In the chapters of my life, transitioning from France to the United States of America marked a pivotal moment in my pursuit of dreams and aspirations. At sixteen, I embarked on a journey to Texas, captivated by the promise of freedom and the opportunity to build a future in the country that had captured my heart. Little did I know that this decision would be intricately woven into a tapestry of personal experiences, familial struggles, and a profound commitment to making a positive impact on our nation and future generations. The trajectory of my life took an unexpected turn at the age of fourteen when my father passed away. For two decades, he grappled with chronic illness and mental health challenges. This firsthand exposure to the effects of such conditions left me with a deep-seated sense of worry and an understanding that moral support, though essential, is often insufficient in the face of life-altering struggles. But regardless of the pain, I found the courage to move out of my country to come live with a side of my family that I barely knew. Since I am in Texas, the role of being the eldest sister was given to me. While having become the big sister of five, my responsibilities expanded beyond the typical teenage concerns. It is not just about taking the kids to practice or supporting them by attending their choir concerts; it became a new journey of creating a special relationship with people that used to be my cousins and then become my siblings. But within me, there is a daily battle that has been increasing each day about the looming shadow of the Alzheimer's gene that ran through my family's veins. Witnessing loved ones succumb to this devastating disease added another layer of complexity to my journey, fostering a fear of forgetting that extended beyond everyday tasks to the very essence of who I am. The loss of my father intensified this fear, prompting me to contemplate the potential of forgetting the intricate details that defined him and shaped my understanding of life. Three years after his death I am not sure anymore that the memories I have of him are accurate or just an idealization of what I wished he was more like. This fear extended to the prospect of losing my native language, therefore the ability to communicate with the biggest part of my family that doesn't speak English or even losing the muscle memory associated with the sport I love—judo, a journey that began at the tender age of four. In navigating the challenges of adapting to a new country and coping with personal loss, I found solace and purpose in the world of judo. As a brown belt, my next milestone is the coveted black belt, which involves not just personal achievement but a commitment to sharing knowledge with peers. I embraced this responsibility by training to become a sensei and coach, leading classes for students of varying ages and skill levels. Despite initial communication challenges, I overcame language barriers to effectively deliver lessons and earn the respect of judokas at my dojo. My role in the judo community goes beyond instruction; I strive to inspire young girls to persevere in a male-dominated sport. As a female athlete, I aim to motivate these young ladies to pursue their passion fearlessly, challenging societal norms and stereotypes. This fear of forgetting, coupled with my dedication to judo and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the field of neuroscience, fuels my ambition to major in neuroscience. I am driven to unravel the intricacies of the human brain, particularly with a focus on Alzheimer's disease. Acknowledging the extensive research already conducted, I am confident in my ability to provide a fresh perspective that can unveil new approaches for understanding and treating this debilitating condition. The Daelyn Bledsoe Legacy of Love and Leadership Scholarship serves as a beacon, illuminating a path for me to channel my passion for neuroscience into actionable initiatives. Beyond neurosurgery, I aspire to pursue a second medical degree in psychiatry, recognizing its crucial role in the holistic approach to healthcare. My innovative vision involves establishing a research foundation dedicated to Alzheimer's disease. This foundation would serve as a nexus for collaboration between neuroscientists, neurosurgeons, and psychiatrists, fostering a dynamic synergy that comprehensively addresses the disease. The goal is to explore novel approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately prevention, bringing us closer to a world without the devastating impact of Alzheimer's. Additionally, I envision community-based awareness programs aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting early intervention. Collaborations with schools, community centers, and healthcare providers would ensure that mental health education becomes an integral part of our societal fabric, reducing barriers to seeking help and fostering a more empathetic and informed society. Reflecting on my journey, the decision to move to the United States was not only about personal growth but also about embracing leadership roles that emerged in various aspects of my life. As the big sister of five, I have become a guiding force for my younger siblings, instilling values, and encouraging them to express themselves. In the realm of judo, my progression from a brown belt to a sensei and coach exemplifies my leadership qualities, particularly in inspiring young girls to pursue their passions in a male-dominated sport. Moreover, my leadership extends to academic pursuits, where I serve as the president of the French club. Through this role, I have fostered inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding, leading a team of dedicated officers to organize weekly meetings that showcase the richness of French culture. My leadership philosophy revolves around recognizing and valuing each individual, irrespective of any biases, and understanding that while individual success is attainable, it is amplified and more fulfilling when achieved collaboratively as a team. This philosophy underlies my approach to judo, academia, and the vision for Alzheimer's research and mental health advocacy. In conclusion, my journey from France to the United States has not only shaped my personal growth but has also ignited a passion for making a positive impact on the world. The Daelyn Bledsoe Legacy of Love and Leadership Scholarship provides a unique opportunity to translate my experiences, fears, and aspirations into impactful initiatives that contribute to the betterment of our nation and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

