My family’s story begins long before I was born, stretching across oceans and cultures that shaped the person I am today. I am a Black Polynesian woman, born in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, to a mother who left the Kingdom of Tonga to pursue her education and a father who never had the opportunity to attend university. My mother graduated and immediately began working as a high school math teacher in Waipahu, one of the poorest areas on O‘ahu. We lived paycheck to paycheck, and in 2009, when Hawai‘i announced that teachers would be placed on furlough for over a month, my family knew we would not survive financially. With limited resources and a determination to build a better future, my parents gathered what funds they could and moved us to Houston, Texas. That decision changed the trajectory of my life. We lived in Houston for nine years, building stability and opportunity that my parents had never known growing up. But my father carried a deep desire for us to understand our heritage. He wanted us to know where we came from, to feel the pride and responsibility of being Tokelauan. In 2017, he made the decision to move our family to Atafu, Tokelau; a small, remote atoll in the South Pacific. Life there was simple, communal, and beautiful, but it also exposed me to the realities of limited healthcare access. If someone became seriously ill, they often had to wait for the next boat to Samoa or be flown to New Zealand. For many, that wait was too long. Seeing this firsthand planted the earliest seeds of my passion for healthcare. That same year, I faced the greatest challenge of my life: losing my father to mental health struggles. At eleven years old, I didn’t understand mental health, and in Tokelau, it was rarely discussed. His passing shattered my world. My mother, carrying her grief and her children, found the strength to bring us back to the United States so we could continue our education. Her resilience became the foundation of my own. Back in Texas, I pushed myself academically and athletically. I committed fully to my sport for all four years of high school and excelled in my classes, eventually earning acceptance into UT Austin as a Biology major with a health professions certificate. Every step forward felt like honoring my father’s dreams and my mother’s sacrifices. My family’s story has shaped my beliefs about the world in profound ways. I believe in perseverance, in community, and in the responsibility to uplift others. I believe that access, to education, to healthcare, to opportunity, should not depend on geography or income. And I believe that my career should be rooted in service. My aspiration is to become a medical dosimetrist, specializing in cancer treatment planning. Cancer affects many families in Tokelau, and I want to use my education to bring awareness, prevention, and hope to communities like mine. One day, I want to return to Tokelau and neighboring atolls to educate families, advocate for better healthcare access, and ensure that no one loses precious time waiting for help that should be within reach. My family’s journey, from Tonga to Hawai‘i, from Hawai‘i to Texas, and from Texas to Tokelau, taught me resilience, purpose, and compassion. Their story is the reason I work hard, the reason I pursue STEM, and the reason I am determined to build a career that makes a meaningful impact.

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and what specifically motivates you. If you could do anything with your life, what do you imagine you’d do? I am a Black Polynesian woman entering my second year at UT Austin as a Biology major, pursuing a health professions certificate and exploring possible minors. I come from a small atoll called Atafu in Tokelau, a place that shaped my identity and my purpose. Living there during my early teenage years allowed me to see firsthand how deeply community, culture, and resilience define everyday life. It also opened my eyes to the realities of healthcare in remote regions. In Tokelau, if someone becomes seriously ill, they often must wait for the next boat to Samoa or, in critical cases, be flown to New Zealand. That delay can mean everything, and witnessing it made me realize how much access determines survival. The people of Tokelau motivate me. Their strength, their joy, and their vulnerability inspire me to pursue a career where I can make a real difference. If I could do anything with my life, I would become a medical dosimetrist and use my knowledge to help communities like mine, places where cancer and other chronic illnesses quietly take lives because resources are limited. I imagine returning to Tokelau and neighboring atolls to educate families, share preventative care strategies, and advocate for better access to treatment. My dream is to bridge the gap between advanced medical care and the communities that need it most. 2. What excites you about STEM? How do you feel you could make a positive impact on the world through a job in information technology? What excites me most about STEM is its power to change lives. STEM is a space where curiosity becomes innovation, and innovation becomes hope. In healthcare, every advancement, whether in treatment, diagnostics, or technology, has the potential to save someone’s life or improve the quality of their future. Information technology, especially within healthcare, is one of the strongest tools for equity. With IT, we can build systems that track patient outcomes, improve access to specialists, support telemedicine, and strengthen communication between remote communities and major hospitals. For places like Tokelau, IT could mean faster diagnoses, better monitoring of chronic illnesses, and more efficient emergency responses. I believe I can make a positive impact by helping develop or implement technologies that make healthcare more accessible, especially for underserved populations. Combining my passion for medicine with the possibilities of IT gives me a platform to advocate for communities that are often overlooked. 