Begin Again Scholarship Application Essay Sepsis entered my life in a way I could never have anticipated. During my second year of college, my high school boyfriend—someone who had been a constant in my life through the transition from adolescence to adulthood—fell gravely ill. What began as what seemed like a manageable sickness quickly escalated into a diagnosis of sepsis, a condition I had barely heard of at the time. Suddenly, the person I loved was fighting for his life, and I was thrust into the role of caregiver, advocate, and emotional anchor. His recovery was long and grueling. I spent countless hours at his side, helping him navigate the physical pain and emotional toll of surviving sepsis. There were moments of hope when his strength seemed to return, and we believed that a full recovery was within reach. Those moments taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of unwavering support. I was not able to balance my studies with hospital visits, so I eventually dropped out of school. I did learn how to translate medical jargon into something we could both understand, and how to find courage when fear threatened to overwhelm us. But just when we thought the worst was behind us, and we could both go back to school, complications arose. Sepsis is not a condition that simply ends when the infection subsides; it leaves behind hidden dangers that can resurface unexpectedly. Despite his determination and our shared optimism, he suddenly passed away. The loss was devastating. It was not only the end of a relationship but the shattering of a future we had imagined together. His death left a hole in my life and in the lives of everyone who loved him. Unfortunately, I never returned to school. This experience changed me profoundly. I came to understand that sepsis is not just a medical condition—it is a life-altering event that affects families, relationships, and communities. Survivors often face long-term challenges, and loved ones, like myself are left grieving when recovery turns into tragedy. I carry with me the memory of his courage and the lessons I learned while standing by his side. His story is a reminder of how fragile life can be, but also of the strength that emerges when we confront hardship. The Begin Again Scholarship represents more than financial assistance to me; it is a way to honor his memory and the resilience of all those touched by sepsis. My experience and the strength he showed me has inspired me to go back to school and pursue a path of advocacy and service, ensuring that others facing medical crises are not left without support. I want to use my education to amplify awareness of sepsis, to provide guidance to families with similar struggles, and to contribute to a future where this condition receives the recognition it deserves. Though his life was cut short, his journey continues to shape mine. I am committed to turning grief into purpose, to carrying forward the compassion and determination that defined our time together. Sepsis took someone I loved, but ultimately, it gave me a deeper understanding of resilience, empathy, and the importance of community. With the support of the Begin Again Scholarship, I will continue to build a future that honors his legacy and supports others who face the life-changing impact of sepsis.

Taylor Swift: Icon Taylor Swift is known for her extraordinary songwriting and her ability to transform live performances into deeply moving experiences. Among her many iconic moments, “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” at the 2021 American Music Awards, stands out as the most powerful. Her performance was raw, letting her vulnerability, emotional honesty shine through the theatrics. Combined with the profound connection with her audience, her performance was nothing less than amazing. Her show was simple. With minimal staging, Swift allowed the lyrics to take center stage, in doing so she created an intimate atmosphere. Each line carried the weight of her lived experience, and the delivery made us feel as though we sharing in her heartbreak. This vulnerability is what made the performance so moving. She sang with conviction and pure honesty. In a world that often rewards perfection and polish, Swift’s willingness to embrace imperfection is why she is an American icon. This performance symbolized a milestone in Swift’s career. It came during the Red (Taylor’s Version) era, a time when she was reclaiming ownership of her music. Her courage to revisit painful memories while simultaneously asserting her autonomy was inspiring. It reminded me that the willingness to confront challenges head‑on is what leads to meaningful progress. Ultimately, Swift’s “All Too Well” performance was moving because it embodied the duality of strength and vulnerability. It showed that true impact comes not from avoiding hardship, but from transforming it into something that uplifts others. As I pursue my own academic and professional goals, I carry this lesson with me: that authenticity, resilience, and empathy are the foundations of lasting achievement.

