My name is Olivia Rodriguez, and I am proud to be a first-generation Mexican-American college student. Everything I’ve achieved so far is possible because of the sacrifices my grandfather made when he left Mexico in search of a better life for our family. He didn’t have the chance to finish school, but he believed that education would be the key to unlocking a future of opportunities for the generations that followed. Growing up, I saw how hard my family worked, not just to provide, but to push me forward. I always knew that going to college would mean more than earning a degree; it would mean fulfilling a dream that began long before I was born. That dream drives me every single day. I carry my family’s hopes with me, not as pressure, but as motivation. As I go through my classes or stress about studying for a test, I remind myself that it is a privilege to be stressed about school. My path hasn’t always been clear. I played volleyball for ten years, and for a long time, I thought my future would revolve around the sport. But during my junior year of high school, I suffered an injury that kept me off the court. While it was one of the hardest moments in my life, it ended up showing me a new passion of storytelling. I began filming games, editing videos, and running social media accounts to highlight the players who rarely got noticed. I realized that I didn’t need to be in the spotlight to make an impact, I could help others shine instead. Now, I’m studying Telecommunication-Media Studies at Texas A&M University, with the goal of working in sports media or communications. I want to create content that brings people together, uplifts underrepresented voices, and shows people, especially female athletes, that they deserve to be seen and celebrated. Whether it’s a highlight video or a behind-the-scenes interview, I believe stories have the power to change how people view themselves and their communities. Being a first-generation student means I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own. But it’s also given me strength, perspective, and purpose. I know what it means to start with limited resources but unlimited determination. I’ve worked hard in school, taken on internships, and built my own platforms, not because it was easy, but because I want to make a difference. I want to make my family proud, and I want to create a future where others like me can see what's possible. This scholarship would help relieve the financial burden of college so that I can keep pursuing meaningful work, telling stories that matter, and making the most of the opportunity my grandfather gave me. As I go through life, I remember his sacrifices and use it as motivation to work hard. I plan to carry his legacy forward, not just by graduating, but by using my education to empower others.

As a Christian storyteller, I believe that words can be a ministry, a way to reach hearts, shift perspectives, and plant seeds of hope. Whether through writing, video, or social media, I aim to create stories that reflect the love of Christ, celebrate perseverance, and remind people of their worth and purpose. I’m currently a Telecommunications and Media Studies student at Texas A&M University, with a focus on sports storytelling and social media. My journey began after a sports injury in high school, when I shifted from playing volleyball to capturing it through a camera lens. I discovered that behind every athlete was a story of discipline, identity, and an unseen struggle. I started posting highlight videos and interviews, not just to entertain, but to encourage. Over time, my platform became a space to uplift female athletes and show them they are seen, valued, and capable. As I pursue a career in sports media, I want to continue using storytelling as a way to reach others with messages of belonging, strength, and faith. I see my work as a mission field, where kindness, integrity, and encouragement are woven into every project. Through my storytelling, I hope to remind others that they are worthy and deserving of recognition for their accomplishments. This scholarship would allow me to continue developing my skills while honoring the legacy of Hilda Stahl, a woman who used her gift to glorify God and speak life into others, as I aim to do the same.

My name is Olivia Rodriguez, and I’m an undergraduate student at Texas A&M University, majoring in Telecommunications and Media Studies with a minor in Sports Management. As a first-generation college student, my path to college has been full of hardships but, I have learned the importance of taking initiative and hard work. My goal is to build a career in sports media and communications, where I can uplift female athletes through my storytelling. I grew up playing volleyball for over ten years. Being an athlete taught me discipline, teamwork, and how powerful it is to be part of something bigger than yourself. Unfortunately, during my junior year of high school, I suffered a serious ankle injury that kept me off the court. What could have been the end of my connection to the sport turned into a beautiful new beginning. I decided to create an Instagram account for our team. I started taking photos and videos at games, highlighting the hard work of my teammates, and posting content to get our program more recognition. Our account grew quickly, and I fell in love with telling my team's story. That experience showed me how impactful storytelling can be, especially when it gives visibility to those who don’t usually get the spotlight. Since then, I’ve found my purpose working in sports. I’ve interned with a professional volleyball league, worked the video board at games, and taken every opportunity to learn how media can shape not just how we see sports, but how we see ourselves and our communities. My career goal is to work in sports communications, production, or social media, ideally for a professional team, university, or media company. But more than just working in sports, I want to uplift those who are typically overlooked in the media. I want to spotlight athletes from underserved communities, elevate women’s sports, and create content that encourages girls to believe in their potential. I aim to help create a world where female athletes are uplifted and given the recognition they deserve. I believe that making a difference doesn’t always come from some huge change, it often starts with small, intentional actions. I’ve seen firsthand how a simple highlight video can inspire confidence, or how a well-timed Instagram post can bring a community together. I plan to keep using my voice, skills, and platform to build others up, and bring attention to athletes with great stories.

As a former athlete pursuing a career in sports journalism, I firmly believe that I have the power to change the world through my writing. In our society, women are often looked down upon and believed to be lesser than our male counterparts. This is especially shown in women's sports, where men's sports seem to get all the money and big fancy stadiums, despite women's sports widely outnumbering men's viewership ratings. Telling the stories of these women and showing them in a new light has the power to not only increase the exposure of women's sports to our society, but also to shift our entire world's perspective of women and how we treat them. People tend to categorize female athletes as being more masculine, and less of a woman because of their athletic talents. I believe that by sharing the stories of whom these women are when they are not competing can combat this narrative and show the sides of themselves that is not usually shown. Another way that my storytelling can make a difference and change the world is through inspiration. When young girls and boys see strong women being uplifted and celebrated by society, they believe in themselves more. However, there is an even bigger way that sharing the stories of these athletes can change the world. Through interviewing and writing stories on athletes who have overcome the obstacles and expectations set onto them by society, others will feel empowered and inspired to do the same. By sharing the stories of athletes whom have a big platform and many fans, this opens up the door to evangelizing. By sharing the spiritual journeys of athletes who are also Christians, I can influence their fan bases into learning about the love of Jesus. Sharing the stories of these athletes is more than just about spreading positivity and helping others feel recognized-it's about spreading the love of Jesus Christ and sharing that he wants you to feel empowered and free to be the person whom he created you to be. By weaving narratives of faith, resilience, and personal growth into my sports journalism, I aspire to spark meaningful conversations about spirituality and introduce readers to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, my goal is to use the platform of sports journalism to not only amplify the voices of female athletes but also to spread a message of love, acceptance, and empowerment that transcends the boundaries of sports and resonates with people from all walks of life.

