Two years ago I lost a dear cousin to suicide. She was only thirteen years old. It impacted me in ways that I am still finding and experiencing at this point. I have dealt with depression, anger, and sadness about this loss in particular. I finally concluded that I have to live for her as well as myself. In my four years of high school, I have also lost three other classmates to suicide. If I’m sincere, I want to have the kind of business success that means I can take care of those who have taken care of me. I am focused, and driven to be amazing in whatever field I choose. This bar that I have set for myself is high. I watched my parents struggle, and give up so much, to allow my brother and I to do the things that we wanted to do. I would eventually like to reach a level of success so that I can make an impact on how society treats low-income families and homelessness. Though I have never been homeless, I am aware in hindsight that it was a real possibility a few times in my life. Over the years I have witnessed my parents working multiple jobs, sometimes simultaneously, to support our family. We have moved across the country three times to get a place where we feel safe and at home as people. Nothing was too big or too small of an ask for my parents. Though my dad suffers from health complications due to his time in the military, he became a stay-at-home dad and was the go-to parent while my mom went back to college. This was so interesting. Dad was the one coming on school field trips, and picking us up if we were sick. Mom was showing us what work ethic means in real-time. In the last year, I have talked with her at length about what being a full-time college student and full-time parent was like. This is not a path I plan to follow, but she sometimes made it look easy. Thanks to their work both in and outside of the home, I have so many examples of people working for the better of their community and family. My mom and dad have always made time for me in the ways that they can. Driving hours upon hours to get me to sporting events, and taking family vacations, sometimes to sporting events. I can see myself working in a non-profit organization, or running a small business. With the support of my family and friends, I know that I can accomplish whatever goal I set for myself and take any opportunity that I am afforded. I will do whatever it takes to take care of those around me. When she was in graduate school my mom often said this phrase that has become so important to us. “Success looks different for everyone.” Because of the losses our family has experienced in the last few years, it has become even more meaningful. Sometimes success is simply getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, or eating a meal. Sometimes, it’s getting into a college and following your dreams. I know that I can succeed, and I know that I’ll support my family and take them with me when I get there.

I LOVE being the underdog. My mom has called me a firecracker since I started walking and talking (so she tells me). I was born an underdog. I was 5 weeks early, born at just 3 pounds, she says that I started fighting the moment I first gasped a breath. It took awhile I began wrestling when I was 10 years old. Immediately, I knew this was my sport. I never really questioned that. My dad wrestled, and my mom had grown up in wrestling gyms watching her brothers compete. My own first experience came while watching my younger brother compete in his first tournament. My mom had signed him up for wrestling and me up for volleyball. She said I turned to her at one point and said, “This looks like so much fun,” and she knew that I would soon be wrestling. Because of their experiences in this sport, my parents were both fairly protective of me. The night before my first tournament, my mom sat down with me and said that many people, often dads, get really involved and invested in their kid’s wrestling careers. Even when they’re just little kids. Everyone thinks their kid is the next Jordan Burroughs or Amit Elor. But she wanted me to remember what I had learned and just have fun when I was on the mat. The wrestling mat has become a second home to me. When life is difficult, when there are decisions to make, or harsh realities to deal with, the mat is where I meditate. When we lost both of my grandfathers in a year, I wrestled. When my cousin died at 13, I wrestled. When I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to college at all, but if I did, definitely not out of state, and probably not wrestling there… I wrestled. It seems that sometimes, when we are physically wrestling, we are also metaphorically wrestling with life. I sometimes feel like underdog is the better place to be. I don’t have a target on my back at tournaments, I can do my best without much external pressure. Without feeling like I’m going to let people down or not reach my potential. The thing about underdogs though, is that we are underestimated. Even as a national team qualifier, I’ve always been underestimated. I have spent the last 9 years working really hard to improve myself. My family has sacrificed a lot to make sure that I get to go to big tournaments, my mom has spent just weeks driving me to practices and meets and tournaments throughout the years. My family has saved to allow me to go to a good wrestling camps, tournaments, and events. The most amazing thing, though was that this past summer, friends and family raised money so that I could go with my club coach to a camp in the country of Georgia, in Eastern Europe. The experience was amazing and changed my outlook in a lot of ways. The thing is, my parents, my younger brother, my friends, and my extended family have always supported me. I step out onto the mat alone like every other wrestler, but I know that there will always be encouragement from my corner, from the stands, from all over the US and even friends and family around the world. With all of this support, I’m never really alone in this.

I began wrestling when I was 10 years old. Immediately, I knew this was my sport. I never really questioned that. My dad wrestled, and my mom had grown up in wrestling gyms watching her brothers compete. Rugby was not a popular sport in Western Oregon, where I grew up. I knew a little about it and had watched a few highlights over the years. Most of my exposure was with my mom, watching the Black Ferns play. She would show me some of the gameplay, but we always enjoyed watching their Haka. For me, the show of strength, resilience, power, determination, and honor was just the highest form of art. I think that my mom always showed me those so I remembered to bring those ideals into myself when wrestling. I like to think that it worked. After changing plans regarding college a few times, I went on a recruitment trip with my dad to Newberry College in South Carolina. While there, I got to meet many athletes in just as many sports. I felt that it would be an amazing place to continue to grow as a person and a wrestler, but during this trip, I also met the rugby coach. I joked at one point about joining the team as well, and he said seriously, “You’re welcome to come to a few practices to see if you like it.” So, at the beginning of September 2024, I started playing rugby. As an athlete in an individual sport, this was a huge turning point for me. I had tried team sports growing up, soccer and volleyball, but hadn’t ever found that connection that I felt should be there. But this group, these women, are amazing. I remember calling my mom after my first couple of practices and saying, well I guess I need some cleats if I’m going to play this for real. My mom is thrilled because she’s been sending me inspiration in the form of Illona Maher for the past two years. Not in relation to sports, just because she’s an incredibly inspiring human. I feel that the connections that I’ve made just this first season playing rugby have improved my mindset and my athletic ability. The celebration of women’s strength is fantastic, and it is amazing to be on a field with 13 other young women knowing that we are all so strong, knowing that we all have a role there. I am so glad that I took a chance and stepped far out of my comfort zone to try out for this team. It has changed my mindset and my understanding of my own abilities in a lot of ways. I look forward to continuing to play in college, and maybe beyond.

When I was 11, I was diagnosed with ADHD. My mom pushed for this because she had read some articles that discussed how differently ADHD presents in young women compared to young men, and she was certain that this explained at least some of my academic difficulties. She was right, and over the next six years, I figured out how to use this to my advantage. I am Summer, and my goal is to find a field in business where I can be successful. When my mom first suggested that I might have ADHD, I was confused. She didn’t want me to think that there was anything wrong with me, she assured me that it was simply a different brain chemistry and that we would be able to find medications and also develop habits to help me succeed in school and life. We did this in lots of different ways. My mom spent my early school years in school herself getting her teaching degree, so she often had access to studies and information about helping students with different learning disabilities and styles. When she began teaching, she really saw how differently, uniquely each student dealt with their learning styles. This was extremely helpful for us because some of the suggestions from my own school admin and teachers put a lot of pressure on me and also didn’t feel like they were working. My parents took my new diagnosis as a challenge. We tried methods until we found what worked for me. Some were school suggestions like daily planners, and some were my mom’s suggestions like blocking my time out and setting alarms. Eventually, we found the pieces of many plans and possible accommodations that helped me to succeed. Working with my parents helped me find my voice. I worked on speaking up for myself, even sometimes enlisting the help of a favorite teacher to help me word things correctly or discuss the best way to approach another teacher or situation. By the time I got to high school, I felt confident in my ability to speak up as well as my determination to get things done. Further difficulty arose when, at the end of my sophomore year of high school, my dear sweet, thirteen-year-old cousin Rose, took her own life. She had just completed eighth grade. The shock-wave from this event can still be felt rippling through our family. We knew that she had struggled, starting as early as the age of ten with anxiety and depression. Her first attempt on her life happened near the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. It was shocking then. It is still shocking to think of now. Losses like this are difficult to process. It led our family to reassess in many ways. My mother and her brother, my cousin Rose’s dad, mended their previous hurts. They didn’t seem to matter anymore. Since Rose died, my outlook has changed. I have determined that I will never stop fighting for myself, my family, and my friends. I am more attuned to my own mindset, and I work hard to stay in a good place. I have always leaned on my family for support, but I now look for signs that they need support as well. I watch my friends and teammates to make sure they are not over-stressed and for ways that I can help them. I never want anyone to feel alone. I worry that I will wonder forever if my cousin was waiting for me to reach out; if I could have done something more. I'm told this is a common phenomenon called survivor's guilt. The rise of discourse around mental health and neurodivergence has helped a great deal. More schools and even professional settings have begun leaning into letting people learn and work in the ways that make the most sense to them. The most significant thing to me is that people are beginning to better understand that we are not all alike. No two humans approach a problem in exactly the same way. This is a strength, and I am so happy it is beginning to be seen that way. My first semester at Newberry College has been difficult and amazing. The winter wrestling season is underway, but I also walked on to the school’s rugby team and have just fallen in love with this dynamic team sport. I plan to complete a dual-degree in International Business and Marketing and a minor in Accounting. I have not decided which specific path I plan to take after graduation, but I believe that after some experience I would like to work at a start-up. These types of businesses are fast, unique, and exciting in how they work. They have a dynamic flow and people who are dedicated to their success. Working with people who have an amazing vision, and helping that team to succeed in their goals sounds amazing to me.

