If I could create a class that every K-12 student would be required to take, it would be called the “I Can” class. Growing up in a very small rural school district, I constantly heard people tell me what I couldn’t do. I was told I wasn’t good enough, that I wouldn’t make it, and that my goals were out of reach. But I refused to accept those limits. After enduring two open-heart surgeries, I fought my way back onto the football field, eventually earning a roster spot on an NCAA Division II team. I graduated as my class salutatorian while also earning a dual-credit associate’s degree. My journey is proof that no matter the circumstances, with perseverance and hard work, you can achieve more than others expect. The “I Can” class would focus on instilling that belief in every student. Middle and high school are some of the most difficult times in a person’s life. Many face bullying, rejection, and negativity that leave scars long after graduation. I know this personally. I was a victim of sexual exploitation from people I considered friends, an experience that forced me to threaten legal action. That betrayal could have crushed me, but instead I chose to rise above it. Unfortunately, not everyone finds that strength on their own; many young people facing similar pain turn to harmful choices, even suicide. That is why I believe students need a daily reminder that they are valuable, capable, and resilient. In the “I Can” class, students would begin each day with affirmations, gratitude journaling, and small kindness challenges. These daily practices would build confidence and empathy while reinforcing that their worth is not defined by others’ opinions. Weekly lessons would rotate through key themes: 1. Self-Esteem & Identity - celebrating uniqueness through projects like strengths posters. 2. Resilience & Perseverance - learning from real stories and creating personal “bounce back” plans. 3. Bullying Prevention - practicing coping skills through role-play and discussion. 4. Goal-Setting & Motivation - learning to set SMART goals and track progress. 5. Kindness & Empathy - building community through group service projects. 6. Mental Health & Stress Management - practicing mindfulness, journaling, and coping strategies. Monthly projects would include journal reflections, a peer mentoring program, and community service initiatives. Semester highlights could feature guest speakers who overcame adversity, a vision board project to help students picture their future, and a “Confidence Showcase” where students present achievements. The long-term impact of this class would be profound: building lifelong confidence and resilience, reducing bullying and its effects, and equipping students with the tools to face challenges. Most importantly, it would foster a culture of kindness and self-belief across schools. Success in life is not just about grades or test scores but about resilience, confidence, and believing in yourself despite obstacles. If I had listened to all the voices that told me “you can’t,” I would not be where I am today. My story proves that with the right encouragement, young people can overcome health challenges, bullying, or betrayal to achieve greatness. The “I Can” class would give every student that same chance to believe in themselves, persevere, and chase their dreams with unshakable confidence. By shaping mindsets early, we can create a generation that knows no limits and chooses to rise above negativity instead of buckling underneath. Thank you for your consideration!

Middle school was the darkest time of my life. After being diagnosed with depression, I found myself fighting a battle I couldn’t explain to others especially at a time when all I wanted was to be like everyone else. My health conditions kept me from doing the one thing I loved most: playing football. While other kids took the field, I was sidelined, watching and waiting for a body that would let me participate again. To stay close to the game, I volunteered as the team’s water boy, something I thought would keep me connected. Instead, it became a reason for others to ridicule me. I was teased, isolated, and made fun of not just for my role, but for the medical conditions I couldn’t control. The worst moment came when some teammates filmed me in the locker room without clothes and shared the video over FaceTime with a bunch of fellow students. I lost almost my entire friend group. I felt invisible, humiliated, and alone. Depression took hold in a way that felt suffocating. But even at my lowest point, I knew deep down that this wasn’t the end of my story. That pain fueled my determination. After undergoing open-heart surgery in the last semester of middle school, I committed myself to coming back, physically and mentally. Step by step, I rebuilt my confidence. I trained, I healed, and I fought. Football became more than a sport. It became my comeback story. I returned to the field as a freshman on varsity and became a four-time All-District player, ultimately earning the only college football offer on my entire team. Soon, I will play at a Division II school, not just as an athlete, but as a survivor of both medical and emotional trauma. Through it all, I’ve learned how deeply mental health is connected to every part of life, especially when you’re young and trying to make sense of who you are. Depression isn’t just sadness; it’s a weight you carry even on the good days. But I’ve also learned that resilience is real. Support from my family, therapy, faith, and an inner drive to prove to myself that I could overcome anything kept me going. I now use my story to help others. I’ve built a growing social media presence where I share motivational content, especially for young athletes going through tough times. I want people to know they’re not alone and setbacks don’t define them. One of my biggest goals is to work in sports marketing and outreach, creating programs that support student athletes’ mental health and self-worth beyond the scoreboard. Receiving the Derick Canty Memorial Scholarship would mean more than financial support. It would be a tribute to everything I’ve overcome and a reminder that my past doesn’t limit my future but strengthens it. I carry the pain, the lessons, and the growth with me every day, and I plan to use them to make a lasting impact. Thank you for honoring kids like Derick and for believing in students like me.