During my junior year of high school, I found myself juggling a heavy academic workload, multiple extracurricular commitments, and leadership roles that I was honored to hold—but that also placed tremendous demands on my time and energy. I was dual-enrolled at Carteret Community College, taking college-level classes while maintaining a 4.4 GPA at West Carteret High School. I was also a varsity cheer captain, President of my National Charity League (NCL) class, an active member of the Scholastic Leadership Academy, and heavily involved in community service. While I felt proud of my accomplishments, I began to notice a shift in my mental and physical well-being. I was constantly tired, emotionally drained, and running on adrenaline. I skipped meals to squeeze in more study time, stayed up late finishing assignments, and pushed myself to attend every practice, meeting, and event. Eventually, I hit a wall. I realized I wasn’t enjoying the things I once loved—cheering, volunteering, even spending time with friends. It was a wake-up call: I needed to prioritize my mental, emotional, and physical health. The first step I took was learning to say “no” to activities that weren’t aligned with my values or goals. I began scheduling downtime into my week—intentional moments to rest, read, go for a walk, or simply unplug. I opened up to my parents and a mentor, who helped me create healthier boundaries and reminded me that taking care of myself wasn’t selfish—it was necessary. I started practicing mindfulness and journaling, which helped me stay grounded, focused, and better able to manage stress. That period of reflection and recalibration was transformative. I learned that leadership isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things with clarity and heart. I also learned that success is not defined by constant hustle, but by sustainability, balance, and joy. As I prepare to attend NC State University and major in Brand Management and Marketing within the College of Textiles, I carry these lessons with me. I plan to cheer on the Lady Wolfpack, be in a sorority and other clubs, so I know I will need to prioritize what is important. I’m entering college with strong time-management habits, a clear sense of purpose, and the understanding that my health is foundational to everything I hope to accomplish. Whether I’m pursuing a demanding internship, leading a team, or simply navigating life as a college student, I now know how to pause, reflect, and protect my well-being—skills that will support me for years to come.

My name is Peyton Smith, and I recently graduated Magna Cum Laude, was recognized as a N.C. Academic Scholar and won the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. While in high school, I balanced a rigorous academic schedule, competitive cheerleading, and over 1,800 hours of community service. I have always had a deep appreciation for both creativity and logic, and I believe math and science are powerful tools that, when combined with innovation, can solve real-world problems and influence the way we live and work. This fall, I will attend North Carolina State University, where I have been accepted into the Wilson College of Textiles to major in Brand Management and Marketing. What excites me most about this major is the way it blends analytical thinking with creative strategy. I am particularly interested in how data science, consumer behavior research, and market analytics can inform branding decisions and shape how companies connect with their audiences. In today’s digital world, math and science are deeply embedded in marketing—from the algorithms behind social media platforms to the statistical modeling used in product forecasting and trend analysis. I want to be at the forefront of this intersection. My long-term goal is to work in the fashion industry, applying scientific and mathematical approaches to develop innovative branding campaigns that not only connect with consumers emotionally but also are backed by data. I am especially passionate about understanding how consumer behavior can be predicted and shaped using tools like A/B testing, heat maps, and conversion tracking—each of which is grounded in mathematics and behavioral science. My education at the College of Textiles will prepare me to use these tools effectively, and I plan to take full advantage of NC State’s hands-on learning, research opportunities, and renowned internship programs to gain real-world experience. Beyond academics, I am committed to leadership and service. I served as the President of my National Charity League chapter and have consistently been recognized for my volunteerism, receiving the President of the United States Volunteer Service Award at the Gold Level five years in a row. I believe that science and math are not only academic disciplines but also pathways to creating positive change in our communities. Whether it’s using statistical data to drive outreach efforts or understanding market gaps in underserved populations, I plan to use my skills to make a measurable difference. In short, I plan to contribute to the field of math and science by applying them in innovative ways within the business and fashion industries. Through my time at NC State’s College of Textiles, I hope to grow as both a student and a changemaker.

