From a young age, I have always loved reading. Growing up with a vivid imagination, books became the fuel that set my creativity on fire. I would play pretend based on the worlds I read about, from mermaids to spies to superheroes. The possibilities were endless, and through reading, my imagination could travel anywhere. There was a period during school and after graduation when I did not read as much. But then I discovered audiobooks. I had a job where I could listen to books while I worked, and I consumed hundreds of them, no exaggeration. This reignited my love for stories, and I found that my ability to learn and think critically continued to grow with every book I absorbed. The vast world of knowledge available through reading amazed me, and I developed a particular interest in biographies and historical fiction. These genres have shaped the way I view the world. They allow me to engage with complex topics and controversies without being directly involved. For example, I recently learned about the harsh realities of life in North Korea through reading. The details are devastating, and it has made me wonder what I can do to help a situation that is often overlooked in mainstream media. Books have the power to bring light to stories that need to be heard. Reading has also contributed to my personal growth by expanding my vocabulary and understanding of language. In 2023, while serving as a missionary in El Salvador, I had to learn Spanish. One of the best tools I used was reading books I already knew well, but in Spanish instead of English. This practice strengthened my language skills and deepened my appreciation for the power of books as learning tools. My passion for reading ties directly to my goal of becoming a teacher. I want to inspire others, especially young students, to discover the joy and power of books. I even share my love of reading with a friend who has recently started listening to audiobooks. It is exciting to discuss stories we both enjoy and watch the shows or movies inspired by them. Books are more than just stories; they are windows into different lives, times, and ideas. Through them, I hope to encourage students to grow intellectually and spiritually, to develop critical thinking, and to nurture their own imaginations. Barbara’s dedication as a librarian, fostering a love of reading in young readers, deeply resonates with me. I share her passion for books and understand the profound impact they can have on a person’s life. This scholarship would help me pursue my education and equip me to inspire others through teaching, encouraging a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Faith shapes how I lead and relate to others. For me, leadership is not about giving orders but walking alongside people, being a good role model, and spending time with them. My faith teaches me to serve patiently and encourage others through life’s challenges, trusting God to work in their lives. Whether in my church community or as a missionary in El Salvador, I have learned that true leadership grows from relationship and presence. One way I live out this leadership is at Teen Central, a Christian teen center where I volunteer and work part-time. Every week, I meet with a young man named Jesse to read and study the Bible. He reads chapters on his own, and we discuss what he has read. We ask questions and talk about how to apply God’s word. I also check on how Jesse is doing in school, family, and faith. When he struggles or has a hard day, he reaches out to me, and I try to listen and encourage him. Mentoring Jesse has shown me how faith shapes character and decisions. Leadership is not having all the answers, but being present and supportive. My faith gives me patience and compassion to walk with someone at their own pace. Before going to El Salvador, I led my young adult group at church. This involved choosing study topics, finding teachers, planning activities, and encouraging participation. Leading meant taking charge of hangouts and making sure everyone felt included. Often, I led group games to get people involved. These games helped create a welcoming space where new people felt part of the group. Without someone stepping up to lead, this fellowship wouldn’t have happened. This showed me leadership is about creating connection and belonging, guided by faith and service. My year as a missionary in El Salvador in 2023 also shaped my leadership through faith. Teaching youth art, music, and English in a new country was challenging. I had to rely on God’s guidance daily. One young man I met, Dany, has since moved to the U.S. Transitioning to a new culture and language is hard. I call Dany regularly to check in, encourage him to read his Bible, and support his faith. He has started attending church here, even though the services are in English, which he doesn’t fully understand. I believe this is a great step for him to grow spiritually. Our conversations show him he is not alone, and faith is a steady anchor. These experiences shape how I see leadership and my future. I want to be a teacher and mentor who invests in relationships, encourages growth, and models faith in action. I want students and young people to feel supported, learning both academics and how to live with purpose and trust in God. Faith motivates me to lead with humility and service. It gives me strength in hard times and reminds me to listen and walk patiently with those I mentor. This scholarship will help me continue my education and prepare to be the leader and teacher God is calling me to be.

