expressing my dreams and visions to help the people around me. As a black female, and future first- generation college student, I'm going to push myself to the limit to not only prove to my family what I can do, but also to be an inspiration to all the little girls around the world. I will always advocate for women’s rights even if it feels like the world is against me. I am very ambitious. I am extremely passionate, and I am incredibly boundless. Through my passion and unique qualities I hope to inspire more and more people to feed off my positive energy. Because, if it only takes one pebble to start a ripple in a puddle, I can only imagine what a boulder can do to an ocean.
      Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship
      Since I was little I've always felt the urge to help out where I can. It's the way my grandma raised my mother, and it's the way my mother raised me. One of the first ways I learned to help out around the house was by preparing meals when I felt my mom needed a break. Since I was often with my grandma, I caught on to how she would make and plate meals for me and my brother. I would constantly come home to my mom, knowing and exhibiting more and more culinary skills. As I got older and more in touch with cooking shows, I would try making recipes of my own. I would let my mom taste them, and she would pretend to like the food even if it looked indigestible. So, whenever I'm feeling disheartened or down about my food I just picture my mom. I see her huge grin as she lifts the spoon to her mouth, and I see her relax as savors the taste of the food on her palate. I'm always delighted to see my mothers face warm up when she tastes my cooking. As a black female, and future first- generation college student, I'm going to push myself to the limit to not only prove to my family what I can do, but also to be an inspiration to all the little black girls and people of color. As a leader and a graphic artist at my school I'm continuously using and showcasing my abilities, already challenging the status quo and expressing my dreams and visions to help the people around me. By translating my motivation into authentic projects, I feel engulfed with accomplishment. Giving back to the community that treated me so well is one of my top priorities, because I will never forget where I came from. Serving and showing empathy to people in need is my “ it factor” and I am not afraid to step up nor look “weak” as long as someone is getting the positive treatment that they deserve. I plan on giving back to the community through funding, food drives, free meals and shelter. I am very ambitious. I am extremely passionate, and I am incredibly boundless. Through my passion and unique qualities I hope to inspire more and more people to feed off my positive energy. Because, if it only takes one pebble to start a ripple in a puddle, I can only imagine what a boulder can do to an ocean.
      Kayla Nicole Monk Memorial Scholarship
      Since I was little I've always felt the urge to help out where I can. It's the way my grandma raised my mother, and it's the way my mother raised me. One of the first ways I learned to help out around the house was by preparing meals when I felt my mom needed a break. Since I was often with my grandma, I caught on to how she would make and plate meals for me and my brother. I would constantly come home to my mom, knowing and exhibiting more and more culinary skills. As I got older and more in touch with cooking shows, I would try making recipes of my own. I would let my mom taste them, and she would pretend to like the food even if it looked indigestible. So, whenever I'm feeling disheartened or down about my food I just picture my mom. I see her huge grin as she lifts the spoon to her mouth, and I see her relax as savors the taste of the food on her palate. I'm always delighted to see my mothers face warm up when she tastes my cooking. As a black female, and future first- generation college student, I'm going to push myself to the limit to not only prove to my family what I can do, but also to be an inspiration to all the little black girls and people of color. As a leader and a graphic artist at my school I'm continuously using and showcasing my abilities, already challenging the status quo and expressing my dreams and visions to help the people around me. By translating my motivation into authentic projects, I feel engulfed with accomplishment. Giving back to the community that treated me so well is one of my top priorities, because I will never forget where I came from. Serving and showing empathy to people in need is my “ it factor” and I am not afraid to step up nor look “weak” as long as someone is getting the positive treatment that they deserve. I plan on giving back to the community through funding, food drives, free meals and shelter. I am very ambitious. I am extremely passionate, and I am incredibly boundless. Through my passion and unique qualities I hope to inspire more and more people to feed off my positive energy. Because, if it only takes one pebble to start a ripple in a puddle, I can only imagine what a boulder can do to an ocean.