I have been lucky to have many family members involved in the military. In fact, if not for the Air Force, I would not exist. My parents met due to a delayed plane in Alaska (it was salmon season). I have cousins, and great-grandparents, and people who are aunts and uncles but are not related to me who have served in various armed forces. But now, I will tell you a bit about my Great-Uncle Howard. I’ve been told that from the moment I was born he exclaimed “She looks like Amy,” another cousin (not in the military), primiarily because our extended family has a strong trait of blue eyes. I am one of my only immediate relatives with brown eyes. Throughout my childhood he would make small jokes and comments, always with a thread of laughter in his voice. When I was just starting school, my mother was starting back to college and she had to interview a family member. She chose Howard and learned some amazing things about him. When Howard was a baby, my Great-Grandfather went off to war. He’d been drafted, and ended up stationed in Puerto Rico for several years. Howard said growing up he heard tales of glory from his father and from other family and community members about the honor and pride they still held from their military days. So when he was in his early 20s, he volunteered for service rather than waiting to be drafted. My Great-Uncle is a Marine, and still very proud of his service, but his time in combat changed his mind about what war is, and what it means. He came to understand that there is no glory in killing and that there can be great pain from the choices that we make. Howard became an alcoholic when he returned from Vietnam. He spoke about walking through airports in his uniform and being called a baby killer, people yelling obscenities, the pain he felt was probably overwhelming at times. My mom remembers a party at his home when she was young, where she recognized that Howard didn’t drink anymore. She’d never heard of sobriety, but it is a concept that we all connect closely with now. Thankfully, the Howard that I was able to grow up with, though loud and boisterous and simply full of strong opinions, is a soft hearted man who loves his family and enjoys making all of his nieces and nephews laugh with his antics. Through him I learned that strength doesn’t always look like what you expect it to. It’s more than physical or even mental. It’s the ability to realize that our past does not have to define us. We can move beyond past choices into a better future. We can love and support our families and our communities and work to make lives more fulfilling in many ways. I wish I could share a favorite photo of myself and Howard from my last trip, I’ll be forever laughing as he calls me “Little Amy.”

My name is Summer, and I am a student athlete. I’ve been wrestling for most of my life and recently began playing rugby as well. I am nineteen years old and have lived in five states so far. This past summer I packed up my life and moved across the country for college. I love my family and the support me in so many ways, they are always there for me to lean on. I was granted the opportunity to travel to Europe to wrestle this past year and it just opened my eyes to different cultures and communities around the world and I hope that I am able to continue to learn about these differences for the rest of my life. My family sacrifices a great deal of time and money for me to attend a private university out of state. Even with other scholarships and loans, they stil help to provide for me with necessities and some sports gear that the college does not provide or cover. Transportation is also a strain. Thankfully my parents were able to take the time to drive me here before the term started, but it took a week of travel for them (Oregon to South Carolina and back). But most of my future trips to or from school will be flights. My academic goals include keeping my grades up and earning good internships. I haven’t yet defined my career goals, but I want to make a positive impact on the field that I choose and make it possible to take care of my family as they age. While I have grown, I try to stay involved in the youth arena of my sport. I helped with kids wrestling practices, and even learned how to become a referee to assist with kids tournaments. I find this very fulfilling and I hope that I can always spare the time to help kids find a sport that makes them feel strong and good about themselves. My senior year,I didn't qualify for nationals. I only made it because there was a space available. Every other year, I qualified for my spot in one of the tournaments, state or regional, that you have to place in to get a spot. However, wrestling has become a much more difficult sport as more girls have begun competing. The thing is, I try to learn from all of my losses. Each one is different, sometimes the results are out of my control, but often I just need to see a different angle so I can see what I could have done in a given scenario. This time, I learned about preparation, determination, and that you can’t be given opportunities that you don’t ask for and work for. Because I show up and work hard at team events, my coach included me in the team, in an open spot. She showed her appreciation for the hard work that I have put into our sport for the last nine years. My greatest strength is that I don’t give up easily. My mom would say that this was a trait I was born with, because I was born almost six weeks early and simply never stopped fighting. I am always willing to work hard to reach goals, to try something new, and to put work into things I feel deserve my effort. I take great pride in being a really good friend. I will do anything for a friend in need. This is something that was modeled to me by my family as well.

I LOVE being the underdog. My mom has called me a firecracker since I started walking and talking (so she tells me). I was born an underdog. I was 5 weeks early, born at just 3 pounds, she says that I started fighting the moment I first gasped a breath. It took awhile I began wrestling when I was 10 years old. Immediately, I knew this was my sport. I never really questioned that. My dad wrestled, and my mom had grown up in wrestling gyms watching her brothers compete. My own first experience came while watching my younger brother compete in his first tournament. My mom had signed him up for wrestling and me up for volleyball. She said I turned to her at one point and said, “This looks like so much fun,” and she knew that I would soon be wrestling. Because of their experiences in this sport, my parents were both fairly protective of me. The night before my first tournament, my mom sat down with me and said that many people, often dads, get really involved and invested in their kid’s wrestling careers. Even when they’re just little kids. Everyone thinks their kid is the next Jordan Burroughs or Amit Elor. But she wanted me to remember what I had learned and just have fun when I was on the mat. The wrestling mat has become a second home to me. When life is difficult, when there are decisions to make, or harsh realities to deal with, the mat is where I meditate. When we lost both of my grandfathers in a year, I wrestled. When my cousin died at 13, I wrestled. When I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to college at all, but if I did, definitely not out of state, and probably not wrestling there… I wrestled. It seems that sometimes, when we are physically wrestling, we are also metaphorically wrestling with life. I sometimes feel like underdog is the better place to be. I don’t have a target on my back at tournaments, I can do my best without much external pressure. Without feeling like I’m going to let people down or not reach my potential. The thing about underdogs though, is that we are underestimated. Even as a national team qualifier, I’ve always been underestimated. I have spent the last 9 years working really hard to improve myself. My family has sacrificed a lot to make sure that I get to go to big tournaments, my mom has spent just weeks driving me to practices and meets and tournaments throughout the years. My family has saved to allow me to go to a good wrestling camps, tournaments, and events. The most amazing thing, though was that this past summer, friends and family raised money so that I could go with my club coach to a camp in the country of Georgia, in Eastern Europe. The experience was amazing and changed my outlook in a lot of ways. The thing is, my parents, my younger brother, my friends, and my extended family have always supported me. I step out onto the mat alone like every other wrestler, but I know that there will always be encouragement from my corner, from the stands, from all over the US and even friends and family around the world. With all of this support, I’m never really alone in this.

I began wrestling when I was 10 years old. Immediately, I knew this was my sport. I never really questioned that. My dad wrestled, and my mom had grown up in wrestling gyms watching her brothers compete. My own first experience came while watching my younger brother compete in his first tournament. My mom had signed him up for wrestling and me up for volleyball. She said I turned to her at one point and said, “This looks like so much fun,” and she knew that I would soon be wrestling. Thankfully the volleyball season was short, and I could begin right away. Because of their experiences in this sport, my parents were both fairly protective of me. The night before my first tournament, my mom sat down with me and said that many people, often dads, get really involved and invested in their kid’s wrestling careers. Even when they’re just little kids. Everyone thinks their kid is the next Jordan Burroughs or Amit Elor. But she wanted me to remember what I had learned and just have fun when I was on the mat. The wrestling mat has become a second home to me. When life is difficult, when there are decisions to make, or harsh realities to deal with, the mat is where I meditate. When we lost both of my grandfathers in a year, I wrestled. When my cousin died at 13, I wrestled. When I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to college at all, but if I did, definitely not out of state, and probably not wrestling there… I wrestled. It seems that sometimes, when we are physically wrestling, we are also metaphorically wrestling with life. I have spent the last 9 years working really hard to improve myself. My family has sacrificed a lot to make sure that I get to go to big tournaments, my mom has spent just weeks driving me to practices and meets and tournaments throughout the years. I have also been really lucky. I’ve been able to go to Freestyle Nationals in Fargo for the last four years. Which, in my state means that I had to place at either the state or regional level. My family has saved to allow me to go to a good wrestling camp in Missouri twice. The most amazing thing, though was that this past summer, friends and family raised money so that I could go with my club coach to a camp in the country of Georgia, in Eastern Europe. The experience was amazing and changed my outlook in a lot of ways. So to me, wrestling is therapy, sportsmanship, teamwork, strength, honor, dedication, drive, blood, sacrifice, and home.

I began wrestling when I was 10 years old. Immediately, I knew this was my sport. I never really questioned that. My dad wrestled, and my mom had grown up in wrestling gyms watching her brothers compete. My own first experience came while watching my younger brother compete in his first tournament. My mom had signed him up for wrestling and me up for volleyball. She said I turned to her at one point and said, “This looks like so much fun,” and she knew that I would soon be wrestling. Thankfully the volleyball season was short, and I could begin right away. Because of their experiences in this sport, my parents were both fairly protective of me. The night before my first tournament, my mom sat down with me and said that many people, often dads, get really involved and invested in their kid’s wrestling careers. Even when they’re just little kids. Everyone thinks their kid is the next Jordan Burroughs or Amit Elor. But she wanted me to remember what I had learned and just have fun when I was on the mat. The wrestling mat has become a second home to me. When life is difficult, when there are decisions to make, or harsh realities to deal with, the mat is where I meditate. When we lost both of my grandfathers in a year, I wrestled. When my cousin died at 13, I wrestled. When I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to college at all, but if I did, definitely not out of state, and probably not wrestling there… I wrestled. It seems that sometimes, when we are physically wrestling, we are also metaphorically wrestling with life. I have spent the last 9 years working really hard to improve myself. My family has sacrificed a lot to make sure that I get to go to big tournaments, my mom has spent just weeks driving me to practices and meets and tournaments throughout the years. I have also been really lucky. I’ve been able to go to Freestyle Nationals in Fargo for the last four years. Which, in my state means that I had to place at either the state or regional level. My family has saved to allow me to go to a good wrestling camp in Missouri twice. The most amazing thing, though was that this past summer, friends and family raised money so that I could go with my club coach to a camp in the country of Georgia, in Eastern Europe. The experience was amazing and changed my outlook in a lot of ways. So to me, wrestling is therapy, sportsmanship, teamwork, strength, honor, dedication, drive, blood, sacrifice, and home.

