Growing up, my family was anything but typical. When I was nine, my parents began fostering children, opening our home not just for temporary placements but also for those who would eventually become lifelong members of our family. Over the years, we welcomed several long-term placements and numerous short-term ones, with two children, King and Anita, eventually being adopted. Being part of this household gave me a perspective on love, resilience, and the meaning of family that continues to shape who I am today. At first, having new children in the house felt exciting, almost like a playdate, but I quickly realized how challenging it could be. Yet as more kids joined our home, I often felt I had to compete for attention and space. It was difficult to focus on my own life while witnessing and responding to the trauma these children carried. I learned that family is not defined by biology but by choice. It’s a commitment to love and support others even when it is hard. The challenges of growing up in this environment were prevalent. One placement, a 13-year-old girl, a few months older than I, projected much of her trauma and anger onto me, causing me to develop severe anxiety and depression. For months, I suppressed my own emotions, trying to maintain harmony for everyone in the house. Over time, through biblical therapy, consistent exercise, and prioritizing self-care, I have learned to manage anxiety and begin opening up emotionally again. This experience taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of maintaining one’s own well-being while supporting others. Despite the challenges, the joys of growing up in this environment were profound. Every new memory I could make with King, Anita, or other foster placements was meaningful. Being part of their childhood by offering moments of stability, joy, and love has taught me the value of empathy and the power of presence. I now understand that trauma shapes people in ways that are often invisible, and that each individual deserves patience, understanding, and care. My experiences have shaped my future aspirations and the way I hope to live my life. After high school, I want to become a teacher because I love learning, enjoy helping others grow, and want to support children, especially those who may lack consistent guidance. I hope to create safe spaces where every child feels loved, seen, and valued, with their potential nurtured regardless of past experiences. Growing up in a foster and adoptive household also taught me that love comes in many forms: what one child needs, another may not want, and fairness does not always mean equality. Each person is equal in dignity yet uniquely shaped by their experiences, and understanding this individuality is essential to supporting and uplifting others. Experiencing foster care as a sibling and peer allowed me to witness firsthand how trauma and love shape a person, inspiring me to lead by example and show love, understanding, and the grace of Jesus in everyday moments. In every way, growing up in a foster and adoptive household has prepared me to use my talents for good. I have learned to empathize deeply, to persevere through challenges, and to create spaces where people feel valued and supported. I aspire to dedicate my life to helping others thrive, guiding them in love, understanding, and being committed to serving. Growing up in a foster family has shown me that even the most unconventional experiences can teach lessons that guide how I serve, love, and make a difference in the world, because no family is “typical” and that’s okay.

Failure has been an unwelcome but essential teacher in my life. One of the most significant examples occurred during my time working with foster children in my home. For years, I strived to balance my responsibilities as a student, a leader, a sister, and a supportive presence for the children in our care. I set high expectations for myself: to be patient, understanding, and always available, while maintaining my academic performance and personal well-being. At first, I handled these moments poorly. I internalized my shortcomings, feeling guilty and defeated. I would become frustrated when progress seemed slow, feel helpless in the face of the children’s struggles, and struggle to manage my own emotions. I failed, over and over, to meet the standard I had set for myself, and each perceived failure left me questioning my ability to help others and succeed in life. The challenges were compounded by mental health struggles as I battled depression and anxiety stemming from a toxic foster care placement. Some days the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming, and I feared my failures defined who I was. It was during this time that I began to learn the importance of perspective, patience, and reflection. I realized that failure does not mean incapacity. Each time I fell short, I had a choice: to let it define me or to let it guide me. I began actively reflecting and seeking guidance from mentors, parents, and friends. Their advice reminded me that setbacks are part of growth and that the ability to persevere is more important than perfection. I also recognized that I had been expecting myself to be flawless, rather than acknowledging that tangible change takes time and persistence. A turning point came when I recognized that I could not carry every burden for the children in our care. No matter how much I wanted to fix their situations, some struggles were beyond my control. I learned that my role was not to solve every problem, but to walk alongside them, offering consistency, encouragement, and love. Accepting my limits helped me shift from frustration to empowerment. Through this journey, I have learned that overcoming shortcomings is rarely instantaneous. It requires reflection, support, and a willingness to adapt. As the proverb goes: "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.” Repeated failures taught me the value of perseverance and the power of growth. My academic success, reflected in my 4.0+ GPA, leadership roles in sports and community projects, and recognition for achievements such as Outstanding Junior Girl and awards in National History Day competitions, are testaments to this growth. More importantly, these successes come from understanding that failure is not the opposite of progress but a vital part of it. Looking back, my experiences with failure have shaped me into someone more resilient and compassionate. They taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of steadfast effort in the face of adversity. I have learned to celebrate small victories, embrace imperfection, and extend the same compassion to myself that I strive to give others. While I will undoubtedly encounter challenges in the future, I now face them with the confidence that failure is not the end of the story—it is a stepping stone toward growth, understanding, and meaningful achievement.

