I chose a career in healthcare because I want to make a difference during the moments when people are most vulnerable. Radiology allows me to blend compassion, precision, and advanced technology to help patients get answers, find hope, and begin healing. Every day in this field will give me the chance to improve lives in a meaningful way, simply by treating people with patience, respect, and understanding while capturing the images that guide their care. I feel especially drawn to helping individuals living with lung disease and rare medical conditions. These patients often face uncertainty, long diagnostic journeys, and fear about what their symptoms might mean. Radiologic imaging plays a critical role in early detection, accurate diagnosis, and ongoing monitoring, especially for conditions like COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and rare respiratory disorders. I want to be someone who not only takes clear and accurate images, but who also reassures patients, explains procedures in a way they can understand, and supports them through each step of the process. Many people with rare or chronic medical conditions have gone years without proper answers. Some have had their concerns dismissed or misunderstood. Imaging often becomes the turning point in their care, the moment something finally becomes visible, measurable, and diagnosable. I want to be part of that moment. My goal is to ensure that every patient, no matter how rare their condition or how complicated their medical history, feels seen and valued. I also understand that many lung diseases and rare conditions require lifelong monitoring. Radiology becomes part of the patient’s ongoing story, not just a one-time scan. I hope to build trusting relationships with these patients over time by approaching each interaction with empathy and consistency. A familiar, comforting presence can make an emotionally overwhelming experience feel safer and more manageable. My long-term dream is to become a head radiologic technologist and eventually pursue a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. With that path, I hope to create a department culture where rare-condition patients receive the time, patience, and individualized care they deserve. I want to advocate for trauma-informed practices, clear communication, and protocols that prioritize patient comfort, especially for individuals who may undergo frequent imaging or who struggle with breathing difficulties during scans. I also envision helping educate future technologists on the importance of recognizing subtle lung abnormalities and understanding the unique needs of patients with rare disorders. Small details in imaging technique can make a significant difference in diagnostic accuracy. I want to be someone who helps raise that standard and ensures that every patient receives the highest quality care. Ultimately, improving lives through healthcare means seeing people as people—not just as medical cases. Through radiology, I hope to be a source of steadiness during stressful moments, an advocate for those with uncommon or misunderstood conditions, and a professional who treats every patient with kindness and dignity. My experiences, challenges, and values have prepared me to serve others in this way, and I’m determined to make a real impact in the lives of those who need it most.

Being a first-generation college student means stepping into a world that no one in my family has navigated before. It means carrying both the excitement and the weight of creating opportunities that didn’t exist for the generations before me. To me, being first-gen isn’t just about being the first to attend college, it’s about setting a new direction for my family and proving that our dreams are worth pursuing, even when the path is hard. My journey hasn’t been smooth, but the challenges I’ve faced have shaped my purpose. During my freshman year, I struggled academically. I was overwhelmed, unsure of how to study at a college level, and embarrassed to admit that I needed help. Those setbacks forced me to be honest with myself. I learned how to seek support, manage my time, and rebuild my confidence. It wasn’t easy, but the effort it took to climb out of that hole taught me resilience, something I now carry into everything I do. Around that same time, I was involved in a car accident that completely changed my situation. I had to buy a new car on my own, balancing the financial burden of payments with the responsibility of staying in school. I picked up extra work hours, cut back where I could, and learned to prioritize what mattered most. It was scary and stressful, but it also pushed me to grow up quickly. That challenge taught me strength, independence, and determination, which are qualities I know will make me a better healthcare professional someday. These experiences are a big part of why I’m pursuing radiology. I want to work in a field where science, technology, and compassion come together to help people during vulnerable moments. My aunt, a radiologist, showed me how imaging can give patients answers and hope, but my own hardships helped me understand the emotional side of healthcare including the fear, the uncertainty, the need for a calm and caring presence. My long-term dream is to become a head radiologic technologist and eventually earn my bachelor’s in healthcare administration. I want to lead with empathy, support other technologists, and help create a healthcare environment where patients and staff feel valued and understood. I want to turn the struggles I’ve experienced into strengths that not only help me succeed but also allow me to make a positive impact on others. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to that dream. It would ease the financial pressure I’m facing and allow me to focus more fully on my education and clinical preparation. Every bit of support brings me closer to becoming the first in my family to graduate, the first to step into a medical career, and the first to build a future that once felt out of reach. I’m not perfect, and my journey hasn’t been either, but it has been honest, meaningful, and full of determination. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m even more excited for where I’m going.

