The rhythmic thump of the volleyball against the gym floor, the sharp whistle of the coach, and the collective gasp of the team during a close rally—these are the sounds that defined my high school experience. More than just a sport, volleyball taught me the grit and determination that define me today. As a first-generation student, I’ve always understood that success isn’t handed out; it’s earned through relentless effort. Like Sean Kelly, whose story resonates deeply with me, I believe in the power of commitment to excellence, both on and off the court. Being the first in my family to pursue a college degree comes with unique challenges. Navigating the complex world of applications, financial aid, and academic expectations has often felt like an uphill battle. However, I’ve learned to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth. My academic record reflects this dedication. I maintained a weighted GPA above 4.0 throughout high school, consistently ranking at the top of my class. While I didn’t hold a part-time job, I faced significant responsibilities at home as the eldest of four siblings, including supporting my family through various challenges and managing household tasks. These experiences, coupled with occasional health issues, instilled in me a strong work ethic and the ability to prioritize and manage my time effectively. I've become resourceful, seeking out mentors and utilizing online resources to deepen my understanding of education. The lessons I’ve learned from playing volleyball, particularly my senior year, have been invaluable. My journey wasn’t a straight path to success. As a freshman, I played on the JV team, but by senior year, securing a spot on the combined JV and Varsity teams was significantly more competitive. Doubts crept in, compounded by ongoing health issues. I almost didn’t try out. However, I pushed through, determined to prove to myself that I could overcome these obstacles. I earned the position of libero, a defensive specialist, despite being almost 5’11”, a role typically held by shorter players. This experience taught me that dedication and a willingness to adapt can lead to unexpected achievements. Teamwork, discipline, and the ability to push through adversity are skills that translate directly to my academic pursuits. Just as Sean Kelly excelled as a student-athlete, I strive to balance my passion for sports with my commitment to academic excellence. My dream is to pursue a degree in forensic science, ultimately becoming a forensic pathologist. I’m captivated by the intersection of science and law, and I aspire to contribute to the pursuit of justice by examining evidence and determining causes of death. My immediate goal is to work as a forensic investigator, gaining practical experience in the field, before pursuing medical school to specialize in forensic pathology. This ambitious path requires years of rigorous study and dedication. The financial burden of college and medical school tuition poses a significant obstacle for my family. This scholarship would alleviate much of that stress, allowing me to focus on my rigorous undergraduate studies and lay a strong foundation for my future medical endeavors. Receiving the Sean Kelly Memorial Scholarship would be a profound honor. It would not only provide me with the financial means to pursue my dreams but also serve as a constant reminder of Sean’s commitment to education and hard work. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity, excel academically, and contribute positively to my community. By supporting me, you are investing in the potential of a first-generation student to break barriers and achieve their full potential. I will honor Sean’s memory by living a life dedicated to excellence, just like him.

Unearthing Truth: The Synergy of Environmental and Forensic Science The microscopic world hidden within a single grain of soil, the subtle shifts in a local ecosystem—these details, often overlooked, hold vital clues. My fascination with forensic science stems from this very principle: the power of observation and analysis to uncover hidden truths. But my interest extends beyond the traditional crime scene; I am driven to explore the intersection of forensic science and environmental science, a field where the health of our planet and the pursuit of justice intertwine. My journey began with a deep-seated curiosity about the natural world. In environmental science courses, I learned about the delicate balance of ecosystems and the impact of human activity. This sparked a realization: environmental degradation leaves traces, just as a crime does. I began to envision a career where I could apply forensic techniques to investigate environmental crimes, such as illegal dumping, wildlife poaching, and pollution. I want to work in a laboratory or field setting, utilizing techniques like soil analysis, water testing, and DNA sequencing to unravel environmental mysteries and contribute to a healthier planet. I am particularly passionate about the potential of combining advanced technologies with traditional methods to enhance the accuracy and impact of environmental investigations. I am driven to use scientific methods to uncover the truth, whether it's identifying a perpetrator in a criminal investigation or pinpointing the source of environmental contamination. My goal is to become a forensic scientist specializing in the analysis of environmental samples, such as soil, water, and biological tissues. I envision working with cutting-edge techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and DNA analysis to identify pollutants, track illegal dumping, and investigate wildlife crimes. I am particularly interested in forensic botany and palynology to trace the origins of environmental samples. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to a system where environmental crimes are investigated and prosecuted, ensuring those who harm our planet are held accountable. My commitment to community service is rooted in an understanding of the interconnectedness between human well-being and environmental health. I have volunteered with local environmental organizations, participating in river cleanups, tree planting, and educational outreach. These experiences have shown me the devastating impact of pollution and environmental degradation on communities. Many people are unaware of how environmental crimes can affect their health and safety. I’ve also seen how effective grassroots efforts can amplify the impact of larger environmental protection initiatives, further motivating me to engage more deeply in both scientific and community-driven solutions. This is where my passion for forensic science and environmental science converge. I believe forensic techniques can empower communities to protect their environment. I envision citizen science programs where community members can collect and analyze environmental samples using simple forensic methods. I also want to create workshops teaching people how to recognize and report environmental crimes, like illegal dumping and wildlife poaching. By combining forensic science knowledge with environmental science, I hope to bridge the gap between scientific expertise and community action. I would also like to volunteer with local law enforcement or government agencies, helping with environmental crime scene processing and monitoring. I am confident that with the support of the CH2M HILL Alumni Association Legacy Gift Fund Scholarship, I can pursue my academic goals and make a significant impact in environmental forensics. The financial assistance this scholarship provides will allow me to focus on my studies and gain the experience necessary to become a leader in this critical field. I am eager to contribute to a future where environmental justice prevails and our planet is protected.

