Being involved in volleyball has made me stronger—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—as a young woman navigating a world that often favors male voices and achievements. Volleyball is a challenging sport that requires quick thinking, communication, endurance, and teamwork. Playing the game while balancing school, family responsibilities, and my personal life has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. On the court, I’ve learned what it means to lead, how to trust and support my teammates, and how to stay calm and focused under pressure. Volleyball is fast-paced and intense, and there’s no time to second-guess yourself. You have to react quickly and give your full energy every time you step onto the court. There have been times when my team was down by several points, and it would’ve been easy to give up. But volleyball taught me how to keep fighting no matter the situation. Those moments taught me how to stay mentally tough and how to dig deep when I feel like I have nothing left. One of the biggest lessons volleyball has taught me is how to bounce back from failure. Whether it’s a missed serve, a lost match, or being benched during a game, I’ve learned how to take those moments and turn them into motivation. Instead of staying discouraged, I use those setbacks as fuel to improve. That mindset has helped me in other parts of life, like handling tough school assignments or dealing with personal challenges. Volleyball has taught me not to give up when things get hard—and that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me forever. As a female athlete, I’ve also learned how to take up space in a world where male sports often get more attention and respect. Volleyball helped me find my voice, both on and off the court. I’ve learned how to speak up for myself and encourage other girls to do the same. I’ve realized that being a strong young woman doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being confident, being resilient, and never underestimating your worth. Balancing volleyball with school, home responsibilities, and everything else going on in life has taught me how to manage my time and stay organized. There were days when I was exhausted from practice but still had to finish homework or study for a test. But those moments helped shape me into someone who doesn’t back down from responsibility. I’ve learned how to stay disciplined and keep my goals in sight. Volleyball has helped shape me into the strong, confident, and driven young woman I am today. It has taught me how to lead, how to fight through challenges, and how to never settle for less than what I know I’m capable of. In a world where women are still fighting to be seen and heard, I’m proud to carry the strength this sport gave me into everything I do.

One of the personal achievements I’m most proud of is earning my CPR certification and becoming a certified Patient Care Technician (PCT) while still in high school. I took the initiative to pursue these certifications because I’ve always had a passion for helping others, especially in medical settings. I’ve been fascinated by how the human body works for as long as I can remember, and I’ve known for years that I want to build a career in healthcare. Even though it was challenging to balance school, volunteering, and studying for the certifications, I pushed myself because I knew it would bring me closer to my goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist or even an anesthesiologist one day. Getting certified taught me so much more than just technical skills. It gave me a strong sense of responsibility and showed me that I’m capable of achieving more than I sometimes give myself credit for. There were moments when I doubted myself—when the workload felt like too much or when I was exhausted from trying to do everything at once. But I kept going, and passing those exams reminded me that hard work really does pay off. It gave me confidence, not just in my academic ability, but in myself as a whole. This achievement has had a huge impact on my life outside of school too. I volunteer at the daycare at my church, where I work with children aged 3 to 5. Having my CPR certification makes me feel more prepared and trusted in that environment, especially when I’m responsible for the safety of young kids. I’ve also helped care for my grandma, who suffered multiple strokes and needed support during her recovery. Helping her during one of the hardest moments of her life made me realize how much I love taking care of people, especially when they are vulnerable and need someone patient and kind. The PCT certification also opened doors for me. It gave me something meaningful to put on my resume and has already helped me stand out when applying for jobs and scholarships. It shows others that I’m serious about my future and that I’m willing to take initiative and put in the effort to achieve my dreams. Most importantly, it showed me that I have what it takes to pursue a career in the medical field. Looking back, I’m proud not just of the certificate itself, but of everything it represents—my drive, my passion for helping people, and my ability to push through challenges. It’s one of the biggest steps I’ve taken so far on my journey to becoming a healthcare professional, and I know it won’t be the last. This achievement gave me the momentum I needed, and now I’m even more excited for what lies ahead.

