My name is Toni, and I am a freshman in college studying Health and Human Performance. I am still deciding whether to pursue nursing or athletic training, but I know that my future will be in the medical field. I want to use my education to help people heal, feel safe, and know that they are not alone. Growing up, I believed I had to be perfect. I thought that if I earned good grades, looked a certain way, and made my family proud, everything would be fine. For a while I lived up to those standards. I was on the principal’s list, made AB honor roll, and stayed fit. At the time, I felt successful. That changed when COVID-19 hit. The isolation and fear took a toll on my mental health, and I was not prepared. My grades dropped, and in eighth grade I failed a class with a 20. For someone who had always done well in school, that failure was crushing. It was not just about the number on a report card. It was the disappointment and self-doubt that came with it. That time in my life was very dark. I battled depression and thoughts of ending my life. I had no counselor or therapist to turn to, so I had to fight through it on my own. I am still healing, but I found ways to cope that kept me moving forward. One of the most important tools I discovered was art. Drawing and painting gave me a way to release stress and express emotions I could not say out loud. Art became my safe space, and it continues to help me stay grounded as I focus on my education. In high school, I also discovered a passion for the medical field as a student athletic trainer for my school’s football team. I learned that my job was not about watching the game but about watching the players and making sure they were cared for. That responsibility gave me a sense of purpose and showed me how much I enjoy helping others. Now in college, I see both nursing and athletic training as ways to live out that passion. I want to use my education to make a positive impact by serving others with compassion, patience, and resilience. I also plan to give back through community health events and by helping people better understand and care for their own health. My journey has not been perfect, but it has made me stronger. I know that with my studies, my love of art, and my dedication to serving others, I can create a future where I bring healing and hope to those who need it most.

For much of my life, I believed I had to be perfect. I thought that if I always made good grades, looked a certain way, and made my family proud, then everything else in my life would fall into place. For a long time, I managed to keep up with those standards. I made the principal’s list, earned AB honor roll, and stayed fit. At the time, I did not think of it as pressure. I thought of it as success. But perfection is not something anyone can hold onto forever. When COVID-19 hit, my world began to fall apart. The isolation and fear made my mental health decline, and I was not ready for it. My grades dropped, and in eighth grade I failed one of my classes with a 20. For someone who had always worked so hard to achieve, that failure crushed me. It was not just about a grade. It was about the disappointment I felt and the doubt it created inside me. That period of my life was very dark. I struggled with depression and had thoughts of ending my life. I never thought something like a virus could bring me so low, but it did. I did not have a therapist or counselor to guide me, so I had to push through on my own. It was not easy, and I am still healing, but I learned how to use my pain as motivation to keep going. That struggle is part of what led me toward the medical field. During high school, I had the chance to serve as a student athletic trainer for my school’s football team. That experience gave me a sense of purpose I had not felt before. Being on the field, surrounded by the energy of the game, I learned that my role was not about watching the action. It was about watching the players, making sure they were cared for, and being there when they needed support. That responsibility made me realize how much I love helping others in moments of need. Now I am a freshman in college, studying Health and Human Performance, and trying to figure out my path in the medical field. I am exploring both nursing and athletic training because both careers reflect what I value most: caring for people, supporting them through challenges, and helping them heal. My experiences taught me that life is not about being flawless. It is about embracing imperfections, finding joy, and giving kindness to others along the way. As I continue my college journey, I know I will face new challenges, but I also know I have the resilience to overcome them. I want to keep growing, learning, and building the skills I need to serve my community. My path has not been perfect, but it has been real, and it has shaped me into someone who is strong, compassionate, and determined to make a difference. That is who I am today, and that is the person I want to become in the medical field.