3. Please describe the greatest challenge you’ve had to overcome and how you managed to get past it. The greatest challenge I have faced in my life was losing my father in 2017 while living in Tokelau. He moved our family there so we could experience the life, culture, and community he was fortunate enough to grow up in. Tokelau is a place full of warmth, tradition, and simplicity, and my father wanted us to understand where we came from. Losing him to mental health struggles shattered my world. At eleven years old, I didn’t understand what mental health meant, and in Tokelau, conversations about mental health were almost nonexistent. There were no school lessons, no community discussions, and no resources to help a child make sense of such a loss. I felt confused, isolated, and unsure of how to move forward. His passing changed the entire direction of my life. My mother, despite her grief, found the strength to bring me and my siblings back to the United States so we could continue our education and have access to opportunities she knew my father wanted for us. Adjusting to life in the U.S. again was difficult. I had to navigate a new school system, rebuild friendships, and learn how to cope with grief while trying to succeed academically. There were moments when the weight of everything felt overwhelming, but I kept reminding myself that my father believed in me. He wanted me to grow, to learn, and to become someone who could give back to our people. Throughout high school, I poured myself into my academics and my sport, committing fully for all four years. I learned discipline, resilience, and how to push through even when my heart felt heavy. Every achievement became a reminder that I was still moving forward. When I was accepted into UT Austin as a Biology major, it felt like a milestone not just for me, but for my father as well. He never had the chance to pursue higher education, but his dreams live on through me. Even now, when days are tough, I keep pushing. I push for my father, whose life taught me the importance of compassion and strength. I push for my mother, who carried our family through unimaginable pain. And I push for my people in Tokelau, who face the effects of climate change, limited healthcare, and isolation every day. Losing my father taught me that grief can either break you or build you. I chose to let it build me. It gave me purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to serve communities like mine — communities that deserve better access, better support, and better futures. This challenge didn’t just shape who I am; it shaped the kind of person I want to become. It is the reason I work hard, the reason I pursue STEM, and the reason I want to return to Tokelau one day as a healthcare professional who can make a real difference.

Education is more than just personal growth to me; it is a tool that can transform lives and uplift communities. I come from a generation of educators so I a part of me knows what goes on behind the doors of most educators. As a future medical dosimetrist, I plan to use my education to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients by ensuring they receive precise and effective radiation treatment. Cancer has deeply impacted my family, and I understand the fear, pain, and uncertainty that patients and their loved ones experience. By pursuing a career in medical dosimetry, I hope to ease this burden and contribute to improving cancer treatment outcomes. My goal is not only to provide accurate treatment planning but also to offer hope and comfort to those facing some of life’s most challenging moments. My desire to make the world a better place is rooted in the adversities my family and I have faced. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer when my father was just seven years old. She fought bravely, but unfortunately, she passed away before I ever had the chance to know her. Years later, my father struggled with mental illness and passed away a week after my 11th birthday. He never had the opportunity to graduate from high school, but he always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. His words continue to inspire me to push forward, no matter how difficult the journey may be. Adversity also struck my family in another way, when I was born, my mother’s 16-year-old brother was battling cancer in the ICU. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his condition, he named me, a gesture that I consider a blessing. Thankfully, he recovered and was later discharged, giving our family hope and reminding us of the power of resilience. Today, he lives in New Zealand with his wife and three daughters, a testament to the strength and perseverance that have shaped my family’s story. Through all of these experiences, I have learned the importance of perseverance, empathy, and service to others. My education will not only help me build a successful career but also allow me to give back to those in need. By becoming a medical dosimetrist, I will honor my father’s encouragement and my family’s legacy, using my knowledge to improve patient care and bring comfort to those affected by cancer. My journey has not been easy, but I am determined to turn adversity into purpose and make the world a better place, one patient at a time.

