In the beginning of my junior year, everything stopped making sense. I thought I knew how the world worked, I thought I knew everything—but I didn’t. My dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I felt like words were no longer able to express how I was feeling. It was like no matter what I said to my mom, even to my dad, my mind was still a jumbled mess. It wasn’t until I enrolled in AP calculus that I was able to find true peace. Unlike everything else that was happening in my life, math just made sense. Every time I walked into my first hour class with my teacher Mrs. Vitale, I let out a deep sigh. It’s like when I stepped into that classroom, all my worries melted away. When I held the pencil in my hands, I was finally able to be free. Free to explore, to create, to let all my thought and ideas pour out. Sitting on on my paper were problems I could actually solve. The numbers, black ink on the bright white page, provided more clarity than any words could. Suddenly, I felt inspired to participate in class. After months of letting my sadness control me, I realized that this isn’t the way. When I finished typing on my graphing calculator, I shot my hand up. My teacher smiled as she says I’m correct. An overwhelming sense of pride comes over me, and I realize that I’m not just solving math problems. Math is giving me a purpose at a time where I am without one. It’s true that I didn’t always understand everything. But this was actually reassuring. Calculus taught me that there is always a solution, whether you see it now, or not. Even though I might not always know the answer, there is one. For me, I can apply this to my own life and think about how I might not always understand my dad’s illness, but I know that there is a lesson to be learned. I don’t just love math, math saved me. Math understood me when no one else did, and I understood math when I couldn’t understand my own life. As I go onto pursue business at the University of Michigan, I know I will always have math as a safe place to go, friend to lean on.

I squeeze my dad‘s cold, rough hand as his blinks grow slower and slower. Finally his eyes stay closed, and the nurse wheels him out for another long surgery. At the end of my junior year, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This wasn’t anything I could’ve expected. He had been having some pains in his back, and finally a doctor noticed something after months of complaints. After being explained everything by my mom, I at least felt a sense and relief in knowing that the cancer was localized. My dad’s illness has dramatically impacted my life, my education and my career, but I wouldn’t say this change has all been for the worst. I believe there is always good to be found in every situation. We were told that the next step would include chemotherapy, followed by surgery. Knowing that surgery was going to be possible gave us hope. So, my dad endured 12 cycles of chemotherapy. For context, my dad is the strongest person I know. Throughout the entire duration of his chemotherapy treatment, he never once complained. He always went to the long appointments and came home with a smile. After the 12 cycles, he was just not the same person. He didn’t want me to know, but I could see he was losing strength. After, complications with his liver arose, delaying his surgery. It felt like the ground kept moving beneath my feet. I prayed to God that he would just be able to get the surgery soon. That everything could go back to the way it was. Unfortunately, we still have no date. The hardest part was watching my dad, a man so full of life and love for his family, become so worn down by this illness. And yet, no matter how much his body was failing him, his spirit never faltered. I plan on attending the University of Michigan to pursue a major in Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Seeing my dad’s hardworking nurses and doctors made me see that I, too, wanted to help those with illnesses and injuries. I want to produce and distribute pharmaceutical equipment to hospitals world-wide. If it wasn’t for this innovative equipment and technology, we may have never found out my dad had cancer. I want to help other families gain the same opportunity my family was given—a chance to fight. Although it has been the most difficult things ever happened to me, I know I must be grateful for the lessons I have learned. First, I learned through my parents that if you are strong and determined, you can accomplish anything. Nothing can stop you if you hold on to Faith. Secondly, I believe that God showed me there is always a lesson to be learned, especially in the difficult times. It is important to not get caught up in grief and sadness, but instead open your mind to wisdom. My dad has not been able to work for 6 months, and with how things are right now, I’m not sure if he will be able to work ever again. This has impacted my education because my lower-income household has lost 1 of our sources of income. However, I will never stop fighting for my education. I know that if I relentlessly work hard, I will graduate from the University of Michigan with a major in Business. I want to show my dad that all of his perseverance has not been for nothing. He is my inspiration and every single thing I do, and I will succeed because of him.