Education has been a big part of my life from the beginning. Growing up as a preacher’s kid, I accepted Christ when I was ten and was raised with a strong foundation in faith and service. But my journey has not just been about following tradition. It has been about learning to trust God, even when the path is uncertain. In 2023, I took a big step when I left my job as an engineering technician to serve on a mission trip in El Salvador. That experience changed me. I taught youth art, music, and English while learning a new language and adjusting to a very different culture. It was often uncomfortable and lonely, but I saw how faith and education together can open doors and change lives. I had to rely on God more than ever, and He provided for every need. That trip helped me realize that teaching is where I am called to serve. Since then, I have been working toward a degree in education at Lancaster Bible College. I want to be a teacher who not only teaches knowledge but also encourages students in their faith and personal growth. I currently work part-time at a Christian teen center where I build relationships and share the Bible with young people. I am always checking in on the students, mentoring them, and helping guide their walk with Christ. One young man I meet with regularly reads the Bible with me, and we talk through how to live out our faith in daily life. Mentoring young men is a passion of mine. At my church, I keep a younger member accountable in his spiritual journey, helping him grow in his faith and make wise choices. I am also still in contact with some of the guys I met in El Salvador, encouraging them in their relationships and walk with Christ from afar. These mentoring relationships are important to me because I know how much it helps to have someone walk alongside you and offer guidance and support. For me, education is not just about passing tests or getting a job. It is about empowering students to see their potential and giving them the tools to succeed in life. It is about helping young people feel valued and supported, so they can chase their dreams and grow in their faith. I want to be the kind of teacher who makes a positive difference in a student’s life. Receiving this scholarship would help me focus on my studies and continue serving others without the stress of financial burdens. It would give me the freedom to build the skills I need to be the best teacher I can be. It would also bring me closer to the goal God has for me, helping students grow academically and spiritually, whether here or overseas. Charlene K. Howard’s work as an educator and mentor inspires me. Like her, I want to open doors for others and help young people thrive. Education has the power to change lives, and I want to use it to make a real impact. My journey has taken me from a stable job to an uncertain but exciting calling. I have learned that faith and education go hand in hand, and that trusting God means stepping out even when it is hard. I am ready to keep growing and to make a difference through my career in teaching. This scholarship would help me take that next step.

Faith has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the church as the child of a pastor, I was surrounded by biblical teaching and Christian fellowship. I accepted Christ at the age of ten, and though I had a solid foundation in the faith, my journey was never just about tradition. Over the years, I have come to see faith not simply as a belief system, but as a way of life. It requires trust, obedience, and a willingness to follow God even when the path is unclear. One of the most defining moments in my spiritual journey occurred in 2023 during a mission trip to El Salvador. Until that point, I had mostly followed God's leading within familiar settings. I was working full-time as an engineering technician, a career that provided stability and financial security. Despite being successful in my job, I began to feel an increasing sense of dissatisfaction. I prayed for direction and sensed that God was calling me to something different, something greater. But when that calling became clear and I felt God telling me to leave my job and go overseas, I resisted. I told God no. I had no desire to leave my hometown, let alone move to a foreign country. Yet God was persistent. He began to confirm His calling through sermons, conversations, books, and moments in prayer. Ironically, one of the people who helped change my heart was the very person I had once told I would never leave Lancaster. Even though my parents were hesitant and I had no clear roadmap ahead, I eventually obeyed. I left my job and moved to El Salvador in January 2023. During my time there, I taught youth art, music, and English. I was immersed in a new language and culture. It was lonely and uncomfortable at times, but I came to experience God’s