Growing up, I was embraced by a faith community that emphasized my moral obligation to meet the needs of others. I was taught to model the actions of Christ by supporting those in need. The message was simple…give to others out of love without expecting anything in return. This concept was reinforced in my home, where my parents always encouraged my sister and me to think of others. The spirit of giving was instilled in our hearts at an early age. Although we had limited money and resources to share, we still had indispensable gifts to offer…time, talent, and compassion. We learned that we were never too young to serve, and no act of kindness was ever too small. We were driven to make a positive change in the lives of those around us and along the way, we discovered that sometimes the little things can make the biggest difference. As a kid, I fondly remember my sister and I using our summer breaks to work on projects that would benefit those in need. We identified a cause, devised a plan, and then carried it out… always having fun along the way. One summer, for example, we painted rocks and wrote inspirational messages on them, then hid the rocks around the neighborhood for people to find. One summer we hosted a lemonade stand and donated the proceeds to the pet therapy program at a local children’s hospital. These endeavors continued into my teenage years. One of the most impactful projects we initiated was the “Blessing Bag Project” to benefit the homeless in our community. Blessing Bags are Ziploc bags that contain socks, snacks, travel-size toiletries, grooming supplies, and other essential items that people find useful as they navigate life on the streets. We collected donations from local businesses, national companies, family, and friends, then assembled the bags individually. I will never forget the homeless man lying on the ground outside of the shelter the day we went to drop off the bags. As I walked past him, he reached out his hand for assistance getting to his feet, and then asked if he could help me carry the bags inside. As we unloaded the car together, he thanked me repeatedly. He was beyond grateful. His gratitude made a lasting impression on me and showed me how my actions can make a difference in someone’s life and a community in need. We have continued this project for the past three years and, to date, have donated over 620 Blessing Bags to the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. Doing good for others is not a sacrifice, but rather a privilege. It is a responsibility that has made my life more meaningful. This sense of purpose was a contributing factor in choosing my career. Currently a sophomore at the University of Kentucky, I am double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology. With a strong sense of fairness and an equally strong sense of compassion, I am excited about an occupation where I can build a sounder, safer society by protecting people from crime and finding justice for those who fall victim. This enthusiasm was inspired by the teachings of my faith, the personal experiences and interactions I have gained by serving others throughout the years, along with my belief that every single human being, despite their circumstance, is worthy of respect, equality, justice, and kindness. It is in the spirit of giving that we uplift others, and in the process, we uplift ourselves.

I have been a competitive swimmer since I was seven years old. The 12-year journey has been physically demanding, sometimes mentally exhausting, but always very rewarding. Swimming allowed me the chance to excel as an athlete, while providing exciting and unforgettable opportunities. Most importantly, this sport taught me vital lessons about myself and instilled a powerful set of values that will guide me throughout my life. Swimming is hard. To be successful, it was imperative that I cultivate self-discipline. No matter how cold the pool was, how difficult the practices were, how fatigued my muscles became…I made the commitment to always show up. No excuses. With success, I discovered confidence. With failure, I found motivation. The result was much more than any medal could offer, but rather the fulfillment gained in knowing that with hard work and dedication, I can achieve any goal I set for myself. My passion for swimming motivated me to share this sport with others. For three years, I volunteered my talent as a swim coach. In this role, I learned a lot about effective leadership. I believe the best leaders lead by example and inspire others to do the same. In teaching children how to swim, I found that creating an encouraging, stable environment helped to keep them engaged. Always having an upbeat and supportive attitude, even when things didn’t go according to plan, was a must. Through good communication, I earned trust and their willingness to listen and follow my instruction. As a result, they realized their ability to do the unimaginable. It’s amazing to witness kids as they discover confidence in the pool, because I know that conviction will carry over into their day-to-day lives. It was no surprise that soon after moving onto campus my freshman year of college, I followed the smell of chlorine and found my way to the pool. I carried myself with purpose, knowing I could make a positive contribution. I got a job lifeguarding at the student recreation center, where I was promoted to supervisor by the second semester of my freshman year, a position normally held by upperclassmen. I was focused on providing solid and driven leadership, which was recognized at the end of my freshman year when I was also promoted to Lead Water Safety Instructor. On the job, I am diligent and dedicated. I carry myself with a calm but authoritative presence, always aware of the next task to complete. I conduct myself in a professional manner, focused on the bigger picture, making sure everyone feels like a valued member of the team. In times of high stress, I communicate clearly with those who look to me for direction and support. I recognize the objectives of the organization and prioritize to achieve those aims. These elements for success are not new to me. They are the same principles that shaped me into a winning athlete. Today, I am a sophomore at the University of Kentucky where I am double majoring in psychology and criminal justice. I aspire for a career where I can help build a safer community by protecting people from crime and finding justice for those who fall victim. My work ethic reflects my personal values, and although I initially fostered these qualities in a swimming pool at an early age, I continue to grow them, strengthen them, and utilize them with my feet planted firmly on dry land. They are part of who I am, embedded in everything that I do. The outcome is a passionate, responsible, empowering, hard-working leader fully prepared to make a difference in this world.