Scholarship Essay Draft (Approx. 510 words) For me, education has never been about checking a box or following a traditional timeline. At 47 years old, I am pursuing my college degree with the same determination and excitement as any first‑time student. I believe that learning is a lifelong pursuit and that higher education opens doors for individuals and for entire communities. This scholarship is more than financial support, it represents the impact that nontraditional students can make when given the chance to pursue their ambitions. Living in the Choctaw Nation, I have seen how tribal law creates new challenges that demand skilled advocates with knowledge of complex jurisdictional issues. I am pursuing a degree in Legal Studies with a focus on tribal law and prison reform. My goal is to use this foundation to support Indigenous people, defend constitutional rights, and build sustainable legal infrastructure that protects heritage and ensures fairness. Returning to school later in life has not been easy. Balancing academic demands with financial realities is a constant challenge, and the cost of tuition, books, and living expenses is overwhelming. Unlike many younger students, I do not have parents or family members who can contribute financially to my education. Instead, I rely on my own persistence and resourcefulness to keep moving forward. This scholarship would ease that burden, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and on the advocacy work that drives me. My ambition is not limited to personal success. I want to use my education to create impact that extends beyond myself. I envision a career where I can mentor younger students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, and show them that higher education is attainable at any age. I want to challenge municipal overreach, defend procedural fairness, and contribute to the expansion of tribal judicial systems. Ultimately, I want my work to embody the principle that justice should not be limited by income, background, or circumstance. This scholarship would help me transform that vision into reality. It would affirm that my drive and determination are recognized, and it would provide the support I need to continue building a future defined by ambition, impact, and justice. With this opportunity, I will not only open doors for myself, but help ensure that those doors remain open for others who follow, whether they are first‑generation students, underrepresented minorities, or nontraditional learners like me. Thank you. Shaney ONeal

What Recovery Means to Me Recovery means rediscovering the person who existed before addiction and building someone stronger with the lessons learned along the way. It is not just the absence of substances but the presence of purpose, accountability, and self‑respect. Recovery has taught me that change is possible, but it requires daily commitment and the courage to face discomfort honestly. For me, recovery began when I stopped running from pain and started understanding it. Through support groups, counseling, and self‑reflection, I have learned to replace destructive habits with healthy ones. For instance, I try gratitude instead of guilt, communication instead of isolation, and service instead of shame. Each day I am sober is a small victory that collectively represents a life rebuilt. Being clean for over a year has given me clarity and motivation to pursue higher education. College is more than a personal goal to me, it symbolizes how far I have come. It reflects my desire to contribute meaningfully and to show that recovery is not the end of the story but the beginning of one. To me, recovery means freedom. It is the freedom to dream again, to love and be loved without fear, and to believe that mistakes do not define my future. It is a lifelong journey of growth, healing, and hope….and I walk it each day with gratitude.

What Going to College Means to Me For as long as I can remember, earning a college degree has represented more than just a personal milestone—it has symbolized opportunity, empowerment, and the chance to break barriers that have long stood in the way of minority students like myself. College is not simply about attending classes or earning a diploma; it is about unlocking doors that generations before me often found closed, and building a foundation strong enough to carry both myself and my community toward a brighter future. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that underrepresented students face. From limited access to resources, to systemic inequities that make higher education feel out of reach, the path to college is often filled with obstacles. Yet these challenges have only strengthened my resolve. To me, going to college means refusing to let those barriers define my future. It means proving that ambition and perseverance can overcome circumstances, and that education can be the tool that transforms cycles of struggle into cycles of success. Through higher education, I hope to accomplish more than personal achievement. My goal is to utilize my degree as a platform to create impact, so I'm able to advocate for fairness, amplify voices that are often silenced, and build systems that serve rather than exclude. I want my education to be more than a credential; I want it to be a catalyst for change. Whether through social work, legal advocacy, or entrepreneurship, I intend to use the knowledge and skills I gain to challenge inequities and provide opportunities for others who share my background. Ambition drives me to dream beyond the limits of what has been expected. I envision myself not only succeeding academically, but also mentoring younger students, showing them that their dreams are valid and attainable. My drive pushes me to work tirelessly, knowing that every paper written, every exam passed, and every challenge overcome brings me closer to becoming the kind of leader who can make a tangible difference. And the impact I seek is not measured only in personal success, but in the lives I can touch, the communities I can strengthen, and the legacy I can help build. Going to college means carrying the hopes of my family, my community, and future generations with me. It means transforming ambition into action, drive into perseverance, and impact into lasting change. With this scholarship, I will not only pursue my education, I will also pursue a vision of equity, opportunity, and empowerment that extends far beyond myself.

