The Steps That Shaped Me: Turning Resilience into Purpose Every staircase tells a story. For me, the stairs in my home became a place that forever changed my life. It was at the bottom of those stairs where I found my mother after she passed away during my junior year of high school. In that moment, the world I knew changed, but so did my understanding of resilience, compassion, and the importance of moving forward. Those stairs became a reminder that moving forward does not mean leaving someone behind. It means carrying the lessons, love, and strength of those who shaped us as we continue to grow. My mother taught me the importance of kindness, perseverance, and showing up for others. After losing her, I faced a choice: allow grief to define my future or use that experience as motivation to become someone who could make a difference. I chose to move forward. The resilience I developed through that experience shaped my commitment to excellence, service, and advocacy. My name is Rachel Ingels, and I am a student at Michigan State University’s Honors College and James Madison College, pursuing a double major in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy and Criminal Justice. My goal is to attend law school and build a career where I can advocate for individuals and communities who need someone willing to listen, understand, and fight for what is right. Throughout my life, I have pursued opportunities that challenge me to grow while allowing me to serve others. As a high school volleyball player, I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and supporting those around me. Athletics taught me success comes not only from individual effort, but from encouraging teammates and working together toward a shared goal. As Miss Monroe County’s Teen, I created and promoted my platform, “Sprouting Young Minds Through STEM,” where I visited more than 25 elementary classrooms to encourage students to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through FIRST Robotics, I developed my skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and mentorship while helping inspire younger students to pursue their own interests and goals. At Michigan State, I continue to pursue excellence in academics, leadership, and service. As an Honors College student, James Madison College student, and Mowbray Scholar, I have challenged myself academically while seeking opportunities to grow as a leader. Through my involvement in the Mowbray Scholar Program, the MSU Pre-Law Mentorship Program, and my Professorial Assistantship with the Michigan State University College of Law, I have gained valuable experience preparing for my future career in law. I am involved in Delta Gamma, where I serve on several committees and will help manage the chapter’s recruitment process, allowing me to continue building relationships and supporting my campus community. The Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship would help me continue taking the next steps toward my goals. This scholarship would provide financial support as I pursue my education allowing me to dedicate more time to academic, leadership, and service opportunities. More importantly, it would connect me to Kalia’s legacy of excellence, kindness, ambition, and determination. Like Kalia, I believe success is measured not only by accomplishments, but by the encouragement we provide to others and the positive impact we leave behind. Kalia’s life demonstrated one person can make a lasting difference through hard work, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. I hope to honor her memory by continuing to pursue my goals, serve others, and create meaningful impact in my community. The stairs that changed my life continue to remind me every step forward is an opportunity to grow, lead, and inspire others.

Working with Purpose: Balancing Employment and Education Working part-time while pursuing my degree has allowed me to gain experiences extending far beyond earning a paycheck. As a student in Michigan State University's Honors College, I currently serve as a Professorial Assistant, where I have transitioned from working with Professor Quinn Yeargain of the College of Law to Professor Ryan Black, a nationally recognized scholar whose research focuses on judicial decision-making and the United States Supreme Court. The Professorial Assistantship is a competitive opportunity awarded to selected Honors College students, and it has become one of the most meaningful experiences of my college education. During the academic year, I work approximately 10 to 12 hours each week while maintaining a full-time course load of 14 credit hours. Balancing these responsibilities requires careful planning, discipline, and flexibility, which has taught me how to prioritize competing responsibilities without sacrificing academic excellence. Unlike many part-time jobs, my assistantship allows me to apply what I learn in the classroom to meaningful legal and political research. While working with Professor Yeargain, I developed stronger research, writing, and analytical skills through legal scholarship. As I begin working with Dr. Black, I look forward to studying judicial behavior and Supreme Court decision-making, gaining a deeper understanding of how constitutional interpretation influences public policy and the lives of ordinary citizens. These experiences complement my double major in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy through James Madison College and Criminal Justice, along with my minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy, while reinforcing my goal of attending law school and eventually serving as both a prosecuting attorney and a judge. A typical week includes classes, research responsibilities, organization meetings, reading assignments, and many hours of studying. Rather than viewing these commitments as competing demands, I view them as opportunities that strengthen one another. My research enhances my classroom learning, while my coursework provides context for the work I perform as a Professorial Assistant. The most challenging time balancing work, leadership, and academics came during my junior year of high school. My father had recently lost his job, and my mother passed away after a long illness during one of the busiest periods of my academic career. At the same time, I was serving as Executive Board President of Student Council, leading FIRST Robotics outreach as Media Lead, representing my community as Miss Monroe County's Teen, participating in Mock Trial, and preparing for college. There were days when everything felt overwhelming. I quickly realized I could not control every circumstance, but I could control how I responded. Instead of focusing on everything at once, I learned to break large challenges into manageable tasks. I relied on detailed planning, prioritized deadlines, communicated openly with teachers and mentors when I needed guidance, and reminded myself that asking for help was not a sign of weakness but a sign of maturity. That experience transformed the way I approach work and school today. I learned success is not about doing everything perfectly; it is about remaining dependable even when life becomes difficult. More importantly, I discovered resilience is built through consistent effort rather than extraordinary moments. Working while pursuing my education has shown me that success is not simply measured by how much you accomplish, but by how faithfully you fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to you. Those lessons will remain with me throughout law school and my legal career, where balancing demanding workloads with thoughtful, ethical decision-making will be essential. Every responsibility I accept today brings me one step closer to becoming the kind of attorney who is prepared, compassionate, and committed to serving others.

