My childhood was marked by instability and profound loss due to my biological parents' struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues. This led to my siblings and me being placed in foster care for six years, where we faced separation from each other and the added heartbreak of a failed adoption. Throughout foster care, we experienced frequent moves, which disrupted our education and made it difficult to form lasting friendships. The uncertainty of not knowing when or if we would be reunited added emotional strain. This disruption of environments and caregivers made it challenging to maintain academic consistency and emotional stability. Despite these challenges, my adoptive family provided the love and stability that I needed but did not have throughout early childhood. As a military family that has moved seven times, from the United States to Germany, and now in Alaska, I have learned resilience and the value of diversity in education, belief formation, and social impact. My journey towards overcoming mental health challenges has been complicated. However, those complications reaffirm the critical importance for total healthcare that encapsulates mental health. The instability and trauma of my early years left deep emotional scars, but they also instilled in me a profound sense of empathy and determination. I have benefitted from the counseling offered to me in multiple environments and have experienced a wide range of its benefits while also encountering some of its insufficiencies. The support of my adoptive family has been invaluable. Their unwavering love and encouragement have provided a foundation of stability and security, enabling me to focus on my personal growth and development. Education has also played a significant role in my journey towards mental health recovery. Pursuing my studies has given me a sense of purpose and direction, helping me to build a future that is not defined by my past. My educational and career goals are led by my passion for advocacy and supporting those who feel voiceless. I am proud to be the first person from my biological family to have this opportunity. I aim to further my education by studying psychology with a concentration in social work, a field where I can make a significant impact. My experiences in foster care have instilled in me a profound empathy for those facing similar challenges, and I am committed to creating inclusive environments where every child feels valued and emotionally supported. Moving forward, I am dedicated to advocating for others and generating awareness for mental health challenges. I aspire to be a supportive adult who plays a critical role in a child's life, fostering growth and resilience. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who are facing similar struggles and to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. I plan to engage in community outreach and advocacy efforts, working with organizations that support children and families affected by mental health issues. Additionally, I am determined to pursue an advanced degree in psychology to enhance my skills and knowledge and prepare me to serve a healthcare provider in the mental health arena. By doing so, I can better serve my community and make a lasting difference in the lives of those I work with. I envision a career where I can help others navigate their challenges, just as my social workers and adoptive family helped me find my way and thus be a beacon of hope. Through my work, I hope to contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society, where mental health is prioritized, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

My childhood was marked by instability and profound loss due to my biological parents' struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues. This led to my siblings and me being placed in foster care for six years, where we faced separation from each other and the added heartbreak of a failed adoption. Throughout foster care, we experienced frequent moves, which disrupted our education and made it difficult to form lasting friendships. The uncertainty of not knowing when or if we would be reunited added emotional strain. This disruption of environments and caregivers made it challenging to maintain academic consistency and emotional stability. Despite these challenges, my adoptive family provided the love and stability that I needed but did not have throughout early childhood. As a military family that has moved seven times, from the United States to Germany, and now in Alaska, I have learned resilience and the value of diversity in education, belief formation, and social impact. My journey towards overcoming mental health challenges has been complicated. The instability and trauma of my early years left deep emotional scars, but they also instilled in me a profound sense of empathy and determination. I have benefitted from the counseling offered to me in multiple environments and have experienced a wide range of its benefits while also encountering some of its insufficiencies. The support of my adoptive family has been invaluable. Their unwavering love and encouragement have provided a foundation of stability and security, enabling me to focus on my personal growth and development. Education has also