Movie Title: "Becoming the Author of My Story" Opening Scene: South Side of Chicago, Early Morning The sun is just beginning to rise over the City of Chicago. The streets are still quiet, except for the hum of life starting to awaken. The camera pans to a modest brick house where the front door opens, and a 17-year-old girl steps outside her apartment building, her large purse slung over her shoulder. She hesitates for a moment at the top of the steps, taking a deep breath as if preparing for another day in a life filled with challenges and dreams still waiting to unfold. That girl is me. The air is cold, but I don’t mind. It’s the kind of cold that keeps you awake and focused. For me, it’s symbolic—a reminder to stay alert, determined, and ready to take on whatever the world throws my way. As I walk down the street, the city feels like a character in my story—beautiful but unpredictable, tough but full of opportunity. Every step I take feels like progress, even when the journey has been anything but easy. The scene flashes back to moments that shaped me—late nights helping my siblings with their homework, balancing household duties while staying up to study for exams. The audience sees glimpses of my time at the SMASH Academy, working tirelessly with my team to create an award-winning app. Then there’s my internship at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where I learned the power of paying attention to the smallest details and how science could be used to solve mysteries and save lives. Suddenly, the tone shifts. The camera cuts to a dimly lit bedroom at night. I’m sitting on my bed, surrounded by open textbooks, tears streaming down my face. I clutch my journal in one hand, unable to write the words weighing on my heart. The thought of going away to college is overwhelming. I want it so badly—to leave Chicago, pursue forensic science, and build a future for myself. But the questions haunt me. What if I don’t have enough money? What if something goes wrong at home, and my family needs me? Am I truly ready to leave everything behind? I am the eldest daughter, the one who steps up when things get hard. How do I walk away from that? The scene lingers as I wipe my tears and stare at the ceiling, torn between my dreams and the reality of my responsibilities. But then, another flashback plays. The audience sees me at the Lugenia Burns Hope Center, volunteering with a smile on my face. I’m assembling toiletry and food bags for families, helping my community get through tough times. I’ve been through challenges before, and each one has only made me stronger. I know I’ll figure this out, too. The camera cuts to a scene of me standing on the volleyball court. I’m the libero, diving for the ball, focused and determined. This scene represents more than just a game. It’s a reminder that no matter how many times life tries to knock me down, I’ll always get back up. Every dive, every practice, every win and loss has taught me resilience, teamwork, and how to push forward no matter the odds. Then, there’s another flashback of me at my desk, surrounded by books—some well-worn with pages marked, others waiting to be opened. These books aren’t just stories to me; they’re tools that sharpen my mind, challenge my thinking, and fuel my dream of becoming a forensic pathologist. I’ve always been fascinated by the way science can reveal hidden truths and give a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves. Just like the detective stories I grew up reading, forensic science is all about uncovering the truth, one piece of evidence at a time. The camera returns to the present. I’m now walking toward my high school, head held high. The future may be uncertain, but my vision is clear. I see myself graduating from college with a degree in forensic science, working in labs, solving complex cases, and bringing justice to those who need it most. I see myself continuing to write my story—each chapter filled with discovery, growth, and purpose. In this movie, my struggles are not obstacles; they’re fuel. My achievements are not the ending; they’re stepping stones. My aspirations aren’t just dreams; they’re my roadmap. The opening scene ends with me stepping into the school building, ready for the next chapter. I smile as the door closes behind me, knowing that the best part of my story is yet to come.

