I am in the Criminal Justice Program at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and leaning towards K9 Tactical Teams for my career. I've been interested in crime stories and the people behind them since my early teens and this course work is exactly what I expected. I was invited to participate in the Learning Community which is a focus group of criminal justice majors who are given special opportunities in the field. This offers hands on experience with law enforcement, the correction system, criminal courts and the lab analysis. These off-school activities include defensive driving, mock , K9 Tactical Team ride-alongs and general ride-alongs with local law enforcement agencies. Since my exposure to these different fields, I am learning more of what is involved in the criminal justice system and how each piece plays an important role in the solution. My motivation towards law enforcement is to help stop the flow of drugs into the U.S. and provide education and understanding to the communities that are affected by the drug trade and addiction. My stepbrother passed away a few years ago from a fentanyl overdose from a pill he purchased over the internet. I would be bring awareness to the community and actively engage with drug enforcement to limit the impact of narcotics coming into and being distributed by enforcing the laws regarding illegal drugs and assist in developing plans for drug prevention. I hope I can help even one person, one family from having to grieve over the loss of a family member. During my first year of college, I was able to focus on my studies and ended with a 4.0 and on the Dean's List. This year, I am struggling a bit with the courses that are outside of my core studies but still maintaining a solid B in my overall academics. I know that the effort I put into these classes will be the baseline for what I can do in the future. I will be supporting myself through my academic years and the finances are a concern. I expect to work as close to full time hours by scheduling between 2 jobs through during breaks from school. This won’t be enough to cover the usual costs of tuition, room and board and the extras. Currently both of my parents are working and supporting an additional child who has Down Syndrome. He happens to be my twin. While he is functional, he is verbally and mentally challenged and will never live on his own. Due to severe medical issues, he will need full-time care or assisted care outside the home for his adult life. While both my parents work, their ability to help me with college expenses is limited. Receiving this scholarship will help offset the cost of the basics and allow me to focus on my studies and learning the skills necessary to become a key contributor in law enforcement. It will also let me explore many more opportunities on campus and within the Learning Community. Thank you for the opportunity.

I am in my second year of college in the Criminal Justice major. My interest in criminal justice has been with me since my teenage years watching crime shows and documentaries about serial killers and hard core criminals. I've wanted to be part of this community of law enforcement since watching these shows and with a personal connection to my stepbrother who overdosed on fentanyl in his early twenties. My goal is to be a key contributor in law enforcement by making my community safer and more educated regarding drugs and their impact on the family and society. As a Criminal Justice major, my interest is with narcotics and K9 Tactical Teams. During my freshman year, I was able to join the Learning Community, which is a select group of criminal justice majors who explore various criminal justice disciplines outside of the campus. The community has given me the opportunity to visit courts of law, a women’s correction facility, SWAT and K9 teams and experience first-hand what law enforcement offices encounter on their daily routes. This exposure has been a huge benefit and is helping me narrow down the field of criminal justice I want to pursue and how I can impact the community. I’ve experienced first-hand what can happen to addicts on several police ride-alongs and even those who casually use narcotics. The community is key to understanding and helping to solve the problem. I would bring awareness to the community through education and activities that promote a strong support system and give the community a positive image of law enforcement. I would actively engage with drug enforcement to limit the impact of narcotics coming into and being distributed by enforcing the laws regarding illegal drugs and assist in developing plans for drug prevention. These activities will help build a safer community. In some small way I may be able to advocate on my stepbrother's behalf and stop the drugs and culture that enables drug addiction and causal drug use with little concern for the user. My stepbrother had a choice but maybe it could have been harder to obtain the drugs and a community that supported him would have made a difference.

When I was a teenager, my go to shows were about crime and the worst serial killers. I know ... what a topic. But, after years of watching and absorbing the story lines, I realized that this is my passion. Investigating and ultimately solving the crime and making my community safer is the goal. I am currently enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program at Bowling Green State University. In my second year, my classes are focused on policing and investigations. I am also part of the Learning Community, which is a group of criminal justice majors who explore various criminal justice disciplines outside of the campus. The community has given me the opportunity to visit courts of law, a women’s correction facility, witness SWAT and K9 tactical teams in action and experience firsthand what law enforcement offices encounter on their daily routes. This exposure has been a huge benefit and is helping me narrow down the field of criminal justice I want to pursue. Right now, my focus is on my academics and securing the grades needed to be a success and set the path for the next steps. Winning this scholarship will allow me to stay focus on my studies versus the finances. Up to this point, I have managed to be debt-free. I took CCP classes in high school which saved me hundreds of dollars and have loaded up my schedule with as many hours as possible to take advantage of the tuition guarantee program offered by my college. My parents are unable to help me with college expenses. They have been very clear in their inability to provide any type of financial support. I work during breaks and the summer but don’t even come close to what is needed to cover the basics. This is somewhat limiting in the opportunities I can explore at school. Class trips to locations or off campus extras that would be beneficial to my major are typically out of reach. Working with my grandparents, I’ve learned the lesson to pay myself first, meaning put money aside even though there isn’t much, to have something for the unexpected or the future. I have a budget for monthly expenses, and I am conscious of every dollar I spend. I try to stay on track, but it can be hard. There are things I have to give up in order to not spend more than I have allowed myself. While I understand the need to be strict with my money, the stress of always worrying about it is a constant factor. This scholarship will give me some freedom in the budget and offer me access to more learning opportunities. My goal is to finish my college years with the least amount of debt possible so that I can have a successful start in life.

My parents divorced when I was seven years old. My mother and my siblings (twin brother and older sister) moved in with my grandparents for the stability and home they could provide for us. During this time, by twin brother had several major heart surgeries to fix the multiple defects he was born with because of Down Syndrome. This was a difficult time for all of us, there was so much that changed. Mom and Dad were caught up with my brother and his care and the fallout from the divorce. My sister and I were in a new home, a new school and my parents were overwhelmed. The home my grandparents provided was a constant in a crazy, complicated time of my life. My grandparents are strong believers in getting things out in the open no matter how difficult they are to discuss. They’ve taught me that I have value and an opinion that matters. Conversations with them are heartfelt and typically end up with me feeling much better and thinking more clearly. I’ve dealt with anxiety for most of my adolescent and teenage years. They advocated for me to seek help with a mental health provider for a non-biased opinion and work through some of my issues with parents, home and school. Working through some of this old stuff and gaining a sense of me has helped me be more of an advocate for myself and lets me stand up for what I believe is right. My grandmother is my biggest advocate and supports me emotionally and without judgement. She helps me navigate the family issues and deal with the stress and anxiety of school. I can always count on her to provide me a soft place to land and a realistic view of what's happening and the choices I have to overcome the challenges. Even when it seems hopeless, there is always a way to break up the problem into solvable parts. We work together to work out the details of school and plan for the future. When I was a teenager, my go to shows were about crime and the worst serial killers. I know ... what a topic. But, after years of watching and absorbing the story lines, I realized that this is my passion. I am currently enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program at Bowling Green State University. In my second year, my classes are focused on policing and investigations. I am also part of the Learning Community criminal justice majors who explore various criminal justice disciplines outside of the campus. The community has given me the opportunity to visit courts of law, a women’s correction facility, witness SWAT and K9 teams in action and experience firsthand what law enforcement offices encounter on their daily routes. This exposure has been a huge benefit and is helping me narrow down the field of criminal justice I want to pursue. Right now my focus is on my academics and securing the grades needed to be a success and set the path for the next step in my career path.

