First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone involved in the creation and decision process of this scholarship for all of your time and dedication to helping the younger generation. Your impact stretches vastly throughout society, and your consideration goes far from unnoticed. Lastly, thank you to Cary Patten for showing true love and exemplifying the meaning of family. His legacy will carry on, and his mission to show compassion will forever live. I have carried a Peyton Heart on my backpack for the entirety of the school year, and first discovered the project whilst getting a drink from my local Starbucks. After reading and exploring the meaning behind the hearts, I was inspired to carry it with me and contribute to the spread of the story. My school is one of extreme privilege; it has provided me with endless opportunities to both enjoy my teenage years and prepare for the future. Through my Health Sciences academy at The Villages High School, I have achieved certifications such as Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, and soon-to-be Nurse Assistant to eventually aid in my pursuit to become a nurse midwife. Throughout my thirteen years attending my school, I have come to notice that the students are very alert and pick up quickly on things. I watched the Peyton Hearts spread around the school, as everyone soon came to recognize Cary's story. Like Cary, I have a sister that I am blessed to call my best friend and choose to help my parents as much as possible. The thought of anything happening to her or any of my other loved ones sickens me and drives my passion for spreading mental health awareness. I will be attending The University of Central Florida in the fall of 2026 to study a major in nursing and a minor in music. I am extremely excited to declare that I am on track to further my education at their College of Nursing after finishing my prerequisites. The ultimate goal is to train a specialty at a Florida hospital, where I will become either a labor and delivery nurse, or a nurse midwife. Being exposed to the healthcare field, you see things that inevitably humble you. Treating patients of all types of diagnosis constantly reminds you that anything can happen to anyone, and that it is so crucial to spend time intentionally with those around you. My part-time job as a server in a retirement home also cautions the endless aging symptoms. If one is blessed with the opportunity to grow old, it will come with cognitive or physical setbacks. Connecting with residents is bittersweet, as I've navigated grief and joy all in the same building. I have been allowed the experience of learning from those wiser than me, while still offering my physical ability at the same time. Life is never promised, and how many days we have left cannot be previewed. All of my experiences in the retirement home setting and my love for others has taught me to treasure those around me and to prioritize mental health. Throughout high school, I have witnessed friends undergo depression and isolation, and have separated myself from others due to emotions as well. Because of it, I have learned to value time. Even if we do not move forward, time will. Therefore, we might as well use it thoughtfully and to benefit the experiences of all. It's everyone's first time living life, so it's crucial to remain patient, kind, and selfless. In the future, I will be aware of others' emotions, signs, and actions to raise mental health awareness.