One can clearly see the benefits of good physical health and what happens when it deteriorates. Conversely, mental health may be harder to identify even though it is equally as important. In fact, our mental health influences all dimensions of wellness, including physical, socio-emotional, spiritual, financial and occupational health. I have an ADHD brain, suffer from anxiety and bipolar disorder; there are times when all the proactive steps I take have no effect on my perception of triggers or unexpected situations. In times like these, I have learned to recognize the physical manifestation of anxiety and experience the discomfort. I am then able to employ mindfulness strategies. The acronym S.T.O.P. reminds me to pause, breathe, observe and proceed. I also pray before moving forward. Diminishing the physical feelings helps me to reign in my brain. As a student, there is always a deadline to meet. I strive for excellence, but temper the hard work with planned social time. I enjoy talking with friends and hiking with my wife and two sons. Maintaining these relationships prevents me from isolating to binge watch movies or to get lost in a video game the night before an exam. When I am depressed, I suffer from pain, lethargy and lack of motivation even though I’m not physically ill. When my boys pester me day after day to go outside, I know I’m ill. My boys give me purpose helping me fight depression to be present for them. Being prone to negative thinking, I mitigate the effects of mental illness by pausing to determine if I have an honest outlook of a perceived problem. When I identify the highs, lows, and left field thinking that stem from my mental health, I am better equipped to make decisions to be well-rounded. Having control over my feelings and emotions allows me to persevere, get up and take my boys outside to play. As previously stated the different facets of your health are interdependent on one another. It is important that I focus on the things I can control. There are several strategies I use to regulate my physical health to improve mental health. I start my day with reflection in the form of prayer with Jehovah. When time permits, I process events in my journal. I consciously choose fruit, oatmeal and nuts to start my day as opposed to donuts, muffins, and sausage. Not that I don’t enjoy a piece of turkey bacon, I do! I just don’t consume it everyday. Nutrition and exercise help to produce endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Leveling the chemistry in my brain keeps me healthy. Ideally, food and exercise would be enough to balance the neurotransmitters in my brain, however, I recognize the need to be consistent with prescribed medication to regulate hormones in my body. I believe in staying healthy. I check in with my physician, therapist, and nurse practitioner. Even checking in with the school counselor addresses financial and occupational health, bolstering my mental health. Healthy food promotes everyone’s mental health; I desire to work for the USDA to promote mental health through food. The objectives set forth in the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) align with my values. NIFA seeks to help farmers, promote environmental stewardship, improve quality of life and increase food production. I believe that we have the ability to sustain ourselves when we work hard, collaborate, and share resources. World hunger can be eradicated and mental health can be supported. Thank you for considering me for this award; the financial support you provide will also add to my mental health and overall well-being.

I am finishing two courses this fall semester and am one course away from obtaining my undergraduate degree in general agriculture. My pathway has been fraught with challenges. Though I have obtained high honors, it is important to understand that I had undiagnosed disabilities. I persevered and overcame several challenges including learning deficits, delayed processing, anxiety and depression. I have experienced homelessness and lack of transportation which further compounded my stress levels. While being treated for mental health issues at UMES, I was diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder. Due to health concerns, I had to abandon my career goals and ambitions in 2010. I humbled myself; learned and adopted healthy strategies to overcome deficits caused by these neurological disorders. In the hiatus since I last attended school, I have become a husband, a father of two sons, and an entrepreneur. My family has helped me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I enjoy being outdoors with my sons and cooking with my wife. I personally enjoy music, running, and interacting with positive people. My wife and I have worked diligently to support our household; she as an educator and I as the owner and operator of Imperial Movers. Lifting heavy furniture on a daily basis has been back-breaking, but necessary to support my family. Unfortunately, my wife became ill and has been unable to work since 2021. We are currently reduced to my income, which is variable and seasonal. Balancing expenses for housing, health, and food for four individuals is an art. My older son is a pre-teen and eats like a grown man. Receiving the Hyacinth Malcolm Memorial Scholarship would ensure that I am able to afford the course ($699), books ($100-$300) and fees ($95) and continue to fully support my family. COVID lockdowns provided an opportunity to think and reflect. I discovered that in order to truly be a role model to my sons and make a difference in the world, I would need to finish my degree. Education makes a difference. Through your support, I will be able to finish the Agricultural Economics course needed to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in General Agriculture. With your support, I will be able to put down furniture and return to my passion for agriculture and plants. With your support, I will continue on a career path to promote sustainability in general agriculture, utilizing the skills I’ve garnered through the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The objectives set forth in the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) align with my overall value system. The NIFA seeks to help farmers, promote environmental stewardship, improve quality of life and increase food production. I believe that we have the ability to sustain ourselves when we work hard, collaborate, and share resources. I believe that world hunger can be eradicated. Rural communities have the right to the same standard of living as those in affluent communities. Completion of my degree will help promote these standards and propel me to Master level courses. I will be able to sit at the table with great agricultural minds and be a steward over the resources Jehovah has provided for us. I thank you for your support and I look forward to receiving your decision.