Volleyball is both my best friend and my biggest foe. Ever since I first passed a ball in 4th grade, I have been in love with this sport. The main lesson that volleyball has taught me is that mistakes are necessary to grow. In volleyball, you can only get a point if the other team messes up, it's a game of mistakes. As someone who is usually pretty hard on themself, making mistakes so often in volleyball has not been easy for me to deal with. However, if you allow one miss-serve to keep you down, you will never win the game, you get crushed by the other team profiting off of your mistakes. But, If you let go of that miss-serve or out-of-bounds hit and turn it into a firey attitude proceeded by an epic block or kill, then you will win! In life, mistakes are made often, and because of my experiences in volleyball, I now know to not allow one mistake to turn into 24, and I know how to instead bounce back and block out all of the negative noise around me. Through volleyball, I have learned the importance of hard work. When i was younger I was always the worst on the team, I was uncoordinated and unfamiliar with the sports vocabulary. During the summer of my sophomore year, I spent day after day training. Hours spent by myself in the hot Texas sun practicing my serves, footwork, ball control, and hitting techniques were all followed by a two-hour long lift and gym training session. These training days helped me to build up my stamina as well as fine-tune every single part of my technique. Soon, I began to see results, when I returned to tryouts in August, I was more athletic, could jump higher, had a faster reaction time, had great stamina, and had a much higher volleyball IQ. My coaches and teammates all recognized this change in me, and after getting moved up to varsity I soon experienced many of my teammates who I looked up to, coming to me for advice on how to get better and how to improve as drastically as I did. Through volleyball, I have learned that my voice matters. Communication is key in volleyball. You will often hear a coach yelling "Talk Girls!" at every volleyball game. As someone who has always been more introverted and quiet, volleyball is the only place where I feel comfortable getting loud. If you want to work together efficiently with your teammates, you need to talk to them, and if you're in a game setting you probably need to talk to them very loudly so that they can hear you. In a world where women's voices are constantly tuned out and ignored, volleyball has taught me just how important my voice is in any team setting, especially if I want to succeed. While volleyball has taught me so many wonderful lessons, it hasn't been easy. Learning these things has brought me through a lot of stress, and led me into times where I wanted to give up on the sport. So, the biggest lesson that I have learned is how to persevere. I am incredibly thankful that I have gotten to learn all of these lessons in the safety of the sport that I love the most. I am now better equipped to handle the challenges of college and the real world, because of all of the lessons that volleyball has taught me. Volleyball is both my best friend and my best teacher.

Growing up in Texas, I was often made fun of for my interests in being behind the scenes instead of being the center of attention. As a female with passion for digital media, the arts, and sports, I found it hard to find a way to merge my passions until I learned about sports journalism. Despite skepticism from my peers, I remained steadfast in my belief that this field held great potential for my future. The realization that I could take my love for social media, sports, and the arts and turn it into a career gave me a sense of purpose and excitement that became my motivation. It was this realization that set me on a trajectory towards my ideal future career: a brand manager for a professional sports team. In particular, my sights are set on the Pro Volleyball Federation, an up-and-coming league that will revolutionize women's sports in the United States. As a former volleyball player, this organization holds a deeply personal significance for me. For so many years, I prayed that there would some day be a way for volleyball players to have the opportunity to play professionally in their home country and pursue genuine careers. Now, as the Pro Volleyball Federation embarks on its inaugural season, I am filled with a sense of purpose as I envision playing a pivotal role in shaping the success of this groundbreaking league. At the heart of my career aspirations lies a profound passion for storytelling. I am captivated by the prospect of amplifying the voices of female athletes who have historically been overlooked in our society. For me, branding serves as a powerful tool to merge various interests – from storytelling and social media to graphic design and marketing – into a cohesive narrative that resonates with many. Through strategic branding efforts, I aim to illuminate the journeys of these remarkable women, inspiring others and fostering a greater appreciation for women's sports. My belief that this is what I am meant to do was reaffirmed when I got to attend the inaugural match of the Pro Volleyball Federation. The electric atmosphere of seeing 11,000 people showing up to watch women's sports left a tattooed impression on me. It became abundantly clear that with effective marketing and promotion, growth and success is possible for women's sports leagues. Receiving this scholarship would represent a pivotal milestone in my academic and professional journey. Beyond the financial support it offers, this scholarship would afford me the opportunity to further my skills and expand my knowledge in branding and marketing. With these resources, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful contribution to the sports industry, particularly in advocating for the representation and recognition of female athletes. My journey to discovering the sports branding industry reflects my determination and resilience. As I begin studying sports journalism at Texas A&M University in the fall, I am poised to elevate the voices of underrepresented athletes and shape the future of sports media. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it symbolizes an opportunity to realize my vision of effecting positive change in the world through strategic branding and storytelling.

As a former athlete pursuing a career in sports journalism at Texas A&M, I firmly believe that I have the power to change the world through my writing. In our society, women are often looked down upon and believed to be lesser than our male counterparts. This is especially shown in women's sports, where men's sports seem to get all the money and big fancy stadiums, despite women's sports widely outnumbering men's viewership ratings. Telling the stories of these women and showing them in a new light has the power to not only increase the exposure of women's sports to our society, but also to shift our entire world's perspective of women and how we treat them. People tend to categorize female athletes as being more masculine, and less of a woman because of their athletic talents. I believe that by sharing the stories of whom these women are when they are not competing can combat this narrative and show the sides of themselves that is not usually shown. Another way that my storytelling can make a difference and change the world is through inspiration. When young girls and boys see strong women being uplifted and celebrated by society, they believe in themselves more. However, there is an even bigger way that sharing the stories of these athletes can change the world. Through interviewing and writing stories on athletes who have overcome the obstacles and expectations set onto them by society, others will feel empowered and inspired to do the same. By sharing the stories of athletes whom have a big platform and many fans, this opens up the door to evangelizing. By sharing the spiritual journeys of athletes who are also Christians, I can influence their fan bases into learning about the love of Jesus. Sharing the stories of these athletes is more than just about spreading positivity and helping others feel recognized-it's about spreading the love of Jesus Christ and sharing that he wants you to feel empowered and free to be the person whom he created you to be. By weaving narratives of faith, resilience, and personal growth into my sports journalism, I aspire to spark meaningful conversations about spirituality and introduce readers to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, my goal is to use the platform of sports journalism to not only amplify the voices of female athletes but also to spread a message of love, acceptance, and empowerment that transcends the boundaries of sports and resonates with people from all walks of life. Receiving this scholarship means more than just paying for college, it means changing the world of sports and empowering women forever!