My story begins in Fort Collins, Colorado, but it didn’t stay there for long. Life carried me to the small, tight-knit community of Monte Vista, then halfway across the world to Granada, Nicaragua, for two and a half years. Those years in Nicaragua exposed me to realities that most teenagers my age never encounter: extreme poverty, hunger, and the harshness of life for those born into circumstances beyond their control. I learned Spanish, yes, but more importantly, I learned compassion, servitude, and that material possessions mean far less than human connection. Returning to the San Luis Valley of Colorado was a cultural shock of a different kind. Small-town life brought its own challenges: a closed community mindset, limited opportunities for growth, and the dangers of stagnation and boredom. These experiences shaped the lens through which I view the world. Family has been both a foundation and a journey of growth for me. I was born into a family of four: my mom, dad, younger sister, and me. For five or six years, we welcomed foster children into our home. During that time, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of children abandoned, abused, or neglected by their parents. That period tested our patience and taught me that love is not a feeling but a choice to care for those who need it most. From that stage of life, we adopted my younger brother and sister, completing our family of six and solidifying my understanding of resilience and sacrifice. Challenges have been a companion throughout my life, teaching me lessons in perseverance and self-awareness. I have battled depression and anxiety as a result of a toxic foster care placement, and for the past two years, I have faced health concerns without a clear diagnosis. Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to growth, academics, and service. My passions have provided outlets for expression, creativity, and connection. Each passion began as a simple experiment that blossomed into something meaningful. My mission work, sparked by my time in Nicaragua, instilled a lifelong desire to serve God and others. Ice hockey taught me teamwork and leadership. Photography became both a creative release and a way to inspire others. Reading and learning became a sanctuary and a guide, fueling my dream of becoming a teacher. Creativity, learning, and leadership are threads that weave through every part of my life. Creativity is my stress relief and a means to inspire those around me. Learning is central to my identity, reflected in my 4.0+ GPA and my ambition to pursue a four-year college, a master’s in K-8 education, and a minor in Spanish and/or Special Education. Leadership naturally follows my ambition and work ethic, placing me in positions of responsibility in sports, school, church, and community projects. My aspirations extend beyond personal achievement. I want to have a stable career as a teacher, build a family, and serve as an ethical and spiritual support for others, just as I have been supported. My experiences have shown me that life is not measured by possessions or accolades, but by the love, compassion, and impact we leave on those around us. Ultimately, my story is one of contrasts: wealth and poverty, stability and uncertainty, challenge and triumph. It is a story of learning to find meaning in struggle, joy in service, and strength in vulnerability. I carry these lessons into my education, passions, and aspirations, determined to create a life and legacy that reflect the love, resilience, and compassion I have given and received.

My name is Reagan Curtis, and I am a high school senior attending Sargent High School, where I dedicated myself to both academic and personal growth. With a GPA of 4.083, I balanced rigorous coursework with leadership roles, athletics, and volunteer service. After graduation, I plan to pursue a degree in education. My ultimate goal is to become an elementary school teacher. I believe that education is more than academics; it's about fostering safe, encouraging environments where students feel seen and supported. During high school, one of the most eye-opening lessons I learned was about mental health. Like many students, I faced the typical pressures of grades, extracurriculars, and college preparation. But what I didn’t expect was how much those stressors could impact my emotional well-being and that of those around me. I saw firsthand how high expectations, lack of balance, and even unspoken struggles could silently take a toll. More importantly, I learned that recognizing and talking about mental health is not a weakness—it’s a vital step toward healing, growth, and resilience. Early in high school, I bought into the idea that mental toughness meant pushing through without complaint. Whether it was staying up late to finish assignments or never admitting when I felt overwhelmed, I thought strength meant silence. But over time, I began to notice cracks. Friends who were once cheerful grew distant. Classmates who seemed “perfect” quietly dropped out of clubs or withdrew socially. I began to realize that many of us were silently struggling and no one was talking about it. One of the most important things I learned is that mental health challenges don’t always look the same. For some, it’s anxiety or depression. For others, it’s burnout, perfectionism, or self-doubt. I saw how performance-based environments can unintentionally create cultures where students feel like their worth is tied to achievement, rather than who they are. It can also lead to students treating learning apathetically. I began to see how essential it is to care for your mind just as much as your body. These lessons have not only shaped how I navigate my own life but have deeply influenced how I hope to approach my future classroom. As a teacher, I want to be someone who models balance, openness, and empathy. I want to create a learning environment where students feel safe not just to succeed, but to struggle, ask for help, and be themselves. I believe that a healthy mind is the foundation for meaningful learning. Students can’t thrive academically if they’re drowning emotionally. In my future classroom, I hope to integrate mental wellness into the culture, whether through regular emotional check-ins, mindfulness practices, or simply encouraging open conversations about how students are feeling. I also plan to advocate for mental health resources in schools and encourage families to take an active role in emotional wellness, not just academic performance. Beyond the classroom, I plan to continue being an advocate for mental health in my community. Whether it’s through mentoring students or volunteering with youth organizations, I want to be a voice that reminds others that their mental well-being matters. Ultimately, my experiences in high school have taught me that mental health isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a collective responsibility. We all have a role to play in creating environments—at school, at home, and in our communities—where people feel safe, valued, and understood. As I move forward in my career as an educator, I will carry these lessons with me, working to not only teach academics, but to champion compassion, connection, and mental wellness in every part of my work.

