My goal is to turn compassion into action, and to support the National Preparedness Goal five mission areas — prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery. I desire to help people recover from disaster, abuse, addiction, trauma, and injury by being of service. My life has been a journey of transformation, shaped by hardship and guided by the desire for change. My path to wildland fire management was not a direct one; it was paved with struggles of addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. For years, I felt trapped in a cycle of poor decisions and negative influences. However, everything began to shift when I found my way to Refuge Recovery and Recovery Dharma meetings, meetings that became my spiritual and emotional anchor. Fire, to me, has become a powerful symbol of transformation. It’s a force of nature that can both destroy and renew, much like the process of personal and spiritual growth. As I continue my work in wildland fire management, I see fire as a tool for both ecological restoration and personal transformation; a way to purify and begin anew. These influences have given me the strength to break free from my past and to forge a path toward a future filled with purpose, service, and dedication. My journey is far from over, but with the guidance of these teachings and the love and support of those around me, I am ready to continue making a positive impact in both my life and the lives of others. If you’re struggling with addiction, uncertainty, or simply seeking a path to personal growth, I encourage you to explore the resources that have helped me along my journey - Refuge Recovery and Recovery Dharma. These communities, rooted in mindfulness and spiritual practice, offer a supportive space for anyone looking to transform their life. Whether you’re searching for healing or a deeper sense of purpose, know that change is possible. I also urge you to seek out those who inspire and support you - whether it’s through a mentor, a partner, or a community. The energy and wisdom of those around us can ignite a spiritual awakening and propel us forward on our path to recovery and renewal. Just as fire can transform the landscape, so too can we renew ourselves. Embrace the process of change, keep an open heart, and take that first step. The journey might not always be easy, but it is always worth it. I plan to continue to volunteer and do service work for these organizations, as well as NA World Services, to spread the message of recovery. To makes sure that whenever anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of recovery always to be there. I now have one year clean, a career pathways certificate in Wildland Fire Management, and would like to pursue an associates degree in Wildland Fire Management from Clackamas Community College. This scholarship would help me achieve this goal. Thank you for your kind consideration of my application.

My life has been a journey through hardship, but my career in wildland fire management has been a blessing. Over the last year, I’ve gained experience in wildland firefighting while pursuing formal education in the field. This scholarship would help support my aspirations as I work toward an even more impactful career in fire management. My journey began with an unwavering desire to change. Up until the point I decided to join a wildland fire crew, my life was marked by struggles of incarceration, addiction, and homelessness. For years, I was caught in a cycle of poor decisions and negative influences. Everything changed when I met my mentor Ricky, a former wildland firefighter for the California Conservation Corps, saw potential in me and his mentorship became the turning point in my life. He taught me to focus on something greater than myself: protecting communities from wildfires. He sponsored me and guided me through the obstacles I faced and encouraged me to pursue a meaningful career. I’ve worked on high-stakes incidents which put my physical and mental endurance to the ultimate test. All of these experiences have helped shape me into a seasoned firefighter and leader, instilling in me the importance of snap decision making, clear communication, and teamwork under pressure. I have remained clean ever since and have devoted myself to wildland firefighting. Like many good things, the fire season came to an end, but the gift of opportunity I was given and the lessons I learned allowed me to pursue the Wildland Fire Management Program at Lane Community College, where I learned valuable skills in fire management, fire ecology, and firefighter safety. Notably, courses like Fire 200: Wildland Fire Management and Prescribed Burning provided me with experience in ecological fire management. I participated in the Mt. Pisgah Ecological Burn, which enhanced my understanding of how fire can be used as a tool for ecosystem restoration. LCC provided me with an introduction to wildland fire academia, and I’ve come to recognize that my success in fire management requires more advanced, specialized training; specifically in areas like S-212 Chainsaw Training and Wilderness First Aid. This leads me to my next chapter: Clackamas Community College. As I look toward the future, I am excited to apply to the Wildland Fire Management Degree Program at Clackamas Community College. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that aligns perfectly with my goals of becoming a more knowledgeable and versatile firefighter and will certify me as an EMT. This program aligns with my vision of staying the path as a student of fire by giving back to the community who has so generously given me a second chance to be an inspiration to anyone who struggled like I did finding purpose. By earning my degree from CCC, I aim to deepen my understanding of fire science and ecology, while maintaining my sobriety and proving myself worthy of this opportunity. As a nontraditional student and father of two, financial challenges, including purchasing the necessary gear and covering tuition, have been significant barriers to my education. This scholarship would allow me to continue my academic and career goals without the added burden of financial strain. I aim to seek employment with agencies such as Interagency Hotshot Crews, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), The Nature Conservancy, and CAL FIRE. These organizations represent the pinnacle of fire management, conservation efforts, and challenging, selfless work; values greater than myself that I want to be a part of. Thank you for considering my application.