presence in ways I never had before. I was stretched beyond my natural abilities and forced to trust God for protection, provision, and purpose. I learned that faith is not about comfort. It is about obedience. Whether it was navigating transportation in a city I did not understand or building relationships despite the language barrier, God continually provided exactly what I needed. I saw firsthand that when we step out in obedience, He steps in with guidance, strength, and grace. This experience reshaped my calling. I realized that God was leading me to serve in a different way through education. Although I had earned a degree in Metal Fabrication and Welding from Thaddeus Stevens College in 2019 and had worked successfully in the field for three years, my heart began to shift. Teaching, particularly in a Christian setting, became the new direction. I returned from El Salvador with a renewed purpose and enrolled at Lancaster Bible College to pursue a degree in education. As a returning student, I bring with me not only professional experience but also a deep commitment to ministry. I currently work as a program director at a Christian teen center, where I engage youth in Bible study, games, and conversation. I see firsthand the challenges young people face and the importance of having godly mentors who care. My passion for youth ministry and missions continues to shape my aspirations. Whether God calls me to serve in the classroom locally or overseas again, I want to be ready. Teaching is not just a career path for me. It is a calling. I want to be a teacher who not only imparts knowledge but also reflects the love of Christ in everything I do. I want my students to see that faith is not confined to Sunday mornings but is a guiding light for every aspect of life. My goal is to integrate my faith into the classroom in such a way that it becomes a source of encouragement and inspiration to my students. This is why attending a Christian institution like Lancaster Bible College is so important to me. In the past, my faith and academic pursuits were often separate. I had to find ways to live out my beliefs in a secular work environment, which was sometimes isolating. At LBC, I now have the opportunity to learn in a community that values both spiritual and academic growth. I want to be equipped not only with teaching strategies but also with a theological foundation that enables me to disciple others through education. Returning to school as an older student comes with its own set of challenges. Balancing academics, work, and spiritual growth requires intentionality. I tend to focus intensely on one task at a time, and currently, school is my priority. However, I am learning the importance of consistency in personal Bible study and am seeking mentorship to remain accountable in my spiritual walk. I know that a successful teacher is not only intellectually prepared but also spiritually grounded. That is the kind of educator I want to become. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous support in my journey. It would alleviate financial pressures and allow me to focus more fully on developing the skills and character needed for the calling God has placed on my life. It would also enable me to continue serving youth through my part-time work while preparing for the classroom. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education. It is an investment in future students, future mission work, and the Kingdom impact I hope to make through teaching. Looking ahead, I have specific goals for both my spiritual and intellectual development. Spiritually, I aim to deepen my relationship with God through daily devotion, church involvement, and community with other believers. Academically, I want to strengthen my study habits, develop my critical thinking skills, and connect with mentors who can guide me. These disciplines will prepare me not only for the classroom but also for any ministry context God may call me to. I do not know all the details of where God is leading me, but I am committed to following Him with open hands. Whether I end up teaching in a small-town Christian school or in a classroom on the mission field, I know that God is using this season of preparation for a greater purpose. I want to be faithful in the small things so that I can be entrusted with greater responsibility down the road. In conclusion, my journey has been one of obedience, growth, and trust in God’s leading. From my early years in the church to my time in El Salvador and now in the classroom, I have seen God’s hand guiding each step. I am grateful for the opportunities He has provided and excited for what lies ahead. As Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds me, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." I am trusting Him to continue leading me, and I am ready to follow.