Some lessons can’t be found in a textbook; like the power of compassion, the strength in service, or the joy of helping others feel seen. Long before I ever stood at the front of a classroom, I learned that real impact often happens far outside of it. Whether I was hammering nails into a house in Guatemala or pulling weeds in a cemetery, I discovered that serving others is less about the act itself and more about the heart behind it. These experiences didn’t just shape my character, they shaped my calling to teach. When I was 16, I had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala on a mission trip. Our group spent the week building a three-room home for a family living with only tin walls and a concrete floor. I remember the children running barefoot through their new rooms, their laughter filling the air, and their parents' eyes welling with tears as they thanked us repeatedly. That moment taught me that service is about how deeply you connect with those you serve. Compassion, I’ve learned, transcends language, culture, and borders. Since then, I’ve continued to serve in both small and significant ways — from teaching younger students Spanish and sports, to volunteering at summer camps, cleaning local cemeteries, and helping in church and school events. These acts, though often simple, remind me that meaningful change doesn’t always come from grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s showing up consistently, listening intentionally, and leading with humility. Whether I'm running alongside a teammate during conditioning drills or guiding a child through their first swim lesson, I aim to uplift others with encouragement and care. As I look ahead to my future classroom, I hope my students gain more than just knowledge from me. I want them to feel seen, heard, and valued, and believe that every child deserves a space where they can make mistakes, ask questions, and discover who they are. I want them to know that their worth isn’t measured by grades, but by their kindness, effort, and growth. I hope they leave my classroom not just smarter, but stronger and more empathetic. My diverse educational experiences, from public school to homeschooling to studying abroad in Nicaragua, have shown me that students thrive in different ways. I want to use that perspective to meet my students where they are and help them reach where they want to go. My ultimate goal is to be a teacher who not only equips students academically, but also encourages them to dream boldly, act kindly, and believe in themselves. To teach is to serve; with purpose, with passion, and with heart. I don’t just want to teach for a living, but to make a difference. Through both my profession and continued community involvement, I intend to lead by example, showing my students that education is not just a tool for personal success, but a force for good in the world.

An exceptional work ethic has been my primary compass since I was young. Colossians 3:23a says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,” and I’ve done my best to live by that. Whether it’s in the classroom, at practice, or in my community, I strive to show up with intention, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose. I am currently a high school senior with a 4.083 GPA, and I balance my academic goals with athletics, volunteering, and leadership responsibilities. Though the path hasn’t always been easy, I’ve never stopped pursuing excellence. Sports have played a major role in shaping my discipline and resilience. I’ve participated in soccer, volleyball, and ice hockey for several years, and they’ve taught me how to handle pressure, work collaboratively, and push past limits; both physical and mental. Being part of a team has also taught me humility, and ways to lead by servitude and compassion. For example, when running suicides at practices, I strive to be the first to finish, and will run with whoever hasn’t finished yet, because I believe no one should be unsupported. My athletic journey has helped me translate those values into the rest of my life: in school, I’m known for my drive, and in my community, for my willingness to lead and serve. Community service has also shaped my identity. I’ve volunteered at cemetery and school clean-ups, church functions, and international mission trips, as well as taught children to swim, play volleyball, and speak Spanish. Giving back reminds me that success means little unless it’s used to uplift others. These experiences have also given me insight into the needs and challenges faced by those in my community and have fueled my desire to make a tangible difference. This scholarship would help relieve some of the financial pressure that comes with pursuing higher education that is necessary to reach my goal of becoming a teacher. I plan to earn a degree in education and enter a field where I can combine my passions for leadership, learning, and service. Every step I take in school brings me closer to becoming that kind of changemaker and your support would make it possible for me to focus more on learning and less on how to afford it. I know that ambition without action is just a dream. That’s why I continue to push myself; in academics, athletics, and service. I believe in leading by example and staying true to my values, even when it’s hard. Being considered for this scholarship is an honor, and if chosen, I will carry the opportunity with gratitude and a continued drive to impact the world around me. Thank you for your time and consideration.

