The decision to leave behind the only life we had ever known was not made lightly. As the wheels lifted off the ground I watched through the tiny window as the landscape of my homeland faded into the distance, a bittersweet reminder of the life we were leaving behind. All the memories that I hold onto are moments I wish I could relive. Arriving in San Jose was like stepping into a whole new world of culture. I was amazed by all the cars speeding by on the highways. There were so many different types of cars, and they all moved so fast. Back in Iraq, we didn't have that many cars on the road. It felt much quieter. Sitting in the car, I felt a mix of excitement and fear. The noise of the engines and the cars rushing past made my heart race. I was really nervous about being in a car, no matter the amount of protection I had. Every turn and every burst of speed reminded me just how different this place was from home. Fortunately, my family and I were aided by my aunt, who had been living in America for many years. Her experience proved invaluable as she led us through the process, drawing from her own history of navigating life in a new country. She warmly welcomed us into her home and helped us get settled. Despite the excitement of a new beginning, the language barrier left me feeling isolated and out of place amidst the chatter of unfamiliar tongues. In the midst of this unfamiliar world my cousin stood out as a familiar figure. She was born and raised in America and she easily moved through the language that left me feeling lost. She took it upon herself to bridge the gap between my world and hers. Small books became our shared companions, their pages filled with the promise of understanding. At times my cousin would feel frustrated as I stumbled over unfamiliar words but her determination remained unshaken. Though my journey towards fluency was far from complete, I took comfort in the knowledge that I was no longer alone in my quest. I started my first year of elementary school in America with some knowledge that my cousin had taught me. Though elementary school had its own challenges I came a long way from where I used to be. As the years went by, I came to a deeper understanding as to how things in America really worked. When I first arrived in America I was puzzled by the concept of tipping in restaurants. Back in Iraq tipping isn't a common practice. At first, I struggled to understand the etiquette and reasoning behind it. Over time, I realized that tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service and is an integral part of the hospitality industry in the United States. Although I acknowledge the vast opportunities America provided, there are moments when I can't shake the feeling of being disconnected from my extended family. The physical distance between us weighs heavily on my heart, and despite modern technology allowing us to stay in touch it's not the same as being together in person. I often find myself reminiscing about the gatherings and shared experiences we had back home, longing for that sense of closeness once again. While I appreciate the new experiences and opportunities in America, the absence of my family leaves a void that can’t easily be filled.

Being a woman in wrestling has been one of the most empowering experiences of my life. It’s not just about the physical side of the sport or learning how to take down an opponent. It’s about challenging myself in ways I never thought possible. Wrestling pushes me to be better, not just on the mat but in every part of my life. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the hard work that goes into it. Every time I step into practice, I know it won’t be easy, but I also know it’s worth it. One of the most interesting things about wrestling is that it doesn’t care if you’re a girl or a boy. Once you’re on the mat, it’s all about who’s prepared, who’s willing to push themselves further. That’s what makes wrestling different from a lot of other sports. There’s no easy way out, and there are no excuses. You have to rely on your own strength, both mentally and physically. As a girl in wrestling, I’ve faced my share of challenges. Sometimes when I walk into the gym, I can feel people questioning whether I belong there. That doubt used to bother me, but over time, it’s become part of what drives me. Instead of feeling like I need to prove something to others, I wrestle because I love the sport. It doesn’t matter if someone thinks I shouldn’t be there. When I’m on the mat, I’m focused on giving it my all, learning from every mistake, and improving each day. Wrestling has taught me a lot about strength, and not just the kind you get from lifting weights or doing pushups. The real strength in wrestling comes from perseverance. It’s about getting back up after a tough loss, going to practice even when you’re sore, and pushing through when everything in your body is telling you to stop. There are days when it’s hard to find the energy or motivation, but wrestling has taught me that true strength is about showing up, no matter what. Being part of the growing wave of women in wrestling is something that fills me with pride. Women’s wrestling is becoming more popular than ever, and I feel like I’m part of something bigger than just the sport. Every time I compete, I know I’m helping to show that girls can excel in wrestling too. We’re proving that this isn’t just a “guy’s sport.” The more women get involved, the more we show that strength, toughness, and skill have nothing to do with gender. We’re breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for future generations of girls who want to wrestle. Wrestling has also helped me become more confident in myself. Competing in such a challenging sport has made me realize I can handle difficult situations outside of wrestling too. Whether it’s a tough test at school or dealing with personal struggles, I’ve learned how to stay focused and push through because of the lessons wrestling has taught me. It’s given me a sense of control over my own abilities and a belief that I can overcome obstacles, no matter how hard they seem at first. Wrestling has completely changed how I see myself and what I’m capable of. It’s not just about competing; it’s about building a mindset that carries into every area of life. Being a female wrestler means I’ve stepped into a world that wasn’t always welcoming to women, but I’ve made my place here. Wrestling has taught me to own that space, to take up room, and to never back down from a challenge.

