I lost my foster father on July 2, 2022. The impact of this event was both traumatic and unforgettable, leaving a profound mark on my life. Grieving his loss was an overwhelming experience, filled with a whirlwind of emotions and memories. Yet, amidst the sorrow, I found clarity regarding my future. One particularly vivid memory stands out: my dad’s face and hands turned a startling electric blue. Seeing him in that state was deeply unsettling and shattered my expectations of what loss should look like. Instead of only feeling disappointment and grief, this experience ignited a determination to make a meaningful contribution to the mortician industry. Witnessing the reality of death up close opened my eyes to the critical role that morticians play in the grieving process. I realized that they not only handle the physical aspects of death but also provide support to families during their most difficult times. This inspired me to pursue a career in mortuary science, with the hope of honoring my foster father’s memory by helping others cope with their losses. I want to bring compassion and care to families, ensuring their loved ones are treated with dignity and respect. This newfound purpose has given my life direction, transforming my grief into a commitment to serve others in their times of need.I lost my foster father on July 2, 2022. The impact of this event was both traumatic and unforgettable, leaving a profound mark on my life. Grieving his loss was an overwhelming experience, filled with a whirlwind of emotions and memories that sometimes felt too heavy to bear. There were days when the weight of sorrow seemed insurmountable, leading me to question the very fabric of my existence and my understanding of life and death. Yet, amidst the deep sorrow and confusion, I found clarity regarding my future. One particularly vivid memory stands out: the moment I saw my dad in the casket, his face and hands turned a startling electric blue. It was a striking and unsettling sight that shattered my expectations of what loss should look like. Rather than the peaceful and serene image I had always envisioned, this experience confronted me with an unexpected reality that was both jarring and disorienting. In those moments, I was overwhelmed not only by disappointment and grief but also by a growing sense of determination. It sparked a fire within me, igniting a passion to make a meaningful contribution to the mortician industry. Witnessing the reality of death up close opened my eyes to the critical role that morticians play in the grieving process. I realized that they are not merely technicians who prepare bodies for burial; they also provide compassionate support to families during their most devastating times. They guide people through the emotional maze that follows a loss, offering solace and understanding when it is needed the most. This profound realization inspired me to pursue a career in mortuary science. I want to honor my foster father’s memory by helping others cope with their losses, in much the same way that I sought comfort during my own grief.

A moment that sparked my interest, though it was a terribly sad occasion, deeply touched my heart. It was at my best friend’s funeral that I first truly considered the role of a mortician. The staff at Mitchelle's Funeral Home managed everything with such remarkable gentleness and care that their actions left a lasting impression on me. They not only provided logistical support in organizing the funeral arrangements but also offered comfort in a moment of profound grief. Their compassion and non-judgmental attitude shone through in every interaction, making a significant impact on me during such a vulnerable time. As I observed them gracefully guiding my friend's family through one of life's most difficult experiences, I felt a stirring within me—a call to be part of something meaningful. Watching them transform grief into a moment of remembrance and love ignited a desire to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing loss. I began to respect the profession and see it as a vital support system for families navigating their darkest hours. In 2021, I faced another heart-wrenching loss: a family friend who had been an integral part of my life. Once again, Mitchelle's Funeral Home took care of the service. As I entered the familiar surroundings, I was enveloped by a sense of safety and reassurance. I felt comforted, knowing that the team would handle every detail with diligence and empathy. However, this particular funeral was different. There was an underlying sense of disarray that felt unsettling to me. As I quietly observed the proceedings, I couldn't help but think about the ways in which things could be organized more thoughtfully or how certain moments could be more profoundly respected. I began to wonder if I could step into this role and make the necessary improvements, ensuring that every family received the dignified farewells they deserved. It fueled my conviction that I needed to become a mortician, driven by the desire to create a more supportive environment for grieving families, where everything felt just right in their moments of sorrow. Then came 2022, a year I will never forget. I faced perhaps the most devastating loss of my life: my foster dad. The news was almost too hard to comprehend, a heavy fog that settled in my heart. I felt completely lost and utterly shattered by the weight of disbelief. When I entered the church where my dad lay, the sight shocked me. He looked electric blue from the nose down, an image burned into my mind. Overwhelmed by emotions I couldn't articulate, I felt an uncontrollable wave of grief crash over me. In a moment of pure panic and heartache, I sprinted out of the church, my cries echoing the turmoil within. I screamed, tears streaming down my face, my heart racing in disbelief. The moment was surreal—I felt as if I was living in a nightmare from which I couldn’t awaken. That devastation was a turning point for me, deepening my resolve. I realized with every tear shed, every gasp for air in that overwhelming moment, how crucial it is to approach death with sensitivity and grace. I vowed then to engage with the world of mortuary science to ensure that those experiencing similar traumas would be met with the understanding and care they so desperately need. The losses I endured only strengthened my commitment to this path, reaffirming that my purpose lies in serving those who find themselves navigating the complexities of loss and grief.