I began wrestling when I was 10 years old. Immediately, I knew this was my sport. I never really questioned that. My dad wrestled, and my mom had grown up in wrestling gyms watching her brothers compete. Rugby was not a popular sport where I grew up, in Western Oregon. I knew a little about it and had watched a few highlights over the years. Most of my exposure was with my mom, watching the Black Ferns play. She would show me some of the gameplay, but we always enjoyed watching their Haka. For me, the show of strength, resilience, power, determination, and honor was just the highest form of art. I think that my mom always showed me those so I remembered to bring those ideals into myself when wrestling. I like to think that it worked. After changing plans regarding college a few times, I went on a recruitment trip with my dad to Newberry College in South Carolina. While there, I got to meet many athletes in just as many sports. I felt that it would be an amazing place to continue to grow as a person and a wrestler, but during this trip, I also met the rugby coach. I joked at one point about joining the team as well, and he said seriously, “You’re welcome to come to a few practices to see if you like it.” So, at the beginning of September 2024, I started playing rugby. As an athlete in an individual sport, this was a huge turning point for me. I had tried team sports growing up, soccer and volleyball, but hadn’t ever found that connection that I felt should be there. But this group, these women, are amazing. I remember calling my mom after my first couple of practices and saying, well I guess I need some cleats if I’m going to play this for real. My mom is thrilled because she’s been sending me inspiration in the form of Illona Maher for the past two years. Not in relation to sports, just because she’s an incredibly inspiring human. I feel that the connections that I’ve made just this first season playing rugby have improved my mindset and my athletic ability. The celebration of women’s strength is fantastic, and it is amazing to be on a field with 13 other young women knowing that we are all so strong, knowing that we all have a role there. I am so glad that I took a chance and stepped far out of my comfort zone to try out for this team. It has changed my mindset and my understanding of my own abilities in a lot of ways. I look forward to continuing to play in college, and maybe beyond.

Retellings are always hit or miss as stories go, but this one caught my attention right away. Elphaba’s story has the capacity to be so much deeper and complex than is shown in the original Wizard of Oz. I have always felt like a bit of an outsider myself. My mom read this story when we were living in Oklahoma and said that she was drawn to the story for the same reason. The subversion of expectations is always a delightful turn in writing, and this was one of the first examples of a retelling focused on the life of a “villain.” There have been so many in the years since this book came out, with the subsequent Broadway show, but I think that the depth that this story reaches is much more than the attempts made by movie studios since. For me, this story is all about accepting yourself and fighting for others and what you believe in. Elphaba knows herself. She still faces difficulties, but she trusts that she’s doing the right thing when she decides to fight for the rights of those around her, even though it means she will be even further outcast. To me, Wicked is something of a path. People pretend to do good things for what they see as the right reasons all the time. It’s a lot harder to do what the majority see as the wrong thing for the right reasons.

My family is very large. My mother is the youngest of seven children, and most of my aunts and uncles have children. I spent my early years surrounded by family and cousins. When I was three we moved across the country from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma. After a year there, we moved to Oregon where our family has settled. I always looked forward to trips to visit family in Pennsylvania, to sleepovers and activities with my cousins. The last time I was there was in the summer of 2021, just after my first trip to Fargo for the USMC Wrestling National Championships. It was an amazing trip. My uncle took his two children, two other cousins, and my brother and I on a day trip to a nearby Six Flags. It was an intensely fun day. That trip was full of connections. I talked so much with my extended family, I spent so much time with my cousins. It felt like a beautiful blur that would never end. During this bright summer, I knew that my dear cousin, Rose, was struggling with depression. The previous two years during the pandemic had been very hard on her. She had not adapted well to the seclusion that we all experienced, and attempted to end her life on at least one occasion. She and I connected even more strongly during this time. We talked about what was going on, I wanted her to always know that she could reach out to me and I would listen. We all thought things were getting better. Two years ago, my dear cousin lost her battle with anxiety and depression. I was in shock. I searched through old conversations, looked for reasons in what she said, and wondered if I had been there enough for her. This loss has profoundly impacted my family and myself. The reality of depression has always been present, I know that the women in my family have struggled with PPD for generations, but this was different. I briefly considered majoring in child and young adult counseling, and while some believed that I would be successful and have the ability to make a strong impact on lives, I worried that for me every child would be Rose. That every loss would wear me down until there was nothing left. So instead, I have decided to go into Business and simply live. I want to live a life that I know my cousin would be proud of. I want to make choices that I know she would enjoy and have experiences that I could share with her. I know that she will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew her, but I also know that I will miss her for my whole life. While struggling with this loss, I have excelled in athletic as well as my academics. My mother is a teacher at a small local school that I do not attend, but she encouraged me to take classes over the summers both to get ahead in credits and to replace lower grades one time. This led to me being able to graduate a semester early. I have spent the time since raising funds for a wrestling experience in the country of Georgia that I was invited to, as well as helping my father out with our property. I have begun my higher education path through Newberry College in South Carolina where I believe that I am making a positive impact on those around me academically, through the sports that I compete in, as well as being a good friend.

Two years ago I lost a dear cousin to suicide. She was only thirteen years old. It impacted me in ways that I am still finding and experiencing at this point. I have dealt with depression, anger, and sadness about this loss in particular. I finally concluded that I have to live for her as well as myself. In my four years of high school, I have also lost three other classmates to suicide. If I’m sincere, I want to have the kind of business success that means I can take care of those who have taken care of me. I am focused, and driven to be amazing in whatever field I choose. This bar that I have set for myself is high. I watched my parents struggle, and give up so much, to allow my brother and I to do the things that we wanted to do. I would eventually like to reach a level of success so that I can make an impact on how society treats low-income families and homelessness. Though I have never been homeless, I am aware in hindsight that it was a real possibility a few times in my life. Over the years I have witnessed my parents working multiple jobs, sometimes simultaneously, to support our family. We have moved across the country three times to get a place where we feel safe and at home as people. Nothing was too big or too small of an ask for my parents. Though my dad suffers from health complications due to his time in the military, he became a stay-at-home dad and was the go-to parent while my mom went back to college. This was so interesting. Dad was the one coming on school field trips, and picking us up if we were sick. Mom was showing us what work ethic means in real-time. In the last year, I have talked with her at length about what being a full-time college student and full-time parent was like. This is not a path I plan to follow, but she sometimes made it look easy. I can see myself working in a non-profit organization, or running a small business. With the support of my family and friends, I know that I can accomplish whatever goal I set for myself and take any opportunity that I am afforded. I will do whatever it takes to take care of those around me. When she was in graduate school my mom often said this phrase that has become so important to us. “Success looks different for everyone.” Because of the losses our family has experienced in the last few years, it has become even more meaningful. Sometimes success is simply getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, or eating a meal. Sometimes, it’s getting into a college and following your dreams. I know that I can succeed, and I know that I’ll support my family and take them with me when I get there.

When I was 11, I was diagnosed with ADHD. My mom pushed for this because she had read some articles that discussed how differently ADHD presents in young women compared to young men, and she was certain that this explained at least some of my academic difficulties. She was right, and over the next six years, I figured out how to use this to my advantage. I am Summer, and my goal is to find a field in business where I can be successful. When my mom first suggested that I might have ADHD, I was confused. She didn’t want me to think that there was anything wrong with me, she assured me that it was simply a different brain chemistry and that we would be able to find medications and also develop habits to help me succeed in school and life. However, ADHD is not the only mental health obstacle that I have faced. In connection with it, I have dealt with both depression and anxiety of my own. Because I am curious, I have spoken with many family members about their own mental health or struggles that they have faced. I learned that my mother and grandmother have both dealt with Post Partum Depression as well as depressive episodes at different times in their lives. My father and an aunt of mine both have had bipolar diagnoses. Almost four years ago I lost a cousin to suicide. My mother lost a niece. The world lost a light. Though the immediate aftermath was hectic and painful, the long-term effect has been that our family talks things out. My brother and I know that we can bring any issue to our parents, we will be supported through any difficulty, as long as we have the courage to talk about it. My mental health obstacles have changed the way that I deal with many things; the way I approach roadblocks in my life. My own mental health has also changed the way I approach my schooling. Before I began college I discussed many options and ideas about how to make sure I was staying on track in classes and keeping up with the workload. We laughed as she explained how she “overscheduled” herself during her own college years. Meaning, she wrote down everything. Essays, tests, special upcoming class sessions or events. Everything went into her calendar. I have never been much of a scheduler, but in the first two months of college, I discovered that this option works perfectly for me. Dealing with ADHD as well as some anxiety and depression means that I have to be careful about the people who have access to my inner life. I have only a few deep friendships. I cultivate them, I’m protective of them and myself. I know that the influence of a toxic person in any area of my life could send me into a spiral, so I get to know people slowly. I always trust people when they show me who they are. Making my own mental health a priority at college is not easy. Scheduling is difficult, but finding time to recharge by myself is invaluable. Doing things that bring me joy is not an optional thing, but a necessity.

When I was 11, I was diagnosed with ADHD. My mom pushed for this because she had read some articles that discussed how differently ADHD presents in young women compared to young men, and she was certain that this explained at least some of my academic difficulties. She was right, and over the next six years, I figured out how to use this to my advantage. I am Summer, and my goal is to find a field in business where I can be successful. When my mom first suggested that I might have ADHD, I was confused. She didn’t want me to think that there was anything wrong with me, she assured me that it was simply a different brain chemistry and that we would be able to find medications and also develop habits to help me succeed in school and life. We did this in lots of different ways. My mom spent my early school years in school herself getting her teaching degree, so she often had access to studies and information about helping students with different learning disabilities and styles. When she began teaching, she really saw how differently, uniquely each student dealt with their learning styles. This was extremely helpful for us because some of the suggestions from my own school admin and teachers put a lot of pressure on me and also didn’t feel like they were working. My parents took my new diagnosis as a challenge. We tried methods until we found what worked for me. Some were school suggestions like daily planners, and some were my mom’s suggestions like blocking my time out and setting alarms. Eventually, we found the pieces of many plans and possible accommodations that helped me to succeed. Working with my parents helped me find my voice. I worked on speaking up for myself, even sometimes enlisting the help of a favorite teacher to help me word things correctly or discuss the best way to approach another teacher or situation. By the time I got to high school, I felt confident in my ability to speak up as well as my determination to get things done. The rise of discourse around mental health and neurodivergence has helped a great deal. More schools and even professional settings have begun leaning into letting people learn and work in the ways that make the most sense to them. The most significant thing to me is that people are beginning to better understand that we are not all alike. No two humans approach a problem in exactly the same way. This is a strength, and I am so happy that it is seen that way. My first quarter at Newberry College has been difficult and amazing. I am training for the winter wrestling season, but I also walked on to the school’s rugby team and have just fallen in love with this dynamic team sport. I plan to complete a degree in Business. I have not decided which specific path I plan to take after graduation, but I believe that after some experience I would like to work at a start-up. These types of businesses are fast, unique, and exciting in how they work. They have a dynamic flow and people who are dedicated to their success. Working with someone who has an amazing vision, and helping that team to succeed in their goal sounds amazing to me.

