Studying Animal Science abroad at the University of Glasgow has always been a dream that is financially out of reach.

Picture this: It's a typical Friday morning at Penn State. I painfully drag myself out of bed, eyes barely open, debating if I can spare an extra ten minutes of rest. After looking at the time and noticing I am already late, I realize I can't. I'm already late for my 8 am. What else could go wrong? I fumble through my drawers and closet, trying to find a presentable yet effortless and comfortable outfit for the day ahead of me. I looked into my fridge, only to notice there were no energy drinks left for me to take. I quickly grab my backpack and computer, put on my headphones, and make the journey to my chemistry class. I regretfully enter the large lecture hall and grab a seat next to a random student. The teacher begins instruction, and as I look in my backpack to grab my pencils, I realize they aren't there. That's when I remember. They are still lying next to my bed from last night's late studying session. What am I supposed to do? I assess my options. I can ask the student next to me or leave (the latter option is more favorable). However, I muster up my courage and ask the girl beside me to borrow some pencils and highlighters. As she hands them over with a friendly smile, I think to myself, “What else could go wrong?” Just as I think I've escaped Chemistry, my phone buzzes with a notification from my professor. The notification reads, "Exam 2 Grades Posted." You have got to be kidding me. Although I feel confident in my extensive preparation and participation in the class thus far, a sinking feeling washes over me. Surely, this could not be an addition to my already rough day. Well.... I failed. Seriously! What else could go wrong? Tears streaming down my face, I enter my dorm room and greet my roommate. She asks what happened, and I can't hold back and pour out the details of my awful day. After reassuring me, we sit down for our usual television binge-watching and then go to dinner soon after. While in the dining hall, my roommate and I run into a couple of our friends. Two girls we are planning on living with next year. At Penn State, it isn't rare for freshmen to sign apartment leases early in the year. The truth is, there are only a few nice apartments downtown and they go quickly. This leaves freshmen scrambling to make decisions fast. Where am I gonna live? Who am I going to live with? Thankfully, my roommate and I found two girls who we got along with enough to want to share living accommodations. As the girls near closer, I realize they both have awkward and avoidant looks on their faces (I feel like I know where this is going). After we share small talk, one of the girls nonchalantly mentions that they both signed leases with different girls and that they could no longer commit to living with us. My roommate and I share looks of disappointment and anxiousness. What were we going to do now? Deadlines are approaching. We needed to figure out a new living situation, and we needed to do it fast. We return home and begin our nighttime routine. As I wash my face and brush my teeth, I can't help but think what an awful day it has been. From start to finish it felt like I couldn't catch a break. An overwhelming sense of anxiety and uncertainty flushed through my face and body. I crawl into bed, turn off my lamp, take a deep breath, and close my eyes. This is a true story. A very real day that I experienced my first semester in college. In the moment, it was truly awful. But now, it sticks out as one of the most memorable days of my life. The girl who offered me her pencils eventually became my first and best friend at Penn State. After that initial conversation, we began consistently sitting next to each other; We would walk to and from class together, study together, and grab lunch together. Slowly our relationship developed into one of the most genuine and honest friendships I have. Moving on to my failed exam. After the exam, rather than dwelling on the bad, I decided to take the time to truly understand why I didn't receive the grade I wanted. I attended study groups, office hours, and frequent tutoring sessions. Chemistry quickly became my favorite class. It taught me important lessons on work ethic, humility, and determination. I greatly improved my grade. Lastly, my apartment lease. The day after our original lease fell through, my roommate and I met two new girls in the library. They had a very similar situation to ours. We continued chatting with the pair and soon became inseparable. In just a few weeks, I will be moving into my very first apartment with my best friends. They will be my future bridesmaids. Life has a way of testing us. We all experience days, or maybe even weeks, that seem like an endless cycle of misfortune and disorganization. But, we have a choice. We can choose to view these misfortunes as setbacks or as chances for growth and adventure. Every "What could go wrong moment," holds the potential to transform our lives into something we may not understand yet. Trusting the process means believing that, even in chaos, there is order; even in disappointment, there is opportunity; and even in failure, there is a chance for renewal. Everything happens for a reason, and when we embrace that truth, we find peace in the journey, knowing that each step, no matter how difficult, brings us closer to where we are meant to be. Relish in the beauty of uncertainty and the adventure of life. Perspective is everything. Instead of asking, "What could go wrong," ask yourself, "What could go right?"