Education is more than just personal growth to me; it is a tool that can transform lives and uplift communities. I come from a generation of educators so I a part of me knows what goes on behind the doors of most educators. As a future medical dosimetrist, I plan to use my education to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients by ensuring they receive precise and effective radiation treatment. Cancer has deeply impacted my family, and I understand the fear, pain, and uncertainty that patients and their loved ones experience. By pursuing a career in medical dosimetry, I hope to ease this burden and contribute to improving cancer treatment outcomes. My goal is not only to provide accurate treatment planning but also to offer hope and comfort to those facing some of life’s most challenging moments. My desire to make the world a better place is rooted in the adversities my family and I have faced. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer when my father was just seven years old. She fought bravely, but unfortunately, she passed away before I ever had the chance to know her. Years later, my father struggled with mental illness and passed away a week after my 11th birthday. He never had the opportunity to graduate from high school, but he always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. His words continue to inspire me to push forward, no matter how difficult the journey may be. Adversity also struck my family in another way, when I was born, my mother’s 16-year-old brother was battling cancer in the ICU. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his condition, he named me, a gesture that I consider a blessing. Thankfully, he recovered and was later discharged, giving our family hope and reminding us of the power of resilience. Today, he lives in New Zealand with his wife and three daughters, a testament to the strength and perseverance that have shaped my family’s story. Through all of these experiences, I have learned the importance of perseverance, empathy, and service to others. My education will not only help me build a successful career but also allow me to give back to those in need. By becoming a medical dosimetrist, I will honor my father’s encouragement and my family’s legacy, using my knowledge to improve patient care and bring comfort to those affected by cancer. My journey has not been easy, but I am determined to turn adversity into purpose and make the world a better place, one patient at a time.

Losing my father to suicide at the age of eleven shattered my world in ways I couldn’t fully comprehend at the time. In an instant, the man who had kissed me goodbye that morning, who had reminded me to take care of my mother and siblings, was gone. The simplicity of my childhood; waking up to roosters crowing, waves crashing against the pā, and the warm embrace of my family…was suddenly overshadowed by a grief I wasn’t prepared to face. In the aftermath of my father’s passing, my family made the difficult decision to move back to Dallas, where my mother would now navigate life as a widow raising three children. It was an incredibly hard time for all of us. We were grieving, adjusting to a new environment, and trying to rebuild a life that no longer felt whole. I watched my mother carry the weight of her loss while still showing up for us every day, ensuring we had what we needed despite her own heartbreak. At times, I felt helpless…like a child forced to grow up too soon. The nights were the hardest, when the house felt too quiet, and the absence of my father became impossible to ignore. But in those moments, I also witnessed the strength of my family…the way we leaned on each other, the way my mother refused to let tragedy define our future. The challenges that followed were relentless. I battled confusion, guilt, and an aching void that no child should have to endure. For years, I questioned if I had missed the signs, if there was something I could have done to change the outcome. The stigma surrounding mental health made it even harder to talk about my loss, leaving me to process it in silence at times. But as I grew older, I realized that my father’s struggle was not a reflection of his love for me, it was the weight of his pain, a battle he fought for as long as he could. Through my journey, I have learned the importance of compassion, both for others and for myself. I’ve come to understand that grief is not linear, that healing comes in waves, and that it’s okay to carry my father’s memory in both joy and sorrow. His story has ignited a passion in me to pursue a career in healthcare, specifically as a medical dosimetrist, where I can bring hope to those facing their own battles. Resilience, for me, has come from embracing the love that still surrounds me; from my family, my faith, and the memories I cherish. I have found hope in knowing that my father’s legacy lives on through me, in my pursuit of my dreams, and in my commitment to making a difference. His story is not just one of loss but of love, perseverance, and the reminder that even in darkness, there is always light to be found.