Using Opportunities to Serve Others and Create a Positive Impact Throughout my life, I have learned that success is not measured only by personal accomplishments. It is measured by how we use our abilities and opportunities to help others. The experiences that have shaped me most are not simply the awards I have received or the positions I have held, but the moments when I have been able to encourage someone, support my community, or help another person see possibilities they may not have imagined. I believe I should be considered for this scholarship because I have consistently tried to use every opportunity I receive as a way to serve others. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, leadership, or education, I have learned that making a difference does not always require a major action. Sometimes it begins with simply being willing to listen, help, and show someone they matter. At Michigan State University, I am pursuing a double major in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy through James Madison College and Criminal Justice, along with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. I chose this path because I want to better understand how laws and institutions affect people’s lives. My long-term goal is to attend law school, become a prosecuting attorney, and eventually serve as a judge. I hope to build a career where I can advocate for individuals who feel overlooked or unheard. My academic accomplishments reflect my dedication and determination. During my first year at Michigan State University, I was named to the Dean’s List, accepted into the Honors College, and selected as a Mowbray Scholar, an honor awarded to only two first-year students from an incoming class of approximately 14,000 students. I was also selected for a Professorial Assistantship with Michigan State University College of Law, where I have gained experience researching legal issues and seeing the importance of thoughtful decision-making. However, some of my most meaningful experiences have come outside of the classroom. Since 2018, I have volunteered with the Bedford Goodfellows, helping assemble and distribute food packages to families in need. When I first started volunteering, I thought the most important part was completing the work efficiently. Over time, I realized the most meaningful part was the human connection. A conversation, a smile, or simply showing someone, they were valued could make an experience feel less like receiving assistance and more like being supported by a community. My passion for service has also influenced my commitment to education and mentorship. Through FIRST Robotics Bedford Express 1023, where I served as Media Lead, I helped promote STEM opportunities to younger students. Through my platform, “Sprouting Young Minds Through STEM,” which began during my time as Miss Sunrise Side’s Teen and Miss Monroe County’s Teen, I visited more than twenty-five classrooms throughout Michigan to encourage students to explore STEM fields. One of my favorite parts of this work was seeing students realize that STEM was not something meant only for certain people. I especially enjoyed encouraging young girls who did not always see themselves represented in science and technology. Watching their confidence grow reminded me that sometimes the greatest impact we can have is helping someone believe they belong. I have also worked to strengthen my school community through leadership positions including Executive Board President of Student Council, Class President, and National Honor Society Historian. These roles taught me that leadership is not about having authority; it is about creating an environment where people feel included and supported. Whether organizing events, listening to classmates’ concerns, or helping younger students through Math Lab tutoring, I learned that small actions can create meaningful change. My commitment to serving others has also been shaped by personal challenges. In 2024, my family experienced the loss of my mother after a long illness while my father was also facing financial uncertainty after losing his job. Losing my mother was one of the hardest experiences of my life. During that time, I had to learn how to balance grief, family responsibilities, academics, and my commitments to others. My mother was one of the people who taught me the importance of compassion, perseverance, and using my abilities to help others. Continuing to serve my community became one way I carried forward the values she instilled in me. That experience strengthened my empathy and reminded me that many people are facing challenges others may never see. Receiving this scholarship would help reduce the financial barriers associated with higher education and allow me to continue focusing on academics, leadership, and service. More importantly, it would support my ability to continue creating opportunities for others. I also hope to honor my mother’s legacy by establishing a scholarship in her name to support women pursuing careers in STEM and law. She believed deeply in education and perseverance, and I hope to continue sharing those values by helping future students pursue their goals. The opportunities I have received have shaped who I am, and I want to use those opportunities to open doors for others just as others have opened doors for me. Through education, service, and leadership, I hope to continue making a positive impact in my community and beyond.