I was raised in a home where my parents always encouraged my sister and I to think of others. Starting at an early age, we would use our summer breaks to work on projects that would benefit those in need. We identified a cause, designed a plan, then executed… always having fun along the way. One summer, for example, we painted rocks and wrote inspirational messages on them, then hid the rocks around the neighborhood for people to find. One summer we hosted a lemonade stand and donated the proceeds to a local children’s hospital. We were never too young to serve, and no act of kindness was ever too small. Helping others became a state of mind, instilling in us a desire to make a positive change in the lives of those around us. Several years ago, after recognizing the homeless problem in my area, I initiated a project to make Blessing Bags for the homeless in my community. Blessing Bags are Ziploc bags that contain socks, snacks, travel-size toiletries, grooming supplies, and other essential items that people find useful as they navigate life on the streets. I have continued this project for the past three years and, to date, have donated over 550 Blessing Bags to the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. My efforts on this project are ongoing. Pablo Picasso once said, "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." I have always tried to recognize the gifts I have been blessed with, then look for ways to use them to benefit others. Swimming, for example, is one such gift. I have been a competitive swimmer since I was 7 years old. Swimming is so much more than just a summer past-time. It is a lifelong sport that not only stimulates health and physical wellbeing, but it enhances emotional wellbeing too. Knowing this impels me to share my passion for this sport with others. For three years, I volunteered as a swim coach for the younger children at my club organization. It is very rewarding to witness children as they discover confidence in the water, because I know that same conviction will carry over into their day-to-day lives on land. As a swim coach, I have learned a lot about effective leadership. I believe the best leaders learn from experience, lead by example, and inspire others to do the same. These skills are not exclusive to swimming. Used effectively, they will foster change and contribute to growth. With these tools, I can be a catalyst for promoting equity and inclusion in the quest to achieve constructive outcomes in the people and places around me. My desire to help others was a key factor in choosing my career. I recently completed my freshman year at the University of Kentucky where I am double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology. With a strong sense of fairness and an equally strong sense of compassion, I am excited about an occupation where I can build a sounder, safer world by protecting people from crime and finding justice for those who fall victim. Being involved in my community and seeing things first-hand has impacted my perspective. Personal experiences and interactions, like those gained through volunteer coaching and my Blessing Bag project, are what motivate me to do more, along with my belief that every single human being, despite their circumstance, is worthy of respect, equality, justice, and kindness. I thrive on belonging to something greater than myself and knowing that I can make a positive impact on the world around me.

Meet this AMERICAN WOMAN… My name is Riley Quinn, I’M EIGHTEEN and now a sophomore at the University of Kentucky where I am double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I am fascinated with how the human brain works and the reason behind people’s actions. I am especially intrigued by the criminal mind and curious about criminal behavior. Several years ago, I started listening to crime podcasts and watching YouTube videos on criminal cases. After hearing hundreds of true crime and unsolved mysteries, I began noticing a common theme… victims and their families don’t always get the justice they deserve. This left me frustrated and wanting to do something to eradicate EVIL and support those who have been victimized. I welcome the idea of being able to collaborate with others in the areas of sociology, law, and science in search of justice. The psychology component of my education will provide knowledge about the biology of the brain and how it works and contributes to behavior. This will allow me to predict crime patterns by understanding “why”. My studies in criminal justice will help sharpen my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, improve my ability to rationalize and use reason, and perfect my attention to detail. This will be useful in analyzing evidence at a crime scene, where I can apply the scientific method to criminal cases to understand “how”. I aspire to be THE SEEKER of justice, and I won’t tolerate people RUNNIN’ WITH THE DEVIL and BREAKING THE LAW. I have been a competitive swimmer since I was seven years old. I guess you could say I have a bit of an AQUALUNG. Up until I left for college, I swam on a club team for 10 years, year-round, sometimes twice a day. There, I competed at the national level. I also swam for my high school where I was a member of the varsity swim team (four years), a regional and state finalist (four years), and team captain my senior year… all while maintaining a 3.6 GPA. I just completed my first season swimming on the club swim team for the University of Kentucky Wildcats (WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, baby!) where I hold two school club records and have eight national club time cuts. Swimming is hard. It is both physically demanding and mentally exhausting. Much like a BARRACUDA, I am a fierce competitor. In swimming, it’s just you against the clock where a tenth of a second can make you or break you. Self-motivation is essential. Every swimmer needs a good pump-up song, and nothing screams “pump-up” better than heavy metal music. It is powerful and raw and provides a much-needed adrenaline rush right before a big competition. It’s amazing how a pre-swim guitar shred can help shred time off a race. It’s like SMOKE ON THE WATER! Heavy metal music fuels my passion for swimming, which energizes my performance, which increases my success, which boosts my confidence both in and out of the pool. It’s nothing but hard work and SWEET EMOTION. I’m not buying a STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN. This girl is trying to finance an education. College is expensive. Unfortunately, financial aid is based on parental assets and income, so I don’t qualify for a significant amount of assistance. I have applied for what seems like every scholarship under the DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, but with no success. My parents did save some money for me, which I greatly appreciate, but once that runs out (which is soon), I’m on my own. Ultimately, I am responsible and will incur all remaining debt. WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE. This scholarship, therefore, would be used to cover the cost of tuition, books, housing, food, and utilities. I do have a job on campus and work three jobs during the summer to use toward college expenses, but this doesn’t come close to covering the cost. LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER that you will consider me for this scholarship.