Imagine a series that perfectly captures the essence of time, weaving together moments of utter joy and heart-wrenching sorrow through unforgettable storytelling—'One Day' achieves this with such grace and depth that it stands as a testament to the art of television. It is truly the most extraordinary show I have ever watched. The series follows the lives of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, who meet on the day of their university graduation, July 15, 1988. The show documents their relationship over the next two decades, capturing their personal growth and struggles as they navigate love, friendship, and life's unexpected turns. Each episode is structured around the same date each year, July 15, showing a glimpse of where Emma and Dexter are in their life. Emma is introduced as an ambitious and idealistic young women who dreams of making a difference in the world that surrounded her. However, many of her early years are filled by various jobs and relationships that never leave Emma content. At the beginning, she is enchanted by Dexter’s charm and charisma, but their relationship is marked by uncertainty and misalignment of their life goals. Dexter's vibrant, party-centric lifestyle clashed with Emma's grounded, slower-paced approach to life. Dexter starts off as a confident and charming person with grand aspirations of fame and success. His early years are observed by a series of adventures and romantic trials, reflecting his desire to live life to the fullest. His character development highlights a deeper search for meaning and connection, particularly in relation to Emma, whose presence significantly influences his life and growth. As a viewer, it was extremely difficult to not fall in love with the connection that the pair shared. It seemed as if they perfectly complimented each other. Emma offered stability and humility, while Dexter shared his spontaneity and zest for living life to the fullest. However, it was also apparent their relationship had its fair share of problems. More specifically, Dexters lack of emotional vulnerability and Emma's willingness to forgive. Emma found herself confused by his actions, but nonetheless would always be a shoulder for Dexter to cry on. Dexter did not share the favor. This became a cycle for many, many years. Just as it seemed they finally worked through their issues, Emma suffered a tragic accident and passed away on July 15th. The special day the couple shared. At the end of this series, I found myself completely lost and confused. How could two people who shared such a deep connection wait so long to work through their individual issues? How will Dexter survive the rest of his life knowing that he wasted a decade without the love of his life? What would have happened if they would have resolved their issues sooner. While it may just seem like a heartbreaking romance, I found the series to offer so much more. It made me recognize that the connections, friendships, and relationships in my own life are precious and not to be taken for granted. Every moment is valuable, and you never know when someone you love might be taken from you in an instant. That said, if you are in search for a heart-wrenching and eye-opening series to binge watch, One Day is that series. It will leave you screaming at the TV, violently sobbing into your blanket, and understanding the true value of a second and the importance of living in the moment. One Day is proof that love and timing are always worth watching and life is always worth living.

By fusing passion with purpose, I aim to positively impact my world and community through Penn State Thon. This past year, I was privileged to be introduced to and participate in Penn State Thon. Thon is a student-run organization committed to supporting families and kids impacted by pediatric cancer. Students spend the year fundraising for the cause and then host a 48-hour dance marathon that includes students, faculty, families, and kids. It's the perfect opportunity to spread awareness of childhood cancer while also honoring the families who have lost their fight or continue to battle. There is no doubt that Thon does not make a positive impact on the State College community and beyond. As an out-of-state student, I wasn't aware of the organization. Thanks to my sorority, I was introduced to the organization and given resources to begin fundraising. I reached out to family members, friends, and professors about the cause. In only a few weeks, I was able to fundraise just under a thousand dollars. I then stood for 15 hours during the dance marathon. Now that I have truly experienced the magic that is Thon, I am even more determined to be a bigger part of its impact. There are several ways I plan to do this. Firstly, I am joining a Thon committee this fall. Essentially, committees are responsible for one of the key parts of Thon. Examples include Family Relations, Dancer Relations, Rules and Regulations, etc. As a committee member, I get the privilege of working closer with the organization by planning the event and connecting directly with the families involved. I also am seeking leadership opportunities that aid in fundraising within my sorority. As a sophomore, I am limited in the positions I can hold. However, there is a specific position available that takes charge of creating fundraising events to benefit Thon. I plan to host events such as Goat Yoga, Date Dashes, Pie-A-Gphi, etc. Not only does this allow collaboration with other campus organizations and therefore enhance awareness, but is sure to engage college students. Aside from using avenues like my sorority and a Thon committee, I plan to be a personal advocate for Thon in my daily life. Not only does this mean continuously pushing my donor drive, but sparking conversations about Thon--whether this be sharing my personal experiences, answering questions, or simply showing pictures from the dance marathon. While I may live in Texas, I want my community to hear about and understand the joy that Thon brings to the Penn State community. In my later years at university, I will commit to standing for the full 48 hours. This is a privilege many students work towards for many years, and something I can only dream of doing. To picture the impact this organization makes, this past year our students were able to raise 16.95 million dollars for pediatric cancer research, medical bills, music therapy, clinical nutrition, and so much more. This was nearly two million dollars more than the previous year. I may be able to put a number to its impact, but I can't put into words how standing in the crowd of Thon feels--the utter joy felt when a kid blows bubbles in the crowd, the sorrow of the stories of lost battles, and everything in between. Thon is an unforgettable experience. I Thon for more tomorrows, more smiles, and so that no child has to face cancer alone. That said, it is a privilege and honor to be a part of it, and I am committed to amplifying its impact in every way possible.