Just as a drop in a pond reverberates to the edge of the water, so too can our individual actions work to sustain the Earth. I am an agriculture major studying sustainable farming. Conscious choices I make revolve around food, shopping, and energy use. My wife, children and I meal-plan weekly to limit food waste. We buy locally at farmer’s markets despite the price; it reduces fuel consumption. We don’t eat much beef to lower industry demand; instead, we consume poultry, fish, beans and nuts as alternative sources of protein. We read labels, purchasing sustainably sourced meat and organic, free-range eggs. The high cost causes us to consume less, eating more fruits and vegetables. We opt for unprocessed foods. I pay more money advocating for sustainable farming and clean eating through grocery purchases. The rate of return and environmental impact are important factors on the items I purchase. For example, buying reusable bags and water bottles creates value over time. I avoid the bag tax and prevent plastic from being released into the environment. The same is true with reusable water bottles. Left alone, plastic takes 500 years to break down into tiny pieces. The microplastics are harmful to fish, birds and other organisms that consume them. While I recycle plastic, paper and metal, the best option is to reduce its use. Companies such as Adidas remove plastic from the ocean and use it in their products. I buy their shoes and sweatsuits. I do not anticipate buying more to be fashionable. I go to church in clean sweats; Jehovah is not judging me on clothing. I like thrift stores, donating children’s clothing and other unwanted household items. If I can’t donate, I look for ways to upcycle items. Clothing becomes rags to save money on paper towels and a broken mug serves as a pen holder. We’ve swapped disposable action figures for Legos which are reused to create new structures. The library provides books, movies, and newspapers reducing consumption. I recognize that my daily habits and purchasing power send a message to the manufacturers who supply household goods. Utility bills are a thorn in my side and a drain on the Earth. I had an energy house audit resulting in the installation of LED bulbs, a low-flow shower head and kitchen sink faucet. We enjoy natural light during the day and gather in one room in the evening. Our smart devices automatically shut off when we forget to power down. We also play video games and watch TV at night opting to go outside during the day for nature walks and outdoor sports. All these choices conserve energy and improve our mental well-being. I actively teach my sons to make conscious choices. They are becoming good stewards of the earth and its resources. Carbon emissions lead to global warming; When we reduce our carbon footprint, we slow the effects of this process. Global warming results in extreme weather, drought, and loss of species through changes in habitat. Humans use energy in everything that's done. Conscious choices by consumers can significantly reduce carbon emissions. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, air pollution decreased 17% worldwide according to the National Institutes of Health. We’ve resumed previous patterns, but need to recognize the collective effects of our actions. Imagine “Meatless Mondays” and everyone REGULARLY breaking from technology. Can we do it? Of course! It was how we lived in the past! A little thought and intention can slow global warming and lead to zero carbon emissions in the future. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to receiving your response.

Obtaining a college degree was not promoted as important growing up. It wasn't until I met my future-wife in high school that my value for education began to change. My future-wife and I were friends during my senior year in high school. She was a year behind me. She asked what I was planning on doing after high school. I had no concrete answer - work? She inquired about my interests and encouraged me to apply to college. Her mother also helped, informing me of the FAFSA and explaining the real possibility of attending school even without money from my parents. My parents were young; they didn't finish high school and had no money saved. My dad died when I was 15. I could't envision myself in school. I joined the Navy instead. I lost contact with my future-wife, however, our interaction stayed in my mind. When I honorably left the military, I chose to work, serving as a shuttle driver on a college campus. I met a professional student who reminded me of my future-wife. I took the leap of faith and decided to enroll in classes. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was doing well, earning scholarships and other accolades. I was determined to find my future-wife. She had finished college and was residing with her aunt. I invited her to an awards ceremony and our friendship picked up where it left off. She was eager to see me succeed, traveling through grid-locked traffic to help me study math and chemistry. I hit a crossroads after my sophomore year. I considered transferring to another school for better opportunities. My future-wife offered objective advice about each institution even though she longed for me to remain in the area. I settled on the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore (UMES) which is approximately two hours away. I continued to excel in the sciences and completed most of my core requirements. I hit a roadblock with math. My future wife was unable to tutor me from such a long distance. I discovered an opportunity at the University of Maryland, College Park and transferred to be closer to her. She resumed tutoring me with my classes and re-assured me that I would graduate. Though I obtained high honors, understand that I had undiagnosed disabilities. I persevered and overcame several challenges including learning deficits, delayed processing, anxiety and depression. I experienced homelessness and lack of transportation which further compounded my stress levels. While being treated for mental health issues at UMES, I was diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder. Due to health concerns, I abandoned my career goals and ambitions in 2010. My future-wife did not give up on me. She recognized that I couldn't continue as a full-time honors student. The objective was to keep going. We considered lessening my load and taking classes at the community college. I had difficulty getting accommodations in place and getting a retroactive withdrawal. School seemed to be on an indefinite pause. My future-wife became my wife in 2015. We have two children. My wife has been my helper all this time. When COVID hit and I reflected on my life, I decided to return to school. I saw the need to be a role model for my children. My wife has supported me 100%. She worked diligently to assist me with readmittance, with my accommodations and with the other administrative paperwork that comes with registering for school. At this juncture, I am simply a husband, father, and student. I am forever grateful for the support of my wife.

