I have witnessed what it’s like to make a difference, no matter how small, in our modern world-it helped me realize that I have a keen desire to spread joy, laughter, and lasting impact. I am eager-hungry to fulfill my purpose and contribute my talents to others. Accordingly, I dream of becoming a sports medicine physician, and thus would use this scholarship to ease the financial burden of college tuition and expenses. I have been training martial arts since 2015 and recently achieved my black belt in MMA in 2023. Since then, I have been teaching the arts to children ages 3-15 as a youth assistant instructor. Many of the kids have special needs or are victims of bullying; witnessing their growth and development of self-confidence has easily been the most rewarding thing I have done in my life to this point. I also volunteer as a senior companion, activity leader, meal distributor, and bingo leader at a neighboring nursing home. I feel so blessed to have witnessed the extensive impact that something as simple as my presence can have on others-nothing compares to the fulfillment of leaving the nursing home knowing that a plain conversation with a resident made their day. Sharing my resources with others has been accomplished also through my role as a blood donor with the New York Blood Center and a weekly tutor for elementary school children. In my parish and school community, I serve as a Eucharistic minister during mass. This role comes with additional responsibilities at my school, where I lead midday prayer services, serve at morning school masses, and travel to distribute the Host to the elderly. Additionally, I have volunteered at my parish’s summer Bible Camp and served as a community leader and retreat leader for freshmen at school. Being selected as a retreat leader allowed me to share my faith journey with the freshman class and bring them to Christ. As a community leader/mentor, I have helped freshmen adjust to high school and take advantage of the countless spiritual, educational, and athletic opportunities my school offers. To help patients and gain more knowledge in the field of sports medicine, I have engaged in volunteering internships at both Mercy Hospital and St. Francis Hospital, both of which are affiliated with Catholic Health. Here, I am able to work one-on-one with patients, help them heal, remain hopeful, and trust in their faith. I have also completed a volunteering apprenticeship at a nearby physical therapy clinic, where I became closer to those in my community while learning necessary healthcare skills. I am extremely grateful for the personal growth I have developed due to my volunteerism and community involvement over the years. I have realized that service is instrumental in who I am-it is something I plan on doing my entire life. My love of helping others has lended itself not only in my character/personality, but also in my future career aspirations. For these reasons, I hope to use this scholarship for college, where I will obtain the skills necessary to officially dedicate my life to the betterment of those around me.

I’ve always been the active child in the family, participating in basketball, soccer, dance, gymnastics, swimming, flag football, track, softball, and martial arts. I have learned to cope in life through movement and exercise. Another seemingly unrelated aspect of my childhood is my lifelong attachment to helping others; in reality, this detail is crucial to understanding my attraction to the world of healthcare today. From the time I was six, I became obsessed with the Disney show Doc McStuffins. Based on the plot of a young aspiring doctor healing her injured toys, the program drew me in from the start. I never left the house without my Doc McStuffins patient treatment notebook, which I carried in case anyone needed my help. Whether it was the grocery store, church, or the bank, the book was always by my side. I didn’t know it then, but my athletic background combined with my innate desire to help others was subconsciously forming my life’s purpose. During my junior year of high school, I beared forth my past and present interests in my decision to take a sports medicine elective. It was in this class that my love for healthcare was truly instilled. I immediately sought to expand my learning outside the classroom, realizing that it was within this field that my vocation lied. I began volunteering at a local physical therapy clinic weekly after school, eventually accumulating over seventy hours of apprenticeship. As the school year ended, I began interning at two different hospitals, working closely with both physical therapists and sports medicine physicians. Working one-on-one with patients and doctors in this setting truly played a crucial role in my vocation discernment. Aside from career-related volunteer work, I have also enjoyed multiple alternate forms of volunteerism. Visiting the elderly at a neighboring nursing home has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience. I serve as an activity coordinator, senior companion, Bingo leader, meal distributor, and recently a hula dancer for the home’s annual Hawaiian Luau. Witnessing the difference that something as simple as my presence can make in the lives of others has changed me in a way I cannot even explain. Similarly, I have experienced the rewards of volunteerism in my role as a youth assistant instructor at my martial arts school. I have been training there for almost twelve years now, and have been able to teach youth classes (ages 3-15) upon achieving my black belt in 2023. Many of the children have special needs or are victims of bullying; I work closely with these kids, helping them to build strength and self-confidence. Whether it’s witnessing a three year old master the tumble she was terrified to try yesterday or applauding as my former student of five years achieves their black belt, this experience has been nothing but rewarding and character-building. Today, I dream of becoming a sports medicine physician with a doctorate in physical therapy-a widely uncommon feat-as I seek to enhance my cognizance of specialized musculoskeletal conditions and rehabilitation. My vision, however, is not confined to a clinic or hospital: I hope to travel to poverty-stricken countries, providing treatment and education on physical rehabilitation, as well as long-lasting supplies, including wound dressings/bandaging, antibiotics, slings, etc. I have witnessed what it’s like to make a difference, no matter how small, in our modern world-it helped me realize that I have a keen desire to spread joy, laughter, and lasting impact. I am eager-hungry to fulfill my purpose and contribute my talents to others. I know that my goals are extremely ambitious-they even scare me a little-but I think that’s exactly the point.

