I have a common injury that was more damaging then it should've been. I've had four concussions. Three major ones and one minor one. I got my first concussion in second grade with a softball to my temple. When my family tells the story they always talk about how my entire personality changed. This was not the first time I had a head injury but it was my first concussion. I have no recollection of my childhood. Shows I apparently watched on repeat as a child I couldn't tell you the name of much less what happened in it. My second concussion was in february of ninth grade with an elbow to my eye socket during a basketball game. My vision went blurry and I immediately waved to my coach that I needed to come off the court. After the game our physical trainer said I definitely had a concussion but I had to go to the doctor to confirm. The doctor we saw was horrible. Never did an exam, simply looked at my eyes and said I was either concussed or drunk. This concussion was the worst and I unfortunately pushed myself to come back from it too fast. I was in constant pain and worked with the trainer everyday until she cleared me to go back to basketball. My third concussion was in september of tenth grade from a soccer ball to the back of my head full force. So I offically have CTE. Although doctors can't confirm until I die, they are very sure about it. This concussion ruined my spirit for a long time. I was forced by my doctor and my parents to quit all contact sports which were my whole life. I had to start seeing a neurologist, audiologist, vestibular therapist, and my regular doctor. Plus having MRI imaging, new diets, medications, habits, and more to help with the symptoms. I was mad at the world for years. Thankfully, I could still play golf but it wasn't the same. This concussion really made the symptoms very clear. I began having migraines 4-5 times a week, I always felt unstable, people talking normally sounded like they were screaming, and I began having trouble unstanding people when they talk. The fourth concussion was senior year. However, the story for this one is pretty funny. I was running behind my boyfriend and I tickled his sides. He jumped at being tickled and the back of his head hit the front of my head. It wasn't purposeful and it was super minor but the more concussions/head trauma you get the easier it is to get more. I took the lack of my sports and my anger and I turned it on academics. I started taking college classes in 9th grade. I joined GST-BOCES junior year and was the first student to dual enroll in two programs. Became student of the year for BOCES my senior year and graduated with 6 chords and 56 college credits. I'm 19 now. I get very rare concussions, closed captions are a staple in my household, I have accomodations for school, and I feel pretty normal. But I have a bunch of medications, years of trial and error in my diet, years of feeling like a failure. It took time but I made it. Now I work hard to stay on top of my studies, part-time jobs, and loans. My parents spent so much time, energy, and money on specialists that they can barely help. So if you choose me as your winner for this scholarship, second grade me might finally breathe lighter.

When I was 8 years old, I fell in love with my neighbor’s little puppy Sophie. Eventually, I gathered the courage to ask if I could walk her. Little did I know that moment would change my life. For the next eight years I walked Sophie, but I also helped her owners the McCarthy's. Mrs. McCarthy was 89 when I first asked to walk Sophie. She was 91 when her husband passed away and was left in her hometown all by herself. Her children living all across the country. That's when I stopped being the "little girl who walked the dog". I did laundry, dishes, and other household work. I kept her company every night after practice even when I was exhausted. I played Rummikub with her, watched all the game shows on tv, sat beside her just to keep her company. She became a grandmother to me. When she was 95, she fell and had to go to the hospital. Her health declined a lot, and it became extremely clear then that her house was not built for her elderly years. She couldn't get her walker to the bathroom and had to use her hands on the wall to make it down the hallway. She began really struggling with things she managed to do perfectly fine before. I tried to be at her house every moment I had free, but I was a 14-year-old in sports. Then they found an aneurysm in her brain. We all thought she wouldn't make it much longer. At 97 we finished a game of Rummikub with my partner and her son with ALS and I went home to do homework. Ten minutes later she was loaded into an ambulance. She didn't come back home. Thankfully, all six of her sons made it home to say goodbye. Eight years of my life I spent dedicated to my neighbor all because of her cute dog. I decided at sixteen after her aneurysm diagnosis that I wanted to be an interior designer. Not because of HGTV (although I do enjoy that show) but because I want to redesign homes that have not aged like their owners. Redefine spaces so that there aren't health risks of leaving a walker at the end of the hall just to make it to the bathroom. Not having to fight against being placed in a home because your children don't think you're safe in the house you raised them in. Sophie changed my life and Mrs. McCarthy redirected my passion, and I'll never be able to say thank you the way I want to. But this scholarship could really help me achieve my goal and make sure her legacy never fades away. No matter who you choose for this scholarship, I appreciate the time you spent reading my essay and I hope you keep Mrs. McCarthy in mind when you choose your winners.