My ultimate goal in life is that when people hear the name "Olivia Rodriguez", they will feel the love of Jesus. My ultimate goal is to always be a person whom others can go to, and to live a life where others can look at me and see the love of Jesus radiating off of me. Growing up as the oldest sister in a Christian home in the bible belt of Texas, it has been engraved in me since a very young age that it is so important to look after others and to sow seeds where you want to reap. So, when I was given the opportunity to intern at my local church camp "N.O.W Camp", there was no doubt in my mind that this was something that I needed to do. So, I spent months saving up $600 to spend 4 weeks in a rural Texas town, eating frozen chicken nuggets and doing hard manual labor in the hot Texas sun. Throughout the course of six weeks, I got to lead over 1,000 students to Christ and was able to be their leader, friend, and confidant. As an intern, I was in charge of a group of around 200 students. I helped lead camp games, created group chants and dances, and made sure to pray over every single student that I could. During this time, I would go to bed around 3am and have to wake up at 7 to go hype up students for service. I was beyond exhausted. I began to question if I was cut out for this, and wondered if it was really worth it to spend so much money just to be working extremely hard day and night. However, one night, my entire perspective changed. One day, we were having prayer time in the sanctuary when I began receiving a message on my heart from the Holy Spirit. I saw a specific person in the crowd sticking out to me. I went up to him and asked if I could pray for him. As I began to pray, I saw the boy getting emotional and began to worry that I said something wrong and upset him. However, when I was done praying, the boy told me that I had said some things that were very specific to his situation without even knowing it. In that very moment, everything felt beyond worth it. I felt so honored that God used me to make an impact on that boy's life. Looking back on my intern experience, I wouldn't trade any of the sleep deprivation, cold showers, or horrible food for the world. I got to experience what it was like to truly be used by God to serve and invest into my generation and the communities that each student lives in. This experience was one that I will never forget.

My ultimate goal in life is that when people hear the name "Olivia Rodriguez", they will feel the love of Jesus. My ultimate goal is to always be a person whom others can go to, and to live a life where others can look at me and see the love of Jesus radiating off of me. Growing up as the oldest sister in a Christian home in the bible belt of Texas, it has been engraved in me since a very young age that it is so important to look after others and to sow seeds where you want to reap. So, when I was given the opportunity to intern at my local church camp "N.O.W Camp", there was no doubt in my mind that this was something that I needed to do. So, I spent months saving up $600 to spend 4 weeks in a rural Texas town, eating frozen chicken nuggets and doing hard manual labor in the hot Texas sun. Throughout the course of six weeks, I got to lead over 1,000 students to Christ and was able to be their leader, friend, and confidant. As an intern, I was in charge of a group of around 200 students. I helped lead camp games, created group chants and dances, and made sure to pray over every single student that I could. During this time, I would go to bed around 3am and have to wake up at 7 to go hype up students for service. I was beyond exhausted. I began to question if I was cut out for this, and wondered if it was really worth it to spend so much money just to be working extremely hard day and night. However, one night, my entire perspective changed. One day, we were having prayer time in the sanctuary when I began receiving a message on my heart from the Holy Spirit. I saw a specific person in the crowd sticking out to me. I went up to him and asked if I could pray for him. As I began to pray, I saw the boy getting emotional and began to worry that I said something wrong and upset him. However, when I was done praying, the boy told me that I had said some things that were very specific to his situation without even knowing it. In that very moment, everything felt beyond worth it. I felt so honored that God used me to make an impact on that boy's life. Looking back on my intern experience, I wouldn't trade any of the sleep deprivation, cold showers, or horrible food for the world. I got to experience what it was like to truly be used by God to serve and invest into my generation and the communities that each student lives in. This experience was one that I will never forget.

Growing up in Texas, I was often made fun of for my interests in being behind the scenes instead of being the center of attention. As a female with passion for digital media, the arts, and sports, I found it hard to find a way to merge my passions until I learned about sports journalism. Despite skepticism from my peers, I remained steadfast in my belief that these fields held great potential for my personal fulfillment and societal impact. The realization that I could take my love for social media, sports, and the arts and turn it into a career gave with a sense of purpose and excitement that became my motivation. It was this realization that set me on a trajectory towards my ideal future career: a brand manager for a professional sports team. In particular, my sights are set on the Pro Volleyball Federation, an up-and-coming league that will revolutionize women's sports in the United States. As a former volleyball player, this organization holds a deeply personal significance for me. For so many years, I prayed that there would some day be a way for volleyball players to have the opportunity to play professionally in their home country and pursue genuine careers. Now, as the Pro Volleyball Federation embarks on its inaugural season, I am filled with a sense of purpose as I envision playing a pivotal role in shaping the success of this groundbreaking league. At the heart of my career aspirations lies a profound passion for storytelling. I am captivated by the prospect of amplifying the voices of female athletes who have historically been overlooked in our society. For me, branding serves as a powerful tool to merge various interests – from storytelling and social media to graphic design and marketing – into a cohesive narrative that resonates with many. Through strategic branding efforts, I aim to illuminate the journeys of these remarkable women, inspiring others and fostering a greater appreciation for women's sports. My belief that this is what I am meant to do was reaffirmed when I got to attend the inaugural match of the Pro Volleyball Federation. The electric atmosphere of seeing 11,000 people showing up to watch women's sports left a tattooed impression on me. It became abundantly clear that with effective marketing and promotion, growth and success is possible for women's sports leagues. Receiving this scholarship would represent a pivotal milestone in my academic and professional journey. Beyond the financial support it offers, this scholarship would afford me the opportunity to further my skills and expand my knowledge in branding and marketing. With these resources, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful contribution to the sports industry, particularly in advocating for the representation and recognition of female athletes. My journey to discovering the sports branding industry reflects my determination and resilience. With a career grounded in storytelling and advocacy, I am poised to elevate the voices of underrepresented athletes and shape the future of sports media.