played a significant role in my journey towards mental health recovery. Pursuing my studies has given me a sense of purpose and direction, helping me to build a future that is not defined by my past. My educational and career goals are led by my passion for advocacy and supporting those who feel voiceless. I am proud to be the first person from my biological family to have this opportunity. I aim to further my education by studying psychology with a concentration in social work, a field where I can make a significant impact. My experiences in foster care have instilled in me a profound empathy for those facing similar challenges, and I am committed to creating inclusive environments where every child feels valued and emotionally supported. Moving forward, I am dedicated to advocating for others and generating awareness for mental health challenges. I aspire to be a supportive adult who plays a critical role in a child's life, fostering growth and resilience. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who are facing similar struggles and to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. I plan to engage in community outreach and advocacy efforts, working with organizations that support children and families affected by mental health issues. Additionally, I am determined to pursue an advanced degree in psychology to enhance my skills and knowledge. By doing so, I can better serve my community and make a lasting difference in the lives of those I work with. I envision a career where I can help others navigate their challenges, just as my social workers and adoptive family helped me find my way and thus be a beacon of hope. Through my work, I hope to contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society, where mental health is prioritized, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Yes, I was in the foster care system for more than six years. I was born into a difficult reality. My biological parents struggled with their own demons wrought by drug addiction, resulting in profound neglect for me and my siblings. After numerous interventions, New Mexico CYFD placed us in foster care, ultimately terminating their parental rights. Life didn’t improve overnight; my siblings and I faced separation in different homes and even endured the heartbreak of a failed adoption when a family backed out at the last moment. Despite these hardships, God's grace led us to our forever family after withstanding seven different placements over those six years. My dad, an active-duty Air Force officer adopted from foster care himself, has shown me that service takes many forms. He and my mom decided to pay it forward by fostering and adopting me and two of my siblings. Since my adoption, we’ve been stationed at four bases—in New Mexico, Germany, Alabama, and Alaska. Each experience has enriched my understanding of diverse cultures and the beauty of overcoming adversity. My second chance at life ignites my passion to serve others, and I am determined to make a difference as a special education teacher or as social worker. My experiences have instilled in me a deep empathy for those facing challenges. Additionally, my work with Ukrainian and Afghan refugees while stationed in Germany has deepened my passion. Witnessing their resilience reinforces my belief in the importance of community support. Ultimately, my journey equips me with a unique perspective, and I’m eager to help others navigate their challenges, just as my family helped me find my way. I aim to be a beacon of hope, fostering change in the lives of others. Growing up in the foster care system taught me the value of resilience and the importance of a supportive community. The constant changes and uncertainties I faced made me adaptable and resourceful. I learned to find strength in adversity and to appreciate the small victories along the way. These experiences have shaped my character and fueled my desire to give back to the community that supported me. Furthermore, my firsthand encounter with providing aid to refugees broadened my understanding of the global challenges faced by displaced individuals. Working with these communities has deepened my empathy and reinforced my commitment to advocating for those in need. I have directly witnessed the resilience and strength of these individuals as they rebuild their lives in a new country. Their stories have inspired me to continue my efforts in creating a more inclusive and supportive society. As I pursue my degree in psychology with a focus in social work, I am determined to use my education and experiences to make a lasting impact on my community. Whether it is through teaching special education or working as a social worker, I am committed to providing the support and resources needed to help individuals overcome their challenges and thrive. I believe that by fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society. Ultimately, my journey from the foster care system to finding my forever family has shaped me into the person I am today. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the support I have received along the way. With my unique perspective and passion for helping others, I am confident that I can make a positive impact on my community and be a beacon of hope for those in need.