Since I was young, I have been fascinated by science and the human body. I have always enjoyed learning how things work, especially in medicine. My passion for helping others has led me to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist. Through this career, I will be able to make a difference in people’s lives by providing quality patient care, helping underserved communities, and contributing to medical advancements. One of the biggest inspirations for my career path is my grandma. Last year, she suffered a series of strokes and had to be hospitalized. Watching her go through such a scary and painful experience deeply affected me. I remember seeing how much of a difference the nurses made in her care. They weren’t just giving her medicine or checking vitals;they were offering her comfort, patience, and strength when she needed it most. Their compassion and skill helped my family get through one of the hardest times in our lives. Seeing that kind of impact firsthand made me realize I wanted to be that kind of person for others to be there during tough moments and help patients feel safe and supported. One of the main ways I hope to benefit society is by caring for patients during medical procedures. Surgery can be terrifying for many people, and I want to be someone who helps them feel calm and confident. As a nurse anesthetist, I will be responsible for making sure patients receive the right anesthesia so they don’t feel pain during surgery. This job requires great attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and compassion for others, qualities I strive to develop every day. Another way I hope to make an impact is by improving healthcare access for people in need. Not everyone has the same opportunities when it comes to medical care. Some communities, especially low-income and rural areas, struggle to find doctors and nurses. I want to work in these areas to provide care for those who might not otherwise receive it. Volunteering at places like the North Texas Food Bank has shown me how important it is to give back, and I plan to continue this in my medical career by ensuring all patients, no matter their background, get the care they deserve. Finally, I want to be part of the advancements in medicine that make treatments safer and more effective. Healthcare is always changing, with new technology and techniques improving patient care. As a nurse anesthetist, I will stay up to date on the latest medical research to provide the best care possible. Whether it’s learning about new anesthesia methods or improving pain management strategies, I want to contribute to the progress that saves lives and helps people heal faster. In conclusion, I believe that a career in STEM, specifically in the medical field, will allow me to make a meaningful impact on society. Inspired by my grandma’s journey and the nurses who cared for her, I’m committed to helping others through compassionate and skilled healthcare.

Since I was young, I have been fascinated by science and the human body. I have always enjoyed learning how things work, especially in medicine. My passion for helping others has led me to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist. Through this career, I will be able to make a difference in people’s lives by providing quality patient care, helping underserved communities, and contributing to medical advancements. One of the biggest inspirations for my career path is my grandma. Last year, she suffered a series of strokes and had to be hospitalized. Watching her go through such a scary and painful experience deeply affected me. I remember seeing how much of a difference the nurses made in her care. They weren’t just giving her medicine or checking vitals;they were offering her comfort, patience, and strength when she needed it most. Their compassion and skill helped my family get through one of the hardest times in our lives. Seeing that kind of impact firsthand made me realize I wanted to be that kind of person for others to be there during tough moments and help patients feel safe and supported. One of the main ways I hope to benefit society is by caring for patients during medical procedures. Surgery can be terrifying for many people, and I want to be someone who helps them feel calm and confident. As a nurse anesthetist, I will be responsible for making sure patients receive the right anesthesia so they don’t feel pain during surgery. This job requires great attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and compassion for others, qualities I strive to develop every day. Another way I hope to make an impact is by improving healthcare access for people in need. Not everyone has the same opportunities when it comes to medical care. Some communities, especially low-income and rural areas, struggle to find doctors and nurses. I want to work in these areas to provide care for those who might not otherwise receive it. Volunteering at places like the North Texas Food Bank has shown me how important it is to give back, and I plan to continue this in my medical career by ensuring all patients, no matter their background, get the care they deserve. Finally, I want to be part of the advancements in medicine that make treatments safer and more effective. Healthcare is always changing, with new technology and techniques improving patient care. As a nurse anesthetist, I will stay up to date on the latest medical research to provide the best care possible. Whether it’s learning about new anesthesia methods or improving pain management strategies, I want to contribute to the progress that saves lives and helps people heal faster. In conclusion, I believe that a career in STEM, specifically in the medical field, will allow me to make a meaningful impact on society. Inspired by my grandma’s journey and the nurses who cared for her, I’m committed to helping others through compassionate and skilled healthcare.