Faith has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the church as the child of a pastor, I was surrounded by biblical teaching and Christian fellowship. I accepted Christ at the age of ten, and though I had a solid foundation in the faith, my journey was never just about tradition. Over the years, I have come to see faith not simply as a belief system, but as a way of life. It requires trust, obedience, and a willingness to follow God even when the path is unclear. One of the most defining moments in my spiritual journey occurred in 2023 during a mission trip to El Salvador. Until that point, I had mostly followed God's leading within familiar settings. I was working full-time as an engineering technician, a career that provided stability and financial security. Despite being successful in my job, I began to feel an increasing sense of dissatisfaction. I prayed for direction and sensed that God was calling me to something different, something greater. But when that calling became clear and I felt God telling me to leave my job and go overseas, I resisted. I told God no. I had no desire to leave my hometown, let alone move to a foreign country. Yet God was persistent. He began to confirm His calling through sermons, conversations, books, and moments in prayer. Ironically, one of the people who helped change my heart was the very person I had once told I would never leave Lancaster. Even though my parents were hesitant and I had no clear roadmap ahead, I eventually obeyed. I left my job and moved to El Salvador in January 2023. During my time there, I taught youth art, music, and English. I was immersed in a new language and culture. It was lonely and uncomfortable at times, but I came to experience God’s presence in ways I never had before. I was stretched beyond my natural abilities and forced to trust God for protection, provision, and purpose. I learned that faith is not about comfort. It is about obedience. Whether it was navigating transportation in a city I did not understand or building relationships despite the language barrier, God continually provided exactly what I needed. I saw firsthand that when we step out in obedience, He steps in with guidance, strength, and grace. This experience reshaped my calling. I realized that God was leading me to serve in a different way through education. Although I had earned a degree in Metal Fabrication and Welding from Thaddeus Stevens College in 2019 and had worked successfully in the field for three years, my heart began to shift. Teaching, particularly in a Christian setting, became the new direction. I returned from El Salvador with a renewed purpose and enrolled at Lancaster Bible College to pursue a degree in education. As a returning student, I bring with me not only professional experience but also a deep commitment to ministry. I currently work as a program director at a Christian teen center, where I engage youth in Bible study, games, and conversation. I see firsthand the challenges young people face and the importance of having godly mentors who care. My passion for youth ministry and missions continues to shape my aspirations. Whether God calls me to serve in the classroom locally or overseas again, I want to be ready. Teaching is not just a career path for me. It is a calling. I want to be a teacher who not only imparts knowledge but also reflects the love of Christ in everything I do. I want my students to see that faith is not confined to Sunday mornings but is a guiding light for every aspect of life. My goal is to integrate my faith into the classroom in such a way that it becomes a source of encouragement and inspiration to my students. This is why attending a Christian institution like Lancaster Bible College is so important to me. In the past, my faith and academic pursuits were often separate. I had to find ways to live out my beliefs in a secular work environment, which was sometimes isolating. At LBC, I now have the opportunity to learn in a community that values both spiritual and academic growth. I want to be equipped not only with teaching strategies but also with a theological foundation that enables me to disciple others through education. Returning to school as an older student comes with its own set of challenges. Balancing academics, work, and spiritual growth requires intentionality. I tend to focus intensely on one task at a time, and currently, school is my priority. However, I am learning the importance of consistency in personal Bible study and am seeking mentorship to remain accountable in my spiritual walk. I know that a successful teacher is not only intellectually prepared but also spiritually grounded. That is the kind of educator I want to become. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous support in my journey. It would alleviate financial pressures and allow me to focus more fully on developing the skills and character needed for the calling God has placed on my life. It would also enable me to continue serving youth through my part-time work while preparing for the classroom. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education. It is an investment in future students, future mission work, and the Kingdom impact I hope to make through teaching. Looking ahead, I have specific goals for both my spiritual and intellectual development. Spiritually, I aim to deepen my relationship with God through daily devotion, church involvement, and community with other believers. Academically, I want to strengthen my study habits, develop my critical thinking skills, and connect with mentors who can guide me. These disciplines will prepare me not only for the classroom but also for any ministry context God may call me to. I do not know all the details of where God is leading me, but I am committed to following Him with open hands. Whether I end up teaching in a small-town Christian school or in a classroom on the mission field, I know that God is using this season of preparation for a greater purpose. I want to be faithful in the small things so that I can be entrusted with greater responsibility down the road. In conclusion, my journey has been one of obedience, growth, and trust in God’s leading. From my early years in the church to my time in El Salvador and now in the classroom, I have seen God’s hand guiding each step. I am grateful for the opportunities He has provided and excited for what lies ahead. As Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds me, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." I am trusting Him to continue leading me, and I am ready to follow.