My educational and career goals are tied to my passion for advocacy and supporting those who feel voiceless. I am proud to be the first person in my biological family to have the opportunity to attend college. I aim to further my education in either social work or special education, fields where I can make a significant impact. My own experiences in foster care have instilled in me a profound empathy for those facing similar challenges, and I am committed to creating inclusive environments where every child feels valued and supported. I aspire to be a supportive adult who plays a critical role in a child's life, fostering growth and resilience. Ultimately, I envision a career where I can help others navigate their challenges, just as my adoptive family helped me find my way and thus be a beacon of hope. I am determined to pursue advanced degrees and certifications to enhance my skills and knowledge. By doing so, I can better serve my community and make a lasting difference in the lives of those I work with. I want to contribute to the development of programs and initiatives that support vulnerable populations and promote equity and inclusion. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step in my journey. It would provide the financial support necessary to pursue a higher education without the burden of overwhelming debt. This financial freedom would allow me to focus entirely on my studies and extracurricular activities that align with my career goals. I plan to engage in internships and volunteer work that will give me hands-on experience in social work or special education. These opportunities are crucial for my professional development, as they will enable me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. This scholarship would also affirm my belief in the power of education to transform lives. It would serve as a testament to the resilience and determination that have brought me this far. I hope to inspire other young people from similar backgrounds to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacle they face. By sharing my story and achievements, I aim to be a role model and advocate for foster youth and others who have experienced adversity. This scholarship would not only help me achieve my immediate educational goals but also empower me to make a broader impact on society. I am committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, and I believe that this scholarship will be instrumental in helping me reach my full potential. In conclusion, my plans for the future are deeply intertwined with my desire to advocate for and support those who feel voiceless. It is the most vulnerable of society who are cast aside and are often left without support or direction in breaking cycles of generational poverty, in education, and trauma. During my six years of foster care, I suffered the added trauma of a rejected adoption, multiple displacements, sibling separation, and educational uprooting. Had it not been for adoptive parents to guide my education, challenge my goals, and illuminate all my potential, I would not have been able to achieve what I have and break the cycles of my childhood. My desire to educate and advocate is deeply rooted in and undoubtedly flows from my own experiences inside systems that often fail its most at risk members. Being awarded your scholarship will provide the financial support and validation I need to pursue my educational and career goals. With this assistance, I am confident that I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

My childhood was marked by instability, uncertainty, and profound loss. My biological parents, trapped in the grips of substance abuse and mental health struggles, were unable to provide the care and support that my siblings and I desperately needed. This neglect led to our placement in foster care by the Child, Youth, and Families Department in New Mexico, where we remained for six long years. During this time, we were often separated and even faced the emotional devastation of a failed adoption—an experience that left us feeling abandoned once again. Despite these challenges, my story is one of hope, resilience, and second chances. My adoptive family—my dad, an active duty Air Force officer, and my mom, a compassionate homeschool extraordinaire—took me and two of my biological siblings into their home. My dad's life story mirroring my own has shown me the profound impact that love, support, and stability can have in the face of adversity. Our family, shaped by resilience and the desire to help others, has been stationed across seven different bases, from the United States to Germany. Each place, with its own unique culture and community, has helped me grow, shaping my understanding of diversity and the strength that comes from adversity. These experiences, especially the trauma of being a child affected by addiction and mental health issues, have ignited my passion to help others facing similar challenges. My volunteer work supporting Ukrainian and Afghan refugees in Poland and Germany then gave me firsthand insight into the impact I can make. Witnessing the trauma of displacement and the resilience of families facing overwhelming odds solidified my commitment to service and reinforced my belief in the power of community support and psychological care. I am determined to use my education and personal experiences to advocate for those who feel unheard, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to overcome their challenges. As I look forward to attending Truett-McConnell University next year, I plan to study psychology with a focus on social work. I am eager to deepen my understanding of these issues and prepare myself to serve individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health struggles. My goal is to become either a social worker or a special education teacher specializing in helping children and families who are navigating these complex challenges. I want to be the advocate I needed as a child, ensuring that no one feels abandoned or alone in their journey. Ultimately, my journey has equipped me with a unique perspective—one that blends personal experience with a deep desire to serve. I know what it’s like to feel abandoned, but I also know the transformative power of a supportive family and community. Through my studies, I hope to be prepared to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to rise above their circumstances and thrive, and I am committed to making that a reality for as many people as I can.