Since I was young, I have been fascinated by science and the human body. I have always enjoyed learning how things work, especially in medicine. My passion for helping others has led me to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist. Through this career, I will be able to make a difference in people’s lives by providing quality patient care, helping underserved communities, and contributing to medical advancements. One of the biggest inspirations for my career path is my grandma. Last year, she suffered a series of strokes and had to be hospitalized. Watching her go through such a scary and painful experience deeply affected me. I remember seeing how much of a difference the nurses made in her care. They weren’t just giving her medicine or checking vitals;they were offering her comfort, patience, and strength when she needed it most. Their compassion and skill helped my family get through one of the hardest times in our lives. Seeing that kind of impact firsthand made me realize I wanted to be that kind of person for others to be there during tough moments and help patients feel safe and supported. One of the main ways I hope to benefit society is by caring for patients during medical procedures. Surgery can be terrifying for many people, and I want to be someone who helps them feel calm and confident. As a nurse anesthetist, I will be responsible for making sure patients receive the right anesthesia so they don’t feel pain during surgery. This job requires great attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and compassion for others, qualities I strive to develop every day. Another way I hope to make an impact is by improving healthcare access for people in need. Not everyone has the same opportunities when it comes to medical care. Some communities, especially low-income and rural areas, struggle to find doctors and nurses. I want to work in these areas to provide care for those who might not otherwise receive it. Volunteering at places like the North Texas Food Bank has shown me how important it is to give back, and I plan to continue this in my medical career by ensuring all patients, no matter their background, get the care they deserve. Finally, I want to be part of the advancements in medicine that make treatments safer and more effective. Healthcare is always changing, with new technology and techniques improving patient care. As a nurse anesthetist, I will stay up to date on the latest medical research to provide the best care possible. Whether it’s learning about new anesthesia methods or improving pain management strategies, I want to contribute to the progress that saves lives and helps people heal faster. In conclusion, I believe that a career in STEM, specifically in the medical field, will allow me to make a meaningful impact on society. Inspired by my grandma’s journey and the nurses who cared for her, I’m committed to helping others through compassionate and skilled healthcare. I found out about this scholarship through Bold.org.

I’ll never forget the day we found out my grandma had been rushed to the hospital. She had a really bad UTI that ended up causing multiple strokes. Suddenly, she couldn’t talk or move much, and it was one of the scariest things I’ve ever seen. My grandma has always been one of the strongest, happiest, and most loving people in my life, and to see her like that was heartbreaking. At first, I honestly didn’t know how to handle it. Everything felt uncertain, and we were all trying to stay strong for her. My family and I took turns visiting her in the hospital. We’d sit by her bed, talk to her, hold her hand, and just hope she could hear us. It felt like we were doing so little, but we were just trying to stay hopeful. One moment I’ll always remember is when my papa sat beside her, like he always did, and gently took her hand. Even though she hadn’t moved in days, she slowly squeezed his hand back. It was such a small action, but it meant everything to us. That was the first time I truly saw how powerful compassion can be. Just showing up and being there made a difference. After that moment, I knew I wanted to be as supportive as I could, even if it just meant being present. I helped out more at home and made sure I was available whenever my family needed me. It wasn’t anything big or dramatic, but I saw how the little things mattered—like running errands, checking in on my papa, or just being someone to talk to. Seeing my family come together to support my grandma showed me the real meaning of love, strength, and compassion. That experience really stuck with me. It opened my eyes to how important it is to care for others, especially when they’re going through something hard. It also helped me realize what I want to do with my future. I want to become a nurse and be that caring, comforting presence for others during their most difficult times. My grandma’s situation helped me discover that passion and calling. This whole experience brought my family closer and gave me a better understanding of what true compassion looks like. It’s not always about big actions—it’s about being there, showing love, and doing whatever you can to help. And that’s exactly the kind of person, and future nurse, I hope to become.

Since I was young, I have been fascinated by science and the human body. I have always enjoyed learning how things work, especially in medicine. My passion for helping others has led me to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist. Through this career, I will be able to make a difference in people’s lives by providing quality patient care, helping underserved communities, and contributing to medical advancements. One of the main ways I will benefit society is by caring for patients during medical procedures. Surgery can be scary for many people, and I want to be someone who helps them feel safe and comfortable. As a nurse anesthetist, I will be responsible for making sure patients receive the right anesthesia so they don’t feel pain during surgery. This job requires great attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and compassion for others—qualities I strive to develop every day. Another way I hope to make an impact is by improving healthcare access for people in need. Not everyone has the same opportunities when it comes to medical care. Some communities, especially low-income and rural areas, struggle to find doctors and nurses. I want to work in these areas to provide care for those who might not otherwise receive it. Volunteering at places like the North Texas Food Bank has shown me how important it is to give back, and I plan to continue this in my medical career by ensuring all patients, no matter their background, get the care they deserve. Finally, I want to be part of the advancements in medicine that make treatments safer and more effective. Healthcare is always changing, with new technology and techniques improving patient care. As a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist, I will stay up to date on the latest medical research to provide the best care possible. Whether it’s learning about new anesthesia methods or improving pain management strategies, I want to contribute to the progress that saves lives and helps people heal faster. In conclusion, I believe that a career in STEM, specifically in the medical field, will allow me to make a meaningful impact on society. By providing safe and compassionate patient care, helping underserved communities, and contributing to medical advancements, I can use my passion for science to improve people’s lives. I am excited to take this path and make a difference in the world through my work in healthcare.