One of the most significant challenges I've faced was my time in foster care. For two and a half years, I navigated a world that felt foreign and overwhelming due to my mother's struggles with addiction and her mental health. This experience, though difficult, became a catalyst for growth, filled with emotional turbulence that ultimately strengthened my resilience. As days turned into months, I felt the heavy weight of sadness settles on my shoulders. I understood how isolating it can be to watch your motivation slip away and lose interest in the things that once brought you joy. Yet, it was in this struggle I discovered the power of connection. Often, I found solace only when I was with my family. Their warmth and familiarity became my refuge amid the chaos, reminding me of the love I still held onto despite the losses I had faced. I gained a deeper understanding of the value of education through the unwavering support and encouragement of my uncle and my fifth-grade teacher. Their belief in me illuminated a path forward, helping me see that learning could be a source of hope and empowerment during challenging times. They taught me that education could provide an escape from the discomforting feelings I was experiencing—like a way to transcend reality without leaving the earth itself. I discovered a keen interest in history and mortuary science. The more I learned about these topics, the more I realized how I could use that knowledge to create positive experiences from the discomfort of loss, transforming trauma into compassion and healing. I began my high school career and I encountered an incredible teacher who opened my eyes to new opportunities, including the possibility of attending college. She encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a mortician by enrolling me in anatomy and business classes. Her support has also fueled my love and passion for education. In 2022, I lost my foster father, and it felt as though my world had shattered. His funeral is a memory that will always be etched in my mind. As I saw him lying there, lifeless and an eerie shade of electric blue, I ran out of the church. The trauma of that moment has stayed with me; I still remember exactly how he looked as if it were yesterday. In my mind when it comes to funerals they should be peaceful, pleasant, and non-traumatizing but what I endorsed that day was the complete opposite. This wasn't fair to me as a daughter, niece, granddaughter, and many more nor was it fair to my family. Because this impacted me so much I decided to promise my dad and myself that this would never happen again as long as I was in the career field of a mortician. With this and many more traumatic deaths encountered, I've decided to properly go to college to make a mortician's career have a more positive outlook and make it less traumatic for the ones involved.

who may be reading, When I think about myself, my journey has been a rollercoaster of experiences, values, and dreams. From an early age, I discovered my passions in volleyball, basketball, music, and makeup. These pursuits became my outlets, allowing me to express myself creatively and physically, grounding me in times of turbulence. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I faced numerous challenges that tested my resilience. Transitioning through different homes and ultimately finding myself in a foster system was a transformative experience. I learned to navigate my circumstances, drawing strength from my loved ones and the friends I made along the way. The friendships and mentorships I fostered during these times taught me the importance of support and community. Each chapter of my life, from my early days to my current pursuits, has imparted valuable lessons about the complexities of human emotions and experiences. I've witnessed firsthand the effects of financial struggles, moving from a foster home to almost facing homelessness. Those moments of uncertainty sparked a fire within me, driving me to strive for a better future and reminding me of the importance of determination and hard work. Despite the challenges, I hold onto my dreams tightly. My love for sports taught me about teamwork and perseverance, while my passion for music and makeup allowed me to explore my identity and creativity. Today, I am dedicated to embracing growth, advocating for myself and others, and using my experiences to inspire those who may feel lost or alone. My journey is far from over, but I approach each new day with hope and a commitment to making a positive impact in my life and the lives of others. The scholarship I hope to receive will play a crucial role in helping me achieve my aspiration of attending college to study mortuary science and ultimately establish my own funeral home business. Pursuing this path requires not only a commitment to my education but also the financial means to cover tuition, textbooks, and other essential expenses associated with my studies. Receiving this scholarship would significantly alleviate the financial strain on my family and myself, enabling me to devote my full attention to my academic pursuits and personal development. With the financial support from this scholarship, I would have the opportunity to engage deeply in my coursework, participate in hands-on training, and take part in valuable internships that will enrich my learning experience. I am genuinely excited about the doors this scholarship could open for me as I embark on this journey toward a fulfilling career in mortuary science. It would allow me to not only attain my academic goals but also work towards providing compassionate and professional services to families during some of their most difficult times. With this scholarship, I look forward to making a meaningful impact in my community while building a successful business rooted in care and support. Academic and career goals.