My childhood was marked by instability, uncertainty, and profound loss. My biological parents, trapped in the grips of substance abuse, were unable to provide the care and support that my siblings and I desperately needed. This neglect led to our placement in foster care by the Child, Youth, and Families Department in New Mexico, where we remained for six long years. During this time, we were often separated and even faced the emotional devastation of a failed adoption—an experience that left us feeling abandoned once again. Despite these challenges, my story is one of hope, resilience, and second chances. My adoptive family—my dad, an active duty Air Force officer, and my mom, a compassionate homeschool extraordinaire—took me and two of my siblings into their home. My dad's life story mirroring my own has shown me the profound impact that love, support, and stability can have in the face of adversity. Our family, shaped by resilience and the desire to help others, has been stationed across seven different bases, from the United States to Germany. Each place, with its own unique culture and community, has helped me grow, shaping my understanding of diversity and the strength that comes from adversity. These experiences, especially the trauma of being a child affected by addiction and mental health issues, have ignited my passion to help others facing similar challenges. My volunteer work supporting Ukrainian and Afghan refugees in Poland and Germany then gave me firsthand insight into the impact I can make. Witnessing the trauma of displacement and the resilience of families facing overwhelming odds solidified my commitment to service and reinforced my belief in the power of community support and psychological care. I am determined to use my education and personal experiences to advocate for those who feel unheard, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to overcome their challenges. As I look forward to attending Truett-McConnell University next year, I plan to study psychology with a focus on social work. I am eager to deepen my understanding of these issues and prepare myself to serve individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health struggles. My goal is to become either a social worker or a special education teacher specializing in helping children and families who are navigating these complex challenges. I want to be the advocate I needed as a child, ensuring that no one feels abandoned or alone in their journey. Ultimately, my journey has equipped me with a unique perspective—one that blends personal experience with a deep desire to serve. I know what it’s like to feel abandoned, but I also know the transformative power of a supportive family and community. Through my studies, I hope to be prepared to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to rise above their circumstances and thrive, and I am committed to making that a reality for as many people as I can.

My childhood was marked by instability, uncertainty, and profound loss. My biological parents, trapped in the grips of substance abuse, were unable to provide the care and support that my siblings and I desperately needed. This neglect led to our placement in foster care by the Child, Youth, and Families Department in New Mexico, where we remained for six long years. During this time, we were often separated and even faced the emotional devastation of a failed adoption—an experience that left us feeling abandoned once again. Despite these challenges, my story is one of hope, resilience, and second chances. My adoptive family—my dad, an active duty Air Force officer, and my mom, a compassionate homeschool extraordinaire—welcomed me and two of my siblings into their home, blending us with their three biological children. This integration into a larger family unit helped me experience the warmth of belonging and the strength of unconditional love. My dad's life story mirrors my own, having also been adopted due to his biological mother's struggles with addiction. This shared experience forged a powerful bond between us and illuminated the profound impact that love, support, and stability can have in overcoming adversity. Our family, woven together by resilience and a shared commitment to helping others, has been stationed at seven different bases, from the United States to Germany. Each location, with its unique culture and community, has deepened my understanding of diversity and the strength that emerges from overcoming challenges together. Within our dynamic family, I have learned that true kinship is defined not just by blood but by love, support, and shared experiences. These lessons of adaptability and compassion are values I carry with me as I pursue my goals. These experiences, especially the trauma of being a child affected by addiction and mental health issues, have ignited my passion to help others facing similar challenges. My volunteer work supporting Ukrainian and Afghan refugees in Poland and Germany gave me firsthand insight into the impact I can make. Witnessing the trauma of displacement and the resilience of families facing overwhelming odds solidified my commitment to service and reinforced my belief in the power of community support and psychological care. I am determined to use my education and personal experiences to advocate for those who feel unheard, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to overcome their challenges. As I look forward to attending Truett-McConnell University next year, I plan to study psychology with a focus on social work. I am eager to deepen my understanding of these issues and prepare myself to serve individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health struggles. My goal is to become either a social worker or a special education teacher specializing in helping children and families who are navigating these complex challenges. I want to be the advocate I needed as a child, ensuring that no one feels abandoned or alone in their journey. Ultimately, my journey has equipped me with a unique perspective—one that blends personal experience with a deep desire to serve. I know what it’s like to feel abandoned, but I also know the transformative power of a supportive family and community. Through my studies, I hope to be prepared to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to rise above their circumstances and thrive, and I am committed to making that a reality for as many people as I can.