“I fight every single day, but no one ever sees a scratch. I want to die so badly,” I wrote on my notes app on September 10, 2023. It happened slowly at first: my joyful grin faded, chatty mouth became silent, and contagious laughter ceased. I distanced myself from old friends and found comfort only in being alone. I became a person that I didn’t recognize, hardly remembering who I was, until depression became my identity. My life was lived in black and white: it was like fighting a war against myself, but no one knew. It felt as if I merely existed, for no sole purpose other than just to get through each day. For this reason, I was shocked on March 17 to receive a black belt testing letter from the martial arts school I had been training at for eight years. I never thought I would be considered for such a prestigious title, as I showed up late to class and cut corners as a child. Upon receiving the letter, a switch was flipped inside me: I knew that I had to try. The test was a rigorous two-part exam that challenged the physical and mental capabilities of the athlete, consisting of one-hundred push-ups, sit-ups, squats, ten minutes of jump rope, seemingly endless sparring rounds, and much more. My mom encouraged me not to waste time on this, as there was no guarantee I would pass. Nevertheless, I knew it was time for me to make my own decisions, and despite the temptation to lay in bed and be alone, I resisted repeatedly, consistently doing the opposite of what my mind enticed. I completed my list of exercises on the tile bathroom floor after school each day, so my mom wouldn’t hear. Reaching my limit and then using all my strength to exceed it instilled in me a discipline I never thought possible. I realized that the reason I was working so hard to achieve my black belt was no longer for my moms approval-this time it was to prove to myself that I have the power to achieve great things. After training for months, June 17 finally arrived; every inch of my body was dripping in sweat-my legs could barely walk in a straight line. I stood in front of my coaches, shaking, with tears in my eyes, as Sifu told me to take off my old rank. The black belt tied around my waist was engraved in red with “Sophia Venturino.” The crowd was cheering, with flashing cameras in their hands. But for the first time ever, that wasn’t what mattered to me: it was the internal pride that I felt by proving to myself that I am capable of success, no matter the circumstance. Looking back, the hope I attained throughout my depression, other than the short term goal of achieving my black belt, was when I thought about my future-I dreamt of creating a new life for myself and helping others through my experiences. Since then, I have been working hard to be successful in all areas of life, as I dream of becoming a sports medicine physician. I know that becoming a doctor will be scary and challenging, but I have found that if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough. Looking again through my notes app, I find an entry from August 16, 2024, saying, “I’m starting to value myself and my life. And I want to use it to change the lives of others.”

