Subject: Irving S. Berman Stewardship Scholarship To Whom It May Concern, Some of my most meaningful childhood memories are rooted in time spent outdoors during the years I lived in rural Oklahoma. Long before I understood environmental science or conservation as academic fields, the natural world shaped my character, my values, and my sense of responsibility. What began as simple childhood exploration gradually formed a mindset grounded in perseverance, discipline, and respect for the land. These early experiences continue to guide me today, which is why the Irving S. Berman Stewardship Scholarship holds such personal significance to me. One of my earliest memories involves riding my bicycle along the gravel road where we lived, known as Love Lady Road. I can still hear the crunch of gravel beneath my tires and feel the openness of the land stretching out around me. That road included a steep hill that intimidated me every time I approached it. I would often stop at the top, weighing fear against determination. Many times, I chose to turn toward a nearby pasture instead. That open field became a place where I could build confidence at my own pace. Even when I avoided the hill, I was learning an important lesson: growth does not happen all at once, and confidence is built through steady effort. As I grew older, my time outdoors continued to shape how I approached challenges. I learned patience through long stretches of quiet exploration and resilience through moments that required me to slow down, adapt, and try again. Nature has a way of teaching humility and persistence at the same time, and those lessons became foundational to how I approach academics and personal goals. Some of my most meaningful memories involve spending time with my family at a park in Ada, Oklahoma, where we would ride along a five mile loop surrounded by trees, tall grass, and native wildlife. I remember the layers of green, the movement of the wind through the branches, and the occasional grass snake crossing our path. Those rides fostered an appreciation for ecosystems in their natural balance. Completing each loop taught me endurance and commitment, reinforcing the idea that worthwhile goals are achieved through consistent effort. Through these experiences, I developed a growing awareness of environmental stewardship. The land I grew up exploring was not simply a backdrop it was a living system deserving of care and protection. This understanding led me to pursue a field of study related to environmental science, where I hope to contribute to conservation efforts that protect wildlife, preserve ecosystems, and promote sustainable practices. The values embodied by Irving S. Berman hard work, curiosity, leadership, and a love for the natural world reflect the principles that have guided my life. I strive to carry those values forward by approaching each day with intention, discipline, and respect for the environment. Receiving this scholarship would support my continued education and strengthen my ability to contribute meaningfully to environmental stewardship. Thank you for your time and consideration, and for honoring Irving S. Berman’s legacy by investing in students dedicated to protecting the natural world. Respectfully, Vincent R. Whitney

My experience in Special Education has played a meaningful role in shaping my decision to pursue college and certification training. Although I did not always rely heavily on Special Education services, the support and resources I received became increasingly important as I progressed through my education. These resources helped remove barriers I did not fully recognize at first, especially when it came to access to technology and learning tools. Through this support, I gained confidence in my abilities and developed a stronger desire to continue my education and work toward a career that genuinely interests me. One of the most impactful benefits of my Special Education program was access to technology that I otherwise would not have been able to afford. Having access to proper software, devices, and academic accommodations allowed me to focus on learning instead of struggling to keep up. This support made a significant difference in my academic progress and showed me that with the right tools, I could succeed at a higher level. As I became more comfortable using technology, I discovered how much I enjoyed working with data, maps, and digital tools, which eventually led me to explore Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This experience motivated me to pursue certification training in GIS mapping so I can build a career that combines technology, analysis, and real world problem solving. My journey through education has not been easy, and challenges and difficulties have played a major role in shaping who I am today. There were times when learning felt overwhelming and frustrating, especially when I struggled to process information the same way others did. These challenges often made me doubt my abilities and question whether higher education or technical training was achievable for me. However, overcoming these obstacles taught me resilience, patience, and determination. Each difficulty forced me to adapt, work harder, and find new strategies to succeed. Special Education taught me that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength. Learning to advocate for myself was one of the most important lessons I gained. Once I understood how to use the resources available to me, I became more confident in my academic abilities and more motivated to push myself. This growth mindset carried over into other areas of my life, helping me face challenges with a more positive and determined attitude. Outside of academics, challenge has also shaped me through extracurricular activities such as powerlifting. Powerlifting taught me that progress takes time, discipline, and consistent effort. There were many moments when I felt physically and mentally challenged, but pushing through those moments helped me realize I am capable of more than I initially believed. This mindset has translated into my education as well. Just as in powerlifting, I have learned that setbacks do not define failure giving up does. Each challenge I overcome builds confidence and prepares me for future obstacles. These experiences have directly influenced my decision to pursue a GIS mapping certification. GIS is a field that requires problem solving, technical skills, and persistence qualities I have developed through my educational journey and personal challenges. I am motivated to continue learning and advancing my skills because I know firsthand how powerful education and support can be. My goal is to build a career in GIS where I can use technology to analyze geographic data, support planning and development, and contribute meaningful solutions to real world issues. In conclusion, my Special Education experience and the challenges I have faced have inspired me to pursue further education and certification training. They have taught me resilience, self advocacy, and the value of persistence. With the support I received and the lessons I have learned, I am confident in my ability to succeed in GIS mapping and continue growing both academically and professionally.