I chose to pursue higher education because I see it as a way to change not just my future, but my family’s too. As the first in my family to go to college, it feels like I’m stepping into new territory. My parents worked hard to give us a better life after we moved from Iraq to America, but they didn’t have the chance to pursue an education. Watching them work tirelessly to make ends meet made me realize the value of education in opening doors to opportunities they didn’t have. For me, earning a degree isn’t just about personal success—it’s about building a better foundation for all of us. From a young age, I took on the role of translating for my parents. It started with small tasks like explaining school forms, but it quickly grew to handling more serious matters like bills, healthcare documents, and official paperwork. Navigating these challenges forced me to grow up quickly, but it also gave me a sense of responsibility. I realized how much education mattered in understanding the world around us. It wasn’t just about learning in school, it was about being able to help my family navigate systems that were unfamiliar to them. Preparing for college has been a learning process of its own. I didn’t have anyone in my family who could guide me through applications or tell me how to get financial aid. Instead, I sought help from my school counselors and did my own research to figure it out. I attended workshops, asked teachers for advice, and worked hard to stay on top of deadlines. It was overwhelming at times, but it also made me more resourceful and determined to reach my goals. One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out how to afford college. Coming from a low-income family, I’ve always known that paying for school would be tough. Instead of letting that discourage me, I’ve applied for as many scholarships as I could find and learned about financial aid options. Maintaining strong grades has also been a priority because I know it increases my chances of receiving financial help. Even though the process has been stressful, I’ve stayed focused on the end goal—getting an education that will make a real difference in my life and my family’s future. Choosing higher education means choosing to push through the obstacles in front of me. I know the road ahead won’t be easy, but I’m ready to face it head-on. My goal is to not only earn a degree, but to use it to help my family and give back to the community. I want to be an example for others in similar situations, showing that it’s possible to rise above the challenges and create a better future for yourself and those you care about. In the end, higher education is my way of taking control of my future and opening doors that would otherwise remain closed. I’ve prepared myself through hard work, persistence, and a willingness to learn from every challenge. I’m ready for the opportunities college will offer, and I’m determined to make the most of them.

Success means something different to everyone. To me, success is a combination of personal fulfillment and uplifting others. It’s about achieving my own goals while creating opportunities and support for those facing similar challenges. As a first-generation immigrant, I’ve faced barriers like language and financial struggles, but I believe success lies in breaking through those obstacles to make a meaningful difference in the world. I was born in Iraq and moved to America with my family when I was young. Moving to the U.S. promised better opportunities, but it also meant adapting to a new culture and system. I took on the responsibility of translating for my parents and helping them navigate life in America. Translating important documents and helping them communicate showed me that I had to be responsible for more than just myself. This experience shaped who I am today, teaching me the importance of perseverance and determination. One of the greatest challenges we faced was financial instability. As immigrants, my parents struggled to find stable jobs, so our focus was always on survival. My dreams of going to college and pursuing a career in the medical field seemed distant, as we were always worrying about how to make ends meet. However, I knew that education was the key to a better future for my family and me. For me, success isn’t about wealth or status. It’s about using my skills and knowledge to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I’ve always been drawn to the medical field because of my desire to help others, especially underserved communities. I want to become a healthcare professional who can provide compassionate care to people facing similar struggles. There is a great need for healthcare workers who understand the cultural and financial challenges that many families face when seeking medical care, and I aim to bridge