Losing my father to mental illness at the age of eleven profoundly shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. At the time, I understood so little about what he was going through. I remember that Monday morning in Atafu, Tokelau, vividly. His usual routine of kissing me and my siblings goodbye, telling us to take care of each other and our mom. Those were the last words I ever heard from him. Hours later, I sat in a school van, my heart racing as we approached the hospital. And then I saw him…silent, still, surrounded by faces stripped of their usual warmth. In the years that followed, I began to piece together the weight my father carried. Losing his mother and later my older sister in a tragic car accident left wounds that never fully healed. Yet, despite his pain, he gave me the best childhood. Mornings at the park, karaoke nights, summer vacations. His love was unwavering, but his mind was battling an invisible war. Understanding mental health has since become a defining part of my life. It has shaped my goal of becoming a medical dosimetrist, ensuring that I provide patients not just with treatment but with compassion. It has taught me to nurture my relationships, to check in on my loved ones, and to recognize that strength doesn’t always mean silence. And above all, it has reshaped my view of the world. Reminding me that behind every smile, there could be an untold battle. My father’s story fuels my determination to pursue a career in healthcare, to make a difference in the lives of those who may be suffering in ways unseen.

I was born in Oahu, Hawaii and at the age of 2 my family decided to move Houston, TX due to the “teacher furlough” news. My mother was a high school teacher at the time and with the upcoming “furlough fridays” they knew we wouldn’t be able to survive the economy. We were already living paycheck to paycheck and couldn’t afford to lose any money at the time. So Houston was our new home…at least for a while. Fastforward 9 years later my father had an idea of moving to the islands of where he was from, Atafu Tokelau. It was his home for some of his life time and he wanted us to learn more about his culture. He said it’d be a “Long camping trip.” Indeed it was. We’re now in Atafu, where we get boat shipments every 1-2 weeks, total population of the island is probably 450 max, and everybody knows everybody. The education system wasn’t advanced enough to challenge me, so at this point of time, I’m learning the language and enjoying the sounds of the waves as I go to sleep. Life in Atafu was simple till it wasn’t. A little after a year of being there my father passed due to mental issues he was struggling with. My mother officially decided to take us back to the US for the sake of our education. Losing my father at the age of eleven changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. His passing not only left an emotional void but also placed a heavy burden on my widowed mother, who suddenly had to raise three children on her own while working as a high school teacher. Despite our struggles, she instilled in us the belief that education is the key to a brighter future. She encouraged us to focus entirely on our studies rather than working during high school, ensuring that we had the best possible foundation for success. Now, as I prepare to attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in Biology, financial challenges weigh heavily on my family. With my sibling also planning to attend college, my mother will be supporting two children in higher education, a reality that is neither easy nor inexpensive. While financial aid provides some relief, I still face an annual cost of over $9,000, a significant amount that my family cannot comfortably afford. This scholarship would allow me to focus on my education without the constant worry of financial strain. It would enable me to fully immerse myself in my studies, engage in extracurricular opportunities, and work toward my ultimate goal of becoming a medical dosimetrist. I am determined to make the most of my education, not only for myself but for my family, who has sacrificed so much to support me. With this opportunity, I can continue striving toward a future where I can give back, make a difference in the medical field, and inspire others to persevere despite adversity.

