As I sit down to reflect on a time in my life when I overcame significant difficulties, I am reminded of the countless obstacles I have encountered on my journey as an international student-athlete and first-generation Hispanic woman pursuing higher education. Each challenge has tested my resilience and determination, but one particular experience stands out as a testament to my ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger than ever. It was during my transition from high school in Vienna, Austria, to college in the United States that I faced one of the most difficult challenges of my life. Leaving behind the familiarity of my hometown, my family, and my cultural roots, I embarked on a journey to pursue my dreams of obtaining a college degree and making a mark in the sports industry. Navigating the academic rigors of higher education in a foreign country, managing the demands of Division 1 collegiate athletics, and juggling part-time work to alleviate the financial burden of tuition and living expenses seemed like an insurmountable task. Yet, fueled by a relentless determination to succeed and a burning passion for my goals, I refused to let these challenges define me. One of the most difficult moments came when I made the decision to transfer from a Division II college to Central Michigan University, seeking greater academic and athletic challenges. The transition was filled with uncertainty and doubt, as I questioned whether I had made the right choice and whether I was capable of thriving in a new environment and living up to my potential. Moreover, the financial strain of transferring to a new institution added an extra layer of stress, threatening to derail my aspirations. However, it was during this time that I discovered and was reminded of the true depth of my resilience and determination. Instead of succumbing to doubt and despair, I channeled my energy into confronting these challenges head-on. I developed effective strategies for managing my time as well as finances and prioritizing my commitments, allowing me to excel academically while giving my best on the field as a Division I athlete. Through grit and determination, I not only adapted to my new environment but thrived in it. I maintained a stellar academic record, earning a 4.0 GPA for the past three semesters in a row, and received recognition for my achievements both on and off the field. Moreover, I embraced opportunities for personal and professional growth, immersing myself in leadership roles and extracurricular activities that allowed me to make a meaningful impact in my community. Looking back on this experience, I realize that overcoming difficulties is not just about navigating through tough times; it's about emerging stronger, wiser, and more resilient than before. It's about embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation, and refusing to let adversity define your future. As I continue on my journey, I carry with me the lessons learned from overcoming obstacles, knowing that each challenge I face only serves to strengthen my resolve and empower me to achieve my dreams. In conclusion, the journey of coming to the United States and ultimately transferring institutions has been a defining chapter in my life, shaping me into the resilient, determined, and empowered woman I am today. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Crossroads Empowering Women Scholarship, which recognizes the unique challenges faced by women like myself and the incredible strength it takes to overcome them. With this scholarship, I am confident that I will continue to thrive academically, athletically, and personally, empowering women everywhere to rise above adversity and pursue their dreams.

I am an international student-athlete and have been working toward my future for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to leave my hometown of Vienna, Austria, to create relationships all over the world and be the first in my family to obtain a college degree. Growing up, I was always curious and had a lot of energy. Due to being gifted I even skipped a grade in high school, allowing me to graduate shortly after turning 17. I was also an active participant in extracurricular activities, such as playing field hockey and participating in a buddy program to support incoming students. To be able to afford those activities, I have worked for four years in my familys' coffeehouse and bakery as well as at sports camps for kids. These activities taught me valuable lessons about work ethic, teamwork, and time management. While studying for my final exams I learned as much as I could about college athletics and started promoting myself to field hockey coaches in the United States. I created highlight videos and spent multiple hours a day writing personalized letters to universities. My hard work paid off and after ending my high school education in Austria I moved to the other side of the world. I started studying and playing field hockey at a Division 2 level at Southern New Hampshire University in 2021. There I kept working hard on my academics and obtained a 4.0 GPA. After one semester there, I decided that I needed to further challenge myself, academically and athletically. I realized that going to a D1 university would bring me closer to my dreams and so I transferred to Central Michigan University. I am currently studying Sport Management and am a part of the D1 field hockey team. Besides being a full-time student and spending six days a week practicing, I am working for Events and Facilities as well as Ticketing at CMU. I have big plans for my future. After becoming the first in my family to graduate from college, I plan to pursue a career in the sports industry. I hope to use my own experience as an athlete and the knowledge I have gained from my studies and work experience to support athletes. Further, I want to make a difference in the predominantly male industry as an international woman with Hispanic roots and be a part of paving the way for young kids dreaming of one day doing the same. My dedication to my studies and athletics will aid me in achieving this goal. A scholarship would be incredibly helpful in making my dreams a reality. It would provide me with the funds I need to continue attending college at Central Michigan University. I want to be able to bring the first college diploma back home to my family. This scholarship is about more than supporting me to be able to show off that education in the form of tassels and a diploma. It is about being able to use the knowledge that my studies are providing me with to build a better future and give back to the community. It would overall help to ease the burden of juggling being a D1 athlete, student, and working at the same time. In conclusion, I am confident that with hard work, dedication, and this scholarship would be an important part of helping me achieve my goals and dreams. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, and I am eager to continue my journey in the United States.