I believe that every experience, good or bad, shapes who we become. My journey toward a career in radiology has been shaped by some of the hardest moments of my life. These challenges not only influenced my decision to pursue medicine but also shaped the kind of healthcare professional I want to become. My passion for radiology first began with my aunt, a radiologist who showed me how powerful imaging can be in giving patients answers, hope, and direction. But it wasn’t until I faced my own personal challenges that I understood how deeply healthcare impacts people. During my freshman year of college, I struggled both academically and personally. Adjusting to college life as a first-generation student was overwhelming and I let stress get the best of me. Those academic setbacks were humbling but they also forced me to develop discipline, time management, and resilience. Instead of giving up, I learned how to ask for help, study more intentionally, and build better habits which are skills that will make me a stronger healthcare professional. Another turning point came when I was involved in a car accident. Beyond the emotional shock, the financial burden hit hard. I had to replace my car completely and take on extra work to keep myself in school. Balancing school, jobs, and the fear of falling behind was incredibly challenging. But that struggle strengthened my determination. It taught me responsibility, persistence, and how to stay committed to my goals even when life becomes unpredictable. Those experiences also shaped my empathy. Being in vulnerable situations including academically, financially, and emotionally really helped me understand what it feels like to be scared, uncertain, or ashamed. It’s the same vulnerability many patients feel in medical settings. Radiology isn’t just about capturing images, it’s about guiding patients through fear, explaining procedures with patience, and making them feel safe when life feels out of control. My challenges gave me the ability to connect with people in those moments, not just as a technologist, but as someone who understands what it’s like to feel overwhelmed. These experiences are why I’m committed to radiology and why I eventually hope to become a head radiologic technologist and earn my bachelor’s in healthcare administration. I want to be a leader who understands the pressures students and technologists face, and who fosters a supportive, patient-centered environment. My setbacks taught me resilience. My accident taught me responsibility, and my academic growth taught me how to rise stronger after failure. All of these moments shaped me into someone who doesn’t just want to work in healthcare but to make a meaningful impact in it. I want to be the person who reassures patients, supports coworkers, and uses my experiences to create a better, more empathetic healthcare environment. My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it has prepared me for a career where compassion matters just as much as skill.

From a young age, I’ve always had a heart for helping others. Growing up in northeast Wyoming, I learned the value of hard work and compassion through both my family and my involvement in agriculture. Showing livestock taught me patience, dedication, and the importance of caring for something beyond myself. These lessons, along with being a first-generation college student, have shaped my determination to succeed and serve others. My greatest inspiration has been my aunt, a radiologist, who showed me how science and empathy can work hand in hand to make a difference in people’s lives. Through her, I discovered my passion for human health and wellness. Radiology fascinates me because it connects advanced technology with the deeply human side of healthcare—helping patients find answers, hope, and healing. I value compassion, integrity, and continuous learning. I believe that every patient deserves to feel seen, respected, and cared for, and I hope to bring that mindset into every interaction I have as a future radiologic technologist. To me, empathy is the ability to truly understand and share another person’s feelings—not just by listening, but by being fully present and compassionate in every situation. It goes beyond kindness; it is the foundation of trust and respect in healthcare. Empathy means recognizing that behind every patient is a person with fears, hopes, and a story that deserves to be heard. In the field of radiology, empathy is especially important because patients often come to us during moments of uncertainty and vulnerability. They may be scared about a diagnosis or in pain from an injury. As a radiologic technologist, I will not only be responsible for capturing clear, accurate images but also for creating an environment where patients feel comfortable and cared for. A calm voice, a reassuring explanation, or even a simple smile can make an enormous difference in how a patient experiences a procedure. My passion for empathy was shaped through both personal and family experiences. When my brother once faced a possible heart condition, my family experienced firsthand how powerful communication and compassion can be in healthcare. One doctor focused only on the worst-case scenario, causing panic and fear. Later, a different physician explained everything clearly and calmly, helping us understand that my brother’s symptoms were due to asthma. That moment taught me that empathy in medicine is not just emotional—it is essential for accurate, effective care. Being an agriculturalist has also taught me empathy, because the animals you are caring for see you as their whole world. You feed them, water them, and give them exercise and entertainment. When something is wrong, you are the one to fix it because they cannot speak for themselves. Healthcare is very similar. In radiology, empathy must guide every decision we make. From explaining procedures to ensuring patient safety and comfort, empathy allows us to see the person beyond the scan. It encourages patience when a child is nervous about an X-ray, understanding when an elderly patient moves slowly, and sensitivity when delivering difficult news. To ensure that my work is done through a human-centered lens, I plan to approach each patient as an individual, not just a case. This means actively listening, maintaining clear communication, and respecting every person’s background and emotions. I will continue to learn about cultural competence and inclusive care so that I can provide support to patients of all ages, experiences, and identities. Empathy transforms healthcare from a technical process into a healing experience. It bridges the gap between science and humanity—something that drew me to radiology in the first place. I believe that the best healthcare professionals are those who combine knowledge and compassion, skill and sincerity. Through empathy, I hope to make a positive impact not only on patients’ physical health but also on their emotional well-being.