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times. If only one remembers to turn on the light." This quote is derived from my absolute favorite film--Harry Potter. This timeless film isn't just about magic; it's a journey through a world filled with magical creatures, captivating landscapes, and challenges that test the very essence of one's being. Yet, woven within its fantastical tapestry are profound lessons on friendship, love, resilience, and hope. Each film of the series unveils a new layer of complexity, offering a rich exploration of life's many facets and the unwavering power of the human spirit. The simple lesson I find most profound--never give up. Harry encounters myriad obstacles during his time at Hogwarts, from the looming shadow of Voldemort to the weight of his "Chosen One" status and the profound grief of losing his parents at a young age. Despite these formidable challenges, he remains resilient, his indomitable spirit unwavering as he battles through his adversity. While I am not nearly as courageous and strong as Harry Potter, I relate to several of his experiences. One of his most notorious features is his lightning bolt scar. The scar was a constant reminder to Harry of the strength and tenacity within him. I have a scar, but it is conveniently placed under my lip and it was acquired in a very different way. On a family ski trip in 2012, I ventured off the beaten path and through a challenging narrow passageway in an attempt to elevate my winter wonderland experience. The rush of the new experience soon gave way to me being airborne and then thrust face-first into an immovable tree, earning me thirty unpleasant stitches. My once-illuminating smile became crooked, and my clear skin was now harshly divided by a jagged line that plastic surgery failed to repair. It took many years to realize that beauty does not measure the value of my life and will never define success. Similarly to Harry, I needed to channel my frustration and sadness into strength and resilience. Another essential aspect of the Harry Potter film series lies in the heartwarming and enduring bonds forged between Harry, his loyal friends, and the 'surrogate' families he creates. The unconditional love that these characters exhibit show the importance of relying on those around you for help and support. I oftentimes find myself relying on my friends and most importantly my parents for support. I am a current freshman at Penn State University, but am originally from Dallas, Texas. Moving so far from home, I have faced several challenges; I have had to adjust to a new home, learn the ropes of college-level classes, etc. Because of this, I often find myself leaning on my friends and parents for support. Whether this be a pep talk before a dreaded Chemistry exam or simply wanting to hear their voice, I have found so much comfort in the close connections I have with my parents and friends. It is truly the reason I have been able to succeed this past year. I could continue connecting the wizarding world of Harry Potter to the reality of mine, however word count only allows for so many anecdotes. Harry Potter is not only the best film of all time due to its perfectly curated plot and interconnections, but the comfort in brings me is unmatched. It is a constant reminder that there is strength in differences, comfort in friendship, and hope even in the darkest times. I could watch Harry Potter a thousand times over and never get bored of the lessons I continue to learn.