I have been a competitive swimmer since I was six years old. 5:00am practices and daily training sessions replaced what most “normal” kids my age were doing. Had I not quickly learned the meaning of sacrifice and commitment, I never would have survived in this sport for the past 11 years. The journey has been physically demanding, sometimes mentally exhausting, but always very rewarding. Swimming has allowed me the chance to excel as an athlete, while providing exciting and unforgettable opportunities. It has gifted me with irreplaceable friendships, allowed me travel to new places, and even swim with Olympians. This sport also taught me vital lessons about myself and life. My freshman year of high school, I began having health issues. The pediatrician repeatedly dismissed it as constipation, but the pain never went away. It just got worse. After several agonizing trips to the emergency room, I began seeing a series of specialists who led a step-by-step investigation to determine the cause of my pain. I had multiple tests done over the course of the next year…. blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, colonoscopy, endoscopy, imaging scans, and biopsies. I was finally diagnosed with Functional Abdominal Syndrome and offered very little in terms of treatment. I was told I had a chronic condition that I would have to manage for the rest of my life. I worked with a dietician to modify my diet, tried alternative medicines, and even attempted an experimental treatment. Nothing helped. The pain was constant and overwhelming. I experienced daily nausea, headaches, and fatigue. It was hard for me to focus on anything but the pain. It was difficult to pay attention in school and arduous to have fun with my friends. Eating regular meals became a struggle because I knew that pain would always follow. To make matters worse, the high intensity of my swim workouts was making the stomach pain unbearable. This made it grueling for me to give my best effort to a sport that I loved, had devoted my life to, and had always brought me so much success and happiness. Swimming gave me purpose, but the pain was taking that away from me. Life was beginning to unravel. But, as the great Bob Marley once said, “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.” As opposed to dwelling on it, I decided to deal with it. The pain wasn’t going to go away, so I needed to find a way to cope with it. I had to find my new “normal”. I started seeing a pain management psychologist who taught me how to use relaxation training and distraction techniques to manage my discomfort. I had to teach my brain to be stronger than my pain. In doing so, I gained a new perspective and developed new skills. I learned there wasn’t going to be an immediate “fix”, and this was going to take time, effort, and willpower to resolve. Luckily, I had the right people surrounding me to help navigate this journey of ups and downs. When things got hard, I relied on the people I trusted the most for support…friends, family, and teammates. I knew they would hold me accountable. Their encouragement helped to reduce any doubt and anxiety that I encountered, which boosted my motivation toward transformation. By my senior year of high school, I was back in the water and pushing past my limitations to make national qualifying times, but not before I learned something very valuable… setbacks are part of life. Bad things are going to happen, but staying positive and pushing through them will only make me stronger. Because of this experience, I am better equipped to handle future struggles knowing I have the adaptability and the determination to achieve my ambitions…any ambitions…. despite obstacles or challenges I may have to overcome. I am strong. Today, I still live with pain, but it is no longer the central focus of my life. I haven’t let my condition stop me from doing the things that I love. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Kentucky where I am double majoring in psychology and criminal justice. I aspire to support people who have been victimized by crime, and I am very confident in my ability to succeed. Because of swimming I know the meaning of sacrifice, hard work, and dedication. I am familiar with setting goals for myself, and I know how to achieve them. I also know the meaning of perseverance and overcoming adversity after being diagnosed with Functional Abdominal Syndrome. I take the initiative to continuously try to improve myself and the circumstances around me. I am very grateful that swimming remains a very important part of my life. I am on the club swim team at the University of Kentucky where I hold two school club records, have eight national intercollegiate club time cuts, and was the 400 IM Bronze Medalist in the National Club Championships in 2024. Between the lane lines I am once again comfortable and secure. In the face of adversity, I grew. Now, I thrive.

2023 was rough. Within a period of six months, I experienced more shock, sadness, and heartbreak than I have in my combined eighteen years of existence. February started the downward spiral with the death of my aunt. By months end, death took my neighbor…a kind, loving, grandmother-type figure who baked THE BEST cookie bars. March was unsympathetic and hit hard when my fifty-four-year-old, seemingly healthy dad unexpectedly collapsed of a heart attack. Life saving measures were needed to revive him. He spent a very long, uncertain week in the Cardiac ICU, sedated and on a ventilator with months of rehab to follow. July offered no solace when my dementia-stricken grandfather passed away from the awful disease that selfishly and progressively took his mind so many years before. And then… there was Chase. Chase and I met through mutual friends. I still remember sitting in his basement complaining about how I didn’t have a date for an upcoming high school dance. Without even knowing me, Chase said “I’ll go!” We quickly became friends, texting and hanging out. One high school dance led to another, and we soon found ourselves attending each other’s senior proms. While the dances were fun, the car rides to and from the events were always my favorite part of the night. We would laugh and sing the whole way there and the whole way home. Those car rides gave me insight on how genuine a person he was. Chase always had a story to tell and a picture to go with it. He loved adventure. Chase forever had a positive attitude, an endless smile, and great hair. In social settings he didn't have too much to say, but one-on-one he could talk for days. Friday, July 14, 2023. That summer day started like the others. I was at work, lifeguarding, when I heard the news. Chase and his younger brother, Cole, were involved in a boating accident on Lake Cumberland. Their jet-ski crossed the path of a much larger power boat. Chase and Cole did not survive. My heart stopped. Gone. Just like that. Sudden and completely unforeseen. There were no goodbyes. His death left me overwhelmed with emotions that I didn’t know how to process. Up until this point I had never experienced a loss like this, so I found myself trying to juggle feelings of denial, anger, and deep sorrow. Then came the “whys”. I was confused as to why this had happened to such a good person. Why my friend? Why so young? Why so horrific? The sadness was crushing, and I was completely devastated and truly heartbroken. Grief is hard. In the days that followed, I spent a lot of time with my friends. I also spent time with Chase’s friends. Their stories and memories of him helped to ease a little bit of the huge void he left behind. What helped the most, however, was seeing how his parents celebrated the life of Chase and his brother instead of focusing on their death. With amazing faith and strength, they encouraged all of us to live like Cole and Chase…. to love every day, have a positive impact, spread joy, and practice gratitude. Chase and Cole made the most of their very short lives and lived each day with enthusiasm and excitement. So, to honor them, we tried to do the same. We found ourselves going out for ice cream and eating coneys and playing pickleball…all the things Chase loved to do. Thru his death, I learned how to focus on living a more positive and joyful life. I also developed a deeper gratitude for all those unforgettably awesome car rides we shared together. I miss my friend, but I am so thankful that he was part of my life if even for just a very short time. Prior to his death, Chase was set to begin a new adventure as a college freshman at the University of Utah, while I elected to make my way to the University of Kentucky to double major in psychology and criminal justice. Chase’s accident has made me a stronger person and better equipped to handle adversity, both personally and professionally. Unfortunately, hopeless tragedies are part of life, but they put things into perspective. They also make us aware of the human suffering of others. Using this experience, I am determined to live with purpose and help individuals and their families that have been affected by terrible and senseless misfortune. I also intend to love every day, have a positive impact, spread joy, and practice gratitude. In doing so, I will forever “fight” to #LIVElikeCHASEandCOLE.