For me, learning has always been a joy. Education makes me feel accomplished, capable, and prepared for whatever comes next. Whenever an opportunity to learn has been presented to me, I have taken it. As a freshman in high school, I began taking college classes. Every summer after that, I enrolled in two or more college courses, determined to challenge myself. During my junior year, I attended GST BOCES Wildwood in the Professional Business Financial Technology (PBFT) program. As a senior, I made history at my BOCES by becoming the first student to dual enroll in both PBFT and the nursing program at the same time. I graduated high school with a 3.9 GPA, seven honor cords, 56 college credits, Student of the Year from BOCES, and Microsoft Office certifications in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Every achievement represented countless hours of studying and a commitment to making the most of every opportunity. My journey wasn't without obstacles. During high school, I suffered four concussions—three of them severe—which forced me to give up the contact sports I loved. While recovering, I continued working at my local pizza shop, served as captain of the varsity golf team, and spent every spare moment studying. Those experiences taught me resilience and how to adapt when life doesn't go according to plan. One of my proudest moments came when I became the first student from my high school to receive a college acceptance letter. It was from my dream school, along with a scholarship. It felt like every late night and every challenge had been worth it. The greatest motivation in my life, however, has been my family and my community. When I was entering eighth grade, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her treatment, we also faced the uncertainty of COVID-19, hybrid learning, and my own injuries. Seeing her fight through those challenges while encouraging me to keep doing my best in school taught me what true strength looks like. Today, she is in remission, and I carry her determination with me every day. My neighbors have also shaped who I am. I grew up on a street where nearly everyone was elderly. What started as conversations through backyard fences became afternoons spent on their porches, helping with cleaning, errands, and companionship. They inspired my career goal of renovating homes so older adults can age safely in the places they love instead of moving because their homes are no longer accessible. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing that goal by easing the financial burden of college and allowing me to focus on becoming someone who gives back to others. My education has already opened so many doors, and with your investment, I can use it to open doors for others as well.

Planning has always been one of my greatest strengths. My family jokes that I have a backup plan to my backup plan, but that mindset has helped me prepare for every stage of my education and career. I have been working toward becoming an interior designer since I was little, and every decision I have made has been intentional. I am currently pursuing a degree in Interior Architecture and Design at Mercyhurst University. Tuition and fees total approximately $31,357 per semester before financial aid. Even after scholarships, grants, and federal loans, I am responsible for roughly $15,000 each semester. Since fourth grade, I have found ways to earn and save money through odd jobs and, later, part-time employment beginning in tenth grade. Those savings have helped me purchase reliable transportation, contribute to household expenses, and reduce my educational costs, but I still rely on scholarships and loans to make college affordable. I also prepared academically by taking college courses beginning in ninth grade, graduating high school with 56 college credits. I earned Microsoft certifications in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, was named Student of the Year, and received a scholarship from my dream school. My original goal was to graduate in two and a half years, but due to scheduling changes within my program, my graduation timeline shifted to three years. After graduation, I plan to move closer to a larger city and complete a paid construction apprenticeship to strengthen my understanding of how buildings are designed and built. After approximately two years, I plan to return to my hometown and work for an architecture or interior design firm, where I will continue developing technical skills while building a client base and professional network. My long-term goal is to own or co-own a design firm specializing in accessible home renovations for older adults. I want to help seniors remain safely in their homes rather than being forced to move because of accessibility challenges. My experience, education, and industry connections will provide the foundation needed to make that vision a reality. Once my career is established and financially stable, I plan to start a family while continuing to grow my business. Looking even further ahead, I hope to open a nonprofit senior community center inspired by the organization where I currently complete my work-study. My goal is to create a welcoming place where older adults can stay active, build friendships, and remain connected to their community. Every stage of my plan builds upon the one before it. Scholarships are one of the most important resources that make this journey possible, allowing me to focus on gaining the education and experience necessary to create lasting change through thoughtful, accessible design.

