Growing up one thing growing up that always made me stand out was how focused I was on school. I was determined to have the best grades and to know everything, on top of that I enjoyed reading, so if I didn't have my nose in a book for school then it was for pleasure. While this might not sound "awkward" from a distance, that's how it felt in elementary and middle school. Doing well on assignments and actually caring that I did well, along with being excited over books made me an extremely easy target for teasing. I was often labeled as a "smart kid" or in meaner middle school words a "nerd." At times this made me feel like I needed to shrink that part of me to fit in. For a while, I questioned if something was wrong with me for liking things that other kids my age deemed lame or uncool. I remember trying to hide how much I enjoyed reading or downplaying my grades for the purpose of not standing out as much. But even then, I could not ignore what genuinely made me happy. Learning and growing both academically and as a person gave me a sense of purpose that I wasn't able to find anywhere else. As I got older my perspective changed, I started to realize that things which once made me feel different was acutally one of my greatest strengths. My love for learning as helped me stay disciplined, set goals, and push myself forward academically. It's also shaped who I am today, someone who is driven and committed to building a meaningful future. That mindset I created as a child has help me stay focused on my goals and helped me prepare to take on new challanges with confidence as I'm faced with them. Now, instead of seeing that piece of me as awkward or embarrasing, I take pride in it. Not everyone is willing to put in the effort, or find joy, in learning. I've come to appreciate the ways that it sets me apart in a positive way. It has opened doors for me, from academic successes to opportunities that continue to help me work towards my career goals. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing about that "awkward" part of me at all. It taught me confidence, resilience, and most importantly it taught me that staying true to who I am is a quality that will take me far in life.

I want to build a life that's centered around understanding and advocacy for individuals that are often overlooked. My goal is to work in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for now, then later after graduating work as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. I am also considering getting a masters degree to become a Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA). Following this path I hope to spend my life making meaningful changes for individuals that are a part of disabled communities. Growing up alongside my youger sister, who is nonverbal autistic, I witnessed how the challanges that can come with the communication barriers affect individuals. I also saw the impact that well-trained professionals could have. Her ABA therapist didn't just teach her skills but also helped her build connections, encouraged indepedence, and helped give my family hope. That experience shaped my desire to follow a path similiar, dedicating myself to helping others find their voice, whether spoken or signed. What I want to build more than just a career is a bridge between people. With ABA, I hope to help individuals develop skills that allow them to navigate the world with independence and confidence. Later, as an ASL interpreter I want to ensure that Deaf people have equal access to communication in life whether medical, educational, or in everyday settings. By combining these fields, I can work towards a future where communication barriers are reduced and inclusivity is always prioritized. In my community there is a growing need for professionals that are both aware culturally while also being empathetic. I aim to give back in a way that's both personal and practical by pursuing this path. Whether it is helping a child communicate their needs individually for the first time, supporting families through challanges, or ensuring that someone understands important information fully. The impact of this work is both immediate and long-lasting. This journey also represents personal growth. Building this future requires resilience, continious learning, and dedication. Despite financial challanges and the rising cost of education, I am committed to pursuing my goals because I understand the difference that it could make in others lives. By investing in my education, I am building a future where more people are both heard and understood. This is the type of impact I hope to create.

Being the child of a military veteran has deeply shaped my perspective on resilience, sacrifice, and the importance of helping others. Although my father was honorably discharged before I was born due to a serious spinal injury, his military service and the challenges he faced have left a lasting impression on me. Growing up, I had the chance to see how a physical injury can affect not just an individual but also their entire family. His strength in adapting to these difficulties taught me the value of perseverance and inspired me to pursue a career focused on support, advocacy, and caring for others. My father’s story has always served as a gentle reminder that service goes beyond active duty. The physical and emotional effects can linger long after service ends, and many veterans continue to face challenges well into their lives. Seeing this has increased my awareness of how crucial accessible care, patience, and understanding are for those experiencing struggles that might not be immediately visible. It has also motivated me to work in a field where I can really make a positive difference in people’s lives. Right now, I’m working towards a degree in American Sign Language (ASL) with the goal of becoming an interpreter, while also working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). In this role, I support children with developmental and behavioral needs, helping them develop communication and life skills. This experience has strengthened my passion for working with individuals who need extra support and advocacy. It’s also reinforced my belief that good communication is key to independence, dignity, and overall well-being. My long-term plan is to attend graduate school and become either a special education teacher or a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Both paths would give me the opportunity to continue supporting people facing challenges with communication, learning, or behavior. I’m especially interested in working with underserved communities, including individuals with disabilities and families with limited access to resources. My father's experience has helped me develop greater empathy for those facing physical and emotional hardships, and it encourages me to contribute to a system that offers meaningful support. Being the child of a veteran has given me a deep respect for service and sacrifice, as well as a strong sense of responsibility to give back. I hope my career can reflect these values by genuinely making a difference in others’ lives. Whether it’s helping a child communicate for the first time, supporting a student in reaching their potential, or advocating for better accessibility, I want to honor my father’s resilience through my work. Ultimately, his experiences have shaped not only who I am but also my goals—to become a compassionate, dedicated professional committed to improving the lives of others.