My Journey to Radiology From a young age, I have always been drawn to helping others. Whether it was volunteering, supporting classmates, or taking care of animals on my family’s small cattle operation, I found fulfillment in making a difference in people’s lives. That desire to serve others has guided nearly every decision I’ve made, and it is the driving force behind my decision to pursue a career in radiology—a field that perfectly combines my passion for helping people with my fascination for science and technology. My interest in radiology first began through a personal connection with my aunt, who is a radiologist. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the way she spoke about her work. She often shared stories of how medical imaging allowed her to identify illnesses, assist in diagnoses, and help patients receive the treatment they needed. What stood out most was not just the technology she used, but the compassion she brought to her work. She showed me that behind every image was a person—a person who was scared, in pain, or hoping for answers. Watching her combine medical expertise with empathy inspired me to follow in her footsteps. As I grew older, my interest in the science behind radiology deepened. I became intrigued by how X-rays and other forms of imaging use physics, anatomy, and mathematics to create pictures of the human body. I realized that radiography is not just about taking images; it is about understanding how energy interacts with matter, how to use technology safely and effectively, and how to apply that knowledge to real-life situations. Radiography is the perfect example of how STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—work together to improve lives. I was thrilled when I was given the chance to give a presentation on the father of radiology, Wilhem Conrad Rontgen, because I had the opportunity to share my interest in the field. My experience as a first-generation college student has also played a major role in shaping my determination to succeed in this field. Pursuing higher education is not just about earning a degree for me—it is about creating opportunities that no one in my family has had before. It means setting an example for my younger relatives and showing them that hard work and passion can turn dreams into reality. Every class I take, from anatomy and physiology to physics, brings me closer to becoming the kind of healthcare professional I have always admired. Another major influence on my interest in STEM has been my time showing livestock and competing in agricultural events. While this may seem unrelated to radiology, these experiences taught me discipline, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills—qualities that are essential in any STEM career. Working with animals required me to think critically, observe small changes, and make informed decisions. I had the opportunity to serve as a state officer for Wyoming FFA, which taught me how to work successfully with seven other people and provide a good example of professionalism for kids around the state. These same skills are used every day in radiology to ensure that images are accurate, safe, and that patients feel comfortable working with me. Ultimately, I chose radiology because it represents everything I care about—helping others, learning continuously, and working with advanced technology to make a difference. My aunt’s influence, my background in agriculture, and my desire to serve others have all led me to this path. I am excited to be pursuing a career where compassion meets science, and where every image taken has the potential to change a life.

I grew up on a small ranch outside of Sundance Wyoming, so I have always been taught to be self-sufficient and hard working. My family doesn't come from much, but they always made sure we had what we needed, and I was able to live the lifestyle most people dream of. I didn't realize until I spent time away in college that I craved that lifestyle more than anything. I missed it all but the thing I missed most was the ability to care for the animals. If you drive down any rural road during the spring and look out into the fields, chances are you will see a few baby calves running around and playing. I missed staying up late, waiting for our mother cows to have their babies so we can check on them and see if they needed our help. I loved it. Seeing a fresh calf on the ground and being able to help this animal made me feel like I was important. My compassion and empathy for this animal was soon translated to people when I became a lifeguard. I sought that job out as a way to help keep people safe and help if they were injured. That is why I chose to join the field of healthcare. I part of me is missing every spring when I can't help the calves, but I will be filling that empty space by helping people and giving them the treatment they need, because they deserve it.