I am an international student-athlete and have been working toward my future for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to leave my hometown of Vienna, Austria, to create relationships all over the world and be the first in my family to obtain a college degree. Growing up, I was always curious and had a lot of energy. Due to being gifted I even skipped a grade in high school, allowing me to graduate shortly after turning 17. I was also an active participant in extracurricular activities, such as playing field hockey and participating in a buddy program to support incoming students. To be able to afford those activities, I have worked for four years in my familys' coffeehouse and bakery as well as at sports camps for kids. These activities taught me valuable lessons about work ethic, teamwork, and time management. While studying for my final exams I learned as much as I could about college athletics and started promoting myself to field hockey coaches in the United States. I created highlight videos and spent multiple hours a day writing personalized letters to universities. My hard work paid off and after ending my high school education in Austria I moved to the other side of the world. I started studying and playing field hockey at a Division 2 level at Southern New Hampshire University in 2021. There I kept working hard on my academics and obtained a 4.0 GPA. After one semester there, I decided that I needed to further challenge myself, academically and athletically. I realized that going to a D1 university would bring me closer to my dreams and so I transferred to Central Michigan University. I am currently studying Sport Management and am a part of the D1 field hockey team. Besides being a full-time student and spending six days a week practicing, I am working for Events and Facilities as well as Ticketing at CMU. I have big plans for my future. After becoming the first in my family to graduate from college, I plan to pursue a career in the sports industry. I hope to use my own experience as an athlete and the knowledge I have gained from my studies and work experience to support athletes. Further, I want to make a difference in the predominantly male industry as an international woman with Hispanic roots and be a part of paving the way for young kids dreaming of one day doing the same. My dedication to my studies and athletics will aid me in achieving this goal. A scholarship would be incredibly helpful in making my dreams a reality. It would provide me with the funds I need to continue attending college at Central Michigan University. I want to be able to bring the first college diploma back home to my family. This scholarship is about more than supporting me to be able to show off that education in the form of tassels and a diploma. It is about being able to use the knowledge that my studies are providing me with to build a better future and give back to the community. It would overall help to ease the burden of juggling being a D1 athlete, student, and working at the same time. In conclusion, I am confident that with hard work, dedication, and this scholarship would be an important part of helping me achieve my goals and dreams. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, and I am eager to continue my journey in the United States.

I am an international student-athlete and have been working toward my future for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to leave my hometown of Vienna, Austria, to create relationships all over the world and be the first in my family to obtain a college degree. Growing up, I was always curious and had a lot of energy. Due to being gifted I even skipped a grade in high school, allowing me to graduate shortly after turning 17. I was also an active participant in extracurricular activities, such as playing field hockey and participating in a buddy program to support incoming students. To be able to afford those activities, I have worked for four years in my familys' coffeehouse and bakery as well as at sports camps for kids. These activities taught me valuable lessons about work ethic, teamwork, and time management. While studying for my final exams I learned as much as I could about college athletics and started promoting myself to field hockey coaches in the United States. I created highlight videos and spent multiple hours a day writing personalized letters to universities. My hard work paid off and after ending my high school education in Austria I moved to the other side of the world. I started studying and playing field hockey at a Division 2 level at Southern New Hampshire University in 2021. There I kept working hard on my academics and obtained a 4.0 GPA. After one semester there, I decided that I needed to further challenge myself, academically and athletically. I realized that going to a D1 university would bring me closer to my dreams and so I transferred to Central Michigan University. I am currently studying Sport Management and am a part of the D1 field hockey team. Besides being a full-time student and spending six days a week practicing, I am working for Events and Facilities as well as Ticketing at CMU. I have big plans for my future. After becoming the first in my family to graduate from college, I plan to pursue a career in the sports industry. I hope to use my own experience as an athlete and the knowledge I have gained from my studies and work experience to support athletes. Further, I want to make a difference in the predominantly male industry as an international woman with Hispanic roots and be a part of paving the way for young kids dreaming of one day doing the same. My dedication to my studies and athletics will aid me in achieving this goal. A scholarship would be incredibly helpful in making my dreams a reality. It would provide me with the funds I need to continue attending college at Central Michigan University. I want to be able to bring the first college diploma back home to my family. This scholarship is about more than supporting me to be able to show off that education in the form of tassels and a diploma. It is about being able to use the knowledge that my studies are providing me with to build a better future and give back to the community. It would overall help to ease the burden of juggling being a D1 athlete, student, and working at the same time. In conclusion, I am confident that with hard work, dedication, and this scholarship would be an important part of helping me achieve my goals and dreams. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, and I am eager to continue my journey in the United States.

I am an international student-athlete and have been dreaming and working toward my future for some time now. I have always had the goal of leaving my hometown of Vienna, Austria, to create relationships all over the world and be the first in my family to obtain a college degree. I am applying for scholarships to help me continue to make my dream a reality. Growing up as the youngest in a multicultural family, I learned early on the value of relationships, experiences, and knowledge over material possessions. Gifted academically, I skipped a grade in high school, graduating at 17, all while immersing myself in extracurricular activities such as field hockey and mentoring incoming students. To support my interests and save for my future, I worked for over four years at my family-owned local coffeehouse as well as bakery and also coached children sports camps over the summer, teaching me invaluable lessons in teamwork, work ethic, time management, and helping others. While admittedly at a younger age education wasn't always my top priority, I came to appreciate its significance, especially as I began pursuing collegiate athletics in the U.S. After intense study and outreach efforts, I secured a spot on the field hockey team at Southern New Hampshire University, where I excelled academically with a 4.0 GPA and earned a place on the President's List. Seeking greater challenges, I transferred to Central Michigan University, where I continue to excel academically and athletically at the division 1 level while balancing a part-time job. Looking ahead, I aspire to leverage my unique background and education to make a difference in the sports industry, particularly for underrepresented groups. My ultimate goal is to build a business and community that promotes diversity and support among athletes of all backgrounds. This scholarship would significantly alleviate the financial strain of attending Central Michigan University, particularly in covering expenses such as textbooks and supplies. Above that, this scholarship is about more than supporting me to be able to show off that education in the form of tassels and a diploma. It is about being able to use the knowledge that my studies are providing me with to build a better future and give back to the community. It would overall help to ease the burden of juggling being a D1 athlete, student, and working at the same time. In conclusion, I am confident that with hard work, dedication, and the support of this scholarship, I will continue to thrive academically and athletically at CMU. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to apply and eager to contribute positively to my university community and beyond.

