Every day, I worry about how to protect the youth in my community from online exploitation and harmful digital content. The world feels overwhelming for many, and I know my community shares this fear. I am motivated to advocate for vulnerable youth, especially after witnessing my own younger sibling easily access vulgar and inappropriate content with just a click. Curiosity and lack of supervision make children exposed and unprotected online. As an older sibling, I found this concerning and unacceptable; this began my search for answers. Why is content like this so accessible? The same goes for games such as Roblox; on this app, our youth is being drawn in by predators and exploited. There are an estimated 500,000 online predators active daily, and a significant amount of exploitation occurs in chat rooms like Roblox. Other common social media apps known for predators include Discord, Instagram, and Snapchat. It can only take 18 minutes for a child to be groomed online. The internet is a vast, complex space where our youth are exposed to significant danger and exploitation. My research shows that abusive and predatory practices are widespread, leading to severe consequences for children. This is not just a taboo topic—it's an urgent issue that cannot be ignored. Some online groups are dedicated to exploiting children and causing them harm, with devastating impacts that are often overlooked and go unpunished. One well-known group, "764," aims to cause harm and destruction. Their practices extend to children harming themselves and animals to gain acceptance. Beyond "764," numerous other groups are inflicting harm and grooming children. "764" not only causes unimaginable harm but also recruits children to perpetuate the cycle. These groups contribute to the struggles of our youth, and the tragic loss of life demands immediate action. What more needs to happen before we act? I believe it's our shared responsibility to educate others about child exploitation and work towards its prevention. Our youth require our support now more than ever, as the actions of perpetrators inflict lasting harm on families. I encourage you to join me in raising awareness and, if you're a parent, to check in with your children to ensure their safety. After college, I plan to advocate for youth by developing a program that offers online courses for parents. These courses will focus on internet safety, identifying grooming, and guidance on managing such situations. I believe this resource will be extremely helpful in educating others about online safety, as well as help keep our youth safe.

SheaLynn Sullivan 01-11-2025 The saying "an apple doesn't fall from a tree" is significant to me. I have lived a long life filled with many people who have been good examples and bad. All these experiences taught me how much a parental figure can shape you into who you are today. During my adolescence, my mother constantly worked, often balancing being a stay-at-home mom, working full-time as a waitress, and leaving me home with my father. Being a server never brought in enough money to make ends meet; my mother's need for inconsistency was reflected not only in our living situations but also in her relationships. This volatility became a constant in my life as I moved from state to state, living in temporary homes like small hotel rooms, while my parents, especially my mother and stepfather, frequently argued over money and the next move. One of the most drastic transitions was when we moved to Arkansas and into a small apartment, marking the end of my mother and father's relationship and solidifying the chaos and instability I had grown accustomed to. During this time, my parents would constantly fight. It seemed the only hope that was brought was my sister; I was overjoyed to become an older sister. My mother was always working or out with friends; during this time, my father took the path of drugs. I was left with the example of a person with an addiction as well as a naive parent. I began to take the role of a parent at the age of eight. Forced to put other responsibilities on top of my own began my troubles in school. I was never taught the importance of grades, for most of my elementary and middle school years I never took my schooling seriously due to my parent's lack of motivation or attentiveness. Soon, school was the last on my list; my mother had now found a new spouse. My new stepfather seemed nice enough until the abuse began. Through the eight years of abuse, I had to balance the burden of my parents as well as my own needs. This situation put me in a dark place that I am now recovering from. Today marks five years since I left the situation I was once in. I have begun my journey of Christianity and finding a balance between school and dealing with at-home situations. I do my best in school to keep an A or B average and be social with those around me. I use the examples of those before me to become the hard-working individual I am today. This shows through my religion and the relationships I acquired while living here. I will continue to work hard to prove my growth and never put myself in the situation I once was. Although I love my parents, I strive to do better for myself and my future. Even through the changes, I still experience the seeds planted in me. I see this through my doubt and anxiety, but through it all, I continue to pursue the life I want to receive.