Art. It's not something that is appreciated coming from a small rural town in northeast Wyoming, but I could not hide my passions for it. I was in art classes throughout junior high and high school and submitted my work at the state level multiple times. While I never won anything, I still find time to watercolor from time to time. My parents could tell you I would go out to a pasture on our ranch and disappear for hours using watercolor to paint our land. It has always been my way to de-stress and cope with my feelings, and that holds true now that I am in college. Stress in college is a whole new ballgame, and no other remedy works quite as well as painting. Seeing the colors flow and develop is calming, and it is a reminder that there are some things you can control, you just need to find the right techniques to do so. Watercolor is often seen as a "messy" form of art, and it pains me when people say that. Sure, it can be messy, but that is the beauty in it. Something so free flowing coming together and combining a palette of colors to make something ethereal and beautiful is so mesmerizing. I used watercolors to unlock my love for art, and it has stood the test of time. It is something I always see myself coming back to time and time again. The two paintings I have shared with you are inspired by my life living on a ranch. Being five hours away from home has its troubles, but I remember the parts of our ranch that I love most, and I paint them. I can look through my sketchbook and feel at home because there are so many reminders in those pages. The first is one of my first watercolors I did in junior high, shortly after I had to lay with a calf in our pasture when her mother died giving birth. The next is a more recent painting based on the mountains by our hayfields. The abstract colors are what I love most about this piece, because I could play with different tones.

From the moment I was born, Taylor Swift's music has impacted my life. I was born in May of 2006, and Taylor Swift released her debut album six short months afterward, so I practically grew up with her music in my life. When she announced her rerelease of her albums, my inner child was so happy. I counted the days and came up with theories of when her next release was going to occur, and to this day I have been most excited for 1989 (tv). I was given the original album as a present from my little brother on my birthday in 2015, and I spent hours listening to the entire album. My heart songs and ones that I was so excited to hear re-released were "Clean", "Say Don't Go", "Slut!", and "New Romantics". These four songs are all very different, but they each hold a special meaning in my heart. "Clean" has been a healing song for me after I broke up with my abusive boyfriend. It helped me feel better and get the idea that everything was my fault out of my head. It helped me come to terms with what happened, and it helped me feel empowered after everything I had been through. "Say Don't Go" is a song that helped me through rough patches with my current boyfriend of two years. When I feel like I may have ruined things between us, I listen to this song and it makes me feel so much better, I feel understood and heard. I also connect with this song because we have almost broken up many times, and I prayed each time that he would stay. He has and thankfully we have been able to resolve everything and find healthier ways to communicate. "Slut!" is just an amazing song in general, lyrically and musically. It is a perfect representation of how it feels to love someone no matter what others are saying about you, and that all that matters is you and the other person love each other unconditionally. "New Romantics" was my favorite song off of the original 1989 album, because it is just a fun song. It is upbeat and makes you feel good, like nothing anyone says can tear you down. That is what I love most about it and what makes it a summer playlist staple for me. It is perfect for sunny weather and even nights you are just driving around.

Out of all the sports I have played throughout the years, track has been my heart sport. My love for this started when I was in fifth grade, and I went to one of my cousins track meets. I was enthralled with the amount of people attending, but I was even more intrigued by the hurdling events. How could these people run so fast AND jump over an object? I was in awe, so when I reached sixth grade, I signed up for junior high track as soon as I could. I fell in love with hurdling, and I made it my top priority. Every day I woke up excited to attend practice and jump over the hurdles. Missing my eight grade track season was super hard for me, because I missed out on a key time for developing my skills. This didn't stop me from making my own hurdles and practicing with them at home, and I came back my freshman year ready for whatever high school track would bring me. I also began throwing shot put and discus my freshman year, which was a super fun way to spice up my schedule and for me to learn something new. I began lifting after practice and grew myself as an athlete, and it showed. I placed seventh at the regional meet my sophomore year, and was 13th in the state that year. My junior year I placed fourth at regionals in disc and sadly fell short at state, placing 10th. This year I am ready to improve myself and push myself to the limit. The ability to push myself and determine my own success is what I love most about track. I am responsible for my own success and failure in this sport, and if I want to be better, then I have to change. I love the accountability the sport gives you, because it is all on your own. You are the only thing standing in between success and failure, and you are the only person who can change the outcome of your race. I love the feeling in my lungs after I ran sprints and I love the feeling of pushing yourself till you cannot walk anymore. It is an amazing feeling to look back at a hard practice and know you pushed yourself to your limits, and that you did the best you could. Improvement is determined by the effort you put in, and that has helped me direct that same philosophy into my every day life. I have made myself that much stronger because I decided to change myself and put forth the extra effort, and I believe that is a great skill to have.