Participation in sports, more specifically the Second and First Austrian Women’s Field Hockey National League, during my high school years and Division 2 as well as Division 1 in college have been instrumental in shaping my journey and influencing my career goals. As an international student-athlete and first-generation Hispanic woman, the lessons learned, and experiences gained through sports have had a profound impact on my personal and professional development and aspirations. Sports instilled in me valuable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, and time management. As a member of a field hockey team and actively involved in extracurricular activities, I learned the importance of dedication, perseverance, and working collaboratively towards a common goal. The rigorous training sessions, competitive matches, and moments of triumph and often also defeat taught me resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Moreover, participating in sports fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Collaborating with teammates to achieve success on the field taught me the importance of effective communication, trust, and mutual support. These experiences translated beyond sports and have influenced my interactions in academic settings, workplace environments, and everyday life. I have learned the value of collaboration and the power of teamwork in achieving shared objectives. I believe that the values I have learned through being a part of a team sport have greatly helped me to value hard work, work multiple jobs ever since I was young and be a standout leader in the workplace. Furthermore, my participation in sports has significantly influenced my career goals. As an athlete, I developed a passion for sports and a keen interest in the sports industry. The experiences gained through competitive matches, coaching sessions, and team dynamics sparked my curiosity about the broader aspects of sports management, administration, and leadership. As a result, my involvement in sports has shaped my career aspirations to pursue a career in the sports industry. Through my studies in Sport Management and my hands-on experience as a Division 1 student-athlete for Central Michigan University, I aim to combine my passion for sports with my academic pursuits to make a meaningful impact in the field. I aspire to leverage my experiences as an athlete and my knowledge in Sport Management to support athletes, promote diversity and inclusion in sports, and contribute to the advancement of the sports industry. Moreover, my participation in sports has influenced my career goals by instilling in me a strong work ethic, determination, and resilience. The discipline and dedication required to balance academics, athletics, work, and extracurricular activities have prepared me for the challenges of pursuing a career in the competitive sports industry. I am equipped with the skills and mindset necessary to overcome obstacles, adapt to changing environments, and strive for excellence in my career endeavors. In conclusion, my participation in sports during my high school years has profoundly influenced me both personally and professionally. The lessons learned and experiences gained through sports have shaped my character, instilled valuable life skills, and influenced my career aspirations in the sports industry. I am grateful for the opportunities that sports have provided me and look forward to leveraging my passion for sports to make a positive impact in the field.

Growing up in Vienna, Austria, as a first-generation Hispanic student-athlete, my journey to higher education has been marked by a series of challenges that have shaped my resilience and determination. From academic hurdles to financial constraints and social obstacles, each experience has been instrumental in molding my character and fueling my pursuit of excellence. As a first-generation international college student, navigating the academic landscape posed a significant challenge. Without familial guidance or prior knowledge of the higher education system in the United States, I had to rely on self-motivation and perseverance to excel academically. Despite these obstacles, I embraced the opportunity to learn and grow, ultimately achieving a 4.0 GPA, for now three semesters in a row, and successfully transferring to Central Michigan University. Financial constraints have been a constant companion throughout my journey as a first-generation student-athlete with Hispanic roots. Balancing the costs of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses while pursuing my academic and athletic endeavors presented a great challenge. To alleviate the financial burden and to be able to come to the United States in the first place, I worked tirelessly at a coffeehouse, bakery, and at sports camps, demonstrating my unwavering commitment to my goals. Even now that I have made it to the US, I am juggling being a student-athlete and working part-time to pay for housing, tuition and other costs. The financial strain often threatened to derail my aspirations, underscoring the importance of scholarships and financial aid in enabling access to higher education for students like myself. Navigating social dynamics as a first-generation Hispanic student-athlete in a foreign country presented its own set of challenges. Embracing a new culture and forging connections in a diverse environment required me to adapt and practice open-mindedness. Moreover, being an international student-athlete added an additional layer of complexity, as I strived to balance the demands of academics, athletics, and social integration. Despite feeling out of place at times, I remained resilient and sought opportunities to engage with my peers, ultimately finding a sense of belonging within the university community. Through overcoming these challenges, I have experienced profound personal growth and transformation. Each obstacle has served as a catalyst for self-discovery, resilience, and determination. From learning valuable lessons in time management and perseverance to building my leadership skills on and off the field, I have emerged as a stronger, more resilient individual. Moreover, my experiences as a first-generation Hispanic student-athlete have instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude, resilience, and determination to pave the way for future generations of students facing similar challenges. In conclusion, my journey as a first-generation Hispanic student-athlete has been defined by a series of challenges that have shaped my resilience, determination, and personal growth. From academic hurdles and financial constraints to social obstacles, each experience has reinforced my unwavering commitment to pursuing higher education and making a meaningful impact in the sports industry. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. With this scholarship, I am confident that I will continue to excel academically, athletically, and personally, paving the way for future generations of students like myself.

vercoming Challenges and Pursuing Dreams: My Journey as an International Student-Athlete with ADHD As an international student-athlete from Vienna, Austria, with a fierce determination to be the first in my family to obtain a college degree and excel in the sports industry, my journey has been shaped by both ambition and challenges. One significant challenge I have faced and conquered is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In this essay, I will share my experience with ADHD, my motivation for pursuing higher education, and why I believe I am a deserving candidate for this scholarship. Diagnosed with ADHD, I initially thought about how most would view it as an obstacle that could impede my academic, and athletic pursuits. However, instead of allowing it to restrict me, I chose to confront it head-on and use it as my weapon. With resilience and perseverance, I developed strategies to manage my symptoms effectively. Through gaining a better understanding of my symptoms I have changed my view of ADHD from a hindrance into a source of strength. It lets me hyperfocus, which I use to my advantage, and has taught me valuable lessons in adaptability, time management, and resilience, ultimately shaping me into a more disciplined and focused individual. Growing up in Vienna, I harbored a deep desire to break free from the confines of my hometown and forge global connections while becoming the first in my family to obtain a college degree. This aspiration was fueled by my innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge, propelling me to excel academically despite the challenges posed by ADHD. Pursuing higher education not only represents a personal milestone but also opens doors to a myriad of opportunities in the sports industry, where I hope to leverage my experiences as an athlete and my studies in Sport Management to make a meaningful impact. As an international student-athlete with ADHD, I embody resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. My track record of academic achievement, highlighted by my 4.0 GPA at Central Michigan University, underscores my commitment to academic success despite the challenges posed by ADHD. Moreover, my involvement in extracurricular activities, including varsity field hockey and various student support programs, exemplifies my dedication to my personal and professional development. This scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education but also recognize and support my journey as a hard-working individual striving to defy expectations as well as limitations and inspire others. In conclusion, my journey as an international student-athlete with ADHD is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering ambition. With this scholarship, I am confident that I will continue to excel academically and athletically at Central Michigan University, propelling me closer to achieving my dreams of making a meaningful impact in the sports industry. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, and I am eager to continue my journey of growth, learning, and empowerment.

