He was nine years old when he uttered his first word: “Go.” I froze with the toy car in hand, trying to process the sound that I had never heard before. For a moment, I believed my mind was playing a trick on me until he said it again: “Go.” His voice was quiet, soft, and kind. It is a sound that will forever be imprinted in my mind. I was overwhelmed with joy and eagerly looked forward to sharing the news of this wonderful moment. At that instant, I also realized that there was no other career for me. I became increasingly determined to pursue the field of speech and language pathology. For the next six years of my life, I continued to work with a diverse population of individuals who struggle with speech and language disorders. As an undergraduate student, I managed to balance a full-time job while being a full-time student. Towards the end of my bachelor's degree, it began to take a toll on me. I decided to take a break from my studies to gain more hands-on experience through employment and volunteer work. I obtained a position as a speech pathology assistant and continued to learn and grow in a field that gives me purpose. Helping each student find their “voice” has been a rewarding experience. As a graduate student, I know that more time and dedication will be expected of me as I continue to pursue this profession. With the help of funding, I wish to dedicate my time to families and children who are impacted by disabilities. Although I love being their advocate, I understand that my greatest accomplishment will be teaching them to advocate for themselves. One day, I will be gone. When that day comes, I hope to have left the world a more understanding and accepting place for individuals with disabilities. Thank you for taking the time to read about my aspirations and considering me as a candidate for this scholarship opportunity.