My interest in legislative and policy-related work stems from a deep desire to create meaningful change in the communities I live and work in. I believe policy is where real impact begins. It’s the behind-the-scenes work that shapes everything from education and housing to health care and justice. It influences not just laws, but lives. This understanding has driven me to pursue opportunities where I can contribute to thoughtful, community-centered policymaking at the local level, with aspirations of serving at the state level one day. I’m especially passionate about local government because it’s where policy decisions are most directly felt. I previously served on the Clinton School Committee in Clinton, Massachusetts, and I’m currently looking to return to that role. My time on the board showed me just how crucial local leadership is in shaping the daily experience of students, families, and educators. School policy influences not just curriculum, but access to mental health resources, lunch programs, equity in special education, and fair funding. I am deeply committed to making sure our local schools serve all children, especially those who have historically been underserved. When decisions are made by people who understand the community firsthand, policies are more effective. Looking ahead, I also aspire to serve at the state level. State government plays a critical role in shaping the systems that affect all of us, especially public education, transportation, public safety, and affordable housing. By serving at that level, I hope to bring the experiences and concerns of small towns like Clinton directly into policy conversations. Rural and working-class communities are often overlooked or misunderstood in larger policy debates, and I want to be a voice that makes sure we’re not forgotten. My goal is to help bridge that gap between residents and the policies that impact their daily lives. One current policy issue I care deeply about is access to quality public education. In Massachusetts and across the country, far too many students are left behind due to outdated or inequitable funding formulas. I believe every child deserves the same opportunities for a strong education. I support policies that fund schools based on student need, expand access to early childhood education, and increase resources for both students and teachers. I’ve seen how critical these issues are in my own community, and I’m committed to continuing to fight for improvements both locally and, hopefully, one day, at the state level. In both legislative work and public service more broadly, I believe civil discourse plays a vital role in shaping good policy. In today’s divided political climate, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that progress rarely comes from conflict; it comes from listening. Civil discourse allows for respectful disagreement, productive collaboration, and ultimately better solutions. As someone who has served on a public board, I know how important it is to create space for all voices, even when we don’t all agree. Public trust is built when leaders are willing to listen, respond thoughtfully, and keep the focus on what’s best for the community. Serving on the Clinton School Committee taught me how impactful local leadership can be. It also lit a fire in me to go further, learn more, and lead with purpose. Whether it’s returning to local service or stepping into a future role at the state level, I’m committed to advancing policies that create opportunity, equity, and positive change for my town, my child, and all families across Massachusetts. *Photo of me on the school committee, and of Meg Kilcoyne, MA State Rep. from my town, who inspires me.

Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree is deeply personal and incredibly meaningful. It’s not just about earning a diploma—it’s about breaking cycles, creating opportunities, and showing my son that anything is possible with hard work and determination. My path hasn’t been traditional or easy. I’ve had to balance single-parenting, work, and school, often with limited financial resources and no roadmap to follow. But that’s also what makes this journey so powerful. I’m proving to myself and my family that we can change the narrative and open doors that were never available to the generations before me. Pursuing a degree in political science is more than just an academic goal, it's a step toward building the kind of community I want to live in. I’ve always been drawn to local and state government, law, and the systems that shape our everyday lives. I'm especially interested in how local and state governments function and how policies directly impact people’s well-being. I want to understand the “why” behind decision-making, and more importantly, how to be part of creating solutions. I just finished a three-year term on my town's school committee and hope to run for election again in the future. Political science and law gives me the foundation to not only understand these systems but to challenge and improve them. In my career, I currently work within the court system, and that experience has fueled my passion even further. I see firsthand how laws affect real people, and I want to be part of making the system more just, efficient, and accessible. That’s why, beyond my degree, I hope to attend law school one day. I want to deepen my understanding of the law and use it to advocate for others, particularly those who feel voiceless or overwhelmed by the legal system. My long-term goals are rooted in service and leadership. I want to obtain another seat on a local board where I can be part of shaping policy and making practical changes in my community. Whether it’s through planning, housing, or education, I want to help build strong, responsive local systems. I also aim to grow professionally within the court system, taking on more responsibility and leadership as I gain experience and education. Ultimately, I want to bridge the gap between government institutions and the communities they serve. This journey means everything to me. It’s about personal achievement, but also about purpose. I want to leave a legacy—not just for my own child, but for others who may look like me or share a similar background and wonder if they’re capable of more. My answer to them is yes. Yes, it’s possible. Yes, it’s worth it. And yes, we need more voices at the table who truly understand the communities they serve.

Serving in the military taught me many things—discipline, adaptability, and the importance of showing up for others even when life is difficult. As an Admin/HR specialist for the 704th Quartermaster Detachment, I supported soldiers who were providing life-sustaining water purification services in Habbaniyah, Ramadi, and Al Fallujah, Iraq. My role may not have been on the front lines, but it was essential to the well-being of the mission and the people behind it. That experience gave me a deep respect for the value of service in all its forms. My military journey also helped me recognize the power of community and the quiet strength that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself. After my honorable discharge, I carried those values with me, but like many veterans, I struggled to translate them into civilian life. I knew I wanted to continue helping others, but life, family, and finances delayed my path back to school. Still, the desire never faded. Finishing my bachelor’s degree is something I’ve been working toward for over twenty years. Now, with renewed determination and the right support system, I’m finally making it happen. My military background has given me the persistence to keep going, no matter how long it takes. I’m returning to school not just for myself, but for my son—to show him that growth never stops, and that it’s never too late to pursue your purpose. I plan to utilize my education to serve others in my community, particularly fellow veterans and underrepresented groups, who are navigating transitions or overcoming obstacles. Whether through advocacy, nonprofit work, or a role in human services, I want to be a voice for people who feel unheard. I want to remind them—just like Monti E. Hall reminded others—that their stories matter. That they matter. Monti’s example resonates deeply with me. He faced unimaginable hardship but continued to show up with strength and compassion. Like him, I know the road isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth traveling. His story fuels my belief that education is not just about personal growth; it’s about using what you’ve learned to uplift those around you. This scholarship would help remove one of the final barriers standing between me and my degree. With it, I’ll be able to focus more on learning, serving, and building the kind of future that honors both my past and my potential. I’m proud to be a veteran, a lifelong learner, and someone who is finally stepping into the next chapter of her purpose, with strength, service, and heart leading the way.