Being the first person in my family to attend college shapes everything I do and every goal I set. I know how much effort it took for my parents to support me without having had a college experience themselves. Their hard work and sacrifices remind me daily that earning a degree is more than just a personal achievement it is a chance to change the future for my whole family. Because I grew up without anyone showing me the ropes, I have learned to be curious and to ask questions even when I feel unsure. I plan to work hard in my Health and Human Performance courses, seeking out extra help when I don’t understand something and finding internships that let me practice real patient care. I will earn the necessary credentials, whether I become a nurse or an athletic trainer, so I can enter the medical field with confidence and skill. My background also makes me especially aware of how confusing hospitals and clinics can seem to people with no experience. I want to use my own journey to guide patients through their treatments. I will take time to explain medical terms in plain language, help families fill out forms, and answer questions until they feel comfortable. In college and beyond, I will volunteer in community health events and school programs so that more people see that a career in healthcare is within reach. Being a first-generation student does not just motivate me to succeed for myself it drives me to lift up others as I learn and grow. I imagine a future where my achievements inspire younger cousins and neighbors to believe in their own potential. My path may be the first in my family, but it will not be the last.

For much of my life, I pursued perfection. Whether it was my grades, appearance, or relationships, I constantly felt the need to be flawless. I believed that if I could achieve perfection, everything else would fall into place. And for a while, I succeeded. I made the principal’s list, earned AB Honor Roll, received compliments on my appearance, and stayed fit. At the time, it didn’t feel like pressure—it felt like achievement. My family was proud, and I took comfort in maintaining those standards. However, perfection is a fragile goal. My world began to unravel in ways I could never have predicted. When COVID-19 hit, it brought isolation, uncertainty, and fear. It triggered a decline in my mental health that I wasn’t prepared for. My grades plummeted, and in eighth grade, I hit rock bottom when I received a 20 in one of my classes. For someone who had always excelled academically, this failure felt unbearable. It wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about the deep sense of disappointment and self-doubt that followed. This period of my life was marked by darkness. Depression and suicidal thoughts became constant battles, and I felt as though I was losing control. I could never have imagined that a virus, something completely out of my hands, could bring me to the point of considering ending my own life. Yet, it did—more than once. But what defines us is not the fall, but how we rise after. I had no therapist or guidance through these struggles. I had only myself. While I’m still in the process of healing, I’ve learned to use that pain as a source of strength and motivation. This journey of growth is what led me to fall in love with the medical field, where I could channel my experiences into helping others. During my junior year, I had the opportunity to serve as a student athletic trainer for the football team. This experience was transformative. I always knew I wanted to help others, but I wasn’t sure how. Sports medicine gave me a sense of purpose. Being on the field, surrounded by the energy of the players, the band, and the cheerleaders, I felt part of a close-knit community. But it wasn’t just the excitement that drew me in—it was the responsibility. As our athletic trainer, April Clark, told me, “You’re never watching the game; you’re watching the players.” Her words resonated deeply with me. I learned that my role was about more than just being present during the game; it was about ensuring the athletes were safe, supported, and cared for. It’s about the people behind the game, and that’s what I love most: being a source of help when it’s needed most. Reflecting on my journey, I now understand that life isn’t about chasing perfection. Perfection is an illusion that can consume you. Real life is about embracing imperfections, finding happiness, and, most importantly, loving yourself through every step of the journey. It took time for me to realize that I don’t have to fit into an ideal mold. I just need to be authentic to myself and pursue what truly brings me joy and fulfillment. Now, as I prepare to take the next step in my life and education, I know that my experiences have shaped me into a person ready to grow, learn, and serve others. My path hasn’t been perfect, but it has been real. And I’ve discovered that my best self isn’t defined by flawless achievements, but by my passion, resilience, and desire to make a positive impact.