SheaLynn Sullivan 01-11-2025 The saying "an apple doesn't fall from a tree" is significant to me. I have lived a long life filled with many people who have been good examples and bad. All these experiences taught me how much a parental figure can shape you into who you are today. During my adolescence, my mother constantly worked, often balancing being a stay-at-home mom, working full-time as a waitress, and leaving me home with my father. Being a server never brought in enough money to make ends meet; my mother's need for inconsistency was reflected not only in our living situations but also in her relationships. This volatility became a constant in my life as I moved from state to state, living in temporary homes like small hotel rooms, while my parents, especially my mother and stepfather, frequently argued over money and the next move. One of the most drastic transitions was when we moved to Arkansas and into a small apartment, marking the end of my mother and father's relationship and solidifying the chaos and instability I had grown accustomed to. During this time, my parents would constantly fight. It seemed the only hope that was brought was my sister; I was overjoyed to become an older sister. My mother was always working or out with friends; during this time, my father took the path of drugs. I was left with the example of a person with an addiction as well as a naive parent. I began to take the role of a parent at the age of eight. Forced to put other responsibilities on top of my own began my troubles in school. I was never taught the importance of grades, for most of my elementary and middle school years I never took my schooling seriously due to my parent's lack of motivation or attentiveness. Soon, school was the last on my list; my mother had now found a new spouse. My new stepfather seemed nice enough until the abuse began. Through the eight years of abuse, I had to balance the burden of my parents as well as my own needs. This situation put me in a dark place that I am now recovering from. Today marks five years since I left the situation I was once in. I have begun my journey of Christianity and finding a balance between school and dealing with at-home situations. I do my best in school to keep an A or B average and be social with those around me. I use the examples of those before me to become the hard-working individual I am today. This shows through my religion and the relationships I acquired while living here. I will continue to work hard to prove my growth and never put myself in the situation I once was. Although I love my parents, I strive to do better for myself and my future. Even through the changes, I still experience the seeds planted in me. I see this through my doubt and anxiety, but through it all, I continue to pursue the life I want to receive.

SheaLynn Sullivan 01-11-2025 The saying "an apple doesn't fall from a tree" is significant to me. I have lived a long life filled with many people who have been good examples and bad. All these experiences taught me how much a parental figure can shape you into who you are today. During my adolescence, my mother constantly worked, often balancing being a stay-at-home mom, working full-time as a waitress, and leaving me home with my father. Being a server never brought in enough money to make ends meet; my mother's need for inconsistency was reflected not only in our living situations but also in her relationships. This volatility became a constant in my life as I moved from state to state, living in temporary homes like small hotel rooms, while my parents, especially my mother and stepfather, frequently argued over money and the next move. One of the most drastic transitions was when we moved to Arkansas and into a small apartment, marking the end of my mother and father's relationship and solidifying the chaos and instability I had grown accustomed to. During this time, my parents would constantly fight. It seemed the only hope that was brought was my sister; I was overjoyed to become an older sister. My mother was always working or out with friends; during this time, my father took the path of drugs. I was left with the example of a person with an addiction as well as a naive parent. I began to take the role of a parent at the age of eight. Forced to put other responsibilities on top of my own began my troubles in school. I was never taught the importance of grades, for most of my elementary and middle school years I never took my schooling seriously due to my parent's lack of motivation or attentiveness. Soon, school was the last on my list; my mother had now found a new spouse. My new stepfather seemed nice enough until the abuse began. Through the eight years of abuse, I had to balance the burden of my parents as well as my own needs. This situation put me in a dark place that I am now recovering from. Today marks five years since I left the situation I was once in. I have begun my journey of Christianity and finding a balance between school and dealing with at-home situations. I do my best in school to keep an A or B average and be social with those around me. I use the examples of those before me to become the hard-working individual I am today. This shows through my religion and the relationships I acquired while living here. I will continue to work hard to prove my growth and never put myself in the situation I once was. Although I love my parents, I strive to do better for myself and my future. Even through the changes, I still experience the seeds planted in me. I see this through my doubt and anxiety, but through it all, I continue to pursue the life I want to receive.