My pro-life beliefs were first shaped by my upbringing in the church, where I learned that every life is created by God and carries deep, intrinsic value. As I have grown in my relationship with Christ, that belief has become more personal and more urgent. My love for Him has increased my love for people, and I have come to see each individual as someone made with purpose, worth, and dignity. Being pro-life is not just a political or moral stance for me. It is rooted in the heart of the gospel and expressed in the way I choose to live. One experience that deeply shaped my convictions happened during my time as a missionary in El Salvador. I spent time in a poor community where people were squatting in abandoned apartment buildings. Many of the children in this area had been abandoned by their fathers and were living in heartbreaking conditions. I remember watching some of them pull water from a well, then carry it in heavy jugs up several flights of stairs. The physical hardship was overwhelming, and yet, even in the middle of it, these children still had joy. I saw it when they played soccer in the street, when they shared food with their friends, and in the way they looked after their younger siblings. They had so little, but they had life, and in that life there was beauty. That experience changed the way I view the issue of abortion. These children, though born into poverty and pain, still had the chance to laugh, to grow, to be loved, and to love others. But when a child is aborted, that chance is taken away before it ever begins. That loss is devastating. It is not just a statistic or a debate topic. It is a life that never got the chance to run through the streets, or care for a sibling, or know the joy of being cared for themselves. Too often, abortion is chosen for the sake of convenience or fear. People participate in the creation of life but not in the responsibility that follows. I believe every child should at least be given the chance to live. While I do speak up about my beliefs when appropriate, I also try to promote life through action. I have spent extended time in missions and continue to mentor teens in my local community. I show others their value by how I serve and care for them. Whether I am helping kids in another country or investing in students here at home, I am choosing to honor life in every form. Being pro-life means believing that every person matters, from the womb to the world. I intend to keep living that truth in both my words and actions.

Giving back to others has been a central part of my life for several years now. I believe that serving others is not just a one-time act but a way of living. I have been fortunate to find many opportunities to volunteer, mentor, and support young people both locally and abroad. These experiences have shaped my values and motivated me to keep finding ways to make a positive difference in the world. One of the most meaningful ways I have given back is through volunteering with a mission organization in El Salvador. I spent a year there working with middle and high school students in an after-school program. I helped them with schoolwork, organized activities like soccer games, and provided transportation through busy city streets. I also helped short-term mission teams from the United States who came to serve in the community. This experience taught me the importance of showing up consistently and building trust. I saw firsthand how small acts of kindness and steady support can change lives and bring hope to young people facing difficult circumstances. Since returning home, I have continued to give back by volunteering at a local teen center. Over time, I have taken on more responsibility and now work part-time in a leadership role there. This role allows me to mentor teens regularly, helping them navigate the challenges they face and encouraging them to reach their potential. I know many of these young people come from difficult backgrounds, and I want to be a positive influence they can rely on. I believe that giving my time, attention, and care is one of the most valuable ways I can serve my community. Looking forward, I plan to continue this path of service through my career in education. I am pursuing a teaching degree because I want to make a lasting impact on students’ lives. I hope to work especially with younger children, focusing on early childhood development. I believe that investing in children early sets the foundation for their future success and well-being. I want to be a teacher who not only helps students learn academics but also models kindness, patience, and responsibility. I want to build safe and supportive classroom environments where every child feels valued and encouraged. My goal is to use teaching as a way to multiply my impact. Every student I teach has the potential to influence their family, friends, and community. By investing in students’ growth, I am helping to create a better future for many. I also plan to stay involved in community programs and volunteer efforts outside of the classroom. I want to continue mentoring and supporting youth through after-school programs, sports, and other activities that build confidence and character. Priscilla Shireen Luke’s legacy of service and hope resonates deeply with me. Like her, I want to live a life focused on making the world better for others. I know that true change comes from consistent, selfless acts that show love and care. I am committed to carrying forward this spirit of service by using my skills, time, and heart to support those around me now and in the future. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me financially but would also encourage me to keep pursuing this calling. It would remind me that there are people who believe in the power of service and want to support those who share that vision. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply and hope to honor Priscilla’s legacy through my continued dedication to serving others.