Several years ago, after recognizing the homeless problem in my area, I initiated a project to make Blessing Bags for the homeless in my community. Blessing Bags are Ziploc bags that contain socks, snacks, travel-size toiletries, grooming supplies, and other essential items that people find useful as they navigate life on the streets. I collected donations from local businesses, neighbors, friends, and family, then personally assembled the bags one by one. I will never forget the homeless man lying on the ground outside of the shelter the day I went to drop off the bags. As I walked past him, he reached out his hand for assistance getting to his feet, then asked if he could help me carry the bags inside. As we unloaded the car together, he thanked me repeatedly. He was beyond grateful. His gratitude made a lasting impression on me and showed me how my actions can make a difference in someone’s life and a society in need. I have continued this project for the past three years and, to date, have donated over 550 Blessing Bags to the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. My efforts on this project are ongoing. Being involved in my community and seeing things firsthand has impacted my perspective. Personal experiences and interactions are what motivate me to do more, along with my belief that every single human being, despite their circumstance, is worthy of respect, equality, and kindness. I also believe that every human being has the right to justice. Currently a college freshman at the University of Kentucky, I am double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology. I am fascinated with how the human mind works and the reason behind peoples’ actions. I am especially intrigued by the criminal mind and curious about criminal behavior. A few years ago, I started listening to crime podcasts and watching YouTube videos on criminal cases. After hearing hundreds of true crime and unsolved mysteries, I began noticing a common theme… victims and their families don’t always get the justice they deserve. This left me frustrated and wanting to do something to support those who have been victimized. My enthusiasm for helping others motivates my desire for a career working with people who have been negatively impacted by the criminal justice system and those who are the unfortunate victims of crime. There are a vast number of career options to consider, and I am certain my education will give me the opportunity to find the one that is perfect for me. There will be challenges. According to Statistia, the FBI employed only 2,726 female special agents compared to the 10,900 male special agents in 2019. Women, clearly, are underrepresented in the criminal justice workforce. I, however, am very confident in my ability to succeed. I have been a competitive swimmer for the past 11 years and I know the meaning of sacrifice, hard work, and dedication. I am familiar with setting goals for myself, and I know how to achieve them. I also know the meaning of perseverance and overcoming adversity after being diagnosed with Functional Abdominal Syndrome my freshman year of high school. I have the courage and the determination to achieve my ambitions despite any obstacles I may have to overcome. The goal of criminal justice is to make society better and safer. That too, is my goal. Not only do I have a strong sense of fairness and an equally strong sense of compassion, but I am passionate and persistent, and I am convinced that I will make a positive impact in the community in which I will serve.

To quote the infamous Dory the Fish… “Just keep swimming.” And that is exactly what I have done. I have been a competitive swimmer since I was seven years old. 5:00am practices and daily training sessions replaced what most “normal” kids my age were doing. The journey has been physically demanding, sometimes mentally exhausting, but always very rewarding. Swimming has given me the chance to excel as an athlete, while providing exciting and unforgettable opportunities. It has gifted me with irreplaceable friendships, allowed me to travel to new places, and even swim with Olympians. It has also taught me a few lessons about life and a lot about myself along the way. Up until I left for college, I swam on a club team, the Northern Kentucky Clippers, for 10 years, year-round, sometimes twice a day. There, I competed at the national level. I also swam for my high school, Notre Dame Academy, where I was a member of the varsity swim team (four years), a regional and state finalist (four years), and team captain my senior year… all while maintaining a 3.6 GPA. I am currently a freshman at the University of Kentucky, where I swim on the club team for the Wildcats. When I’m not in the water, I like to spend land-time with friends, play pickleball, and vacation anywhere I can find a beach. I am double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice and strive for a career working with people who have been victimized by crime. Helping others has always been important to me. Swimming has given me the chance to use my talent to give something back to others. Prior to going away to school, for example, I volunteered my time and talent for three years as a coach for the younger swimmers at my club organization. My love for the water has motivated me to share my passion for this life-long sport with those in my community, as well. Over summer break, I am thrilled to be going back home to coach my 4th season at Bluegrass, a summer swim team in my community. In addition to coaching, I am…you guessed it… a lifeguard! I am certified in CPR, and as an American Red Cross Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, and Water Safety Instructor. Lifeguarding is an essential public service that I can offer to my community, while doing something that I love. Soon after moving onto campus, I quickly realized how much I missed volunteer coaching. I am currently in the process of looking for a team in Lexington to share my experience with when I return to UK in the Fall of 2024. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to work a little less, so I could volunteer a little more. As you can see, athletics is a HUGE part of my life. Because of swimming, I know the meaning of sacrifice and commitment. I am familiar with setting goals for myself, and I know how to achieve them. Without swimming, I wouldn’t know the significance of dedication or the reward of hard work. I also better understand the meaning of perseverance and overcoming adversity after being diagnosed with Functional Abdominal Syndrome in my freshman year of high school. I have the courage and the determination to achieve my ambitions despite any obstacles I may have to overcome. I am a positive person with an outgoing personality who seeks to empower others. The pool is my home. It is where I feel free and at peace. Between the lane lines I am comfortable and confident. Swimming gives me purpose. And so…I’ll just keep swimming.

