“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20-2). We all have our story, the journey that we have been on, and these things shape the way we live our lives. I grew up in a Christian Pro-Life household and have spent my life believing in these things. I have dealt with chronic health issues since I was six years old. I was misdiagnosed with different health conditions until I got my correct diagnosis of Chronic Lyme Disease after seeing a Naturopathic doctor. I believe that God allowed these things in my life for a reason. After going through all the health issues I did (and having family members deal with similar things) it was clear that I wanted to do something in medicine. I had seen the many different specialties and medical practices in both allopathic and alternative medical settings. I am now an undergraduate in college pursuing a degree in Holistic Health. After this, I plan on attending Naturopathic Medical school to become a Naturopathic doctor. There are many things I love in life: God, family, friends, etc. For me, Naturopathy would be a great field to work in because of this. I can help people with their health and give them support. I can also use God’s creations to help treat people. I believe that God gave us everything we need on this planet. We can use herbs and natural remedies to support a person’s health and find the root cause of a problem. Many people think of religion and science as separate things, but as Christians, we can see the beauty and how both these things can be closely intertwined. As a college student, it can sometimes be hard to live out my faith. I am not surrounded by many people who share my faith and are surrounded by people who oppose religion. One major way that I try to live out my faith is by setting a good example for others. This is a small act but it can show others that Christians can be good people. I try to stay connected with my local church and help with some of the events they host. This gives me a way to connect with others who share my beliefs. Our church also heavily focuses on Pro-Life missions. We hold countless fundraisers for organizations that support moms in need and help those moms choose life. A lot of the proceeds from other events go to those organizations as well. When I was in middle school I supported the Pro-Life mission. For a community service project, I sewed diaper bags, filled them with baby items, and donated them to moms in need. I hope to use my education to support the Pro-Life mission as well as Christian organizations. I could start an organization that helps moms get the prenatal support they need or help connect them to a program that is already running. I can also help support aging adults and try to improve their quality of life toward the end of their lives naturally. I can support all ages and walks of life with Naturopathic medicine and make my practice Christ-centered. Just like Matthew wrote faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. We need to find that faith and spread it.

In our world today, there is much division and hatred everywhere. There are also many people who are trying to make a positive change in the world. I have many blessings and believe in helping others. Being younger, I haven’t done anything outstanding for others, but I do try to do what I can to help others. I often volunteer at my church in Fairfax with various activities. I have helped with fundraisers, served at senior luncheons, sewed diaper bags for new moms in need, and raised money for Martha’s Kitchen by making and selling crafts. I have also helped run games at the church’s children's’ carnival, helped with the Christmas Giving Trees to provide presents for families in need, provided activities for young children to allow their parents to attend workshops, and am currently helping with a religious education class for children (which I have done for a few years now. As part of the National Honor Society in high school, I volunteer in various school and community events. Some examples include helping out at a blood drive, helping raise money for those who can’t afford food, educating others about Lyme Disease, participating at open house nights for incoming students, and helping younger grades with various celebrations and events. In my everyday life I try to be a good person, a good friend, a good student, and a good role model. If a peer needs help with a school assignment, I always try to support them through it. I try to be a positive leader while doing group work and include others. When reading the letters of recommendation that my teachers have written on my behalf, they have mentioned that I am a kind, hardworking, and respectful person. I have had health issues most of my life. I have had numerous doctors’ appointments with an array of specialists. I have faced physical health challenges, dietary restrictions, not being able to lead a “normal” life, and am still dealing with Chronic Lyme Disease. There have been days that were a struggle, but I have kept working hard in school, being there for others, and doing the best that I can. I have been working towards a future career in the medical field. I plan to attend Vermont State University in the fall and obtain a Bachelors of Science degree in Holistic Health. I then want to go on to Naturopathic Medical School to become a Naturopathic Doctor. The struggles that I have gone through have shaped the person that I am today. Using what I have gone through and learned, I want to support those who are facing their own health challenges. I believe that "success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others" - Danny Thomas. This is the senior quote that I put in the yearbook. I truly believe that if everyone does something for someone else, even if it is small, our world will become a better place. With all the division in our country I truly agree with Brain Tahair that we can do small things with great love.

@samantha_b222