Being the first in my family to earn a college degree is an exciting journey into new territory, full of determination and purpose. It means carving out a path without a natural guide and also creating one for those who will come after me. My dad served in the army and worked tirelessly to support our family, but higher education wasn’t a possibility for him. Because of this, my college experience holds a special significance — I’m not only chasing my own dreams but also honoring my family’s sacrifices and helping lay a foundation for future generations. As a first-generation student, I’ve faced challenges that many of my peers might not fully understand. There’ve been moments of uncertainty — figuring out financial aid, choosing classes, planning for the future — all without someone at home who has gone through it before. But these hurdles have helped me become more resilient and independent. I’ve learned how to find resources, stand up for myself, and ask questions when I need help. Being a first-generation student isn’t just a label; it’s a responsibility and a source of motivation. It pushes me to succeed not just for myself but for my family as well. Right now, I’m studying American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting. I’m passionate about bridging communication gaps and making sure Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have equal access to information and opportunities. Alongside my studies, I work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), supporting children with developmental and behavioral needs. This experience has strengthened my desire to work in a field focused on communication, inclusion, and advocacy. It’s taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and meeting people where they’re at. Looking ahead, my long-term goals include attending graduate school to make an even greater impact. I’m considering becoming either a special education teacher or a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Both paths would allow me to support individuals who face barriers in learning or communication. As a special education teacher, I’d help students reach their full potential in an inclusive classroom. As a BCBA, I’d design and implement interventions to improve quality of life and promote independence. Whatever I choose, my main goal is to advocate for underserved communities and help create spaces where everyone feels supported and understood. The legacy I hope to leave is one of compassion, perseverance, and opportunity. I want my success to open doors for others in my life, showing them that higher education is within reach. I also aim to make a positive difference in the lives of the individuals I work with — helping them find their voices and reach their goals. Being a first-generation college student isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about breaking barriers and building a future that goes beyond just myself.

Education is important because it opens up opportunities, fosters independence, and helps create a brighter future—not just for me, but for my family as well. As a first-generation college student, I’m stepping into a world my parents didn’t experience themselves. While my dad served in the U.S. Army, college wasn’t part of his journey, which makes my own path through higher education feel even more meaningful. I’m working toward my goals while also carrying my family’s hopes and hopefully inspiring those who come after me. Being a first-generation student hasn’t always been easy. There have been times I had to figure things out on my own without the same guidance that other students might get from college-educated parents. But these challenges have helped me grow resilience, independence, and determination. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, find helpful resources, and stay committed—even when things get tough. Right now, I’m studying American Sign Language (ASL) with the goal of becoming an interpreter, and I’m also working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Through this work, I support children with developmental and behavioral needs, helping them develop skills so they can communicate and thrive. These experiences have really deepened my passion for working with people who may not always have their needs fully met. In the future, I plan to go to graduate school and pursue a path to become either a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a special education teacher—both of which would allow me to continue advocating for and supporting individuals who need it most. The legacy I hope to leave behind is one of perseverance, compassion, and service. I want my family, especially those who doubted me, to see that it’s possible to pursue higher education—even if you’re the first in your family to do so. I also hope my journey inspires others to follow their own dreams, believe in themselves, and reach for their potential. Professionally, I want my legacy to be defined by the positive impact I have on the students and families I work with. Whether I’m helping a child communicate for the first time or assisting a student in reaching their goals, I want to make a meaningful, lasting difference. Education is the foundation that will help me build this legacy. It’s not just about personal success—it’s about opening doors for others, creating opportunities, and leaving behind something truly meaningful that extends well beyond myself.

The Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship reflects the values I try to embody every day: compassion, service, and a genuine desire to uplift others. I truly believe that making a positive difference in the world begins with small acts of kindness that show care for both individuals and the community. Through my past volunteer experiences and my future career aspirations, I am committed to continuing to support those around me in meaningful and lasting ways. My journey into service started back in high school, where I looked for opportunities to give back. I volunteered at my local animal shelter, caring for animals in need and making sure they were comfortable while waiting for their forever homes. This taught me responsibility and empathy for those who cannot speak for themselves. I also helped as a tutor and peer mentor, supporting my classmates both academically and personally. Being a peer mentor allowed me to guide incoming freshmen through challenges I had once faced myself, reminding me of the importance of empathy and encouragement. Since beginning college, I’ve continued to build on this foundation of service. Currently, I volunteer as an after-school tutor with a nonprofit called Homework Heroes, where I assist elementary and middle school students with their studies and help build their confidence. This role has been especially meaningful, giving me tangible insights into how my efforts can truly make a difference. Seeing these children grow both academically and personally reminds me that even small moments of support can lead to lasting change. Now, as I approach my junior year, I plan to earn my degree in American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting with a minor in psychology. My long-term goal is to improve communication access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. I hope to work in settings like schools and healthcare, ensuring everyone has equal access to information and communication. I also look forward to partnering with nonprofit organizations focused on disability services, combining my passion for service with my professional pursuits. To me, making a positive impact means advocating for inclusion, building connections, and empowering others to succeed. Whether I’m helping a student understand a tough concept, supporting a peer, or working toward a career that breaks down communication barriers, I approach every opportunity with empathy and dedication. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my educational goals but also enable me to continue dedicating time and energy to service. More than that, it would reaffirm my commitment to living a life centered around helping others. I am eager to carry forward the spirit of compassion and selflessness that this scholarship represents, using my education and experiences to help create a more inclusive and caring world.

Living with a chronic illness has surprisingly shaped my educational journey in many ways. While I don’t have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, I do live with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD). This condition brings some of the same challenges, like chronic pain and fatigue, which can sometimes throw off my plans. Navigating college with MCTD has required a lot of perseverance and a strong dedication to my goals. Most of the ways MCTD affects my life are invisible to others. There are days when joint stiffness and pain make it tough to focus in class or finish assessments, especially when I need to write by hand. Flare-ups can happen unexpectedly, forcing me to quickly adjust my schedule with little warning. Sometimes, these challenges have made me feel like I’m falling behind, but instead of letting my illness define me, I’ve worked to reimagine what success looks like. Living with MCTD has helped me develop good time management skills and resilience—pushing through even when things get tough. I believe it has given me a unique perspective on life that many of my peers haven't yet experienced. While it can be harder for me to complete assignments, stay active in the gym, or go to work, I’ve become more resilient and determined to reach my goals. Receiving this scholarship would be a huge help in continuing my education. Managing a chronic illness adds financial pressure, and since I attend an out-of-state university—because my home state doesn’t offer an American Sign Language interpreting program—I could really use the support. It would help ease some of the stress of funding my dreams, so I can focus more on my studies and long-term goals like graduate school. I’m passionate about helping others communicate and access essential services through my degree in ASL interpreting, with a minor in psychology. I also hope to pursue graduate studies to become either a special education teacher or a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), both of which allow me to support individuals with special needs. My experiences with a chronic illness have deepened my desire to empower others facing their own challenges. Ultimately, my journey with MCTD hasn’t weakened or lessened my ambitions—it’s made them stronger. I am committed to continuing my education and overcoming any obstacles that appear along the way. This scholarship would not only support my academic pursuits but also inspire me to keep moving forward with resilience and purpose.