When I was 11, I was diagnosed with ADHD. My mom pushed for this because she had read some articles that discussed how differently ADHD presents in young women compared to young men, and she was certain that this explained at least some of my academic difficulties. She was right, and over the next six years, I figured out how to use this to my advantage. I am Summer, and my goal is to find a field in business where I can be successful. When my mom first suggested that I might have ADHD, I was confused. She didn’t want me to think that there was anything wrong with me, she assured me that it was simply a different brain chemistry and that we would be able to find medications and also develop habits to help me succeed in school and life. We did this in lots of different ways. My mom spent my early school years in school herself getting her teaching degree, so she often had access to studies and information about helping students with different learning disabilities and styles. When she began teaching, she really saw how differently, uniquely each student dealt with their learning styles. This was extremely helpful for us because some of the suggestions from my own school admin and teachers put a lot of pressure on me and also didn’t feel like they were working. My parents took my new diagnosis as a challenge. We tried methods until we found what worked for me. Some were school suggestions like daily planners, and some were my mom’s suggestions like blocking my time out and setting alarms. Eventually, we found the pieces of many plans and possible accommodations that helped me to succeed. Working with my parents helped me find my voice. I worked on speaking up for myself, even sometimes enlisting the help of a favorite teacher to help me word things correctly or discuss the best way to approach another teacher or situation. By the time I got to high school, I felt confident in my ability to speak up as well as my determination to get things done. The rise of discourse around mental health and neurodivergence has helped a great deal. More schools and even professional settings have begun leaning into letting people learn and work in the ways that make the most sense to them. The most significant thing to me is that people are beginning to better understand that we are not all alike. No two humans approach a problem in exactly the same way. This is a strength, and I am so happy that it is seen that way. My first quarter at Newberry College has been difficult and amazing. I am training for the winter wrestling season, but I also walked on to the school’s rugby team and have just fallen in love with this dynamic team sport. I plan to complete a degree in Business. I have not decided which specific path I plan to take after graduation, but I believe that after some experience I would like to work at a start-up. These types of businesses are fast, unique, and exciting in how they work. They have a dynamic flow and people who are dedicated to their success. Working with someone who has an amazing vision, and helping that team to succeed in their goal sounds amazing to me.

My family is very large. My mother is the youngest of seven children, and most of my aunts and uncles have children. I spent my early years surrounded by family and cousins. When I was three we moved across the country from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma. After a year there, we moved to Oregon where our family has settled. I always looked forward to trips to visit family in Pennsylvania, to sleepovers and activities with my cousins. The last time I was there was in the summer of 2021, just after my first trip to Fargo for the USMC Wrestling National Championships. It was an amazing trip. My uncle took his two children, two other cousins, and my brother and I on a day trip to a nearby Six Flags. It was an intensely fun day. That trip was full of connections. I talked so much with my extended family, I spent so much time with my cousins. It felt like a beautiful blur that would never end. During this bright summer, I knew that my dear cousin, Rose, was struggling with depression. The previous two years during the pandemic had been very hard on her. She had not adapted well to the seclusion that we all experienced, and attempted to end her life on at least one occasion. She and I connected even more strongly during this time. We talked about what was going on, I wanted her to always know that she could reach out to me and I would listen. We all thought things were getting better. Two years ago, my dear cousin lost her battle with anxiety and depression. I was in shock. I searched through old conversations, looked for reasons in what she said, and wondered if I had been there enough for her. This loss has profoundly impacted my family and myself. The reality of depression has always been present, I know that the women in my family have struggled with PPD for generations, but this was different. I briefly considered majoring in child and young adult counseling, and while some believed that I would be successful and have the ability to make a strong impact on lives, I worried that for me every child would be Rose. That every loss would wear me down until there was nothing left. So instead, I have decided to go into Business and simply live. I want to live a life that I know my cousin would be proud of. I want to make choices that I know she would enjoy and have experiences that I could share with her. I know that she will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew her, but I also know that I will miss her for my whole life. While struggling with this loss, I have excelled in athletic as well as my academics. My mother is a teacher at a small local school that I do not attend, but she encouraged me to take classes over the summers both to get ahead in credits and to replace lower grades one time. This led to me being able to graduate a semester early. I have spent the time since raising funds for a wrestling experience in the country of Georgia that I was invited to, as well as helping my father out with our property. I have begun my higher education path through Newberry College in South Carolina where I believe that I am making a positive impact on those around me academically, through the sports that I compete in, as well as being a good friend.

My family is very large. My mother is the youngest of seven children, and most of my aunts and uncles have children. I spent my early years surrounded by family and cousins. When I was three we moved across the country from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma. After a year there, we moved to Oregon where our family has settled. I always looked forward to trips to visit family in Pennsylvania, to sleepovers and activities with my cousins. The last time I was there was in the summer of 2021, just after my first trip to Fargo for the USMC Wrestling National Championships. It was an amazing trip. My uncle took his two children, two other cousins, and my brother and I on a day trip to a nearby Six Flags. It was an intensely fun day. That trip was full of connections. I talked so much with my extended family, I spent so much time with my cousins. It felt like a beautiful blur that would never end. During this bright summer, I knew that my dear cousin, Rose, was struggling with depression. The previous two years during the pandemic had been very hard on her. She had not adapted well to the seclusion that we all experienced, and attempted to end her life on at least one occasion. She and I connected even more strongly during this time. We talked about what was going on, I wanted her to always know that she could reach out to me and I would listen. We all thought things were getting better. Two years ago, my dear cousin lost her battle with anxiety and depression. I was in shock. I searched through old conversations, looked for reasons in what she said, and wondered if I had been there enough for her. This loss has profoundly impacted my family and myself. The reality of depression has always been present, I know that the women in my family have struggled with PPD for generations, but this was different. I briefly considered majoring in child and young adult counseling, and while some believed that I would be successful and have the ability to make a strong impact on lives, I worried that for me every child would be Rose. That every loss would wear me down until there was nothing left. So instead, I have decided to go into Business and simply live. I want to live a life that I know my cousin would be proud of. I want to make choices that I know she would enjoy and have experiences that I could share with her. I know that she will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew her, but I also know that I will miss her for my whole life. While struggling with this loss, I have excelled in athletic as well as my academics. My mother is a teacher at a small local school that I do not attend, but she encouraged me to take classes over the summers both to get ahead in credits and to replace lower grades one time. This led to me being able to graduate a semester early. I have spent the time since raising funds for a wrestling experience in the country of Georgia that I was invited to, as well as helping my father out with our property. I have begun my higher education path through Newberry College in South Carolina where I believe that I am making a positive impact on those around me academically, through the sports that I compete in, as well as being a good friend.

When I was 11, I was diagnosed with ADHD. My mom pushed for this because she had read some articles that discussed how differently ADHD presents in young women compared to young men, and she was certain that this explained at least some of my academic difficulties. She was right, and over the next six years, I figured out how to use this to my advantage. I am Summer, and my goal is to find a field in business where I can be successful. When my mom first suggested that I might have ADHD, I was confused. She didn’t want me to think that there was anything wrong with me, she assured me that it was simply a different brain chemistry and that we would be able to find medications and also develop habits to help me succeed in school and life. However, ADHD is not the only mental health obstacle that I have faced. In connection with it, I have dealt with both depression and anxiety of my own. Because I am curious, I have spoken with many family members about their own mental health or struggles that they have faced. I learned that my mother and grandmother have both dealt with Post Partum Depression as well as depressive episodes at different times in their lives. My father and an aunt of mine both have had bipolar diagnoses. Almost four years ago I lost a cousin to suicide. My mother lost a niece. The world lost a light. Though the immediate aftermath was hectic and painful, the long-term effect has been that our family talks things out. My brother and I know that we can bring any issue to our parents, we will be supported through any difficulty, as long as we have the courage to talk about it. These experiences have made me an very empathetic person. I have watched my mom become even more of a listening ear for some of her students who struggle with similar issues. I know that the understanding that difficulties with mental health are not an indication of a bad person, but simply a faulty chemical supply is important. People need to know that these conditions are not choices, they can be helped through many avenues, if those struggling know they can reach out without judgment.