From the time I was eight years old, while other kids dreamed of becoming astronauts or pop stars, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. While many childhood dreams fade or change over time, this one has only grown stronger. My love of learning, whether it’s diving into a good book, cracking a tough math problem, or exploring new cultures through history, has fueled a lifelong desire to inspire others. School has always been a place of discovery and growth for me, and I want to create that same experience for my future students. One of the things that makes my passion for education unique is the variety of learning environments I’ve experienced. I’ve been a student in public school, homeschool, and even a private school in Nicaragua. Each of these experiences shaped my perspective and gave me a deeper appreciation for the different ways students learn. In Nicaragua, I saw how education and the joy of learning transcended language barriers as I was still learning Spanish. Homeschooling taught me the value of individualized instruction and self-motivation. Public school showed me the importance of community and structure. These diverse experiences have given me a well-rounded view of education and will allow me to bring a unique approach to my future classroom. There was a time when I seriously considered other career paths. Like many people, I was concerned about the low salary teachers often receive. But after exploring other fields, I kept coming back to education. I realized that true fulfillment doesn’t come from a paycheck; it comes from doing something you’re passionate about. Teaching has never seemed like “work” to me. It feels like a purpose. I want to spend my life doing something meaningful, and I can’t think of anything more impactful than shaping the minds and hearts of future generations. Another reason I’m drawn to teaching is simply because I love kids. For several years now, I’ve volunteered at kids’ sports camps, taught Sunday school and VBS and been a summer camp counselor. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching a child grasp a new concept or light up with excitement over something they’ve learned. I want to be the kind of teacher who makes students feel safe, encouraged, and inspired—not just academically, but personally as well. I believe that every child has potential, and I want to be someone who helps them see it and believe in themselves. Teaching isn’t a career, but a calling. While other career paths may offer more financial reward, none can match the purpose and fulfillment I feel when I’m helping others grow and thrive. My experiences in diverse learning environments, my passion for working with kids, and my belief in the transformative power of education all point to one clear path: becoming a teacher. I’m ready not just to teach, but to make a lasting difference.

Community service is more than volunteer hours; it's a commitment to bettering your community through empathy, action, and responsibility. Community service is about recognizing the needs around you and using your skills and passions to make a difference. I believe that when individuals step up to support their communities, we inadvertently reach an audience that extends far beyond any single act of service. It is the foundation of camaraderie and progress, and it plays a vital role in shaping engaged citizens. When I was 16 years old, I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in a mission trip to Guatemala. During our weeklong trip, we built a three room house for a family who couldn't afford more than four tin walls, a roof, and a concrete foundation. I vividly remember during the dedication on the last day, the laughter of the small children as they ran through their new home, and the tears in their parents’ eyes as they repeatedly thanked us for our help. I have since realized that service is not only what you give, or the work you perform, but the connection you build with those you’re serving. It taught me that compassion can transcend borders and leave a lifelong impact on everyone involved. That experience deepened my commitment to serving others and continues to guide how I view my role in the world. I have also witnessed how even simple acts of service, such as teaching younger students sports and Spanish, or helping clean up a local cemetery, can have a meaningful impact. These experiences taught me that giving back doesn’t require grand gestures. It simply requires a mindset of care, consistency, and a willingness to put others before yourself. I’ve learned that service is not just a responsibility, but a privilege. In my future career, I plan to integrate this mindset into everything I do. I am pursuing a career in education, a path that aligns closely with my desire to serve others, specifically kids. I chose this field because it allows me to use my passion and skills to directly address those in need of assistance. As a future teacher, I aspire to work directly in the community and focus on helping students achieve academic success. I want to create a safe, inspiring environment that empowers students to believe in their potential and reach for their goals. Beyond my professional goals, I plan to remain actively involved in community outreach. Whether through mentorship programs, local nonprofits, or volunteering on weekends, I always want to prioritize giving back. I also hope to inspire others to see the value in service and to understand that their actions matter. In conclusion, community service is at the heart of who I am and who I aspire to be. It has shaped my values and given me a deeper understanding of what it means to live with purpose. Through my career and personal efforts, I plan to honor that commitment by using my time, knowledge, and energy to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.