In my family, there is little support from parents who started but never finished school. As the first member of my family pursuing a 4-yr degree, I've always heard that "C's equal degrees" meaning a minimum effort will get you by. I'm not convinced that not trying as hard as you possibly can is the right approach to not only school but with everything you do. I am not ready to settle for average when I know I can do better. I am proud of my accomplishments and feel that the opportunities that come my way are due to my hard work and commitment to doing the best I can. I am on the Dean's List and have been invited to participate in the local chapter of the National Honor Society. This is a big deal to me, and this shows my entire family that just getting by isn't enough for me. This is me being a leader for myself to break out this attitude and make it happen for me. My twin brother was born with Down syndrome and for the first 5 years of his life, he spent the majority of his life in the NICU recovering from open heart, cardiovascular and lung issues. During this time, my older sibling and I spent most of our time with my grandparents who gave us the stability we needed and a welcome home to come to every day. My parents divorced and we once again moved back with my grandparents. They have been the most impactful people in my life. They have supported me during the tough times and helped deal with the heartache and confusion of my brother's health conditions and my parent's divorce. They laid the foundation for me to put my best self forward no matter what the circumstances. School has been a bit of a struggle for me and with their help and belief in me, I have been successful. I am a Criminal Justice major in my second year at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), in Bowling Green, OH. This major has allowed me to explore my interest in law enforcement and study the different fields that are available. The Learning Community for the same major, is a group of selected individuals who gain exposure to firsthand experiences with police officers via ride alongs and tactical training. We've visited courts and prisons, attended mock shooting scenarios and K9, SWAT simulations. These experiences would not be available to me if I was not participating and earning the grades to get into the program. I am committed to focusing and learning through the Criminal Justice program and the network of police and law enforcement representatives that we meet on our field trips. My interest in criminal justice has been with me since my teenage years and I know that my hard work and dedication to the academics and course work is critical to me being successful. I don't plan on just doing what I need to get by, I plan on succeeding to make a difference in my life and the lives of others when I become a respected member of criminal justice community. With my grandparents behind me and the push they give me whenever I feel like I can't do it, I will come out BGSU knowing I did my best and to my full potential.

I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at Bowling Green State University. I have been interested in true crime and crimes series since I was a teen. I am fascinated. by the knowledge and skill that law enforcement requires to collect, review, and make connections based on the evidence. The investigators and the detail work that goes into solving a crime is like a puzzle putting all the pieces together to get to a solution. Through dedication and hard work, law enforcement makes a difference every day During my freshman year at BGSU, I was able to join the Learning Community, which is a select group of criminal justice majors who explore various criminal justice disciplines outside of the campus. The community has given me the opportunity to visit courts of law, a women’s correction facility, SWAT and K9 teams and experience first-hand what law enforcement offices encounter on their daily routes. This exposure has been a huge benefit and is helping me narrow down the field of criminal justice I want to pursue. My goal is to be a key contributor in law enforcement by making my community safer and more educated regarding drugs and their impact on the family and society. I've experienced first- hand what can happen to addicts on several police ride-alongs and even those who casually use narcotics. I lost my stepbrother to a fentanyl overdose when he was in his early 20's. This is my motivation to educating the community about drugs and how they impact not only the family but anyone who is involved. The community is key to understanding and helping to solve the problem. I would help bring awareness to the community through education and activities that promote a strong support system and a positive image of law enforcement. I would actively engage with drug enforcement to limit the impact of narcotics coming into and being distributed by enforcing the laws regarding illegal drugs and assist in developing plans for drug prevention. These activities will help build a safer community. I hope that I can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and the community by reducing the number of drug-related deaths. The awareness of the community to the drug problem and its involvement in the solution is critical to saving the family.

In February 2021, my stepbrother died from an overdose of fentanyl. He bought the drugs online and took one pill that he did not know was laced with the drug. His passing was devasting for my family and those left behind. I wasn’t very close with him but did spend time with him talking about his goals and how important it was for me to follow my dream. His passing made me realize how people hide what their feeling and can take the wrong path to try to fix the problem. We were aware he was dealing with social anxiety, and he never really fit it. He was just out of rehab and obviously wasn’t in a good place. I also suffered from anxiety and his death made me look at myself and how I was handling the stress in my life. I started to see a counselor to deal with the issues I had related to my parents, divorce, siblings, school … just all of it. While it did help me, I still felt overwhelmed and struggled to keep the anxiety in check while suffering from panic attacks. In my first year of college, I was way outside my comfort zone and after long discussions, a trip to the doctor put me on medication and a clearer picture of what I needed to do to get mentally healthy. I have tried to journal. Writing my thoughts down does take away some of the noise in my head about things I can’t control. It makes it obvious what I can do to help myself. When I read back on some of my thoughts, it surprises me and gives me a sense of what I resolved and what I still have to overcome. Exercise gives me some relief from the anxiety by focusing on something challenging and actually fun. It gives me a break from the stress and makes me feel much better after a class or workout. I am in my sophomore year of college and am pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. I’ve always been interested in true crime and crime stories. It’s interesting to me how people behave and how law enforcement works to solve the crime. As part of my career in public service, I want to engage with the community to educate and hopefully prevent the spread of drugs. My stepbrother’s death is a huge motivator. I would also bring awareness to the community and actively engage with drug enforcement to limit the amount of narcotics coming into and being distributed by enforcing the laws regarding illegal drugs and assist in developing plans for drug prevention. By making the community safer and reinforcing the family and what law enforcement can bring to a community, the trust between the two will be stronger and create an environment of cooperation. Educating the community and providing resources and support for individuals, family and the entire community will ultimately save lives. My grandmother is my biggest advocate and supports me emotionally and without judgement. She helps me navigate the family issues and deal with the stress and anxiety of school. One of my professors is an officer with a local police department. He is a mentor for the criminal justice program and provides valuable networking and insight into law enforcement. He provides guidance in the classroom and in actual law enforcement experience. Both of these people have made a huge difference in how I can accomplish my goals.