My favorite animal is easily a horse. I have competed in FFA horse judging for four years, and I have placed sixth overall and fourth in reasons last year at the state level. Our team has won second and third at the state contest for two years in a row and I am looking to work towards becoming an AQHA certified judge, as horse judging has remained one of my favorite contests to compete in. I am currently serving as out FFA's second vice president, and was our reporter before that. Living on a ranch, horses have been my life-long teammates no matter what I do. I have competed in rodeo for two years for our town rodeo club, and I have excelled in judging. Because I could not afford a high-dollar rodeo horse, I trained my ranch horses to compete in breakaway, barrel racing, pole bending, and some goat tying (I'll admit the goat tying is not a pretty sight). Working with these animals gives me a deeper appreciation for them, and has bettered me as a rider. I pride myself in my horses versatility and calm demeanor in the arena, because I am willing to put in the work and keep to a routine. I am no stranger to the hardships working with these animals can bring and have been in a few accidents myself, from getting thrown off to spending hours trying to get a horse to load in a trailer. Nevertheless, my love for these animals holds true and I wish to work with them all my life, as well as continue to train them and learn from each horse I own. I have been interested in radiology and scanning for a few years, and decided the best way to combine my love for both is to dual major in radiology and equine management, so that I may become and equine ultrasound tech. I also plan to use my equine management skills to raise and breed my own herd of performance horses. This scholarship will help me greatly by adding an extra layer of security for me to dual major and work towards that goal. I am also a first generation student, so my family is very excited to hear about me wanting to pursue a higher education. My brother is also planning on going to a post-secondary institution, so my parents cannot pay for both of us to attend school. While I am going to a community college, I am planning on bringing my horses with me and keeping them at our schools facility, which has it's own expenses that I have to cover myself. I thank you for taking your time to read this, and I look forward to hearing from you in the future.

It all started when during COVID. I was just 14 years old when I started realizing I was gaining a bit of weight, and my mom had noticed too. She constantly made comments on how much I had gained since being stuck at home, and it began to wear on me and I started to think, "is there something wrong with the way I look?" I have always been a healthy person, and looking back at it, I was still healthy. I decided to limit my eating severely and decided that nothing I did was enough. I lost touch with the people around me and became very reserved, so much so that I didn't have anyone to talk to about my problems. This was incredibly harmful to my mental health and I fell into a very dark place. However, I was looking at all of my Instagram role models and I saw something that caught my eye. It was a woman talking about how her relationship with God pulled her out of the same situation. I started reading my scriptures in the morning when I woke up, and it helped me to pull out of this rut I was in. Along with this, the weather was warmer and I returned to rodeo. Rodeo gave me a whole new light, because it was something that didn't make me feel like I needed to look a certain way to compete. Now, I have been growing my relationship with myself and the people around me. I am happy in my body and I have developed healthy eating habits. I have gotten the help I needed and I am happier than ever, this has helped me to surround myself with people who support me no matter what and encourage me to pursue what I want. My experience has also made me want to help others as well. I am looking to become a radiologic technician so I can help people feel better and solve their problems. If need be, I am always willing to be a shoulder for them to cry on and be the person they can talk to. No one is alone in this world and everyone has a story. There are going to be many stories that I hear, and it makes me excited to help in some way. I have been blessed to have pulled myself out of my situation before it is too late, and others are not so lucky. If I am awarded this scholarship, I am planning to double major and take some counseling certification classes in order to help others in the way God has helped me. I want to give people faith and let them know that it is ok and someone always cares.