The creases on the book’s cover told a story of its own—one I had read countless times. Books have always been my escape, my source of comfort, and my gateway to new worlds. I devoured everything from mysteries to science fiction, drawn to the challenge of solving puzzles and uncovering hidden truths. Over time, this love for books grew into something greater: a passion for investigation and understanding complex problems. That curiosity eventually sparked my interest in forensic science. I’ve always been fascinated by how forensic science combines elements of chemistry, biology, and technology to solve real-world mysteries. It felt like a natural progression from my love for unraveling fictional plots to applying those skills in real life. Forensic science isn’t just about science; it’s about storytelling through evidence. Every piece of forensic evidence tells a story, waiting to be uncovered through careful analysis and scientific reasoning. Just like in my favorite books, every detail matters. An experience that solidified my passion for forensic science was my internship at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I observed how even the smallest details in the operating room pharmacy could make a difference in patient outcomes, similar to how minute pieces of forensic evidence can change the outcome of a criminal case. That internship taught me the value of precision, problem-solving, and critical thinking—skills I had unknowingly been building through my love of reading and analyzing stories. My experience at the SMASH Academy further fueled my curiosity for STEM. I worked on a team to create a technology-based solution for a real-world problem, and the process reminded me of how investigation and innovation go hand in hand. Our project won first place at regionals and second place nationally, showing me that when you combine passion with hard work, you can achieve incredible things. Forensic science combines everything I’m passionate about—science, investigation, and advocacy for justice. My dream is to become a forensic pathologist, using science to give a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves. I want to solve real-world mysteries, help families find closure, and make a meaningful impact on my community. Books introduced me to the power of discovery, and forensic science allows me to pursue it in the real world. Every step I take brings me closer to my goal, and I’m excited for what lies ahead on this journey.

The smell of antiseptic lingered in the air, and the sound of footsteps echoed down the hospital hall. I stood in the pharmacy at Northwestern Memorial Hospital during my internship, watching medications carefully prepared for surgery. I wasn’t just observing professionals at work—I was witnessing science in action, an essential part of saving lives. That experience fueled my passion for the intersection of science and healthcare, ultimately leading me to pursue forensic science. My interest in forensic science isn’t just about solving crimes—it’s about seeking truth and bringing justice to those who might otherwise be forgotten. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, I’ve seen how crime can affect communities and how access to justice isn’t always equal. I’m fascinated by the role forensic evidence plays in criminal trials, especially in how science can help uncover the truth. Forensic pathology, in particular, speaks to me because it allows me to give a voice to the voiceless, using scientific analysis to solve mysteries and help families find closure. I’ve taken college-level health science courses at City Colleges of Chicago Malcolm X, including medical terminology and biology, which gave me a solid foundation in science. In my CTE medical class at Daniel Hale Williams Prep, I got hands-on experience creating a mock clinic where we acted as nurses and saw "patients" to take their vitals, monitor their health, and simulate real-world medical scenarios. These experiences have helped me develop strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a deeper understanding of patient care. During my time at SMASH Academy at Illinois Institute of Technology, I lived on campus for a month, fully immersing myself in the college experience. I collaborated with peers to develop a STEM project where we created an app designed to solve real-world problems. Our project won first place at regionals and second place nationally. This experience taught me the value of teamwork, leadership, and creative problem-solving—skills that will be essential as I pursue my goals in forensic science. As a first-generation college student and the eldest of four siblings, I’ve developed a deep sense of responsibility and resilience. Balancing my academic pursuits with household duties has taught me how to manage my time and push through challenges. My family is my greatest motivation. I want to set an example for my younger siblings and show them that no dream is out of reach if you work hard and believe in yourself. Beyond my academic and STEM experiences, I’ve also stayed connected to my community through volunteer work. I helped assemble and distribute food and toiletry bags at the Lugenia Burns Hope Center during the COVID-19 pandemic and assisted at True Rock Ministries, giving back to those in need. These moments reminded me of the power of service and strengthened my commitment to using my future career to make a difference in my community. In the future, I plan to become a forensic pathologist, contributing to criminal investigations while addressing issues like violence and the war on drugs. My goal is to use my scientific skills to help solve crimes and advocate for justice, particularly for underserved communities. I also hope to mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists, especially young women and first-generation students like me, who may not yet realize what they’re capable of achieving. For me, STEM isn’t just a field of study—it’s a path to discovery, justice, and change. I’m excited to continue exploring this path, knowing that every step brings me closer to making a meaningful difference in the world.