From the moment I began to understand the world around me, I noticed how often women’s voices were silenced, overlooked, or dismissed. Whether in classrooms where girls were interrupted mid-sentence, in workplaces where women’s ideas were credited to others, or in healthcare settings where women’s pain was minimized, I saw a pattern of disregard that deeply troubled me. These experiences shaped my determination not only to pursue higher education but to use my career as a platform to uplift women whose ambitions deserve recognition and respect. I identify as a woman who has grown up in a rural community where opportunities often feel limited, especially for young women. Yet, I have always believed that education is the most powerful tool to break barriers. As a student, I have pursued rigorous coursework and pursue the things that challenged me to think critically, advocate for fairness, and build resilience. These experiences taught me that ambition is as much about personal successit as it is about creating pathways for others to succeed. My career goal is to become a social worker and legal advocate, focusing on child protection, family law, and equitable access to resources for women and the underserved. Too often, women are forced to fight a system that is confusing or inaccessible. I want to change that. By combining my education in law and social work, I plan to create programs that empower women to understand their rights, protect their families, and pursue their dreams without fear of being silenced or ignored. Ambition drives me to think beyond my own career. I envision establishing a legal clinic that offers free consultations and educational workshops for women in rural and Native communities. This clinic would not only provide immediate support but also mentor future advocates, ensuring that the cycle of empowerment continues. My drive comes from knowing that every woman deserves the chance to be heard, respected, and supported. The impact I hope to make is both personal and system-wide. On a personal level, I want to be the advocate who listens when others do not, who validates women’s experiences, and who fights for their rights in courtrooms and community spaces. On a systemic level, I want to challenge policies that perpetuate inequality, push for reforms that prioritize women’s safety and dignity, and create educational opportunities that encourage young women to pursue careers in fields where they are underrepresented. Supporting the dreams and ambitions of women is important and it is essential for progress. When women are empowered, entire communities thrive. My education is not simply a means to a career; it is a commitment to building a world where women’s voices are amplified, their goals are supported, and their impact is undeniable. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance, it symbolizes belief in the power of women to transform society. With your support, I will continue my journey of education and advocacy, determined to make a difference not only for myself but for every woman whose dreams deserve to be realized.

Confronting Wrongful Convictions: A Commitment to Reform and Justice One of the most pressing issues facing the criminal justice system today is the wrongful conviction of innocent individuals. These miscarriages of justice are not isolated mistakes, they are systemic failures that gradually destroys public trust and devastates countless lives. According to the National Registry of Exonerations (2023), over 2,800 people have been exonerated in the United States since 1989, revealing deeply rooted flaws in evidence collection, legal representation, and prosecutorial oversight. As someone pursuing a career in legal studies, focusing on justice reform, I am committed to addressing this issue through advocacy, policy development, and ethical practice. Contributing factors to wrongful convictions are eyewitness misidentification, false confessions, prosecutorial misconduct, and inadequate defense. All of which demand immediate systematic solutions. For example, Eyewitness testimony is unreliable due to cognitive distortions and memory fallibility. In order to reduce misidentifications, policies should include implementing effective blind lineup procedures and educating officers on memory science. Likewise, mandating recorded interrogations can prevent coerced or misunderstood confessions, particularly among vulnerable populations. Accountability in prosecution is another vital reform. Prosecutors possess immense power, and unchecked discretion can lead to disastrous outcomes. Open discovery rules, independent review panels, and post-conviction integrity units are necessary to guard against abuses and promote transparency (Gross & O'Brien, 2008). Just as important is strengthening the defense side: underfunded public defenders often lack the time or resources to build strong. Equitable investment in indigent defense services is fundamental to a fair justice system (Smith & Burnett, 2019). My commitment to justice reform is more than theoretical, it comes from my experience and academic preparation. As a student studying law, ethics, and psychological theory, I’ve analyzed landmark cases and explored how biases and procedural gaps contribute to unjust outcomes. I’ve gained valuable knowledge from theory -based practice and real-world exercises. My education has also included critical examination of constitutional law, focusing on how the Fourth and Sixth Amendments intersect with procedural justice. Beyond academics, I’ve taken initiative in real-world problem-solving. I’ve excelled in drafting persuasive appeals, financial aid petitions, and legal arguments that sharpened my ability to communicate clearly and advocate effectively. Volunteering in my community and engaging in creative projects, like crafting accessible narratives around legal and social issues, has taught me how to connect with others and amplify unheard voices. These experiences have shaped how I see my role in criminal justice moving forward. Whether I’m supporting clients by assisting attorneys during trial prep or contributing to policy research, I intend to promote evidence-based practices, critical thinking, and equity. I plan to advocate for innocence commissions, better forensic standards, and universal access to post-conviction review. Education and transparency must be pillars of justice, not afterthoughts. The wrongful conviction crisis is not a failure of isolated professionals, it is a call to action for every future practitioner, advocate, and reformer. I am prepared to be part of the solution by embracing interdisciplinary strategies, utilizing my lived and learned experiences, and demanding accountability across every level of the system. Through education, advocacy, and service, I will work to ensure that justice means protection of the innocent, not punishment for the powerless.