To understand new concepts and further my learning, I turn to a variety of online platforms and tools that make education more accessible and engaging. Among them, ChatGPT has become one of my most valuable resources. It’s available 24/7, adapts to my learning pace, and provides personalized explanations that make even the most complex topics easier to grasp. As a nontraditional student balancing parenthood, work, and school, having easy and quick access to information in a conversational format has truly helped me stay on track with my education. I use ChatGPT extensively in my studies, particularly in political science, government, and law. These subjects can be dense and filled with terminology that’s difficult to understand on the first pass. When reading through assigned materials or preparing for exams, I often use ChatGPT to clarify legal concepts, summarize key events in history, or explain the roles of different government institutions. I can ask specific questions like ““How do local governments fund public services like schools?” and receive explanations that are clear and easy to remember. Being able to engage in this kind of back-and-forth dialogue helps me retain information much more effectively than passively reading or watching videos. ChatGPT also directs me to further resources, including reputable articles, case studies, and primary sources, which support my assignments and deepen my understanding. For example, when writing a recent paper on the separation of powers, I used the tool to brainstorm my outline, get feedback on my thesis statement, and locate real-world examples of checks and balances at work. The interactive nature of this tool makes learning feel active rather than passive, and that shift has made a real difference in how I apply what I’ve learned. Outside of academic work, I also use ChatGPT to navigate the complexities of life. I’m a parent, and I often turn to it for advice on everything from positive discipline techniques to managing screen time. When challenges arise in my personal life, such as relationship communication or balancing mental wellness with my responsibilities, ChatGPT offers suggestions, coping strategies, and reflection prompts that are both helpful and practical. These tools support my overall well-being, which directly impacts how successful I can be in school and beyond. In addition, I use online platforms like YouTube and Coursera to supplement my formal education. When I’m struggling with a difficult concept, I often search for visual explanations or real-life applications that bring the subject to life. These tools reinforce what I’m reading in textbooks and help me apply my knowledge to current events and real-world scenarios. I also use Google Scholar, it has also been an essential tool when writing research papers or exploring topics in greater depth. Being able to access academic journals and peer-reviewed articles gives me the opportunity to engage with the material at a higher level. Together, these tools have reshaped how I learn. They’ve helped me develop stronger study habits, feel more confident in my abilities, and stay curious. I’ve learned how to take initiative in my education by seeking out information rather than waiting for it to be presented to me in a classroom. These platforms have empowered me not just to succeed in school, but to become a more informed and engaged person overall. I now see learning as something I can take ownership of, not just something that happens in a classroom.

Serving in the U.S. Army as an Administrative and HR specialist with the 704th Quartermaster Detachment changed my life in ways I’m still discovering. Our mission was to provide clean, safe water to soldiers operating in Habbaniyah, Ramadi, and Al Fallujah, Iraq. While I wasn’t on the front lines with a weapon, I was deeply involved in the well-being, accountability, and support of the men and women who were. In my role as secretary and administrative support, I managed personnel records, tracked missions, ensured supply orders were processed, and maintained the structure that kept our unit moving. It taught me the importance of the “behind-the-scenes” work in any successful operation. More importantly, it revealed strengths in me I hadn’t fully recognized—attention to detail, adaptability under pressure, and the ability to remain calm and focused even during moments of fear and uncertainty. I discovered I could be both compassionate and commanding, soft-spoken and strong. Before the military, I saw myself as capable, but I also doubted my worth. Being entrusted with real responsibility in a combat zone helped me see that my contributions matter, even when they aren't glamorous. I stopped minimizing my role and started owning my value—not just in uniform, but in every space I walk into. My view of my country also changed. I went to Iraq believing in service, but I came home with a deeper and more complicated sense of patriotism. I saw courage, unity, and sacrifice—but I also saw the costs of war up close. I developed a respect not only for our freedoms, but for the people who quietly uphold them every day. I no longer take stability or community for granted, and I carry a responsibility to continue serving in new ways—through education, leadership, and helping others find their voice and purpose. Today, as I pursue higher education, I do so with the discipline, perspective, and resilience the Army gave me. The military changed how I see myself, from someone unsure of her worth to a leader who knows her value. And it changed how I see my country—not as a perfect place, but one worth serving, questioning, and continually improving. Serving in uniform may be behind me, but the call to serve continues in the classroom, in my community, and in the way I live each day. Finishing my bachelor’s degree is a goal I’ve been working toward for over twenty years. Although life and financial challenges have delayed my progress, my determination has never wavered. Earning this degree isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a promise to myself to finish what I started and create new opportunities for my future. One of my goals is to be an inspiring leader in my community.