My childhood was marked by instability, uncertainty, and profound loss. My biological parents, trapped in the grips of substance abuse, were unable to provide the care and support that my siblings and I desperately needed. This neglect led to our placement in foster care by the Child, Youth, and Families Department in New Mexico, where we remained for six long years. During this time, we were often separated and even faced the emotional devastation of a failed adoption—an experience that left us feeling abandoned once again. Despite these challenges, my story is one of hope, resilience, and second chances. My adoptive family—my dad, an active duty Air Force officer, and my mom, a compassionate homeschool extraordinaire—took me and two of my siblings into their home. My dad's life story mirroring my own has shown me the profound impact that love, support, and stability can have in the face of adversity. Our family, shaped by resilience and the desire to help others, has been stationed across seven different bases, from the United States to Germany. Each place, with its own unique culture and community, has helped me grow, shaping my understanding of diversity and the strength that comes from adversity. These experiences, especially the trauma of being a child affected by addiction and mental health issues, have ignited my passion to help others facing similar challenges. My volunteer work supporting Ukrainian and Afghan refugees in Poland and Germany then gave me firsthand insight into the impact I can make. Witnessing the trauma of displacement and the resilience of families facing overwhelming odds solidified my commitment to service and reinforced my belief in the power of community support and psychological care. I am determined to use my education and personal experiences to advocate for those who feel unheard, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to overcome their challenges. As I look forward to attending Truett-McConnell University next year, I plan to study psychology with a focus on social work. I am eager to deepen my understanding of these issues and prepare myself to serve individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health struggles. My goal is to become either a social worker or a special education teacher specializing in helping children and families who are navigating these complex challenges. I want to be the advocate I needed as a child, ensuring that no one feels abandoned or alone in their journey. Ultimately, my journey has equipped me with a unique perspective—one that blends personal experience with a deep desire to serve. I know what it’s like to feel abandoned, but I also know the transformative power of a supportive family and community. Through my studies, I hope to be prepared to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to rise above their circumstances and thrive, and I am committed to making that a reality for as many people as I can.

Growing up in an environment impacted by drug addiction and mental health struggles, my childhood was marked by instability, uncertainty, and profound loss. My biological parents, trapped in the grips of substance abuse, were unable to provide the care and support that my siblings and I desperately needed. This neglect led to our placement in foster care by the Child, Youth, and Families Department in New Mexico, where we remained for six long years. During this time, we were often separated and even faced the emotional devastation of a failed adoption—an experience that left us feeling abandoned once again. Despite these challenges, my story is one of hope, resilience, and second chances. My adoptive family—my dad, an active duty Air Force officer, and my mom, a compassionate homeschool extraordinaire—took me and two of my siblings into their home. My dad’s own adoption story mirrors mine in many ways; he was also adopted because his biological mother suffered from drug addiction. This shared experience has been a powerful bond between us, showing me the profound impact that love, support, and stability can have in the face of adversity. My adoptive parents gave my siblings and me a second chance at life. Our family, shaped by resilience and the desire to help others, has been stationed across seven different bases, from the United States to Germany. Each place, with its own unique culture and community, has helped me grow, shaping my understanding of diversity and the strength that comes from adversity. These experiences, especially the trauma of being a child affected by addiction and mental health issues, have ignited my passion to help others facing similar challenges. My volunteer work supporting Ukrainian and Afghan refugees in Poland and Germany gave me firsthand insight into the impact I can make. Witnessing the trauma of displacement and the resilience of families facing overwhelming odds solidified my commitment to service and reinforced my belief in the power of community support and psychological care. I am determined to use my education and personal experiences to advocate for those who feel unheard, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to overcome their challenges. As I look forward to attending Truett-McConnell University next year, I plan to study psychology with a focus on social work. I am eager to deepen my understanding of these issues and prepare myself to serve individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health struggles. My goal is to become either a social worker or a special education teacher specializing in helping children and families who are navigating these complex challenges. I want to be the advocate I needed as a child, ensuring that no one feels abandoned or alone in their journey. Ultimately, my journey has equipped me with a unique perspective—one that blends personal experience with a deep desire to serve. I know what it’s like to feel abandoned, but I also know the transformative power of a supportive family and community. My goal is to use my education in psychology and social work to help children and families impacted by addiction and mental health struggles, just as my family helped me. Through my studies, I hope to be prepared to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to rise above their circumstances and thrive, and I am committed to making that a reality for as many people as I can.