Colonel Mustard in the library with the candlestick! Much like playing the game of Clue, I am completely enthralled with the idea of exposing secrets, discovering evidence, and using logic to uncover real-life truth. After all, it’s human nature to want to determine the who, what, when, where, and why of things. Several years ago, I started listening to crime podcasts and watching YouTube videos on criminal cases. I was hooked! After hearing hundreds of true crime and unsolved mysteries, I began noticing a common theme… victims and their families do not always get the justice they deserve. This left me frustrated and wanting to do something to support those who have been victimized. Currently a freshman at the University of Kentucky, I am double majoring in psychology and criminal justice. I am fascinated with how the human mind works and the reason behind people’s actions. I am especially intrigued by the criminal mind and curious about criminal behavior. I believe that curriculums in psychology and criminal justice will not only teach me about human behavior, but also provide a way to sharpen my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, improve my ability to rationalize and use reason, and perfect my attention to detail. Strengthening these proficiencies will be crucial to my personal and professional growth and provide the foundation for a successful future. My education will open the door to so many thrilling opportunities. Because the fields of psychology and criminal justice are both very broad, there are a vast number of career options to consider. My education will give me the opportunity to explore these. I could perform research, for example, to study crime patterns and predict motives. Or…I could investigate crime scenes and collect evidence. Or…I could be a court advocate or an investigative reporter. (Look-out Keith Morrison!) The possibilities are endless, each one more exhilarating than the next. No matter what path I choose, it’s sure to be stimulating, interesting, and gratifying. I welcome the thought of being able to collaborate with others in the areas of sociology, law, and science to find resolution for victims and their families. Every day offers the exciting possibility of seeing and doing something new. One day I could experience the horror of a gruesome crime scene, then the next day be testifying in a courtroom alongside prosecutors. I could play a role working with offenders, or I could focus my efforts on the victims. The goal of criminal justice is to make society better and safer. I am passionate about my community and helping those in need. I have a strong sense of fairness and an equally strong sense of compassion. I am excited about a career where I can build a sounder, safer world by protecting people from crime and finding justice for those who fall victim. I believe I can make a positive impact on the welfare of my community and I’m more than eager to get my freak on in the name of justice.

I have been a competitive swimmer since I was seven years old. 5:00am practices and daily training sessions replaced what most “normal” kids my age were doing. Had I not quickly learned the meaning of sacrifice and commitment, I never would have survived in this sport for the past 11 years. The journey has been physically demanding, sometimes mentally exhausting, but always very rewarding. Swimming allowed me the chance to excel as an athlete, while providing exciting and unforgettable opportunities. It has gifted me with irreplaceable friendships, allowed me travel to new places, and even swim with Olympians. This sport also taught me vital lessons about myself and life. Swimming is hard. It’s just you against the clock where a tenth of a second can make you or break you. With success, I discovered confidence and happiness. With failure, I found motivation and resilience. As a team captain, I uncovered the responsibilities that come with leadership and found a deeper appreciation and respect for the talent of others. Swimming also taught me about perseverance and overcoming adversity. My freshman year of high school, I was diagnosed with Functional Abdominal Syndrome … a chronic condition that I would have to manage for the rest of my life. The pain was constant and overwhelming. I experienced daily nausea, headaches, and fatigue. The high intensity of my swim workouts made the stomach pain worse. This made it hard for me to give my best effort to a sport that I loved and had devoted my life to. To further complicate things, I sustained a back injury to my facet joint which was likely the result of overtraining. Weeks of physical therapy for my back injury followed. I also started seeing a pain management psychologist who taught me how to use relaxation training and distraction techniques to cope with my stomach pain. By my senior year, I was back in the water and pushing past my limitations to make national qualifying times, but not before I learned something very valuable… setbacks are part of life. There will be challenging moments but staying positive and pushing through them will only make me stronger. Today, I am a college freshman at the University of Kentucky where I am double majoring in psychology and criminal Justice. I aspire for a career where I can help build a stronger community by protecting people from crime and finding justice for those who fall victim. Swimming is still very important to me. I am triple certified by the American Red Cross as a Lifeguard, a Lifeguard Instructor, and a Water Safety Instructor. I was recently promoted to a supervisor at the student health center at UK where I work as a lifeguard to help pay for my tuition. I also swim club for the Wildcat’s where I hold 2 school club records and have 8 national intercollegiate club time cuts. In the summer, I look forward to coaching my community swim team and teach private lessons to little kids. I want nothing more than to share my passion for swimming with others, in hopes that they too find a love for this life-long sport. The pool is my home. It is where I feel free and at peace. Between the lane lines I am comfortable and confident. Swimming gives me purpose. It challenges me to set goals and work for them. Without my passion for swimming, I wouldn’t know the meaning of dedication or the reward of hard work. We all need water to survive, some of us just need a little more than others.

I began having health issues during my freshman year of high school. My doctor repeatedly dismissed it as constipation, but the pain never went away. It just got worse. After several agonizing trips to the emergency room, I began seeing a series of specialists to help determine the cause. I had countless tests done over the course of the next year… blood tests, ultrasounds, colonoscopy/endoscopy, imaging scans, and biopsies. I was finally diagnosed with Functional Abdominal Syndrome/IBS and offered very little in terms of treatment. I was told I had a chronic condition that I would have to manage for the rest of my life. The pain was constant and overwhelming. I experienced daily nausea, headaches, and fatigue. It was hard for me to focus on anything but the pain. It was difficult to pay attention in school and hard to have fun with my friends. Eating regular meals became a struggle because I knew that pain would always follow. I began to associate pain with food. I also began to associate pain with swimming. I have been a competitive swimmer since I was seven years old. The high intensity of my workouts was making the stomach pain worse. This made it hard for me to give my best effort to a sport that I loved, had devoted my life to, and had always brought me so much success, confidence, and happiness. Life was beginning to unravel. But, as the great Bob Marley once said, “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.” As opposed to dwelling on it, I decided to deal with it. To move forward, I needed to find a way to cope, so I started seeing a pain management psychologist who taught me how to use relaxation training and distraction techniques to manage my discomfort. I had to teach my brain to be stronger than my pain. By my senior year of high school, I was back in the water, pushing past my limitations. My condition served to teach me that life will have challenging moments but staying positive and pressing through them will only make me stronger. Today, I still live with daily pain, but it is no longer the central focus of my life. I haven’t let my condition stop me from doing the things that I love. I am proud to say that, through it all, I was able to continue my volunteer work and my passion for helping others. My sophomore year in high school, I started a project to make Blessing Bags for the homeless shelter in my community. These bags contain snacks, travel-size toiletries, socks, and other essential items that homeless people find useful. I have continued this project for the past three years and to date, I have donated over 550 Blessing Bags to the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. The summer of my junior year, I also started my own business teaching children to swim. Using ten years of personal experience as my guide, I offer one-on-one swim instruction to kids, introducing them to basic swim techniques and the importance of water safety. I am currently a freshman at the University of Kentucky where I am double majoring in psychology and criminal justice. I aspire for a career where I can help build a stronger community by protecting people from crime and finding justice for those who fall victim. I also swim club for the Wildcat’s, where I hold two UK club records and have eight national college club cuts…. proof, once again, in the power of positivity and perseverance.