      Texas Women Empowerment Scholarship
      “ I need three strong boys to come and help me carry these chairs”. I’m sure all women have heard this phrase, or similar, when they were in school. This would always upset me, especially hearing it over and over in elementary school. I never knew why teachers would act like boys were so much stronger, but to be fair, society had already put us against each other. We would usually compete in teams when we were younger, and boys versus girls was a nonnegotiable for our little brains. It would always make us more determined to win when it was time to compete, but why? Why did we crave making the other gender feel inferior? It's because we already had double standards set upon us when we started school, for example, “ girl pushups”. I’ll admit that I enjoyed girl pushups far more than regular ones, but it's ridiculous knowing it was already stigmatized that girls were weaker than boys. Gender disparity in Texas is far more complex than people realize, and it affects people even when they are unaware of why. I'm motivated to confront this issue because I believe in the inherent equality of all individuals, regardless of gender. I am inspired by the numerous stories of women who have overcome adversity and made significant contributions to society. Mary Kenner is a famous black inventor, but she wouldn't have gotten the recognition she deserved without having to overcome gender disparity. It's very disheartening to think about the fact that every woman will go through misogynistic comments and or unfair treatment at least once in their lives. I want to help change that. I hope to attend Midwestern State University in the fall of 2025, which has a strong commitment to gender equality. I plan to use my degree in physical therapy, a female dominated field, and use my knowledge to advocate for gender equality in my future. As a known leader at my school and a graphic artist, I'm continuously showcasing my abilities, already challenging the status quo and expressing my dreams and visions to help the people around me. As a black female, and future first- generation college student, I'm going to push myself to the limit to not only prove to my family what I can do, but also to be an inspiration to all the little girls around the world. I will always advocate for women’s rights even if it feels like the world is against me. I am very ambitious. I am extremely passionate, and I am incredibly boundless. Through my passion and unique qualities I hope to inspire more and more people to feed off my positive energy. Because, if it only takes one pebble to start a ripple in a puddle, I can only imagine what a boulder can do to an ocean.
      Martha Brooks Culinary Arts Scholarship
      Since I was little I've always felt the urge to help out where I can. It's the way my grandma raised my mother, and it's the way my mother raised me. One of the first ways I learned to help out around the house was by preparing meals when I felt my mom needed a break. Since I was often with my grandma, I caught on to how she would make and plate meals for me and my brother. I would constantly come home to my mom, knowing and exhibiting more and more culinary skills. As I got older and more in touch with cooking shows, I would try making recipes of my own. I would let my mom taste them, and she would pretend to like the food even if it looked indigestible. So, whenever I'm feeling disheartened or down about my food I just picture my mom. I see her huge grin as she lifts the spoon to her mouth, and I see her relax as savors the taste of the food on her palate. I'm always delighted to see my mothers face warm up when she tastes my cooking. As a black female, and future first- generation college student, I'm going to push myself to the limit to not only prove to my family what I can do, but also to be an inspiration to all the little black girls and people of color. As a leader and a graphic artist at my school I'm continuously using and showcasing my abilities, already challenging the status quo and expressing my dreams and visions to help the people around me. By translating my motivation into authentic projects, I feel engulfed with accomplishment. Giving back to the community that treated me so well is one of my top priorities, because I will never forget where I came from. Serving and showing empathy to people in need is my “ it factor” and I am not afraid to step up nor look “weak” as long as someone is getting the positive treatment that they deserve. I plan on giving back to the community through funding, food drives, free meals and shelter. I am very ambitious. I am extremely passionate, and I am incredibly boundless. Through my passion and unique qualities I hope to inspire more and more people to feed off my positive energy. Because, if it only takes one pebble to start a ripple in a puddle, I can only imagine what a boulder can do to an ocean.
      Mike Peters Memorial Scholarship
      Bad car wrecks, the military, and personal accidents can dreadfully injure not only people all around the world, but even the people closest to you. There is no telling what experience life will give you, but there are ways to counter them. In my early years as a student- athlete, struggling with injuries became the norm, not only for me, but also for my teammates. Trips to the trainer were regular occurrences for all of us, and rehabilitation sessions became more than just exercises; they were long and tedious journeys back to sporting excellence. These experiences ignited my passion for helping others regain their strength, mobility, and their lifestyle. This has specifically inspired, and prompted me to want to pursue physical therapy education. I plan to use my education in physical therapy to help my community. By providing accessible high-quality care to those in need I hope to make a positive impact on people's lives, making them happier, healthier and stronger members of the community. I aim to work in rural or underserved areas, where access to physical therapy may be limited. I want to help improve the overall health and well being of the community and empower individuals of all ages to take control of their own lives. In addition to providing physical therapy services , I also plan to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning by continuously updating my skills and receiving feedback. I will engage in ongoing professional development and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to stay current with the latest research and best practices. I will volunteer at local clinics and schools to teach about the importance of physical therapy and healthy lifestyles. Not only will I continue professional development, I will also seek out more education courses and mentorship programs to ensure that I remain a competent and effective physical therapist. My mom has always had a hard time saying no to people when they need anything, and I've noticed that her hospitality carried a big influence on the way I deal with situations. I have witnessed the transformative impact of physical therapy on individuals who have suffered from various physical and mental conditions and I am eager to contribute to this field. I am inspired by the stories of people who have overcome those limitations and I am positive that I want to be a part of that process. I believe that physical therapy is a very rewarding career that allows me to use my knowledge to help people recover.