To whom it may concern, My name is Vivian Cuellar, I am writing a response because the career I have chosen is uncommon. I want to become a Mortician and have my own business, the reason for this is that I lost my foster father in July of 2022. When I attended his funeral, I was left traumatized by the bright electric color on his fingers, lips, and cheeks. I had experienced many funerals but this was worse than the last traumatic funeral I witnessed before this, it was like nobody even tried to cover it. I was so disappointed and heartbroken that someone would make someone look so terrible on the last day everyone had to see him. I remember being so heartbroken and devastated that my dad looked the way he did. It was so bad I ran out of the church and fell to my knees right behind the hearse. After my dad's funeral I had nights I was restless with nightmares with the image of my dad's discolored body lying in the casket looking as if he was recently deceased. Then I promised to try to change the mortician career outlook into something more positive and less traumatic for the people experiencing the loss of a loved one. This is because people going through the situation don't feel comfortable enough to open up to the funeral director about what they want for the funeral. Getting this degree would positively change my life because it would mean I am changing the history of mortuary science and other people's lives. I say this because most people don’t have positive experiences with funerals and often end up having trauma much like myself. However, I aim to be the one who successfully changes the imagery of the mortuary science career. Also, I aim to do this because I believe everyone deserves to have a peaceful experience when saying goodbye. Also, it could allow me to achieve my goals by completing my goal of becoming a mortician and owning my business. As well as making people have an easier time saying goodbye to a loved one without having any regrets or experiencing any traumatic situations. Another thing it could do for me is open up new experiences while becoming a mortician because It will help my education become more prepared to take on the main challenges I will face after college and having my own business.

my main goal is to create a meaningful difference by becoming a mortician after graduating high school. I then want to develop my own business and become a funeral home director and a mortician. I'll also aim to transform funeral experiences into less traumatic events for the people involved. I'm doing this because funerals shouldn't leave families with distressing final memories. I also plan to highlight aspects of care that may not always be the top priority for other morticians. I have seen the importance of having a positive impact after, a funeral on those around me. So with courage, I decided to enter mortuary science. Personal experiences have sparked my passion to turn one of life's toughest moments into a meaningful, journey for families. My goal in pursuing mortuary science is to help ease families' fears and anxieties when saying their last goodbye for the last time ever. One of my main concerns is addressing the worries surrounding post-mortem discoloration. I recognize that seeing a deceased loved one can be an overwhelming experience. The last thing I want is to compound the grief that families are already feeling, by heightening their fears about how their loved ones may appear. I'm very committed to advocating for advanced cosmetic techniques among morticians. I want to be, able to effectively tackle issues like bruising and minimize the visibility of discoloration. This approach worries about the unsettling electric-blue tint or even the unsettling purple tint which can sometimes appear on the lips, their fingers, and even the cheeks after death. By pursuing this career, I hope to provide comfort and support to families during one of their most challenging times. I aim to also advocate for a profession that carries, the responsibility of helping people confront grief with dignity and respect. Ultimately, my goal is, to transform pain or sadness into a source of strength that allows me to guide others through their darkest hours with compassion and care. Ensuring they are not left with the distressing of the final images of their loved ones. I aim to make it less regretful when dealing with the funerals of your loved one. Most people experience regret when setting up funerals for their loved ones. Most feel like they didn't set it up accordingly due to the standards of the actual funeral home directors. This inspires me to make enough room and space for the decorations and still have room for the service.

I plan to further my education by creating a meaningful difference by becoming a mortician. I'll be transforming funeral experiences into less traumatic events for everyone involved. Funerals should not leave families with distressing final memories of their loved ones. Additionally, I plan to highlight aspects of care that may not always be the top priority for other morticians. I have seen the importance of having a positive impact after a funeral on those around me. So with courage, I decided to explore mortuary science. These experiences have sparked my passion to turn one of life's toughest moments into a more supportive and meaningful journey for families. My goal of pursuing mortuary science is to help ease families' fears and anxieties when saying goodbye to their loved ones for the last time. One of my main concerns is addressing the worries surrounding post-mortem discoloration. I recognize that seeing a deceased loved one can be an overwhelming experience. The last thing I want is to compound the grief that families are already feeling, by heightening their fears about how their loved ones may appear. I'm very committed to advocate for the advanced cosmetic techniques among morticians. I want to be able to effectively tackle issues like bruising and minimize the visibility of discoloration. This approach worries about the unsettling electric-blue tint or even the unsettling purple tint which can sometimes appear on the lips, their fingers, and even the cheeks after death. By pursuing this career, I hope to provide comfort and support to families during one of their most challenging times. I aim to also advocate for a profession that carries, the responsibility of helping people confront grief with dignity and respect. Ultimately, my goal is to transform pain or sadness into a source of strength that allows me to guide others through their darkest hours with compassion and care. Ensuring they are not left with the distressing of the final images of their loved ones look. I aim to make it less regretful when dealing with the funerals of your loved one. Most people really experience regret when setting up funerals for their loved ones. Since most feel like they didn't set it up accordingly due to the standards from the actual funeral home directors. Which inspires me to want to make enough room and space for the appropriate amount of decorations and still have room for the service as well.