My parents divorced when I was seven years old. My mother and my siblings (twin brother and older sister) moved in with my grandparents for the stability and home they could provide for us. During this time, my twin brother had several major heart surgeries to fix the multiple defects he was born with due to Down Syndrome. This was a difficult time for all of us, there was so much that changed. Mom and Dad were caught up with my brother and his care. My sister and I were in a new home, a new school and my parents were pretty much absent. I wished that they would have asked me more about how I was handling the changes and what I needed to be more secure. I know that not asking me or checking in made me feel like I didn’t matter and that whatever was bothering me or seemed to be a problem was minor given the problems with my brother. There was no time set aside to work through the changes and as a result I withdrew and just made myself invisible so that my problems didn’t make it harder on them. Any time I initiated a conversation it was a disaster and made me feel even more unimportant. To this day, I am not good at handling any honest discussion with them. I’m not an equal and therefore don’t have an opinion that counts. My grandparents are strong believers in getting things out in the open no matter how difficult they are to discuss. They’ve taught me that I have value and an opinion that matters. Conversations with them are heartfelt and typically end up with me feeling much better and thinking more clearly. I’ve dealt with anxiety for most of my adolescent and teenage years. Working through some of this old stuff, both personally and professionally, and gaining a sense of me has helped me be more of an advocate for myself and lets me stand up for what I believe is right. In high school, I engaged in several programs to learn leadership and help others. Through the school’s Huddle program, seniors mentored elementary students and help with life lessons. In my junior and senior years, I was able to mentor incoming freshman students to help with the transition from middle school. These programs boosted my confidence and let me realize that I do have something to share and that others can learn. In college, it’s all on me and sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming. I have to keep pushing forward to make my place and get to where I want to be. I have to believe in myself to get it done. It’s easy to slip and fall back into old behavior. As part of the Learning Community for the Criminal Justice program at Bowling Green State University, I am exposed to various aspects of the criminal justice system. I hope to worth with an agency that deals with narcotics and K9 tactical teams. I am focused on meeting my goals of being in law enforcement and giving back to the community by providing education, support and resource to reduce drug addiction and get families back together and the community safer. I am confident that I can make a difference.

I am currently enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH. I have always been interested in true crime stories and crimes series and how the evidence and hard work by law enforcement helps solve the crime. It is intriguing as to what makes people behave in such a deviant manner. The investigators and the detail work that goes into solving a crime is like a puzzle putting all the pieces together to get to a solution. As a Criminal Justice major, I was invited to participate in the Learning Community which is a focus group of students who are given special opportunities in the field. This offers hands on experience with law enforcement, the correction system, criminal courts, SWAT and K9 tactical teams. Since my exposure to these different fields, I am learning more of what is involved in the criminal justice system and how each piece plays an important role in the solution. I am leaning toward narcotics investigation and being a member of a K9 tactical team. My ultimate goal is to be a respected law enforcement agent with DEA, Homeland Security or US Marshalls handling unique and challenging cases. The year's course studies are focused on key topics of criminology: investigation, policing and forensic science. Each class gives me a better understanding of the different elements of law enforcement and helps narrow down the field. The Learning Community's outside activities gives a view of real-life experiences. All of this helps build the character needed to be in law enforcement. As part of my career in public service, I want to engage with the community to educate and hopefully prevent the spread of drugs. I've seen first-hand what can happen to addicts and even those who casually use narcotics. My own stepbrother died from an overdose of fentanyl. His struggle with drugs was a hardship for the entire family who worked with him to get help. In ride-alongs with a local police department, we responded to multiple calls where drugs were involved, one which resulted in an overdose. Drugs and alcohol are a prime reason for domestic violence and can lead to deadly results. I would also bring awareness to the community and actively engage with drug enforcement to limit the amount of narcotics coming into and being distributed by enforcing the laws regarding illegal drugs and assist in developing plans for drug prevention. By making the community safer and reinforcing the family and what law enforcement can bring to a community, the trust between the two will be stronger and create an environment of cooperation. Educating the community and providing resources and support for individuals, family and the entire community will ultimately save lives.

Going to college is my biggest achievement to date. It would seem like it would be an easy transition from high school to college but that was not the case. I struggled in school socially and at times with my grades. In my junior and senior year, I was able to pull up my GPA but unfortunately did not score well on the SAT falling somewhere in the middle. Finances were also a concern due to both my parents supporting an additional child with Down Syndrome. As the first member of my family pursuing a 4-yr degree. I've always heard that "C's equal degrees" but I'm not convinced that not trying as hard as you possibly can isn't the right approach to not only school but with everything you do. It is hard to overcome this attitude and lack of support. I am proud of my accomplishments and feel that the opportunities that come my way are due to my hard work and commitment to doing the best I can. I am on the Dean’s List and have been invited to participate in the Bowling Green State University chapter of the National Honor Society. This is a big deal to me, and this shows my entire family that just getting by isn't enough for me. This is me being a leader for myself to break out of this attitude and make it happen for me. I am entering my sophomore year and plan to continue to succeed on my current path towards a degree in Criminal Justice. My interest in criminology has been with me since I was a teenager, interested in the puzzle pieces of a crime and the dedication and intuitiveness that law enforcement needs to solve the case. I will continue to actively participate in the college Learning Community, which is a group of criminal justice majors focused on hands-on experiences in different fields of law enforcement. This exposure helps to narrow down the the field of study while giving glimpses of all facets of law enforcement. My goal is to become a contributing memory of law enforcement working on cases involving narcotics and drug related crimes and hopefully with a K9 unit. I would like to be able to make a difference in communities impacted by drugs. Education and making the community aware of the resources available to combat addiction and the consequences to, not only the individual but the family as well, is key to change. Changes in the way the community views law enforcement is also critical to working as a team make the society better and effecting a positive change.

When you initially meet me, you might think I'm shy and maybe a little withdrawn. I'm really cautious about who I spend my time and it takes me some time to warm up to people before I open up about myself. Once I'm comfortable, I am a loyal I'm really cautious about who I spend my time and it takes me some time to warm up to people before I open up about myself. Once I'm comfortable, I am a loyal friend. I believe in kindness and being respectful to others. I rarely engage in the drama that seems to be everywhere. I approach most issues with a level head and try to stay in the moment when dealing with sensitive issues. Family is everything and while we have our differences, the family is my strongest support system. I make time for them and appreciate that they have my back in everything. My personal interests are in country music, enjoying the concert experience, travel and finding joy in just about anything I do. Life is way too short to be disappointed about things that do not work out. As the first member of my family pursuing a 4-yr degree, I've always heard that "C's equal degrees" but I'm not convinced that not trying as hard as you possibly can isn't the right approach to not only school but with everything you do. I am proud of my accomplishments and feel that the opportunities that come my way are due to my hard work and commitment to doing the best I can. I am on the Dean’s List and have been invited to participate in the local chapter of the National Honor Society. This is a big deal to me, and this shows my entire family that just getting by isn't enough for me. This is me being a leader for myself to break out of this attitude and make it happen for me. Receiving this scholarship will help me obtain my degree by allowing me to focus on my studies and applying myself to get the most out of college. My goal is to be a key contributor in law enforcement by making my community safer and more educated regarding drugs and their impact on the family and society. As a Criminal Justice major, my interest is with narcotics and K9 teams, hopefully with the DEA. During my freshman year, I was able to join the Learning Community, which is a select group of criminal justice majors who explore various criminal justice disciplines outside of the campus. This exposure has been a huge benefit and is helping me narrow down the field of criminal justice I want to pursue. I’ve experienced first-hand what can happen to addicts on several police ride-alongs and even those who casually use narcotics. I lost my stepbrother to a fentanyl overdose just a few years ago. The community is key to understanding and helping to solve the problem. I would bring awareness to the community through education and activities that promote a strong support system and give the community a positive image of law enforcement. I would actively engage with drug enforcement to limit the impact of narcotics coming into and being distributed by enforcing the laws regarding illegal drugs and assist in developing plans for drug prevention. Together the goal is to make the community safer.

