My name is Rachel, and I am currently a student at West Virginia University pursuing a double major in Psychology and Criminology. As a college student, I’ve had to navigate higher education with determination, resourcefulness, and grit. These values have not only shaped my academic journey but have also driven my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Academically, I’ve consistently challenged myself to grow and pursue opportunities that align with my goals. I’m a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and I’ve earned certifications in HIPAA compliance, Excel, and micro expressions—skills that are essential for both mental health and investigative work. My interest in the intersection of psychology and the criminal justice system has been strengthened by experiences such as interning with the U.S. Marshals and attending the FBI Collegiate Academies in both Cleveland and Clarksburg. These opportunities exposed me to the inner workings of federal law enforcement and helped solidify my career goal: to become a special agent in a federal agency dedicated to fighting human trafficking. My passion for this work is deeply rooted in a desire to be a voice for those who are silenced. Human trafficking is a global crisis, and I believe that with the right training, empathy, and perseverance, I can help combat this injustice from the front lines. My dual academic focus equips me with the tools to understand both the psychological trauma experienced by victims and the legal frameworks needed to hold perpetrators accountable. I plan to specialize in trauma-informed investigative approaches and advocate for more humane, victim-centered practices in federal investigations. Beyond academics, I actively contribute to my community in a variety of roles. I work at the front desk of Pro Performance gym and serve at Dunkin’ Donuts when I’m home, balancing multiple jobs to support myself. When I’m not studying or working, I volunteer at a local dog shelter and serve as a summer camp counselor at an overnight church camp, where I help young kids grow in confidence, teamwork, and faith. Receiving this scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus more fully on my internships, studies, and career development. I’ve worked hard to create opportunities for myself, but financial support would open even more doors and give me the chance to continue pursuing my goals with fewer barriers. I believe I should be selected for this scholarship not just because of what I’ve accomplished, but because of what I’m committed to doing with it. I’m not just preparing for a career, I’m preparing to make a difference. Whether through counseling students, serving vulnerable populations, or investigating serious crimes, I am driven by the belief that real change starts with people who care enough to act. I plan to be one of those people. Thank you for this opportunity, should you have any questions please reach me at rachdeli@icloud.com

Throughout my educational journey, I have remained committed to academic excellence and personal growth. I am currently pursuing a double major in Psychology and Criminology at West Virginia University, where I have maintained strong academic standing while balancing multiple jobs and extracurricular commitments. I am a proud member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and have earned certifications in Excel, HIPAA compliance, and micro-expressions—skills that complement my academic studies with practical applications. I have also had the unique opportunity to participate in the FBI Collegiate Academy programs in both Cleveland and Clarksburg, which provided me with valuable insight into federal law enforcement and reinforced my desire to serve in a national security role. My ultimate career goal is to become a special agent working within a federal agency to fight against human trafficking. I am passionate about protecting vulnerable populations and bringing justice to victims whose voices often go unheard. This path allows me to blend my understanding of psychological trauma with investigative skills to identify, rescue, and support survivors while bringing perpetrators to justice. My previous internship with the U.S. Marshals exposed me to the inner workings of federal investigations and inspired me to pursue this calling further. I will also be interning with PsychCare this summer and joining the Neuropsychology Group of WV in the coming academic year, continuing to strengthen my foundation in both psychology and investigative practices. Beyond academics, I strive to make a positive impact on my community. I also work at the Pro Performance gym in Morgantown and serve at Dunkin’ Donuts when I’m home, always staying grounded in hard work and service. I volunteer at a dog shelter and will be a camp counselor at a church overnight camp this summer, helping kids grow in confidence and faith. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my ability to continue pursuing my education and professional development. As a college student who works multiple jobs to afford tuition and living expenses, financial support would ease the burden and allow me to focus more fully on my academic and career goals. What sets me apart is my commitment to using every opportunity not only to better myself but also to serve others. Whether it’s guiding individuals through life challenges, helping children at camp, or preparing to defend the vulnerable through federal service, I am driven by a deep passion to uplift and protect those around me. I am not only pursuing a career—I am pursuing a mission. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students who are determined to make a difference. If you should need to contact me please email me at rachdeli@icloud.com