My purpose in life is to help others. I discovered my purpose in the dawn of the pandemic in 2020. As a seventh grader suddenly thrust into online school, I became lonely. I struggled to find joy in my mundane and isolated routine. This is when I first learned of the Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL), a non-profit animal shelter in my community. With so much time on my hands, I looked into the shelter more. I learned that during Covid-19, MARL was facing a cut in funding and could barely support their animals. I knew I had to do something. I refused to just continue to sit in my room when I knew that there were kittens with no food to eat, dogs without beds to sleep on. So, I started Apparel by Sienna Rae, my tie-dye clothing brand in which 100% of my profits go to the Michigan Animal Rescue League. I researched extensively on how to start my own business, made a business plan, built my website and began networking in order to spread the word about my work. Once I began to make a profit, I immediately reached out to MARL to tell them about my business and drop off my first donation. The manager personally invited me to visit with the kittens and discuss the future of our partnership. I realized that I had spent so long feeling sorry for myself, while there were animals actually suffering and in desperate need of help. These animals and the people of MARL have changed my life forever. They have shown me what true strength and perseverance is. I used to think that as a young girl, I wouldn’t be able to change the world until I was an adult. It was through my business and volunteering with MARL that I have found my purpose, my life’s mission: to help others and spread love. The One Chance Scholarship would allow me to study Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship in college in order to prepare myself to become an Entrepreneur. With my Apparel by Sienna Rae experience, I know that I want to build a company that helps others in their lives. My dream is to have a pharmaceutical equipment company in order to support patients in hospitals. Besides my love for animals, I am passionate about medicine because in the beginning of 2024, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Seeing his hardworking nurses and doctors made me see that I, too, wanted to help those with illnesses and injuries. Unfortunately, my dad’s illness has also cost my family most of my college savings, due to expensive surges and appointments his insurance does not cover. But I refuse to stop seeing the good in my situations. I am so blessed in every way, and I wish to spread my blessings. I plan to produce and distribute pharmaceutical equipment to hospitals world-wide. If it wasn’t for this innovative equipment and technology, we may have never found out my dad had cancer. I want to help other families gain the same opportunity my family was given—a chance to fight. Of course, I will remain a donor to MARL throughout my career. I no longer live for myself, for my own desires and aspirations. Now, because of MARL, I live for my family, my community, and those in need. I will help others, one person (or cat) at a time.

My purpose in life is to help others. I discovered my purpose in the dawn of the pandemic in 2020. As a seventh grader suddenly thrust into online school, I became lonely. I struggled to find joy in my mundane and isolated routine. This is when I first learned of the Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL), a non-profit animal shelter in my community. With so much time on my hands, I looked into the shelter more. I learned that during Covid-19, MARL was facing a cut in funding and could barely support their animals. I knew I had to do something. I refused to just continue to sit in my room when I knew that there were kittens with no food to eat, dogs without beds to sleep on. So, I started Apparel by Sienna Rae, my tie-dye clothing brand in which 100% of my profits go to the Michigan Animal Rescue League. I researched extensively on how to start my own business, made a business plan, built my website and began networking in order to spread the word about my work. Once I began to make a profit, I immediately reached out to MARL to tell them about my business and drop off my first donation. The manager personally invited me to visit with the kittens and discuss the future of our partnership. I grew my business, began shipping internationally, and became an official donor for MARL on their website, right next to Kroger and Chewy. I realized that I had spent so long feeling sorry for myself, while there were animals actually suffering and in desperate need of help. These animals and the people of MARL have changed my life forever. They have shown me what true strength and perseverance is. I used to think that as a young girl, I wouldn’t be able to change the world until I was an adult. It was through my business and volunteering with MARL that I have found my purpose, my life’s mission: to help others and spread love. I plan on studying Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship in college in order to prepare myself to become an Entrepreneur. With my Apparel by Sienna Rae experience, I know that I want to build a company that helps others in their lives. My dream is to have a pharmaceutical equipment company in Oder to support patients in hospitals. Besides my love for animals, I am passionate about medicine because in the beginning of 2024, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Seeing his hardworking nurses and doctors made me see that I, too, wanted to help those with illnesses and injuries. Unfortunately, my dad’s illness has also cost my family most of my college savings, due to expensive surges and appointments his insurance does not cover. But I refuse to stop seeing the good in my situations. I am so blessed in every way, and I wish to spread my blessings. I plan to produce and distribute pharmaceutical equipment to hospitals world-wide. If it wasn’t for this innovative equipment and technology, we may have never found out my dad had cancer. I want to help other families gain the same opportunity my family was given—a chance to fight. Of course, I will remain a donor to MARL throughout my career. I no longer live for myself, for my own desires and aspirations. Now, because of MARL, I live for my family, my community, and those in need. I will help others, one person (or cat) at a time.