Softball was the first sport I truly committed to-every kid tries out multiple sports during childhood, but there are always one or two that stick with them: softball was that for me. I had previously tried soccer, basketball, dance, gymnastics, and swimming-yet nothing made me feel truly satisfied. Since the age of six, I have been involved with softball on my town’s little league team. I formed friendships with girls in my neighborhood and enjoyed being a part of a lively community. Playing and growing up together allowed us all to grow in our connections with one another, as we all went to different schools. Even when we went to high school, we celebrated our final year of little league and continue to stay in touch. Since the beginning of my high school career, I have been involved in the softball program, playing both infield and outfield on junior varsity. I witnessed firsthand the transformation from little league that I noticed within both the game and myself. Competition was increasingly challenging, leading practices to be less sporadic and more intense. This inadvertently led to my subconscious desire to improve my performance on the field. I began taking extra time outside of team practice to focus on my weaknesses and struggles. Although it requires much focus and discipline, these habits have pave the way for me to prioritize and challenge myself throughout all aspects of my life. For instance, when I have an upcoming exam on a topic that is difficult for me, I surpass the discomfort, dedicating time to hone in on my weaknesses. I loved witnessing my in-game growth from personal training, even though I never had a personal coach. Taking initiative to improve my own abilities has led me to become a more determined, motivated, and proactive individual. Upon the end of my sophomore year season, I took it upon myself to train intently over the summer to make the varsity team the following year. I joined a travel team, which gave me the opportunity to learn new techniques, meet new people, and experience new places. The compounded intensity helped me to adjust with more competitive play over time. My parents took me to the batting cage whenever they could afford it, and when they couldn’t, I took dry swings in the backyard. Working against adversity and using my vigor/passion to fuel my goals has made me develop a strong character and self-confidence to this day. Before varsity tryouts, I experienced a career ending injury when I tore my labrum in my throwing arm. As a primary shortstop, I could no longer throw with both speed and accuracy. I was devastated when I didn’t make the team. As I currently rehabilitate, I am thankful for all that softball has taught me and given me throughout my life. I hope to continue my athletic career playing on the varsity softball team in college, helping me to fuel my desire to play and make new friends. Looking up now at the case in my bedroom, I set eyes in my first home run ball. That ball from May 2, 2019 may have been the first ball I hit over the fence, but it surely won’t be the last.

1. When I was five I was obsessed with the show Doc McStuffins, easily becoming fascinated by her treatment of patients (her stuffed animals) and kindness. My favorite toy I ever had was my Doc McStuffins patient notebook, where I wrote down the conditions of all my own stuffed animals and toys. I didn’t know it then, but these childhood experiences helped pave the way for my future endeavors. My entire life has involved sports, from decades long experiences like softball and martial arts to trying new things (soccer, dance, swimming, gymnastics, and more recently track and flag football), I have found my true self through athletics. When I told my Muay Thai coach that I dream of becoming a sports medicine physician, he smiled and told me that I truly have lived that life, with my prevalent sports background promoting a career in sports medicine. Knowing this goal of mine, I began volunteering at two hospitals and a physical therapy clinic, where my passion only grew. These experiences have helped me to become extremely service-oriented, proactive, and innovative, as I learned how to be a compassionate healthcare professional from countless doctors, nurses, and therapists. 2. In the sixth grade, my health class learned about empathy; we listened to a song that I can easily recall to this day. The words, “you’ve got to walk, walk, walk-walk in their shoes-feel what someone else is feeling” have remained rooted in my mind ever since. While I can bring to mind the exact dance and melody of the song, it’s the words that truly inspire me. Empathy must be felt daily, expressing sympathy and concern for everyone around us. It’s so easy to be narrow-minded and self-focused. For this reason, calling to mind the states and conditions of others are of fundamental importance. As I also hope to earn my doctorate in physical therapy, empathy is absolutely essential. The people that I will help throughout my career are not simply “patients”-they are humans that are struggling and need assistance. Patients are not simply tasks to tend to, they are individuals that are relearning how to move, regain motion, heal their bones, work past mentally challenging injuries, etc. During one particular day at my hospital internship, assisted the therapists in helping a patient walk across the hallway. While this task may seem simple or even monotonous to others, the experience meant everything to me. As a stroke victim, this patient was relearning how to walk; noticing that the patient was quiet after the exercise, I told them that I have a special feeling that it will all work out, focusing specifically on what I would like to hear if I was in that position. Personally, I will ensure that my work is done through a human-centered lease by constantly remembering that my patients are people and the circumstances could easily be swapped. I have found through my volunteer work that mentally switching situations with a patient helps to keep things into focus, increasing empathy and patient care. We are all human and thus must give respect and empathy to those around us-a fact that can unfortunately be overlooked and forgotten easily.

