My success inside and outside of the classroom has been shaped by my eagerness to step into spaces that challenge me to grow whether that is academically, culturally, or personally. Whether leading initiatives as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in my sorority or learning German to reconnect with my family’s history while preparing to study abroad, I have learned that success is not defined by individual achievement alone, but by the meaningful connections we build and the responsibility we take toward others. In the classroom, I have been challenged to examine identity, power, and perspective through a critical lens. These academic experiences have taught me how to think thoughtfully about the world and my place within it. Rather than viewing learning as a passive process, I now approach it as an active responsibility: to question assumptions, engage in dialogue, and apply what I learn beyond the classroom. I've utilized this mindset to strengthen my confidence and translate theory into practice, particularly in my leadership roles. Outside the classroom, my work as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been one of the most formative experiences of my college career. In this role, I help lead educational programming, facilitate difficult conversations, and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable community. This position has taught me how to lead with empathy, accountability, and courage, and understand the impact cultural connection can have. I have learned that creating meaningful change often requires listening more than speaking, and that progress comes from sustained effort rather than quick solutions. Navigating complex social dynamics within a close-knit organization has strengthened my communication skills, deepened my cultural awareness, and reinforced my commitment to equity and belonging. These lessons extend far beyond campus and have shaped the way I approach leadership in every space I inhabit. My experience learning German has added another deeply personal dimension to my growth. My grandmother’s mother language is German, and before college, this part of her identity felt distant from my own. As I prepared to study abroad in her home country, I chose to learn German not only to navigate a new country, but to build a bridge between my academic goals and my family’s history. What started as an academic challenge quickly became a meaningful relationship-centered journey. As my fluency increased, I became able to have real conversations with my grandmother in her first language, which gave a whole new depth to her stories, humor, and memories in a way that simply weren't possible before. This experience transformed my understanding of language as more than a skill; it became a tool for connection, healing, and cultural continuity. Learning a foreign language has taught me patience, humility, and the courage to embrace mistakes. It has also shown me how effort itself can be an act of love and respect. Through German, I did not just gain access to a new culture abroad, but to a deeper understanding of my own family and identity. Together, my leadership in my sorority and my language-learning journey reflect the same core values: empathy, inclusivity, and growth through connection. These experiences have shaped my success by teaching me how to lead with integrity, learn across differences, and build meaningful relationships. As a scholarship recipient, I would carry these values forward to use education not only for personal advancement, but as a way to uplift and connect with others.

Books have been a guiding force in my life, shaping the way I see the world and the kind of person I hope to become. Among the many stories I’ve read, one that stands out as both a childhood favorite and a long-lasting influence is Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards. At first glance, it’s a nice and simplistic story about a ten-year-old orphan who discovers an abandoned cottage and turns it into her secret haven, a fantasy I had long had, of having a place to transform into a home. But beneath its quiet surface, Mandy is a powerful story about belonging, resilience, and the courage it takes to build a life of one’s own choosing. That message has stuck with me, helping to shape both my personal goals and the way I choose to give back to my community. I first read Mandy when I was about the same age as the protagonist. Like her, I often felt overwhelmed by the noise and speed of the world. Reading this book made me feel seen, like I could live vicariously through her eyes. Mandy’s quiet determination to create a space where she could be fully herself gave me something to aspire to. Her story taught me that small actions can lead to profound transformation, as Mandy turned the once dilapidated cottage into a place that radiated beauty and light. That sense of hope, of taking something neglected and turning it into something beautiful, has never left me. Over the years, books have become more than just escapes or companions; they’ve become mirrors and maps. They’ve helped me understand myself and the world around me better. As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD in college, I’ve had my own journey with reading—sometimes struggling to focus, other times falling headfirst into a story that speaks to me. Because of this, I’ve come to appreciate not just the content of books, but the access to them—something not every child has. That’s why I volunteer at a local dyslexia clinic that focuses on promoting children’s literacy. Each week, I work with kids who are learning to navigate the written word in their own way. Some of them are discouraged, convinced that reading isn’t for them. But I remember what Mandy meant to me, and I try to help them find their own version of that—books that make them feel seen and inspired. I’ve learned that literacy isn’t just about phonics or comprehension; it’s about empowerment. Helping a child read confidently and comprehensively or fall in love with a character is a reminder of the power of stories to change lives. Reading has taught me empathy, patience, and the importance of imagination. These values have directly shaped my goals: I want to pursue a career that combines education and mental health support, where I can continue to advocate for young readers—especially those with learning differences. I believe that everyone deserves access to stories that reflect who they are and who they might become. In the end, Mandy didn’t just teach me about a girl and a cottage. It taught me about creating space (both literal and metaphorical) for comfort, imagination, and belonging. It’s a lesson I've never forgotten, whether I’m reading to a child, planting seeds of encouragement, or imagining the future I want to build.