I have been raised in a home where my parents have always encouraged my sister and me to think of others. We would use our summer breaks to come up with fun projects that would help those in need. One summer when we were younger, for example, we painted rocks and wrote inspirational messages on them, then hid the rocks around the neighborhood for people to find. For several summers, we had a lemonade stand and donated the proceeds to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. At Christmas time one year, we used pipe cleaners to turn candy canes into reindeer and donated them to the Parish Kitchen with the hope of bringing a little bit of holiday joy to the hungry. We were taught at an early age that we were never too young to serve, and no act of kindness was ever too small. Helping others has always been important to me. The “Blessing Bag” project was no exception. The summer before starting my sophomore year of high school, I organized a service project to make Blessing Bags for the homeless shelter in my community. Blessing Bags are Ziploc bags that contain socks, snacks, travel-size toiletries, socks, bottled water, grooming supplies, and other essential items that homeless people find useful. I collected donations from local businesses, national companies, foundations, neighbors, friends, and family, then personally assembled the bags one by one. Over the past three years, I have donated over 350 Blessing Bags to the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. What started as a self-initiated summer activity turned into a very rewarding experience. When we went to drop off the Blessing Bags last year, a homeless man was lying on the ground outside of the shelter. He asked if he could help carry the Blessing Bags into the shelter with me. As we unloaded the car together, he continued to thank me over and over. He was beyond grateful. His gratitude made a lasting impression on me. Talking with him made me realize how important it is to serve because in doing so, I can truly make a difference in someone’s life. In addition to the “Blessing Bag” project, I also volunteered as a swim coach for the past three years. I have been a competitive swimmer since I was 7 years old. Through swimming, I have learned the meaning of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. I understand the importance of commitment and the value of teamwork. It has been very fulfilling to be able to share these “life lessons” with the children that I coach. By sharing my passion and enthusiasm for swimming, I hope to inspire growth and confidence in them. Volunteering has given me a sense of meaning and appreciation for the gifts that I have been given. I feel a responsibility to give back and share these gifts with others. While my parents are not considered low-income, I am. It will be my responsibility to pay my student loans after I graduate. Winning this scholarship would assist with the cost of tuition and living expenses that I incur while I am in college. It will help lessen some of the burdens of working, thus allowing me the opportunity to focus on school, continue with volunteer work, and swim club at the collegiate level.

My stomach pain started during my freshman year of high school. The pediatrician repeatedly dismissed it as constipation, but the pain never went away. It just got worse. After several agonizing trips to the emergency room, I started seeing a series of specialists who began a step-by-step investigation to determine the cause of my pain. I had multiple tests done over the next year…. blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, colonoscopy, endoscopy, CT scan, imaging, and biopsy. All results came back normal. This was extremely frustrating because I knew the pain was real. The doctors finally diagnosed me with Functional Abdominal Syndrome/IBS and offered very little in terms of treatment. I was told it was a chronic condition that I would have to manage for the rest of my life. I worked with a dietician to modify my diet, tried alternative medicines like NET therapy, and participated in an experimental treatment called IB stim. Nothing helped. The pain was constant and overwhelming. Along with it, I experienced daily nausea, headaches, and fatigue. It was hard for me to focus on anything but the pain. It was difficult to pay attention in school and hard to have fun with my friends. Eating regular meals became a struggle because I knew that pain would always follow. I started to associate pain with food. I also started to associate pain with swimming. I have been a competitive swimmer since I was 7 years old. (Swimming...like running, but in water.) The high intensity of my workouts made the stomach pain worse. This made it hard for me to give my best effort at a sport that I loved, had devoted my life to, and had always brought me so much success, confidence, and happiness. Life was starting to unravel. In the summer of 2021, I started seeing Dr. Homan, a pediatric psychologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital who helps kids deal with chronic pain. Dr. Homan helped me understand my condition and taught me different ways to cope. She showed me relaxation training, including deep breathing, imagery, and muscle relaxation. She also taught me how to use distraction techniques so that pain was no longer the central focus of my life. One of the most helpful things that Dr. Homan told me was that my belly pain was not life-threatening and, although my pain was very real, it was not going to harm me. Today, I still live with daily pain but I have gotten better at managing it by using the techniques that Dr. Homan taught me. I haven’t let it stop me from being a positive and happy person. If anything, my condition has taught me that life will have challenging moments, but staying upbeat and pushing through will only make me stronger. I can proudly say that despite my condition, I have gone on to make national time cuts in swimming, I can tolerate food better, and I am now looking forward to college. I have been accepted into the University of Kentucky and plan to Major in psychology in the hopes of helping people just like Dr. Homan helped me. I also intend to swim club as a Wildcat.