In parts of my family mental health issues are and always have been prominent. I always thought I was "immune" and could not be "one of those people". What I felt when I saw how they struggled was best described as confusion about how people could feel that way. Now I know. I am an athlete, always have been and always will be. With that comes a lot of pressure and expectations, externally and internally. I especially started to feel that last year when I have been recruited to play college field hockey. Unfortunately, I did not choose the right university for me and so in addition to the pressure I was feeling and putting on myself came the stress of not being in the right place and not feeling good about myself. That turned into mental health issues like anxiety and symptoms close to depression. I would describe that time as the hardest of my life by far. As an international student, I did not have a family close to talk to and the people around me contributed to me not feeling welcomed. Fortunately, I was able to communicate with my parents via face time and figure out that a transfer to another institution is what I needed. Those weeks have hurt so much but now, looking back on it, I can see how much it has taught me. I have learned that nobody, not even I, is immune to mental health issues. My experience has shown me the importance of surrounding myself with people that are good for my mental health, like me for me and support me as well as my dreams. Further, my family has shown me that the best relationships don't need to be close to you and if somebody really wants to they can support you even from the other side of the world. My mother is a psychologist and thus I have always been surrounded by people that are very open to talking about mental health. Still, I didn't want to admit to others and mostly myself that I was not well. For some weeks I have just silently struggled without telling anybody about it and that has taught me to not do that again. I should have spoken up earlier and reached out to get help. When I was younger I never could have imagined having a career that could even be remotely related to mental health. I have always rather looked out for myself and not cared too much about others. That has changed. I am now invested in creating a community in which it is no longer embarrassing to speak up when one might need help. Especially in the sports industry, it is not common to talk about mental health because many fear being put in a box or stigmatized. They are afraid of no longer being seen as the competitive and strong athletes they are. I now am making it a priority to check in on that fellow athlete that's a little quieter than normal and making sure I can be the person to other than I wish I would've had.

In parts of my family mental health issues are and always have been prominent. I always thought I was "immune" and could not be "one of those people". What I felt when I saw how they struggled was best described as confusion about how people could feel that way. Now I know. I am an athlete, always have been and always will be. With that comes a lot of pressure and expectations, externally and internally. I especially started to feel that last year when I have been recruited to play college field hockey. Unfortunately, I did not choose the right university for me and so in addition to the pressure I was feeling and putting on myself came the stress of not being in the right place and not feeling good about myself. That turned into mental health issues like anxiety and symptoms close to depression. I would describe that time as the hardest of my life by far. As an international student, I did not have a family close to talk to and the people around me contributed to me not feeling welcomed. Fortunately, I was able to communicate with my parents via face time and figure out that a transfer to another institution is what I needed. Those weeks have hurt so much but now, looking back on it, I can see how much it has taught me. I have learned that nobody, not even I, is immune to mental health issues. My experience has shown me the importance of surrounding myself with people that are good for my mental health, like me for me and support me as well as my dreams. Further, my family has shown me that the best relationships don't need to be close to you and if somebody really wants to they can support you even from the other side of the world. My mother is a psychologist and thus I have always been surrounded by people that are very open to talking about mental health. Still, I didn't want to admit to others and mostly myself that I was not well. For some weeks I have just silently struggled without telling anybody about it and that has taught me to not do that again. I should have spoken up earlier and reached out to get help. When I was younger I never could have imagined having a career that could even be remotely related to mental health. I have always rather looked out for myself and not cared too much about others. That has changed. I am now invested in creating a community in which it is no longer embarrassing to speak up when one might need help. Especially in the sports industry, it is not common to talk about mental health because many fear being put in a box or stigmatized. They are afraid of no longer being seen as the competitive and strong athletes they are. I now am making it a priority to check in on that fellow athlete that's a little quieter than normal and making sure I can be the person to other than I wish I would've had.

In parts of my family mental health issues are and always have been prominent. I always thought I was "immune" and could not be "one of those people". What I felt when I saw how they struggled was best described as confusion about how people could feel that way. Now I know. I am an athlete, always have been and always will be. With that comes a lot of pressure and expectations, externally and internally. I especially started to feel that last year when I have been recruited to play college field hockey. Unfortunately, I did not choose the right university for me and so in addition to the pressure I was feeling and putting on myself came the stress of not being in the right place and not feeling good about myself. That turned into mental health issues like anxiety and symptoms close to depression. I would describe that time as the hardest of my life by far. As an international student, I did not have a family close to talk to and the people around me contributed to me not feeling welcomed. Fortunately, I was able to communicate with my parents via face time and figure out that a transfer to another institution is what I needed. Those weeks have hurt so much but now, looking back on it, I can see how much it has taught me. I have learned that nobody, not even I, is immune to mental health issues. My experience has shown me the importance of surrounding myself with people that are good for my mental health, like me for me and support me as well as my dreams. Further, my family has shown me that the best relationships don't need to be close to you and if somebody really wants to they can support you even from the other side of the world. My mother is a psychologist and thus I have always been surrounded by people that are very open to talking about mental health. Still, I didn't want to admit to others and mostly myself that I was not well. For some weeks I have just silently struggled without telling anybody about it and that has taught me to not do that again. I should have spoken up earlier and reached out to get help. When I was younger I never could have imagined having a career that could even be remotely related to mental health. I have always rather looked out for myself and not cared too much about others. That has changed. I am now invested in creating a community in which it is no longer embarrassing to speak up when one might need help. Especially in the sports industry, it is not common to talk about mental health because many fear being put in a box or stigmatized. They are afraid of no longer being seen as the competitive and strong athletes they are. I now am making it a priority to check in on that fellow athlete that's a little quieter than normal and making sure I can be the person to other than I wish I would've had.

