I believe that every child can be helped, and it is our responsibility, as adults, to provide that for them. I find it amazing, looking at society through a third-person view, that our species has dedicated servants that provide emotional and psychological support to those who we are unfamiliar with. My journey belongs to these not-yet-known children in making sure they are equipped with the correct tools to be successful. To me, success isn't solely monetary wealth. It is the ability to curate profound relationships with people, to feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations, and to flow with life as if one has lived incalculable lifetimes. It has been during my tenure as a substitute teacher that my interest in applied behavioral analysis truly sparked. I quickly learned that my preferred classes resided in the resource and special education departments. I grew up as an only child, and I was quite fearful of how I would fare with young children. However, working with children that have developmental disabilities has let me break from my shell, and shine in ways I thought impossible. It has also sent me on a mission. I now understand the burden of teaching in an underfunded school that does not have the resources to provide what is owed to these children. I want to contribute and provide my services to those in need. Everyone deserves help, and human life should not come down to a conceptual idea such as money. If I am awarded this scholarship, it would relieve a lot of financial pressure, which would allow me to begin my required hours to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I want to get started as soon as possible, and this would excel me towards the finish line. As a future BCBA, I will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities through the use of ABA. My ultimate goal is to work in underfunded schools and provide the support and resources that these children need and deserve. With this scholarship, I will be able to achieve this goal and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. I believe that I am a highly motivated and dedicated individual who is passionate about the field of ABA. I have a proven track record of working with children with developmental disabilities and a desire to make a positive impact on their lives. The scholarship will not only relieve financial pressure but also provide me with the necessary training and supervision to become a BCBA, allowing me to excel towards the finish line and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

My golf journey began during the pandemic, at a time when I was struggling with alcohol abuse and feeling very lonely. I had recently decided to quit drinking and was looking for ways to fill the void and find a sense of purpose in my life. That's when I discovered golf. At first, I was drawn to the sport because it provided me with the opportunity to be outside, in the sunshine and fresh air, soaking up all of the natural vitamins. It was a welcome change from the isolation and confinement that I had been experiencing during the pandemic. But as I started to play more and more, I began to realize that golf was doing so much more for me than just providing a change of scenery. As I swung my clubs and walked the fairways, I found myself able to let go of the stress and anxiety that had been weighing me down. I was able to relax and simply be in the moment, focused on my shots and the beauty of the course around me. Golf gave me a sense of purpose and direction, something that I had been lacking in my life. Two years sober and with a newfound love for the game, I continue to play golf with my friends. Anytime we go on vacation, we make sure to find a local golf course so that we can get in a few rounds. Golf is still a big part of my life and it continues to be a source of relaxation and joy for me. In addition to the personal benefits that golf has brought me, it has also been a great way for me to connect with others and build relationships. Whether I am playing with my friends or meeting new people on the course, golf has provided me with the opportunity to socialize and make new connections. It's a great feeling to be able to share my love of the game with others and to enjoy a round of golf together. But beyond just being a fun and enjoyable activity, golf is also important to me because of the positive impact it has had on my recovery journey. It has given me a healthy outlet to cope with the challenges and stresses of life and has played a role in helping me maintain my sobriety. In short, golf has been a transformative and healing force in my life. It has given me a sense of purpose, relaxation, and joy, and has played a vital role in my recovery from alcohol abuse. I am grateful to have found this amazing sport and I plan to continue playing it for many years to come.

I have faced many hardships in my life, but perhaps the hardest thing I have ever had to confront was my struggle with alcohol abuse. For years, I struggled with anxiety and depression, and I turned to alcohol as a way to cope with my problems. At first, it seemed like drinking was the only thing that could numb the pain and help me escape from my problems. But as time went on, my alcohol abuse began to take a toll on my life. I started to lose touch with my friends and strain my relationships. I was always moody and irritable, and I struggled to hold down a job. My mom was very concerned about my drinking, and she begged me to get help. But I was in too deep, and I couldn't see a way out. It wasn't until I hit rock bottom that I realized I needed to make a change. I was tired of feeling miserable and alone, and I wanted to find a way to turn my life around. So, I made the difficult decision to get sober and seek help. It wasn't easy, but with the support of Alcoholics Anonymous and my loved ones, I was able to overcome my addiction and build a new life for myself. It wasn't until I was a few months sober that I realized the true toll of my alcohol abuse. I had strained a lot of my relationships and put my mom through a lot of worry and stress. I never want to be a liability again, and instead, I want to put my thoughts and energy into helping others. Learning to face hard things has impacted my relationships in many ways. It has helped me to become more honest and open with my loved ones, and it has allowed me to build stronger and more meaningful connections with the people around me. It has also given me a greater appreciation for the things that I have, and it has helped me to see the value in every moment. Overall, my journey to recovery has been a long and difficult one, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. It has been a chance for me to learn and grow, and it has helped me to become the person I am today. I am grateful for the hardships that I have faced, as they have taught me valuable lessons and given me the strength and resilience to overcome any challenge that comes my way. I believe that facing hard things is an important part of life, and it is something that we all have to do at some point. It can be scary and uncertain, but it is also an opportunity to learn and grow. It is a chance to become more resilient and to develop the skills and strength that we need to navigate the challenges of life.

To me, the most important message in a song is contained in "Don't Worry Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin. This song has a special meaning to me because I have struggled a lot in my life with anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse. At times, it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders and I couldn't see a way out. The intonation of the song is light and upbeat, with a catchy rhythm and melody that is impossible to resist. The lyrics are simple but powerful, with a message that is easy to understand and remember. The cadence of the song is upbeat and joyful, with a bouncy beat that makes you want to move your feet. The song is incredibly uplifting, and it has the power to lift your mood and bring a smile to your face. The message of "Don't Worry Be Happy" is simple but profound: don't let your worries and fears weigh you down, and instead, embrace the joy and happiness that is all around you. The song encourages us to find beauty in the world and to embrace the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Listening to "Don't Worry Be Happy" is like a breath of fresh air, a reminder that there is always hope and that things will get better. It's like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, a warm embrace when you're feeling alone. The song is an anthem of hope and positivity, a reminder that we are all in this together and that we can overcome any challenge as long as we keep an open mind and a positive attitude.