I am a YGIG because I am a fighter-not only in life, but in a literal sense. I have trained in martial arts since I was seven. As a black belt heading towards college, I have become a confident and empowered young woman, in comparison to the shy little girl that walked into the dojo in 2015. Now, I dream of becoming a sports medicine physician with a doctorate in physical therapy- a widely uncommon feat. This scholarship will help me to support my single mom in the financial burden of college in this current day. I have been involved in soccer, swimming, gymnastics, and dance at a young age. Softball, however, truly stuck with me. I have played from 2014-2025, ranging from little league and school ball to a NY travel team. I have won multiple tournaments and league games, working with my teammates to achieve the best possible outcome. I did track my sophomore year as a long jumper and hurdler, as well as flag football my junior year, where I helped my team advance to the championship game. Martial arts has always been it for me. In 2023, I achieved my black belt in MMA, a feat that took months of training and self motivation, but has easily become the most rewarding thing I have ever done. My mom didn’t think I would pass, so she discouraged me from believing I could. I worked through this, training calisthenics in the bathroom after school each day. As one of the only women, I powered through adversity and skepticism in my skills to earn my rank promotion. I began training in adult Muay Thai and Jeet Kune Do classes, where I constantly spar with grown men that are way larger than me. I take every round as a learning experience, always working towards growth and improvement. Someone that I look up to is the program director and co-owner of the dojo, Kathy Sacoulas. As one of the handful of women training in Muay Thai, she is a huge role model for me. She is also my boss, as I work at the school, assisting and teaching in youth MMA classes. She has taught me so much about self-confidence and character development; I truly would not be who I am today if it wasn’t for her. My journey is truly just beginning; when I told my Muay Thai coach that I wanted to be a doctor of sports medicine, he was so proud, saying that I have truly been living that life. As an avid athlete and student, I am determined to achieve my goals. I hope to have the financial ability to attend my top-choice colleges and continue my martial arts training wherever my life takes me. For this, I will need financial assistance, since I come from a single parent, low income household. In college, I will join multiple varsity sports, including running, flag football, pickleball, and more. I will continue training in Muay Thai at a gym close to my campus, as I plan on advancing my technique and knowledge throughout my life. For me, being a student-athlete has made my life joyful. It has made me who I am today and has developed my personality into one of confidence and goal setting. I have formed countless friendships and connections through athletics and have learned the value of balance and prioritizing my health, nutrition, and athletics with my grades, academics, and schoolwork. While I may not be a student for my entire life, I will remain an athlete for as long as I live-and that is something to look forward to.

It remains engraved in my mind to this day; the elegy is astounding, speaking true to the potential of those that may never get the chance to unleash it. Thomas Grays’ “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” was a key aspect of our 11th grade syllabus, depicting the life and death of a simple, yet wondrous plowman. He possessed the power and knowledge to become great, but lived a life defined by sadness and routine, due to his hailing, uncontrollable poverty. I was afraid-terrified that my life would resemble the story of the plowman. The reality is that countless motivated and wildly intelligent students are born into disadvantageous, uncontrollable circumstances. Nevertheless, these individuals deserve to be given opportunities to showcase their intellect and discover their untapped potential. This can be done via scholarships and grants, helping students like me remain hopeful that our aspirations can become more than just far-fetched dreams. All people, regardless of financial backgrounds, deserve the chance to be confident that they can transform their dreams into reality. For people like me, the obstacles seem endless-like an obstacle course that never seems to finish. My dad lives far away with his family and my mom works in a high school making less than 60K annually, as she works to support me and my little sister. As a single mom, she does her best living child to check to support our family. I have done my best my whole life too seek out any free resources to expand my knowledge. I am interested in learning as much as I can, but my circumstances often set me back. I have missed out on multiple opportunities, including school trips, expensive pre-college courses, permit test, testing, driving lessons, school visits, and expensive standardized testing. I dream of becoming a sports medicine physician with a doctorate in physical therapy-an widely uncommon feat. Despite the setbacks, I have began tutoring myself for the SAT using free online videos and tips. I researched free classes and learning opportunities in the field of sports medicine and recently took up reading and extensive volunteer work. This grant would greatly ease the financial burden of college on my mother, as she has been working seemingly endless hours, even during the summer, to save up for an education that she may not be able to afford.

Loneliness is the worst feeling. Feelings are emotions; they are merely sensations. This is not to undermine feelings, but rather to differentiate between emotions and mental illness. As someone that has lived with clinical depression, I would push for legislation to decrease the costs of necessary healthcare and therapeutic services for those that need it. In my personal experience, my mother became indebted to a very expensive therapist, which only worsened the situation. Easily accessible and government-payed licensed mental health therapists are not only a suggestion, but a fundamental requirement. Reaching out to lawmakers, the same individuals who promised to listen to the people that they serve, is a must. This can be done through an easily accessible mental health website, which will enable users to match with therapists and local support groups. This will enable those that struggle to feel less lonely and more seen, accepted, and valued. But moreover, those affected by mental health will be allowed to to freely heal, slowly but surely, with the support rightly provided to them.