The Case That Changed EverythingBy Shaney O’Neal One legal issue that profoundly changed my perspective on the world was Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)—a landmark decision that guaranteed the right to legal counsel for defendants unable to afford one. Before learning about this case, I had a general sense that justice was supposed to be accessible. But I didn’t yet grasp how profoundly the lack of legal representation could dismantle someone’s life. What struck me most was how ordinary Clarence Gideon was—an impoverished man accused of a felony in Florida who represented himself in court because the judge denied his request for an attorney. He lost, appealed from his jail cell, and ultimately helped reshape American jurisprudence. His persistence exposed a critical truth: legal rights mean little if people lack the means to exercise them. This case resonated with experiences I’ve witnessed firsthand. In my own community, I’ve watched individuals walk into courtrooms terrified and unprepared, forced to face seasoned prosecutors without support. I’ve seen poor families, Indigenous neighbors, and mentally ill individuals lose custody, jobs, and freedom simply because they didn’t know the rules of engagement—or didn’t have someone to explain them. Gideon’s story reminded me that justice doesn’t trickle down—it must be fought for and fiercely protected. This case didn’t just educate me—it catalyzed me. It led me to explore other decisions that eroded or expanded public defense systems, and it sharpened my desire to reform how legal services reach underserved populations. More importantly, it illuminated the emotional cost of injustice: the shame, isolation, and helplessness felt by those unheard and misunderstood. From this moment of clarity, I set my path in motion. I returned to school at 47 not because it was easy—but because it was urgent. I began studying social work and legal principles, determined to work at the intersection of advocacy and accountability. I want to be the voice in the room for those like Gideon—people who may lack legal knowledge but deserve equal protection. The ripple effect of Gideon v. Wainwright also inspired one of my core goals: launching mobile “Know Your Rights” clinics in rural and tribal areas. These units will offer legal and mental health support where traditional services are out of reach. It also informed my commitment to advocate for state legislation that strengthens public defense funding and mandates trauma-informed approaches for law enforcement. This scholarship would help lift the financial burden of that journey. But more importantly, it supports a mission rooted in lived experience and the belief that justice should not depend on one's income, age, or location. Gideon fought for fairness from behind prison bars, and I plan to fight from a courtroom, a clinic, and every space where silence once prevailed.