In parts of my family mental health issues are and always have been prominent. I always thought I was "immune" and could not be "one of those people". What I felt when I saw how they struggled was best described as confusion about how people could feel that way. Now I know. I am an athlete, always have been and always will be. With that comes a lot of pressure and expectations, externally and internally. I especially started to feel that last year when I have been recruited to play college field hockey. Unfortunately, I did not choose the right university for me and so in addition to the pressure I was feeling and putting on myself came the stress of not being in the right place and not feeling good about myself. That turned into mental health issues like anxiety and symptoms close to depression. I would describe that time as the hardest of my life by far. As an international student, I did not have a family close to talk to and the people around me contributed to me not feeling welcomed. Fortunately, I was able to communicate with my parents via face time and figure out that a transfer to another institution is what I needed. Those weeks have hurt so much but now, looking back on it, I can see how much it has taught me. I have learned that nobody, not even I, is immune to mental health issues. My experience has shown me the importance of surrounding myself with people that are good for my mental health, like me for me and support me as well as my dreams. Further, my family has shown me that the best relationships don't need to be close to you and if somebody really wants to they can support you even from the other side of the world. My mother is a psychologist and thus I have always been surrounded by people that are very open to talking about mental health. Still, I didn't want to admit to others and mostly myself that I was not well. For some weeks I have just silently struggled without telling anybody about it and that has taught me to not do that again. I should have spoken up earlier and reached out to get help. When I was younger I never could have imagined having a career that could even be remotely related to mental health. I have always rather looked out for myself and not cared too much about others. That has changed. I am now invested in creating a community in which it is no longer embarrassing to speak up when one might need help. Especially in the sports industry, it is not common to talk about mental health because many fear being put in a box or stigmatized. They are afraid of no longer being seen as the competitive and strong athletes they are. I now am making it a priority to check in on that fellow athlete that's a little quieter than normal and making sure I can be the person to other than I wish I would've had.

I am an international student-athlete and I have always had the goal of leaving my hometown of Vienna, Austria, to create relationships all over the world and be the first in my family to obtain a college degree. I grew up with two older siblings, a sister, and a brother, as the baby of a multicultural patchwork family. My parents have given us all they could, teaching me that most valuable in life are not items but people, memories, and knowledge. I loved that school was giving me the opportunity to engage with peers and due to being gifted I even skipped a grade in high school. I was also an active participant in extracurricular activities, such as playing field hockey. To be able to afford such activities, I have worked for four years in a coffeehouse as well as at sports camps for kids. These jobs taught me valuable lessons about work ethic, teamwork and helping others. When I was younger, I did do average in school, but I must admit that it took me some time to realize the importance and privilege of education. In my final year of high school I wrote a 60-page pre-scientific paper about teenagers in competitive sports. While studying for my final exams I started promoting myself to field hockey coaches in the United States. I created highlight videos and spent multiple hours a day writing personalized letters to universities. My hard work paid off and I started studying and playing field hockey at a Division 2 level in 2021. I kept working hard on my academics and obtained a 4.0 GPA. After one semester, I decided that I needed to further challenge myself, academically and athletically. I realized that going to a D1 university would bring me closer to my dreams and so I transferred to Central Michigan University. I am currently studying Sport Management and am a part of the D1 field hockey team. Continuing to focus on my grades I have managed to, yet again, obtain a 4.0 GPA. Besides being a full-time student and spending six days a week practicing, I am working for CMU. I have big plans for my future. After becoming the first in my family to graduate from college, I plan to pursue a career in the sports industry. I hope to use my own experience as an athlete and the knowledge I have gained from my studies to support athletes. Further, I want to make a difference in this industry and be a part of paving the way for others dreaming of one day doing the same. I am dreaming about having my own clothing brand and community to promote an eager and inclusive work ethic among athletes. No matter the age, gender, or ethnicity. A scholarship would be incredibly helpful in making my dreams a reality. It would help to provide me with the funds I need to continue attending college at Central Michigan University. Although I am going to earn this degree on my own, I want to be able to give back to my parents. They have always tried to teach me how important lifelong learning is and how grateful I should be to even have a slight chance at pursuing higher education. This scholarship is about being able to use the knowledge that my studies are providing me with to build a better future and give back to the community. It would overall help to ease the burden of juggling being a D1 athlete, student, and working at the same time.

In parts of my family mental health issues are and always have been prominent. I always thought I was "immune" and could not be one of those people. What I felt when I saw how they struggled was best described as confusion about how people could feel that way. Now I know. I am an athlete, always have been and always will be. With that comes a lot of pressure and expectations, externally and internally. I especially started to feel that last year when I have been recruited to play college field hockey. Unfortunately, I did not choose the right university for me and so in addition to the pressure I was feeling came the stress of not being in the right place and not feeling good about myself. That turned into mental health issues like anxiety and symptoms close to depression. I would describe that time as the hardest of my life by far. As an international student, I did not have a family close to talk to and the people around me contributed to me not feeling welcomed. Fortunately, I was able to communicate with my parents via face time and figure out that a transfer to another institution is what I needed. Those weeks have hurt so much but now, looking back on it, I can see how much it has taught me. I have learned that nobody, not even I, is immune to mental health issues. My experience has shown me the importance of surrounding myself with people that are good for my mental health, like me for me and support me as well as my dreams. Further, my family has shown me that the best relationships don't need to be close to you and if somebody really wants to they can support you even from the other side of the world. My mother is a psychologist and thus I have always been surrounded by people that are very open to talking about mental health. Still, I didn't want to admit to others and mostly myself that I was not well. For some weeks I have just silently struggled without telling anybody about it and that has taught me to not do that again. I should have spoken up earlier and reached out to get help. When I was younger I never could have imagined having a career that could even be remotely related to mental health. I have always rather looked out for myself and not cared too much about others. That has changed. I am now invested in creating a community in which it is no longer embarrassing to speak up when one might need help. Especially in the sports industry, it is not common to talk about mental health because many fear being put in a box or stigmatized. They are afraid of no longer being seen as the competitive and strong athletes they are. I now am making it a priority to check in on that fellow athlete that's a little quieter than normal and making sure I can be the person to other than I wish I would've had.