When I was in kindergarten, it was veterinarian, first grade - illustrator, sixth grade- actress. Next year, I will be a college student. This time, I’ve found the purpose and vocation of my life and I could not be more grateful. I started martial arts when I was eight. It’s been ten years. I achieved my black belt after almost quitting and now train in adult classes. I now spar with grown men after being terrified to work with kids my own age years ago. This sport has changed my life and has made me an impenetrable force. I have been playing softball (little league, school ball, and travel ball) for the past nine years. In high school, I became involved in flag football and track as well. Sports along with service has been the theme of my life. For the past three years, I have been a youth student instructor for children’s martial arts classes. This has allowed me to help victims of bullying and children with special needs to gain confidence and discipline. I also volunteer at a nursing home weekly with my friends. We speak with elderly residents, lead Bingo, serve dinner, and spread joy. All of this has helped me to realize that my purpose is to become a doctor of sports medicine, leading me to volunteer at a physical therapy clinic for over sixty hours, as well as two different hospitals. I have gained experience working with patients and seek any opportunities to learn as much as I can about my desired field. I find sports injuries and the human body extremely fascinating and I cannot wait to gain a higher and more specified education. Recently, however, my families ability to fund this has been uncertain. My parents are divorced and I live with my mom and my little sister. My father is very financially stable, but is not very present in my life. He often goes on long vacations and business trips with his girlfriend. Meanwhile, my mom is left with the majority of finances for my sister and I. She lives check to check, so times are hard until she gets payed. The fridge is often almost empty and she always asks for grocery and gas money from me, so I have to work. This scholarship would greatly help my mom to be able to afford college, so that I can accomplish my dreams.

My name is Sophia Venturino; I am proud of the woman I am becoming. Giving my time to others is the greatest accomplishment and decision I have made. I pride myself on volunteering as a youth assistant instructor at my martial arts school of ten years, helping kids of all ages to gain confidence and belonging. No matter what is going on in my life, I always become the best version of myself when I step onto the mat, using all of my energy and knowledge to empower children. I work with many children who struggle with mental health, have been bullied, and have special needs. Being a part of their journey is the greatest thing that I have done with my life. This past year I began volunteering at a nearby nursing home with my friends. We are able to visit residents weekly, speaking with them and leading activities. Realizing that something as simple as my presence, with nothing more than a smile and open ears, can make someone’s day, has changed my life forever. I find an incomparable joy that comes from leading Bingo, talking about life, and sharing stories with the lonely. Visiting this amazing place is always the highlight of my day- it is like energy for my soul, knowing that I am the reason that someone smiled today. In my community, I have volunteered over sixty hours at a physical therapy clinic. As someone with an interest in health science/pre-med, I seek to learn whatever and whenever I can. Working with individuals of all levels at the clinic has taught me so much about patient care and health overall. But the most valuable lesson was the life lesson that my volunteer work has taught me. Wherever I have gone, I have realized that my energy of friendliness and enthusiasm has spread like a wildfire. From exchanging a glance to a patient that’s working hard, to starting conversations with quiet people, I have worked hard to get out of my comfort zone for the benefit of those around me. Nothing compares to the feeling of seeing a three year old finally land a tumble after being terrified their whole lives. This same concept applies when an elderly resident is recalling to me a story from their youth, as I experience their faces light up as they reminisce to someone that is not only willing, but happy, to listen. Energy is contagious, smiling is infectious- if so, I hope to spread it to the world, one person at a time.