I started wrestling my freshman year of high school. I didn’t know much of the sport but from the start I noticed it was a very demanding extracurricular. Wrestling is more than just a sport. it’s a test of mental and physical endurance, a battle against both an opponent and oneself. When I first started, I quickly learned that success wasn’t just about strength or skill, but about resilience, discipline, and the ability to push through discomfort. Wrestling has fundamentally changed the way I view adversity, teaching me that challenges are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth. On the mat, there are no excuses. You either rise to the occasion or you don’t. I’ve had moments where I felt exhausted, doubted myself, or faced opponents who seemed unbeatable. There were times I trained for weeks, only to lose a match in seconds. It was frustrating, but through countless practices and setbacks, I realized that failure is not the end, it is a stepping stone. Every loss gave me something to improve on, every tough match strengthened my determination, and every struggle built my resilience. Wrestling has taught me that adversity is not something to fear, but something to embrace. This mindset extends beyond wrestling. In life, challenges will come, whether in academics, personal struggles, or my future career in medical dosimetry. I know there will be difficult moments, times when I’ll question my abilities or feel overwhelmed. However, wrestling has given me the confidence to take on those challenges head-on. It has shown me that growth happens in discomfort, that perseverance leads to progress, and that true strength comes from refusing to quit. As I pursue my goal of becoming a medical dosimetrist, I know the journey will not be easy. The medical field is rigorous, requiring years of study, long hours, and moments of uncertainty. But just like in wrestling, I am prepared to push forward, no matter how difficult the path may be. The discipline, resilience, and mental toughness I have developed through wrestling will continue to guide me as I navigate my future. Ultimately, wrestling has prepared me for life beyond the mat. It has instilled in me an unshakable belief that I can overcome any challenge, no matter how tough. And just like in wrestling, in life, I will continue to fight for my goals, because I know that victory comes to those who refuse to back down.

Helping others has always been a guiding principle in my life. Whether through volunteering with my church, participating in HOSA, or supporting those in need, I believe even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had was volunteering with my church to serve families facing hardships. We organized food drives, visited elderly community members, and provided emotional and spiritual support. Living in the area that I do, majority of those in need aren’t in the right places mentally and physically. Some don’t appreciate the goods we give out but it doesn’t make me think any differently. Knowing that I’m making an effort to positively affect these people’s lives makes my day. A moment that deeply impacted me was when we distributed care packages to homeless individuals. I remember handing a bag of essentials to an elderly man who looked at me with teary eyes and said, “Thank you for seeing me.” That moment changed my perspective on service. It made me realize that helping others is not just about providing material needs, it’s about making people feel seen, valued, and cared for. Through this experience, I learned that kindness is a universal language. It reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in medical dosimetry, where I can help cancer patients during some of their most difficult moments. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the power of human connection. Often, we assume that making a difference requires grand gestures, but sometimes, just listening to someone’s story or offering a warm smile can change their entire day. There are many ways to support a community. People can volunteer at hospitals, mentor younger students, assist at food banks, or participate in environmental clean-ups. Even small actions, like checking in on a neighbor or helping a classmate who is struggling, can create ripples of kindness. Everyone has unique skills they can use to give back. For example, students can tutor their peers, musicians can perform at senior centers, and aspiring medical professionals can shadow healthcare workers or organize health awareness events. For me, giving back is not just a one-time act but a lifelong commitment. My experiences have shaped me into someone who is not only determined to achieve my dreams but also dedicated to uplifting those around me. No matter where life takes me, I will continue to serve my community in any way I can, because I know that even the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.

Life is shaped by the experiences we endure, the challenges we overcome, and the passions we cultivate along the way. My journey has been deeply influenced by science, service, and personal experiences with cancer, all of which have driven me toward a career in medical dosimetry. The impact of cancer on my family, though challenging, has instilled in me a sense of purpose. One that I hope to fulfill through my education and future work in healthcare. I was born at Kapiolani Hospital in Hawaii under unique circumstances. At the same time I entered the world, my mother’s 16-year-old brother was in the ICU battling cancer. My mother had no name prepared for me when I was born, but the first thing she did after regaining her strength was take me to her brother’s hospital room and ask him to name me. I consider it a blessing because not long after, his condition improved, and he was later discharged. Today, he lives in New Zealand with his wife and three daughters, a testament to strength and resilience. This story has always been a powerful reminder to me of how intertwined our lives are with the fight against illness and healing. Cancer has also affected my family in another deeply personal way. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer when my father was just seven years old. She battled the disease for years, but unfortunately, she passed away before I ever had the chance to meet her. Though I never knew her, I often think about how her life could have been different with better treatment options. Her story is one of many that fuel my desire to contribute to advancements in cancer treatment, ensuring that more families have the chance to share precious moments with their loved ones. Growing up in Dallas , TX, I found my passion for science early on. I immersed myself in opportunities to learn and explore the field, joining my school’s science cluster and HOSA, where I was surrounded by like-minded peers who shared my enthusiasm for medicine. Outside of academics, I found joy in singing, playing the ukulele, watching movies, and spending time with my family and friends. Volunteering with my church also became a meaningful way for me to serve my community, reinforcing my belief that kindness and dedication can change lives. Instead of allowing my family’s experiences with cancer to remain just stories of hardship, I have chosen to turn them into motivation. My journey has led me to pursue a career in medical dosimetry, where I can directly impact cancer patients' lives through precise and effective radiation treatment. This field is more than just a profession to me, it is a way to bring hope to families like mine, ensuring that no one has to lose a loved one too soon due to inadequate treatment. Attending UT Austin as a Biology major is the next step in my journey toward this goal. In college, I hope to gain the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to make a real difference in cancer treatment. Beyond academics, I look forward to forming lifelong friendships, growing as an individual, and embracing every opportunity that comes my way. I want to honor the journey that brought me here, make my loved ones proud, and dedicate my life to helping others through medical science. My journey has been shaped by challenges, but I choose to let it shape my future for the better.