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" For as long as I can remember, my Dad has repeated this mantra during my moments of success, failure, and everything in between. It is a constant reminder to me that success can not happen without the simple act of attempting. I am a current freshman at Penn State University majoring in Animal Science and a possible future minors in Equine Science and Economics. My freshman year has proved challenging. I moved hundreds of miles from home, had to adjust to a new environment, and simultaneously learn how to prepare and succeed for my new, difficult classes. The obstacle I will be focusing on for the purpose of this essay, also known as my greatest enemy-- Chemistry. As a member of the College of Agriculture Sciences and the Animal Science major, I am required to enroll in countless chemistry courses and labs. This past fall semester, I was enrolled in Chemistry 110 and 111, two of the most difficult classes to attempt as a freshman. However, going into the course, I remained hopeful that my strong study habits had carried over from high school. I was proved wrong. I prepared endlessly for the exams and quizzes. I religiously attended the lectures and labs. I participated, established my seat in the front row, and would attend extra study sessions and office hours to ensure my success. Regardless of my preparation, I still managed to fail my first exam. My second and third exam were slightly more successful, yet I still received C's. Going into my final exam, I understood I needed to receive a passing grade in order to receive credit for the class. For the remaining two weeks of my fall semester, I worked tirelessly towards this course. I attended more study sessions, more office hours, and spent every second I had towards studying for my exam. I don't believe there has ever been a moment I had been so devoted to a single exam or assignment in my academic career. However, there were many moments I wanted to give up. Throughout these two arduous weeks, I leaned on my parents for support. My Dad constantly exclaimed the importance of keeping a positive attitude-- and no matter the outcome I should be proud that I attempted. I put in the effort, preparation, and I tried my best. Going into exam day, I had the confidence I could succeed. And there it was, the notification. "Final Exam Grade Updated." My heart sank to my chest. This was it. This was my defining moment. I reluctantly clicked the notification. I had received a B. I had received a passing grade. I did it. Suddenly, all the work I put in the past semester and in the past week had paid off. Every chemical equation, calculation, and tear had been worth it. I have never been as proud of myself as I did in this moment. The phone call to my parents was one of the most joyful we had ever exchanged. Quite simply my Dad exclaimed, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." He reaffirmed that success is not the end result, but the experience of achieving the result. I did my best, and my best was more than good enough. Success is the experience. Success is doing your best. That said, this opportunity of receiving this scholarship would aid me in a multitude of ways. Not only financially, but it would show me I have the support and confidence from others that I can get through any obstacle that comes my way-- even Chemistry. Like I mentioned previously, my academic path and career goals may be difficult to achieve, but through my passion and ambition I am confident I can succeed. All I need to do is my best. That is more than enough. I will succeed.

When I think of someone influential, I think of someone who inspires people through words and actions. I think of somebody who embodies class, humility, and leadership. I think of my Spanish teacher, Senora Ortiz. Patricia Ortiz has one of the most wild, exhilarating, and inspiring stories I have ever heard. Aside from meeting the current President, almost being blown up in a faulty vehicle due to the Colombian embassy, and being a key witness in an FBI Investigation, Senora Ortiz is a cancer survivor. Before I get too ahead of myself, let’s start from the beginning. Throughout high school, I have consistently taken Spanish classes. At first, it was simply to fulfill the requirement for graduation, but after my Junior year, I began to fall in love with the Spanish language and gain a newfound perspective on the world around me. My first day of Junior year was extremely intimidating. Not only was I attending a new campus, but I was beginning several new advanced courses that I knew would be difficult. This included AP Spanish Language and Culture. When the bell rang to signify the start of my first Spanish class, an unfamiliar teacher began to pass out a pop quiz. My face went white. I knew none of the answers. Unsurprisingly, I earned a zero. The teacher scanned the room. She then said something along the lines of, “I am assuming you all did poorly. I don’t care. That is not what my class is about. I am more concerned that you leave my class with more knowledge about the world and culture around you.” The bell rang to signify the end of the class period. The remainder of the year was dedicated to diving into Latin American culture through open-ended conversation and research. More specifically, Senora Ortiz shared personal anecdotes and encouraged us to ask questions about what life was like growing up in Colombian culture. She connected with us by speaking about topics that interested us. For example, social media, high school drama & friendships, family dynamics, college, etc. Daily, she encouraged us to keep asking questions and learning. No question was a dumb question. Aside from teaching us about Spanish culture, she instilled lessons of confidence and individuality. When she moved to The United States, she was an outsider; She barely spoke English and knew very few people. Even now, she has a difficult time having conversations in English and communicating with the people around her. This all said, she highlighted to us the importance of embracing our unique traits and qualities because it's what makes us special. These lessons influence me to embrace individuality, celebrate cultural differences, and refrain from judging others based on their culture/ethnicity. She also inspires me to embrace my unique qualities and share my culture with those around me. I am a current Senior and have been blessed with another year in Senora’s classroom. If I am being completely transparent, I am still not the biggest fan of speaking the language nor the best, but I can wholeheartedly say that I am in love with the Spanish culture and am more knowledgeable about the cultures in the world that surround me. I am eager to learn more and am excited to expand this knowledge in my future academic endeavors. Senora Ortiz inspires me to approach my life with an open mind. I hope I make her proud.