Education is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against intimate partner violence (IPV). It can raise awareness, challenge harmful social norms, and provide people with the knowledge and resources to recognize the signs of abuse and seek help. When people understand what healthy relationships look like and have access to supportive systems, they are better able to avoid or escape harmful situations. Education also fosters empathy and accountability, creating a culture where partner violence is not ignored or normalized, but confronted and prevented. This issue is deeply personal to me. During high school, I was in an abusive relationship. What began as subtle emotional manipulation escalated into control, isolation, and fear. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what was happening or how to get out. Like many survivors, I kept quiet out of shame and confusion. That experience, while incredibly difficult, shaped who I am and ignited a passion within me to ensure that others don’t have to go through what I did. It gave me a sense of purpose: to use my voice, my education, and eventually my career to protect and support others. Today, I am pursuing a degree in psychology and criminology, with the ultimate goal of becoming a special agent in a federal agency that investigates human trafficking and gender-based violence. I want to be on the front lines of protecting vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, who are often targeted by traffickers and abusers. My academic background in trauma, behavior, and the criminal justice system gives me a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics involved in abuse and exploitation. But it's my personal experience that drives my empathy and determination. I plan to use both my degree and my lived experiences to make a lasting impact. I want to work in prevention as much as prosecution—through education, outreach, and support services that empower survivors and reduce the risk of future abuse. I also hope to mentor young people who have been affected by IPV, showing them that their past does not define their future. Survivors deserve to be seen, believed, and supported. I am committed to turning my pain into purpose, and to being a source of strength and advocacy for others who need it most. Thank you for the opportunity and consideration for this scholarship. Should you need to contact me or have any questions, I can be reached at rachdeli@icloud.com

During high school, I was introduced to the horrifying realities of human trafficking, a topic that deeply affected me and shaped my sense of purpose. I knew from that moment that advocating for the victims of this terrible crime would become my life's work. This passion led me to research colleges with programs that could equip me with the knowledge and skills to make a tangible difference in this field. I chose to attend West Virginia University, where I am now a third-year criminology and psychology undergraduate with a double minor in forensic investigations and accounting. My academic path has not only prepared me for a career in criminal justice but also fueled my determination to pursue a future in protecting the vulnerable. As I progressed through my coursework, I began to expand my learning beyond the classroom. I discovered a strong interest in volunteering, which led to my summer internship at the US Marshals office. There, I was exposed to the complexities of law enforcement and criminal investigations. I also had the privilege of participating in the collegiate academy with the FBI, where I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the top professionals in the field. These experiences have been invaluable in giving me a better understanding of the critical work law enforcement agencies do, especially in areas such as human trafficking and missing persons cases. My personal interest in this field is deeply rooted in my belief in standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Helping others has always given me a great sense of fulfillment, and I feel particularly driven to be an advocate for the voiceless victims of trafficking. The most impactful experience during my internship at the US Marshals office was watching court cases unfold. I attended numerous hearings and prosecutions, and each time, I found myself thinking about the victims—their struggles, their pain, and the long journey they face toward healing. I was actively involved investigative work that led to the recovery of 32 missing children between Youngstown and Akron, Ohio. Being part of this operation gave me a profound sense of purpose and reaffirmed my dedication to making a difference. I will carry the memory of those children’s recoveries with me throughout my career as a reminder of why I chose this path. My ultimate goal is to secure a federal position with one of the agencies that focuses on human trafficking, such as the US Marshals, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These agencies are at the forefront of combatting human trafficking and the illegal drug trade. While my undergraduate degree will open the door to these opportunities, I understand that the true learning will come through hands-on experience. I am committed to continuing my education and gaining practical experience to ensure that I can contribute meaningfully to these efforts. The journey ahead is long, but I am ready to face the challenges. My grandfather, a US Marine, always emphasized that “education is the key to opening many doors” and that helping others is the highest purpose we can serve. His words continue to inspire me as I strive to make my own mark on the world, both through my career and by serving others. I hope to honor his legacy by pursuing a career that will make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it the most. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Should you need to contact me for further information, I can be reached at rachdeli@icloud.com or 330.717.0827.