When I was 11, I was diagnosed with ADHD. My mom pushed for this because she had read some articles that discussed how differently ADHD presents in young women compared to young men, and she was certain that this explained at least some of my academic difficulties. She was right, and over the next six years, I figured out how to use this to my advantage. I am Summer, and my goal is to find a field in business where I can be successful. When my mom first suggested that I might have ADHD, I was confused. She didn’t want me to think that there was anything wrong with me, she assured me that it was simply a different brain chemistry and that we would be able to find medications and also develop habits to help me succeed in school and life. We did this in lots of different ways. My mom spent my early school years in school herself getting her teaching degree, so she often had access to studies and information about helping students with different learning disabilities and styles. When she began teaching, she really saw how differently, uniquely each student dealt with their learning styles. This was extremely helpful for us because some of the suggestions from my own school admin and teachers put a lot of pressure on me and also didn’t feel like they were working. My parents took my new diagnosis as a challenge. We tried methods until we found what worked for me. Some were school suggestions like daily planners, and some were my mom’s suggestions like blocking my time out and setting alarms. Eventually, we found the pieces of many plans and possible accommodations that helped me to succeed. Working with my parents helped me find my voice. I worked on speaking up for myself, even sometimes enlisting the help of a favorite teacher to help me word things correctly or discuss the best way to approach another teacher or situation. By the time I got to high school, I felt confident in my ability to speak up as well as my determination to get things done. The rise of discourse around mental health and neurodivergence has helped a great deal. More schools and even professional settings have begun leaning into letting people learn and work in the ways that make the most sense to them. The most significant thing to me is that people are beginning to better understand that we are not all alike. No two humans approach a problem in exactly the same way. This is a strength, and I am so happy that it is seen that way. My first quarter at Newberry College has been difficult and amazing. I am training for the winter wrestling season, but I also walked on to the school’s rugby team and have just fallen in love with this dynamic team sport. I plan to complete a degree in Business. I have not decided which specific path I plan to take after graduation, but I believe that after some experience I would like to work at a start-up. These types of businesses are fast, unique, and exciting in how they work. They have a dynamic flow and people who are dedicated to their success. Working with someone who has an amazing vision, and helping that team to succeed in their goal sounds amazing to me.

I was born in Anchorage, Alaska while my parents were stationed at Elmendorf, AFB. I don’t remember it, but we have many photos from that first year. Our apartment off base, our dogs, the little stream across the street. I was born in Alaska because both of my parents were active duty in the Air Force at the time. By the time I was two we had moved again, to Pennsylvania when my parents separated from the military. There my brother was born. That habit, spirit almost, of constant movement stayed with my parents for awhile. We lived in Pennsylvania for about two years, Oklahoma for a year, then we landed in Oregon. Throughout my childhood, I could see some of the signs of my parents’ service. The way some things had to be just so, and the way they slowly were able to leave that rigid existence behind as they became veterans instead of active members. My dad doesn’t talk much about his experiences. His early enlistment was difficult because he’s always had a bit of a hard head. Even knowing what he was signing up for, he had a hard time listening to people who were telling him what to do. I know that my mom remembers her active duty days somewhat fondly. She worked with some people, and met other people that she’s been friends with for nearly 25 years. Some of these people are closer to us than our own family. This bond is incredible and honestly, I envy it a little. I hope to make friends like that of my own in my experiences. I also think that I caught a little bit of that need to move from them. Every summer since I began high school I have had at least one major trip across the country for wrestling. For training with a different coach, or for our national tournament, travel is integral. This past summer, my parents gifted me an amazing experience. A coach of mine was taking a group of wrestlers to the country of Georgia, just north of Turkey. I was able to go for 10 days and train and live with world class coaches, and athletes from all over Europe. I met so many people from different kinds of backgrounds, and had just an amazing experience. I look forward to many more in the future. Looking back, I can see that it was hard for them. The transition took much longer than you might expect. My mom had a very hard time going from the structure of her former workplace to the casual nature of college. When she successfully finished her degrees, I was there to cheer for her. We all were. But their separation meant that both of my parents could come to all of our events. All of my wrestling matches, all of my brother’s football games. They were there, supporting us through it all. And I know that when they can, they will be cheering for me for my whole life.

This past Olympics, I couldn’t narrow my favorite athlete down to one. Of course, as a wrestler I love watching the wrestling competition. Of these amazing women I have followed Helen Maroulis and Sarah Hildebrand since I was young, but this year Amit Elor became such focus for me. The fact that we are similar in age, and share many similarities and goals is interesting to me. I watched her compete, and thought this is where I could be. On the other hand, my mom and I spend much of the past year watching and falling in love with Ilona Maher. Watching this incredible woman and athlete help lead her team to victory and an unexpected medal was powerful. So much so that during my first weeks at Newberry College, I decided to walk on for the school’s rugby team. I am finding it to be an incredible experience, it’s such an interesting game, but one that was not widely played where I grew up in Oregon. Ms. Maher has spent much more than just the few months leading up to the Olympics speaking about all kinds of issues that impact female athletes. From the discrepancies between funding for the same sports based on gender, to the expectation of female athletes to be thin and beautiful regardless of the sport they compete it, Ilona addresses it all. Her way of answering not just the questions asked of her, but of prioritizing women’s sports in general is excellent. She is one of the top people that I would choose to meet right now. Recently I saw an interview where she discussed the fact that in a medical setting, she is deemed overweight. Her BMI is high. But she clarified, that that number does not define her. It doesn’t relate to how fast she can run, or how strong her legs are, or how impactful she is on the rugby field. It is just another number. So if I had to choose one, it would be Ilona Maher, because she has inspired me, and also so many other people to try something new. To look at themselves in a positive light, and to love the body they can do amazing things with.

My family is very large. My mother is the youngest of seven children, and most of my aunts and uncles have children. I spent my early years surrounded by family and cousins. When I was three we moved across the country from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma. After a year there, we moved to Oregon where our family has settled. I always looked forward to trips to visit family in Pennsylvania, to sleepovers, and fun activities with my cousins. The last time I was there was in the summer of 2021, just after my first trip to Fargo for the USMC Wrestling National Championships. It was an amazing trip. My uncle took his two children, two other sibling cousins, and my brother and I on a day trip to a nearby Six Flags. It was an intensely fun day. That trip was full of connections. I talked so much with my extended family, I spent so much time with my cousins. It felt like a series of beautiful moments that would never end. Even while this experience was happening, I knew that one of my dear cousins was struggling with depression. The previous two years during the pandemic had been very hard on her. She had not adapted well to the seclusion that we all experienced, and attempted to end her life on at least one occasion. She and I connected even more strongly during this time. We talked about what was going on, I wanted her to always know that she could reach out to me and I would listen. We all thought things were getting better. Two years ago, my dear cousin lost her battle with anxiety and depression. I was in shock. I searched through old conversations, looked for reasons in what she said, and wondered if I had been there enough for her. This loss has profoundly impacted my family and myself. The reality of depression has always been present, I know that the women in my family have struggled with PPD for generations, but this was different. I briefly considered majoring in child and young adult counseling, and while some believed that I would be successful and have the ability to make a strong impact on lives, I worried that for me every child would be Rose. That every loss would wear me down until there was nothing left. So instead, I have decided to go into Business and simply live. I want to live a life that I know my cousin would be proud of. I want to make choices that I know she would enjoy and have experiences that I could tell her all about. I know that she will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew her, but I also know that I will miss her for my whole life. While struggling with this loss, I have also excelled in the athletics that I have chosen to focus on, as well as my academics. My mother is a teacher at a small local school that I do not attend, but she encouraged me to take classes over the summers both to get ahead in credits and to replace lower grades one time. This led to me being able to graduate a semester early. I have spent the time since raising funds for a wrestling experience in the country of Georgia that I was invited to, as well as helping my father out with our property.

My family is very large. My mother is the youngest of seven children, and most of my aunts and uncles have children. I spent my early years surrounded by family and cousins. When I was three we moved across the country from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma. After a year there, we moved to Oregon where our family has settled. I always looked forward to trips to visit family in Pennsylvania, to sleepovers, and fun activities with my cousins. The last time I was there was in the summer of 2021, just after my first trip to Fargo for the USMC Wrestling National Championships. It was an amazing trip. My uncle took his two children, two other sibling cousins, and my brother and I on a day trip to a nearby Six Flags. It was an intensely fun day. That trip was full of connections. I talked so much with my extended family, I spent so much time with my cousins. It felt like a series of beautiful moments that would never end. Even while this experience was happening, I knew that one of my dear cousins was struggling with depression. The previous two years during the pandemic had been very hard on her. She had not adapted well to the seclusion that we all experienced, and attempted to end her life on at least one occasion. She and I connected even more strongly during this time. We talked about what was going on, I wanted her to always know that she could reach out to me and I would listen. We all thought things were getting better. Two years ago, my dear cousin lost her battle with anxiety and depression. I was in shock. I searched through old conversations, looked for reasons in what she said, and wondered if I had been there enough for her. This loss has profoundly impacted my family and myself. The reality of depression has always been present, I know that the women in my family have struggled with PPD for generations, but this was different. I briefly considered majoring in child and young adult counseling, and while some believed that I would be successful and have the ability to make a strong impact on lives, I worried that for me every child would be Rose. That every loss would wear me down until there was nothing left. So instead, I have decided to go into Business and simply live. I want to live a life that I know my cousin would be proud of. I want to make choices that I know she would enjoy and have experiences that I could tell her all about. I know that she will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew her, but I also know that I will miss her for my whole life. While struggling with this loss, I have also excelled in the athletics that I have chosen to focus on, as well as my academics. My mother is a teacher at a small local school that I do not attend, but she encouraged me to take classes over the summers both to get ahead in credits and to replace lower grades one time. This led to me being able to graduate a semester early. I have spent the time since raising funds for a wrestling experience in the country of Georgia that I was invited to, as well as helping my father out with our property.

When I was 11, I was diagnosed with ADHD. My mom pushed for this because she had read some articles that discussed how differently ADHD presents in young women compared to young men, and she was certain that this explained at least some of my academic difficulties. She was right, and over the next six years, I figured out how to use this to my advantage. I am Summer, and my goal is to find a field in business where I can be successful. When my mom first suggested that I might have ADHD, I was confused. She didn’t want me to think that there was anything wrong with me, she assured me that it was simply a different brain chemistry and that we would be able to find medications and also develop habits to help me succeed in school and life. We did this in lots of different ways. My mom spent my early school years in school herself getting her teaching degree, so she often had access to studies and information about helping students with different learning disabilities and styles. When she began teaching, she really saw how differently, uniquely each student dealt with their learning styles. This was extremely helpful for us because some of the suggestions from my own school admin and teachers put a lot of pressure on me and also didn’t feel like they were working. My mom took my new diagnosis as a challenge. We tried methods until we found what worked for me. Some were school suggestions like daily planners, and some were her own suggestions like blocking my time out and setting alarms. Eventually, we found the pieces of many plans and possible accommodations that helped me to succeed. Working with my parents helped me find my voice. I worked on speaking up for myself, even sometimes enlisting the help of a favorite teacher to help me word things correctly or discuss the best way to approach another teacher or situation. By the time I got to high school, I felt confident in my ability to speak up as well as my determination to get things done. The rise of discourse around mental health and neurodivergence has helped a great deal. More schools and even professional settings have begun leaning into letting people learn and work in the ways that make the most sense to them. The most significant thing to me is that people are beginning to better understand that we are not all alike. No two humans approach a problem in exactly the same way. This is a strength, and I am so happy that it is seen that way. I plan to complete a degree in Business. I have not decided which specific path I plan to take after graduation, but I believe that after some experience I would like to work at a start-up. These types of businesses are fast, unique, and exciting in how they work. They have a dynamic flow and people who are dedicated to their success. Working with someone who has an amazing vision, and helping that team to succeed in their goal sounds amazing to me.