I was born into a challenging reality. My biological parents grappled with their own demons, resulting in profound neglect for me and my siblings. After numerous interventions, the Child, Youth, and Families Department in New Mexico placed us in foster care, ultimately terminating our biological parents' rights. Yet, life didn’t improve overnight. My siblings and I faced separation in different homes and endured the heartbreak of a failed adoption when a family backed out at the last moment, leaving us feeling abandoned once again. Despite these hardships, God's grace led us to our forever family after six long years in the foster care system. My dad, an active duty Air Force officer who was adopted from foster care himself, has continually shown me that service can take many forms. He and my mom, who fostered us before adopting me and two of my other siblings, made the conscious decision to pay it forward and create a loving home for children in need. Our family has been stationed at seven bases—Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Germany, Alabama, and now Alaska. Each of these diverse experiences has enriched my understanding of different cultures and ways of life. From the vibrant community in New Mexico to the historical richness of Germany, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty in diversity and the strength that comes from overcoming adversity. Joining our loving, albeit chaotic, military family of eight has been a remarkable blessing. Through the challenges and the joys, I’ve witnessed the power of resilience and the importance of support. This second chance at life ignites my passion to serve others, and I am determined to make a difference as a special education teacher or social worker. I want to advocate for those who feel voiceless, ensuring they receive the help they need to thrive. My experiences in foster care have instilled in me a deep empathy for those facing similar challenges. I understand the critical role that a supportive adult can play in a child’s life, and I aspire to be that person for others. I envision creating inclusive classrooms where every child feels valued and supported, fostering an environment that encourages growth and resilience. Furthermore, my volunteer work supporting Ukrainian refugees displaced in Poland, an opportunity offered by the military, has deepened my commitment to service. Witnessing their resilience and the challenges they face has reinforced my belief in the importance of community support. I want to empower individuals and families to navigate their own journeys, helping them find their strength amid adversity. Ultimately, my journey has equipped me with a unique perspective, and I’m eager to help others navigate their own challenges, just as my family helped me find my way. Whether through social work or education, I aim to be a beacon of hope, fostering change and resilience in the lives of those I serve. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, and I am committed to making that a reality for as many people as I can.