From the moment I stepped onto the field as a student athletic trainer, I realized my true calling in the medical field: serving others through health, healing, and human connection. Now, as I prepare to major in Health and Human Performance with my sights set on either nursing or athletic training I have clear educational and professional goals, and a heartfelt commitment to civic service that began with my own personal journey. My first educational goal is to develop a deep understanding of both the human body and mind. In college, I will master core coursework in anatomy, physiology, and psychology so that I can assess and treat a wide range of physical and emotional needs. I also plan to gain hands-on experience through clinical internships in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or sports medicine facilities, where I can learn best practices for patient care. Equally important, I will refine my communication skills by participating in team projects, presenting case studies, and volunteering in community health programs. Whether I choose nursing or athletic training, I intend to graduate with both the knowledge and confidence necessary to provide compassionate, expert care. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I will pursue the required certifications—the NCLEX-RN for nursing or the BOC exam for athletic training—so that I can practice safely and effectively. My professional goals focus on working directly with people at the moments they need help most. In the first five years after graduation, I hope to join a multidisciplinary team in a hospital ward, rehabilitation center, or collegiate athletic department. I want to collaborate with nurses, physical therapists, physicians, and strength coaches so that I become a well-rounded practitioner. I also plan to develop specialized skills through certifications in emergency care, concussion management, or wound care, ensuring I can respond to urgent situations with skill and composure. Finally, I am committed to serving underserved populations by volunteering at free clinics or partnering with local schools to bring sports medicine services to students who might otherwise lack access. Over the long term, I envision launching a community outreach program that offers free injury screenings, health workshops, and mental-health support groups. By drawing on both my medical training and my own experience overcoming depression, I aim to create welcoming spaces where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered to take charge of their health. My dedication to civic and public service grew out of one of the hardest chapters of my life. When COVID-19 struck, I faced isolation and depression without professional support. I saw firsthand how quickly people can slip through the cracks when they lack guidance or companionship. That struggle taught me the value of a caring community and the powerful impact one person can have. In high school, I put this lesson into action in several ways. As a student athletic trainer for our football team, I arrived before dawn to tape ankles, comfort injured players on the sideline, and cheer on teammates during long afternoons in the heat. Even small acts offering ice, a quick word of encouragement made a real difference in someone’s day. I also volunteered at my local food pantry, packing boxes and delivering groceries to families hit hard by the pandemic. Finally, I peer-mentored underclassmen battling anxiety and perfectionism, sharing my story to help them feel less alone and more willing to seek help. Looking ahead to college, I plan to deepen these efforts by joining student-run health clinics, organizing mental-health awareness events, and tutoring middle-school students in science. True civic service means listening first, then acting—in my case, whether that means fixing a sprained wrist, lending an ear to a friend, or simply showing up for someone who feels invisible. Through every setback and triumph, I have grown more resilient, empathetic, and determined to give back. My educational path will equip me with the skills I need, and my professional work will be guided by an unwavering commitment to uplift others. In serving my community, I will honor both the support I once needed and the healing I now have to offer.

For much of my life, I pursued perfection. Whether it was my grades, appearance, or relationships, I constantly felt the need to be flawless. I believed that if I could achieve perfection, everything else would fall into place. And for a while, I succeeded. I made the principal’s list, earned AB Honor Roll, received compliments on my appearance, and stayed fit. At the time, it didn’t feel like pressure—it felt like achievement. My family was proud, and I took comfort in maintaining those standards. However, perfection is a fragile goal. My world began to unravel in ways I could never have predicted. When COVID-19 hit, it brought isolation, uncertainty, and fear. It triggered a decline in my mental health that I wasn’t prepared for. My grades plummeted, and in eighth grade, I hit rock bottom when I received a 20 in one of my classes. For someone who had always excelled academically, this failure felt unbearable. It wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about the deep sense of disappointment and self-doubt that followed. This period of my life was marked by darkness. Depression and suicidal thoughts became constant battles, and I felt as though I was losing control. I could never have imagined that a virus, something completely out of my hands, could bring me to the point of considering ending my own life. Yet, it did—more than once. But what defines us is not the fall, but how we rise after. I had no therapist or guidance through these struggles. I had only myself. While I’m still in the process of healing, I’ve learned to use that pain as a source of strength and motivation. This journey of growth is what led me to fall in love with the medical field, where I could channel my experiences into helping others. During my junior year, I had the opportunity to serve as a student athletic trainer for the football team. This experience was transformative. I always knew I wanted to help others, but I wasn’t sure how. Sports medicine gave me a sense of purpose. Being on the field, surrounded by the energy of the players, the band, and the cheerleaders, I felt part of a close-knit community. But it wasn’t just the excitement that drew me in—it was the responsibility. As our athletic trainer, April Clark, told me, “You’re never watching the game; you’re watching the players.” Her words resonated deeply with me. I learned that my role was about more than just being present during the game; it was about ensuring the athletes were safe, supported, and cared for. It’s about the people behind the game, and that’s what I love most: being a source of help when it’s needed most. Reflecting on my journey, I now understand that life isn’t about chasing perfection. Perfection is an illusion that can consume you. Real life is about embracing imperfections, finding happiness, and, most importantly, loving yourself through every step of the journey. It took time for me to realize that I don’t have to fit into an ideal mold. I just need to be authentic to myself and pursue what truly brings me joy and fulfillment. Now, as I prepare to take the next step in my life and education, I know that my experiences have shaped me into a person ready to grow, learn, and serve others. My path hasn’t been perfect, but it has been real. And I’ve discovered that my best self isn’t defined by flawless achievements, but by my passion, resilience, and desire to make a positive impact.