Growing up in Texas, I was often made fun of for my interests in being behind the scenes instead of being the center of attention. As a female with passion for digital media, the arts, and sports, I found it hard to find a way to merge my passions until I learned about sports journalism. Despite skepticism from my peers, I remained steadfast in my belief that these fields held great potential for my personal fulfillment and societal impact. The realization that I could take my love for social media, sports, and the arts and turn it into a career gave with a sense of purpose and excitement that became my motivation. It was this realization that set me on a trajectory towards my ideal future career: a brand manager for a professional sports team. In particular, my sights are set on the Pro Volleyball Federation, an up-and-coming league that will revolutionize women's sports in the United States. As a former volleyball player, this organization holds a deeply personal significance for me. For so many years, I prayed that there would some day be a way for volleyball players to have the opportunity to play professionally in their home country and pursue genuine careers. Now, as the Pro Volleyball Federation embarks on its inaugural season, I am filled with a sense of purpose as I envision playing a pivotal role in shaping the success of this groundbreaking league. At the heart of my career aspirations lies a profound passion for storytelling. I am captivated by the prospect of amplifying the voices of female athletes who have historically been overlooked in our society. For me, branding serves as a powerful tool to merge various interests – from storytelling and social media to graphic design and marketing – into a cohesive narrative that resonates with many. Through strategic branding efforts, I aim to illuminate the journeys of these remarkable women, inspiring others and fostering a greater appreciation for women's sports. My belief that this is what I am meant to do was reaffirmed when I got to attend the inaugural match of the Pro Volleyball Federation. The electric atmosphere of seeing 11,000 people showing up to watch women's sports left a tattooed impression on me. It became abundantly clear that with effective marketing and promotion, growth and success is possible for women's sports leagues. Receiving this scholarship would represent a pivotal milestone in my academic and professional journey. Beyond the financial support it offers, this scholarship would afford me the opportunity to further my skills and expand my knowledge in branding and marketing. With these resources, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful contribution to the sports industry, particularly in advocating for the representation and recognition of female athletes. My journey to discovering the sports branding industry reflects my determination and resilience. With a career grounded in storytelling and advocacy, I am poised to elevate the voices of underrepresented athletes and shape the future of sports media. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it symbolizes an opportunity to realize my vision of effecting positive change in the world through strategic branding and storytelling.

My ultimate goal in life is that when people hear the name "Olivia Rodriguez", they will feel the love of Jesus. My ultimate goal is to always be a person whom others can go to, and to live a life where others can look at me and see the love of Jesus radiating off of me. Growing up as the oldest sister in a Christian home in the bible belt of Texas, it has been engraved in me since a very young age that it is so important to look after others and to sow seeds where you want to reap. So, when I was given the opportunity to intern at my local church camp "N.O.W Camp", there was no doubt in my mind that this was something that I needed to do. So, I spent months saving up $600 to spend 4 weeks in a rural Texas town, eating frozen chicken nuggets and doing hard manual labor in the hot Texas sun. Throughout the course of six weeks, I got to lead over 1,000 students to Christ and was able to be their leader, friend, and confidant. As an intern, I was in charge of a group of around 200 students. I helped lead camp games, created group chants and dances, and made sure to pray over every single student that I could. During this time, I would go to bed around 3am and have to wake up at 7 to go hype up students for service. I was beyond exhausted. I began to question if I was cut out for this, and wondered if it was really worth it to spend so much money just to be working extremely hard day and night. However, one night, my entire perspective changed. One day, we were having prayer time in the sanctuary when I began receiving a message on my heart from the Holy Spirit. I saw a specific person in the crowd sticking out to me. I went up to him and asked if I could pray for him. As I began to pray, I saw the boy getting emotional and began to worry that I said something wrong and upset him. However, when I was done praying, the boy told me that I had said some things that were very specific to his situation without even knowing it. In that very moment, everything felt beyond worth it. I felt so honored that God used me to make an impact on that boy's life. Looking back on my intern experience, I wouldn't trade any of the sleep deprivation, cold showers, or horrible food for the world. I got to experience what it was like to truly be used by God to serve and invest into my generation and the communities that each student lives in. This experience was one that I will never forget.

As a former athlete pursuing a career in sports journalism, I firmly believe that I have the power to change the world through my writing. In our society, women are often looked down upon and believed to be lesser than our male counterparts. This is especially shown in women's sports, where men's sports seem to get all the money and big fancy stadiums, despite women's sports widely outnumbering men's viewership ratings. Telling the stories of these women and showing them in a new light has the power to not only increase the exposure of women's sports to our society, but also to shift our entire world's perspective of women and how we treat them. People tend to categorize female athletes as being more masculine, and less of a woman because of their athletic talents. I believe that by sharing the stories of whom these women are when they are not competing can combat this narrative and show the sides of themselves that is not usually shown. Another way that my storytelling can make a difference and change the world is through inspiration. When young girls and boys see strong women being uplifted and celebrated by society, they believe in themselves more. However, there is an even bigger way that sharing the stories of these athletes can change the world. Through interviewing and writing stories on athletes who have overcome the obstacles and expectations set onto them by society, others will feel empowered and inspired to do the same. By sharing the stories of athletes whom have a big platform and many fans, this opens up the door to evangelizing. By sharing the spiritual journeys of athletes who are also Christians, I can influence their fan bases into learning about the love of Jesus. Sharing the stories of these athletes is more than just about spreading positivity and helping others feel recognized-it's about spreading the love of Jesus Christ and sharing that he wants you to feel empowered and free to be the person whom he created you to be. By weaving narratives of faith, resilience, and personal growth into my sports journalism, I aspire to spark meaningful conversations about spirituality and introduce readers to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, my goal is to use the platform of sports journalism to not only amplify the voices of female athletes but also to spread a message of love, acceptance, and empowerment that transcends the boundaries of sports and resonates with people from all walks of life.