In the pursuit of dreams and the face of adversity, I found solace and strength in the embrace of my adoptive country, the United States of America. My journey began with the loss of my father, a pivotal moment that ignited the courage within me to take a leap toward the aspirations I had harbored for years. As a four-year-old, I ventured into the world of judo, a passion that has grown with me over the years. In a nation where combat sports enthusiasts are a rarity, my judo community has become my anchor, a family that transcends the traditional boundaries of blood. Being a female in a predominantly male-dominated sport, I carry the torch with the intention of inspiring every young girl to believe that gender is never a barrier to excellence. Now, at the age of seventeen, I stand on the precipice of a new chapter in my life. I am not merely content with pursuing personal achievements; instead, I am driven by a profound desire to make a positive impact on my local community and beyond. My future aspirations are deeply intertwined with a commitment to both academic and community excellence. If all goes according to plan, I envision myself at Texas A&M, immersing myself in the study of neuroscience while actively participating in the judo community. This journey, marked by a pursuit of knowledge, is a stepping stone toward my ultimate goal of contributing to the medical field. Beyond acquiring a bachelor's degree in neuroscience, I am dedicated to fulfilling the pre-med requirements that will pave the way for my entry into the U.S. Army. Joining the army is not just a career choice for me; it is a pathway to serve the nation that welcomed me with open arms. Through my medical studies, with a focus on surgery, I aim to repay the debt of gratitude I owe to this country by providing essential healthcare services to those who defend its ideals. However, my journey doesn't conclude with a single medical degree. I harbor a vision of obtaining a second medical degree, specializing in psychiatry and particularly focusing on Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PSTS) within the military context. This choice stems from a profound understanding of the mental health challenges faced by those who safeguard the liberties and values we hold dear. My decision to give back to the community is rooted in gratitude and a sense of duty. This scholarship, the Krewe de HOU Scholarship, aligns perfectly with my values and aspirations. By supporting students committed to making a positive impact, it recognizes the importance of contributing to a mission larger than oneself. This scholarship represents more than financial aid; it is an acknowledgment of the potential within each student to become a force for good. In conclusion, my journey is one of dreams, determination, and dedication. From a young girl finding her place in a male-dominated sport to an aspiring neuroscientist and future military medical professional, I am committed to giving back to the country that has given me so much. The Krewe de HOU Scholarship is not just an opportunity; it is a partnership in the shared vision of creating a better world through individual contributions.

I aspire to be more than just a student; I want to be special, to make a significant difference in the future. Pursuing a major in neuroscience and aspiring to become a military doctor, specializing in surgery and psychiatry, I am driven by a profound passion to address the challenges faced by military personnel dealing with PTSD. My vision extends beyond the boundaries of traditional medical practice, encompassing the harmonious integration of art and science to heal the invisible wounds that our soldiers bear. From a young age, I have been captivated by the intricate workings of the human mind and the resilience of the human spirit. This fascination led me to neuroscience, where I discovered the immense potential to unravel the complexities of conditions like PTSD. However, my journey isn't solely about academic achievements or professional accolades; it's about making a tangible impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our safety. My love for medicine is deeply rooted in my family. My mother, a dedicated nurse, instilled in me the values of compassion and empathy. She not only inspired my interest in the medical field but also demonstrated the transformative power of care and understanding. Through her, I witnessed firsthand the impact of healthcare on individuals, especially as she tirelessly cared for my father, who battled chronic diseases and mental health issues. In my future endeavors, I envision creating a holistic approach to PTSD treatment. Armed with a deep understanding of neuroscience, I will explore innovative scientific interventions that can alleviate the symptoms of PTSD. Simultaneously, I recognize the healing power of art – the ability of music, painting, and other creative forms to transcend language and reach the depths of human emotions. I plan to harness the therapeutic potential of artistic expression within the realm of mental health. By incorporating art therapies into my medical practice, I aim to provide a safe space for military personnel to explore and express their feelings, fears, and hopes. Through personalized art therapy sessions, tailored to individual experiences, I intend to facilitate the healing process, allowing those suffering from PTSD to reclaim their lives and rediscover their sense of self. Furthermore, my commitment extends to community outreach and education. I aspire to establish workshops and awareness programs that not only destigmatize mental health issues but also empower individuals to embrace creative outlets as a means of healing. By collaborating with local communities and organizations, I aim to create a supportive network where art and science intersect to uplift and heal the souls of those affected by PTSD. In conclusion, my educational journey is not just a personal pursuit; it is a mission to bridge the gap between art and science, bringing innovative and compassionate care to the brave souls who have served our nation. With ambition, drive, passion, and a profound sense of service, I am dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of those suffering from military PTSD. This scholarship will not only enable me to realize my dreams but will also empower me to contribute significantly to the well-being of my community at large.