Three years ago, I initiated a service project to make Blessing Bags for the homeless shelter in my community. Blessing Bags are Ziploc bags that contain snacks, travel-size toiletries, socks, bottled water, grooming supplies, and other essential items that homeless people find useful. I solicited donations from local businesses, national companies, foundations, neighbors, friends, and family, then assembled the bags one by one. It was really important to me that the bags contained items that the homeless need and can use. A good pair of socks, for example, is the #1 item requested by people who are homeless, so I made sure to include socks. Because these individuals are often without shelter, they are exposed to extreme weather conditions. For this reason, I made sure each bag had chapstick, lotion, and sunscreen….to help protect their skin. In selecting snacks for them, I focused on protein and carbs that would fill them and provide energy, as they can go days without a meal. Helping others has always been important to me. The “Blessing Bag” project has been no exception. What started as a self-initiated summer activity turned into a very rewarding experience that I have continued for the past two years. When we went to drop off the Blessing Bags last year, a homeless man was lying on the ground outside of the shelter. He asked if he could help carry the Blessing Bags into the shelter. As we unloaded the car together, he continued to thank me over and over. He was beyond grateful. His gratitude made a lasting impression on me. He made me realize how important it is to serve because in doing so, I can truly make a difference in someone’s life. My goal in doing this project was simple. I just wanted to help people. I wanted to make someone’s life a little bit easier and let them know that they are worthy of human goodness. This project continues to remind me how fortunate I am. Some people aren’t as lucky. The simplest things that I take for granted and don’t think twice about, are the same things that others wish for and find valuable. It made me very sad to see the people who gathered at the shelter. They looked so tired. I can't imagine how hard their daily lives are. Witnessing homelessness first-hand in my community inspires me to do more. I have a responsibility to give back. Compassion goes a long way and small deeds add up over time. To date, I have donated over 350 Blessing Bags to the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. I aspire to make a positive change in my community one Blessing Bag at a time.

I have been raised in a home where my parents have always encouraged my sister and me to think of others. We would use our summer breaks to come up with fun projects that would benefit those in need. One summer, for example, we painted rocks and wrote inspirational messages on them then hid them around the neighborhood for people to find. At Christmas time one year, we used pipe cleaners to turn candy canes into reindeer and donated them to the Parish Kitchen in the hopes of bringing a little bit of holiday joy to the hungry. We were never too young to serve, and no act of kindness was ever too small. Three years ago, I initiated a service project to make Blessing Bags for the homeless shelter in my community. Blessing Bags are Ziploc bags that contain snacks, travel-size toiletries, socks, bottled water, grooming supplies, and other essential items that homeless people find useful. I solicited donations from local businesses, national companies, foundations, neighbors, friends, and family, then assembled the bags one by one. To date, I have donated over 350 Blessing Bags to the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. Helping others has always been important to me. The “Blessing Bag” project has been no exception. What started as a self-initiated summer activity turned into a very rewarding experience that I have continued for the past two years. When we went to drop off the Blessing Bags last year, a homeless man was lying on the ground outside of the shelter. He asked if he could help carry the Blessing Bags into the shelter. As we unloaded the car together, he continued to thank me over and over. He was beyond grateful. His gratitude made a lasting impression on me. He made me realize how important it is to serve because in doing so, I can truly make a difference in someone’s life. My goal in doing this project was simple. I just wanted to help people. I wanted to make someone’s life a little bit easier and let them know that they are worthy of human goodness. This project continues to remind me how fortunate I am. Some people aren’t as lucky. The simplest things that I take for granted and don’t think twice about, are the same things that others wish for and find valuable. It made me very sad to see the people who gathered at the shelter. They looked so tired. I can't imagine how hard their daily lives are. Witnessing homelessness first-hand in my community inspires me to do more. I have a responsibility to give back. Everyone does. The smallest act of kindness can make a big difference. Compassion goes a long way and small deeds add up. I believe I am making a better future for my community one Blessing Bag at a time.

I have been raised in a home where my parents have always encouraged my sister and I to think of others. We would use our summer breaks to come up with fun projects that would benefit those in need. One summer, for example, we painted rocks and wrote inspirational messages on them then hid them around the neighborhood for people to find. At Christmas time one year, we used pipe cleaners to turn candy canes into reindeer and donated them to the Parish Kitchen in the hopes of bringing a little bit of holiday joy to the hungry. We were never too young to serve, and no act of kindness was ever too small. Three years ago, I initiated a service project to make Blessing Bags for the homeless shelter in my community. Blessing Bags are Ziploc bags that contain snacks, travel-size toiletries, socks, bottled water, grooming supplies, and other essential items that homeless people find useful. I solicited donations from local businesses, national companies, foundations, neighbors, friends, and family, then assembled the bags one by one. To date, I have donated over 350 Blessing Bags to the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. The “Blessing Bag” project was inspired by my upbringing. I also believe my education inspired my project. I have been privileged to attend Catholic schools all of my life. Catholic schools encourage service and provide opportunities to do so. Every day I learn more and more about my faith, and I realize how important it is to put my faith into action. In high school, I have continued to grow in the goodness and likeness of Christ. I attend Notre Dame Academy, an all-girls prep school with a long tradition of empowering young women. We are continuously encouraged to make a difference in the world. Helping others has always been important to me. The “Blessing Bag” project has been no exception. What started as a self-initiated summer activity turned into a very rewarding experience that I have continued for the past two years. When we went to drop off the Blessing Bags last year, a homeless man was lying on the ground outside of the shelter. He asked if he could help carry the Blessing Bags into the shelter. As we unloaded the car together, he continued to thank me over and over. He was beyond grateful. His gratitude made a lasting impression on me. He made me realize how important it is to serve because in doing so, I can truly make a difference in someone’s life. My goal in doing this project was simple. I just wanted to help people. I wanted to make someone’s life a little bit easier and let them know that they are worthy of human goodness. This project continues to remind me how fortunate I am. Some people aren’t as lucky. The simplest things that I take for granted and don’t think twice about, are the same things that others wish for and find valuable. It made me very sad to see the people who gathered at the shelter. They looked so tired. I can't imagine how hard their daily lives are. Witnessing homelessness first-hand in my community inspires me to do more. I have a responsibility to give back. Everyone does. The smallest act of kindness can make a big difference. Compassion goes a long way and small deeds add up over time. It’s easy enough to do and everyone is capable of it.