When I was born, Jehovah saw fit to fashion my compliment the next year. My wife and I met in high school. We became friends, supporting each other through teenage drama and the loss of our parents. My future wife lost her father and mother at 11 and 17 years old respectively. I was working through the loss of my father. We were hit with trauma, resulting in stress and depression. My future wife abstained from alcohol and drugs; she had an infectious personality full of laughter; we had fun with positive activities such as cooking, chess games, and taking walks in the park. She was medicine for my soul. I found coping mechanisms - work, women, and fun - no professional help. Social support helped with mental illness, however, alcohol, drugs, and negative energy were present. Conversely, my future wife sought professional help where she went to therapy and was medicated. I joined and served in the military. My wife went to college and earned a degree. We lost contact for a few years, but I remembered her. My future wife was not just a woman, but a good friend. She moved from her childhood home and was like a ghost, but I sought her out. We reconnected and resumed our friendship. I lost contact with her again. During this period, I drew close to God, but also disconnected from society. I gave away my possessions, walked constantly, and did not complete activities of daily living to sustain myself. Meanwhile, my future wife succumbed to the pressure of additional stress and was diagnosed as bipolar manic during her senior year in college. She was hospitalized, treated and released back into the world only to lose her job as a serologist and her independence. I didn't know. I found work driving a shuttle bus for a university, met a professional student and stumbled into academic life. I rebounded, working diligently to be a stellar student. My focus was school and it seemed that the mental struggles I had battled were behind me. As I began earning high marks and awards, I thought of my friend, my future wife. I sought her out again. She was living with her aunt, working and seemed to be functioning normally. She came out to support me, attending award ceremonies and even helping me study. I eventually transferred schools and we had breakfast before I left. Little did I know that she was breaking. My future wife reached out to me from the hospital after a second psychotic episode We talked regularly during that time and I was her support. When she left the hospital, she stayed homebound for several months to rebuild her capacity to manage activities of daily living and to return to work. Meanwhile, I continued excelling as a student. Though I obtained high honors, please understand that I had undiagnosed disabilities. I persevered and overcame learning deficits, delayed processing, anxiety and depression. However, I experienced homelessness and lack of transportation which further compounded my stress levels. While being treated for mental health issues at UMES, I was diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder. Due to health concerns, I had to abandon my career goals and ambitions in 2010. I humbled myself and adopted healthy strategies to overcome deficits from these neurological disorders. My future wife supported me through this. We got married in 2015. We are accountable to each other managing our health with nutritious food, therapy, medication and long walks. My degree in agriculture will be used to promote organic foods that support mental health. Thank you for your consideration.

King Solomon stated in Ecclesiastes 1:9 in the New World Translation that, "What has been is what will be, and what has been done will be done again; There is nothing new under the sun." Life is new and exciting; as a graduating senior the possibilities are endless! Yes, the older generation wants to maintain the status quo in addressing debt, underemployment, and war. I do not want to perpetuate these issues. We are living in a time when information is widely distributed. I can perform self-study to obtain the information needed to reach my goals. Websites such as Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare can streamline my obtaining a variety of skills such as graphic design, cooking, investing, even parenting! Higher Education serves to certify me as being proficient in my field. It also places me in positions to obtain the experience needed to grow as a professional. I am appreciative of my college education, but will advocate for students to seek alternative pathways to success or to finance their education on their own. Innovators such as Henry Ford, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg were not the most educated when they made their entrance into the economy. Ford is included as a reminder that success was achieved in the past and can be achieved now without immersing ourselves in college debt. The key is to study what was done in the past. Henry Ford surrounded himself with educated individuals. Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg obtained support from investors to launch their ambitions. Millenials-Gen Z should utilize people, businesses, and government programs to realize goals and avoid debt through student loans and credit cards. Underemployment is inevitable when your ambitions are not measured against the needs of society. The economy benefits from a variety of skill sets. According to the Bureau of Labor Statics, more than half (58%) of undergraduates earned degrees in business, health, social sciences, history, science and engineering. Two million degrees were awarded in 2021. Of those, approximately 40,000 were in agriculture. Two percent of undergraduates are agriculture majors compared to eight percent of history majors. I'm not sure how history majors will support today's economy. Teachers, nurses, and medical doctors will always be in high demand. Millenials-Gen Z should craft their careers based on interests and job prospects. As an agriculture major, I am one of the few qualified to address issues in my field. I am looking forward to addressing social issues related to sustainable farming and land management. We all need food. Caring for the soil is essential for sustaining humankind. We are faced with problems from nutrient depletion and soil erosion. We also are rebounding from the overuse of pesticides and herbicides in agriculture. I would like to go out into the field to work with farmers to educate them on sustainable methods to grow food and conserve land resources. Interestingly, Millennials-Gen Z need to examine the past and return to tradition in how we care for our natural resources. We've gained much through technology and I am