As I grew older, I began to take advantage of the opportunities that my Catholic school was giving me. I developed a person relationship with the Lord, and for this I am forever grateful. I realized that I could not keep my newfound faith to myself. The personal connection that I had gained was not meant to be for me alone: it was meant to be shared. As a junior, I was selected by teachers to be on the junior retreat staff at my school. This meant that I was able to lead freshman retreats for the underclassmen. Taking school days off with my junior peers to go out to my school’s retreat houses was an incredible experience. I was able to give my “witness talk” to them. This was a talk about my faith journey, meant to inspire and motivate the freshmen to dwell into the call that God is giving to them- for a personal relationship with Him. I also led faith activities and spoke to groups of freshmen individually. The teachers gave us a list of questions and topics to discuss. This was a great exercise because it was great to see the honesty among the freshmen, as they felt comfortable speaking with students closer to their age, rather than teachers all the time. Being a leader in my faith did not end there, though. Later during my junior year, my application to become a Eucharistic Minister was accepted. As a result, my friends and I embarked on a Eucharistic pilgrimage for the Eucharistic Revival. We traveled from a nearby parish to our school, which was about three miles. Traveling with Jesus amidst the busy streets of the average New York day was an unforgettable experience. Upon seeing the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, multiple people stopped their cars and stared, making the sign of the cross. Later that day, I became certified as a minister of Holy Communion and began distributing in my school and parish, as well as to the elderly. In this role, I also lead midday prayer at school before lunch, lead morning masses, and distribute ashes on Ash Wednesday. Obtaining leadership roles in my faith this past year have helped me to realize how much I love helping people. It brings me closer to my faith and to true happiness and fulfillment. As someone who loves sports, I dream of becoming a sports medicine physician, using my faith and friendly personality to help patients recover. I am so grateful for the discernment that the Lord has given me and I cannot wait to fulfill his plans for my life.

The police came to our house- I hid in my room because I was ashamed. I realized that the officer’s son was in my grade at school, and I was embarrassed by my parents. I felt humiliated that they could not resolve their problems and that it escalated so quickly. The divorce a few years later was an awful one- a separation filled with toxicity and hate, even to this day. As one would, I sought ways to cope. Thankfully, I was able to dwell in positive coping mechanisms: sports. Being active and competitive made me feel invincible. I immersed myself in martial arts- an activity that I began when I was eight, only to reap its true benefits when I was older. I had learned to appreciate the arts, as well as the gift of movement. At a time when my parents’ relationship became more hostile, even after the divorce, I became eligible for my black belt after over seven years of training. I was also struggling with depression at the time, not even knowing if I should try. Yet, I knew that I had to- I had a desire to prove something to myself, instead of my parents. For the first time in my life, I worked on a goal for me and me alone. And it changed my life. It was June 24, 2023: a day that I’ll never forget. As my black belt was put around my waist, I reaped the rewards of my hard work, feeling pride for myself, rather than the satisfaction of pleasing my parents. I started teaching martial arts as an instructor to the younger students, as well as volunteering my time for different organizations, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Something about using my newfound personality of hospitality and friendliness to bring joy to other people kept me coming back. I became obsessed not only with continuing to exercise, bettering myself for my own health, but spreading that knowledge and experience to others. After my black belt journey, all of these changes lived inside of me. It became who I am today. I find pure joy in moving my body- peace in helping others. This is who I was meant to be- no matter what is going on in my household or between my parents, I will always be filled with love that is ready to be shared. It is for this reason that I dream of becoming a sports medicine physician: I would love to aid athletes and active individuals in diagnosis and recovery. I would form relationships with my patients, using calamity and sincerity to assist them. When I realized that this was my vocation and life’s work, I became afraid. Then I realized, if my dreams don’t scare me a little, what’s the point?

As someone that comes from a low-income background and single-parent household, I needed ways to cope. When I was ten, my mom enrolled me in martial arts classes and I absolutely hated it at first. I was bad at making friends and felt extremely out of place- I was certain that this was not for me. Growing older, my love for sports formed. I began playing softball, flag football, and track. My weekly martial arts classes were highlights for me. My parents had a very hateful and messy divorce; whenever I needed to let out my emotions, I always turned to physical activity. Everyone handles challenged differently: some like to sing, others like to talk- I love to move. During high school, I embraced a need that I felt to share my personality and friendliness with others. My mom struggled and continues to struggle as a single mom: she lives check to check, waiting until the fridge is full again. From this, I developed a caring nature, looking after my sister and ensuring my mom that everything would be okay. I started volunteering at Queen of Peace Residence, giving company to the elderly residents there. People commonly refer to time as “money”-while my family does not have much if the latter, something that we all have is time. For this reason, I felt obligated to continue donating my time to the lonely. As my interest in sports and volunteerism grew fonder and more serious, I decided to take a sports medicine class as my elective for my junior year. It was during the first few days of class that I knew this was where I was meant to be. No, not in room 122 during ninth period, but in the world of sports medicine. This field, I soon realized, combined the things I value most: sports and helping others. As I head into college, I dream of one day becoming a sports medicine physician, helping and diagnosing injured athletes/active individuals. As someone from a low income household, I never took vacations-during school breaks I worked and the summer was mean for schoolwork and more labor. I am a curious person- I want to learn everything that I can about the things that interest me. The world interests me. I have never been out of the country and dream of traveling the world as a doctor. I will be able to experience our alluring earth, while helping the citizens of the world to lead healthy lifestyles and heal from their pain.