My purpose in life is to help others. I discovered my purpose in the dawn of the pandemic in 2020. As a seventh grader suddenly thrust into online school, I became lonely. I struggled to find joy in my mundane and isolated routine. This is when I first learned of the Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL), a non-profit animal shelter in my community. With so much time on my hands, I looked into the shelter more. I learned that during Covid-19, MARL was facing a cut in funding and could barely support their animals. I knew I had to do something. I refused to just continue to sit in my room when I knew that there were kittens with no food to eat, dogs without beds to sleep on. So, I started Apparel by Sienna Rae, my tie-dye clothing brand in which 100% of my profits go to the Michigan Animal Rescue League. I researched extensively on how to start my own business, made a business plan and presented it to my parents for funds. I built my website and began networking in order to spread the word about my work. Once I began to make a profit, I immediately reached out to MARL to tell them about my business and drop off my first donation. The manager personally invited me to visit with the kittens and discuss the future of our partnership. I grew my business, began shipping internationally, and became an official donor for MARL on their website, right next to Kroger and Chewy. I realized that I had spent so long feeling sorry for myself, while there were animals actually suffering and in desperate need of help. These animals and the people of MARL have changed my life forever. They have shown me what true strength and perseverance is. I used to think that as a young girl, I wouldn’t be able to change the world until I was an adult. It was through my business and volunteering with MARL that I have found my purpose, my life’s mission, to help others and spread love. The Ken Larson Memorial Scholarship will enable me to pursue Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship in college in order to prepare myself to become an Entrepreneur. With my Apparel by Sienna Rae experience, I know that I want to build a company that helps others in their lives. My dream is to have a pharmaceutical equipment company in which I can help people in hospitals. Besides my love for animals, I am passionate about medicine because in the beginning of 2024, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Seeing his hardworking nurses and doctors made me see that I, too, wanted to help those with injuries and health needs. I plan to produce and distribute pharmaceutical equipment to hospitals world-wide. If it wasn’t for this innovative equipment and technology, we may have never found out my dad had cancer. I want to help other families gain the same opportunity my family was given—a chance to fight. Of course, I will remain a donor to MARL throughout my career. I no longer live for myself, for my own desires and aspirations. Now, because of MARL, I live for my family, my community, and those in need. I will help others, one person (or cat) at a time.