My name is Tiveopa, and I am a dedicated student from Dallas, Texas, with a deep passion for science and helping others. My dream is to become a medical dosimetrist, a role that allows me to combine my love for science with compassionate patient care. While I may not be curing cancer, I will have the opportunity to work closely with those fighting it, providing support and making a meaningful impact in their lives. My greatest drive in all my achievements and future accolades is my family. My inspiration to pursue this field is deeply personal. My grandmother battled breast cancer from the time my father was just seven years old. She passed away early, and because of that, I never had the chance to know her. Her story, along with the experiences of so many other cancer patients, has motivated me to be part of the fight against this disease in any way I can. Another driving force in my life is my father. He passed away a week after I turned 11 due to mental illness, but his love and encouragement continues to guide me. He never had the chance to graduate from high school, yet he always pushed my siblings and I to chase our dreams without hesitation. He wanted us to become whoever we wanted to be, and I am determined to fulfill my dreams not just for myself, but for him and everyone who has ever supported me. Knowing that I’ve made my loved ones proud will bring me the greatest sense of fulfillment. Over the years, I have sought every opportunity to strengthen my knowledge and commitment to the medical field. Being part of my school’s science cluster and HOSA has given me hands-on experience in healthcare-related activities, allowing me to develop critical thinking and teamwork skills. Beyond school, my volunteer work with my church has taught me the importance of compassion, selflessness, and service, qualities that I know will be invaluable as a future medical dosimetrist. These experiences have solidified my passion for patient care and strengthened my desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Attending the University of Texas at Austin as a biology major is my first step toward achieving my goal. With this scholarship, I hope to continue my education, gain valuable experiences, and eventually contribute to the medical field in a way that honors both my grandmother’s strength and my father’s unwavering belief in me.