At 47 years old, I’m often asked why I decided to pursue a legal career now. The truth is, it took me decades of lived experience, heartache, and healing to recognize the power of law as both a shield and a sword. I didn’t arrive here overnight. My path was shaped by watching injustice unfold in my community, the kind that doesn’t make headlines, but quietly steals futures. My goal is simple: to become the kind of legal advocate I always wished existed in my corner growing up. In rural Oklahoma, I witnessed families like mine endure poverty, discrimination, and silence. Silence in the courtroom. Silence when their rights were violated. Silence when they were too afraid or too overwhelmed to speak for themselves. I watched elders sign paperwork they couldn’t understand and young people criminalized instead of counseled. The pain in those moments etched itself into me, not as bitterness but as determination. It was through books that I began to understand the structures behind that silence. Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow opened my eyes to the mass incarceration of Black and Brown individuals and the social costs of tough-on-crime policies. Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy taught me that compassion and legal advocacy are inseparable, and that the law should never lose sight of humanity. These books weren’t just informative, they were transformative. They gave language to all the pain I had witnessed but never fully understood. Mental health has also been a personal journey. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression, especially in my younger years when I felt invisible to systems that were supposed to protect me. But those challenges gave me clarity. They helped me understand the power of empathy and the need for accessible care. I’ve seen firsthand how mental illness is misunderstood, especially in marginalized communities where it’s too often ignored, punished, or misdiagnosed. These experiences shaped my academic journey. Today, I’m focused on social work and legal studies, with the intention of bridging the gap between mental health awareness and the criminal justice system. I want to help create policies that recognize how trauma and mental illness intersect with law and advocate for culturally competent legal support. Especially in Indigenous communities like mine, where systemic neglect runs deep. My ultimate goal is to establish mobile legal clinics for underserved rural counties. These units will offer case management, mental health screenings, and legal aid to those without access to representation. This isn’t just a career path, it’s a calling born from experience, heartache, and hope. I’ve learned that justice isn’t about punishment. It’s about dignity, understanding, and healing. And I’m committed to being a voice for change, no matter how late I’ve arrived to the conversation. This scholarship would help remove a barrier that stands between me and the mission I’ve embraced: fighting for fairness in a system that too often overlooks the vulnerable. With your support, I will not only complete my education, I’ll use it to tell the stories that deserve to be heard.

My Life Experience as a Native American My identity as a Native American has been both the compass and the anchor of my life’s journey. From a young age in rural Oklahoma, I learned the stories passed down by our ancestors were often missing from classroom lessons and national conversations. That absence ignited a determination in me to preserve and share our heritage. I began by listening intently to the elders in my family, learning as much as possible about the Choctaw culture. With each word and tale, I felt myself more and more interested into a history that is both beautiful and unbreakable. One of my most treasured cultural experiences is our annual Choctaw Labor Day Festival. Each year, our community gathers for days of celebration: dancers in vibrant regalia trace patterns of memory across the ground, drumbeats echo stories of survival, and artisans display beadwork painstakingly crafted over weeks. I remember the thrill of watching stickball tournaments, competition cutting through the early morning air. These matches provide the perfect opportunity to imagine the ancient ballgames of our ancestors. I enjoy these rare moments of communal joy as they remind me that culture is not static; it is a living, breathing force that connects us across time. Yet life on tribal land also presents tangible challenges. Economic hardship has touched my family more than once, and resources for education and healthcare can be scarce. Outside our community, I have encountered stereotypes or outright misunderstandings, like people assuming that being Native is a monolithic experience or that our problems stem solely from choice rather than historical injustices. All the more reason to challenge misconceptions through empathy and advocacy. Academic success became my proving ground. Graduating from college as a first-generation Choctaw student, earning scholarships and serving as an advocate will be a victory not only for me but for everyone who supports me. Each small success has and will strengthen my belief that education and cultural affirmation can transform lives. My life experiences have shaped my decision to go back to schoool, despite my age and social norms. I want to bridge the gap between Indigenous families and systems that were never designed with our voices in mind. It is important that we focus on programs that honor cultural strengths, Choctaw values of community care, respect for elders, and connection to the land, while ensuring families have access to quality services. My hope is to partner with tribal leaders, mental health professionals, and educators to build resources that are both effective and culturally sound. In embracing both the triumphs and trials of my Native American culture, I carry forward a legacy of resilience. My determination gains strength with every challenge we overcome, every story shared, and every cultural event celebrated. As I work toward a socio-legal degree, I do so with the conviction that honoring our past is the first step toward forging a brighter future for my community.