My purpose in life is to help others. I discovered my purpose in the dawn of the pandemic in 2020. As a seventh grader suddenly thrust into online school, I became lonely. I struggled to find joy in my mundane and isolated routine. This is when I first learned of the Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL), a non-profit animal shelter in my community. With so much time on my hands, I looked into the shelter more. I learned that during Covid-19, MARL was facing a cut in funding and could barely support their animals. I knew I had to do something. I refused to just continue to sit in my room when I knew that there were kittens with no food to eat, dogs without beds to sleep on. So, I started Apparel by Sienna Rae, my tie-dye clothing brand in which 100% of my profits go to the Michigan Animal Rescue League. I researched extensively on how to start my own business, made a business plan, built my website and began networking in order to spread the word about my work. Once I began to make a profit, I immediately reached out to MARL to tell them about my business and drop off my first donation. The manager personally invited me to visit with the kittens and discuss the future of our partnership. I grew my business, began shipping internationally, and became an official donor for MARL on their website, right next to Kroger and Chewy. I realized that I had spent so long feeling sorry for myself, while there were animals actually suffering and in desperate need of help. These animals and the people of MARL have changed my life forever. They have shown me what true strength and perseverance is. I used to think that as a young girl, I wouldn’t be able to change the world until I was an adult. It was through my business and volunteering with MARL that I have found my purpose, my life’s mission, to help others and spread love. The Grace and Growth Scholarship will enable me to pursue Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship in college in order to prepare myself to become an Entrepreneur. With my Apparel by Sienna Rae experience, I know that I want to build a company that helps others in their lives. My dream is to have a pharmaceutical equipment company in which I can help people in hospitals. Besides my love for animals, I am passionate about medicine because in the beginning of 2024, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Seeing his hardworking nurses and doctors made me see that I, too, wanted to help those with injuries and health needs. Unfortunately, my dad’s illness has also cost my family most of my college savings, due to expensive surges and appointments his insurance does not cover. But I refuse to stop seeing the good in my situations. I am so blessed in every way, and I wish to spread my blessings. I plan to produce and distribute pharmaceutical equipment to hospitals world-wide. If it wasn’t for this innovative equipment and technology, we may have never found out my dad had cancer. I want to help other families gain the same opportunity my family was given—a chance to fight. Of course, I will remain a donor to MARL throughout my career. I no longer live for myself, for my own desires and aspirations. Now, because of MARL, I live for my family, my community, and those in need. I will help others, one person (or cat) at a time.

My purpose in life is to help others. I discovered my purpose in the dawn of the pandemic in 2020. As a seventh grader suddenly thrust into online school, I became lonely. I struggled to find joy in my mundane and isolated routine. This is when I first learned of the Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL), a non-profit animal shelter in my community.    With so much time on my hands, I looked into the shelter more. I learned that during Covid-19, MARL was facing a cut in funding and could barely support their animals. I knew I had to do something. I refused to just continue to sit in my room when I knew that there were kittens with no food to eat, dogs without a bed to sleep on. So, I created Apparel by Sienna Rae, my tie-dye clothing brand in which 100% of my profits go to the Michigan Animal Rescue League. I researched extensively on how to start my own business, made a business plan and presented it to my parents for funds. I built my website and began networking in order to spread the word about my work. Once I began to make a profit, I immediately reached out to MARL to tell them about my business and drop off my first donation. The manager personally invited me to visit with the kittens and discuss the future of our partnership.   I grew my business, began shipping internationally, and became an official donor for MARL on their website, right next to Kroger and Chewy. I realized that while I had been feeling sorry for myself, there were animals actually suffering and in desperate need of help.   These animals and the people of MARL have changed my life forever. They have shown me what true strength and perseverance is. I used to think that as a young girl, I wouldn’t be able to change the world until I was an adult. It was through my business and volunteering with MARL that I have found my purpose, my life’s mission, to help others and spread love.    I want to pursue Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship in college in order to prepare myself to become an Entrepreneur. With my Apparel by Sienna Rae experience, I know that I want to build a company that helps others in their lives. My dream is to have a pharmaceutical equipment company in which I can help people in hospitals. Besides my love for animals, I am passionate about medicine because in the beginning of 2024, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Seeing his hardworking nurses and doctors made me see that I, too, wanted to help those with injuries and health needs. I plan to produce and distribute pharmaceutical equipment to hospitals world-wide. If it wasn’t for this innovative equipment and technology, we may have never found out my dad had cancer. I want to help give other families the same opportunity my family was given—a chance to fight. Of course, I will remain a donor to MARL throughout my career.  I no longer live for myself, for my own desires and aspirations. Now, because of MARL, I live for my family, my community, and those in need. I will help others, one person (or cat) at a time.