As a college student and Vice President of Inclusion for my sorority, Pi Beta Phi, I am passionate about addressing social issues that impact marginalized communities. One issue close to my heart is the intersection of mental health and educational access for students with dyslexia. Through my involvement in my sorority and my volunteer work at a local dyslexia clinic, I am committed to raising awareness, fostering inclusivity, and supporting those affected by learning differences. My journey began when I started volunteering at the dyslexia clinic, where I saw firsthand the challenges faced by individuals with learning differences. Many children with dyslexia struggle with not only academic difficulties but also mental health challenges such as anxiety and low self-esteem. I realized that, while early intervention is critical, many students do not receive the support they need due to a lack of awareness and resources. In my role as Vice President of Inclusion for my sorority, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse group of individuals. I have had the privilege of working with my campuses disability support center. They would come to our sorority after weekly chapter meeting to present in order to raise awareness, especially because utilizing their resources is so common for students. This experience has made me acutely aware of the social barriers faced by those with learning differences. I understood that inclusivity goes beyond fostering diversity; it requires addressing these challenges head-on to create an equitable environment for everyone. One of my key initiatives was organizing an educational event to raise awareness about dyslexia and its emotional impacts. I invited professionals from the clinic to speak, educating our sorority and the broader campus community on the importance of early diagnosis, intervention, and the mental health aspects of learning disabilities. By fostering open conversations, I aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding learning differences and mental health struggles, while promoting understanding and compassion. Through these efforts, I’ve seen the importance of addressing both the academic and emotional aspects of dyslexia. Many individuals with dyslexia experience feelings of inadequacy, which can contribute to anxiety or depression. By creating support networks and promoting understanding, we can help students feel seen, heard, and supported. Moving forward, I plan to continue advocating for students with learning differences, both in my sorority and through my volunteer work. As I pursue a future in education or counseling, my goal is to ensure that all students, particularly those with dyslexia, receive the support they need to succeed academically and emotionally. In conclusion, addressing the social issue of mental health and educational access for students with dyslexia requires a multifaceted approach. By raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for better resources, I am working to create a more supportive environment for students with learning differences. Through these efforts, I hope to help students reach their full potential, free from the barriers that prevent them from succeeding.

This summer, I found myself at the heart of a grassroots political organization, the tenth congressional district democrats, coordinating efforts for a nonprofit that advocates for voting rights. The challenge of leading a team, organizing community outreach, and managing resources for local elections ignited a fire within me—one that solidified my commitment to using my skills in political science to drive social change. My experience made me realize that real progress starts with the kind of community-focused leadership I can develop and scale throughout my career. As I pursue a degree in political science, my goal is to use my education to promote policies that enhance civic engagement and address systemic barriers to voting. Through my volunteer work, I saw firsthand the power of grassroots mobilization and how small, community-driven efforts can challenge larger systemic issues. I’m particularly passionate about advocating for policies that create greater political inclusivity, ensuring that all citizens—especially marginalized communities and underrepresented communities—have equal representation and access to the democratic process. During my time with the nonprofit, I was entrusted with managing all the interns, a responsibility that required me to develop critical leadership and organizational skills. I oversaw volunteer teams, created engaging and helpful projects, helped organize political rallies, and ran workshops to educate the public about voting rights. My experience in managing logistics for events, coordinating with local leaders, and strategizing voter engagement tactics taught me how to work under pressure, think creatively, and lead with empathy. These are skills I plan to leverage as I pursue a career in public policy, where effective leadership and the ability to build coalitions will be essential in driving meaningful change. I believe that a stronger, more inclusive democracy can only exist if every person has a voice—and that voice is heard at the ballot box. The work I did this summer reinforced my belief in the importance of accessible, transparent electoral systems. My experiences deepened my understanding of how systemic issues like voter suppression disproportionately affect communities of color, and it strengthened my resolve to be part of the solution. Whether through local advocacy or policy reform at a national level, my career will be dedicated to dismantling those barriers and ensuring that every citizen can fully participate in shaping their future. Running a branch of the nonprofit this summer taught me that creating positive change requires not only passion, but strategic action and leadership. It solidified my commitment to using my degree in political science to fight for electoral reform and greater inclusivity in the political system. This scholarship will help me gain the knowledge and resources I need to turn my vision into reality, and I am eager to use my education to lead efforts that amplify the voices of those who have been historically silenced.