My name is Princess Mae Pingkian Russell, and I was born on May 21, 2008, in the Capital of the Philippines, Manila. I lived half my life there with my big family, although we did not have much, we were grateful to be together. Life was simple in the Philippines. I still remember the faint smell of the ocean and the food that I had longed for. As a little kid, I was very curious. I always asked questions: “What is this? What is that? Why?” My curiosity always led me to new places and new friends. As someone who was born in the Philippines, I am fluent in Tagalog, Cebuano, and English. Being trilingual is a valuable asset in the healthcare field because you never know who you’ll be caring for. Clear communication can prevent complications and help patients feel more at ease, especially when you speak their language. I know what it’s like to feel confused and disconnected because when I first moved here I knew no English. In the Philippines healthcare was often a privilege rather than a right, my perspective shifted when I moved here. That experience taught me empathy and fueled my passion for accessible and compassionate care. I've had many ups and downs throughout my seventeen years of life, but that hasn't stopped me from putting myself out there. By doing that, I am now the current Cadet Command Master Chief of our school, NDCC, and by being involved in so many extracurricular activities, such as track or HOSA/SkillsUSA, where I competed at the national level in Atlanta, Georgia, for two consecutive years. I spend time volunteering throughout the community, whether it is at a nursing home or a flag ceremony for NJORTC. I am a very determined and loyal person, especially when I set my mind on something, because I want my parents to know that their daughter has made it through life. My friends say that I am a very free-spirited person, and because of that, I always try to be a pillar of support for them, because I cherish each one of them. I plan to attend East Tennessee State University and enroll in its ROTC program. With this scholarship, I aim to acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become a competent and compassionate healthcare professional. This would also lessen the financial burden on my parents. My father, who is a retired Army Drill Sergeant, has given his full dedication to the country so I may walk on freely. My mom, who works in the healthcare field, has helped me understand the importance of human connection. Although we may not have much, we look forward to the blessings we have. No matter how much money you have, at the end of the day, the people around you matter most. Ultimately, my goal is to attend medical school, obtain a medical degree, and fulfill all the requirements to practice medicine, particularly in a military environment where I can give back to those who serve our country. I love Tennessee, and the area that I live in, and I want to give back to the community in every way possible. I would not be where I am today without the support of my family and friends and the welcoming community of Elizabethton.

My name is Princess Mae Pingkian Russell, and I was born on May 21, 2008, in the Capital of the Philippines, Manila. I lived half my life there with my big family, although we did not have much, we were grateful to be together. Life was simple in the Philippines. I still remember the faint smell of the ocean and the food that I had longed for. As a little kid, I was very curious. I always asked questions: “What is this? What is that? Why?” My curiosity always led me to new places and new friends. As someone who was born in the Philippines, I am fluent in Tagalog, Cebuano, and English. Being trilingual is a valuable asset in the healthcare field because you never know who you’ll be caring for. Clear communication can prevent complications and help patients feel more at ease, especially when you speak their language. I know what it’s like to feel confused and disconnected. When I moved to the United States from a third-world country at a young age, where healthcare was often a privilege rather than a right, my perspective shifted. That experience taught me empathy and fueled my passion for accessible and compassionate care. I've had many ups and downs throughout my seventeen years of life, but that hasn't stopped me from putting myself out there. By doing that, I am now the current Cadet Command Master Chief of our school, NDCC, and by being involved in so many extracurricular activities, such as track or HOSA/SkillsUSA, where I competed at the national level in Atlanta, Georgia, for two consecutive years. I spend time volunteering throughout the community, whether it is at a nursing home or a flag ceremony for NJORTC. I am a very determined and loyal person, especially when I set my mind on something, because I want my parents to know that their daughter has made it through life. My friends say that I am a very free-spirited person, and because of that, I always try to be a pillar of support for them, because I cherish each one of them. I plan to attend East Tennessee State University and enroll in its ROTC program. With this scholarship, I aim to acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become a competent and compassionate healthcare professional. This would also lessen the financial burden on my parents. My father, who is a retired Army Drill Sergeant, has given his full dedication to the country so I may walk on freely. My mom, who works in the healthcare field, has helped me understand the importance of human connection. Although we may not have much, we look forward to the blessings we have. No matter how much money you have, at the end of the day, the people around you matter most. Ultimately, my goal is to attend medical school, obtain a medical degree, and fulfill all the requirements to practice medicine, particularly in a military environment where I can give back to those who serve our country. I love Tennessee, and the area that I live in, and I want to give back to the community in every way possible. I would not be where I am today without the support of my family and friends and the welcoming community of Elizabethton.