Two years ago I lost a dear cousin to suicide. She was only thirteen years old. It impacted me in ways that I am still finding and experiencing at this point. I have dealt with depression, anger, and sadness about this loss in particular. I finally concluded that I have to live for her as well as myself. In my four years of high school, I have also lost three other classmates to suicide. If I’m sincere, I want to have the kind of business success that means I can take care of those who have taken care of me. I am focused, and driven to be amazing in whatever field I choose. This bar that I have set for myself is high. I watched my parents struggle, and give up so much, to allow my brother and I to do the things that we wanted to do. I would eventually like to reach a level of success so that I can make an impact on how society treats low-income families and homelessness. Though I have never been homeless, I am aware in hindsight that it was a real possibility a few times in my life. Over the years I have witnessed my parents working multiple jobs, sometimes simultaneously, to support our family. We have moved across the country three times to get a place where we feel safe and at home as people. Nothing was too big or too small of an ask for my parents. Though my dad suffers from health complications due to his time in the military, he became a stay-at-home dad and was the go-to parent while my mom went back to college. This was so interesting. Dad was the one coming on school field trips, and picking us up if we were sick. Mom was showing us what work ethic means in real-time. In the last year, I have talked with her at length about what being a full-time college student and full-time parent was like. This is not a path I plan to follow, but she sometimes made it look easy. Thanks to their work both in and outside of the home, I have so many examples of people working for the better of their community and family. My mom and dad have always made time for me in the ways that they can. Driving hours upon hours to get me to sporting events, and taking family vacations, sometimes to sporting events. I can see myself working in a non-profit organization, or running a small business. With the support of my family and friends, I know that I can accomplish whatever goal I set for myself and take any opportunity that I am afforded. I will do whatever it takes to take care of those around me. When she was in graduate school my mom started saying this phrase often. I know she learned it in a class there, but it has become so important to us. “Success looks different in every situation.” Because of the losses our family has experienced in the last few years, it has become even more meaningful. Sometimes success is simply getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, or eating a meal. Sometimes, it’s getting into a college and following your dreams. I know that I can succeed, and I know that I’ll support my family and take them with me when I get there.

Two years ago I lost a dear cousin to suicide. She was only thirteen years old. It impacted me in ways that I am still finding and experiencing at this point. I have dealt with depression, anger, and sadness about this loss in particular. I finally concluded that I have to live for her as well as myself. As a Business major, I am looking forward to learning about many different opportunities and choosing a path that I can succeed at, and perhaps one that my dear cousin would be proud to tell people about. My parents have supported me greatly during the past two years since Rose passed, understanding when I nearly quit wrestling, the sport I’ve done since I was 10 years old. I used to say I wanted to train to make it to the Olympics. Even though it was hard, they stepped back. They let me come to my choice on my own, and it helped me to turn things around when I changed my mind yet again. If I’m sincere, I want to have the kind of business success that means I can take care of those who have taken care of me. I am focused, and driven to be amazing in whatever field I choose. This bar that I have set for myself is high. I watched my parents struggle, and give up so much, to allow my brother and I to do the things that we wanted to do. I would eventually like to reach a level of success so that I can make an impact on how society treats low-income families and homelessness. Though I have never been homeless, I am aware in hindsight that it was a real possibility a few times in my life. Over the years I have witnessed my parents working multiple jobs, sometimes simultaneously, to support our family. We have moved across the country three times to get a place where we feel safe and at home as people. Nothing was too big or too small of an ask for my parents. Though my dad suffers from health complications due to his time in the military, he became a stay-at-home dad and was the go-to parent while my mom went back to college. This was so interesting. Dad was the one coming on school field trips, and picking us up if we were sick. Mom was showing us what work ethic means in real-time. In the last year, I have talked with her at length about what being a full-time college student and full-time parent was like. This is not a path I plan to follow, but she sometimes made it look easy. Thanks to their work both in and outside of the home, I have so many examples of people working for the better of their community and family. My mom and dad have always made time for me in the ways that they can. Driving hours upon hours to get me to sporting events, and taking family vacations, sometimes to sporting events. I can see myself working in a non-profit organization, or running a small business. With the support of my family and friends, I know that I can accomplish whatever goal I set for myself and take any opportunity that I am afforded. I will do whatever it takes to take care of those around me. When she was in graduate school my mom started saying this phrase often. I know she learned it in a class there, but it has become so important to us. “Success looks different in every situation.” Because of the losses our family has experienced in the last few years, it has become even more meaningful. Sometimes success is simply getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, or eating a meal. Sometimes, it’s getting into a college and following your dreams. I know that I can succeed, and I know that I’ll support my family and take them with me when I get there.

Two years ago I lost a dear cousin to suicide. She was only thirteen years old. It impacted me in ways that I am still finding and experiencing at this point. I have dealt with depression, anger, and sadness about this loss in particular. I finally concluded that I have to live for her as well as myself. As a Business major, I am looking forward to learning about many different opportunities and choosing a path that I can succeed at, and perhaps one that my dear cousin would be proud to tell people about. My parents have supported me greatly during the past two years since Rose passed, understanding when I nearly quit wrestling, the sport I’ve done since I was 10 years old. I used to say I wanted to train to make it to the Olympics. Even though it was hard, they stepped back. They let me come to my choice on my own, and it helped me to turn things around when I changed my mind yet again. If I’m sincere, I want to have the kind of business success that means I can take care of those who have taken care of me. I am focused, and driven to be amazing in whatever field I choose. This bar that I have set for myself is high. I watched my parents struggle, and give up so much, to allow my brother and I to do the things that we wanted to do. I would eventually like to reach a level of success so that I can make an impact on how society treats low-income families and homelessness. Though I have never been homeless, I am aware in hindsight that it was a real possibility a few times in my life. I can see myself working in a non-profit organization, or running a small business. With the support of my family and friends, I know that I can accomplish whatever goal I set for myself and take any opportunity that I am afforded. I will do whatever it takes to take care of those around me. In a job within the beauty industry, I would want to focus on equity and representation. Also, having been in a women’s sport that focuses heavily on weight, I would like to address body standards at a high level. I was lucky to be raised by parents who made sure that my health always came first, even if that meant that competition was on the back burner for a time. I appreciate that focus and would like to make that a higher priority in many places.

I’ve always loved the phrase, “kill them with kindness.” It may seem strange, but I know for a fact that little bits of kindness can change the course of someone’s life. I have always been a bit of an outsider. Born in Alaska, with three cross country moves under my belt before I started school, fitting in to schools has always been a bit difficult for me. I’ve always been a bit small and this has sometimes made me a target for bullies, but once I became known for my wrestling abilities and relative strength, people don’t often physically bully me. I have a younger brother. He’s quiet, he has an incredibly dry sense of humor, and people see him as a target. When we were in middle school, the highest amount of trouble that I got into was protecting him from his bullies. They only saw him as a quiet, fat kid. They didn’t see his sister sitting behind him. I’m not saying that I endorse violence, I certainly don’t, but we all have people that we are willing to wade into the much for. For me, this is my brother. I know that he would do the same for me. When I was in 8th grade and he was in 7th, we moved from Eugene, Oregon to a nearby rural area. We rode a bus rather than walking to school as we had before. The moment on the bus happened in the month or so just before Covid shut down our world. My brother and I became closer during the lockdown. Having only each other and our parents nearby, we did what we could, and we spent a lot of time together. In such an odd time, it was actually a good experience. We all worked together on our property a lot, and our home is a refuge. Going back to school was strange. I think that the isolation made some people mean. My mom is a teacher at a different school, and always teaches caution. She reminds me that you never know what someone else is going through, there might be a reason for their words or actions. She reminds me that even though everyone has a struggle, we should still be careful about our own words and actions. Having kindness, compassion, and good communication shown to me my whole life through her, I know that I can handle so much, and I can be kind to others even when I’m struggling. Being the target of bullies at a young age has made me both kind and intolerant to any kind of discrimination or purposeful or casual cruelty. I know that people can say mean things and either not intend that they are hurtful, or not realize that the way they said something was hurtful, or that the person they said it to was particularly sensitive about the subject. This happens to everyone. Sincere apologies are important, being able to admit that you said something hurtful, and apologize is a skill that surprisingly not everyone developed as a child. It costs nothing to be kind. It is often even the easier option in life.

Two years ago I lost a dear cousin to suicide. She was only thirteen years old. It impacted me in ways that I am still finding and experiencing at this point. I have dealt with depression, anger, and sadness about this loss in particular. I finally concluded that I have to live for her as well as myself. As a business major, I am looking forward to learning about many different opportunities and choosing a path that I can succeed at, and perhaps one that my dear cousin would be proud to tell people about. My parents have supported me greatly during the past two years since Rose passed, understanding when I nearly quit wrestling, the sport I’ve done since I was 10 years old. I used to say I wanted to train to make it to the Olympics. Even though it was hard, they stepped back. They let me come to my choice on my own, and it helped me to turn things around when I changed my mind yet again. If I’m sincere, I want to have the kind of business success that means I can take care of those who have taken care of me. I am focused, and driven to be amazing in whatever field I choose. This bar that I have set for myself is high. I watched my parents struggle, and give up so much, to allow my brother and I to do the things that we wanted to do. I would eventually like to reach a level of success so that I can make an impact on how society treats low-income families and homelessness. Though I have never been homeless, I am aware in hindsight that it was a real possibility a few times in my life. I can see myself working in a non-profit organization, or running a small business. With the support of my family and friends, I know that I can accomplish whatever goal I set for myself and take any opportunity that I am afforded. I will do whatever it takes to take care of those around me.