In Beyond Good and Evil, Friedrich Nietzsche critiques how humans often justify their actions by believing they are divinely inspired or part of a higher plan. One of the most important ideas in the prelude is captured in this sentence: "The most dangerous human beast is the one who believes that his thoughts and actions are divinely inspired, that they are an expression of a higher will." In this passage, Nietzsche points out the dangers of individuals who believe their thoughts and actions come directly from a higher power or moral law. The central idea here is that when someone believes they are acting on behalf of a divine will, they stop questioning or reflecting on their actions. They start to think that whatever they do is justified because it’s being carried out in the name of a higher purpose. Nietzsche argues that this mindset can be extremely dangerous, both to the person holding these beliefs and to others around them. The core of Nietzsche’s message is that when people believe their thoughts and actions are divinely inspired, they become more dangerous than ordinary people. This is because they believe their actions are above questioning or criticism. If someone feels that they are acting on behalf of a higher power or a greater moral truth, they are likely to justify any action they take, no matter how harmful or destructive it might be. Whether this person is a political leader, a religious figure, or an ordinary individual, the idea is the same: once they think they are carrying out the will of a higher power, they see themselves as untouchable and above reproach. As a result, they may feel free to act with no moral limits or constraints. Nietzsche warns that this is especially harmful in the context of power dynamics. Historically, leaders who claimed to act on divine will or moral superiority have justified many kinds of violence and oppression. For instance, religious leaders and rulers have used the belief in divine right to carry out wars, persecutions, and other harmful acts, all while claiming that they were serving a higher moral or divine purpose. Nietzsche sees this as a major problem because it gives individuals or groups the freedom to impose their will on others, often at great cost to those who are subject to their control. When someone thinks they are the representative of a higher moral force, they can easily justify all kinds of harmful actions as necessary for the greater good. The idea that their will is guided by something beyond human laws makes it nearly impossible for them to recognize their actions as wrong. This belief also stops individuals from engaging in real self-reflection. Nietzsche argues that when people are convinced they are doing something for a higher cause, they stop considering the real consequences of their actions. They no longer have to wrestle with questions of morality or ethics because their beliefs give them a sense of certainty that what they are doing is right, regardless of the harm it may cause. Nietzsche is urging readers to be skeptical of any belief system that leads people to think they are above questioning, especially when that belief involves some form of divine justification. The idea of "the most dangerous human beast" in this passage suggests that such individuals become dangerous not just because of their beliefs, but because of the way those beliefs disconnect them from reality. Nietzsche suggests that those who act with this mindset are not truly acting as human beings, but as power-driven forces. They are so caught up in their sense of divine purpose that they lose touch with their true humanity, becoming almost like beasts—focused on imposing their will without any moral self-restraint. Nietzsche’s critique of traditional moral systems, especially religious ones, is a major theme in Beyond Good and Evil. He believes that these systems limit human potential by encouraging people to conform to rules or standards that don’t come from their own thinking or experience. For Nietzsche, true moral freedom comes when individuals create their own values and make decisions based on their own instincts and reflections, not because they are following some outside force or absolute truth. By rejecting rigid, external moral systems, Nietzsche encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and think critically about what they believe and why. In conclusion, Nietzsche’s warning in this passage is clear: believing that one's actions are divinely inspired or guided by an absolute moral law can lead to destructive consequences. People who think they are carrying out a higher purpose often stop questioning their actions and can justify even the most harmful behaviors. Nietzsche urges readers to approach any belief system that claims absolute truth with caution, as it can easily lead to the abuse of power. True moral responsibility comes from self-awareness and the ability to think critically about one’s beliefs, rather than relying on outside forces or divine justification. Only then can individuals live freely and make truly thoughtful, responsible choices. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Should you need to discuss further I may be reached at rachdeli@icloud.com or 330.717.0827. Thank you for your time and consideration.

During high school, I learned about human trafficking and I knew it was my life’s purpose to advocate for the victims. I researched colleges with specific majors dedicated to forensics, criminology, and psychology and wound up at West Virginia University. I am a third-year criminology and psychology undergraduate with a double minor in forensic investigations and accounting. As I progressed through my coursework, I also found an interest in volunteering at the US Marshals office over the summer as an intern and participated in the collegiate academy with the FBI for the last two years. These experiences have fueled my passion to dedicate my career to combating human trafficking and other related crimes. I am eager to further my education while making a tangible impact on the community. I have a personal interest in pursuing this career as I have always stood up for those who cannot speak for themselves. It gives me great satisfaction knowing that I am helping others and most specifically engaged to find those who were not given justice. During my summer internship, I sat in on court cases and watched the suspects be prosecuted countless times, all while I was thinking about what the victims have to undergo to heal. I was allowed to participate in some of the investigative work that led the US Marshals to recover 32 missing children between Youngstown and Akron, Ohio. I feel that this opportunity sparked my desire to continue creating a lasting impact for families and children in my future career. Obtaining my undergraduate degree will allow me to be considered for a federal position with the US Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation; these are the primary employers who specialize in the trafficking of people and drugs. I have a long path of education ahead of me, as I will continue learning in college but with hands-on experience in whichever agency I land. My grandfather was a US Marine and always says that “education is the key to opening many doors” and that helping others is the ultimate purpose in life. I hope to make my footprint in the world, leave a meaningful legacy, and make him proud. My determination to help those affected by human trafficking drives my commitment to this field. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Should you need to discuss further, I may be reached at rachdeli@icloud.com or 330.717.0827. Thank you for your time and consideration.