Making a positive impact on the world is the reason I chose to pursue a degree in Interior Architecture and Design. I have always loved creating art, but simply making something beautiful was never enough for me. I wanted to use creativity to solve real problems and improve people's lives, especially for the elderly. My goal is to redesign and renovate homes so older adults can continue living independently in the places they love. Too many seniors are forced to leave their forever homes because they become inaccessible due to age or disability. Through thoughtful design, I hope to create spaces that are safe, functional, and beautiful, allowing people to age with dignity while staying connected to the memories and communities they cherish. I also hope to start a nonprofit organization in my hometown similar to Mercy Hilltop Senior Center, where I currently complete my work-study. Working there has shown me how important community is for older adults. I want to create a welcoming place where neighbors, church members, and community members can stay active, build friendships, and find support. Art is what makes these goals possible. Interior design is more than decorating a room—it is about creating spaces that improve quality of life. Every design choice, from accessibility features to lighting and layout, can make someone feel safer, more comfortable, and more at home. I believe the best art has a purpose beyond itself. By combining creativity with compassion, I hope to help older adults maintain their independence and strengthen my community. If my work allows even one person to remain in the home they love or find connection through a welcoming community space, I will know I have used my artistic talents to make a meaningful difference.

Golf has been a part of my life since I was in fifth grade, when my dad first introduced me to the game. It quickly became something special that the two of us could share. Going to the golf course gave us a chance to get away from the stress of everyday life and simply enjoy spending time together. I was far from being a great golfer when I started, but I fell in love with the challenge of the sport. Every round was an opportunity to improve, and every good shot made me want to come back and play again. I surprised my entire family when I joined my school's junior varsity golf team as a seventh grader. Although our season was cut short because of COVID-19, I worked hard and earned a varsity spot as an eighth grader. From the beginning, I knew being one of the only girls on the team would not be easy. Fortunately, my coach was also a woman, which gave me someone to look up to and reminded me that I belonged in the sport. One of my biggest challenges was competing in a league that was primarily made up of boys. Most of my opponents could hit the ball much farther than I could, and because it was a men's league, I had to play from the whites instead of the reds. There were times when I questioned whether I could keep up, and I came close to quitting more than once. However, my teammates never made me feel like I didn't belong. The older boys treated me like a little sister and their support helped me push through the difficult moments and continue improving. I refused to let physical differences define my ability as a golfer. Beginning in ninth grade, I began working out to build strength and generate more power in my swing while also spending my summers teaching young girls how to play golf. While I was helping them learn the fundamentals, I was continuing to learn myself. Watching their confidence grow reminded me of my own journey and reinforced why I love the game so much. Seeing girls realize that they belonged on the course just as much as anyone else became one of the most rewarding parts of my golfing experience. By my senior year, all of my hard work had paid off. I was named varsity captain and even received a small scholarship from my local golf course. I had hoped to continue playing competitively in college, but balancing a demanding class schedule, studying, work, and financial responsibilities made that impossible. While I was disappointed, I never stopped being a golfer. Today, I still teach the same girls I started coaching years ago, even though they are not so little anymore. I participate in charity fundraisers whenever I can and play after work whenever I have the opportunity. As a college student, most of my time is spent working to pay for tuition, books, and the art supplies required for my major, leaving little time or money for golf. Even so, the game remains an important part of who I am. Golf has taught me perseverance, patience, leadership, and confidence. As a female golfer, I have learned that success is not about hitting the ball the farthest—it is about showing up, working hard, and refusing to let obstacles determine what you are capable of achieving. Those lessons continue to shape me both on and off the course, and they are the reason I know golf will always be a part of my life.

