My mother packed her bags numerous times, but she always would turn the car around about 30 miles out of town. It took her several months to finally get up the courage to one day keep driving and not turn around. Thankfully we had some place safe to land. I was too young to remember, but I am told that I waddled up to my grandparents in my saggy diaper when we finally arrived in Greenville, SC. My mom searched for ways to be able to go back to school. She had been a pastry chef for a long time, but she knew she needed a more flexible and less hectic work life if she was going to be a single mom. We stayed with my grandparents while she went to a trade school to become a massage therapist. I was able to go to daycare while she was at school. We were able to do this through programs set up by President Obama and some local initiatives for single parents. By the time she finished the program, she already had a job lined up and was searching for our own place to live. We found a little duplex. My room was the bedroom and hers was the dining room. We still joke about how special it is to have doors to your bedroom! That fall I began kindergarten at an excellent public school within walking distance. We continued to utilize public programs for after school care while she was working. As the years have passed, I have grown to learn the meaning of the many sacrifices she has made in order to see me succeed. It has been just the two of us; thick as thieves. I am so honored to have this relationship with my mom. Her motivation and dedication has taught me how to set goals and commit to following through with your work. It hasn't always been easy. As a sophomore, I had to have three different surgeries on my nose after breaking it several times. I missed a lot of school and my mom missed a lot of work. We both were able to spend that time in reflection and gratitude for the difficult journeys we had earlier in my childhood. We had learned lessons that helped us through this new challenge. I was able to draw upon my inner-strength to summon up the tenacity needed to make it through. With my Mom by my side, of course.

Theater and science seem to be two separate worlds each to its own self, but for me the two are deeply intertwined. I have had a love for acting since I was eight years old. I have performed in numerous productions in all levels of schooling, after school programs at a performing arts center, and even in a professional community theatre. I have portrayed various types of characters from a pirate to a princess. Each time I would take on a new role, I would dig deep in to the psyche of that character to study their human behavior. Sounds a bit like science doesn't it? While science employs empirical methods to unravel the natural world's mysteries, theatre harnesses creativity and human emotions to portray life's intricacies. Essentially they both create the discovery of human nature. My love of humam nature led me to an interest in forensic science and criminal justice. The field of criminal justice offers a diverse range of career opportunities that align with my passion for problem-solving and critical thinking. The prospect of utilizing scientific knowledge to bring justice to the innocent and closure to victims' families motivates me immensely. The ability to make a real-world impact is another driving force behind my desire to pursue a career in forensic science and criminal justice. Both fields are constantly evolving with advancements in technology, new investigative techniques, and emerging disciplines. The opportunity to stay at the forefront of these advancements, further honing my skills and knowledge, excites me, ensuring a dynamic and fulfilling career. I currently think that working for the FBI would be a dream career. The FBI's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity resonates with my personal values. The collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the FBI Crime Lab is another aspect that draws me to this career. Working alongside experts from various fields, including forensic scientists, investigators, and legal professionals, allows for a holistic approach to solving cases. I also find that the opportunity for continuous learning and professional growth within the FBI is enticing. The bureau invests in its employees, providing ongoing training, development programs, and exposure to diverse and complex cases. This ensures that individuals within the organization are always at the forefront of advancements in forensic science and law enforcement techniques. I hope to still continue participating in theatre regardless of my career path in science. I am sure that I will always love the thrill of discovering a new character on the stage.

Theater and science seem to be two separate worlds each to its own self, but for me the two are deeply intertwined. I have had a love for acting since I was eight years old. I have performed in numerous productions in all levels of schooling, after school programs at a performing arts center, and even in a professional community theatre. I have portrayed various types of characters from a pirate to a princess. Each time I would take on a new role, I would dig deep in to the psyche of that character to study their human behavior. Sounds a bit like science doesn't it? While science employs empirical methods to unravel the natural world's mysteries, theatre harnesses creativity and human emotions to portray life's intricacies. Essentially they both create the discovery of human nature. My love of humam nature led me to an interest in forensic science and criminal justice. The field of criminal justice offers a diverse range of career opportunities that align with my passion for problem-solving and critical thinking. The prospect of utilizing scientific knowledge to bring justice to the innocent and closure to victims' families motivates me immensely. The ability to make a real-world impact is another driving force behind my desire to pursue a career in forensic science and criminal justice. Both fields are constantly evolving with advancements in technology, new investigative techniques, and emerging disciplines. The opportunity to stay at the forefront of these advancements, further honing my skills and knowledge, excites me, ensuring a dynamic and fulfilling career. I currently think that working for the FBI would be a dream career. The FBI's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity resonates with my personal values. The collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the FBI Crime Lab is another aspect that draws me to this career. Working alongside experts from various fields, including forensic scientists, investigators, and legal professionals, allows for a holistic approach to solving cases. I also find that the opportunity for continuous learning and professional growth within the FBI is enticing. The bureau invests in its employees, providing ongoing training, development programs, and exposure to diverse and complex cases. This ensures that individuals within the organization are always at the forefront of advancements in forensic science and law enforcement techniques. I hope to still continue participating in theatre regardless of my career path in science. I am sure that I will always love the thrill of discovering a new character on the stage.

