There is a quote, "It's all mental," and it is. Mental strength and wellness is the key to overcoming any obstacle in life. Whether getting through errands/work, maintaining a positive attitude in a workplace/environment, or staying optimistic, it all roots back to your mental health. I've had big aspirations, but I lacked consistency. My college coach noticed this and would claim that I am a "rollercoaster of emotions." He taught me that even when things get hard, resume doing the right things daily. Mental health can fluctuate, but you can always stay disciplined. When we do the right things every day, we feel good about ourselves because of the stacked, consistent efforts made. This world doesn't award people for trying hard for a little bit. You have to try all the time, even when it hurts. My coach told me, "It's not about doing amazing sometimes, as it's about doing good every day that brings greatness." Apply it anywhere: An employer will not be impressed by one day of work ethic; however, they will notice the work ethic you bring frequently. You can't study for an A+ grade on a test in one day, but if you study diligently beforehand, you'll be better prepared. How you handle certain events in your life gives people a perspective on what kind of person you are and the challenges you overcome to build the character you have today. We can't always be mentally perfect, but we can be mentally resilient, and persevering through the hard times makes life more meaningful.

Of all the subjects I've experienced throughout school, mathematics was the one that never betrayed me. I liked the idea of using logic to piece things together, and I always got satisfaction from trying to gain an understanding of things that most people had a hard time comprehending. Math is the subject that gives me hope for my future. I am not necessarily as strong in other subjects as I am in the field of mathematics, as I had a hard time reading books, memorizing locations, or writing essays like this one right here; however, when it comes to math, I'm eager to learn and have the chance to display my knowledge of concepts. One of the best parts about math for me is getting the opportunity to show teachers my work. Part of the reason I'm so good at math probably is my desire to solve the unknown and show others how to find it. Passion is the key to long term commitment in any area that you choose, and when it comes to mathematics, I want to know everything I can. My frustration of not knowing what others know at the moment makes me wonder what I'm missing out on and pushes me to understand more. Math is the most beautiful language there is, and everyday I have an opportunity to become more fluent in it.

Hello, I am Robert Cummings, and I will be a student at the University of Lynchburg attending as a second year. As a child in grade school, I loved math, as the first two professions that I was originally interested in were to either be a mathematician or an architect. The only AP classes I took in highschool were AP statistics and AP Calculus, both which I enjoyed very much. Even my older sister inspired me, as she obtained a bachelors in mathematics and went on to obtain a PhD in operations research from MIT. All these things have developed my keen interest for the field of math and have led me to decide to double major in both Actuarial Science and Mathematics. My ultimate goal is to one day become an actuarial analyst for an insurance industry in Virginia. The path to becoming an actuary was said to be challenging because of their notoriously rigorous exams that you have to pass to become a certified actuary, but personally I love these types of challenges. I am currently studying for one of the preliminary exams known as the probability exam, and I will be taking it this September on the 18th! The anticipation of getting to test my knowledge through a test and display my expertise in a certain field excites me and pushes me to learn more, so I feel that is why becoming an actuary would be the perfect position for me. Not only would the exams increase my knowledge, but majoring in math would help me tremendously as well. Actuaries are responsible for providing professional advice to businesses or clients to limit financial exposure to specific risks, and that requires great problem solving skills. By obtaining a mathematics degree, I can help further enhance my ability to efficiently solve complex problems. With this scholarship, you will help me continue to pursue my dream of becoming an actuarial analyst and complete my four year education at the University of Lynchburg. Although the actuarial science program is unpopular at my college, I hope to be able to represent the school well through my future success and make an impact on future insurance industries I cooperate with.

I used to be a huge soccer fan growing up from the age of 4 all the way until I was 14. However, it wasn’t until I was introduced to the sport of track and field that I learned what true passion was. It all started with a district meet in middle school. I was in 8th grade running the 800 meter dash when I got first with a time of 2:10. The feeling of zooming past my competition effortlessly, being greeted with people with great sportsmanship, and being given a shiny medal was amazing. I knew right then and there that pursuing this path would be my destiny. I entered high-school thinking I was hot stuff and was humbled immediately. The vast amounts of athletes that far surpassed me lit a fire inside my heart and motivated me to get better. From being the best in my area to being an average Joe on the next stage, it seemed that the sky was the limit for me in terms of potential growth. I entered my senior year of high-school, and after years of being on the track, people started recognizing me and I met some great people. I got some medals at my regionals meets and became a regional champion in the 800 meter dash with a time of 2:00.91. I went on to states feeling full of myself, but I was once again immediately humbled as I was nowhere getting all-state recognition. I didn’t feel like I wanted to hang up the spikes because I knew I had more in me, so I went on to collegiate track. My first year at college was incredible. I met amazing athletes just like me and also ones that were far ahead of me in both experience and potential. I entered indoor track with great ambitions and opened up my first 800 meter with a 2:00.98 on a flat track, which converted to my first ever sub 2:00 800 meter of 1:59.23. I wasn’t satisfied though, as I knew I had more to offer, and I later went on to run 1:58.98 at Liberty University’s indoor track facility. It was a stellar début to collegiate running, but I unfortunately got IT band syndrome and sat out of Outdoor Track. My coach believes that I have amazing speed and the potential to run 1:53 if I were just consistent. That is why I am hopeful of improving still and hoping to compete in Division three nationals by my junior year. Track gave me hope for my future, and in a way, it gave me purpose. Everyday, I wake up with the intention to work towards being 1% better everyday, and I’m blessed with the opportunity to grow alongside like minded individuals. Track taught me that although results aren’t guaranteed, discipline and consistency will carry you far and mold you into a stronger individual. Results come from being diligent everyday and doing everything with intention to get the best possible results that maximizes my potential as a human being. Running is a lifestyle I wouldn’t trade for anything else in the world.