During high school, I learned about human trafficking and I knew it was my life’s purpose to advocate for the victims. I researched colleges with specific majors dedicated to forensics, criminology, and psychology and wound up at West Virginia University. I am a third-year criminology and psychology undergraduate with a double minor in forensic investigations and accounting. As I progressed through my coursework, I also found an interest in volunteering at the US Marshals office over the summer as an intern and participated in the collegiate academy with the FBI for the last two years. These experiences have fueled my passion to dedicate my career to combating human trafficking and other related crimes. I am eager to further my education while making a tangible impact on the community. I have a personal interest in pursuing this career as I have always stood up for those who cannot speak for themselves. It gives me great satisfaction knowing that I am helping others and most specifically engaged to find those who were not given justice. During my summer internship, I sat in on court cases and watched the suspects be prosecuted countless times, all while I was thinking about what the victims have to undergo to heal. I was allowed to participate in some of the investigative work that led the US Marshals to recover 32 missing children between Youngstown and Akron, Ohio. I feel that this opportunity sparked my desire to continue creating a lasting impact for families and children in my future career. Obtaining my undergraduate degree will allow me to be considered for a federal position with the US Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation; these are the primary employers who specialize in the trafficking of people and drugs. I have a long path of education ahead of me, as I will continue learning in college but with hands-on experience in whichever agency I land. My grandfather was a US Marine and always says that “education is the key to opening many doors” and that helping others is the ultimate purpose in life. I hope to make my footprint in the world, leave a meaningful legacy, and make him proud. My determination to help those affected by human trafficking drives my commitment to this field. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Should you need to discuss further, I may be reached at rachdeli@icloud.com or 330.717.0827. Thank you for your time and consideration.

During high school, I learned about human trafficking and I knew it was my life’s purpose to advocate for the victims. I researched colleges with specific majors dedicated to forensics, criminology, and psychology and wound up at West Virginia University. I am a third-year criminology and psychology undergraduate with a double minor in forensic investigations and accounting. As I progressed through my coursework, I also found an interest in volunteering at the US Marshals office over the summer as an intern and participated in the collegiate academy with the FBI for the last two years. These experiences have fueled my passion to dedicate my career to combating human trafficking and other related crimes. I am eager to further my education while making a tangible impact on the community. I have a personal interest in pursuing this career as I have always stood up for those who cannot speak for themselves. It gives me great satisfaction knowing that I am helping others and most specifically engaged to find those who were not given justice. During my summer internship, I sat in on court cases and watched the suspects be prosecuted countless times, all while I was thinking about what the victims have to undergo to heal. I was allowed to participate in some of the investigative work that led the US Marshals to recover 32 missing children between Youngstown and Akron, Ohio. I feel that this opportunity sparked my desire to continue creating a lasting impact for families and children in my future career. Obtaining my undergraduate degree will allow me to be considered for a federal position with the US Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation; these are the primary employers who specialize in the trafficking of people and drugs. I have a long path of education ahead of me, as I will continue learning in college but with hands-on experience in whichever agency I land. My grandfather was a US Marine and always says that “education is the key to opening many doors” and that helping others is the ultimate purpose in life. I hope to make my footprint in the world, leave a meaningful legacy, and make him proud. My determination to help those affected by human trafficking drives my commitment to this field. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Should you need to discuss further, I may be reached at rachdeli@icloud.com or 330.717.0827. Thank you for your time and consideration.