Finding Courage and Purpose Through the Pages of Great Books Books have always been a way for me to explore ideas, understand experiences different from my own, and reflect on the person I hope to become. A great book does more than tell a story; it challenges readers to think differently, ask difficult questions, and carry important lessons into their own lives. Two books that have had a lasting impact on me are To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Although these novels are very different, both taught me powerful lessons about courage, compassion, perseverance, and the responsibility we have to others. To Kill a Mockingbird shaped my understanding of justice and empathy. Through the character of Atticus Finch, I learned that doing what is right is not always easy, especially when facing criticism or disagreement. Atticus demonstrates that integrity means standing by your values even when the outcome is uncertain. His example helped me understand that fairness requires more than recognizing injustice; it requires the courage to respond. This lesson has influenced many parts of my life. Through Mock Trial, leadership roles, and community service, I have learned the importance of listening to people’s experiences and understanding perspectives different from my own. The novel reminded me that every person has a story, and those stories deserve to be heard with compassion and respect. The Lord of the Rings taught me a different but equally meaningful lesson: ordinary people can create extraordinary change when they choose courage over fear. Frodo’s journey demonstrates that bravery does not mean someone is never afraid; it means continuing forward despite challenges. The friendships and loyalty shown throughout the story also emphasize that people are stronger when they support one another. This message became especially meaningful during one of the most difficult experiences of my life. After losing my mother in 2024, my family experienced grief and significant changes. During that time, I learned that challenges are easier to face when we rely on the support of others and continue moving forward with purpose. Like the characters in Tolkien’s story, I discovered that perseverance is often built through community, hope, and determination. These books have shaped my goals by showing me the importance of using knowledge to make a positive difference. My love of reading has encouraged me to study subjects involving people, society, and justice. At Michigan State University, I am pursuing Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy through James Madison College and Criminal Justice because I want to better understand how decisions, laws, and institutions affect individuals and communities. As I continue my education, I hope to carry forward the lessons I have learned from literature. Whether through my future career in law, community service, or mentoring others, I want to use what I have learned to advocate for fairness and help people feel valued. The greatest books stay with us because they become part of how we see the world. To Kill a Mockingbird taught me that justice requires courage, while The Lord of the Rings taught me that perseverance and compassion can help overcome even the greatest challenges. These lessons continue guiding me, reminding me that stories have the power not only to entertain us, but also to inspire us to become better versions of ourselves.

Building Stronger Communities Through Service Community is not created by a single person or a single act. It is built through countless moments when individuals choose to support one another, create opportunities, and remind others that they are valued. Throughout my life, I have learned that the strongest communities are not defined only by where people live, but by how they care for one another. One of the experiences that shaped my understanding of community service was volunteering with the Bedford Goodfellows. Since 2018, I have helped assemble and distribute food packages to families in need throughout my community. At first, I viewed volunteering as completing a task: organizing supplies, packing boxes, and helping with distribution. Over time, I realized the most important part of the experience was not simply what we provided, but how we treated the people we served. A kind conversation, a smile, and showing someone they mattered helped create a stronger connection within our community. My commitment to building community has also extended into education and mentorship. Through FIRST Robotics Bedford Express 1023, where I served as Media Lead, I helped introduce younger students to opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through my platform, “Sprouting Young Minds Through STEM,” which began during my time as Miss Sunrise Side’s Teen and Miss Monroe County’s Teen, I visited more than twenty-five classrooms throughout Michigan to encourage students to explore STEM fields. One of the most rewarding parts of this work was encouraging young girls who did not always see themselves represented in STEM. Helping students recognize that they belonged in these fields showed me that community is created when people open doors for others and help them see possibilities they may not have imagined. I have also worked to strengthen my school community through leadership and mentorship. As Executive Board President of Student Council, Class President, and a member of National Honor Society, I helped organize events and activities designed to bring students together. I learned that effective leadership is not about holding a title; it is about listening to others, encouraging participation, and creating an environment where people feel included. During high school, I also served as a Math Lab Tutor, helping classmates who needed additional support. This experience taught me that community can be built through small, everyday actions. Sometimes helping one person gain confidence or overcome a challenge can have an impact that extends far beyond that individual. My dedication to serving others continued during a difficult period in my own life. In 2024, my family experienced the loss of my mother after a long illness while my father was also facing financial uncertainty after losing his job. Although this was a challenging time, I continued my commitments to leadership, service, and academics. My experiences taught me that hardship can deepen our empathy and strengthen our desire to support others. Today, as a student at Michigan State University studying Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy through James Madison College and Criminal Justice, I continue seeking opportunities to serve. My future goal is to attend law school, become a prosecuting attorney, and eventually serve as a judge. I hope to build a career focused on advocacy, fairness, and helping people who may feel unheard. I believe strong communities are built when people recognize their responsibility to help others. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, leadership, or my future career in law, I hope to continue creating supportive communities where people feel respected, encouraged, and valued.

The Greatest Impact Comes From Serving Others I still remember the first time I helped distribute food packages through the Bedford Goodfellows. I expected the experience to be about organizing boxes and completing a task. Instead, I learned that service is about more than what we provide; it is about treating people with dignity, kindness, and respect. A conversation, a smile, or showing someone they mattered could be just as meaningful as the assistance itself. That experience changed the way I understand selflessness. It is not about recognition or praise. It is about recognizing that every person deserves compassion and support. Since 2018, I have continued volunteering with the Bedford Goodfellows because I believe service is a responsibility. My commitment to service has also shaped my passion for education and mentorship. Through FIRST Robotics Bedford Express 1023, where I served as Media Lead, I helped promote STEM opportunities to younger students. Through my platform, “Sprouting Young Minds Through STEM,” which began during my time as Miss Sunrise Side’s Teen and Miss Monroe County’s Teen, I visited more than twenty-five classrooms throughout Michigan to encourage students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. One of the most rewarding parts of this experience was encouraging young girls who did not initially see themselves represented in STEM fields. Watching students become excited about opportunities they had never considered reminded me that selflessness often means helping others recognize their own potential. I have also practiced service through everyday acts of support. As a Math Lab Tutor during high school, I helped classmates who struggled with challenging concepts. I learned that helping others requires patience and understanding. My commitment to service was tested during one of the most difficult periods of my life. In 2024, my family experienced the loss of my mother after a long illness while my father was facing financial uncertainty after losing his job. During that time, I continued serving my community, leading Student Council as Executive Board President, participating in Mock Trial and FIRST Robotics, and maintaining my academic commitments. My mother taught me the importance of compassion, perseverance, and using my abilities to help others. Continuing to serve after her passing became one way I carried forward the values she instilled in me. That experience taught me that selflessness does not require a perfect life. Difficult experiences can deepen our ability to understand and support others. Today, as a student at Michigan State University studying Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy through James Madison College and Criminal Justice, I continue developing my commitment to service. My goal is to attend law school, become a prosecuting attorney, and eventually serve as a judge. I hope to build a career advocating for people who feel unheard and need someone willing to listen and stand beside them. I also hope to honor my mother’s legacy by establishing a scholarship in her name to support women pursuing careers in STEM and law. Creating opportunities for future generations would allow her values of education, perseverance, and compassion to continue making an impact. I embody selflessness by choosing to use my opportunities to create opportunities for others. Whether serving families, mentoring students, encouraging young people to pursue STEM, or advocating for individuals through my future legal career, I want my actions to reflect the belief that we all have a responsibility to make the world around us better. The greatest impact we make is not measured by the recognition we receive, but by the confidence we help others discover, the opportunities we help create, and the lives we positively influence.