grateful for running water, plumbing, electricity, my cell phone, Uber Eats and Doordash. That said, there is widespread ignorance in farming and nutrition. I would advocate for Millennials-Gen Z to invest in acquiring basic skills to sustain themselves. Why don't more urban and suburban individuals have roof-top, patio, or backyard gardens? War is tricky to address. What do we fight over? It can be answered simply by looking at resources and religion. In the United States there is freedom of religion. Most religions focus on doing good. I'm not sure why there are ongoing conflicts when we are supposed to be caring for one another. People will choose to follow a spiritual path on their own regardless of how much you pressure them; how we treat each other is paramount. The "Golden Rule" in Matthew 7:12 , "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you," is echoed in all major religions. We should all be kind to one another and put down the guns, bombs, knives, and hateful speech. Valuing, protecting, and sustaining natural resources will decrease the perceived need for war. We can end world hunger, poverty, and sickness when we put aside our differences and focus on what is important in sustaining the human race. We must conserve and protect our natural resources. The politics of money, employment and war are not new. Maybe this is where our history major makes their mark. Millenials-Gen Z can take solace in knowing that, "A generation is going and a generation is coming, but the earth remains forever," according to Ecclesiastes 1:4. Science supports this statement from the bible with the Law of Conservation of Energy, Law of Conservation of Mass, and the Law of Conservation of Matter. There is nothing new under the sun! Regardless of how we approach these societal problems, the earth will continue to sustain itself. It is up to the younger generation to hold fast to conserving resources and honoring the Golden Rule to become the Greatest Generation 2.0. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship and I look forward to receiving your response.

I would recommend three non-fiction books for the #BookTok bookshelf. "Stamped" by Jason Reynolds is a must-read and deserves a prominent place on the #BookTok bookshelf. The author transcribes an adult version of the book written by Ibram X Kendi, and manages to simplify language while diving deep into the establishment and perpetuation of racism in America. The author, Jason Reynolds, maintains a conversation with the reader, asking probing questions and making astounding observations about American history. The book begins in colonial times and extends through the present, marking significant events in American history and their impact on racism in America. Contradictions are explored such as Thomas Jeffersons' conflict in his personal and political life as it pertained to slavery. Everyone should read this book! It is not just for African Americans, or whites, or Hispanics. It is for every nationality in the world! This echoes the TikTok BookTok platform where people share and connect on an international level. Again, the target audience is juvenile readers, just as tiktok and BookTok seek to obtain young subscribers. Another non-fiction selection for the TikTok BookTok shelf is "How to Re-Imagine the World" by Anthony Weston. What would you do with infinite resources of time and money? I'm sure we would all create a utopia that supports all of Jehovah's living creatures sustainably. Unfortunately, we do not have this luxury. Anthony Weston proposes solutions to more efficiently harness resources and distribute them. For example, roads connect members of developed society; how can we extend their usage? Consider the different forms of energy being transferred to the roadways - energy from the sun and heat from tires speeding across the blacktop are captured by the roads. Again, Weston encourages the reader to reimagine roadways that harness this energy. Youth are uninhibited by the constraints of adult life and are consequently more creative and inventive. The ideas presented in this book speak to the demographics of the BookTok audience. To round out the top three spots on the #BookTok bookshelf, I would include "How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000: Earn, Invest, Save!" by James McKenna. Let's face it, most TikTok users are looking to turn their platform into a business as an influencer. More viewers lead to more money! McKenna gives young readers clear advice on how to earn and grow money. Not all TikTok users will become viral sensations and TikTok should be looking to give its subscribers a viable alternative. The language, text features, and examples relate to the lifestyle of TikTok users. The information is sound, it's applicable now and will be useful in the future. #BookTok has many fictional titles, which are great for relaxation. I chose to highlight non-fiction titles because as an undergraduate student, most of my time is dedicated to mastering content in my major. I will soon be joining the professional world. Jason Reynolds, Anthony Weston, and James McKenna have published books that will inspire our youth to be welcoming, wiser, and wealthier versions of the previous generation. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship and I look forward to receiving your response.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) afforded me the opportunity to attend the REU program at Delaware State University and work as a laboratory aid for the United States Department of Agriculture in Beltsville, Maryland. My academic effort has been recognized through Beta Kappa Chi, Florida International University Award of Excellence and the Living Marine Resources Science Center. Though I obtained high honors, it is important to understand that I had undiagnosed disabilities. I persevered and overcame several challenges including learning deficits, delayed processing, anxiety and depression. I have experienced homelessness and lack of transportation which further compounded my stress levels. While being treated for mental health issues at UMES, I was diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder. My mother did not have the understanding or the resources to help me navigate through the 504 process to obtain accommodations to support my learning. I was on my own. Due to health concerns stemming from the overwhelming amount of stress, I had to abandon my career goals and ambitions in 2010. I humbled myself, and then learned and adopted healthy strategies to overcome deficits caused by these neurological disorders. In the hiatus since I last attended school, I have become a husband, a father of two