I am proud to be an American because I can live without fear. Fear of who I am, my choices and following them to conclusion. I am encouraged to reach my potential by succeeding both academically and personally. There are obstacles, but with perseverance and pushing through, most of these are minor setbacks to achieving my goals. There is always room for improvement and I am continually searching for ways to live up to my own expectations. I am not afraid to fail because it is a means to finding out what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again. I can do this because I live in an environment that allows me to be better, to be stronger and to succeed. Opportunity in America is available to everyone. My twin brother has Down Syndrome. He has shown me a new world of possibilities for people with disabilities and how not to take opportunities for granted. Because of my brother, I have given back to the community of Medina, Ohio through my affiliation with the Miracle League of Medina. As a volunteer, I have helped disabled adults and children enjoy the game of baseball. Everyone is a winner, and no one leaves the field without a hit and a score. It is always a tie game. I have supported this organization through fund raising activities and sponsored events over the last six years. During my high school years, I participated in programs to mentor elementary students and guide incoming freshman into the high school as a member of LincCrew. In my second year of college at Bowling Green State University, I will be involved in local charity programs and events to address those that are food challenged and helping to provide social support to those in need of care. The country needs to be unified to support a common goal for the success and enrichment of all people living in the United States. Drugs are a huge problem and need to be eliminated or at least managed to secure the future and long-term health of the American dream. As a criminal justice major, the goal is to become a leader in the law enforcement field. As an agent for change with regards to drugs and the influence they have in all aspects of Americans lives, I will constantly strive to educate and bring awareness to the community and the family through programs that promote a strong support system and advocate for social resources. The community is key to bringing back the principal values of the American dream. I would actively engage with drug enforcement to limit the impact of narcotics coming into and being distributed by enforcing the laws regarding illegal drugs and assist in developing plans for drug prevention. These activities will help build a community that puts itself, family and individuals first as well as creating a support system of law enforcement working directly with the community. I plan to be a part of this change.

As the first member of my family pursuing a 4-year degree, I have always heard that "C's equal degrees". But I'm not convinced that not trying as hard as you possibly can isn't the right approach to not only school but with everything. College is another opportunity for me to do the best I can do and I am proud of my accomplishments as a result of my commitment and hard work. I am on the Dean’s List and have been invited to participate in the BGSU chapter of the National Honor Society. This is a big deal to me, and this shows my entire family that just getting by is not enough for me. This is me being a leader for myself to break out this attitude and make it happen for me. I have always been intrigued by criminal shows and movies about serial killers. So naturally, my major is Criminal Justice. In my current program at Bowling Green University, I have been invited to participate in the Learning Community which is a group of selected studies who get the opportunity to experience the different aspects of criminal justice. As part of this community, we have been to several local law enforcement facilities, a corrections institute, a court of law and ride alongs with local law enforcement. SWAT and K9 teams have also been part of our exposure. This has given me first hand information on what it entails to be a member of law enforcement. I am focusing on narcotics and K9 teams. I have seen first-hand what can happens to addicts and even those who casually use narcotics. I lost my step-brother to a fentanyl overdose when he was in his early 20's. Throughout his lifetime, drugs were a constant and eventually he took too big a risk. I am conscious about what drugs can do to a family and how it affects everyone who is remotely connected to the one who died or overdosed. The community is key to understanding and helping to solve the problem. I would help bring awareness to the community through education and activities that promote a strong support system and give the community a positive image of law enforcement. I would actively engage with drug enforcement to limit the impact of narcotics coming into and being distributed by enforcing the laws regarding illegal drugs and assist in developing plans for drug prevention. These activities will help build a safer community. I hope to be part of the solution to a problem that has been around for a long while and impacts every level of society. Receiving this scholarship will help me obtain my degree by continuing to study and apply myself to get the most out of college. I will be supporting myself through my academic years and the finances are a concern. While I will be working through the summer and any school breaks, I can not cover the entire cost of education. The scholarship will help offset the cost of the basics and allow me to focus on my studies and learning the skills necessary to become a key contributor in law enforcement.

It was against anything I thought I could push myself to do. Everything was new, unfamiliar and definitely not what I expected. My roommate from home was missing; hitting the bar scene and leaving me behind. I felt alone and left out. The whole first semester college experience was overwhelming and would have been a disaster if not for medication and coping skills to help me reduce my stress and anxiety. Before heading to college, I was already suffering from anxiety and basically either avoided or shut down altogether when a situation got too stressful for me. It narrowed my friendship circle since I never wanted to put myself out there to people I didn't already know. I was shy and very cautious of new people. I've dealt with anxiety for many years and finally sought the help of a counselor and reached out to trusted family members to share my feelings. Of course, there were those who made me question whether I "could just get over it" or maybe try to "calm down". While it made me rethink the issue, these suggestions never really helped solve the issue. It just made me more anxious. My anxiety spiked with panic attacks and after several embarrassing situations, it was time to consider other options. Several family members, who advocate for mental health and realize that medicine is a help and not a social condemnation, steered me to a doctor to talk and pursue medication. I am grateful for their persistence in getting me to see that there is another way to live. I now manage my anxiety with medication and am more in touch with the reasons for my anxiety. The best outcome is me recognizing when my stress and anxiety is ramping up a how to deal with the situation and strive towards a more productive outcome. I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. You would think that the pressure of law enforcement and the harrowing experiences that are sure to be a regular occurrence in this field would deter me given my experience with stress and anxiety. Investigations and the science behind it are stable and can be counted on to show the evidence for what it is and how it made a difference. When I was younger, I was enthralled with TV series and movies depicting horrid crimes and even more gruesome crime scenes. I found an interest in the way law enforcement were able to collect data, put the pieces together and find a solution. It intrigued me for years and in high school became a focus for my future. I want to be able to be that person, who can solve the crime and contribute to society by taking criminals off the streets and getting some degree of closure for the victims. I am still anxious and have moments when life gets overwhelming. The best outcome is me recognizing when my stress and anxiety is ramping up a how to deal with the situation and strive towards a more productive outcome. I've learned to manage and cope with the feelings. While the medication is key, the biggest change is me advocating for myself and making sure that stressful situations are minimized. I am more aware of what triggers my anxiety and working through the problem instead of a full out panic. I surround myself with people who care about me and give me the space to talk about my feelings and how behavior and attitude affect me. I believe I am on the right path to a better me.

