Since childhood, I knew I was destined to be a scholar superstar. I didn’t just dream of Ivy League schools and prestigious degrees, I believed in them, and spoke as if they were already mine. My family still remembers how I would go on about earning a PhD and becoming a known intellectual. I’ve always treated my goals with seriousness, pushing myself to stay ahead. For me, ambition isn’t just a personality trait, it’s the foundation of everything I’m working toward. Like every success story, mine came with its share of low points. As a child, I didn’t realize I was experiencing homelessness. Switching between places to sleep and feeling lucky just to have breakfast the next morning felt normal. I didn’t have friends, so I poured everything I had into academics. Still, I never lost my drive. Once life at home began to stabilize, I finally had the chance to grow beyond the classroom. In high school, I played sports every year, earned a spot on varsity cheer, and made history as captain of Missouri’s first high school figure skating team. I graduated in the top 10% of my class and am now proud to be an honors student at UMKC, where I’m starting this fall. Exploring new opportunities has made me an active part of several communities. Before I began putting myself out into the world, I underestimated the power of real connection. I didn’t see the value in making friends or even speaking to the person next to me, I assumed it wouldn’t matter. If I knew then what I know now, I would’ve started building relationships much sooner. The truth is, the right connections don’t just open doors, they change lives. I had already mentioned my participation in cheerleading and figure skating however, volunteering was the experience that pushed me to explore everything around me. I volunteered at a place named Synergy Services, a domestic abuse care organization for the youth, which helped me realize my passion for helping those in need. I particularly enjoy working with the youth, because of how I can relate to the situations they are in that I have already experienced. I know how important it is to be there for someone when it feels like nobody else in the world can understand, especially at that age. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and even more grateful of how I now see the world. Embracing different connections and environments has opened doors I once only dreamed about. Today, I can confidently call myself a Logistics Analyst at a supply chain company, a 2026 FIFA World Cup Volunteer, and an upcoming Kansas City Fashion Week Ambassador all because I took chances, stayed open, and built meaningful relationships. If I’ve come this far before starting college, there’s no limit to what I can do once I’m there.