More Than My Circumstances: Choosing to Create Opportunity When I began applying for scholarships, I often wondered how judges compare students whose accomplishments all seem impressive on paper. Many applicants have excellent grades, leadership positions, and volunteer experiences. I certainly do not believe I deserve this scholarship because I have faced more hardship than someone else or because my résumé is longer. Instead, I believe I offer something different: I have consistently transformed adversity into opportunity not only for myself, but for those around me. That distinction has shaped every step of my educational journey. During my junior year of high school, my family's future changed dramatically. In October 2023, my father unexpectedly lost his job. For more than a year, our family relied on unemployment benefits and the sale of investments while he searched for work. Then, in April 2024, my mother passed away after a long illness. Along with the emotional loss came significant medical expenses, funeral costs, and uncertainty about how we would afford college. There were moments when it would have been understandable to lower my expectations. Instead, those challenges strengthened my determination. Rather than allowing difficult circumstances to define my future, I chose to invest even more deeply in my education and my community. I completed high school as one of the Top Ten students in my graduating class of 313 students, earned AP Scholar recognition, delivered my class commencement address, and continued serving as Executive Board President of Student Council. At the same time, I represented my community as Miss Monroe County's Teen, served as Media Lead for FIRST Robotics, competed in Mock Trial, tutored students in my school's Math Lab, and continued volunteering with organizations including the Bedford Goodfellows and Ronald McDonald House. Those experiences taught me something I could not have learned in a classroom: leadership is measured most accurately when circumstances become difficult. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of was my STEM outreach platform, "Sprouting Young Minds Through STEM." Together with my twin brother, I introduced elementary students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through FIRST Robotics outreach and classroom visits. I especially enjoyed encouraging young girls who had never imagined themselves pursuing careers in STEM. Watching students become excited about learning reminded me that leadership is not about standing in front of people, it is about opening doors for others. That same philosophy continued after I enrolled at Michigan State University. Today I am pursuing a double major in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy through James Madison College and Criminal Justice, along with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. During my first year, I earned Dean's List honors, was selected for the Honors College, became one of only two first-year students chosen as a Mowbray Scholar from an incoming class of approximately 14,000 students, joined the Michigan State University College of Law Prelaw Mentorship Program, and earned a competitive Professorial Assistantship. This year, I will continue that assistantship while working with Professor Ryan Black, whose research on judicial decision-making will further strengthen my preparation for law school. While I am proud of these accomplishments, they are not what gives me an advantage over other applicants. My advantage is not that I have experienced adversity; it is that adversity has taught me to lead with resilience, compassion, and purpose. Financial uncertainty taught me to value every educational opportunity because I know how quickly circumstances can change. Losing my mother taught me to lead with empathy because everyone carries burdens that are not immediately visible. Serving my community taught me that lasting impact is measured by the opportunities we create for others rather than the recognition we receive ourselves. These lessons influence every decision I make. Whether mentoring younger students, conducting legal research, organizing community service projects, or speaking with classmates, I try to leave people feeling encouraged, respected, and more confident than when I found them. That perspective also shapes my future goals. I plan to attend law school, become a prosecuting attorney, and eventually serve as a judge. Throughout my education, I have become increasingly interested in how law can strengthen public trust, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure every person is treated fairly. I hope to build a career defined not only by legal knowledge, but by integrity, empathy, and public service. If I am awarded this scholarship, it will not simply reduce the financial burden of college. It will allow me to devote more time to research, leadership, and community service while continuing to pursue opportunities that prepare me for a career in law. More importantly, it will represent an investment in someone committed to using every opportunity she receives to improve the lives of others. Ultimately, I do not believe I deserve this scholarship because I have overcome adversity. Many students have. I believe I deserve this scholarship because I have consistently chosen to turn adversity into action, opportunity into service, and success into a responsibility to help others. Those choices, not my circumstances, are what distinguish me from other applicants. The name of this scholarship is Champions of a New Path. To me, a new path is not simply choosing a different direction when life becomes difficult. It is choosing to move forward with purpose, creating opportunities where obstacles once existed, and helping others discover possibilities they may not yet see for themselves.