During high school, I learned about human trafficking and I knew it was my life’s purpose to advocate for the victims. I researched colleges with specific majors dedicated to forensics, criminology, and psychology and wound up at West Virginia University. I am a third-year criminology and psychology undergraduate with a double minor in forensic investigations and accounting. As I progressed through my coursework, I also found an interest in volunteering at the US Marshals office over the summer as an intern and participated in the collegiate academy with the FBI for the last two years. These experiences have fueled my passion to dedicate my career to combating human trafficking and other related crimes. I am eager to further my education while making a tangible impact on the community. I have a personal interest in pursuing this career as I have always stood up for those who cannot speak for themselves. It gives me great satisfaction knowing that I am helping others and most specifically engaged to find those who were not given justice. During my summer internship, I sat in on court cases and watched the suspects be prosecuted countless times, all while I was thinking about what the victims have to undergo to heal. I was allowed to participate in some of the investigative work that led the US Marshals to recover 32 missing children between Youngstown and Akron, Ohio. I feel that this opportunity sparked my desire to continue creating a lasting impact for families and children in my future career. Obtaining my undergraduate degree will allow me to be considered for a federal position with the US Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation; these are the primary employers who specialize in the trafficking of people and drugs. I have a long path of education ahead of me, as I will continue learning in college but with hands-on experience in whichever agency I land. My grandfather was a US Marine and always says that “education is the key to opening many doors” and that helping others is the ultimate purpose in life. I hope to make my footprint in the world, leave a meaningful legacy, and make him proud. My determination to help those affected by human trafficking drives my commitment to this field. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Should you need to discuss further, I may be reached at rachdeli@icloud.com or 330.717.0827. Thank you for your time and consideration.

My name is Rachel Delida during high school, I learned about human trafficking and I knew it was my life’s purpose to advocate for the victims. I researched colleges with specific majors dedicated to forensics, criminology, and psychology and wound up at West Virginia University. I am a third-year criminology and psychology undergraduate with a double minor in forensic investigations and accounting. As I progressed through my coursework, I also found an interest in volunteering at the US Marshals office over the summer as an intern and participated in the collegiate academy with the FBI for the last two years. I have a personal interest in pursuing this career as I have always stood up for those who cannot speak for themselves. It gives me great satisfaction knowing that I am helping others and most specifically engaged to find those who were not given justice. During my summer internship, I sat in on court cases and watched the suspects be prosecuted countless times, all while I was thinking about what the victims have to undergo to heal. I was allowed to participate in some of the investigative work that led the US Marshals to recover 32 missing children between Youngstown and Akron, Ohio. I feel that this opportunity sparked my desire to continue creating a lasting impact for families and children in my future career. Obtaining my undergraduate degree will allow me to be considered for a federal position with the US Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation; these are the primary employers who specialize in the trafficking of people and drugs. I have a long path of education ahead of me, as I will continue learning in college but with hands-on experience in whichever agency I land. My grandfather was a US Marine and always says that “education is the key to opening many doors” and that helping others is the ultimate purpose in life. I hope to make my footprint in the world and make him proud. This scholarship will help me to continue my education. My parents currently have my brother and myself in college and another graduating soon. This scholarship is very important for me to attempt to minimize my debt and potentially be able to attend graduate school. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Should you need to discuss this further I may be reached at rachdeli@icloud.com or 330.717.0827. Thank you for your time and consideration. Rachel Delida

My name is Rachel Delida during high school, I learned about human trafficking and I knew it was my life’s purpose to advocate for the victims. I researched colleges with specific majors dedicated to forensics, criminology, and psychology and wound up at West Virginia University. I am a third-year criminology and psychology undergraduate with a double minor in forensic investigations and accounting. As I progressed through my coursework, I also found an interest in volunteering at the US Marshals office over the summer as an intern and participated in the collegiate academy with the FBI for the last two years. I have a personal interest in pursuing this career as I have always stood up for those who cannot speak for themselves. It gives me great satisfaction knowing that I am helping others and most specifically engaged to find those who were not given justice. During my summer internship, I sat in on court cases and watched the suspects be prosecuted countless times, all while I was thinking about what the victims have to undergo to heal. I was allowed to participate in some of the investigative work that led the US Marshals to recover 32 missing children between Youngstown and Akron, Ohio. I feel that this opportunity sparked my desire to continue creating a lasting impact for families and children in my future career. Obtaining my undergraduate degree will allow me to be considered for a federal position with the US Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation; these are the primary employers who specialize in the trafficking of people and drugs. I have a long path of education ahead of me, as I will continue learning in college but with hands-on experience in whichever agency I land. My grandfather was a US Marine and always says that “education is the key to opening many doors” and that helping others is the ultimate purpose in life. I hope to make my footprint in the world and make him proud. This scholarship will help me to continue my education. My parents currently have my brother and myself in college and another graduating soon. This scholarship is very important for me to attempt to minimize my debt and potentially be able to attend graduate school. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Should you need to discuss this further I may be reached at rachdeli@icloud.com or 330.717.0827. Thank you for your time and consideration. Rachel Delida