I was born into a challenging reality. My biological parents grappled with their own demons, resulting in profound neglect for me and my siblings. After numerous interventions, the Child, Youth, and Families Department in New Mexico placed us in foster care, ultimately terminating our biological parents' rights. Yet, life didn’t improve overnight. My siblings and I faced separation in different homes and endured the heartbreak of a failed adoption when a family backed out at the last moment, leaving us feeling abandoned once again. Despite these hardships, God's grace led us to our forever family after six long years in the foster care system. My dad, an active duty Air Force officer who was adopted from foster care himself, has continually shown me that service can take many forms. He and my mom, who fostered us before adopting me and two of my other siblings, made the conscious decision to pay it forward and create a loving home for children in need. Our family has been stationed at seven bases—Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Germany, Alabama, and now Alaska. Each of these diverse experiences has enriched my understanding of different cultures and ways of life. From the vibrant community in New Mexico to the historical richness of Germany, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty in diversity and the strength that comes from overcoming adversity. Joining our loving, albeit chaotic, military family of eight has been a remarkable blessing. Through the challenges and the joys, I’ve witnessed the power of resilience and the importance of support. This second chance at life ignites my passion to serve others, and I am determined to make a difference as a special education teacher or social worker. I want to advocate for those who feel voiceless, ensuring they receive the help they need to thrive. My experiences in foster care have instilled in me a deep empathy for those facing similar challenges. I understand the critical role that a supportive adult can play in a child’s life, and I aspire to be that person for others. I envision creating inclusive classrooms where every child feels valued and supported, fostering an environment that encourages growth and resilience. Furthermore, my volunteer work supporting Ukrainian refugees displaced in Poland has deepened my commitment to service. Witnessing their resilience and the challenges they face has reinforced my belief in the importance of community support. I want to empower individuals and families to navigate their own journeys, helping them find their strength amid adversity. Ultimately, my journey has equipped me with a unique perspective, and I’m eager to help others navigate their own challenges, just as my family helped me find my way. Whether through social work or education, I aim to be a beacon of hope, fostering change and resilience in the lives of those I serve. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, and I am committed to making that a reality for as many people as I can.

I was born into a challenging reality. My biological parents grappled with their own demons, resulting in profound neglect for me and my siblings. After numerous interventions, the Child, Youth, and Families Department in New Mexico placed us in foster care, ultimately terminating our biological parents' rights. Yet, life didn’t improve overnight. My siblings and I faced separation in different homes and endured the heartbreak of a failed adoption when a family backed out at the last moment, leaving us feeling abandoned once again. Despite these hardships, God's grace led us to our forever family after six long years in the foster care system. My dad, an active duty Air Force officer who was adopted from foster care himself, has continually shown me that service can take many forms. He and my mom, who fostered us before adopting me and two of my other siblings, made the conscious decision to pay it forward and create a loving home for children in need. Our family has been stationed at seven bases—Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Germany, Alabama, and now Alaska. Each of these diverse experiences has enriched my understanding of different cultures and ways of life. From the vibrant community in New Mexico to the historical richness of Germany, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty in diversity and the strength that comes from overcoming adversity. Joining our loving, albeit chaotic, military family of eight has been a remarkable blessing. Through the challenges and the joys, I’ve witnessed the power of resilience and the importance of support. This second chance at life ignites my passion to serve others, and I am determined to make a difference as a special education teacher or social worker. I want to advocate for those who feel voiceless, ensuring they receive the help they need to thrive. My experiences in foster care have instilled in me a deep empathy for those facing similar challenges. I understand the critical role that a supportive adult can play in a child’s life, and I aspire to be that person for others. I envision creating inclusive classrooms where every child feels valued and supported, fostering an environment that encourages growth and resilience. Furthermore, my volunteer work supporting Ukrainian refugees displaced in Poland in 2022 has deepened my commitment to service. Witnessing their resilience and the challenges they face has reinforced my belief in the importance of community support. I want to empower individuals and families to navigate their own journeys, helping them find their strength amid adversity. Ultimately, my journey has equipped me with a unique perspective, and I’m eager to help others navigate their own challenges, just as my family helped me find my way. Whether through social work or special education, I aim to be a beacon of hope, fostering change and resilience in the lives of those I serve. Receiving this scholarship would help ensure I can achieve my academic goals without having to take out student loans. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, and I am committed to making that a reality for as many people as I can. If I can achieve that goal—then I know that I have been successful and helped others do the same.