To make my community, and possibly the world, a better place I have decided to spend my life helping others. I am in college as an American sign language interpreting major with a minor in psychology at Valdosta State University in hopes to make the world a more accesible place. I'm unsure on what field I would like to interpret in, i'm currently leaning towards either education or government areas. Both of these areas would allow me to help ensure that information is avaliable to people with major hearing loss or complete deafness. I also currently volunteer at a non-profit organization as an afterschool tutor for elementary to middle school aged kids. This gives me the opportunity to not only help the kids in my local community but also grow my skills for if I were to go into educational interpreting. I enjoy being able to help the next generation excell in their school work with anything from spelling to math equations to studying for debates. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is another way I am currently helping my community. I work as a registered behavior technician which means I help people with autism, mostly children, learn how to do things ranging from learning how to differentiate between animals to how to independently get dressed to even complex social skills. This job as opened my life to a whole new world of opportunities. Getting to see my clients learn and grow into more individual and confident individuals has been an ever rewarding task. This job has led me to wanting to go to graduate school for behavior analysis so I can eventaully have a job as a board certified behavior analysis (BCBA), this is the position which creates the plans and timelines which the RBTs follow with their clients. Being able to do this in the future would allow me to work with clients and their families to ensure that individuals with autism have the resources needed to reach their goals to the fullest possible standard. After I complete my undergraduate degree I hope to help Deaf individuals access communication easier as it should not be a priviledge to communicate. I also hope to continue to help other communities like the special needs community. Overall, I try my best to be a contributing member in my community and help where I can when I can and I aim to continue doing this for as long as possible in as many ways as possible.

I am pursuing a degree in American Sign Language/ English Interpreting, this career path puts me in the Deaf community as someone to help with the communication barrier. Hearing people sometimes have a tendency to think themselves better than Deaf people, they tend to have a bias that Deaf people are less intelligent than hearing people as the communication barrier can make it difficult to understand one another. As an interpreter I hope that I will be able to combat this issue by not only helping to lessen the communication barrier itself, but also educating hearing people in hopes of lessening the bias and therefore lessening the mistreatment of Deaf individuals and their community as a whole. While still in college finishing my degree so I can start working on that social issue, I am currently working on another. I work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), currently which is a field that involves working with individuals with autism to help them learn anything from how to get dressed independetly to complex social cues. In this field I interact with people on the spectrum in all different ranges and work towards many different goals to make the world and independece seem less scary and more achieveable. I grew up with a younger sister with autism as well as being non-verbal, I have witnessed how society treats people who are different or don't communicate the same. I hope that as an RBT I will not only help individuals build the confidence they need to stand up for themselves, but also educate those around me in life and in my community to treat everyone with the same respect they wish to be treated with. As a person who has witnessed first hand how unfairly individuals that are different can be treated I aim to make sure this happens less and less to hopefully not happening at all. If an opportunity in the future opens up to where I could be a public speaker on the matter, or in anyway help educate those who are unfamiliar with disabilites, how they work, and how people with them should be treated I would love to take it and educate as far as I can. I want to be able to help as many people I can across as many states or even countries as possible. Making the world a more fair place for everyone, no matter the disability or difference, is an important life goal of mine.

My unique talent is my knowledge of American Sign Language combined with my RBT (Registered Behavioral Technician) training. Having a background in the Deaf community along with special education will make me a prime candidate for a variety of career choices in which I’m sure I’ll dive into to find my path. American Sign Language and the Deaf community has opened up a whole new world for me, new television shows, movies, social media, and more. I also grew up with a younger autistic sister (non verbal) which has allowed me to grow up with an outlook that's more broad than most young adults my age which has led to me excelling in areas where others struggled. In the future, I hope to continue to honor these skills and grow as a person to aid in helping others learn how to be more empathetic towards people with disabilities. I currently work in a daycare where I am teaching the kids how to use basic sign language with the alphabet, numbers, and colors which will hopefully spark a desire to learn more making the world itself more accesible for more people. As a career I hope that using my knowledge of American Sign Language will help build empathy in the world by helping bridge the gap between Deaf individuals, non verbal individuals and the rest of the world built for hearing individuals. Eventually I would love to go back to college to pursue a masters degree in special education and an doctorate degree in the speech language field and with a mix of all of those skills I hope to build a world where the children grow up knowing there is an entire world where they can express themselves to other people around them. For now, I am working as an RBT while finishing my degree, my hope is that this job opportunity will help me with growing my skills when it comes to children with disabilities, compassion, and time management. Working with individuals who have autism will not only aid in my understanding of how the world views and treats individuals with disabilites it will also give me the opportunity to educate those around me to ensure a better, more empathetic and caring, world for individuals who are seen as different due to any sort of visible or non-visible disability. I hope that my contribution to the community will have a large enough impact to work towards a global change on the attitude towards disabilities and people with them.