Honoring My Roots, Building My Future I’ve spent my life caught between proving my worth and finding my place. As a Native American, that struggle is familiar—not just for me, but for generations before me. Growing up, I faced misunderstanding and judgment, even from my own family. Many Native Americans struggle with financial hardship and a lack of mentors, making it harder to pursue higher education and leadership roles. But despite those challenges, my heritage has taught me that true strength is built, not given—and I carry that lesson into everything I do. One of the biggest challenges for me has been balancing ambition with self-doubt. I have always dreamed big—whether it’s pursuing military leadership, starting businesses, or making a difference—but there have been moments where I’ve questioned whether I could achieve those things. Growing up without strong guidance made it harder to believe in myself, but my heritage taught me resilience. Native people have faced centuries of adversity, yet we continue to rise, to adapt, and to fight for our place in the world. That has become my mindset—no matter how hard the journey gets, I will keep pushing forward. For me, leadership isn’t just a goal—it’s a legacy. Native people have always been warriors, protectors, and visionaries, and I want to honor that by joining the military, becoming an officer, and eventually rising to the rank of general. The military isn’t just a career—it’s a way to serve, protect, and lead with tactical intelligence and integrity. I aim to bring the values of community, empathy, and strategy into military leadership, ensuring that decisions are made not just with power, but with wisdom. Beyond the military, I am committed to uplifting others. I dream of building organizations and businesses that help Native Americans and underserved communities gain financial independence, stability, and personal growth. There is a strong need for programs that help Native people develop leadership skills, navigate the modern workforce, and embrace self-improvement. Too often, the Native community is overlooked, and I want to be part of the change that empowers our people to thrive. My heritage has also shaped the way I connect with the world. In the past few months, I’ve built friendships with people from France, Malaysia, and beyond, crossing language barriers and cultures. This experience has taught me that being Native isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about sharing our values, learning from others, and carrying our legacy forward globally. There’s something powerful about being able to connect with people from different walks of life while still staying rooted in who I am. One of the most meaningful parts of my culture is the way it teaches strength through unity. Native traditions are built on community, storytelling, and shared wisdom—things I want to carry forward in everything I do. Whether it’s through the military, business, or global friendships, I believe in lifting people up, just as my ancestors did for each other. Receiving this scholarship would not just fund my education—it would help me honor my ancestors while forging my own path forward. It would allow me to take another step toward military leadership, community impact, and personal growth, all while carrying the strength of those who came before me. This opportunity would not just be for me—it would be for everyone I strive to uplift and support. No matter where life takes me, I will never forget where I come from—because my heritage is not just my past. It is my future.

Scholarship Essay: Strength, Resilience, and Leadership Introduction Growing up, I thought struggling was normal—living with financial hardship, working on family land, and navigating life with limited opportunities. But over time, I realized hardship wasn’t just something to endure—it was something that shaped me into a leader. My experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving, qualities that drive my pursuit of military leadership through Officer Candidate School (OCS) and service in the Space Force. Exposure to Military Life & Understanding of Minority Service Members Though I haven’t served yet, I was raised with discipline, endurance, and responsibility, values central to military life. Working alongside my mother, Joetta Henderson, on our family land, I learned hard work, self-sufficiency, and leadership, developing a mindset focused on adaptability and tactical decision-making. I also recognize the challenges minority service members have faced historically, despite their courage and contributions. Soldiers like Ronald Chatters, who served in all-Black battalions, proved their excellence despite systemic barriers. Their legacy motivates me to serve with honor, ensuring that future generations of minority soldiers receive the recognition they deserve. My Military Ambitions & Leadership Goals My next steps include: - Officer Candidate School (OCS) – Training to develop leadership and strategic military skills. - Joining the Space Force – Applying problem-solving skills in a high-stakes environment focused on innovation and defense. - Building veteran support organizations – Helping service members transition successfully into civilian life by providing resources and opportunities. I aim to be a leader who strengthens military culture by creating spaces for all soldiers—regardless of background—to thrive. I believe leadership isn’t just about authority—it’s about mentoring others, empowering change, and creating paths for those who follow. Additionally, my understanding of resilience, discipline, and navigating setbacks with strategy has prepared me for military leadership. Enduring challenges has taught me patience, adaptability, and perseverance—all essential qualities for an officer in the military. I know that the military requires more than just skill—it demands mental and emotional endurance, strength in adversity, and the ability to inspire those around you. My journey has prepared me to meet those expectations, push through obstacles, and guide others to success. Conclusion Resilience, leadership, and strategic thinking define a strong military officer. The lessons I’ve learned through personal challenges have prepared me to endure hardships, adapt, and lead with impact. This scholarship would help me continue my education, develop my leadership skills, and take another step toward serving with integrity and excellence.

Scholarship Essay: Rising From Struggle to Build a Future Introduction For most of my life, I thought struggle was normal. Growing up in a poor environment, working on family land, and watching people around me barely get by—it was just the way things were. I didn’t complain because I didn’t know anything different. But as I grew older, I realized that struggle wasn’t just something to endure—it was something that shaped me into the person I am today. It gave me resilience, adaptability, and the drive to change my circumstances, not just for myself, but for others like me. Understanding My Reality I wasn’t handed opportunities; I had to fight for every bit of progress. Whether it was financial instability, limited access to education, or simply the frustration of seeing people stuck in cycles they couldn’t break free from, I learned that strength doesn’t come from avoiding hardship—it comes from surviving it, analyzing it, and using it to fuel your next step forward. Growing up, I worked on family land, learning self-sufficiency through manual labor, property maintenance, and problem-solving. These experiences taught me discipline and perseverance—values mirrored in the military. Even when I had no clear path ahead, I kept moving, determined to build a future where I wouldn’t just survive, but thrive. That same resilience pushes me toward my goals today: - Officer Candidate School (OCS) – A place where leadership, discipline, and strategy define success. My experiences have prepared me to adapt, endure, and lead under pressure, traits essential for a military career. - Joining the Space Force – I want to be part of something bigger than myself, contributing to innovation, strategy, and national defense. - Building businesses & organizations – My ultimate goal is to create opportunities for others, so they don’t feel trapped like I once did. Whether it’s helping veterans transition, supporting struggling families, or empowering young leaders, I want to be part of the solution. Why This Scholarship Matters This scholarship wouldn’t just help me pay for education—it would give me the momentum to finally get the ball rolling. With this opportunity, I can take a step toward leadership, financial independence, and the ability to help others in meaningful ways. Conclusion I’ve spent my life learning how to endure and adapt. Now, I want to turn that endurance into impact. I’m ready to step forward, lead, and build a future where I don’t just rise—but I help others rise with me.