“Shine bright like a diamond.” Every day before school, my Dad used to say this to me. He once said that the reason behind this was that he never wanted me to lose my bright personality. Although such a small action, this affirmation has made a tremendous difference in how I carry myself as a young woman. This said, if I had to highlight one quality that I value most in myself, it would be my charismatic, positive mindset. Charisma has played a massive role in many aspects of my life, including my work experience, dance team, academics, and relationships with my friends and family. My most significant extracurricular activity is my participation in the Varsity Golden Girls Drill Team. As a Golden Girl, I endure brutal morning practices, late-night choreography sessions, and brand practices in grueling heat. During strenuous practices, I make a conscious effort to be exceptionally motivating and uplifting, both for myself and as an example for others. I have learned first-hand that a positive environment promotes success and productivity. I am glad that my charismatic attitude can positively affect my teammates. Looking ahead, I know I will encounter many more group projects & collaborations in which I can showcase my charisma. As far as my academic experiences go, I can confidently say that my positive mindset has assisted me in achieving my absolute best. Throughout high school, my main ambition has been to be challenged, whether through accelerated coursework, active engagement in school organizations, or leadership positions. For example, my transcript includes the majority of advanced placement courses and honors courses. While I know this isn't the sole purpose of school, I remain proud I can succeed in several advanced placement courses. Having a positive mindset has enabled me to persevere through difficult projects, tests, topics, classes, etc. An example of this would be Pre-Calculus. Going into junior year, I wanted to challenge myself in an area that was not a relative strength of mine which led to a rough start in the form of a failing grade on the first exam. I attacked extra practice problems and joined a study group to bolster my progress by learning from, and with others. I am proud that I confronted the challenge with a positive mindset and steadily improved as the year progressed. Aside from school and practice, I spend the majority of my time working as a hostess at Texas Steakhouse in support of my college savings. Texas Steakhouse prides itself on its exceptional customer service and family-like atmosphere. As a Hostess, I am responsible for ensuring customers are comfortable and satisfied. Managers and guests have made several remarks about how my personable and optimistic personality has not gone unnoticed. Not only does my attitude affect the restaurant environment, but my work ethic and advancement. I can only imagine my bright, outgoing personality will help me succeed in my future internships and work experiences. Being a charismatic, positive person enables me to put my best foot forward in whatever I am doing. Whether I am approaching a difficult class, repetitive practice, or a long shift at Texas, I know I will endure it with a positive attitude and a bright smile on my face. Whenever I doubt my ability to do so, I remind myself to… “Shine bright like a Diamond.”

I've been surrounded by animals my whole life. Whether that be my family's combined 8 dachshunds, my horse Patches during my 9 long years as an equestrian, or the several small animals I've encountered throughout my extensive canine research and veterinary internships. Through these experiences, I've gained significant interest in Animal Science. However, thanks to a course I took junior year, AP Environmental Science, I find myself also intrigued by sustainability and conservation. This all being said, I currently hope to pursue a career as a wildlife biologist, conservationist, and veterinarian. While the destruction our society is inflicting on our environment is steadily increasing, it seems as if wildlife conservation efforts are rapidly declining. I find this truly irritating. I believe the main problem is the blatant lack of engagement and urgency from young generations. In my upcoming academic years, I plan to fix this problem. With social media platforms such as Instagram and Tik Tok growing rapidly in popularity, It would be extremely beneficial for conservation organizations and academic institutions to collaborate with largely followed influencers to directly reach young audiences. This could be through themed campaigns, brand sponsorships, or simply even a 30-second story of an influencer discussing resources to learn more about recent conservation efforts. Although a slightly unrealistic example, imagine how many websites visits National Geographic would receive if Kim Kardashian posted a short Instagram story. Unfortunately, I have doubts this will come to fruition. I guess I’ll just have to do it myself. Beginning my freshman year of college, I plan to start a series of video diaries on Tik Tok. Here, I will openly document my personal experiences navigating classes, summer internships, research opportunities, and possible study abroad adventures while simultaneously exposing the current state of our environment to the rawest and most vulnerable state. As a teenager, I understand current trends and mainstream media, which gives me the unique ability to connect with young audiences and produce relatable, creative, and engaging content. As time goes on, I can build a platform that not only attracts young generations but parents and elders alike. Ideally, I would like to continue my ‘vlogging’ when I enter the peak of my career as a wildlife veterinarian and researcher. Hopefully, at this point in my career, I will have inspired more youth to advocate for wildlife and practice sustainability in their daily lives. This is how I plan on making a difference in animal science and wildlife conservation, even if it's one follower at a time.