During my sophomore year of high school, I developed a meaningful bond with my resource teacher, who became, a pivotal figure in my educational journey. Connecting with her was especially significant for me, given my past experiences with feelings of abandonment, which shaped my ability to trust and build relationships. Her presence in my life represented an academic guide and a source of emotional support. As my resource teacher managing my Individualized Education Program (IEP), she provided crucial academic assistance during a time, when I felt overwhelmed by the demands of school. I recall several occasions when I was struggling with assignments, feeling as if I was drowning in my responsibilities. Her patience and understanding made a substantial difference; she would take the time to break down complex concepts and ensure I felt empowered to tackle my work. This personalized attention helped rebuild my confidence and boosted my self-esteem. However, the relationship went beyond academic support. She imparted valuable life skills that extended into my personal development. Through our conversations, I learned about the importance of communication, trust, and managing emotions like anger and anxiety. Through her guidance I discovered how to advocate for myself—a skill that enabled me to express my needs and seek help when I needed it rather than silently struggling. This lesson was transformative; I began to understand that vulnerability could coexist with strength and that asking for assistance was, a vital part of personal growth. Moreover, she instilled in me a sense of responsibility toward others. She frequently emphasized the value of lifting those around us, sharing stories of students who had faced challenges but ultimately succeeded. Inspired by her words, I became more engaged in supporting my peers, realizing we could all help one another navigate our struggles. This shift in perspective deepened my sense of community and connection within my school. One of the most powerful lessons she taught me was about ambition and perseverance. She ingrained in me that if you truly want something and are willing to work hard, you can achieve it. She exemplified this belief in her dedication to our success; her hard work served as a determination and positivity can lead to accomplishments. Reflecting on my time with her, I feel immense gratitude for the profound impact, she made on my life. Her support helped me succeed academically but also grow as an individual. The skills and lessons I learned continue to guide me as I face new challenges, and I am thankful for everything she has done to help shape my journey. She helped me learn how to work hard and appreciate accomplishments. It's been a significant part of my growth. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by tasks, but I discovered that breaking them into manageable steps made a difference. Celebrating small achievements helped me stay motivated and built my confidence. When faced with setbacks, I shifted my mindset to view failures as opportunities for growth rather than defeats. This resilience taught me that persistence is crucial in overcoming challenges. I also learned the importance of collaboration and the joy of celebrating my successes and those of my peers, which fostered a supportive environment. Ultimately, I realized that hard work coupled with appreciation deepens the sense of fulfillment in my accomplishments. Each milestone now represents the effort, resilience, and commitment to personal growth that define my journey.

I am on a determined journey to manage several mental health conditions that significantly shape my daily life. I effectively navigate anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a deep-seated anger that can be overwhelming at times. Each day, I follow a carefully prescribed regimen of medications that helps regulate my anxiety and depression, and I have recently added a treatment to address my struggles with anger. These treatments are crucial for my ability to meet the demands of a school day and tackle my homework with focus and clarity. Living with these mental health challenges transforms my everyday experiences into opportunities for growth that require resilience and determination. Each accomplishment I achieve feels hard-won, and I recognize that these efforts make my successes all the more meaningful. By sharing my experiences, I have opened the eyes of several adults regarding these conditions, which not only aids future students but also supports our current student body. I have helped raise awareness of how many students deal with various mental health issues—whether they are similar to mine or different. This advocacy has empowered our school to develop robust support systems for students facing mental health challenges. The school provides safe spaces in the office for students needing a moment to regroup and allows them to take refuge during anxiety attacks. This approach significantly reduces the stigma and embarrassment often associated with such experiences in class. We have a resource officer on site, but his presence unfortunately triggers my PTSD due to some personal experiences I have had with law enforcement in the past. To help manage this situation, the officer is, understanding and prefers to maintain a safe distance when I am present. He often chooses to, move in the opposite direction or find a different area to patrol until he is certain I am no longer nearby. However, if the officer does happen to approach my vicinity, I start to feel triggered. I can step into the office to give myself, the necessary time to regain my composure and calm my racing thoughts. This arrangement also helps me cope with my anxiety while ensuring that I feel safe in my environment since I'm away from the trigger. Another thing it helps with is taking away all the loud noises that are around me which can also trigger both my Anxiety and my PTSD. This is because of the option of being able, to go to the office and certain classrooms. This allows us to have a safe space where we, can decompress and bring ourselves back to a calm state.