The Confidence Someone Else Gives You A few months after my mother passed away in 2024, I found myself sitting on the floor of an elementary classroom helping students build small engineering projects out of paper, tape, and craft sticks. One young girl quietly told me she wanted to let the other students do the activity because she was “not good at science.” I remember sitting beside her and asking if she would help me test one small part of the design instead. Within minutes, she was contributing ideas, asking questions, and helping lead her group’s project. Watching her confidence change reminded me how much a person’s future can be shaped when someone chooses to encourage them. That moment reflects the kind of impact I want to make in my community and throughout my future career. I want to create opportunities that help people feel capable, supported, and heard, especially those who may not initially believe they belong in certain spaces. My commitment to that goal comes largely from the people who shaped me. My mother taught me that education means little if it is not used to help others. Even while facing serious health challenges from autoimmune disease, she continued encouraging me to work hard, stay compassionate, and lead with empathy. After losing her, I realized how deeply small acts of encouragement and support can affect someone during difficult moments. That perspective changed the way I approach leadership, service, and my future goals. Through my initiative, “Sprouting Young Minds Through STEM,” I have worked to introduce younger students, especially girls, to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through classroom visits, robotics demonstrations, and hands-on learning activities. As a student involved in FIRST Robotics, I often noticed the lack of female representation within STEM spaces. Rather than simply acknowledge that imbalance, I wanted to help change it. Through visits to more than twenty-five classrooms and outreach efforts reaching over 1,000 students, I have seen firsthand how confidence grows when students feel encouraged instead of intimidated. At Michigan State University, I am pursuing a double major in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy through James Madison College and Criminal Justice, along with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. My education is preparing me not only for law school, but also for a career centered on advocacy and public service. I hope to become a prosecuting attorney and eventually a judge, using the legal system to promote fairness, accountability, and trust within communities. I also plan to dedicate time throughout my career to providing pro bono legal assistance for individuals and families who may not otherwise have access to legal guidance. Beyond my future legal career, I want to continue investing in education and mentorship opportunities. One of my long-term goals is to establish scholarships in my mother’s name for young women pursuing STEM or legal careers. I know firsthand how transformative encouragement, mentorship, and educational opportunities can be, especially for students facing financial or personal obstacles. What inspires me most is seeing how communities become stronger when people choose to invest in one another. Whether mentoring younger students, rebuilding opportunities within my school community, or advocating for fairness through the legal system, I have learned that leadership is not about recognition. It is about using your experiences, education, and voice to create opportunities for others. To me, shaping a better future begins with helping people believe they are capable of creating one for themselves.

As a single father since the passing of my wife, Michele, I have faced some of the most difficult challenges of my life. In addition to grieving the loss of my best friend and confidant, I had to take on every aspect of home life she once managed while continuing to support our twins, Rachel and William, emotionally and financially. At the time, it felt like the odds of staying on track as a family were extremely small. We were all overwhelmed emotionally, yet life did not slow down school, responsibilities, and daily expectations continued even as we each processed the loss in our own way. In the early weeks after her passing, I remember sitting at the kitchen table late at night after work, sorting through mail, school forms, and household responsibilities that she had once carried so naturally. The house was quiet in a way that felt unfamiliar, not just silent but changed. In that moment, I understood there would be no single way to “fix” what had happened. Moving forward would come from a series of small, daily decisions to keep going even when nothing felt normal. There were many moments where it came down to those choices: whether to step back or keep moving forward. I had to continue providing stability while also helping my children navigate their grief, especially through milestones like holidays and their senior year of high school without their mother. Those times were among the hardest we have ever faced, but they also became moments where we learned how to rely on one another in a deeper and more intentional way. The day-to-day responsibilities of raising my children on my own require structure, discipline, and endurance. I manage a full-time work schedule while maintaining a long daily commute, often driving two hours a day and working an eight-hour shift so that Rachel and William can continue their education with stability. What keeps me moving forward is simple but constant: my love for my children and my responsibility to provide them with a steady foundation as they rebuild their lives and pursue their goals. My relationship with Rachel and William was already close before their mother passed away, but since her passing we have formed an even deeper bond. We support one another through daily life in a more intentional way, and I have watched them grow into young adults who not only pursue their own goals but also care deeply about the communities around them. Education has always been central in our family. Our family motto, rooted in the sacrifices of previous generations during World War II, is that they can take away everything from you, but they cannot take away your education. Because of this belief, earning a college degree has never been optional in spirit it has been a shared expectation and long-term goal. Watching Rachel and William succeed has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Both graduated near the top of their high school class, with Rachel delivering the commencement speech. They are now thriving in college and continuing to build futures defined not only by achievement, but by purpose and service to others. I continue to be motivated each day by the memory of my wife Michele and the responsibility I carry for my children. Receiving this scholarship would meaningfully reduce financial pressure and allow me to continue supporting their education without unnecessary debt, ensuring they can remain focused on completing their degrees and building the futures they have worked so hard to achieve.