My decision to go into education came from years of working with students and realizing how important mentorship is. I have had a lot of different experiences, but the ones that always stood out were the times when I got to build relationships with young people and be a steady presence in their lives. It became clear that I care deeply about helping kids grow, not just academically but also in how they see themselves and others. I did not always plan on being a teacher. I went to a trade school and got a degree in metals fabrication and welding. Then I worked for a few years as an engineering technician in the research and development department of a heat transfer company. I even helped with projects for companies like NASA, NVIDIA, and Facebook. It was a good job in a lot of ways, but I started to feel like I wanted to do something more meaningful. After I left that job, I spent a year in El Salvador volunteering with a mission organization. That year changed my perspective. I helped with their after-school student program, worked with coaches starting up a soccer team, and handled transportation for the students. I also helped short-term mission teams from the United States by planning and supporting their work in the local community. Spending time with those students made me realize how much I enjoyed mentoring. I liked being someone they could count on. I started to see how much of a difference it makes when someone shows up consistently and takes the time to listen and help. When I came back home, I got involved with a local teen center and have stayed connected ever since. I started off as a volunteer and now work part-time in a leadership role. I have seen how students of all ages are shaped by the adults around them, especially early in life. Some of the teens I work with now missed out on support when they were younger, and it shows. That has pushed me to want to work with children earlier in their development, to help give them a better foundation before the harder years hit. I believe being a teacher is not just about teaching lessons from a book. It is about being an example. Kids watch how you speak, how you treat others, and how you react in tough situations. I want to be someone who models patience, kindness, and consistency. I think the best way to support early childhood development is by building routines and environments that are steady and safe. I want to help kids feel like they belong and that they matter. I plan to keep learning how to support students emotionally and socially, not just academically. I am especially interested in using hands-on learning and creative activities to help students build confidence. I want to be part of helping them grow into who they are meant to be. Looking back, I can see that all of my experiences have been leading me toward this career. I did not take the usual path, but I think the work I have done up to this point has prepared me well. I am excited to keep moving forward and to do my part in helping young students grow.

My decision to pursue a degree in teaching happened fairly recently. I had originally gone to a trade school and earned an associate’s degree in metals fabrication and welding. After graduating, I got a job as an engineering technician at a heat transfer manufacturing company. I worked in the research and development department for three years, helping develop and test new products. Some of the projects I worked on were for big companies like NASA, NVIDIA, and Facebook. The work was interesting and I gained valuable experience, but I did not feel like it was the right long-term path for me. After that, I decided to spend a year in El Salvador volunteering with a mission organization. I was involved in several areas of their ministry, but most of my time was spent helping with their after-school program. The program supports middle and high school students with their schoolwork and also gives them the chance to participate in activities like playing sports at a nearby park. I also helped with transportation by driving a van full of students through the city. In addition to that, I supported the coaches of a new soccer team connected to the ministry. During the summer, the mission site hosted short-term teams from the United States, and I helped coordinate their work with local churches and assisted with transportation. Throughout my time there, I began to realize how rewarding teaching and mentoring could be. I saw how spending time with students, helping them learn, and encouraging them could really make a difference. I also found that I worked well with middle school students. They can be challenging, but they are also in a stage of life where a caring adult can have a big impact. When I came back to the United States, I worked in construction for a while, but still felt like something was missing. Since 2019, I have been volunteering at a teen center in my community. I spent time with students, built relationships with them, and helped mentor them. All of these experiences made it clear that I needed to make a career change. I believe I have been preparing to become a teacher without even realizing it. I want to teach because I believe it gives me the chance to impact students' lives in a lasting way. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden of going back to school. As an older student, I have more financial responsibilities than most. Also, taking a year to volunteer meant going without income during that time. Right now, I am working part-time while also teaching at a homeschool and private Christian co-op school. I have also taken on a part-time leadership role at the same teen center where I used to volunteer. Managing work and school is not easy, and this scholarship would allow me to put more focus on my education and training. My path to teaching has not been typical, but it has been full of experiences that have prepared me for this next step. I am excited to move forward with purpose, and this scholarship would play a big role in helping me do that.