sons, and an entrepreneur. The lack of financial resources has been the biggest hindrance in my return to school. Without a degree, I had to rely on my physical strength to support my family. I operate a moving company. I have engaged in back-breaking work, moving furniture for others. The competition for customers is fierce and my body is worn. It is becoming increasingly difficult to meet basic needs in this line of work. COVID lockdowns provided an opportunity to think and reflect. I discovered that to truly be a role model for my sons and make a difference in the world, I would need to finish my degree. Education makes a difference. Through your support, I will be able to finish the coursework needed to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in General Agriculture. With your support, I will be able to put down furniture and return to my passion for agriculture and plants. With your support, I will continue on a career path to promote sustainability in general agriculture, utilizing the skills I’ve garnered through the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The objectives set forth in the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) align with my overall value system. The NIFA seeks to help farmers, promote environmental stewardship, improve quality of life and increase food production. I believe that we have the ability to sustain ourselves when we work hard, collaborate, and share resources. I believe that world hunger can be eradicated. Rural communities have the right to the same standard of living as those in affluent communities. Completion of my degree will help promote these standards. I thank you for your support and I look forward to receiving your decision.

One can clearly see the benefits of good physical health and what happens when it deteriorates. Conversely, mental health may be harder to identify even though it is equally as important. In fact, our mental health influences all dimensions of wellness, including physical, socio-emotional, spiritual, financial and occupational health. I would share my music via social media and produce a platform to share resources for obtaining affordable mental health care. Music is regularly used in therapy. As a lyricist, I would help others by sharing positive messages in my lyrics. Some messages revolve around my faith in Jehovah and how he graciously has extended his loyal love. I am saved through my faith in Jehovah and my obedience, loving Jesus and following his example. Jehovah provides the peace that surpasses all understanding and I am thankful for Him. This message needs to be spread to offer others the path to wellness through Jesus Christ our Lord. In addition to spreading the good news, I would supply pathways to affordable health care. The Boris Laurence Henson Foundation started by the actress Taraji Henson is an example of one resource. Another resource is NAMI, which can direct individuals to local support groups. Let’s not forget 988, the free crisis hotline, which is vital when an appointment is not available or weeks out in the schedule. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to receiving your response.

I am elated to be a senior at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. I have been highly involved in several programs including MARC, LSAMP, MANNRS, and McNair Scholars. The standards promoted in these experiences has kept the desire of obtaining an agricultural degree forefront in my mind. UMES afforded me the opportunity to attend the REU program at Delaware State University and work as a laboratory aid for the United States Department of Agriculture in Beltsville, Maryland. My academic effort has been recognized through Beta Kappa Chi, Florida International University Award of Excellence and the Living Marine Resources Science Center. Though I have obtained high honors, it is important to understand that I had undiagnosed disabilities. I persevered and overcame several challenges including learning deficits, delayed processing, anxiety and depression. I have experienced homelessness and lack of transportation which further compounded my stress levels. While being treated for mental health issues at UMES, I was diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder. Due to health concerns, I had to abandon my career goals and ambitions in 2010. I humbled myself; learned and adopted healthy strategies to overcome deficits caused by these neurological disorders. In the hiatus since I last attended school, I have become a husband, a father of two sons, and an entrepreneur. My family has helped me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I enjoy being outdoors with my sons and cooking with my wife. I personally enjoy music, running, and interacting with positive people. My wife and I have worked diligently to support our household; she as an educator and I as the owner and operator of Imperial Movers. Lifting heavy furniture on a daily basis has been back-breaking, but necessary to support my family. Unfortunately, my wife became ill and has been unable to work since 2021. We are currently reduced to my income, which is variable and seasonal. Balancing expenses for housing, health, and food for four individuals is an art. My older son is a pre-teen and eats like a grown man. Receiving a scholarship would ensure that I am able to continue to fully support my family. COVID lockdowns provided an opportunity to think and reflect. I discovered that in order to truly be a role model to my sons and make a difference in the world, I would need to finish my degree. Education makes a difference. Through your support, I will be able to finish the coursework needed to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in General Agriculture. With your support, I will be able to put down furniture and return to my passion for agriculture and plants. With your support, I will continue on a career path to promote sustainability in general agriculture, utilizing the skills I’ve garnered through the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The objectives set forth in the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) align with my overall value system. The NIFA seeks to help farmers, promote environmental stewardship, improve quality of life and increase food production. I believe that we have the ability to sustain ourselves when we work hard, collaborate, and share resources. I believe that world hunger can be eradicated. Rural communities have the right to the same standard of living as those in suburban and urban communities. Completion of my degree will help promote these standards. I thank you for your support and I look forward to receiving your decision.