Floral park is a lovely community. It has been my home for the entirety of my life: one filled with great people and opportunities. I serve as a Eucharistic minister in my parish and have volunteered at a physical therapy clinic in my town to get experience in the sports medicine field- a career that greatly interests me. I have served as a camp counselor for bible camp, as well as several school and parish events. I am also a blood donor, attending blood drives in my community regularly. My keen interest in volunteerism has rended itself outside of my community as well. For the past year, I have been visiting Queen of Peace Residence, a home for the elderly, with my school friends. Bringing joy to the elderly by simply speaking with them and sharing stories is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done. I even met a lady named Kathleen that grew up in Floral Park, just like me. Whenever I visit, Kathleen always begs me to tell her a story about our town: what it’s like and what is going on. I recently gifted Kathleen a blanket with our parish church on it, and it made her day. Participating in these activities during high school has been such a thrilling and rewarding experience for me - experiences that I plan on continuing throughout my life. As I enter into higher education, I will be needing a multitude of financial aid and scholarships to pay for the expenses that come with it. As an aspiring doctor of sports medicine, I am aware of the pricy tuition that comes with college and medical school. As a child of divorced parents that comes from a low-income household, I have been doing all that I can to reduce tuition costs for my parents, as I seek to achieve my goals. I desire so badly to help others and to make people feel better. I do have big dreams, but the reality is that the expenses are big, too. Still, I refuse to let that hold me back. The friendly and welcoming personality that is rooted in my core has not only helped others in my community and Queen of Peace Residence, though. I have been training at Progressive Martial Arts in Queens for the past ten years. Since 2022, I have been a youth assistant instructor, donating my time to assist in youth MMA classes for kids ages 3-15. Not only has teaching made me a better martial artist, it has made me a better person, too. Many of these kids come into the school because of bullying. I remember a few years back, I was teaching a class when a new student came in. To say that he was quiet would be an understatement. He was being bullied very badly. After the class, he signed up and began attending classes weekly. Today, my former student stands tall-not only physically, but mentally. The young boy that I taught became a young man in the blink of an eye. He is in the highest level of youth classes at the school, and now assists alongside me in classes for even younger students, as he is training for his black belt. Teaching martial arts and working bullyproof workshops at the school has helped to keep the students safe and protected from the horrors of bullying. I am so blessed to be able to use my life to help kids stay safe, as they build discipline and self-confidence.

I felt very out of place. I struggled with depression my freshman year of high school and felt invisible. I didn’t have many friends and none of my teachers knew my name, since I never spoke in class. During the first week of school, I stepped into my writing lab class for the first time, under the guidance of my new teacher, Mrs. Colucci. I immediately knew that this class was different - Mrs. Colucci wasn’t just interested in teaching us how to become better writers: she wanted to understand us all on a personal level. The class was one of the best I have ever been in; Although not a core subject, writing lab was always what I looked forward to during the day. She would come into class smiling, sharing stories about her family and her kids. During that terrible year of my life mentally, she was essentially the only person who was able to make me smile. She taught me writing techniques and made an effort to know me better. I remember this one piece that I wrote - it was about my training to achieve my black belt that coming summer at my martial arts school. I wrote about how I went for a run outside while it was pouring rain, followed by ten minutes of jump rope. I was so determined to achieve this feat, that even despite my mental state, I trained daily, running and jumping rope outside each Saturday, rain or shine. When I told her that I used to play softball, she encouraged me to try out for the school team, as she was the JV coach. I told her I would think about it, but deep down there was no way I could bring myself to even spend an evening after school with how I was feeling. As the year ended, I had not made progress mentally, but I was grateful that I got to know Mrs. Colucci. Sophomore year came and I was changed. I had spent the summer celebrating my new black belt and taking time for myself to speak with professionals, in order to heal. I was put on medication, and thus became a new person during tenth grade. Spring came, which meant spring sports tryouts. I knew what I had to do-Mrs. Colucci was thrilled to see me at tryouts, and eventually, to give me the news that I had made the team. That year, Mrs. Colucci taught me how to be a better athlete and individual. This time, she wasn’t teaching me about semicolons and commas, she was shaping my character and competitive spirit as a coach. I got to meet her kids, who she told stories about in class the year prior. I even remember her telling me one day that she will never forget the piece I wrote about my run in the pouring rain. I was shocked that she remembered not only me, but a random writing assignment that I handed in my freshman year. Ever since then, Mrs. Colucci has never missed the chance to catch up with me and greet me in the hallways. As I go into my senior year, I am so thankful for all she has done for me. I am motivated by her to be empathetic and caring to others as she was to me my freshman year, even despite my apathy and unenthusiastic personality. I hope to be like her, taking younger students under my wing and helping them to feel comfortable and seen.