My life aspiration is to share the love that I wished I had received when I was little to others. As a young child and pre-teen, I often felt left out and unliked by my peers. Now that I am older, I try to do everything that I can to make sure that I don't make others feel this way. One of the ways that I have done this is by volunteering at my church to help with the pre-teen classrooms. I have taught classes as well as participated in events with my church with the mindset of making sure I interact with every single kid and take the time to truly get to know them. My future career goal is to be a woman's sports journalist. I plan to use this career to uplift other women in a male-dominated industry by sharing their stories. I plan to use this to ensure that women do not feel overlooked by society and have a community full of supporters so that they know that they are not alone nor unknown. Furthermore, I am confident that I will have an impact on these women by making them feel heard and seen.

"In your face!" Those three words, once a playful quip from my grandpa Bryan, became my silent mantra on the volleyball court, a source of inner strength amidst doubt. His presence was a constant in my life, cheering me on from the stands, until cancer shattered our world. The day he disclosed his Stage 4 cancer diagnosis felt surreal. I clung to the illusion of his invincibility, but each chemo session brought the harsh reality closer. When he fashioned his chemo bag into a "Poison Purse," his strength wavered before my eyes. December 4th, 2023, etched in memory, brought the crushing blow of his passing. Alone in the dark, prayers spilled from lips numb with grief, futile yet desperate. Questions gnawed at my soul, demanding answers from a silent sky. As days blurred into mourning, cancer's grip on my perspective tightened. Witnessing Grandpa's decline, yet his determination to preserve normalcy, revealed a strength beyond physicality. Memories, like treasures unearthed, offered solace amidst loss. Sorting through his belongings, I discovered facets of his life previously unknown. His love for adventure, captured in ski slopes and fishing tales, breathed life into faded photographs and worn-out sweaters. Each memento, a fragment of his essence, bridged the chasm of absence. Though his physical presence is gone, Grandpa's spirit echoes in the mundane and the profound. His voice accompanies every spike, every bad day soothed by cherished voicemails. In church pews, his faith whispers of enduring love and eternal hope. Grandpa Bryan's legacy isn't confined to memories but instilled in aspirations. His zest for life inspires me to seize opportunities, crafting stories that transcend time. His absence fuels a resolve to emulate his adventurous spirit, leaving footprints on the sands of time. In the twilight of his life, I learned more about the man behind the playful facade. Despite his illness, he remained steadfast, infusing humor into every moment. His resilience mirrored the strength of character I aspire to embody. Reflecting on his journey, I gained a new perspective on the insidious nature of cancer. It's not just a physical battle; it's a testament to the human spirit. Grandpa's battle wasn't defined by defeat but by resilience, his legacy a beacon of hope amidst despair. Through his passing, I discovered the transformative power of grief. It's not a burden to bear but a catalyst for growth. In mourning, I found solace in shared memories and the enduring love of family. As I navigate life without Grandpa Bryan, his wisdom guides me like a compass. His words, once mere anecdotes, now hold profound significance. Each piece of advice, each anecdote, a testament to a life well-lived. Though he may no longer walk beside me, his presence lingers in every aspect of my life. From the volleyball court to family gatherings, his spirit infuses every moment with warmth and laughter. In his absence, I find solace in the memories we shared and the lessons he imparted. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him, a reminder of the enduring power of love and faith. As I look to the future, I carry Grandpa Bryan's spirit with me, a guiding light in times of darkness. His legacy inspires me to live boldly, to embrace every opportunity with open arms. Though cancer may have claimed his body, it can never extinguish the light he brought into the world. In every smile, every laugh, every cherished memory, Grandpa Bryan's spirit lives on, a testament to the enduring power of love.

"In your face!" Those three words, once a playful quip from my grandpa, became my silent mantra on the volleyball court, a source of inner strength amidst doubt. His presence was a constant in my life, cheering me on from the stands, until cancer shattered our world. The day he disclosed his Stage 4 cancer diagnosis felt surreal. I clung to the illusion of his invincibility, but each chemo session brought the harsh reality closer. When he fashioned his chemo bag into a "Poison Purse," it really began to feel real. December 4th, 2023, etched in memory, the night he died. Alone in the dark, prayers spilled from lips numb with grief, desperate to wake up from this nightmare. Questions gnawed at my soul, demanding answers from a silent sky. As days blurred, my perspective slowly changed. Witnessing Grandpa's decline, yet his determination to preserve normalcy, revealed a strength beyond physicality. Sorting through his belongings, I discovered facets of his life previously unknown. His love for adventure, captured in ski slopes and fishing tales, breathed life into faded photographs and worn-out sweaters. Each memento, a fragment of his essence, bridged the chasm of absence. Though his physical presence is gone, Grandpa's spirit echoes in the mundane and the profound. His voice accompanies every spike, every bad day soothed by cherished voicemails. In church pews, his faith whispers of enduring love and eternal hope. Grandpa Bryan's legacy isn't confined to memories but instilled in aspirations. His zest for life inspires me to seize opportunities, crafting stories that transcend time. His absence fuels a resolve to emulate his adventurous spirit, leaving footprints on the sands of time. Since his passing, I've learned more about the man behind the playful facade. Despite his illness, he remained steadfast, infusing humor into every moment. His resilience mirrored the strength of character I aspire to embody. Reflecting on his journey, I gained a new perspective on the insidious nature of cancer. It's not just a physical battle; it's a testament to the human spirit. Grandpa's battle wasn't defined by defeat but by resilience, his legacy a beacon of hope amidst despair. Through his passing, I discovered the transformative power of grief. It's not a burden to bear but a catalyst for growth. In mourning, I found solace in shared memories and the enduring love of family. As I navigate life without Grandpa Bryan, his wisdom guides me like a compass. His words, once mere anecdotes, now hold profound significance. Each piece of advice, each anecdote, a testament to a life well-lived. Though he may no longer walk beside me, his presence lingers in every aspect of my life. From the volleyball court to family gatherings, his spirit infuses every moment with warmth and laughter. In his absence, I find solace in the memories we shared and the lessons he imparted. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him, a reminder of the enduring power of love and faith. As I look to the future, I carry Grandpa Bryan's spirit with me, a guiding light in times of darkness. His legacy inspires me to live boldly, to embrace every opportunity with open arms. Though cancer may have claimed his body, it can never extinguish the light he brought into the world. In every smile, every laugh, every cherished memory, Grandpa Bryan's spirit lives on, a testament to the enduring power of love. So, to cancer, I say "In Your Face!" I will not allow the sadness of cancer stop me from celebrating my grandfather's legacy.