I can't put a book down. Once I have started to get into a story or topic, I have to admit I have a hard time taking a break from that world. It's almost like I am a little literature addict. I can spend hours reading a good book in one sitting and have a hard time taking a break because I desperately need to know what is happening next. I have always been a fan of fantasy books that would take me into a whole different world. Being able to imagine that I am one of those people with special powers is what I used to do as a young teen. When I got older I got more interested in romance books. Admittedly, as an athlete myself, I especially liked those where the main character was playing or competing in a sport themselves. Those novels have all been able to keep me entertained and made me believe in incredible (probably clichée and a little bit unrealistic) love stories that I have still yet to find. The books that have taught me the most valuable life lessons have only recently become a part of my life. As a college student-athlete, I have a lot of stress, pressure and expectations on my shoulders. I even had to transfer universities, because the community was not right for me. I struggled a lot mentally and did not have or make the time for the things that I loved to do, like reading. The expectations that I had for myself were holding me back from enjoying the college and athlete experience as well as life in general. Richt after coming to my first university's campus, on my student orientation day, I got the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear and without giving it a second glance I put it on my shelf to catch dust. A few weeks later, I just decided to give it a shot and that ultimately flipped a switch. I realized how much I missed reading and how valuable the information in books can be for my life. I moved on from that book and soaked up the information from books like "You can't hurt me" or "The subtle art of not giving a fck". The authors spoke to me and helped me put life back into focus. I realized that to achieve my goals I had to take life into my own hands. Because of that, I decided to transfer, take care of my mind and do what I needed to do to evolve as a person. Books have helped me realize that although I do have specific goals like being a great athlete, opening my own business and being successful in the sports industry, the only limit to my goals am I. The limit is the sky and books are my ladder.

My father has worked in the advertising industry for over 25 years when he decided that being in his mid-40s would be the perfect time to turn his life around and open a bakery. So he did. He found a pastry chef to do all the baking and he did what he could do best: sell. I used to stand next to him and admire how he was able to have people leave with products they did not even know they wanted before entering. Not too long after my dad bought the shop right next to it and turned it into a coffee house. Unfortunately, only shortly after, covid hit. I was fourteen at that time and no longer did I get and have to attend school in person. I woke up early in the morning, five days a week, and helped out my father in our family business. We spent all day packaging quarantine sweets and treats for people. When covid finally started to slow down and we were able to reopen the coffee house I started to take over bigger positions in the business. At only seventeen I had my first opening and closing shifts alone. Even years before that my father let me help with the finances, inventory and other responsibilities. I have spent the last four years of my life, helping out and at some point even working full-time in our family restaurant. Some of my best skills and most helpful knowledge I have learned from there. It has formed me so that I can now be a college student that knows how to responsibly deal with money, respects hard work and sees the value of being a team member. I have learned that being persistent and following my dreams will take me further than I could imagine. I have not only learned a lot about myself but also about the restaurant industry. Working in a small family-owned coffee house and bakery has given me insight into an industry that most people don't think about too much. I believe that there needs to be more support for small business owners, especially during hardships like the pandemic. Covid has taken a toll on the restaurant industry as a whole and my family and I had to watch how several small restaurants around us were not able to get over those hard times. Even for my father he still has not been able to go back to normal, especially economically. It is quite difficult for people with big dreams and little financial support to achieve their goals so I believe their should be more policies and overall support in the community for those family restaurants.

My future self will be a role model for first-generation students all over the world, showing them that no matter where you come from you can achieve greatness with hard work and determination.

My name is Rosa Maria Ruiz Hellin. I am a 2021 high school graduate from Vienna, Austria. In high school, I had a 3.6 GPA on a weighted 4.0 scale, learned multiple languages and skipped a grade in junior high school, due to being gifted. I am currently studying in the US as an international student and my GPA last semester has been 4.0. Additionally, I am an athlete playing for Central Michigan University's field hockey team at the Division 1 level. Being raised in an international household my parents passed on the best of both their worlds to me: willpower along with feistiness from my mother’s Spanish side and a hardworking mindset provided by my father’s German side. Combined with the courage to climb and overcome mountains and any obstacles set in my way, provided by being born and raised in Austria, lay the perfect foundation for being a valuable team player. But since last year, the time has come for me to cross the borders of the small Austrian Country and overcome a new challenge: bringing my three worlds to the land of opportunity and leadership. I have big plans for my future. My parents have shown me that hard work will pay off and have raised me to be an independent and high-achieving person. I am lucky to know that they will motivate me to be my best and chase improvement, on and off the field, whenever possible. Further, I have been raised to be proud of where I come from and use that as a motivation to show that I can create a better life for myself and those who have raised me. After becoming the first in my family to graduate from college, I plan to pursue a career in the sports industry. I hope to use my own experience as an athlete as well as the knowledge I have gained from my studies to support upcoming athletes. In addition to that, I am sure that everything I have learned from my parents and those who have raised me has taught me more than any education ever could. I am hoping to make a difference in the predominantly male industry as an international woman with Hispanic roots and be a part of paving the way for young girls dreaming of one day doing the same. My dedication to my studies and athletics and the support of my family will aid me in achieving this goal.

Education is extremely important to me because, unlike many, I am fortunate enough to even receive and be aware of such a privilege. I am lucky to be born in a country where education is mostly free and everybody, no matter the gender, race or religion is encouraged to study and broaden their knowledge. I am aware that not everybody is this fortunate. When I was younger I did not even question if somebody in my closer proximity might have had to deal with this issue. I just assumed that the people around me must have had the same opportunities and chances in life. But I was wrong. From a young age, I was told that my immigrant grandmother from Spain was not able to finish her high school education because she had to work to help provide for her six younger siblings. When she was merely seventeen, a child herself she had to move to another country to work in a factory and send almost all she had earned back home to her family. I have heard this story from a young age, but it took me years to understand the consequences and the real meaning behind those words. My grandma, who I thought to be the best cook and caring person, could have been the most successful woman in the world. She could have been building rockets alongside NASA or even finding the cure to cancer. What she did instead was work in a factory and take whatever job she could get to be able to provide her children with food on the table at the end of the day. I will never know how far she could have come if she would have had the access to education and how much potential has been lost. Understanding the consequences that education can have on my life has made me appreciate every so seemingly boring class I might have to attend. Education is opening doors that I would otherwise never have dreamed of opening. I am now an international student-athlete studying in the United States, am currently the only member of my family attending college and am working hard to be the first one to be able to say I have earned a degree. The value that education has in my life goes beyond learning something new in my college classes. My education allows me to follow my dreams of working in the sports industry and making a change for people all around the world that love watching and doing sports as much as I do. I am learning from everybody around me that I have the fortune to meet and interact with.