If I could watch one movie for the rest of my life it would be The Notebook. I would choose this movie because it has many themes that I would like to apply to my life. The first theme would be that hard work does not always pay off right away. In the movie, Noah Calhoun wanted to be with Allie Hamilton, but there were obstacles in the way to prevent them from being together. Noah was upset about this outcome and tried to better himself, which took a great amount of effort. He became part of the military, he worked numerous jobs, and he even created the dream house that Allie had told him she wanted. The obstacles eventually disappeared and all the hard work that Noah had put in, showed Allie that he had never wanted anything else but her. His hard work did not pay off initially, but it did eventually. I feel that this theme is great for my personal life. I find obstacles academically all the time and I have to remind myself what I am working towards, just like Noah. Nothing good comes easy and that is a lesson I feel can be reiterated through the movie, The Notebook. I believe another major theme was the idea of compassion because of class discrimination. Watching the movie The Notebook I felt awful for Noah; he came from a low-class family and was not given much. Allie's parents did not want her to be with Noah because they believed low-class individuals were worthless. What Noah did have, he earned and I always felt like he deserved a break. I feel that this theme taught me that I have a lot of things for which I can be grateful. In the future when I have a career as an attorney, I want to be sure to represent the less fortunate, so that they have a chance and can receive a break, unlike Noah. This theme hits close to home for me because of my immigrant grandparents. They not only were hard-working but they were also a low-class family. Their history and Noah's, I believe are the same, and I feel so much compassion and sympathy for individuals who have to experience the same situations. Their past paved the way for my future so that I can have experiences like an education, a career I enjoy, and more. The last theme I believe The Notebook perfectly portrays is enduring love. Noah was infatuated with Allie from the moment he met her to the end when they died together in the nursing home. This theme is one I would like to apply to my life because with love you can conquer all, including death. Love to me is a force that drives my hard work, my compassion, and is truly the reason I have goals. I want the best for myself and my family and I want those things because of love. The Notebook's idea of enduring love has allowed me to realize why I have such high goals, and I am grateful for that realization. If I could only watch one movie for the rest of my life it would be The Notebook because of the amazing themes of hard work, compassion, and love. Thank you for this opportunity! If you have any questions please reach out to me at 330.717.0827 or rachdeli@icloud.com Rachel Delida

As a young woman beginning my collegiate career, it is very exciting to see women in leadership positions. I enjoy listening to how women have overcome disparity and have prevailed in a “man’s world”. We need more women leading and teaching our students the grit to getting things done. Overall, women are able to multi-task more efficiently in their careers and lives compared to men. My greatest example of a woman leading is my great grandmother; she was an immigrant from Greece who spoke very little English. She was widowed at an early age and had to provide for her six children. She worked as a seamstress and was very outgoing. When the owner of the shop retired, she was able to take what little savings she had and purchase the bridal shop, which still bears her name today. She employed four seamstresses as well as her four daughters who worked as saleswomen. Anyone who was married in Warren, Ohio in the late 50s through the late 80s purchased their bridal gown from Evaline’s Bridal! Not only did she have to overcome the barrier of being in a foreign country and living in a man’s world in the 50s, but she was also able to persevere and become a small business owner, which was unheard of for the time era in which she lived. She was one of the hardest working women in our family, besides my mother. The best leaders are able to multitask and coordinate projects effortlessly, as well as teach others the skills to succeed. We learn from our leaders and having a strong woman leading my own family has taught me so much. My mother was able to teach me how to be independent at an early age and multitask duties such as being an academic leader, sports, and activities as well as working a part-time job, volunteering in my community, and performing chores around the house. This helped me transition to collegiate life and live independently, while many of my peers have not been as successful. I want to be that leader for other young women around me. I enjoy teaching others and giving a helping hand to those in need. I possess the characteristics to be the next generation of women leading my family and I want to instill the values in my young cousins who are 3 and 4. Although their mother is a leader herself, as she opened her own salon and has her own product line, I feel that I am surrounded by women who lead others and know this is the benefit of strong women in your life. More women leading allows women like my great-grandmother to inspire a career to younger generations, like myself. Thank you for the opportunity to tell my story. Should you need to contact me, I can be reached at 330.717.0827. Rachel Delida