I plan to make a difference by becoming a mortician who creates less traumatic funeral experiences for everyone involved, including myself. I believe that funerals shouldn't leave loved ones feeling traumatized. I also intend to focus on aspects that many morticians may overlook. Through my struggles, I've realized how important it is to create a positive impact, in the world around me. So my experiences have ignited a passion within me to transform one of life’s most difficult experiences, the loss of a loved one—into a more meaningful and supportive process for families. I aim to enter the field of mortuary science to help alleviate the fears and anxieties that families may experience when encountering their loved ones for the last time. One, area that concerns me is addressing worries about discoloration that may occur post-mortem. I understand that seeing a loved one who has passed away can be overwhelmingly painful, and the last thing I want for grieving families is for their distress to be compounded by fear of how their loved ones may look. I am deeply committed to advocating for the use, of advanced cosmetic techniques among morticians. I want to ensure that we can effectively address issues like bruising and minimize the visibility of discoloration, such as the unsettling electric-blue tint that can affect the lips, fingers, and cheeks after death. By pursuing this career, I will not only bring comfort to families during one of their most challenging times but, also uphold the significant responsibility of helping people confront grief with dignity and respect. Ultimately, my goal is to transform personal pain into a source of strength that enables me to guide others through their darkest hours with compassion and care, ensuring they are not left with a distressing final image of their loved ones.

My name is Vivian Lench-Cuellar, and I’m seventeen years old. My life has been like a woven basket with unique challenges and experiences that have helped shape who I am today. From a young age, I learned that adversity can become a powerful catalyst for growth if we allow it to be. Currently, I have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that specifically addresses a learning disability affecting my math skills. This journey has revealed that this obstacle doesn’t just manifest in mathematics; it often seeps into other subjects. For instance, I sometimes struggle to keep up with literature and government because my brain processes information differently. Navigating these hurdles has not always been easy, but it has taught me valuable lessons about self-advocacy and resilience. Compounding this, I was diagnosed with ADHD at the tender age of five. Living with ADHD has meant that my mind is often racing, filled with a whirlwind of thoughts and ideas, which can make it challenging to concentrate in conventional learning environments. This condition, along with the anxiety and depression I grapple with, has created additional obstacles in my daily life. There are days when I feel overwhelmed by the weight of these challenges, but they do not define me. Instead, they motivate me to cultivate strategies for success. Throughout my experiences, everyone possesses the potential to rise above their circumstances. When I set my heart on a meaningful purpose or dream, I become fiercely dedicated to achieving my goals. This fierce determination is fueled by a deep-seated desire to overcome my obstacles and inspire others to face their battles. I have learned that resilience is not about never falling more. However, it's about the strength to rise after each fall. A significant chapter of my life occurred when I spent two and a half years in foster care, which was both a challenging and transformative experience. This period came about due to my mother’s struggles with drug addiction. Being away from my family was initially heart-wrenching. I felt lost at times, grappling with feelings of abandonment and uncertainty. However, during this time, I discovered the depths of my strength and the importance of hope. Living with my aunt provided me with a sense of stability I had longed for. I learned to appreciate the little things—a warm meal, a safe home, and nurturing relationships. This time away also instilled in me a profound understanding of the value of family, support systems, and the strength found in vulnerability. It opened my eyes to the realities many people face and fostered in me a desire to advocate not only for myself but for others who struggle in silence. When I returned to live with my mother in 2019, I was filled with hope but also apprehension. Our journey since then has been marked by ups and downs, moments of joy intermixed with significant challenges. Yet, through it all, I remain steadfastly committed to supporting her as we navigate our way toward a brighter future. I understand that recovery is a process filled with twists and turns, but I believe in our ability to heal and grow together. In the face of adversity, I have cultivated a big heart and an unwavering determination to succeed. I find solace in painting, writing, and connecting with others, which helps channel my feelings into creativity. My passion for storytelling, fueled by my experiences, has become a way to express my emotions and inspire others. I aspire to achieve my dreams and uplift those around me, reminding them, they are not alone in their struggles. I envision a future where I can use my experiences to advocate for those facing similar circumstances—whether it’s supporting individuals with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or those navigating the complexities of foster care. I believe that sharing our stories can create a ripple effect of inspiration and hope. Through my journey, I've learned that it’s not the challenges we face that define us, but rather how we rise to meet them. Life may not always be easy, but if we approach our struggles with resilience, determination, and a little heart, I truly believe we can all create a narrative of strength and triumph. Together, we can turn our experiences into a legacy of inspiration for those who come after us.

