As the waves rhythmically slapped against the sides of our ancestral canoe, my heart beat in unison with a profound realization. During a community canoe racing event, I found a connection that had been missing in my life - a link to my Native American heritage. This connection wasn't just a matter of curiosity or pride; it became a vital aspect of my mental well-being. Why Mental Health Is Important Mental health is the cornerstone of our ability to function effectively and enjoy life. Growing up as a Native American, I had lost touch with my roots, and this disconnection led to a sense of confusion and lack of identity. Once I reconnected with my community and engaged in activities such as fishing, canoe racing, and learning traditional songs and dances, I felt a profound shift in my mental state. Understanding my cultural heritage provided me with a sense of belonging and self-worth, and these factors are crucial for mental wellness. The feeling of completeness and connection to something greater helped me develop resilience and a positive outlook on life. How I Maintain Mental Wellness Maintaining Connection with My Community Reconnecting with my community has been instrumental in preserving my mental health. Participating in our traditional way of life, whether through canoe racing or learning ancient songs, nurtures my soul. These practices keep me grounded and remind me of the values and wisdom passed down through generations. Emphasizing a Balanced Lifestyle Maintaining mental wellness also requires a balanced lifestyle. Engaging in activities that celebrate my culture, such as fishing and dancing, not only connects me with my roots but also encourages physical well-being. The harmony of mind and body that these activities foster is essential in keeping mental health in check. Seeking Support When Needed Mental wellness is not a solitary journey. Being part of a community means seeking and offering support. When challenges arise, the strength and guidance from my people, along with professional help when needed, have been vital in keeping me centered and healthy. Conclusion: The Impact of Cultural Connection The importance of mental health cannot be overstated, and for me, the path to mental wellness has been intertwined with reconnecting with my Native American culture. The rituals, traditions, and values of my people have become an anchor in my life, grounding me in a sense of identity and purpose. In the grand scheme of things, mental wellness is a continuous journey. But I've found that by embracing my cultural heritage, engaging in meaningful activities, and seeking support from my community, I've laid a strong foundation for a healthy mind. The impact of this connection resonates in every aspect of my life, allowing me to be more present, content, and empowered. It's a testament to the incredible healing power of understanding and embracing who you are and where you come from.

Super foods help me stay energized and healthy. My favorite super foods starts off with Eggs in the morning for breakfast, snacking on nuts and the like throughout the day to keep protein and fiber levels up, and I love Garlic and put it in almost every protein based dish i make for dinner. As someone who is Native American i catch my own Salmon and love to eat it, baked, fried, canned or basically any way you can prepare it. This along side my love for Elk and Deer hunted by my family is a large majority of what i get my protein from and I am actually very proud of the fact because it feels like a much more humane source of hamburger and steak considering the way many farm animals are treated. I also love Green Tea and when I feel like I need an extra pickme up in the afternoon I like to get a warm cup of tea with honey and it gives me the little boost needed to get through and evening instead of a short nap.

I deserve this scholarship so I can spread misinformation about Native Americans like myself more efficiently, the stereotypes of native people are getting old and stale, so I think it's time for some new ones. No more we steal money from the government, now we are stealing from the elderly with our casino businesses as an example. My career goals are to get rich and provide myself with a faster internet connection by starting IPS so that I can finally get Fiber internet to my house, because there isn't a single provider to get any fiber to my place, and the only ones that do go to my house only provides the bare minimum for internet broadband speeds. I am the chosen of this world there are no obstacles put in my way, this scholarship is another way of the world handing me something. If I were to stretch to find an answer, I would say that the biggest obstacle is that I don't have Fiber Internet as I discussed in my previous answer.

I feel that the rest of the world forgets we as Native Americans exist outside of western films and tv shows, in which we a stereotyped. This stems from what I think is a lack of connection to the rest of the world. I read in an article that Native Americans are the least connected group of people in the entirety of the US today, and I can slightly attest to that, when I look for other Native Creators online, I don't see more than a handful of people. I am interested in starting an IPS service that is aimed at Native American communities, aimed at being more affordable and faster than the competitors. Because of people not wanting to dig near reservations in fears of uncovering unmarked burial sites and not having any tribal member on site in case of said uncovering. I would be able to deal with these situations by working alongside my community and providing something to them that I think is sorely needed, a stable and fast connection to the rest of the world. Studying the Computer Science and mechanical engineering is the first step which while may seem like more of an adjacent step but to me is to better understand the field I am going to be working in after graduation. Understanding how to code and how the technology works will better help me understand how to address other problems facing native communities at large. Examples like creating easier to understand and integrated applications and websites for Native people to find work outside of the immediate communities they grew up in, finding and or starting healthier food opportunities as I believe that many reservations are located in a food desert or a location with no healthy diet options easily accessible, bettering the community's life in general all while not having to rely on outside help and working towards self-sufficiency. In Conclusion I want to Study Computer Science to work towards improving the life of my community through better and clearer communication between each other and the rest of the world at large. So that more people have the opportunity to live their life in a better and healthier way than before, or so that someone can share what they create with the rest of the world through the connections paved before them. I want to help show the rest of the world that we as Native Americans are still here, and we have so much to share.