Education is what a person makes of it, but so is mental health. I believe that you can choose to ignore your education just like you can ignore your mental health. I chose the opposite. Throughout high school I struggled with my anxiety, sometimes making it debilitating for me to do any school work or complete a sports practice without having an anxiety attack. After I graduated high school I promised myself I would make it my priority. I submerged myself in information about how the brain processes different stimuli and how I might perceive the stimuli compared to my peers. I grew very fond of what I had learned and practiced meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling more than ever before. I meditate and journal each morning and when I feel overwhelmed I practice calm breathing. Now that I am a sophomore in college, I have realized the impact my improved mental health has had on my academic and extracurricular life. However, sometimes I do have days that I find it hard to complete what I want done. Low mental health days are a part of life, I have noticed, but on those specific days, I tend to be more gentle with myself. To me, low mental health days are caused by academic life. School is hard and draining which means I have to set aside time for myself to recover and rest. This has allowed me to learn that I am not always going to have extremely productive days, like the days before, and that it is okay! I forgive myself for the stress I may have caused and move on. After I grew to understand this I have been able to plan, learn, and understand what is being taught to me more effectively. My mental health used to also affect my social life. I was irritable and quick to snap, but through the betterment of myself, I have been able to turn this around. Now when I am upset I take a step back, recognize what has triggered me, and make a decision, “do I stay and calmly and engage” or “walk away”. This has been such a turning point for my mental health because there are many situations in which I make this decision and have avoided more stress for myself. To me, less stress equals a happier life. I have been able to experience pure happiness without the fear of it having to end because I prioritized the way I perceive my surroundings. My mental health no longer has a hold on me because I believe that putting that 1% of effort into my mental health each day has freed me. Most importantly, I recognize that I must maintain that goal to remain free. Thank you for this opportunity, Rachel Delida

I believe the doors of opportunity grow the more a person learns. Since I was in middle school, I wanted to become a part of something bigger than myself. So in high school, I joined as many clubs as I could. I was a part of the pep club, tennis team, swim team, and other various groups. Because of my dedication to the club or team, I became team captain and president of multiple clubs and teams. I have continued my extracurriculars at the collegiate level being involved in Orthodox Christian fellowship and psychology club. I cherish my faith because it allows me to lead myself to be a better person. Additionally, I became a member of the psychology club because I wanted to gain the education that the club had to offer. Even through all these activities, I have continued to question what my purpose would be. I learned of a human trafficking ring that had been disbanded in 2018. I recognized that I wanted to help these victims of human trafficking. I did all the research I could to find out who helped individuals in situations like these and I discovered it was the FBI. Since that time I have always had in the back of my mind a goal to be working for the FBI and after learning more about them; I was sold and I knew I wanted to be an agent for the FBI. Prior to graduating high school, I contacted a local detective, Brian Crites, who arranged a meeting with a coroner. I was able to spend the day reviewing several different autopsies and finding the cause of death. I learned about various causes of death and processes of the body. We spent another day at a BCI laboratory in Richfield, OH and I had the amazing opportunity to learn more about the lab work behind the crimes. I engaged in a visual of how DNA is assessed in laboratory settings. I enrolled at West Virginia University double majoring in Criminology and Psychology with a double minor in Accounting and Forensics. I submerged into these because I wanted to learn all perspectives of crime whether it be physical, mental, or cyber. This past December, I visited the field office of the FBI in Cleveland, OH, and spoke to Supervisory Special Agent Michael Pinto, Staff Operations Specialist Kaleigh Piscioneri, Special Agent David Deitsch, and Staff Operations Taylor Tillotson. We engaged in an incredible conversation about their experiences in the FBI, what their background was to match them into their particular field, and what they would recommend to younger students looking to have a career such as theirs. These experiences have piqued my interest and have caused me to want to learn more about the FBI. I want to use these experiences to help people who have been forced into human trafficking. Human trafficking is a terrible crime that is growing exponentially each year, I plan to put a stop to this atrocity in my future career. Thank you for this opportunity, Rachel Delida