Before I could even walk my father would carry me up mountains to my family's favorite hut at heights up to 1250 altimeters. From the moment I evolved from crawling to walking, I was put on bikes, rollerskates and scooters. That processed into being brought to track and field training with my older sister. At the age of nine, I was sure that I wanted to be like the dancers in step-up and be a professional breakdancer. I lived that fantasy for about two years while continuing to do track and field. Ultimately I realized I did not want to be the step-up main character any longer and only a few years later I found the sport that I would learn to love; field hockey. I did not even know that there was a sport where 20 people chase after a ball with sticks and try to shoot it into the opposing goals. My mother found the sport in hopes of me socializing, becoming a team player and learning how to deal with frustration. I picked up a stick for the first time in junior high school at the age of eleven and haven't put it down since. Although I was pretty old finding my sport I never missed training and was seen on the field multiple times a week after school until the sun did set. Being in my final year, I realized I wanted to be a college athlete and study to be able to make my passion into my career. I learned from sports to always work hard and be consistent, so that is what I did: for months I contacted coaches and ultimately found a spot at a D2 university in New Hampshire. Only one semester after, I transferred and am now studying sports management and playing field hockey at a D1 institution, Central Michigan University. Doing sports has allowed me to move from my home country, Austria, to the United States and study a major that I could not even afford to study back at home. It has opened doors that I would have never even dreamed of opening otherwise. Playing field hockey has shown me how important teamwork is and how one can find a family in people that do not share the same blood. I have learned to never stop setting goals, no matter how unreachable they might seem to others, and work hard to achieve them. Sports are probably as important for me as oxygen for others; I simply could not live without it. When I look at others doing the sport they love, I know many feel the same excitement in their chest when stepping on a field or court. Whether they are a player themselves or spectators, I have learned that sports connect people from different cultures, sexualities, religions and beliefs. Seeing that daily is what drives me to pursue a degree in sport management. I want to be able to bring people the joy of watching or participating in a sport. Further, I hope to be able to support those who only could dream of doing sports to offer them the opportunity to participate and hopefully find that love for sports that I feel.

My definition of the American dream is to be able to make it out of the lower or middle social class by working hard. From rags to riches or in other words, being rewarded for honest and hard work. Achieving this dream would mean being financially stable and creating a better life for my family, parents, siblings and, in the future, children, than I had growing up. By no means did I have a horrible life growing up. I was born into a loving middle-class family, being third after a boy and a girl. Having parents both from lower-middle-class families and two different cultures, I was raised to work hard for what I wanted. Unlike many unfortunate children all around the world, I was able to play sports, learn an instrument and, most importantly, get an education. I am beyond grateful that I had an amazing and exciting childhood, but I was reminded daily that my friend's families had more wealth. They had cars, were able to drive on holiday with their parents, and did not have to keep the temperature in winter low to save money or make sure electronics were not plugged in to save energy. My parents are still working far more than 40 hours a week to provide me with the life I am currently living and have early on taught me to work for anything more then they can provide me with that I might want. Therefore, I have worked since I turned fifteen and continue doing so while being a student-athlete, paying for my tuition myself. I dream of being able to live my American dream. I dream of being able to help my parents pay off their debt and give back to them, even to an extent, how much they put into raising my siblings and me. I dream of having children that are conscious of their spending but do not have to worry about being able to eat out with friends from time to time or going to the cinema on the weekend. I dream of being able to support and empower those who need it most and did not, unlike me, at least have a loving family supporting them. For now, I keep on dreaming. I am not there yet and the journey is and will not be an easy one, but I have no doubt in my mind that my hard work and perseverance will pay off. One day I will wake up no longer having to dream but actually living my American dream.

I try to practice bravery often to step out of my comfort zone and fully experience life. Living boldly is all about taking risks and sometimes that can be scary. I believe that living boldly on an everyday basis is crucial to evolving, learning, and becoming a better person. For me practicing bravery can even be about seemingly small things like trying a new food or clothing style. My biggest practice of bravery is that I will be moving around the world in only 24 days. I am going to be an 18-year-old boldly experiencing many firsts. I will practice bravery by living on my own for the very first time. I will live boldly by moving away from my family, friends, and everything that I am used to. I will practice bravery by believing in myself and stepping 4033 miles out of my comfort zone. I will live boldly by moving to a country, and even continent, where I never have been before.

Staying optimistic through tough times surely is not an easy task and I am not going to pretend that I have mastered it. I have always told myself and others that I am not pessimistic but simply realistic. I have done that to cover the fact that I have given up on tough challenges before they even really started. I did not have the trust in myself and my abilities to give myself the possibilty to be an optimist. Over the years I have and still am trying hard to alter my thinking to a more optimistic one. Working on improving myself and my way of thinking has taught me that many negative outcomes only will accour if I imagine failure beforehand. More specifically I learned that although I can not always be a hundred percent optimistic the chances of something working out are on your side if you take a leap of faith and simply try. Additionally I realised that being a master of optimisn might not possible but that there is always room for improvement and positivity in this world.