Planting Confidence Through Service One of my favorite moments volunteering happened in an elementary classroom while helping students complete a small engineering challenge using basic craft supplies. One young girl sat quietly at the edge of her group, convinced she was “not smart enough” for science activities. Instead of correcting her immediately, I asked if she would help me test one part of the design. Slowly, she began contributing ideas, asking questions, and encouraging other students. By the end of the activity, she was proudly explaining her team’s project to the class. That moment reminded me why service matters. Sometimes helping others begins by helping them believe in themselves. Through my nonprofit initiative, “Sprouting Young Minds Through STEM,” I have introduced younger students, especially girls, to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on activities, classroom visits, robotics demonstrations, and mentorship. I created the initiative after recognizing the lack of female representation I often experienced while participating in FIRST Robotics throughout middle and high school. Rather than simply accept that imbalance, I wanted to encourage younger students to see STEM as something welcoming, creative, and achievable. My outreach efforts expanded significantly after being crowned Miss Monroe County Teen in 2024. The title gave me a platform to reach more classrooms throughout Southeast Michigan and promote STEM education in communities where students may not otherwise have access to those opportunities. Through visits to more than twenty-five classrooms and outreach efforts reaching over 1,000 students, “Sprouting Young Minds Through STEM” became more than a project. It became a way for me to give back to the community that helped shape my confidence and educational goals. The importance of this work became even more personal after my mother passed away in 2024 due to complications from an autoimmune disease. She always emphasized education, resilience, and helping others. Losing her changed my perspective on leadership and service. I realized meaningful leadership is not about titles or recognition, but about using your experiences to support others during difficult circumstances. That lesson shaped my approach to servant leadership. Whether serving as Student Council Executive Board President, mentoring younger robotics students, or organizing STEM outreach events, I learned effective leadership begins with listening. I focused less on being the loudest person in the room and more on creating opportunities for others to participate, contribute ideas, and feel included. In addition to STEM outreach, I have volunteered with organizations such as Bedford Goodfellows, Ronald McDonald House, and Math Lab tutoring programs. Those experiences reinforced the importance of consistency and compassion within a community. Service does not always involve large public accomplishments. Often, it happens quietly through small actions repeated over time. As I continue my education at Michigan State University studying Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy and Criminal Justice, I plan to continue combining public service, advocacy, and education. One of my long-term goals is to establish scholarships in my mother’s name for young women pursuing STEM or legal careers. To me, “paying it forward” means creating opportunities for others the same way others created opportunities for me. Whether mentoring students through STEM activities, advocating for fairness through a future legal career, or establishing scholarships in my mother’s name, I want my impact to be measured by how many people feel more confident, included, and supported because someone believed in them.

The Small Scholarship That Meant Something Bigger When my name was announced as the winner of the 2024 Miss Michigan Teen overall interview award, I remember thinking less about the recognition itself and more about the person who helped me become confident enough to earn it: my mother. Long before pageants, leadership roles, or college scholarships, she taught me how to speak with kindness, listen carefully, and treat people with dignity. She believed success only mattered if you used it to help someone else. After she passed away in 2024 due to complications from an autoimmune disease, I began thinking much more seriously about the kind of impact I wanted to leave on the people around me. One of the most meaningful ways I have tried to honor her memory was by establishing a $500 interview scholarship in her name through the Miss Monroe County Teen program. The scholarship is awarded to the contestant with the strongest overall interview, a category that meant a great deal to me because it rewards preparation, confidence, communication, and authenticity rather than appearance alone. I wanted to give back to an organization that helped shape my leadership skills while also encouraging young women to believe their voice and ideas matter. That experience changed how I think about making a positive impact on the world. I no longer see impact only as large public achievements or recognition. I believe meaningful change often begins through opportunities that help people feel seen, encouraged, and capable of succeeding. At Michigan State University, I am pursuing a double major in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy through James Madison College and Criminal Justice, along with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. My long-term goal is to become a criminal prosecuting attorney and eventually serve as a judge. Through those roles, I hope to advocate for fairness, accountability, and equal access to justice while helping strengthen trust between communities and legal institutions. I also plan to dedicate time each year to providing pro-bono legal assistance to individuals and families who may not otherwise be able to afford legal guidance or representation. At the same time, I want my impact to extend beyond the courtroom. Through my “Sprouting Young Minds Through STEM” initiative as Miss Monroe County’s Teen, I visited elementary classrooms across Southeast Michigan encouraging students, especially young girls, to explore STEM education and careers. I saw how quickly confidence can grow when students feel supported and represented. Many young students simply need someone to encourage them before they begin believing they belong in spaces they once thought were out of reach. Because of those experiences, one of my long-term goals is to eventually establish larger scholarships in my mother’s name for young women pursuing careers in STEM or law. I know firsthand how powerful educational opportunities and mentorship can be, especially for students who may doubt their abilities or face financial barriers. I want those scholarships to support not only academic achievement, but also leadership, resilience, and service to others. Looking ahead, I hope the positive impact I leave is not measured only through titles or accomplishments, but through the opportunities I help create for other people. Whether advocating for fairness within the legal system, mentoring younger students, or helping young women pursue careers they once believed were impossible, I want to use my experiences to make others feel empowered to succeed. To me, creating positive change begins by helping people realize their potential and reminding them that their voice matters.