Receiving this scholarship would mean everything to me, not just as a financial aid but as a testament to my journey with faith. My story is one of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering belief in the guiding hand of Jesus Christ. While many may opt for luxurious beach vacations or saving up money while working during the summer, last year I made a choice to dedicate my time to serving others at a church camp in a small town called Alvin, Texas. Despite being extremely sleep-deprived and mosquito bitten, my journey was fueled by my faith. The decision to intern at NOW Camp wasn't about the various hours of manual labor or the frozen chicken nugget dinners; it was fueled by a calling to mentor and serve other kids my age. My decision to intern was based on a calling from God to grow in my leadership and fellowship skills. During the 3 weeks at the camp, faith became my anchor amid the chaos. From early morning meetings to late-night prayer sessions, every moment was infused with a sense of purpose and fellowship. I found myself pushed to my limits and fully exhausted mentally and physically after the first few days. After finding myself so exhausted that I wondered why I signed up and willingly paid $600 for to be completely physically and mentally drained; one particular moment showed me that God put me there for a specific purpose. A powerful encounter during a prayer session where I felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to give a message to a camper changed my entire perspective. Witnessing the impact of those words and realizing the influence I could have on others reaffirmed my faith and a passion for service that continues to drive me forward. Beyond the camp, my journey has been marked by countless obstacles and triumphs, all of which have been navigated with Jesus as my guiding light. From sharing my testimony to my church to leading prayer at my school's homecoming pep-rally, I've embraced every opportunity as a chance to glorify God and inspire others. Looking ahead, I'm committed to utilizing my faith as a guiding force in reaching new heights. Whether it's volunteering in my community, sharing my testimony, or pursuing future endeavors, I am driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact and spread the message of hope found in Jesus Christ. Receiving this scholarship isn't just a recognition of past achievements; it's an affirmation of my ongoing journey—a journey fueled by faith, shaped by challenges, and illuminated by the promise of a brighter future. With faith as my compass, I am confident that I will continue to overcome obstacles, achieve success, and show others the love of Jesus along the way.

As a female growing up in southeast Texas, I've often been made fun of for my interests. Social media, and creative arts, have often been looked down upon. However, when I learned that I could turn my love for digital media and the arts into a career, I was beyond excited. My ideal future career in this industry is to be a brand manager for one of the upcoming professional volleyball teams in the US. The Pro Volleyball Federation is beginning its inaugural season right now, and the branding for these teams will determine the future success of the league. As a former volleyball player, this league means everything to me. Growing up, I always wished that there was a league in the US for volleyball players to have genuine professional careers. This future role would mean that I would get to share the love of the sport with many people, and also shed light on these women to help them succeed. The reason why I have chosen a career in this field is simple: I love sharing stories. I love being able to put female athletes that otherwise would be overlooked in our society into the spotlight where they can shine and inspire others. Branding combines all of my interests, such as storytelling, social media, graphic design, leadership, advertising, and marketing. Knowing that I have the opportunity to make a difference in my career by influencing and bringing amazing stories of women into the spotlight to help encourage others is my reason for choosing this career. I recently had the honor of attending the first ever Pro-Volleyball-Federation match on January, 24, 2024. Seeing people of all ages, but especially little girls lining up for autographs with these athletes, selling out a merchandise stand, cheering their hearts out and breaking a world attendance record all made me realize that this is my calling. When I was an athlete, it was often frustrating how people would overlook women's sports simply because they did not know much about them. Seeing 11,000 people all gathered in an arena to watch these professionals made me realize that it's all about exposure. Getting these talented athletes efficiently marketed and advertised to the public creates an environment for this league to thrive. Realizing that I can someday have the power to bring people who have historically been looked over into the spotlight while creating powerful, ground-breaking brands is my ultimate motivator for my career.

As a female growing up in southeast Texas, I've often been made fun of for my interests. Social media, and creative arts, have often been looked down upon. However, when I learned that I could turn my love for digital media and the arts into a career, I was beyond excited. My ideal future career in this industry is to be a brand manager for one of the upcoming professional volleyball teams in the US. The Pro Volleyball Federation is beginning its inaugural season right now, and the branding for these teams will determine the future success of the league. As a former volleyball player, this league means everything to me. Growing up, I always wished that there was a league in the US for volleyball players to have genuine professional careers. This future role would mean that I would get to share the love of the sport with many people, and also shed light on these women to help them succeed. The reason why I have chosen a career in this field is simple: I love sharing stories. I love being able to put female athletes that otherwise would be overlooked in our society into the spotlight where they can shine and inspire others. Branding combines all of my interests, such as storytelling, social media, graphic design, leadership, advertising, and marketing. Knowing that I have the opportunity to make a difference in my career by influencing and bringing amazing stories of women into the spotlight to help encourage others is my reason for choosing this career. I recently had the honor of attending the first ever Pro-Volleyball-Federation match on January, 24, 2024. Seeing people of all ages, but especially little girls lining up for autographs with these athletes, selling out a merchandise stand, cheering their hearts out and breaking a world attendance record all made me realize that this is my calling. When I was an athlete, it was often frustrating how people would overlook women's sports simply because they did not know much about them. Seeing 11,000 people all gathered in an arena to watch these professionals made me realize that it's all about exposure. Getting these talented athletes efficiently marketed and advertised to the public creates an environment for this league to thrive. Realizing that I can someday have the power to bring people who have historically been looked over into the spotlight while creating powerful, ground-breaking brands is my ultimate motivator for my career.