$1,000 are almost two thirds of my health insurance, half of my annual meal plan, a ninth of my housing fees or a thirtieth of my total costs for one year at a private college. All of those expenses will not alone be covered by $1,000, but I believe that is exactly what life is all about: Combining many small amounts (may it be in money, people or even actions) to achieve a big change in someones life. This scholarship is a prime example of one of those at first seemingly small amounts that combined can be a life-changer for someone. I would love to be this specific person because $1,000 could help me with the coverage of my housing, meal plan, insurance or other college related fees. Tuition costs surely always are in the back of my mind and those of many other students. Therefore this support would play part in ensuring that I will be able to enjoy the once in a lifetime experience of studying and having the time of my life without constantly thinking of finances. In conclusion right now I would immediately contribute $1,000 to the coverage of my educational fees and in the long run to my future.

I love the feeling of being exhausted after a good training session just as much as I weirdly enjoy having sore muscles after a breathtaking workout. Moving my body and staying active were always important for me. Above that, for many reasons, the hobby that I enjoy the most is doing competitive sports in a club. When I was a child, I did track and field ever since I could walk. Sprinting after older peers to have them as my motivation and their speed as my goal. Now for more than seven years, I am playing field hockey. On the one hand, it is the adrenalin, the competitiveness, the urge to win and score a goal that I love. On the other hand, I simply enjoy the sound of the ball getting hit by a stick or coming in contact with the goal net. It is all about winning games and tournaments with the team but also about the moments that I do not directly profit from. Like seeing the little children light up with joy when trying the sport for the first time at summer camps. Or being able to help somebody else with a piece of advice or skill idea. I believe I love it so much because I know of all the work that I have put in and all the sweat that it has taken from me to be where I am today. Looking back on all those years I know that I did not always feel joy, like when we lost an important game. But I always try to keep in mind that life is a rollercoaster and needs downs so ups can follow. I am sure that the joy for this hobby, besides being persistent and consistent, has kept me doing it, and is helping me push to be better.

My dream life includes my family, my friends, and I to be happy. I know that people cannot constantly be happy, but I would hope that the lives of my close ones are dominated by happiness. In my dream life, I would achieve my goals of working in the sports industry, where I would work in a leading position. In this and other industries, I want to have a positive impact on others, build my own brand and create a legacy for this and future generations. Additionally, I hope to also be financially successful and be able to be as good parents as mine were to me. I dream of empowering other people, building them up, and creating a better future for them. Further, I hope to have changed the world for the better and be a role model for young people all around the world, especially those interested in the sports industry.

My goal in education is to, in my ability, get the best grades possible and be able to use the learned knowledge for my further life as well as career. After going to university and playing field hockey myself I hope to be able to work in the sports industry. I want to eventually be in a leading position and take responsibility as a young female. I want to empower people all around the world, create a better learning and growing environment for the coming generations. My goals in life are all about giving other people the opportunities that they deserve, no matter where they come from, their gender, or identification. I also would love to be the role model and mentor for others, that I would have wished to have. I want to live a successful life and keep chasing my goals. My goals might seem unrealistic or far for others, but I believe that by using my education and combining that with my eagerness to succeed I will be able to change my and other people’s lives. I do not only want to be successful in my work life but also keep being happy and positive. Since my parents have not had the opportunity to study abroad, I want to fully use this once-in-a-lifetime chance. On the one hand, I want to learn as much as possible academically from American universities and professors. On the other hand, I also want to learn for my life outside of academics and learn as much as I can from other cultures as well as people. My vision is that I want to build a brand in the sports world, have a positive impact on the people around me and leave a better world behind. Further, I want to help people that have been in similar situations as me to overcome any obstacles in their way and ultimately achieve their personal greatness. I would love to be able to give back and help students that have potential but are struggling with similar aspects of education like me (for example finances). I hope that looking back on the life I once can say that I have achieved my goals and lived after my vision. This includes that I leave a legacy behind, change the sports industry for the better and be a part of creating more equality in this world, on and off the field.

I stay true to myself in my daily life by living by my values, and always working towards them. My values include always trying to be honest, even when that sometimes might be hard. As well as working hard, and above all trying to become a better me. This includes learning from mistakes, always showing up for practice, and keep on improving. For me staying true to myself is about not changing for others and to keep having big dreams and aspirations. Others might not always understand my thrive and will to succeed, but that is what staying true to myself is all about: Believing in myself, being my true self, and continuously chasing greatness, no matter what others think

One day I want to look back on my life and say that I lived it to the fullest and did not miss out on any opportunities. My goal is that by living a life with big goals and dreams, I can show that everything is possible. I want to be able to show others that no matter where you come from, where you were born, or what you believe in, you can be successful and happy. All of that motivates me every morning to get out of bed and try to make this day a great one, for myself and others. Besides my internal motivation, I am grateful to have a family that always stands behind me. They are a big contributor to how motivated I am to live a successful life and leave a legacy behind. Seeing how hard my parents work motivates me to work even to later in life be able to give back to them and others.

I believe that my best skill is my eagerness to succeed. May it be in school, where I skipped a grade, or in sports, where I have earned a bronze medal in the national league, I always strive to succeed. I am very confident in my skill and I belive it is one of my best, among others. I also am aware that there is and always will be room for improvement. Improvement to keep being eager, even when life throws hard obstacles in my way and always remember that I have this skill. I will always try to improve this skill but I mainly belive it will help me achieve new skills. This way, with time and a lot of patience I will get better and eventually succeed. I am sure that this eagerness will conclude to me achieving my dreams and hopefully being the best version of myself, for myself as well as others.

I believe that I cannot pinpoint what joy is for me. Joy is and always will be essential in my life, my way of living, and is not limited to specific actions or events. I seek to live a joyful life and contribute to other people living a life full of joy. I feel joy when I am eating dinner with my family and laughter fills the room. I feel joy when I put my headphones in, being able to bop my head to the rhythm and enter another world. I feel joy when I am with my friends and see that they are happy and feel comfortable. I feel joy when I hear a field hockey ball getting hit by a stick and hear all too familiar noise. I feel joy when coming to a new country and getting to know a different culture as well as way of living. All in all, being able to feel joyful and live a life filled with joy makes me grateful for the life that I have. Joy is a part of my every day, even when I might not see it instantly. And sometimes it just takes simple little things or even this reading assignment to remind me of that.