For the past 6 years, I have donated my time to the Miracle League of Medina. This organization supports a summer baseball program for children and adults with disabilities. My twin brother has Down Syndrome and it has given be a new perspective on what it means to be a part of a group of individuals who live for these shared moments of joy. I will continue to help where needed, giving those with disabilities a chance to cross the home plate for a win! In my upcoming sophmore year of college, I will be giving back to the Bowling Green community through an organization that sponsors food drives, elder care and child welfare programs. My goal is to be a key contributor in law enforcement by making my community safer and more educated regarding drugs and their impact on the family and society. As a Criminal Justice major, my interest is with narcotics and K9 teams, hopefully obtaining a job with the DEA. During my freshman year, I was able to join the Learning Community, which is a select group of criminal justice majors who explore various criminal justice disciplines outside of the campus. The community has given me the opportunity to visit courts of law, a women’s correction facility, SWAT and K9 teams and experience first-hand what law enforcement officers encounter on their daily routes. This exposure has been a huge benefit and is helping me narrow down my field of criminal justice. I’ve experienced first-hand what can happen to addicts on several police ride-alongs and even those who casually use narcotics. I lost my stepbrother to a fentanyl overdose The community is key to understanding and helping to solve the problem. I would bring awareness to the community through education and activities that promote a strong support system and give the community a positive image of law enforcement. I would actively engage with drug enforcement to limit the impact of narcotics coming into and being distributed by enforcing the laws regarding illegal drugs and assist in developing plans for drug prevention. These activities will help build a safer community. Receiving this scholarship will help me obtain my degree by allowing me to focus on my studies and applying myself to get the most out of college. I am committed to continuing my education and getting the experience and grades needed to put me at the top of my field to become a dedicated, law enforcement agent.

Cased solved! It always seemed easy when I watched true crime movies and crimes series. I know that is not reality and that the investigators and detail work that goes into solving a crime is like a puzzle putting all the pieces together to get to a solution. This takes experience and commitment to the job. Pursuing a criminal justice program been my focus since I was a teenager and now that I’m in college I’m able to follow that dream. My goal is to be a key contributor in law enforcement by making my community safer and more educated regarding drugs and their impact on the family and society. As a Criminal Justice major, my interest is with narcotics and K9 teams, hopefully obtaining a job with the DEA. During my freshman year, I was able to join the Learning Community, which is a select group of criminal justice majors who explore various criminal justice disciplines outside of the campus. The community has given me the opportunity to visit courts of law, a women’s correction facility, SWAT and K9 teams and experience first-hand what law enforcement officers encounter on their daily routes. This exposure has been a huge benefit and is helping me narrow down the field of criminal justice. I’ve experienced first-hand what can happen to addicts on several police ride-alongs and even those who casually use narcotics. I lost my stepbrother to a fentanyl overdose .The community is key to understanding and helping to solve the problem. I would bring awareness to the community through education and activities that promote a strong support system and give the community a positive image of law enforcement. I would actively engage with drug enforcement to limit the impact of narcotics coming into and being distributed by enforcing the laws regarding illegal drugs and assist in developing plans for drug prevention. These activities will help build a safer community. Receiving this scholarship will help me obtain my degree by allowing me to focus on my studies and applying myself to get the most out of college. Going into my sophomore year, I have earned my place on the Deans list. I am committed to continuing my education and getting the experience and grades needed to put me at the top of my field to become a dedicated, law enforcement agent.

Case Solved !! Since I was in my early teen years my go to TV shows were about true crime and criminal series. These are intriguing as to what makes people behave in such a deviant manner. The investigators and the detail work that goes into solving a crime is like a puzzle putting all the pieces together to get to a solution. I wanted to be part of the action. I am currently enrolled in Bowling Green State University in the Criminal Justice Program. I am also participating in the Learning Community for students who studies focused on criminal justice fields. In these programs I have had hands-on experience with different law enforcement agencies. I've visited a court of law, SWAT team, DART (drug) team ride along and a women's correctional facility. what law enforcement offices encounter on their daily routes. This exposure has been a huge benefit and is helping me narrow down the field of criminal justice I want to pursue. I am leaning towards narcotics and working in a K9 unit hopefully with the DEA or FBII. Receiving this scholarship will help me obtain my degree by allowing me to focus on my studies and applying myself to get the most out of college. My goal is to be a key contributor in law enforcement by making my community safer and more educated regarding drugs and their impact on the family and society. I’ve experienced what can happen to addicts on several police ride-alongs and even those who casually use narcotics. I lost my stepbrother to a fentanyl overdose. The community is key to understanding and helping to solve the problem. I would help bring awareness to the community through education and activities that promote a strong support system and give the community a positive image of law enforcement. I would actively engage with drug enforcement to limit the impact of narcotics coming into and being distributed by enforcing the laws regarding illegal drugs and assist in developing plans for drug prevention. These activities will help build a safer community. I will be supporting myself through my academic years and the finances are a concern. I expect to work 10-20 hours per week during breaks and time away from school, which won’t be enough to cover the usual costs of tuition, room and board and the extras. Currently both of my parents are working and supporting an additional child who has Down Syndrome. He happens to be my twin. While he is functional, he is verbally and mentally challenged and will never live on his own. Due to severe medical issues, he will need full-time care or assisted care outside the home for his adult life. While both my parents work, their ability to help me with college expenses is limited. Receiving this scholarship will help offset the cost of the basics and allow me to focus on my studies and learning the skills to follow my dream.

