Hello, my name is Peter Cook. My Great, Great, Grandfather: Carlo DeCristofaro (Christopher) was born in Montecalvo, Italy on Dec 5, 1875. He immigrated to New York aboard the Masilia out of Naples arriving on May 7, 1906. He made his living as a shoemaker and laborer. My Great Grandmother, Mary Cocco (Cook) became a US Citizen on Feb 2, 1939 at the age of 34 in Wilkes-Barre, PA. My Great Grandparents, Anthony and Mary Cocco (Cook) were married on September 15, 1924 in Hazelton, PA by Fr. Joseph Gotti. My Great Grandmother, Mary, who grew up in Hazelton, PA along with her mother, Nicoangela DeCristofaro (Christopher), brothers Anthony, Thomas, Lucian and sisters Josephine, Angela, and Caroline. My Grandfather, Carl Cook, 15 years old, a High School student at G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic in Wilkes-Barre, PA) enjoying an extended family gathering. My Grandfather (“Pop-pop”) had six children and fifteen grandchildren. He had three sons, including my Father, Michael Cook. I was able to attend my Grandfather’s funeral in 2022 celebrating his life. He entered the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and served during the Korean War. Also in 2022, I visited, with my four siblings, Andrew, Joseph, Caroline, and Margaret, the Iwo Jima statue on Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, Hawaii. Very proud as a descendant of Italian Americans to those, including my Grandfather, who have served our great Nation! Like those who have served our Country, like my Grandfather, I would also like to purse my studies to make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteer work is seen as a sacrifice. It’s an act for others, a moment of selflessness, but I don’t see why that selflessness cannot make the volunteer himself bear more fruit. In my experience I have felt whole and joyful when the focus is on loving others rather than self-indulgence. Putting a smile on someone who needs it, lights up my own face better than any mirror ever could. I became addicted to my time volunteering with an organization called Young Life. Temporary selfless action left me more fulfilled than any candy in that jar or number of bench-presses ever could. I poured out into a community and in return I received the love of a community. This experience has completely altered what I hope to achieve in my life. I don’t want to spend the next sixty years of my life chasing a bigger and bigger box to live in. I want to find the beauty in individuals and the strength of community. I don’t want to build bigger; I want to do my part to make this place we live better. Advancing my education in college, with the help of your scholarship, will assist me in knowing myself better, pursuing academic rigors that interest me, and ultimately further my path in serving others with greater purpose that I’m certain will bear much fruit, just like my Italian ancestors did! Thank you for your consideration!