One meaningful act of kindness I offered happened in middle school. There was a girl I knew who never packed a lunch or had any snacks during the day. I started giving her mine, even when it meant I had less for myself. At the time, it felt like a simple decision it was just the right thing to do. What made this moment important to me is that it stayed with both of us. To this day, she still remembers me as the person who shared food with her when she needed it most. It showed me that even small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact on someone’s life, and that’s something I carry with me in how I treat others. For a long time, I was afraid to bring my traditional food to school because I worried about what others might think. I didn’t want to stand out or be judged, so I tried to fit in instead. One day, I decided to take that risk and brought Filipino food for lunch. Instead of being judged, my classmates were curious and excited they wanted to try it and learn more about it. That moment changed my perspective. I realized that being myself wasn’t something to hide, but something to be proud of. From then on, I stopped letting stereotypes or fear control me. I chose to embrace my culture openly and confidently, and it helped me grow into someone who is more comfortable being unapologetically myself. I make it a priority to bring people together and help others feel included. I try to get involved in different activities and connect with a wide range of people because my goal is to make a difference in someone’s life, no matter how big or small. One way I do this is by introducing people to each other especially those who might not normally cross paths. I’ve seen friendships form between people who didn’t expect to connect, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know I played a role in that. In many cases, those connections turned into meaningful friendships. Creating a sense of belonging matters to me because everyone deserves to feel seen and included. Even small efforts to connect people can make a big difference in building a stronger, more supportive community. I believe that real impact comes from everyday actions choosing kindness, staying true to who you are, and helping others feel like they belong. I carry these values with me in everything I do, and I am committed to continuing to make a difference, one person at a time.

For community service, volunteering is a big part of who I am. I occasionally spend time at a local nursing home, where I talk with residents, help with daily activities, and offer companionship. These experiences have taught me patience and the importance of human connection. Through NJROTC, I’ve logged over 85 hours of community service through Wreaths Across America, represented Elizabethton High School NNDCC in the Christmas Parade, and was appointed to the Governor's cabinet as the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs in Volunteer Girls State. One of my most unforgettable experiences was during Hurricane Helene. I, along with other cadets, helped distribute food and water and even assisted the National Guard in loading Black Hawk helicopters with emergency supplies. It was a moment that showed me the real power of teamwork and service during a crisis. crisis. Lastly, I was given the opportunity to become a counselor for a day. It was a camp held for children who lost loved ones, to help them cope positively. I met the sweetest little girl and realized that children are resilient in their own way and that their innocence is to be protected. These acts of service remind me that every gesture of kindness matters. Volunteering has helped me grow, not just as a student, but as a human being. I truly believe that a healthy mind leads to a healthy body and a healthy community.

At a young age, I was inspired by my father, a retired drill sergeant. I was amazed by his demeanor and how he carried himself. My dad has taught me many things in life, such as “life is not fair”, “take great care of your things if you want them to last”, and lastly “treat everyone with respect”. I have always looked up to my dad, and I want to follow in his footsteps through an ROTC program. My goal is to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology while enrolling in pre-medical programs that will prepare me for the academic and clinical challenges of medical school. ROTC offers a program for cadets who want to pursue a career in the medical field, and I plan to utilize this resource. My ultimate goal is to earn a medical degree specifically in pediatrics, where I can make a lasting impact on children’s lives, because they are the future. It allows me to combine two of my greatest passions: providing care and serving my country not only as an officer but also as a physician. I am fluent in:Tagalog, Cebuano, and English. It is valuable asset in both the military and the healthcare field because you never know who you’ll be caring for. Understanding each other can both save lives and build connections that will last a lifetime.I know what it’s like to feel confused and disconnected from everyone. When I moved to the United States from a third-world country, where healthcare was often a privilege, not a right. That experience taught me empathy and fueled my passion for accessible and compassionate care. During my sophomore year in high school, I joined my school's JROTC program due to my dad's encouragement to “try it out”, which has been his best advice to me because three years later, here I am writing this essay. My first day, like everyone else's, I knew nothing; I was lost and confused. However, this did not stop me from taking on challenges and seizing every opportunity presented to me. As the second semester of sophomore year went by, I was appointed as the platoon leader of my class, where I was tasked with taking accountability for fellow cadets. Towards the end of the school year, I was appointed as Cadet Command Master Chief of our program. This role made me realize the importance of being a good leader and the shoes I had to fill. Over that summer, I attended Basic Leadership Training at Camp Long in Aiken, South Carolina. Additionally, in the summer before my senior year, I attended Leadership Academy at the Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia, and American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. As of today, I am confident to say that I have filled those shoes with countless hours of leading the junior cadets and holding them to the highest of standards, so one day, one of them can fill my shoes. ROTC means more than earning a commission; it symbolizes commitment, leading by example, and making a difference to those around you. I truly believe that the education and training offered by ROTC will mold me into a disciplined person, adaptable to change, and the values of a driven leader who can serve in both a uniform and in the medical field. Fulfilling my role as a future officer to serve and keep our nation safe, and that is not a burden, but an honor. A promise to apply my skills and education in service to my country and to the people I will lead.