One can clearly see the benefits of good physical health and what happens when it deteriorates. Conversely, mental health may be harder to identify even though it is equally as important. In fact, our mental health influences all dimensions of wellness, including physical, socio-emotional, spiritual, financial and occupational health. Maintaining mental health serves to increase motivation and energy. When I am depressed, I suffer from pain, lethargy and lack of motivation even though I’m not physically ill. Diligently focusing on stabilizing my mood assists with problem-solving. Though I am prone to negative thinking, I can mitigate the effects of mental illness by pausing to determine if I have an honest outlook of a perceived problem. When I can identify the highs, lows, and left-field thinking that stems from mental health, I am better equipped to make decisions to be well-rounded. Having control over my feelings and emotions allows me to persevere and foster relationships with those around me. As previously stated the different facets of your health are interdependent on one another. It's important to focus on the things you can control. There are several strategies you can use to regulate your physical health to improve your mental health. I start my day with reflection in the form of prayer with Jehovah. When time permits, I process events in my journal. I consciously choose fruit, oatmeal and nuts to start my day as opposed to donuts, muffins, and sausage. Not that I don’t enjoy a piece of turkey bacon, I do! I just don’t consume it every day. Nutrition and exercise help to produce endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Leveling the chemistry in my brain keeps me healthy. Ideally, food and exercise would be enough to balance the neurotransmitters in my brain, however, I recognize the need to be consistent with prescribed medication to regulate hormones in my body. Understanding neural pathways helps me to be proactive in stimulating these feel-good chemicals. I seek after this stimulation by being PROACTIVE. I take time to make my bed, make an appointment with myself, and break down large tasks. These activities help to prevent anxiety and depression. I refrain from illicit drugs and excessive stimulation to avoid manic episodes. As a college undergraduate, there is always a deadline to meet. I strive for excellence but temper the hard work with planned social time. I enjoy talking with family on the phone and planning outings with my friends. Maintaining these relationships prevents me from binge-watching movies by myself or getting lost in a video game the night before an exam. I can also substitute video games with listening to music while studying. I stay healthy by regularly checking in with medical professionals. This includes my physician, therapist, and nurse practitioner. Even checking in with the school counselor addresses financial and occupational health which supports my overall mental health. I have an ADHD brain, and suffer from anxiety and bipolar disorder; there are times when all the proactive steps have no effect on my perception of triggers or unexpected situations. In times like these, I have learned to recognize the physical manifestation of anxiety and experience the discomfort. I am then able to employ mindfulness strategies. The acronym S.T.O.P. reminds me to pause, breathe, observe and proceed. I also will pray before moving forward. Diminishing the physical feelings helps me to reign in my brain. All these things are shared with my wife and two sons. We advocate for our mental health every day. Thank you for considering me; the financial support will also add to my mental health and overall well-being.

Science fiction often promotes futuristic societies where hunger is no longer a concern. Stories depict 3D printing of food, food capsules, and cloning for food. We've already experienced science fiction becoming fact with astronaut food packing. Currently, we are seeing laboratories produce meat by cloning cells. As an agriculture major, one feasible projection would be bioengineering food to absorb free radicals that enter the human body. While foods such as blueberries and kale contain antioxidants that mitigate free radicals; I see this property being expanded to include foods that are readily available such as rice, corn, and beans. Enhancing staple foods would serve to promote the health of more people throughout the world. Cancer is constantly killing us through lifestyle and diet. We must also acknowledge the role of free radicals in contributing to cancer cases. Foods with antioxidant properties would serve to lower the rates of cancer, preserve life and increase the overall well-being of humankind. I imagine sequencing the genetic profile of foods with antioxidant properties and comparing it to other foods. The antioxidant gene or genes could be identified, isolated and analyzed to determine where it would be best used in manipulating other foods. Next, the genetic sequence of foods such as rice, corn, and beans would be spliced to add genes for the antioxidant property. Another technique would be to change individual sequences instead of adding entire genes. Another science fiction idea would be instantly fixing deserts. Soil erosion is threatening the global food supply. As soil is depleted from water, wind, and human action, deserts form. A current solution is hydroponic gardens. Grocery stores market these foods which include tomatoes and lettuce. This strategy is also good for supporting communities in mountainous areas. I foresee developing a natural chemical mixture that can be used to add density to the soil to prevent erosion. Another technique would be adding synthetic roots to the soil to help keep it in place. Maintaining the integrity of the soil with these inventions will allow it to be used repetitively as opposed to the current practice of rotating fields. Most people are not farmers, yet it is farming that sustains the world. The funds received from this scholarship will support me in finishing my general agriculture degree and transitioning to a master's program that will help me move from science fiction to fact. Thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to receiving your response.