Everyone Has a Voice During my first few months at Michigan State University, one moment in a James Madison College discussion stayed with me long after class ended. We were discussing constitutional rights and public trust in government when a student shared how differently certain laws affected her family’s experiences than they had affected mine. I remember realizing how easy it is to assume everyone views an issue the same way when your own experiences are limited. What made the discussion meaningful was not that everyone agreed, but that people genuinely listened to understand one another. That experience reinforced something I had been learning through leadership and community service: ensuring “everyone has a voice” is not simply encouraging people to speak. It is creating environments where people feel respected enough to believe their voice matters. As Executive Board President and Class President at Bedford Senior High School, I tried to lead with that mindset. During student council meetings, there were often students who had ideas but hesitated to share them because louder personalities dominated discussions. I intentionally made space for quieter students to contribute by asking for their input directly and helping assign responsibilities based on individual strengths. I saw the impact of that approach while organizing Homecoming Week. Disagreements had started building between groups of students over event plans and priorities. Instead of allowing the loudest opinions to control decisions, I worked to refocus conversations around collaboration and compromise. Once students felt heard, discussions became more productive and respectful. That experience taught me that civil discourse is often what turns conflict into progress. I carried those lessons into my STEM outreach platform, “Sprouting Young Minds Through STEM.” As Miss Monroe County’s Teen, I visited elementary classrooms throughout Southeast Michigan encouraging students, especially young girls, to explore STEM opportunities. Many students who initially stayed quiet slowly became more engaged once they felt comfortable participating without fear of embarrassment or judgment. Seeing that change reminded me how powerful inclusion and encouragement can be in shaping confidence. At Michigan State, my experiences in James Madison College continue to strengthen my understanding of civil discourse and public service. Discussion-based classes have taught me that meaningful leadership requires more than defending your own opinions. It requires listening carefully, understanding perspectives shaped by different lived experiences, and approaching disagreement with mutual respect. My long-term goal is to become a criminal prosecuting attorney and eventually serve as a judge. In both roles, I hope to help strengthen public trust in legal institutions by ensuring fairness, accountability, and respect for every individual involved in the legal process. To me, leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room. It is about helping create spaces where others feel heard, valued, and represented. As I continue preparing for a career in law and public service, I want to help build systems where people feel represented rather than ignored. Whether through public policy, courtroom advocacy, or community engagement, I believe meaningful progress happens when people are willing to listen to perspectives different from their own and work toward solutions grounded in fairness and mutual respect Leadership and Civic Involvement • Bedford Senior High School Student Council — Executive Board President & Class President (2021–2025) • Bedford High School Mock Trial — Lead Prosecuting Attorney (2022–2025) • FIRST Robotics Bedford Express — Media Lead (2021–2025) • Miss Monroe County’s Teen / “Sprouting Young Minds Through STEM” (2024–2025) • Bedford Goodfellows Volunteer (2018–2025) • Michigan State University Professorial Assistantship (2025–Present) • MSU College of Law Prelaw Mentorship Program (2026–Present) Contact information available upon finalist selection.

Stairs The stairs were ordinary, just carpeted steps connecting one floor to another. Until April 27, 2024, at 7:37 PM, when they became the threshold of a life I would never know again. I had just stepped out of my family’s SUV, groggy from a nap after a long dance competition. The air was heavy with spring warmth, and I carried the tired relief of a weekend well spent. But something felt off the moment I walked in. The house seemed darker, heavier, as though it were holding its breath. I tried to shake off the unease and pulled out my phone to show my mom my tap solo pictures. Then I reached the stairs. And everything collapsed. At the bottom, I saw my mother. My mom the person who had always told me to “wear your heart on your sleeve,” who loved without hesitation, who celebrated every small victory as if it were her own was gone. Grief hit like waves, relentless and unyielding. Loved ones offered comfort, but no words could repair the hole left in my world. Yet in the weeks that followed, I felt her presence everywhere: in my twin brother’s laugh, in her favorite songs, in the way she always reminded me I carried pieces of her in myself. She was gone, but she was still here. Clinging to that became my lifeline. Since that night, I’ve been climbing a different set of stairs one made of fear, sorrow, and the painstaking steps toward healing. Each step is uncertain, each day a challenge, but moving forward is the only way to honor her. I vowed that grief would not define me. I would let my mother’s love and values shape who I became. During my senior year, I poured myself into academics, earning an A average in a rigorous course load. I embraced leadership as Executive Student Council President, guiding a school of 1,200 students through Homecoming activities, building community, and modeling resilience. At graduation, I delivered the commencement speech, acknowledging my loss but celebrating the perseverance, compassion, and work ethic my mom instilled in me. I also pursued a personal dream and was crowned 2024 Miss Monroe County’s Teen. Balancing this honor with its public appearance, community service, and responsibilities alongside school and personal grief demanded focus, adaptability, and unwavering determination. Each challenge reminded me that resilience is not the absence of pain, but the courage to move forward despite it. Now in college, these experiences have shaped who I am: someone who embraces challenges, leads with empathy, and strives for excellence. I carry my mother’s lessons in every step, every decision, every effort to contribute meaningfully to my community. Her love and legacy fuel me, reminding me that even in the wake of loss, life can be purposeful, rich, and full of impact. The stairs that once marked a moment of devastation have become my compass guiding me upward, step by step, toward the life she always believed I could build.