My family is very large. My mother is the youngest of seven children, and most of my aunts and uncles have children. I spent my early years surrounded by family and cousins. When I was three we moved across the country from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma. After a year there, we moved to Oregon where our family has settled. I always looked forward to trips to visit family in Pennsylvania, to sleepovers, and to fun activities with my cousins. The last time I was there was in the summer of 2021, just after my first trip to Fargo for the USMC Wrestling National Championships. It was an amazing trip. My uncle took his two children, two other sibling cousins, and my brother and I on a day trip to a nearby Six Flags. It was an intensely fun day. That trip was full of connections. I talked so much with my extended family, I spent so much time with my cousins. It felt like a series of beautiful moments that would never end. Even while this experience was happening, I knew that one of my dear cousins was struggling with depression. The previous two years during the pandemic had been very hard on her. She had not adapted well to the seclusion that we all experienced, and attempted to end her life on at least one occasion. She and I connected even more strongly during this time. We talked about what was going on, I wanted her to always know that she could reach out to me and I would listen. We all thought things were getting better. Two years ago, my dear cousin lost her battle with anxiety and depression. I was in shock. I searched through old conversations, looked for reasons in what she said, and wondered if I had been there enough for her. This loss has profoundly impacted my family and myself. The reality of depression has always been present, I know that the women in my family have struggled with PPD for generations, but this was different. I briefly considered majoring in child and young adult counseling, and while some believed that I would be successful and have the ability to make a strong impact on lives, I worried that for me every child would be Rose. That every loss would wear me down until there was nothing left. So instead, I have decided to go into Business and simply live. I want to live a life that I know my cousin would be proud of. I want to make choices that I know she would enjoy and have experiences that I could tell her all about. I know that she will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew her, but I also know that I will miss her for my whole life. While struggling with this loss, I have also excelled in the athletics that I have chosen to focus on, as well as my academics. My mother is a teacher at a small local school that I do not attend, but she encouraged me to take classes over the summers both to get ahead in credits and to replace lower grades one time. This led to me being able to graduate a semester early. I have spent the time since raising funds for a wrestling experience in the country of Georgia that I was invited to, as well as helping my father out with our property. As a Business major, I am looking forward to learning about many different opportunities and choosing a path that I can succeed at, and perhaps one that my dear cousin would be proud to tell people about. My parents have supported me greatly during the past two years since Rose passed, understanding when I nearly quit wrestling, the sport I’ve done since I was 10 years old. Then one I used to say I wanted to train until I was an Olympian. Even though it was hard, they stepped back. They let me come to my choice on my own time, and then they helped me to turn things around when I changed my mind yet again. If I’m fully honest, I want to have the kind of success in business that means I can take care of those who have taken care of me. I am focused, and driven to be amazing in whatever field I choose. This bar that I have set for myself is high. I watched my parents struggle, give up so much, to allow my brother and I to do the things that we wanted to do. I would eventually like to reach a level of success so that I can make an impact on how society treats low-income families and homelessness. Though I have never been homeless, I am aware in hindsight that it was a real possibility a few times in my life. I can see myself working in a non-profit organization, or running a small business. With the support of my family and friends, I know that I can accomplish whatever goal I set for myself and take any opportunity that I am afforded. I will do whatever it takes to take care of those around me.

My family is very large. My mother is the youngest of seven children, and most of my aunts and uncles have children. I spent my early years surrounded by family and cousins. When I was three we moved across the country from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma. After a year there, we moved to Oregon where our family has settled. I always looked forward to trips to visit family in Pennsylvania, to sleepovers, and fun activities with my cousins. The last time I was there was in the summer of 2021, just after my first trip to Fargo for the USMC Wrestling National Championships. It was an amazing trip. My uncle took his two children, two other sibling cousins, and my brother and I on a day trip to a nearby Six Flags. It was an intensely fun day. That trip was full of connections. I talked so much with my extended family, I spent so much time with my cousins. It felt like a series of beautiful moments that would never end. Even while this experience was happening, I knew that one of my dear cousins was struggling with depression. The previous two years during the pandemic had been very hard on her. She had not adapted well to the seclusion that we all experienced, and attempted to end her life on at least one occasion. She and I connected even more strongly during this time. We talked about what was going on, I wanted her to always know that she could reach out to me and I would listen. We all thought things were getting better. Two years ago, my dear cousin lost her battle with anxiety and depression. I was in shock. I searched through old conversations, looked for reasons in what she said, and wondered if I had been there enough for her. This loss has profoundly impacted my family and myself. The reality of depression has always been present, I know that the women in my family have struggled with PPD for generations, but this was different. I briefly considered majoring in child and young adult counseling, and while some believed that I would be successful and have the ability to make a strong impact on lives, I worried that for me every child would be Rose. That every loss would wear me down until there was nothing left. So instead, I have decided to go into business and simply live. I want to live a life that I know my cousin would be proud of. I want to make choices that I know she would enjoy and have experiences that I could tell her all about. I know that she will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew her, but I also know that I will miss her for my whole life. While struggling with this loss, I also excelled in the athletics that I have chosen to focus on, as well as my academics. My mother is a teacher at a small local school that I do not attend, but she encouraged me to take classes over the summers both to get ahead in credits and to replace lower grades one time. This led to me being able to graduate a semester early. I have spent the time since raising funds for a wrestling experience in the country of Georgia that I was invited to, as well as helping my father out with our property. As a business major, I am looking forward to learning about many different opportunities and choosing a path that I can succeed at, and perhaps one that my dear cousin would be proud to tell people about. My parents have supported me greatly during the past two years since Rose passed, understanding when I nearly quit wrestling, the sport I’ve done since I was 10 years old. Then I used to say I wanted to train until I was an Olympian. Even though it was hard, they stepped back. Let me come to my choice on my own, and it helped me to turn things around when I changed my mind yet again. If I’m fully honest, I want to have the kind of success in business that means I can take care of those who have taken care of me. I am focused, and driven to be amazing in whatever field I choose. This bar that I have set for myself is high. I watched my parents struggle, and give up so much, to allow my brother and I to do the things that we wanted to do. I would eventually like to reach a level of success so that I can make an impact on how society treats low-income families and homelessness. Though I have never been homeless, I am aware in hindsight that it was a real possibility a few times in my life. I can see myself working in a non-profit organization, or running a small business. With the support of my family and friends, I know that I can accomplish whatever goal I set for myself and take any opportunity that I am afforded. I will do whatever it takes to take care of those around me.

As a student who was diagnosed with ADHD and then medicated, I think that I reacted differently than much of my class when we read The Giver in seventh grade. For the last seven years I have been on and off of medication for ADHD. The common medications helped me focus but made it almost impossible for me to eat. For several years I was underweight and it was difficult for me to address that situation. The premise of utopia in The Giver is predicated on the fact that the entire population is medicated. The government decided that the people could never accept the reality of their “perfect” lives if they had access to the full range of human emotions, so each day, each member of the community takes medications. My mother is an English teacher and she just loves to talk about how all utopian stories are really dystopian. The Giver shows the pretty side, with glimpses of the dark underbelly, through mentions of the laborers and field workers, the birthers who have three babies and are treated well, but then cast aside to work. Indeed since long before I read The Giver I knew that utopias and dystopias really exist together. To me, a child reading this book, I felt alarmed at the idea of an entire society being medicated the way I was. Reading about people unable to express emotions and lose memories was so similar to the way that some of my early ADHD medications made me feel. Like I was given a pill and told, “this will make you better,” with the implication that the better was for everyone else. This will make you easier to handle, easier to control, more socially acceptable. Normal. At that time, I felt like I was lost in this book. Struggling to break free from expectations and be myself fully. I connected with the idea of people who were numbed on purpose, who were told that their emotions were too much. I love this book. It is amazing and it is a gentle introduction for young readers to the idea that no perfect society in literature has truly been a utopia. There are always those in the shadows supporting those in the light.

My family is very large. My mother is the youngest of seven children, and most of my aunts and uncles have children. I spent my early years surrounded by family and cousins. When I was three we moved across the country from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma. After a year there, we moved to Oregon where our family has settled. I always looked forward to trips to visit family in Pennsylvania, to sleepovers, and to fun activities with my cousins. The last time I was there was in the summer of 2021, just after my first trip to Fargo for the USMC Wrestling National Championships. It was an amazing trip. My uncle took his two children, two other sibling cousins, and my brother and I on a day trip to a nearby Six Flags. It was an intensely fun day. That trip was full of connection. I talked so much with my extended family, I spent so much time with my cousins. It felt like a series of beautiful moments that would never end. Even while this experience was happening, I knew that one of my dear cousins was struggling with depression. The previous two years during the pandemic had been very hard on her. She had not adapted well to the seclusion that we all experienced, and attempted to end her life on at least one occasion. She and I connected even more strongly during this time. We talked about what was going on, I wanted her to always know that she could reach out to me and I would listen. We all thought things were getting better. Two years ago, my dear cousin lost her battle with anxiety and depression. I was in shock. I searched through old conversations, looked for reasons in what she said, and wondered if I had been there enough for her. This loss has profoundly impacted my family and myself. The reality of depression has always been present, I know that the women in my family have struggled with PPD for generations, but this was different. I briefly considered majoring in child and young adult counseling, and while some believed that I would be successful and have the ability to make a strong impact on lives, I worried that for me every child would be Rose. That every loss would wear me down until there was nothing left. So instead, I have decided to go into Business and simply live. I want to live a life that I know my cousin would be proud of. I want to make choices that I know she would enjoy and have experiences that I could tell her all about. I know that she will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew her, but I also know that I will miss her for my whole life.