My Dad, Dr. Stoker, is a marine corps military veteran. My Dad made one of the greatest sacrifices and most gracious thing anyone has ever done for me, he came home from the Marines honorably discharged and with a scholarship with a good head on his shoulders and a foundation of love, security, and respect, and he married and gave a good life to me and my mom. While she was pregnant with another man's son. My Dad gave me the gift of growing up with a father, and coming home, raising me as his own and giving me the opportunity my biological father never did, a relationship with a good influence. I made some mistakes along the way though, and I misjudged my parents and blamed my biological father for not being there for me and blamed my Mom and Dad for lying to me about who my real father was for twelve years. It's hard to imagine now, looking back, that I was every angry with my Dad. I hope that scholarship opportunities like this one set the tone for my newfound attitude, and that I can make my Dad proud by becoming a top tier Wildland firefighter, a personal and career choice I made when I turned 31 and finally, after years of battling depression and addiction. This field changed my life, and is the closest thing I've ever had to being able to share with my Dad, and something I am incredibly grateful for and humbled by. Wildland firefighting is difficult, but it bothers me how often it is compared to war. Men like my Dad trained to fight the hardest battles known to humankind, the possibility of leaving home never to return. Well but I guess that's always a possibility in my line of work too. The one thing my Dad did despite being faced with uncertainty, was he stayed out of drinking and drugging. He is an absolute hero in my eyes for being prepared for the worst of the worlds adversity with courage in the face of the unknown, all while pursuing higher education and eventually becoming a licensed anesthesiologist who has performed countless surgeries with success and professionalism, likely with concern in his heart and real emotions tied to the families who were afraid of their child going under and the possibility they might not wake up. How it must have felt to him the first time he thought I might not wake up from one of my old benders... My goal is to leave my past behind me, fight fire like I'm fighting for my life, pursue an associates in fire management from the local college, and maintain my recovery and make a lasting impact on my loved ones and my two boys by doing what is hard in the spirit of doing what is right. A lesson I learned from my Dad.

My goal is to turn compassion into action, and to support the National Preparedness Goal five mission areas — prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery. I desire to help people recover from disaster, abuse, addiction, trauma, and injury by being of service. My life has been a journey of transformation, shaped by hardship and guided by the desire for change. My path to wildland fire management was not a direct one; it was paved with struggles of addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. For years, I felt trapped in a cycle of poor decisions and negative influences. However, everything began to shift when I found my way to Refuge Recovery and Recovery Dharma meetings, meetings that became my spiritual and emotional anchor. Fire, to me, has become a powerful symbol of transformation. It’s a force of nature that can both destroy and renew, much like the process of personal and spiritual growth. As I continue my work in wildland fire management, I see fire as a tool for both ecological restoration and personal transformation; a way to purify and begin anew. These influences have given me the strength to break free from my past and to forge a path toward a future filled with purpose, service, and dedication. My journey is far from over, but with the guidance of these teachings and the love and support of those around me, I am ready to continue making a positive impact in both my life and the lives of others. If you’re struggling with addiction, uncertainty, or simply seeking a path to personal growth, I encourage you to explore the resources that have helped me along my journey - Refuge Recovery and Recovery Dharma. These communities, rooted in mindfulness and spiritual practice, offer a supportive space for anyone looking to transform their life. Whether you’re searching for healing or a deeper sense of purpose, know that change is possible. I also urge you to seek out those who inspire and support you - whether it’s through a mentor, a partner, or a community. The energy and wisdom of those around us can ignite a spiritual awakening and propel us forward on our path to recovery and renewal. Just as fire can transform the landscape, so too can we renew ourselves. Embrace the process of change, keep an open heart, and take that first step. The journey might not always be easy, but it is always worth it. I plan to continue to volunteer and do service work for these organizations, as well as NA World Services, to spread the message of recovery. To makes sure that whenever anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of recovery always to be there. Thank you for your kind consideration of my application.