For much of my life, I pursued perfection. Whether it was my grades, appearance, or relationships, I constantly felt the need to be flawless. I believed that if I could achieve perfection, everything else would fall into place. And for a while, I succeeded. I made the principal’s list, earned AB Honor Roll, received compliments on my appearance, and stayed fit. At the time, it didn’t feel like pressure—it felt like achievement. My family was proud, and I took comfort in maintaining those standards. However, perfection is a fragile goal. My world began to unravel in ways I could never have predicted. When COVID-19 hit, it brought isolation, uncertainty, and fear. It triggered a decline in my mental health that I wasn’t prepared for. My grades plummeted, and in eighth grade, I hit rock bottom when I received a 20 in one of my classes. For someone who had always excelled academically, this failure felt unbearable. It wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about the deep sense of disappointment and self-doubt that followed. This period of my life was marked by darkness. Depression and being suicidal became constant battles, and I felt as though I was losing control. I could never have imagined that a virus, something completely out of my hands, could bring me to the point of considering ending my own life. Yet, it did—more than once. But what defines us is not the fall, but how we rise after. I had no therapist or guidance through these struggles. I had only myself. While I’m still in the process of healing, I’ve learned to use that pain as a source of strength and motivation. This journey of growth is what led me to fall in love with the medical field, where I could channel my experiences into helping others. During my junior year, I had the opportunity to serve as a student athletic trainer for the football team. This experience was transformative. I always knew I wanted to help others, but I wasn’t sure how. Sports medicine gave me a sense of purpose. Being on the field, surrounded by the energy of the players, the band, and the cheerleaders, I felt part of a close-knit community. But it wasn’t just the excitement that drew me in—it was the responsibility. As our athletic trainer, April Clark, told me, “You’re never watching the game; you’re watching the players.” Her words resonated deeply with me. I learned that my role was about more than just being present during the game; it was about ensuring the athletes were safe, supported, and cared for. It’s about the people behind the game, and that’s what I love most: being a source of help when it’s needed most. Reflecting on my journey, I now understand that life isn’t about chasing perfection. Perfection is an illusion that can consume you. Real life is about embracing imperfections, finding happiness, and, most importantly, loving yourself through every step of the journey. It took time for me to realize that I don’t have to fit into an ideal mold. I just need to be authentic to myself and pursue what truly brings me joy and fulfillment. Now, as I prepare to take the next step in my life and education, I know that my experiences have shaped me into a person ready to grow, learn, and serve others. My path hasn’t been perfect, but it has been real. And I’ve discovered that my best self isn’t defined by flawless achievements, but by my passion, resilience, and desire to make a positive impact.