It was against anything I thought I could push myself to do. Everything was new, unfamiliar and definitely not what I expected. My roommate from home was missing, hitting the bar scene. I felt alone and left out. The whole first semester college experience was overwhelming and would have been a disaster if not for medication and coping skills to help me reduce my stress and anxiety. Before heading to college, I was already suffering from anxiety and basically either avoided or shut down altogether when a situation got too stressful for me. It narrowed my friendship circle since I never wanted to put myself out there to people I didn't already know. I was shy and very cautious of new people. I've dealt with anxiety for many years and finally sought the help of a counselor and reached out to trusted family members to share my feelings. Of course, there were those who made me question whether I "could just get over it" or maybe try to "calm down". While it made me rethink the issue, it never really helped solve it. It just made me more anxious. My anxiety spiked with panic attacks and after several embarrassing situations, it was time to consider other options. Several family members, who advocate for mental health and realize that medicine is a help and not a social condemnation, steered me to a doctor to talk and pursue medication. I am grateful for their persistence in getting me to see that there is another way to live. I now manage my anxiety with medication and exercise. Exercising gives me the balance I need to cope with the stress. The best outcome is me recognizing when my stress and anxiety is ramping up a how to deal with the situation and strive towards a more productive outcome. I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. You would think that the pressure of law enforcement and the harrowing experiences that are sure to be a regular occurrence in this field would deter me given my experience with stress and anxiety. Investigations and the science behind it are stable and can be counted on to show the evidence for what it is and how it made a difference. When I was younger, I was enthralled with TV series and movies depicting horrid crimes and even more gruesome crime scenes. I found an interest in the way law enforcement agencies able to collect data, put the pieces together and find a solution. It intrigued me for years and in high school became a focus for my future. I want to be able to be that person, who can solve the crime and contribute to society by taking criminals off the streets and getting some degree of closure for the victims.

1. I will be supporting myself through my academic years and the finances are a concern. I expect to work 10-20 hours per week during breaks and time away from school, which won’t be enough to cover the usual costs of tuition, room and board and the extras. Currently both of my parents are working and supporting an additional child who has Down Syndrome. He happens to be my twin. While he is functional, he is verbally and mentally challenged and will never live on his own. Due to severe medical issues, he will need full-time care or assisted care outside the home for his adult life. While both my parents work, their ability to help me with college expenses is limited. Receiving this scholarship will help offset the cost of the basics and allow me to focus on my studies and learning the skills necessary to become a key contributor in law enforcement. Getting out of school with the least amount of debt would make it easier while in school and after I start working and have to pay back my loans. 2. Receiving this scholarship will help me obtain my degree by allowing me to focus on my studies and applying myself to get the most out of college. My dream is to be a key contributor in law enforcement by making my community safer and more educated regarding drugs and their impact on the family and society. As a Criminal Justice major, my interest is with narcotics and K9 teams, hopefully with the DEA. During my freshman year, I was able to join the Learning Community, which is a select group of criminal justice majors who explore various criminal justice disciplines outside of the campus. The Community has given me the opportunity to visit courts of law, a women’s correction facility, SWAT and K9 teams and experience first-hand what law enforcement offices encounter on their daily routes. This exposure has been a huge benefit and is helping me narrow down the field of criminal justice I want to pursue. 3. I’ve experienced first-hand what can happen to addicts on several police ride-alongs and even those who casually use narcotics. I lost my stepbrother to a fentanyl overdose. The community is key to understanding and helping to solve the problem. I would help bring awareness to the community through education and activities that promote a strong support system and give the community a positive image of law enforcement. I would actively engage with drug enforcement to limit the impact of narcotics coming into and being distributed by enforcing the laws regarding illegal drugs and assist in developing plans for drug prevention. These activities will help build a safer community.

I am volunteering at my local food bank over my summer break to help the number of families and individuals who experience food insecurity in my local community. The food bank supports bi-weekly food distributions and weekly senior and elementary school aged bagging activities. I did not realize that the problem in our small community was so overwhelming. I was surprised to learn that over 614,000 meals are distributed annually through these programs. During the 2024-2025 college year, I will be participating in an on-campus organization that supports local service projects for the Bowling Green, Ohio community and neighboring cities. Projects include food and hygiene pantry collection and distribution, housing, health services and job programs. I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at Bowling Green State University. During my fall semester, I was able to join the Learning Community, which is a select group of criminal justice majors who explore various criminal justice disciplines outside of the campus. The community has given me the opportunity to visit courts of law, a women’s correction facility, SWAT and K9 teams and experience first-hand what law enforcement offices encounter on their daily routes. This exposure has been a huge benefit and is helping me narrow down the field of criminal justice I want to study. I have always been interested in true crime and crimes series and how the evidence helps get to the conclusion. The investigators and the detail work that goes into solving a crime is like a puzzle putting all the pieces together to get to a solution. My ultimate goal is to become a contributing member of law enforcement either through working on crimes in the lab setting or with a law enforcement agency. I am leaning towards criminal investigation and forensic science to understand the unseen and obvious clues to finding a solution and helping victims of crime and the community. The investigative work would give me the opportunity to be present and active at a crime scene and witness the unfolding of the evidence. This expertise is needed to develop a case and provide clear evidence that a crime has been committed. Forensic science is a growing field with new and innovative technology that provides more opportunities to get into the details of a crime. I want to be part of this emerging field and be the best in my field. Both my individual and team contributions will help solve open and closed cases putting criminals behind bars and giving victims the closure and making a safer community.

I will be supporting myself for the majority of my schooling. I have worked part time over the last 3 years while in high school and continue to work part-time during my college breaks. While this does help offset some of the costs, I will most likely not be able to attend school without taking a loan for the expenses of room and board, tuition and out of pocket costs. Both of my parents are working and supporting an additional child with Down Syndrome. He happens to be my twin brother. He is unable to care for himself and will probably remain in the care of my parents or an outside agency for his entire life. He will never be able to live on his own due to severe medical issues. I am pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio. This program gives me hands-on experience with several different facets of law enforcement and the justice system. Additionally, I participate in the Criminal Justice Learning Community, which is a select group of students whose focus of studies is criminal justice. We have been to several local law enforcement facilities, ride-alongs with law enforcement and K9 units, SWAT, a corrections institute and court of law. I am leaning towards criminal investigation, forensic, to understand the unseen and obvious clues to finding a solution and helping victims of crime and the community. The investigative works give me the opportunity to be present and active at a crime scene and witness the unfolding of the evidence. Forensic science is a growing field with new and innovative technology that provides more opportunities to get into the details of a crime. I want to be part of this emerging field and be the best in my field. Both my individual and team contributions will help solve open and closed cases putting criminals behind bars and giving victims the closure they need. Receiving this scholarship will help me obtain my degree thereby allowing me to make a positive contribution to the community. The scholarship will help offset the cost of the basics and allow me to focus on my studies and minimize the strain of finances. I will be able to concentrate on learning the skills necessary to become a key contributor in law enforcement. With my focus on criminal justice and criminology, I will be analyzing not only the elements of the crime but also trying to understand the psychology behind the offender and help to get them off the street. The overall goal is to make the community safer for everyone.