The passing of my mother in April 2024 profoundly impacted my college plans, in terms of where I will attend and how I will afford the cost of attendance. Before her death, my twin brother and I aspired to be accepted to a prestigious university. Under my mother’s tutelage, we excelled in academics, extracurricular activities, and community service in high school, since her passing, we have been accepted into over thirteen universities, including esteemed out-of-state schools such as Northeastern, Indiana, Penn State, and Alabama. However, her death drastically altered our financial situation, forcing us to consider lower-cost in-state schools over our original dream institutions. Despite these challenges, I am committed to honoring my mother’s legacy by pursuing higher education, studying a subject I am passionate about, and making meaningful contributions to my university community. I discovered my passion for law through high school Mock Trial competitions, where I developed critical thinking and advocacy skills. To build upon this passion, I plan to major in political science and attend law school to become a prosecuting attorney, ultimately serving as a judge. Through this path, I will continue my mother’s legacy of integrity, perseverance, and service by advocating for justice and helping those in need. The financial burden following my mother’s passing was exacerbated by the lack of adequate life insurance coverage. My mother battled psoriatic arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease, which led to significant out-of-pocket medical and funeral expenses. Before her passing, my father lost his job, and with it, my mother’s life insurance coverage. While my father searched for new employment, our family relied on unemployment benefits and dwindling savings. Additionally, my father had to purchase medical insurance through the marketplace, further straining our financial situation and limiting our ability to fund my college education. Had my mother possessed a portable life insurance policy, our financial situation would have been vastly different. The benefits from such a policy would have provided stability during my father’s job search, allowing us to preserve our savings for college rather than daily living expenses. Unfortunately, due to her medical condition, obtaining private life insurance outside an employer’s group plan was not viable. Adequate life insurance would have enabled my twin brother and me to attend our dream colleges without financial constraints, alleviating stress and allowing us to focus on our education. To support my family, I used my Social Security survivor benefits to contribute to household expenses. Additionally, I took a part-time job as a sales associate at Old Navy and assumed extra household responsibilities while my father sought employment. Understanding the financial challenges ahead, I actively pursued scholarships at the colleges where I applied, as well as local, state, and national opportunities. I also competed in merit-based scholarship programs at my prospective universities. A scholarship would be transformative for my academic and professional aspirations, relieving the financial burden of my education and enabling me to focus on my studies, internships, and community service.

Stairs My life changed forever in one minute—a minute that will shape all others, like my graduation, wedding, and even the mundane moments in between. It's strange how a fleeting moment can flip everything upside down. That’s exactly what happened on April 27, 2024, at 7:37 PM, when I looked upon a set of stairs. I stepped out of my family’s SUV, groggy from a nap after a long dance competition. The April air was thick and heavy, mirroring my exhaustion. As I walked inside, something felt off. The house seemed darker, heavier. I shook off my unease and pulled out my phone, eager to show my mom my tap solo pictures. Then, I reached the stairs. And everything collapsed. Before that day, those stairs were just stairs—taupe, scratchy carpet, a backdrop to childhood memories. My twin brother and I used to roll down them, laughing despite the carpet burns. We trained our dogs to conquer their fear of climbing. But that night, instead of finding the first step, I found my mom at the bottom. My mother always said, “Wear your heart on your sleeve.” She loved openly, without hesitation. She was my best friend, confidante, and role model. Losing her feels like being stranded at sea, surrounded by nothing but waves of grief. Loved ones offer words of comfort, but nothing can fix what’s broken. Yet, as grief tries to pull me under, I feel her—in my brother’s laugh, in her favorite songs playing from speakers, in the way she always said I reminded her of herself. She’s gone, but she’s still here. And while that won’t bring her back, it’s the rope I cling to in this sea of sorrow. Since losing her, I’ve been stuck on a set of stairs in my mind—trying to climb out of grief, battling my newfound fear. But ironically, what I fear most has become my path to healing. Each step forward is slow and uncertain, but necessary. I don’t know how many steps are ahead, but I keep climbing. Since that night, I have vowed that my grief will not define me. My mom’s impact will not fade. Instead, I honor her by embracing the love she gave so freely, by becoming the kind of person she was—kind, genuine, devoted. Entering my senior year, I committed to honoring my mother’s legacy by striving for excellence in all areas of my life. I enrolled in a rigorous academic schedule, earning an A average. I also stepped into demanding leadership roles. As the Executive Student Council Board President at a school of 1,200 students, I led my peers in successfully planning and executing the October Homecoming activities—a cornerstone of our school’s culture. In addition to academics and leadership, I pursued a personal dream and won the title of 2024 Miss Monroe County Teen. This honor came with numerous responsibilities, including public appearances and community service commitments. I fulfilled every obligation while maintaining my high-grade point average. Balancing these responsibilities required resilience, creativity, and the ability to adapt and prioritize effectively under pressure. Each day presented new challenges, managing my academic workload, leading my peers, and handling the grief at home. Through it all, I learned to adapt and pivot quickly, remain composed, and focused on my goals. As I prepare for college, I carry the lessons of resilience, adaptability, and determination. These qualities enable me to embrace opportunities, overcome obstacles, and contribute meaningfully to my community. Most importantly, they will help me honor my mother’s legacy by striving for excellence in every aspect of my life.