that gap. This scholarship would be a vital step toward achieving my goals. Coming from a low-income background, the cost of higher education is a significant obstacle. My family is unable to fully support my college expenses, and without financial help, my dream of becoming a healthcare professional may not be possible. This scholarship would relieve the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus on my studies. It would give me the chance to fully commit to my education and develop the skills I need to serve others through healthcare. In addition to providing financial relief, receiving this scholarship would be a powerful source of motivation. It would remind me that my hard work and determination are being recognized, and that there are people who believe in my potential. This encouragement would push me to keep going, even when things get tough, because I know that I’m not just pursuing my own dreams—I’m also representing others who come from similar backgrounds. Ultimately, success to me means personal growth, giving back to my community, and helping those in need. This scholarship would help me pursue my dream of becoming a healthcare professional and allow me to focus on my education without the constant worry of financial strain. With this opportunity, I would be one step closer to achieving success and making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

The Journey That Led Me to Healthcare When I moved from Iraq to the U.S., I saw two very different healthcare systems. In Iraq, getting good medical care was hard, and I saw how this affected the people around me, including my family. In the U.S., I realized that healthcare wasn’t just about treating illnesses but about helping people and communities become healthier. This opened my eyes and made me want to pursue a degree in healthcare. I also remember how my parents struggled to understand the U.S. healthcare system because they didn’t know English well. I often went with my mom to her doctor appointments to translate and explain medical terms. That experience showed me how important clear communication is in healthcare, especially for immigrants or people who don’t speak English. This is one of the reasons why I want to become a healthcare professional who can help break these barriers for others. I chose to study healthcare because I want to help people who don’t always get the care they need. Back in Iraq, many people didn’t know about preventive care—ways to stay healthy before getting sick. The healthcare system there focuses more on treating diseases rather than preventing them. I want to change that by educating people about their health so they can take control of it before problems happen. I want to be a healthcare professional who helps people not just when they are sick but also by teaching them how to stay healthy. Whether it’s giving women advice about pregnancy or sharing tips for living a healthier life, my goal is to help people learn how to take better care of themselves. As a woman in healthcare, I know I have a special chance to make a difference. In many cultures, including my own, women are the primary caregivers in the family. They take care of everyone else but sometimes forget to take care of themselves. I want to help change that by encouraging women to pay attention to their own health. There’s also a need for more women in the healthcare field. I’ve seen how women patients don’t always get the same care as men. I hope to make sure that every patient, whether male or female, gets the same respect and attention. I also want to be a role model for other young women who want to enter the healthcare field, showing them that they can succeed too. My biggest goal is to work with underserved communities, especially immigrants and refugees, who often struggle to get healthcare. As someone who faced those struggles, I understand the fear, confusion, and language barriers that can stop people from seeking medical help. I want to work in community health centers or with non-profit groups, where I can directly help people like my own family. I see myself not only as someone who will provide medical care but as an advocate for healthcare education and preventive care. I believe healthcare professionals should work closely with the community to make sure that everyone knows how to live a healthier life, even outside of hospitals. For me, pursuing a healthcare degree is not just about getting a job, it’s about making a real difference. I want to help communities like mine, where people have faced many healthcare challenges. As a healthcare professional, I plan to fight for equal care for everyone and be a voice for those who often go unheard. This, to me, is what healthcare should be about helping individuals and entire communities live healthier, better lives.