I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at Bowling Green State University. My ultimate goal is to secure a position with a prestigious law enforcement agency to use my skills toward making a safer community. I have always been interested in true crime and crimes series and how the evidence helps get to the conclusion. These are intriguing as to what makes people behave in such a deviant manner. The investigators and the detail work that goes into solving a crime is like a puzzle putting all the pieces together to get to a solution. The Criminal Justice program at Bowling Green has given me hands-on experience with several different facets of law enforcement and the justice system. As part of the Criminal Justice Learning Community, a group of students whose focus of studies is criminal justice, we have been to several local law enforcement facilities, a corrections institute and court of law and have participated in several ride-alongs with law enforcement and K9 units. I am leaning towards criminal investigation, forensic, to understand the unseen and obvious clues to finding a solution and helping victims of crime and the community. The investigative works give me the opportunity to be present and active at a crime scene and witness the unfolding of the evidence. Forensic science is a growing field with new and innovative technology that provides more opportunities to get into the details of a crime. I want to be part of this emerging field and be the best in my field. Both my individual and team contributions will help solve open and closed cases putting criminals behind bars and giving victims the closure they need. Receiving this scholarship will help me obtain my degree thereby allowing me to make a positive contribution to the community. I will be supporting myself through my academic years and the finances are a concern. The scholarship will help offset the cost of the basics and allow me to focus on my studies and learning the skills necessary to become a key contributor in law enforcement. With my concentration in forensic investigation and psychology, I will be analyzing not only the elements of the crime but also trying to understand the psychology behind the offender. With these offenders off the streets and the knowledge that is revealed during the crime scene review and the hard work of law enforcement, the community will be safer.

I am currently a freshman in the Criminal Justice program at Bowling Green State University, OH. My goal is to be hired by prestigious law enforcement agency to use my skills toward making a safer community. I have always been interested in true crime and crimes series and how the evidence helps get to the conclusion. These are intriguing as to what makes people behave in such a deviant manner. The investigators and the detail work that goes into solving a crime is like a puzzle putting all the pieces together to get to a solution. The program has given me hands-on experience with several different facets of law enforcement and the justice system. As part of the Criminal Justice Learning Community, a group of students whose focus of studies is criminal justice, we have been to several local law enforcement facilities, a corrections institute and court of law. I am leaning towards criminal investigation, forensic, to understand the unseen and obvious clues to finding a solution and helping victims of crime and the community. The investigative works give me the opportunity to be present and active at a crime scene and witness the unfolding of the evidence. Forensic science is a growing field with new and innovative technology that provides more opportunities to get into the details of a crime. I want to be part of this emerging field and be the best in my field. Both my individual and team contributions will help solve open and closed cases putting criminals behind bars and giving victims the closure they need. The fields of criminology and criminal justice are typically male dominated. Today's law enforcement number for females is under 15%. I'd like to change that percentage by being part of a bigger picture that gives females the opportunity to make a contribution to their communities through law enforcement and investigative work. At a minimum, women in law enforcement improves the overall response to women who have been involved in a violent or sexual crime. Women bring unique qualifications to the job such as multi-tasking and problem-solving skills. Including women in this field is a necessity as we continue to see crime rates rise and the need for a more diverse law enforcement experience in response. There is no longer a place for sexual discrimination or harassment for females, they need to be received as contributing members to the problem and allowed the same opportunities of men entering the field.

I didn't think I could do it. It was against anything I thought I could push myself to do. Everything was new, unfamiliar and definitely not what I expected. My roommate from home was missing, hitting the bar scene. I felt alone and left out. The whole first semester college experience was overwhelming and would have been a disaster if not for medication and coping skills to help me reduce my stress and anxiety. Before heading to college, I was already suffering from anxiety and basically either avoided or shut down altogether when a situation got too stressful for me. It narrowed my friendship circle since I never wanted to put myself out there to people I didn't already know. I was shy and very cautious of new people. I've dealt with anxiety for many years and finally sought the help of a counselor and reached out to trusted family members to share my feelings. Of course, there were those who made me question whether or not I "could just get over it" or maybe try to "calm down". While it made me rethink the issue, it never really helped solve it. It just made me more anxious. My anxiety spiked with panic attacks and after several embarrassing situations, it was time to consider other options. Several family members, who advocate for mental health and realize that medicine is a help and not a social condemnation, steered me to a doctor to talk and pursue medication. I am grateful for their persistence in getting me to see that there is another way to live. I now manage my anxiety with medication. The best outcome is me recognizing when my stress and anxiety is ramping up a how to deal with the situation and strive towards a more productive outcome. I am pursuing a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. I am leaning towards criminal investigation, forensics, to understand the unseen and obvious clues to finding a solution and helping victims of crime and the community. The investigative works give me the opportunity to be present and active at a crime scene and witness the unfolding of the evidence. You would think that the pressure of law enforcement and the harrowing experiences that are sure to be a regular occurrence in this field would deter me given my past experience with stress and anxiety. But I'm not concerned. When I was younger, I was enthralled with TV series and movies depicting horrid crimes and even more gruesome crime scenes. I found an interest in the way law enforcement were able to collect data, put the pieces together and find a solution. It intrigued me for years and in high school became a focus for my future. I want to be able to be that person, who can solve the crime and make a contribution to society by taking criminals off the streets and getting some degree of closure for the victims.

For the longest time I always heard "C's means degrees", meaning that education and putting in the least amount of effort in your academic studies was good enough. The degree only mattered on paper and didn't even have to be in your field of interest. Being first in my family to get a degree would prove them all wrong. In my first semester at Bowling Green State University, I've succeeded getting on the Dean's List, received an invitation to the local chapter of the National Honor Society and earned a 4.0 GPA. I don't believe that giving all I've got is a waste of time. I'm proud of these accomplishments and intend to continue down the same path for the rest of my college experience. I want to be learn to be the best at the career I've chosen and not settle for the average. I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. My ultimate goal is to secure a position with a prestigious law enforcement agency to use my skills toward making a safer community. I have always been interested in true crime and crimes series and how the evidence helps get to the conclusion. These are intriguing as to what makes people behave in such a deviant manner. The investigators and the detail work that goes into solving a crime is like a puzzle putting all the pieces together to get to a solution. The Criminal Justice program at Bowling Green has given me hands-on experience with several different facets of law enforcement and the justice system. As part of the Criminal Justice Learning Community, a group of students whose focus of studies is criminal justice, we have been to several local law enforcement facilities, a corrections institute and court of law. I am leaning towards criminal investigation, forensic, to understand the unseen and obvious clues to finding a solution and helping victims of crime and the community. The investigative works give me the opportunity to be present and active at a crime scene and witness the unfolding of the evidence. Forensic science is a growing field with new and innovative technology that provides more opportunities to get into the details of a crime. I want to be part of this emerging field and be the best in my field. Both my individual and team contributions will help solve open and closed cases putting criminals behind bars and giving victims the closure they need. With my concentration in forensic investigation and minor in psychology, I will be analyzing not only the elements of the crime but also trying to understand the psychology behind the offender. With these offenders off the streets and the knowledge that is revealed during the crime scene review and the hard work of law enforcement, the community will be safer. I am seeking an internship this summer (2024) with the Ohio State Patrol to give me more experience. This is in my hometown which will give me another look at what's happening behind the scenes of our community. I am anxious to network with law enforcement representatives and the valuable experience they have in their respective fields. These opportunities are hard to come by and any one of them will help me reach my goal. I am extremely grateful for the chance to work one-on-one with these experts. I will continue to look and apply for these opportunities to give me a well-rounded background in the field.