The One Piece...the one piece is real! I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this series. It reminds me to focus on doing good, loving life and being loyal to friends and family. Luffy Strawhat is mostly oblivious to how challenging life is. He goes for it despite the odds. I can relate to Luffy because I am defying the odds. I come from a single-parent household where my I bounced around between my mother, grandmother, and then to my grandfather. I was in separate homes with each of these people and they wanted to impose their will on me. It reminds me of how Luffy's grandfather trains him as a marine and pursues him when Luffy goes off to be a pirate. Despite the title of "pirate", Luffy seeks to do good. I was encouraged to smoke marijuana and drink at an early age. Despite being knocked off the academic track, I was eager to help those around me. This desire to uplift others eventually led me to attend college where I am seeking to eradicate hunger through advances in agriculture science. Luffy and his crew transform others in their adventures. Zoro wants to be the best swordsman, Nami wants to pay a debt to free her village, and Coby wants to be a marine. Luffy supports these individuals even when it conflicts with his own objectives. Finally, watching One Piece is a family event. I hunker down with my wife and two sons. We will sit and watch One Piece while sharing meals and relaxing. We were thrilled to watch the live action series on Netflix and are eagerly anticipating Season 2. The significance of this is that I already know the story. Again, I was excited to watch with my family. We picked through each episode, comparing it to the anime series. I was satisfied in how Luffy was portrayed. I will continue to watch One Piece as it promotes values that are lost in today's society. The bond that I have with my family is priceless and I'm glad that I have been able to share this anime series with them.

COVID lockdowns provided an opportunity to think and reflect on how food is grown and distributed in America. No one should struggle to feed their family in a developed society, yet the food insecurities felt across the country exposed a serious need. Food deserts expanded due to a break in trucking supply chains. Obtaining toilet paper was the least of our worries. Farmers dumped milk because they had no way to transport it. Production factories were unable to shift from commercial production to retail production fast enough to meet the demand at grocery stores. Consumers were unable to obtain milk and dairy products for their families at a reasonable cost. The food industry needs to evaluate and modernize practices to be good stewards of the natural resources we have. It is frustrating to observe a problem when the answer is staring you in the face! While organic farming has increased over the decades, there needs to be more emphasis on land conservation and land use. Technology has improved in agriculture to conserve the soil while maximizing production. Farmers can be trained to employ techniques that reduce the use of chemicals on plants and eliminate soil erosion. Even simple actions such as rotating the crop or plot of land in use can make a huge impact. There are opportunities for city-dwellers as well. Roof-top, community and hydroponic gardens are underdeveloped in urban areas. With adequate training, I would help bring these ideas to fruition. To truly make a difference in the world and be a role model, I would need to finish my degree and obtain my Masters. Education makes a difference in how we approach and solve problems. A Master/s of Science in Food and Agricultural Sciences would position me to work with the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The objectives outlined by NIFA align with my overall value system. NIFA seeks to help farmers, promote environmental stewardship, improve quality of life and increase food production. I believe that we have the ability to sustain ourselves when we work hard, collaborate, and share resources. World hunger can be eradicated. Rural communities have the right to the same standard of living as affluent communities. Stopping with only a Bachelor of Science in General Agriculture would limit me to solely working as a lab technician. I would be excluded from policy and program development that addresses hunger and nutrition. With a master's and eventually a Ph.D., I would join the best minds in agriculture to promote sustained health and nutrition throughout society. Thank you for considering me for this award; your financial support will foster a smooth transition into the master's program.