At 11 years old, I came face-to-face with something few children ever imagine: the possibility of death. It was an experience that not only tested my physical endurance but also transformed my outlook on life, instilling in me an appreciation for health, and how easily it can all be taken away. The culprit was sepsis. You might ask, how does a perfectly healthy, active 11-year-old contract sepsis? I woke up feeling lousy on a Thursday morning after cheering at my first middle school football game. My mom, who thought I was just tired from cheering in the oppressive August afternoon heat, said I needed to go to school. By the time I got home, I had a temperature of 103.4 and was throwing up. There was a stomach virus going around the school, so my parents figured I was the latest victim. On Saturday morning I tried to get out of bed, and I screamed in agony. My hip had this terrible aching pain. It was so unbearable I couldn’t walk. My parents immediately took me to the ER where they ran tests, did x-rays, and informed me I had transient synovitis, which should go away on its own. With just Advil, I was sent home. I continued to get worse. My mom called our pediatrician, who was very upset that the hospital had sent me home. Back at the hospital, this time with my pediatrician running the show, a blood test and an ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of sepsis. The local hospital was not equipped to handle sepsis, so I was transferred to UNC Children's Hospital. I was in a great deal of pain, so they sedated me and gave me pain medicine for the three-and-a-half-hour ambulance ride. We arrived at UNC Children’s Hospital in the middle of the night and were informed that this was an emergency and that, after an MRI, I would immediately be taken to surgery. I underwent two surgeries, and I was put on strong IV antibiotics. Even with pain medicine, I was in excruciating pain. I had an echocardiogram to ensure no heart damage. I had to learn to walk again. We later learned that all of this was caused by a small cut on my shin where bacteria had entered my bloodstream and made its way to the synovial fluid in my hip. Ten long days after being admitted to the hospital, I won my life-threatening battle with sepsis and was finally discharged with a PICC line and a walker. According to the Sepsis Alliance, 18 children die each day in the US from sepsis. Of those that do survive, many lose the septic joint. I was lucky. I survived without any long-term disabilities. I do have a four-inch scar to remind me of this very traumatic time in my life. The experience of being in a hospital surrounded by medical equipment and the constant beeping of monitors was terrifying. I missed my home, my friends, and the simple joy of everyday life. The pain was relentless, and I felt hopeless, but my family was there to always help me see the best in every situation. Looking back, having sepsis was a pivotal moment in my life. It taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of not taking anything for granted. I learned to appreciate my health, my family, my friends, and all that life brings me. This experience also ignited a passion in me to help others. I have become more empathetic and compassionate, understanding that everyone has their own battles to fight.

Being involved in cheerleading, a sport that demands physical strength, mental resilience, and unwavering teamwork, has empowered me to thrive in the face of challenges. Balancing long practices, weekend competitions, schoolwork, and leadership responsibilities has taught me how to manage time effectively and stay focused under pressure. Cheer is often underestimated, but we tumble and push our bodies to the limit—just like any athlete. As a flyer, fear is not an option. I am constantly challenged to learn new stunts. Cheerleading has been a cornerstone of my life for more than seven years. Through cheer, I have learned discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and have made lifelong friendships that I will always cherish. I have been honored as an All-Conference Cheerleader and Cheerleader of the Year. I have competed as a flyer on both school and All-Star teams. Constantly striving for growth, I have attended many college prep cheer clinics at several each year at NC State University, College of Charleston, and UNC Wilmington to refine my skills. My experiences through cheer have given me the confidence to speak up, the discipline to follow through, and the resilience to keep going even when underestimated. I’ve learned that strength isn’t about volume—it’s about showing up, holding your ground, and helping others rise with you. My sport has made me a better student, a more focused leader, and a young woman who knows her worth—on the mat and far beyond it. Academically, I have maintained a 4.4 GPA while challenging myself through dual enrollment courses at Carteret Community College, earning 24 college credits. I graduated this June from high school with honors and distinction - Magna Cum Laude, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, N.C. Academic Scholar, National Honors Society and WCHS Character & Academic Achievement for all years of high school. Beyond cheer, I have embraced leadership through service. As President of my National Charity League (NCL) class, and in my prior roles as Vice President of Philanthropy and Vice President of Programs, I have dedicated over 1,800 hours to serving organizations such as Crystal Coast Hospice House, Hope Mission, and the NC Coastal Federation. My commitment to service has been recognized with multiple awards, including the President of the United States Volunteer Service Award – Gold Level for five consecutive years. In the Fall, I will attend NC State University to majoring in Brand Management & Marketing within the College of Textiles. While at NCSU, I plan to continue cheering on the Lady Wolfpack.