My purpose in life is to help others. I discovered my purpose in the dawn of the pandemic in 2020. As a seventh grader suddenly thrust into online school, I became lonely. I struggled to find joy in my mundane and isolated routine. This is when I first learned of the Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL), a non-profit animal shelter in my community.    With so much time on my hands, I looked into the shelter more. I learned that during Covid-19, MARL was facing a cut in funding and could barely support their animals. I knew I had to do something. I refused to just continue to sit in my room when I knew that there were kittens with no food to eat, dogs without a bed to sleep on. So, I created Apparel by Sienna Rae, my tie-dye clothing brand in which 100% of my profits go to the Michigan Animal Rescue League. I researched extensively on how to start my own business, made a business plan and presented it to my parents for funds. Once I began to make a profit, I immediately reached out to MARL to tell them about my business and drop off my first donation. The manager personally invited me to visit with the kittens and discuss the future of our partnership.   These animals and the people of MARL have changed my life forever. They have shown me what true strength and perseverance is. I used to think that as a young girl, I wouldn’t be able to change the world until I was an adult. It was through my business and volunteering with MARL that I have found my purpose, my life’s mission, to help others and spread love.    The JT Lampert Scholarship will enable me to pursue Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship in college in order to prepare myself to become an Entrepreneur. With my Apparel by Sienna Rae experience, I know that I want to build a company that helps others in their lives. My dream is to have a pharmaceutical equipment company in which I can help people in hospitals. Besides my love for animals, I am passionate about medicine because in the beginning of 2024, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Seeing his hardworking nurses and doctors made me see that I, too, wanted to help those with injuries and health needs. I plan to produce and distribute pharmaceutical equipment to hospitals world-wide. If it wasn’t for this innovative equipment and technology, we may have never found out my dad had cancer. I want to help give other families the same opportunity my family was given—a chance to fight. Of course, I will remain a donor to MARL throughout my career.  I no longer live for myself, for my own desires and aspirations. Now, because of MARL, I live for my family, my community, and those in need. I will help others, one person (or cat) at a time.

My purpose in life is to help others. I discovered my purpose in the dawn of the pandemic in 2020. As a seventh grader suddenly thrust into online school, I became lonely. I struggled to find joy in my mundane and isolated routine. This is when I first learned of the Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL), a non-profit animal shelter in my community.    With so much time on my hands, I looked into the shelter more. I learned that during Covid-19, MARL was facing a cut in funding and could barely support their animals. I knew I had to do something. I refused to just continue to sit in my room when I knew that there were kittens with no food to eat, dogs without a bed to sleep on. So, I created Apparel by Sienna Rae, my tie-dye clothing brand in which 100% of my profits go to the Michigan Animal Rescue League. I researched extensively on how to start my own business, made a business plan and presented it to my parents for funds. I built my website and began networking in order to spread the word about my work. Once I began to make a profit, I immediately reached out to MARL to tell them about my business and drop off my first donation. The manager personally invited me to visit with the kittens and discuss the future of our partnership.   I grew my business, began shipping internationally, and became an official donor for MARL on their website, right next to Kroger and Chewy. I realized that while I had been feeling sorry for myself, there were animals actually suffering and in desperate need of help.   These animals and the people of MARL have changed my life forever. They have shown me what true strength and perseverance is. I used to think that as a young girl, I wouldn’t be able to change the world until I was an adult. It was through my business and volunteering with MARL that I have found my purpose, my life’s mission, to help others and spread love.    The North Star Dreamers Memorial Scholarship will enable me to pursue Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship in college in order to prepare myself to become an Entrepreneur. With my Apparel by Sienna Rae experience, I know that I want to build a company that helps others in their lives. My dream is to have a pharmaceutical equipment company in which I can help people in hospitals. Besides my love for animals, I am passionate about medicine because in the beginning of 2024, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Seeing his hardworking nurses and doctors made me see that I, too, wanted to help those with injuries and health needs. I plan to produce and distribute pharmaceutical equipment to hospitals world-wide. If it wasn’t for this innovative equipment and technology, we may have never found out my dad had cancer. I want to help other families gain the same opportunity my family was given—a chance to fight. Of course, I will remain a donor to MARL throughout my career.  I no longer live for myself, for my own desires and aspirations. Now, because of MARL, I live for my family, my community, and those in need. I will help others, one person (or cat) at a time.