For me, a college degree is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a symbol of change, growth, and hope for the future. As a first-generation college student, earning my degree would break barriers in my family and open doors that were never available to those before me. It would be the first step in changing the path of my life and creating opportunities for future generations. Growing up, I was taught to work hard and aim high, but I didn’t always know what that path would look like. No one in my immediate family had the chance to attend college, so I didn’t have a blueprint to follow. But I knew I wanted more—not just for myself, but for the people who will come after me. Earning a degree means I will be able to support myself, build a stable career, and help others do the same. It means I will one day be able to tell my children and nieces or nephews that their dreams are possible because someone in their family proved it could be done. Personally, a college degree represents a major part of my healing journey. I haven’t always had an easy road. I used to strive for perfection in everything—grades, appearance, relationships—because I believed being flawless was the only way to succeed. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everything fell apart. I battled depression, anxiety, and self-doubt. My grades dropped, and for a while, I felt like I had completely lost myself. It was one of the hardest times in my life, but also the most important. It was during that period that I learned how to rise after falling—and that has made all the difference. Out of that dark time came a passion for the medical field. I realized I wanted to use my pain and experiences to help others who may be struggling in silence. That’s what led me to pursue a nursing degree, with the goal of becoming a postpartum nurse. I want to care for new mothers during some of their most emotional and vulnerable moments. I understand what it feels like to feel overwhelmed and alone, and I want to be a source of comfort, support, and healing for others. To further explore my interest in healthcare, I became a student athletic trainer during my junior year of high school. That experience opened my eyes to the world of sports medicine, and I’ve since been considering the possibility of going to graduate school to become an athletic trainer. Although I’m not 100% sure, I love the idea of combining my nursing background with sports medicine to care for athletes and promote physical well-being in a different setting. In the end, my college degree will not only change my life—it will set a new standard for my family. It will represent all the battles I’ve fought and the strength I’ve gained. Most importantly, it will allow me to follow my passion and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, while creating a legacy of possibility and purpose for those who come after me.

Ever since I was young, I chased perfection—whether it was in my grades, my looks, or my relationships. I believed that if I was flawless, everything would fall into place. For a while, I succeeded. I earned honors, received compliments, and made my family proud. However, when COVID-19 hit, my perfect world began to unravel. Isolation and uncertainty led to a serious decline in my mental health, and even my academics suffered. I experienced a devastating low when a class grade of 20 shattered my self-image, leading me to question everything about myself. This failure wasn’t just about numbers; it ignited a deep sense of disappointment and self-doubt that plunged me into darkness. Navigating depression and even suicidal thoughts on my own, I eventually discovered that falling is not what defines us—it’s the courage to rise. During my junior year, I had the chance to work as a student athletic trainer for the football team. This experience was transformational. On the field, I learned to see beyond the excitement of the game; I discovered how important it was to care for the people behind it. The words of our athletic trainer, “You’re never watching the game; you’re watching the players,” reminded me that my calling was not about chasing perfection, but about supporting others when they need it most. Today, I stand at the crossroads of my future with a deep understanding that life is about embracing imperfections and learning from our struggles. My journey has taught me that the pursuit of perfection can sometimes hold us back from discovering who we truly are. Instead, real growth comes from accepting our flaws and using our experiences to build resilience and compassion. I am now a nursing major, driven by my passion to help others through difficult times. My goal is to become a postpartum nurse, supporting new mothers as they navigate the early, vulnerable days of parenthood. I believe that every mother deserves the highest standard of care and compassion during such an important period in her life. Additionally, I have a growing interest in pursuing graduate studies to become an athletic trainer. Although I am still exploring that path, the idea of working closely with athletes to aid in their recovery and performance intrigues me. Merging my nursing knowledge with sports medicine could allow me to impact people’s lives even further. As a first-generation, BIPOC student from Georgia, I know firsthand the challenges of navigating a system that isn’t always built for people like me. I also believe that no one’s skin tone or financial background should limit their chance to succeed. This scholarship represents more than financial aid—it is an affirmation that I have the strength and potential to continue my education and achieve my dreams. With your support, I will continue my journey toward becoming a caring, resilient healthcare professional. I am ready to overcome challenges, embrace each step of my growth, and give back to my community as I move forward in both nursing and, potentially, athletic training.