SheaLynn Sullivan 01-11-2025 The saying "an apple doesn't fall from a tree" is significant to me. I have lived a long life filled with many people who have been good examples and bad. All these experiences taught me how much a parental figure can shape you into who you are today. During my adolescence, my mother constantly worked, often balancing being a stay-at-home mom, working full-time as a waitress, and leaving me home with my father. Being a server never brought in enough money to make ends meet; my mother's need for inconsistency was reflected not only in our living situations but also in her relationships. This volatility became a constant in my life as I moved from state to state, living in temporary homes like small hotel rooms, while my parents, especially my mother and stepfather, frequently argued over money and the next move. One of the most drastic transitions was when we moved to Arkansas and into a small apartment, marking the end of my mother and father's relationship and solidifying the chaos and instability I had grown accustomed to. During this time, my parents would constantly fight. It seemed the only hope that was brought was my sister; I was overjoyed to become an older sister. My mother was always working or out with friends; during this time, my father took the path of drugs. I was left with the example of a person with an addiction as well as a naive parent. I began to take the role of a parent at the age of eight. Forced to put other responsibilities on top of my own began my troubles in school. I was never taught the importance of grades, for most of my elementary and middle school years I never took my schooling seriously due to my parent's lack of motivation or attentiveness. Soon, school was the last on my list; my mother had now found a new spouse. My new stepfather seemed nice enough until the abuse began. Through the eight years of abuse, I had to balance the burden of my parents as well as my own needs. This situation put me in a dark place that I am now recovering from. Today marks five years since I left the situation I was once in. I have begun my journey of Christianity and finding a balance between school and dealing with at-home situations. I do my best in school to keep an A or B average and be social with those around me. I use the examples of those before me to become the hard-working individual I am today. This shows through my religion and the relationships I acquired while living here. I will continue to work hard to prove my growth and never put myself in the situation I once was. Although I love my parents, I strive to do better for myself and my future. Even through the changes, I still experience the seeds planted in me. I see this through my doubt and anxiety, but through it all, I continue to pursue the life I want to receive.

SheaLynn Sullivan 01-11-2025 The saying "an apple doesn't fall from a tree" is significant to me. I have lived a long life filled with many people who have been good examples and bad. All these experiences taught me how much a parental figure can shape you into who you are today. During my adolescence, my mother constantly worked, often balancing being a stay-at-home mom, working full-time as a waitress, and leaving me home with my father. Being a server never brought in enough money to make ends meet; my mother's need for inconsistency was reflected not only in our living situations but also in her relationships. This volatility became a constant in my life as I moved from state to state, living in temporary homes like small hotel rooms, while my parents, especially my mother and stepfather, frequently argued over money and the next move. One of the most drastic transitions was when we moved to Arkansas and into a small apartment, marking the end of my mother and father's relationship and solidifying the chaos and instability I had grown accustomed to. During this time, my parents would constantly fight. It seemed the only hope that was brought was my sister; I was overjoyed to become an older sister. My mother was always working or out with friends; during this time, my father took the path of drugs. I was left with the example of a person with an addiction as well as a naive parent. I began to take the role of a parent at the age of eight. Forced to put other responsibilities on top of my own began my troubles in school. I was never taught the importance of grades, for most of my elementary and middle school years I never took my schooling seriously due to my parent's lack of motivation or attentiveness. Soon, school was the last on my list; my mother had now found a new spouse. My new stepfather seemed nice enough until the abuse began. Through the eight years of abuse, I had to balance the burden of my parents as well as my own needs. This situation put me in a dark place that I am now recovering from. Today marks five years since I left the situation I was once in. I have begun my journey of Christianity and finding a balance between school and dealing with at-home situations. I do my best in school to keep an A or B average and be social with those around me. I use the examples of those before me to become the hard-working individual I am today. This shows through my religion and the relationships I acquired while living here. I will continue to work hard to prove my growth and never put myself in the situation I once was. Although I love my parents, I strive to do better for myself and my future. Even through the changes, I still experience the seeds planted in me. I see this through my doubt and anxiety, but through it all, I continue to pursue the life I want to receive.