Higher education is essential to achieving my future goals because it will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to make a meaningful difference in my community. My dream is to become an interior designer who specializes in creating safe, functional, and beautiful living spaces for older adults. As our population ages, more seniors want to remain in the comfort of their own homes instead of moving into assisted living facilities. I want to help make that possible by designing homes that promote independence, accessibility, and comfort while still reflecting each person's unique personality and style. Through my education, I am learning much more than how to create attractive spaces. My courses are teaching me how to design for people with different mobility levels, physical abilities, lifestyles, and personal preferences. Every client has unique needs, and I want to be prepared to create environments that improve both their safety and their quality of life. Whether that means selecting accessible layouts, reducing fall hazards, or incorporating features that make everyday tasks easier, I want my designs to allow older adults to live with dignity and confidence in their own homes. In addition to studying interior design, I am taking courses in business management and accounting. These classes are helping me understand what it takes to successfully operate an organization and manage its finances responsibly. This knowledge is important because one of my long-term goals is to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving active seniors in my hometown. I envision a place that provides resources, educational opportunities, social activities, and home design assistance to help older adults remain engaged, independent, and connected to their community. I believe that creating spaces where people feel safe, valued, and comfortable can have a lasting impact on their physical and emotional well-being. My goal is not simply to decorate homes but to improve lives through thoughtful, intentional design. I also hope to advocate for aging in place by educating families about how simple design changes can help their loved ones remain independent for longer. Attending college is the foundation that will allow me to turn these goals into reality. It will equip me with the technical expertise, business knowledge, and problem-solving skills necessary to build a successful career and eventually lead a nonprofit organization. By combining my education with my passion for helping others, I hope to create safer, more welcoming environments for older adults and make a lasting positive impact in my hometown. I want my work to give seniors the opportunity to continue living independently while knowing they are supported by a community that values and respects them.

Many people who pursue a degree in Interior Architecture and Design are drawn to the creative aspects of decorating and aesthetics. While I appreciate the artistic side of the profession, my passion extends far beyond creating beautiful spaces. I chose this field because I want to design environments that improve people's quality of life while promoting sustainable, long-lasting solutions. Growing up, I had the privilege of helping care for my elderly neighbor. Spending time with her showed me how the design of a home can either support or limit a person's independence. She faced daily challenges because her home was not designed to accommodate aging. Changes in floor levels created unnecessary obstacles, narrow hallways made using a walker difficult, and doorways were too small for a wheelchair. These barriers made it increasingly difficult for her to remain safely and comfortably in the home she loved. Those experiences inspired my career goals. After earning my degree in Interior Architecture and Design, along with a minor in Business Administration, I plan to specialize in renovating homes for older adults so they can age in place with greater independence and dignity. Thoughtful design can reduce fall risks, improve accessibility, and create safer, more functional living environments that allow individuals to remain in their communities for as long as possible. Sustainability is an equally important part of my vision. Rather than encouraging homeowners to move into new construction, I want to extend the life of existing homes through environmentally responsible renovations. By incorporating energy-efficient lighting and appliances, durable and sustainable materials, improved insulation, and adaptable universal design principles, I can create spaces that are both accessible and environmentally conscious. Designing homes that can evolve with a person's changing needs reduces waste, conserves resources, and provides long-term value for families. I believe great design should be functional, inclusive, and sustainable. My goal is to use my education to help older adults maintain their independence while creating healthier, more efficient homes that benefit both the people who live in them and the environment. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue pursuing that mission and prepare me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through thoughtful, sustainable design.