“Trust in your training.” It’s a thought I keep to myself before stepping onto the mat. I started wrestling my first year of high school. As a JV wrestler during my freshman season, I saw the sport as a way to stay active. I enjoyed every match because, to me, I had nothing to lose. It was a completely new experience, balancing academics and athletics. I had always been an “All A” student, but I had never competed in a sport before. Simply put, being a student-athlete came with challenges I wasn’t prepared for. As a wrestler, I had to focus on maintaining my weight, improving my stamina and strength, and making sacrifices like getting enough sleep and eating healthy. But if you're a student-athlete with a passion for your sport, you know that getting a full eight hours of sleep isn’t always realistic. You know that sometimes, you’ll feel stuck. I’ve been there before. I didn’t just train for wrestling, I was also taking honors and AP courses throughout all four years of high school. At times, being a student-athlete felt like a job. I struggled with maintaining my weight, staying up late to complete AP packets, and balancing everything at once. I even started questioning my love for the sport. But I believe that hitting rock bottom is sometimes necessary because once you do, the only way to go is up. Outside of wrestling, I have always had a passion for science. My career interests have shifted over time, but right now, I am dedicated to becoming a medical dosimetrist. Wrestling has prepared me for this path by teaching me how to push through tough situations. I know that my future college courses won’t be easy, but the discipline and resilience I’ve gained from wrestling will allow me to succeed. Beyond wrestling and academics, I have a deep appreciation for music and movies. Singing has always been a creative outlet for me, allowing me to express myself beyond the structure of sports and school. Whether it’s singing along to my favorite songs or discovering new genres, music is something that keeps me grounded. I also love watching movies, as they provide a way to unwind and immerse myself in different stories and perspectives. Spending time with my family and friends, whether through music, movie nights, or simple outings, reminds me that success isn’t just about achievements…it’s also about balance. These interests have helped me maintain that balance, ensuring that while I work hard in wrestling and academics, I also make time to enjoy life. The summer before my senior year, I broke my collarbone at a national tournament. I was cleared a month before the season started, only to suffer a re-fracture three weeks later during practice. I was out for nearly the entire season until one week before districts. Despite moving up a weight class and missing months of training, I fought through. I became a district champion, a regional champion, and placed third at the state tournament, all while maintaining my academic standing. Wrestling has shaped me into someone who embraces challenges rather than fears them. It has taught me that setbacks don’t define me, how I respond to them does. As I move forward in my academic and athletic journey, I carry the same mindset: trust in my training, put in the work, and never back down from adversity.

What does wrestling mean to me? It's more than a sport. It's more than a mat, opponents, or the fight to win. Wrestling is a way of life,a mindset. Without my mother’s encouragement, I may never have stepped onto the mat my freshman year of high school, and for that, I am forever grateful. Joining wrestling as a beginner with no prior sports experience could’ve made me feel like an outsider. But wrestling changed that. The wrestling room was different. It welcomed me, as it does everyone, no matter your background or experience level. The culture in the room isn’t about judgment,it’s about growth, improvement, and support. You show up to get better, to push yourself and your teammates, and to be a good partner. That’s the foundation of wrestling. What most people don’t realize about wrestling is that it’s just as much a mental game as it is physical. I’ve wrestled enough matches to know that the toughest battles happen in your head. There have been moments when I questioned myself: How am I going to win this match? What did I miss that prevented me from securing a pin? Wrestling challenges you to keep your mind strong when your body is exhausted. It’s about how you feed your mind and keep your mental focus. It’s in those moments of doubt that wrestling teaches you the most about resilience, perseverance, and belief in yourself. Wrestling hasn’t just transformed my physical strength,it’s helped me become stronger mentally, and it's carried over into my life outside the gym. In the classroom, I’ve learned to persevere through tough tests and projects the same way I push through a hard practice. Wrestling has taught me how to break down challenges into smaller steps and tackle them one by one. Whether it’s a project or a difficult exam, I can approach it with the same mindset I have on the mat: focus, patience, and the drive to improve. Wrestling has also shaped me into a better person. The friendships I’ve built through this sport are some of the most meaningful relationships in my life. Wrestling is a community. It’s a family. It’s not just about teammates,it’s about opponents, coaches, and even rivals who understand the mental and physical toll the sport takes on you. Everyone in the wrestling world gets it. They know what it’s like to push your limits, to struggle, and to succeed. And they’ll be there to support you no matter what, whether you win or lose. That’s a bond that goes beyond the mat. When I first started wrestling, I wasn’t in great shape, and my eating habits weren’t the best. But wrestling forced me to make changes. It taught me discipline,how to take care of my body and mind. With a strong will and a desire to improve, I was able to embrace the long, intense training sessions, the conditioning, and the mental pressure of every match. Now, I look back and see how far I’ve come, and I’m proud of the person I’ve become through this sport. Wrestling has helped me grow in ways I never imagined. It’s built invisible connections between me and my teammates, my coaches, and even my opponents. It’s shown me that, no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, you can always grow stronger, both inside and out. Wrestling is a life-saver for me;it’s given me strength, discipline, confidence, and, above all, a sense of belonging. I’m not just a high school female wrestler; I’m part of a family, a community, and a legacy that will stay with me forever.