Many people choose to spend their summers working for money, or on luxurious vacations on a beach. However, I chose to spend my summer interning at a church camp in the middle of a rural town, while being mosquito bitten and sleep-deprived. This summer, I raised $600 to have the opportunity to do manual labor, eat frozen chicken nuggets and wake up at 7am after getting two hours of sleep. I interned at NOW Camp, my church camp, for four weeks. The two weeks were spent entirely prepping for the campers to arrive. I spent multiple hours in meetings discussing our goals and plans for the campers, bonded with the other interns, and spent hours in the blaring Texas sun spray-painting props and making photo ops for the students. During the first training week, We would wake up at 7am, and would not get back to our host homes until 11pm on most nights. There are two weeks of camp with two separate groups of over 1,000 campers. After the first week of setting up chairs for students, cleaning up the sanctuary after service, setting up and tearing down our camp games, going to bed at 2am, waking up at 7am, yelling at campers to get excited about the day, and, taking freezing camp showers, I was exhausted, but yet I felt the most rewarded I have ever been. During morning services, I was pushed to have the utmost energy and be an example to all the campers by showing respect to camp staff and speakers, while also wearing my biggest smile and getting the students excited for the day! Night service was my favorite. There was one kid in particular during a night service who made the biggest impact on me. We were having a prayer session when I felt a word from the Holy Spirit come upon me. I walked up to the kid and prayed for him, and then began faithfully speaking the words from the Holy Spirit. The boy burst into tears, and later told me that I described his situation and what he needed to hear perfectly. That moment has not left my mind since that day. It made me realize how big of an impact I was having on these campers and how much my words truly meant to them. My internship at N.O.W. Camp changed my life forever, it pushed me to my limits and forced me to give my fullest effort, even when I did not feel like it. Since my internship, I have gotten many public speaking and leadership roles granted to me. I spoke my testimony at church in front of 400 people, prayed at a community pep rally, and lead a children's vacation bible school group! I will always owe everything to this experience for changing me forever, I could not be more grateful for this opportunity to mentor other students and find my own space as a leader, and glorifying God simultaneously. Mentoring is the easiest way to give back to our community. Investing into the younger generation builds up leaders and creates our future. Choosing to join leadership opportunities as i did as a teen by sharing my experiences and mentoring children and young teens. Mentorship is available to everyone in various forms, from tutoring to guiding someone in life's various choices. Choosing to be a NOW camp intern was the best choice I have ever made, and i hope every teen of my age say yes to similar opportunities!

Volleyball is both my best friend and my biggest foe. Ever since I first passed a ball in 4th grade, I have been in love with this sport. The main lesson that volleyball has taught me is that mistakes are necessary to grow. In volleyball, you can only get a point if the other team messes up, it's a game of mistakes. As someone who is usually pretty hard on themself, making mistakes so often in volleyball has not been easy for me to deal with. However, if you allow one miss-serve to keep you down, you will never win the game, you get crushed by the other team profiting off of your mistakes. But, If you let go of that miss-serve or out-of-bounds hit and turn it into a firey attitude proceeded by an epic block or kill, then you will win! In life, mistakes are made often, and because of my experiences in volleyball, I now know to not allow one mistake to turn into 24, and I know how to instead bounce back and block out all of the negative noise around me. Through volleyball, I have learned the importance of hard work. When i was younger I was always the worst on the team, I was uncoordinated and unfamiliar with the sports vocabulary. During the summer of my sophomore year, I spent day after day training. Hours spent by myself in the hot Texas sun practicing my serves, footwork, ball control, and hitting techniques were all followed by a two-hour long lift and gym training session. These training days helped me to build up my stamina as well as fine-tune every single part of my technique. Soon, I began to see results, when I returned to tryouts in August, I was more athletic, could jump higher, had a faster reaction time, had great stamina, and had a much higher volleyball IQ. My coaches and teammates all recognized this change in me, and after getting moved up to varsity I soon experienced many of my teammates who I looked up to, coming to me for advice on how to get better and how to improve as drastically as I did. Through volleyball, I have learned that my voice matters. Communication is key in volleyball. You will often hear a coach yelling "Talk Girls!" at every volleyball game. As someone who has always been more introverted and quiet, volleyball is the only place where I feel comfortable getting loud. If you want to work together efficiently with your teammates, you need to talk to them, and if you're in a game setting you probably need to talk to them very loudly so that they can hear you. In a world where women's voices are constantly tuned out and ignored, volleyball has taught me just how important my voice is in any team setting, especially if I want to succeed. While volleyball has taught me so many wonderful lessons, it hasn't been easy. Learning these things has brought me through a lot of stress, and led me into times where I wanted to give up on the sport. So, the biggest lesson that I have learned is how to persevere. I am incredibly thankful that I have gotten to learn all of these lessons in the safety of the sport that I love the most. I am now better equipped to handle the challenges of college and the real world, because of all of the lessons that volleyball has taught me. Volleyball is both my best friend and my best teacher.

Many people choose to spend their summers working for money, or on luxurious vacations on a beach. However, I chose to spend my summer losing money and interning at a church camp in the middle of a rural town, mosquito bitten and sleep deprived. This summer, I raised $600 to have the opportunity to do manual labor, eat frozen chicken nuggets and wake up at 7am after getting two hours of sleep. I interned at NOW Camp, my church camp for three weeks. The first week was spend entirely prepping for the campers to arrive. I spent multiple hours in meetings discussing our goals and plans for the campers, bonded with the other interns and spent hours in the blaring Texas sun spray painting props and making photo ops for the students. During the first training week, We would wake up at 7am, and would not get back to our host homes until 11pm on most nights. There are two weeks of camp with two separate groups of over 1,000 campers. After the first week of setting up chairs for students, cleaning up the sanctuary after service, setting up and tearing down our camp games, going to bed at 2am, waking up at 7am, yelling at campers to get excited for the day, and, taking extremely cold camp showers, I was exhausted, but I felt the most rewarded I have ever been. During morning services, I was pushed to have the upmost energy and be a example to all of the campers by showing respect to camp staff and speakers, while also wearing my biggest smile and getting the students excited for the day! Night service was my favorite. There was one kid in particular during a night service who made the biggest impact on me. We were having a prayer session when I felt a word from the Holy Spirit come upon me. I walked up to the kid and prayed for him, and then began faithfully speaking the words from the Holy Spirit. The boy burst into tears, and later told me that I described his situation and what he needed to hear perfectly. That moment has not left my mind since that day. It made me realize how big of an impact I was having on these campers and how much my words truly meant to them. My internship at N.O.W. Camp changed my life forever, it pushed me to my limits and forced me to give my fullest effort, even when I did not feel like it. Since my internship, I have gotten many public speaking and leadership roles granted to me. I spoke my testimony at church in front of 400 people, prayed at a community pep rally, and lead a children's vacation bible school group! I will always owe everything to this experience for changing me forever, I could not be more grateful for this opportunity to mentor other students and find own space as a leader, and glorifying God simultaneously.