I was born into a challenging reality. My biological parents grappled with their own demons, resulting in profound neglect for me and my siblings. After numerous interventions, the Child, Youth, and Families Department in New Mexico placed us in foster care, ultimately terminating our biological parents' rights. Yet, life didn’t improve overnight. My siblings and I faced separation in different homes and endured the heartbreak of a failed adoption when a family backed out at the last moment, leaving us feeling abandoned once again. Despite these hardships, God's grace led us to our forever family after six long years in the foster care system. My dad, an active duty Air Force officer who was adopted from foster care himself, has continually shown me that service can take many forms. He and my mom, who fostered us before adopting me and two of my other siblings, made the conscious decision to pay it forward and create a loving home for children in need. Our family has been stationed at seven bases—Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Germany, Alabama, and now Alaska. Each of these diverse experiences has enriched my understanding of different cultures and ways of life. From the vibrant community in New Mexico to the historical richness of Germany, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty in diversity and the strength that comes from overcoming adversity. Joining our loving, albeit chaotic, military family of eight has been a remarkable blessing. Through the challenges and the joys, I’ve witnessed the power of resilience and the importance of support. This second chance at life ignites my passion to serve others, and I am determined to make a difference as a special education teacher or social worker. I want to advocate for those who feel voiceless, ensuring they receive the help they need to thrive. My experiences in foster care have instilled in me a deep empathy for those facing similar challenges. I understand the critical role that a supportive adult can play in a child’s life, and I aspire to be that person for others. I envision creating inclusive classrooms where every child feels valued and supported, fostering an environment that encourages growth and resilience. Furthermore, my volunteer work supporting Ukrainian refugees displaced in Poland, an opportunity offered by the military, has deepened my commitment to service. Witnessing their resilience and the challenges they face has reinforced my belief in the importance of community support. I want to empower individuals and families to navigate their own journeys, helping them find their strength amid adversity. Ultimately, my journey has equipped me with a unique perspective, and I’m eager to help others navigate their own challenges, just as my family helped me find my way. Whether through social work or education, I aim to be a beacon of hope, fostering change and resilience in the lives of those I serve. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, and I am committed to making that a reality for as many people as I can.

I was born into a challenging reality. My biological parents grappled with their own demons, resulting in profound neglect for me and my siblings. After numerous interventions, the Child, Youth, and Families Department in New Mexico placed us in foster care, ultimately terminating our biological parents' rights. Yet, life didn’t improve overnight. My siblings and I faced separation in different homes and endured the heartbreak of a failed adoption when a family backed out at the last moment. Despite these hardships, God's grace led us to our forever family after six long years in the foster care system. Joining our loving, albeit chaotic, military family of eight has been a remarkable blessing. We’ve lived in diverse places—from New Mexico to Germany, Alabama, and now Alaska—each experience enriching my understanding of different cultures and ways of life. This second chance at life ignites my passion to serve others, and I am determined to make a difference as a special education teacher or social worker. I want to work in social work or as a special education teacher because I believe in the transformative power of support and advocacy. My own experiences have shown me how crucial it is to have someone in your corner, especially when navigating challenging circumstances. I understand the impact that dedicated professionals can have on individuals and families facing hardships, and I am eager to be that source of strength and guidance for others. My recent volunteer work supporting Ukrainian refugees displaced in Poland further solidified my commitment to this path. Witnessing the resilience of families uprooted from their homes and the profound need for compassion and assistance deepened my understanding of the importance of community and connection. Helping these families navigate the challenges of displacement has been a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we stand together in times of crisis. In social work, I envision myself empowering families to overcome their struggles and helping children find the resources they need to thrive. I want to advocate for those who feel voiceless, ensuring they receive the support they deserve. My journey through the foster care system has equipped me with a unique perspective on the importance of connection and community, and I am committed to fostering environments where individuals can heal and grow. As a special education teacher, I am passionate about creating inclusive classrooms where every child feels valued and supported. I understand the challenges that come with learning differences, and I want to inspire students to embrace their unique abilities. My goal is to cultivate a nurturing space that encourages growth and resilience, ensuring that each child knows they are capable of achieving great things. Ultimately, my experiences—both personal and through volunteer work—have fueled a deep commitment to service. I want to dedicate my life to empowering others, helping them navigate their own journeys, and showing them that they are never alone. Whether through social work or education, I aim to be a beacon of hope, fostering change and resilience in the lives of those I serve.