When I was 11, I was diagnosed with ADHD. My mom pushed for this because she had read some articles that discussed how differently ADHD presents in young women compared to young men, and she was certain that this explained at least some of my academic difficulties. She was right, and over the next six years, I figured out how to use this to my advantage. I am Summer, and my goal is to find a field in business where I can be successful. When my mom first suggested that I might have ADHD, I was confused. She didn’t want me to think that there was anything wrong with me, she assured me that it was simply a different brain chemistry and that we would be able to find medications and also develop habits to help me succeed in school and life. We did this in lots of different ways. My mom spent my early school years in school herself getting her teaching degree, so she often had access to studies and information about helping students with different learning disabilities and styles. When she began teaching, she really saw how differently, uniquely each student dealt with their learning styles. This was extremely helpful for us because some of the suggestions from my own school admin and teachers put a lot of pressure on me and also didn’t feel like they were working. My mom took my new diagnosis as a challenge. We tried methods until we found what worked for me. Some were school suggestions like daily planners, and some were her own suggestions like blocking my time out and setting alarms. Eventually, we found the pieces of many plans and possible accommodations that helped me to succeed. Working with my parents helped me find my voice. I worked on speaking up for myself, even sometimes enlisting the help of a favorite teacher to help me word things correctly, or discuss the best way to approach another teacher or situation. By the time I got to high school, I felt confident in my ability to speak up as well as my determination to get things done. The rise of discourse around mental health and neurodivergence has helped a great deal. More schools and even professional settings have begun leaning into letting people learn and work in the ways that make the most sense to them. The most significant thing to me is that people are beginning to better understand that we are not all alike. No two humans approach a problem in exactly the same way. This is a strength, and I am so happy that it is seen that way.

When I was 11, I was diagnosed with ADHD. My mom pushed for this because she had read some articles that discussed how differently ADHD presents in young women compared to young men, and she was certain that this explained at least some of my academic difficulties. She was right, and over the next six years, I figured out how to use this to my advantage. I am Summer, and my goal is to find a field in business where I can be successful. When my mom first suggested that I might have ADHD, I was confused. She didn’t want me to think that there was anything wrong with me, she assured me that it was simply a different brain chemistry and that we would be able to find medications and also develop habits to help me succeed in school and life. We did this in lots of different ways. My mom spent my early school years in school herself getting her teaching degree, so she often had access to studies and information about helping students with different learning disabilities and styles. When she began teaching, she really saw how differently, uniquely each student dealt with their learning styles. This was extremely helpful for us because some of the suggestions from my own school admin and teachers put a lot of pressure on me and also didn’t feel like they were working. When I think about my future, I know that there are a lot of things that I can do successfully. I believe that I might like to get involved in a start-up in an executive office position and be part of building a successful company from the ground up. Part of the reason that I am driven to succeed is for my parents. They have worked so hard throughout their lives, first in the military and then afterward. They have supported my brother and me in everything we wanted to do or try. My parents have also followed me halfway around the country for my wrestling, and this year are sending me around the world to train with a world team coach. They have supported my dream in every way possible since I spoke it to them. My next dream, is to have the kind of success that will allow me to make sure that they are comfortable in their lives later on. I want to be able to surprise them with a trip, or a car, or by paying off their mortgage. I know they would never ask, they would never expect anything of me. But this is my dream.

Each generation in my family has gone further, educationally, than the ones before. Until my mom. My great-grandparents on my mom’s side ran dairy farms in Pennsylvania. They were hard-working people who raised my hard-working grandparents. My grandparents took a leap of faith and moved away from the farms, my Papa became an electrician who supported his family until he died. I am lucky that I got to know him and spend time with him. My Grandmother is one of the smartest people I know. She could have absolutely gone to college herself and had a career, but she saw the path that would take her down and she wanted a family more. Their daughter, my mom is their youngest child. After my brother and I were born, after a term of enlistment in the USAF, my mom and dad moved with us across the country. Twice. From Pennsylvania, we moved first to Oklahoma, then on to Oregon where we all feel a deep connection. When I was 5 years old, my mom went back to college. She got an associate degree from a local Community college, and a BA from the University of Oregon, but she wasn’t done. She entered an accelerated Master’s program at the U of O College of Education. My early years were spent watching her do homework after she made our dinner. She always had her backpack with us on trips. We would go to the library downtown where my brother and I would find books and she would work on her own homework. At the time, it felt like a lot. She was always busy. If she wasn’t doing her own work, she was helping us with ours. But getting to see my own mom graduate from college, twice, was amazing. I knew that part of the reason she had worked so hard was because she wanted more for us, my brother and I. She wanted us to see that hard work in action, she never complained about her workload from school, she even seemed to enjoy a lot of it. The reality of my mom doing all of this work and finally becoming a teacher was very meaningful for our whole family. She began substituting at local schools, even surprising me in my own classroom when I was in 6th grade. Eventually, she got a job in the next town over, which meant we moved, but because of her success and a great deal of other hard work, my parents were also able to buy a home. This is the story of success that I want to continue. I want to follow in her footsteps, not as a teacher, but as a student who gets things done. A leader in our family. A successful person who’s family and maybe someday children will look back on her struggles and sacrifices and be thankful. I know I am thankful for all of the struggles and sacrifices that were made for me by my family who came before me. My ultimate goal is to be the kind of successful that means that I can someday take care of my parents the way they took care of me.

Almost all of my life I have lived far from family. I was born in Alaska during my parents' Air Force enlistment, then we moved to Pennsylvania in June of 2007. The next 3 years were the only time in my life that I have lived near family. After Pennsylvania, we moved to Oklahoma, where my Dad's mother lives. When I was five we moved to Oregon. While I love our home and this state, living far away from family has always been difficult. I have watched my parents struggle without family support nearby, but I have also seen them persevere together. My early introduction to technology was playing games with friends, and chatting with family via different messenger apps. However, my favorite was the Discord chat which all of my cousins around the same age joined. About four years ago, when my cousins realized that most of us already had Discord profiles, we decided to make a chat where we could all talk together. Even though they all live on the East Coast, this group of cousins is very close. We care a great deal for each other. Because of our use of this technology, we've been able to keep each other updated in our lives directly, rather than leaning on our parents to share information for and about us. When one of our young cousins took her own life just two years ago, we were able to come together immediately. We talked and cried. We wondered about her and discussed recent interactions that we had each had with her. Over time, we have been able to talk about her and make sure that we all feel supported and good. The ability to connect to my cousins and family over such distance helped me to not feel quite so alone at an incredibly difficult time.

Wrestling runs in my family. My mother's three brothers all wrestled throughout childhood and into college, and my father wrestled in high school. I believe that wrestling is the hardest sport that a person can do because no other sport challenges you quite like this one. There are team sports that approach the physicality, and individual sports that approach the mental toughness needed, but none that combine the two like wrestling. Thankfully I have remained largely injury-free during the 8 years that I have wrestled, but the hardest moments off the mat have come from small-minded people. When I was young, and wrestling with boys, I often overheard comments about how girls shouldn't wrestle. My family encouraged my love of this sport, however, and I continued to persevere and improve myself and my mindset to the point that my dream of wrestling in college has become a reality. I have been very fortunate to have some amazing coaches throughout my wrestling career so far. They have each taught me something about the sport, and the best ones have taught me things about myself. From how to get out of a negative head space, to planting the idea that I can always do better, these coaches have given me goals to reach and targets to hit time after time. Though I am not nationally ranked, I have qualified to attend the Fargo National tournament for the last four years, including this year. I am determined to be better each time. Every time I step onto the mat I feel the support of my parents, the drive of my family, pushing me to go harder, move faster, to leave everything on the mat. I am greatly looking forward to being on the inaugural women's wrestling team at Newberry College in South Carolina. Knowing that women's wrestling is growing so fast and becoming such a fantastic sport with so many opportunities. I can't wait to influence the attitude, tone, and culture in my wrestling room and on my team. I can't wait to bring my love of this sport into my own future in any way that I can, either through coaching, continued connection with those doing the sport, or maybe one day with my own children. I believe that this amazingly difficult sport is the best thing a young person can be involved in. Wrestling has built my determination and my confidence up. My teams have given me support during difficult times and cheered me through amazing moments. I would recommend wrestling to anyone looking for a sport where they can really show off themselves, their skills, and their commitment to self-improvement.

When I was younger in 5th grade all of my peers hoped for my downfall, constantly pushing me down bullying me even in the dark times of my life when both of my grandfather's died, they bullied me till I quite wrestling for a year and they got ahead in terms of experience. That year hit me harder than anything, I had uncontrollable anger issues and not knowing how help my parents put me back in wrestling l, because that was the only time they saw the real me come out. After that year I saw more doors open up and pushed to find a way to get to the top and get better. I saw my old teammates at competitions and they were getting top places while I worked my way up from the bottom of my brackets time and time again. Then my 8th grade year we moved schools new area I gained a new team, new friends, new everything and that's when everything changed. I learned ways to mold my pain and anger into something to use on the mat and leave it on the mat. I did more practices going to two or even three practices a night sometimes. Then covid hit the end of that school year, everything was shut down, we had to wear masks and there was nowhere my parents could take me to practice. So I used it to my advantage, I knew those people who threw me down then were still finding ways to work harder than me so used that to start working out at home, rather that was on the cardio bike for five mules a day or lifiting weights until I could get back in that wrestling room and create a match worth watching. I found new friends int he sport who pushed me once I got into highschool. The team gelrew each year and I watched them go to states and I made it to nationals for freestyle. Now after years of pushing my body and mind and emotions to the most of their ability, I finally made it. I made it to the 2024 Oregon State tournament after being told I'd never be good enough for years by these people, and states is just the first open door to me of this year. I get the opportunity to go to another country to go to a wrestling camp, and go to nationals again and I'm more excited than I ever could be and am looking forward to push myself even more for college wrestling.