SheaLynn 01-11-2025 The saying "an apple doesn't fall from a tree" is significant to me. I have lived a long life filled with many people who have been good examples and bad. All these experiences taught me how much a parental figure can shape you into who you are today. During my adolescence, my mother constantly worked, often balancing being a stay-at-home mom, working full-time as a waitress, and leaving me home with my father. Being a server never brought in enough money to make ends meet; my mother's need for inconsistency was reflected not only in our living situations but also in her relationships. This volatility became a constant in my life as I moved from state to state, living in temporary homes like small hotel rooms, while my parents, especially my mother and stepfather, frequently argued over money and the next move. One of the most drastic transitions was when we moved to Arkansas and into a small apartment, marking the end of my mother and father's relationship and solidifying the chaos and instability I had grown accustomed to. During this time, my parents would constantly fight. It seemed the only hope that was brought was my sister; I was overjoyed to become an older sister. My mother was always working or out with friends; during this time, my father took the path of drugs. I was left with the example of a person with an addiction as well as a naive parent. I began to take the role of a parent at the age of eight. Forced to put other responsibilities on top of my own began my troubles in school. I was never taught the importance of grades, for most of my elementary and middle school years I never took my schooling seriously due to my parent's lack of motivation or attentiveness. Soon, school was the last on my list; my mother had now found a new spouse. My new stepfather seemed nice enough until the abuse began. Through the eight years of abuse, I had to balance the burden of my parents as well as my own needs. This situation put me in a dark place that I am now recovering from. Today marks five years since I left the situation I was once in. I have begun my journey of Christianity and finding a balance between school and dealing with at-home situations. I do my best in school to keep an A or B average and be social with those around me. I use the examples of those before me to become the hard-working individual I am today. This shows through my religion and the relationships I acquired while living here. I will continue to work hard to prove my growth and never put myself in the situation I once was. Although I love my parents, I strive to do better for myself and my future. Even through the changes, I still experience the seeds planted in me. I see this through my doubt and anxiety, but through it all, I continue to pursue the life I want to receive.

SheaLynn 01-11-2025 The saying "an apple doesn't fall from a tree" is significant to me. I have lived a long life filled with many people who have been good examples and bad. All these experiences taught me how much a parental figure can shape you into who you are today. During my adolescence, my mother constantly worked, often balancing being a stay-at-home mom, working full-time as a waitress, and leaving me home with my father. Being a server never brought in enough money to make ends meet; my mother's need for inconsistency was reflected not only in our living situations but also in her relationships. This volatility became a constant in my life as I moved from state to state, living in temporary homes like small hotel rooms, while my parents, especially my mother and stepfather, frequently argued over money and the next move. One of the most drastic transitions was when we moved to Arkansas and into a small apartment, marking the end of my mother and father's relationship and solidifying the chaos and instability I had grown accustomed to. During this time, my parents would constantly fight. It seemed the only hope that was brought was my sister; I was overjoyed to become an older sister. My mother was always working or out with friends; during this time, my father took the path of drugs. I was left with the example of a person with an addiction as well as a naive parent. I began to take the role of a parent at the age of eight. Forced to put other responsibilities on top of my own began my troubles in school. I was never taught the importance of grades, for most of my elementary and middle school years I never took my schooling seriously due to my parent's lack of motivation or attentiveness. Soon, school was the last on my list; my mother had now found a new spouse. My new stepfather seemed nice enough until the abuse began. Through the eight years of abuse, I had to balance the burden of my parents as well as my own needs. This situation put me in a dark place that I am now recovering from. Today marks five years since I left the situation I was once in. I have begun my journey of Christianity and finding a balance between school and dealing with at-home situations. I do my best in school to keep an A or B average and be social with those around me. I use the examples of those before me to become the hard-working individual I am today. This shows through my religion and the relationships I acquired while living here. I will continue to work hard to prove my growth and never put myself in the situation I once was. Although I love my parents, I strive to do better for myself and my future. Even through the changes, I still experience the seeds planted in me. I see this through my doubt and anxiety, but through it all, I continue to pursue the life I want to receive.