Many people choose to spend their summers working for money, or on luxurious vacations on a beach. However, I chose to spend my summer losing money and interning at a church camp in the middle of a rural town, mosquito-bitten and sleep-deprived. This summer, I raised $600 to have the opportunity to do manual labor, eat frozen chicken nuggets and wake up at 7 am after getting two hours of sleep. I interned at NOW Camp, my church camp for three weeks. The first week was spent entirely prepping for the campers to arrive. I spent multiple hours in meetings discussing our goals and plans for the campers, bonded with the other interns and spent hours in the blaring Texas sun spray painting props and making photo ops for the students. During the first training week, We would wake up at 7 am, and would not get back to our host homes until 11 pm on most nights. There are two weeks of camp with two separate groups of over 1,000 campers. After the first week of setting up chairs for students, cleaning up the sanctuary after service, setting up and tearing down our camp games, going to bed at 2 am, waking up at 7 am, yelling at campers to get excited for the day, and, taking extremely cold camp showers, I was exhausted, but I felt the most rewarded I have ever been. During morning services, I was pushed to have the utmost energy and be an example to all of the campers by showing respect to camp staff and speakers, while also wearing my biggest smile and getting the students excited for the day! Night service was my favorite. There was one kid in particular during a night service who made the biggest impact on me. We were having a prayer session when I felt a word from the Holy Spirit come upon me. I walked up to the kid, prayed for him, and then began faithfully speaking the words from the Holy Spirit. The boy burst into tears and later told me that I described his situation and what he needed to hear perfectly. That moment has not left my mind since that day. It made me realize how big of an impact I was having on these campers and how much my words truly meant to them. My internship at N.O.W. Camp changed my life forever, it pushed me to my limits and forced me to give my fullest effort, even when I did not feel like it. Since my internship, I have gotten many public speaking and leadership roles granted to me. I spoke my testimony at church in front of 400 people, prayed at a community pep rally, and led a children's vacation bible school group! I will always owe everything to this experience for changing me forever, I could not be more grateful for this opportunity to mentor other students find my own space as a leader, and glorify God simultaneously. Of course, this is only the beginning of my positive impact on my community. I plan to continue volunteering each summer and to use my platform to encourage and uplift others who are looking for hope. I want to show people that there is a true and long-lasting hope that is found only in Jesus Christ.

The song "Clean" from "1989 (Taylor's version)" best describes my 2023 year so far. This song is about feeling free from a past relationship and healing while moving on. For me, this year has been a constant feeling of moving on and trying to work towards healing myself from my past. The lyric from the bridge "Ten months sober I must admit, just because you're clean don't mean you don't miss it" best describes my year. I have been doing my best this year to leave people who were not good friends in the past, but through that journey, I have also found myself missing them desperately. I think it is extremely important to acknowledge that it is not easy to walk away from something that you spent so much time and effort on, and you can know that something was bad for you while still missing the good parts of it at the same time. The lyric "The drought was the very worst" is also extremely relatable to me. When I hear this lyric, I am taken back to the beginning of 2023, when I first decided to cut those who are bad for me out of my life. I found myself lonely, and friendless. Even though these people were horrible for me, they still brought me comfort from time to time and leaving them made me feel incredibly lonely. However, this so-called "drought" was extremely important for me to grow and heal. When I was completely alone, I found time to lean in on God and to properly reflect on the situations. After this drought, I began pursuing new friendships and meeting people who loved me, for me. I can remember the exact moment that I realized I was finally clean. I was at the Eras Tour concert in Houston, Texas! I remember screaming these songs that helped me get through these terrible times, and realizing that I finally left these bad relationships in the past and had successfully begun a new chapter of my life. This feeling was like no other, it was fresh and freeing, and it was completely clean. I love this song, It reminds me that sometimes you have to scrub off the dirt and do work to restart and become clean. Most of the time, that process is going to hurt, but in the end, it is entirely worth it. After months of feeling alone and working to get away from harmful relationships, I have grown into an entirely new person, someone who puts my time into things and others that better me. After months of feeling alone and being surrounded by the dirt of negativity, I think I am finally clean.

Volleyball is both my best friend and my biggest foe. Ever since I first passed a ball in 4th grade, I have been in love with this sport. The main lesson that volleyball has taught me is that mistakes are necessary to grow. In volleyball, you can only get a point if the other team messes up, it's a game of mistakes. As someone who is usually pretty hard on themself, making mistakes so often in volleyball has not been easy for me to deal with. However, if you allow one miss-serve to keep you down, you will never win the game, you get crushed by the other team profiting off of your mistakes. But, If you let go of that miss-serve or out-of-bounds hit and turn it into a firey attitude proceeded by an epic block or kill, then you will win! In life, mistakes are made often, and because of my experiences in volleyball, I now know to not allow one mistake to turn into 24, and I know how to instead bounce back and block out all of the negative noise around me. Through volleyball, I have learned the importance of hard work. When i was younger I was always the worst on the team, I was uncoordinated and unfamiliar with the sports vocabulary. During the summer of my sophomore year, I spent day after day training. Hours spent by myself in the hot Texas sun practicing my serves, footwork, ball control, and hitting techniques were all followed by a two-hour long lift and gym training session. These training days helped me to build up my stamina as well as fine-tune every single part of my technique. Soon, I began to see results, when I returned to tryouts in August, I was more athletic, could jump higher, had a faster reaction time, had great stamina, and had a much higher volleyball IQ. My coaches and teammates all recognized this change in me, and after getting moved up to varsity I soon experienced many of my teammates who I looked up to, coming to me for advice on how to get better and how to improve as drastically as I did. Through volleyball, I have learned that my voice matters. Communication is key in volleyball. You will often hear a coach yelling "Talk Girls!" at every volleyball game. As someone who has always been more introverted and quiet, volleyball is the only place where I feel comfortable getting loud. If you want to work together efficiently with your teammates, you need to talk to them, and if you're in a game setting you probably need to talk to them very loudly so that they can hear you. In a world where women's voices are constantly tuned out and ignored, volleyball has taught me just how important my voice is in any team setting, especially if I want to succeed. While volleyball has taught me so many wonderful lessons, it hasn't been easy. Learning these things has brought me through a lot of stress, and led me into times where I wanted to give up on the sport. So, the biggest lesson that I have learned is how to persevere. I am incredibly thankful that I have gotten to learn all of these lessons in the safety of the sport that I love the most. I am now better equipped to handle the challenges of college and the real world, because of all of the lessons that volleyball has taught me. Volleyball is both my best friend and my best teacher.