Ice cream-check. Remote-check. Pajamas-check. I was 10 years old, watching “Girl Meets World” in my basement - a daily ritual. Looking back, the show taught me so much about female empowerment and the importance of friendship/knowledge. At that time, though, it simply made me happy, always bringing a smile and plenty of laughs. I remember the day when I found out that Sabrina was releasing songs - way back in 2016. My friends and I listened to “Thumbs” and “Smoke and Fire” nonstop. It was simple- she was an inspiration to us. I remember when my mom ordered me my first “Girls World” magazine and my friends and I wrote fan mail to Sabrina right away, expressing our admiration. As I’ve grown older, I began to rewatch/re-listen to my favorite shows/songs from my childhood, especially during difficult times. This has always brought me back to Sabrina - whether I had a big test coming up, or time was just moving too fast, pausing to listen to my old favorites from 2016 is a must for me. A few years back, when Sabrina became a household name, I was overjoyed. It felt like my childhood celebrity was making a name for herself. I was no longer the only one that knew about Sabrina- it was not only my generation, but the world. Even now, as I head to college soon, she continues to inspire me through her art and perseverance.

Time- it is one of the only things in our lives that we have control over. How do we spend our time? Are we spending it wisely - using it for our own agendas or making ourselves available for others? I believe that to be of service to our family, community, and teammates, we need to be willing to give them our time - something so valuable that it is often called “money.” My parents have been divorced since I was 12. My sister is six years younger than me; she looks up to me as a role model despite all the chaos, and I refuse to disappoint her. The divorce was a bad one filled with tension and hatred, and my sister and I were given a court ordered schedule to follow for the joint custody that our parents had. Our time was not our own. Still, I made sure to follow this schedule, even as I got older, so that I could be with my sister. I didn’t want her going through anything alone, especially because of the hostility that existed between our parents and their families. If I was going through a hard time, I made sure that she always saw me smiling, knowing that I was always there for her. I have given my time to my community as well - distributing the Eucharist during masses in my parish, volunteering at a physical therapy clinic in my town, and volunteering at village and school events. One thing about me is that I am a martial artist. I have been training for ten years and achieved my black belt in 2023. I now train in adult classes weekly. I didn’t want to keep the values/lessons that my black belt journey taught me all to myself, though; I began teaching MMA to youth students ages 3-15 at my martial arts school. I have found that donating my time to help the younger students and witnessing their growth is the greatest achievement of my life thus far - even more than my black belt. There is something special about watching young kids -many of whom are bullied and have special needs - overcome their fears and obtain discipline/confidence that is completely unmatched to anything else I have very experienced. I’m so honored to be a part of their journeys and teaching has made me such a greater individual, that I take two buses and walk two miles whenever I have to go to my martial arts school- either for my own classes or to teach. At my school, I have played flag football, softball, and track. These sports have taught me so much about resilience and hard work, as well as the importance of teamwork and friendship. In this aspect, the donation of my time has lended itself in my efforts to cheer on my teammates and make time to motivate them. I make sure that they know we are all working together and that I am there for them. During a track meet, one of my teammates racing next to me in a hurdles event fell and could not get up - I immediately ran over to make sure she was okay. Similar occurrences have taken place in softball and flag football, when my teammates have gotten injured or were verbally injured by comments from another team. Again, I made sure to approach them, doing whatever I could to make them feel better. Growing older, I’ve realized that the way I spend my time dictates the kind of person I will become, and for that, I am proud.