Grit has been the driving force behind how I face and overcome the challenges life has thrown my way. Growing up in a low-income household, I’ve learned from an early age the value of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Financial limitations, family responsibilities, and a lack of resources have often made it difficult to focus on my education and goals. However, I refuse to let these obstacles define my future. Instead, they’ve strengthened my resolve and pushed me to work harder. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is balancing my schoolwork with my responsibilities at home. As the oldest of two siblings, I’ve always taken on the role of caregiver, especially when my parents are working long hours. This has meant juggling school, household chores, and helping my younger siblings with their homework. There have been many times when I felt overwhelmed and exhausted, and it would have been easy to let my grades slip or put my dreams on hold. But I’ve come to see education as the key to unlocking a better future, not just for me, but for my family as well. I knew that if I wanted to change our circumstances, I had to stay focused and committed to my academic success, no matter the obstacles. Developing a gritty mindset was essential for me to keep up with my studies. I’ve had to become incredibly disciplined with my time. Early mornings, late nights, and weekends are often dedicated to homework and studying, all while managing my other responsibilities at home. I always found a way to stay on track. I wasn’t willing to let a lack of resources stand in the way of my dreams. Financial struggles have been another constant challenge. There have been moments when I worried about how I’d afford college, even with all the hard work I’ve put into my education. But instead of letting that fear paralyze me, I’ve used it as motivation. I’ve sought out every scholarship opportunity, worked part-time jobs to save for my future, and stayed committed to making the most of every educational opportunity that comes my way. For me, grit is about refusing to be defined by circumstances—it’s about pushing past what seems impossible and finding a way to succeed despite the barriers in front of me. Beyond the practical challenges of managing time and finances, there’s also the emotional toll of growing up in an underserved community. It’s easy to feel isolated or uncertain about the future when you don’t see many examples of success around you. There were times when I doubted myself, wondering if I was really capable of achieving my dreams. But grit isn’t just about working hard—it’s about having the confidence to believe in yourself, even when the world doesn’t. It’s about pushing forward when things feel hopeless and trusting that the effort you put in will pay off. The challenges I’ve faced have shaped me into someone who refuses to give up. I’ve learned that the obstacles I encounter don’t define me—they strengthen me. The Lindsey Vonn Foundation scholarship would provide the financial support I need to continue my journey, but regardless of the outcome, I know that my gritty mindset will carry me through whatever challenges lie ahead. Grit has been my key to overcoming the odds, and it will continue to guide me as I work toward achieving my goals.

One lyric from Olivia Rodrigo’s *GUTS* that resonates deeply with my high school senior experience is from the song “ballad of a homeschooled girl”: *"Each time I step outside, it's social suicide, I wanna crawl back inside and eat my Tostitos."* This lyric strikes a chord because it perfectly captures that overwhelming sense of social awkwardness and anxiety that so many of us feel, especially as teenagers. The phrase "social suicide" may sound dramatic, but it's a pretty accurate reflection of what high school can feel like sometimes. Every small interaction, whether it’s just saying “hi” to someone in the hallway or participating in a group discussion, feels like it’s under a microscope. It’s as if one misstep—whether it’s saying the wrong thing, wearing the wrong outfit, or even reacting the wrong way—could completely wreck your reputation. The stakes feel incredibly high, even when, in reality, they probably aren’t. As a high school senior, the pressure can feel even more intense. You’ve spent the last three years trying to find your place, build relationships, and figure out where you stand. By senior year, there’s this sense that you should have everything figured out by now—who your friends are, how to navigate social situations, and even what your future looks like after high school. But the truth is, a lot of us still feel just as awkward and unsure as we did on the first day of freshman year. The lyric speaks to that feeling of wanting to be part of the social world but also being terrified of making a fool of yourself. It’s the kind of pressure that makes you want to retreat to the safety of your room, where there’s no one to judge you or make you feel like you don’t belong. One of the most relatable aspects of this lyric is the desire to just "crawl back inside and eat my Tostitos." It’s such a simple yet powerful image of wanting to escape from the overwhelming stress of social interactions and retreat into something comforting and familiar. For many of us, that might look like staying in, binge-watching Netflix, or scrolling through social media while snacking on our favorite comfort food. It’s a way to temporarily shut out the world and avoid the constant anxiety that comes with trying to fit in or navigate the social hierarchy of high school. There’s a sense of relief in stepping away from those pressures, even if just for a moment Rodrigo’s lyric captures the essence of what it means to be a teenager—the constant tension between wanting to be part of something bigger and the fear of being judged or rejected. High school is a time when you’re trying to figure out who you are, but at the same time, you’re hyper-aware of how others perceive you. That mix of self-consciousness and insecurity can make even the simplest interactions feel like a test you’re constantly trying not to fail. For many seniors, this pressure is even more intense as we approach the end of high school. There’s this expectation that you should be more confident, more self-assured, and more comfortable in your own skin by now. But the truth is, a lot of us still feel like we’re stumbling through social situations, trying to figure out where we fit in. Rodrigo’s lyric speaks to that universal experience of teenage awkwardness. Ultimately, this lyric is a reflection of a feeling that so many of us, especially as high school seniors, can relate to as we try to navigate the complexities of teenage life.