My name is Rachel, and I am currently a junior at Mercyhurst University, where I am majoring in Interior Architecture and Design with a minor in Business Administration. Ever since I began studying design, I have realized that I want my career to be about much more than creating beautiful spaces. I want to use my education and creativity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, especially for members of the elderly community who deserve to remain independent and comfortable in the homes they love. My dream is to specialize in renovating older homes to make them both functional and beautiful for aging homeowners. Many elderly individuals are forced to leave the homes they have spent decades building memories in simply because those homes are no longer accessible. My goal is to help change that. I hope to widen doorways for wheelchair accessibility, install chair lifts, redesign kitchens and bathrooms for easier use, and reconfigure layouts to meet ADA standards whenever possible. These renovations would not only improve safety and accessibility but would also restore the comfort and pride homeowners felt when they first purchased their forever home. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to age with dignity in a place that feels familiar and safe, and I want to be part of making that possible. In addition to my career goals, I also dream of opening a nonprofit senior activity center in my hometown, where resources and opportunities for older adults are very limited. While attending school, I have the privilege of working at Mercy Hilltop Senior Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. Every day, I see firsthand the positive impact the center has on its members. It provides friendship, activities, support, and a true sense of community. Watching the joy it brings to people's lives has inspired me to create something similar in my own community so that local seniors have a place where they can stay active, connected, and engaged. Although I am passionate about my future, paying for college has been a constant challenge. My parents work hard, but they are not in a financial position to cover my education. I work as much as I can while balancing a demanding course load, yet I still struggle to afford textbooks, art supplies, and other materials required for my major. My father even makes payments toward my student loans out of every paycheck because he wants to help lessen my financial burden. I am incredibly grateful for his support, but I know it places additional stress on him as well. Receiving this scholarship would make a tremendous difference in my education. It would help pay for tuition, required design materials, and supplies that are essential to my success in the Interior Architecture and Design program. More importantly, it would allow me to focus more of my energy on my education and future goals instead of constantly worrying about finances. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay and consider my application. Regardless of your decision, I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to share my story, my goals, and my passion for improving the lives of others. I hope to use my education not only to build beautiful spaces but also to create environments that allow people to live with greater independence, comfort, and happiness.

Art is my true love, not just art but functional art. However, I have learned that it is not my passion. Helping elderly people is my passion. But I found a way to combine the two. When I was in fourth grade I started helping my elderly neighbor with walking her dog. Then her husband passed two years later. After that I became her primary care. Laundry, dishes, dinner, games, you name it, I did it. I even learned how to administer insulin before high school. But the thing that always stuck out to me was how hard it was for my neighbor to get around her house with her walker. Especially after a fall. So I adapted my love of art, to better my newfound passion. My dream is to make old homes with older owners usable and beautiful so that elderly people don't have to go to nursing homes due to inaccessibility within the home. I would widen doorways, install chair lifts, re-configure layouts for ada standards, and more. All in the hope of making someone's life a little bit easier. Not only would our elderly community be able to stay in their homes more often, I would also be able to restore the "new" feeling they had when they first bought their forever home. Finally, I want to open a non-profit senior active center in my home town where elder care is very limited. I work at Mercy Hilltop Senior Center in Erie PA while I'm at school and the happiness it brings people is out of this world. Bringing that to my home town would be a dream come true. Unfortunately, my parents aren't rich. I work my butt off but I can barely afford books for my classes and my dad is trying to pay bits and pieces of my loans each pay check. This scholarship would help me greatly with art supplies and college tuition that is beginning to feel like a sea over my head and my dad's. Regardless of your choice in this scholarship winner, I appreciate you taking the time to read this essay and consider me for the award. I may not be a music major although I did play mallet percussion in high school, but I hope my dreams of functional art are enough to persuade you into considering me. I'm sorry for your loss, Jacob sounds like he was an amazing man.