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the Sangha Support Scholarship. My life has been a journey through hardship, but my career in wildland fire management has been a true blessing. Over the past year, I’ve gained experience in wildland firefighting while pursuing formal education in the field. This scholarship will provide invaluable support as I continue to grow both personally and professionally, working toward a more impactful career in fire management. My path began with a deep yearning for change. Before I embarked on my journey with wildland fire, my life was marked by struggles with addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. For years, I felt trapped in a cycle of poor decisions and negative influences. That all changed when I began attending Refuge Recovery and Recovery Dharma meetings, where I met individuals who helped me realize that true transformation was possible. Through these meetings, I was introduced to profound spiritual teachings, including the wisdom of Buddha, and emphasis on meditation and spiritual discipline, which have become guiding lights for me as I navigate both my recovery and my career. Ricky, a former wildland firefighter and meeting member, saw potential in me and offered his mentorship. He taught me to focus on something greater than myself—protecting communities and the environment from the destructive forces of wildfires. His support, combined with the spiritual insights I’ve gained, has kept me on this transformative path, grounded in the belief that service to others is both a privilege and a path to personal redemption. Throughout my firefighting career, I’ve worked on high-stakes incidents; a reminder of how fire is not just a destructive force, but also a tool for renewal, a concept that deeply resonates with the sacred fire traditions in Buddhism. I’ve come to view fire as a symbol of transformation—an element that can destroy and purify, much like the process of spiritual growth and enlightenment. I’ve learned valuable skills in fire management, fire ecology, and firefighter safety and has given me a deeper understanding of how fire can serve as a tool for ecological restoration, much in the same way that the Buddhist fire traditions use fire in rituals for purification and renewal. This connection between my work and these sacred traditions has given me an even greater appreciation for the importance of fire in our world, both as a force of nature and as a metaphor for personal and spiritual transformation. Looking to the future, I am excited to apply for a program at Clackamas Community College. This program offers the specialized training and knowledge I need to become a more knowledgeable and versatile firefighter. It also aligns with my desire to continue growing in my spiritual practices, as it offers a path that intertwines both my love for fire and my commitment to the Buddhist teachings of selfless service and mindfulness. Earning this degree will help me deepen my understanding of fire science and ecology, all while continuing to live a life of sobriety and spiritual practice. Upon completing the program, I hope to work with agencies such as Interagency Hotshot Crews, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), The Nature Conservancy, and CAL FIRE. These organizations represent the highest standards in fire management and conservation, embodying the values of service and responsibility that I hold dear. Once again, thank you for considering my application for the Sangha Support Scholarship. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue my education and career in wildland fire management, and I look forward to using my knowledge and experience to serve the community and the environment.

I am writing to express my interest in applying for the Skylar's Hope Scholarship Scholarship. My life has been a journey through hardship, but my career in wildland fire management has been a blessing. Over the last year, I’ve gained experience in wildland firefighting while pursuing formal education in the field. This scholarship would help support my aspirations as I work toward an even more impactful career in fire management. My journey began with an unwavering desire to change. Up until the point I decided to join a wildland fire crew, my life was marked by struggles of incarceration, addiction, and homelessness. For years, I was caught in a cycle of poor decisions and negative influences. Everything changed when I met my mentor Ricky, a former wildland firefighter for the California Conservation Corps, saw potential in me and his mentorship became the turning point in my life. He taught me to focus on something greater than myself: protecting communities from wildfires. He sponsored me and guided me through the obstacles I faced and encouraged me to pursue a meaningful career. I’ve worked on high-stakes incidents which put my physical and mental endurance to the ultimate test. All of these experiences have helped shape me into a seasoned firefighter and leader, instilling in me the importance of snap decision making, clear communication, and teamwork under pressure. I have remained clean ever since and have devoted myself to wildland firefighting. Like many good things, the fire season came to an end, but the gift of opportunity I was given and the lessons I learned allowed me to pursue the Wildland Fire Management Program at Lane Community College, where I learned valuable skills in fire management, fire ecology, and firefighter safety. Notably, courses like Fire 200: Wildland Fire Management and Prescribed Burning provided me with experience in ecological fire management. I participated in the Mt. Pisgah Ecological Burn, which enhanced my understanding of how fire can be used as a tool for ecosystem restoration. LCC provided me with an introduction to wildland fire academia, and I’ve come to recognize that my success in fire management requires more advanced, specialized training; specifically in areas like S-212 Chainsaw Training and Wilderness First Aid. This leads me to my next chapter: Clackamas Community College. As I look toward the future, I am excited to apply to the Wildland Fire Management Degree Program at Clackamas Community College. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that aligns perfectly with my goals of becoming a more knowledgeable and versatile firefighter and will certify me as an EMT. This program aligns with my vision of staying the path as a student of fire by giving back to the community who has so generously given me a second chance to be an inspiration to anyone who struggled like I did finding purpose. By earning my degree from CCC, I aim to deepen my understanding of fire science and ecology, while maintaining my sobriety and proving myself worthy of this opportunity. As a nontraditional student and father of two, financial challenges, including purchasing the necessary gear and covering tuition, have been significant barriers to my education.The scholarship would allow me to continue my academic and career goals without the added burden of financial strain. I aim to seek employment with agencies such as Interagency Hotshot Crews, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), The Nature Conservancy, and CAL FIRE. These organizations represent the pinnacle of fire management, conservation efforts, and challenging, selfless work; values greater than myself that I want to be a part of. Thank you for considering my application.