The successful entrepreneur, Richard Branson, once said, “There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions – in a way that serves the world and you.” In line with this concept, I believe there are two “passions” in my life where I have gone above and beyond…swimming (to serve myself) and community service (to serve the world around me). I have been a competitive swimmer since I was 7 years old. I swim year-round, 6 days a week, sometimes twice a day. It is both physically and mentally demanding. To be successful in this sport, it requires sacrifice. And, although swimming can be very grueling, I love it! Going above and beyond in the water has allowed me to excel as an athlete. It has given me the opportunity to compete at the national level, travel to new places, meet new people, and gain valuable friendships. Through swimming, I have learned the meaning of hard work, dedication, and commitment. These “life lessons” will serve me well throughout my life. I also have a passion for helping people. For the past several years, for example, I have organized a service project to make blessing bags for the homeless shelter in my community. Blessing Bags are Ziploc bags that contain snacks, travel-size toiletries, socks, bottled water, grooming supplies, and other essential items that people who live on the street find useful. I solicited donations from local businesses, national companies, foundations, friends, and family, then personally assembled the bags one by one. To date, I have donated over 350 Blessing Bags to the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. When we dropped off the Blessing Bags last year, there was a homeless man lying on the ground outside of the shelter who offered to help unload the car. As he carried the bags in with us, he continued to thank me over and over. He was beyond grateful. His gratitude made me realize how important it is to go above and beyond for others. It can truly make an impact in someone’s life. For the past 3 years I have also volunteered as a coach for the younger children at my swim club. It has been very rewarding to be able to share my love for swimming with them. I make it a point to always encourage them because when they focus on the positive, they can do amazing things. Through my club team, I have also had the opportunity to volunteer at the Special Olympics swim meet hosted by my club each year. By sharing my talent and enthusiasm for swimming with others, I am able to promote learning and growth in others. I will be attending the University of Kentucky in the Fall of 2023. I look forward to continuing my volunteer work in college and I also hope to swim club as a Wildcat. I consider myself a “people person” and I am very excited to major in psychology. I am curious to understand human behavior and learn about human thought and emotion. The field of psychology offers countless career opportunities, and I am confident my education will allow me to explore my options and help me decide which path is right for me. While I am not completely certain about my specific area of concentration at this point, I do know that I want nothing more than to use my degree to help people and I am confident that I will continue to go above and beyond in doing so. A little extra effort truly does go a long way!

“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” -Steve Maraboli My stomach pain started my freshman year of high school. The pediatrician repeatedly dismissed it as constipation, but the pain never went away. It just got worse. After several agonizing trips to the emergency room, I began seeing a series of specialists who led a step-by-step investigation to determine the cause of my pain. I had multiple tests done over the course of the next year…. blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, colonoscopy, endoscopy, CT scan, imaging, biopsy. All results came back normal. This was extremely frustrating, because I knew the pain was real. The doctors finally diagnosed me with Functional Abdominal Syndrome/IBS and offered very little in terms of treatment. I was told it was a chronic condition that I may have to manage for the rest of my life. I worked with a dietician to modify my diet, tried alternative medicines, and even tried an experimental treatment. Nothing helped. The pain was constant and overwhelming. Along with it, I experienced daily nausea, headaches and fatigue. It was hard for me to focus on anything but the pain. It was difficult to pay attention in school and hard to have fun with my friends. Eating regular meals became a struggle because I knew that pain would always follow. I began to associate pain with food and was losing weight because I didn’t want to eat. I also began to associate pain with swimming. I have been a competitive swimmer since I was 7 years old. The high intensity of my workouts was making the stomach pain worse. This made it hard for me to give my best effort to a sport that I loved, had devoted my life to, and had always brought me so much success, confidence, and happiness. To make matters worse, I sustained a back injury (to my facet joint) during my junior year of high school, which further compromised the swimming goals that I had set for myself. Life was beginning to unravel. But, as the great Bob Marley once said, “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.” Today, I still live with daily pain but I have gotten better at managing it. I started seeing a pain management psychologist who taught me how to use relaxation training and distraction techniques to cope with my discomfort. If anything, my setbacks have shown me that life will have challenging moments, but staying positive and pushing through them will only make me stronger. I can proudly say that I have since pushed past my limitations to make National time cuts in swimming, I am able to tolerate food better, and I am now looking forward to attending college in the Fall of 2023. I have been accepted into the University of Kentucky and plan to major in psychology with the hopes of helping others. With empathy and admiration, I can relate to the journey of Audra Dominguez…her passion (powerlifter vs swimming), her pain (rheumatoid arthritis vs IBS), her perseverance, and even her pleasure by the sea! It would be an honor to be considered for the scholarship created in her memory. I hope someday I will be able to inspire others the way Audra has.

For the past 3 years, I have volunteered at my club swim team, Northern Kentucky Clippers. I have helped coach the 8 and unders 2 times a week. I really enjoy working with them and seeing them succeed. The past 2 summers I have conducted a service project where I made blessing bags for the homeless. These bags consist of socks, water bottle, snacks, comb, sunscreen, etc. I ask companies for donations to get all of these products. I have donated 250 bags to the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. I have also assembled feminine hygiene bags and donated 100 to the Emergency Shelter as well. Making these bags have made me realize how lucky I am to have as much as I do. When I delivered the bags to the shelter, the homeless men standing outside the shelter offered to help us take in the bags. The smiles on their faces when they saw all the bags made me happy. I love helping others and knowing that these bags will help the homeless out makes me want to keep making them.