I will be the first person in my family to go to college and graduate from a four year program! That is some pretty good motivation! My mom had started college but had to leave her first semester due to health concerns. She was unfortunately unable to return due to financial reasons. It would mean a lot to me to be able to go to college and to finish with a bachelor's or maybe even continue on to a Masters program. I have a strong curiosity to learn more; which is great for studying in the field of science. When I was younger, I thought I wanted nothing more than to become an actor. As I began to grow and witness the realities of the world, I learned what a difficult career that can be to get into at a capacity which allowed you to live with reasonable finances or without having to do two or three jobs to stay afloat. I decided that acting could always be something I did in a community theater. I could always find my thrill of the theater and also have a nourishing career. But what to do? During the COVID lockdown, I read a book about a forensic scientist who assisted her small town's police department in solving a string a murders. I was in eighth grade and quickly realized that this might be a possible career for me. So, I began to explore different majors that could encompass this field of study. I want to study biomedical science with a focus either in forensics or in neuroscience. I like the fact that this major can open the door to many career paths including zoology, ethology, genealogy, and more! It is weird to think that a book has been the catalyst for finding my field of study and possibly my career. I would like to think that the author would be thrilled to know this for I am sure creators of art do it to spark creative thoughts in the people they reach! In fact, as I continued theater throughout my high school years, I discovered the joy I found in developing a character: who they were, why did they behave the way they did, and so on. I realized that this is just like science. The art of science. Who would have thought? I certainly have now, and I am looking forward to developing it further!

Her satin dress reflected the colors of the stage lights as my cousin gracefully skipped out for the final curtain bow at the conclusion of her performance in The King and I. The excitement in my heart and the chill bumps on my arms let me know that I had found my hobby. I had tried it all: from gymnastics and dance to volleyball and running. I longed for the feeling of inclusion, to be a part of a team, and to nourish friendships. Nothing I tried gave me that sense of joy that I was looking for until that moment, sitting in a crowded school auditorium. After seeing my cousin's play, I knew I was meant for the stage. Even though I was only 8, I created this dream that still drives me and motivates me today. I began acting through my school's drama club and with a community theater. Acting gave me great hope for my future. In Eighth grade, I landed the lead role in a murder mystery! Unfortunately, we only completed one rehearsal. I didn't know that day would be the last time I would be on stage for over a year. I was given a wonderful opportunity to hone my talent, but that chance, like much of the world, would be placed on pause. I took a musical theater class my freshman year, but the COVID safety regulations made rehearsing and performing difficult. During this time, I created a strong bond with my theater teacher, Mrs. Smith. Under her suggestion, I applied for and was accepted into the International Thespian Society. COVID safety regulations were still in place, so festivals and competitions were canceled, but the simple fact of knowing I was a part of the society fueled my acting dreams. By the time I entered my sophomore year, the COVID regulations were lifted. I could finally be on the stage again. I participated in every theater-related event possible. I was cast as “Belle'' in the musical production of Beauty and The Beast in my junior year. I cannot recall how many times I cried out of joy. When I was on stage for the final bow on closing night, I reflected back on the night I discovered my hobby, and my heart overflowed with the most pure satisfaction I have ever experienced. I don’t think I would be the same person without that spark theater gives me. Being a part of musical theater has shaped some of my best characteristics and has provided me with learning experiences, growth, and a different view of life. Being an actor and singer taught me leadership and memorization skills, as well as the ability to adapt to constantly changing environments. I would not be as ambitious nor as compassionate as I am now without my experience as a growing actor. It may seem strange, but acting has even sparked the curiosity that has led me to explore science as a major. It has been exciting to see how the principles I have learned through my involvement in the Arts have carried over into all aspects of my academic and personal life. No matter where I go or what I do, I know that I can always find nourishment in the thrill of musical theater.