I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. My ultimate goal is to secure a position with a prestigious law enforcement agency to use my skills toward making a safer community. I have always been interested in true crime and crimes series and how the evidence helps get to the conclusion. These are intriguing as to what makes people behave in such a deviant manner. The investigators and the detail work that goes into solving a crime is like a puzzle putting all the pieces together to get to a solution. The Criminal Justice program at Bowling Green has given me hands-on experience with several different facets of law enforcement and the justice system. As part of the Criminal Justice Learning Community, a group of students whose focus of studies is criminal justice, we have been to several local law enforcement facilities, a corrections institute and court of law. I am leaning towards criminal investigation, forensic, to understand the unseen and obvious clues to finding a solution and helping victims of crime and the community. The investigative works give me the opportunity to be present and active at a crime scene and witness the unfolding of the evidence. Forensic science is a growing field with new and innovative technology that provides more opportunities to get into the details of a crime. I want to be part of this emerging field and be the best in my field. Both my individual and team contributions will help solve open and closed cases putting criminals behind bars and giving victims the closure they need. I am seeking an internship this summer with the Ohio State Patrol to give me more experience. This is in my hometown which will give me another look at what's happening behind the scenes of our community. I am anxious to network with law enforcement representatives and the valuable experience they have in their respective fields. These opportunities are hard to come by and any one of them will help me reach my goal. I am extremely grateful for the chance to work one-on-one with these experts. I will continue to look and apply for these opportunities to give me a well-rounded background in the field. With my concentration in forensic investigation and minor in psychology, I will be analyzing not only the elements of the crime but also trying to understand the psychology behind the offender. With these offenders off the streets and the knowledge that is revealed during the crime scene review and the hard work of law enforcement, the community will be safer.

I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. My ultimate goal is to secure a position with a prestigious law enforcement agency to use my skills toward making a safer community. I have always been interested in true crime and crimes series and how the evidence helps get to the conclusion. These are intriguing as to what makes people behave in such a deviant manner. The investigators and the detail work that goes into solving a crime is like a puzzle putting all the pieces together to get to a solution. The Criminal Justice program at Bowling Green has given me hands-on experience with several different facets of law enforcement and the justice system. As part of the Criminal Justice Learning Community, a group of students whose focus of studies is criminal justice, we have been to several local law enforcement facilities, a corrections institute and court of law. I am leaning towards criminal investigation, forensic, to understand the unseen and obvious clues to finding a solution and helping victims of crime and the community. The investigative works give me the opportunity to be present and active at a crime scene and witness the unfolding of the evidence. Forensic science is a growing field with new and innovative technology that provides more opportunities to get into the details of a crime. I want to be part of this emerging field and be the best in my field. Both my individual and team contributions will help solve open and closed cases putting criminals behind bars and giving victims the closure they need. I am seeking an internship this summer with the Ohio State Patrol to give me more experience. This is in my hometown which will give me another look at what's happening behind the scenes of our community. I am anxious to network with law enforcement representatives and the valuable experience they have in their respective fields. These opportunities are hard to come by and any one of them will help me reach my goal. I am extremely grateful for the chance to work one-on-one with these experts. I will continue to look and apply for these opportunities to give me a well rounded background in the field. Receiving this scholarship will help me obtain my degree thereby allowing me to make a positive contribution to the community. I will be supporting myself through my academic years and the finances are a concern. The scholarship will help offset the cost of the basics and allow me to focus on my studies and learning the skills necessary to become a key contributor in law enforcement. With my concentration in forensic investigation and minor in psychology, I will be analyzing not only the elements of the crime but also trying to understand the psychology behind the offender. With these offenders off the streets and the knowledge that is revealed during the crime scene review and the hard work of law enforcement, the community will be safer.

(1) Hooper who takes on the responsibility of saving the town and its residents. While he presents himself as a loner and a loser, he doesn't hesitate to step in to solve the problems of the town and help those in danger. He makes an emotional connection with Eleven and tries hard to overcome his own shortcomings to make it as normal as he can for her. Hooper would be my go to guy for taking the lead and ensuring everyone's safety. (2) Nancy would be my second choice. She's afraid but fearless. As a journalist, she inquisitive and wants to find out everything she can to make sense of what's happening. She thinks "outside the box" and is always searching for a way to solve the problem. She doesn't give up and is not deterred by even more stranger things. She would be an asset on the team to keep everyone on the same page and the end goal of saving the town. (3) Will would be my final choice. His connection to the "Upside Down" is unique and helpful to the people who are investigating the events in Hawkins. His ability to communicate when he's in the "Upside Down" shows his imagination and determination to stay connected to his family and friends. His visions into the "Upside Down" provide valuable information to the team. He definitely would be included in my squad to keep an eye on what's happening with the underworld.

I was born a twin to a brother with Downs Syndrome and extensive medical conditions. Immediately, at birth, we were separated and the journey began. Throughout my life, I have lived with the constant fear that his medical conditions would overcome him. He continues to thrive with the help of medical advances and sheer brilliance on the part of the surgeons who have worked to make his condition manageable. His medical situation put him in the hospital for months at a time, multiple times. These hospital stays split our family and moved me in with family members who were supportive and loving. I was blessed to have them. I learned to adapt at an early age to changes that were out of my control. Living apart from my parents and brother became the norm for us. We learned to overcome what was inevitability a situation that was beyond anything that we could have imagined for our family. This helped make me comfortable with uncomfortable situations and gave me the confidence to be myself no matter where I landed. His disability has helped shaped who I am today. He has taught me the value of patience and treating everyone with respect and kindness. His disabilities make it difficult for him to communicate and it's up to me to get the message and respond. I will admit, there are times when it is trying and as my brother, he can be extremely annoying, but overall he is my heart. He is fun-loving and mischievous and is always filled with joy. He makes me see things in the world that I would normally overlook. He is non-judgemental and always happy to meet someone new no matter what they look like or how they present themselves. Everywhere we go, someone knows him. I can only hope that I leave this impression on the people I meet. I've spent time giving back to the community by volunteering at Miracle League of Medina, which is a baseball foundation that promotes the sport for anyone, children and adults, with disabilities. It is a humbling experience to watch those in wheelchairs, leg braces and any other disability navigate through the game. No matter how limited they are in their communication, you can't help but know that they are happy and excited to be playing this game. I love being part of their joy. When I leave for college I plan to continue my volunteer work with the disabled. Keeping my brother in mind, I will share my experiences with him and hope that I can be as inspirational as he has been to me.