One can clearly see the benefits of good physical health and what happens when it deteriorates. Conversely, mental health may be harder to identify even though it is equally as important. In fact, our mental health influences all dimensions of wellness, including physical, socio-emotional, spiritual, financial and occupational health. Maintaining mental health serves to increase motivation and energy. When I am depressed, I suffer from pain, lethargy and lack of motivation even though I’m not physically ill. Diligently focusing on stabilizing my mood assists with problem-solving. Though I am prone to negative thinking, I can mitigate the effects of mental illness by pausing to determine if I have an honest outlook of a perceived problem. When I can identify the highs, lows, and left-field thinking that stems from mental health, I am better equipped to make decisions to be well-rounded. Having control over my feelings and emotions allows me to persevere and foster relationships with those around me. As previously stated the different facets of your health are interdependent on one another. It is important to focus on the things you can control. There are several strategies you can use to regulate your physical health to improve your mental health. I start my day with reflection in the form of prayer with Jehovah. I read the bible and write to process events in my journal. I consciously choose fruit, oatmeal and nuts to start my day as opposed to donuts, muffins, and sausage. Not that I don’t enjoy a piece of turkey bacon, I do! I just don’t consume it everyday. Nutrition and exercise help to produce endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Leveling the chemistry in my brain keeps me healthy. Ideally, food and exercise would be enough to balance the neurotransmitters in my brain, however, I recognize the need to be consistent with prescribed medication to regulate hormones in my body. Healthy food promotes everyone’s mental health. The objectives set forth in the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) align with my values. NIFA seeks to help farmers, promote environmental stewardship, improve quality of life and increase food production. I believe that we can sustain ourselves when we work hard, collaborate, and share resources. World hunger can be eradicated. Rural communities have the right to the same standard of living as affluent communities. As a college undergraduate, there is always a deadline to meet. I strive for excellence, but temper the hard work with planned social time. I enjoy talking to friends and venturing out with my wife and sons. Maintaining these relationships prevents me from binge-watching movies by myself or getting lost in a video game the night before an exam. I can also substitute video games with listening to music while studying. I believe in staying healthy. I check in with my physician, therapist, and nurse practitioner. Even checking in with the school counselor addresses financial and occupational health, bolstering my mental health. I have an ADHD brain, suffer from anxiety and bipolar disorder; there are times when all the proactive steps have no effect on my perception of triggers or unexpected situations. In times like these, I have learned to recognize the physical manifestation of the anxiety and experience the discomfort. I am then able to employ mindfulness strategies. The acronym S.T.O.P. reminds me to pause, breathe, observe and proceed. I also will pray before moving forward. Diminishing the physical feelings helps me to reign in my brain. Slowing down helps me improve interactions with my wife, children, family, and friends. Thank you for considering me for this award; the financial support will also add to my mental health and overall well-being.

One can clearly see the benefits of good physical health and what happens when it deteriorates. Conversely, mental health may be harder to identify even though it is equally as important. In fact, our mental health influences all dimensions of wellness, including physical, socio-emotional, spiritual, financial and occupational health. Maintaining mental health serves to increase motivation and energy. When I am depressed, I suffer from pain, lethargy and lack of motivation even though I’m not physically ill. Diligently focusing on stabilizing my mood assists with problem solving. Though I am prone to negative thinking, I can mitigate the effects of mental illness by pausing to determine if I have an honest outlook of a perceived problem. When I am able to identify the highs, lows, and left field thinking that stems from mental health, I am better equipped to make decisions to be well-rounded. Having control over my feelings and emotions allows me to persevere and foster relationships with those around me. As previously stated the different facets of your health are interdependent on one another. It is important to focus on the things you can control. There are several strategies you can use to regulate your physical health to improve mental health. I start my day with reflection in the form of prayer with Jehovah. When time permits, I process events in my journal. I consciously choose fruit, oatmeal and nuts to start my day as opposed to donuts, muffins, and sausage. Not that I don’t enjoy a piece of turkey bacon, I do! I just don’t consume it everyday. Nutrition and exercise help to produce endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Leveling the chemistry in my brain keeps me healthy. Ideally, food and exercise would be enough to balance the neurotransmitters in my brain, however, I recognize the need to be consistent with prescribed medication to regulate hormones in my body. Understanding neural pathways helps me to be proactive in stimulating these feel-good chemicals. I seek after this stimulation by being PROACTIVE. I take time to make my bed, make an appointment with myself, and break down large tasks. These activities help to prevent anxiety and depression. I refrain from illicit drugs and excessive stimulation to avoid manic episodes. As a college undergraduate, there is always a deadline to meet. I strive for excellence, but temper the hard work with planned social time. I enjoy talking with family on the phone and planning outings with my friends. Maintaining these relationships prevents me from binge-watching movies by myself or getting lost in a video game the night before an exam. I can also substitute video games with listening to music while studying. I stay healthy by regularly checking in with medical professionals. This includes my physician, therapist, and nurse practitioner. Even checking in with the school counselor addresses financial and occupational health which supports my overall mental health. I have an ADHD brain, suffer from anxiety and bipolar disorder; there are times when all the proactive steps have no effect on my perception of triggers or unexpected situations. In times like these, I have learned to recognize the physical manifestation of anxiety and experience the discomfort. I am then able to employ mindfulness strategies. The acronym S.T.O.P. reminds me to pause, breathe, observe and proceed. I also will pray before moving forward. Diminishing the physical feelings helps me to reign in my brain. Thank you for considering me for this award; the financial support will also add to my mental health and overall well-being.