My name is Vivian Lench-Cuellar, and I’m seventeen years old. I have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a learning disability that mainly affects my math skills but impacts all my classes. I also have ADHD. My father has been inconsistent in my life since I was six. My mother is a recovering addict with severe mental health issues, which have kept her unemployed. Due to her addiction, I went into foster care with my aunt in 2017 for two and a half years before returning home in 2019. Despite her challenges, my mother raised me as a single parent with limited resources. During my freshman year in 2021, I entered the main bathroom to wash my hands after eating. While drying off, I noticed a girl slip into a stall, which caught my curiosity. Soon after, she returned with another girl, and they settled on the floor, chatting and engrossed in their phones. I watched in disbelief as one of them turned her phone around, and the other produced an electronic nicotine device. At that moment, I felt a responsibility to act. I gathered two friends and decided to document what was happening. To our shock, the situation escalated as we saw them pull out two large white pills, then crush them and pass the phone around. Alarmed and thinking of my younger family members, I rushed to the office to report what I had witnessed. After sharing my concerns, I returned to class but soon found myself confronted by one of the girls, who complained of not feeling well. I took her to the nurse for her safety but shortly after, the police pulled the girls out of class and the nurse's office for questioning. I was also taken aside and questioned privately, only to be informed that I had made a mistake by reporting the incident. It was disheartening to hear suggestions that I should have minded my business. Despite the pushback, I stood firm in my belief, that I did the right thing. After school, as I walked to the bus, I was warned to "watch my back" for reporting the incident that could have saved those girls’ lives. Things escalated further when individuals came to my house, attempting to confront me. Sadly, despite the overwhelming situation, the police took little action, and the school had no plan to ensure my safety. Ultimately, this experience forced me to switch from public school to online learning, for the first semester. However, rather than seeing it as a complete defeat, I began to view it as a turning point. It taught me that even though it might have a worse outcome, it's still worth doing because I saved those girls from overdosing on MDMA. I returned during the second semester and started doing my online classes in the school building due to falling behind, and my IEP. Unfortunately, I was behind, I had to work super hard to finish the online courses on time. However, I didn't have enough time in the year to finish everything. Instead of giving up I worked even harder and completed it before my second semester of sophomore year started. I plan to make a difference by becoming a Mortician, who makes funeral experiences less traumatic for everyone involved. My reason for this is, that funerals are not supposed to leave the last images of a loved one traumatizing for the families. I also plan on doing everything that, the other morticians don't necessarily focus on or do.

My name is Vivian Lench-Cuellar, and I’m seventeen years old. My life has been shaped by unique challenges and experiences that have played a significant role in, who I am today. I currently have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that specifically addresses a learning disability, which primarily affects my math skills. However, I've discovered that it also impacts my performance in other subjects. My journey has been further complicated by my diagnosis of ADHD, which I received when I was just five years old. This condition, along with the anxiety and depression I also deal with, has created additional obstacles throughout my daily life and learning experiences. With these challenges, I have developed a big heart and an unwavering determination to succeed. I believe that everyone has the potential to overcome their circumstances, and, when I set my mind and heart on a meaningful purpose, I become fiercely dedicated to achieving my goals. Resilience is a trait I pride myself on. My experiences, including a significant period spent in foster care, have shaped my understanding of strength and perseverance. Back in 2017, I went to live with my aunt for two and a half years due to my mom’s struggles with drug addiction. That time away from my family was difficult and during times heart-wrenching, it also instilled in me a profound appreciation for family, stability, and the importance of support systems. Upon returning home to my mom in 2019, our journey has had its ups and downs, but I remain steadfastly committed to supporting her as we work towards a brighter future. Through all the struggles, I've seen how vital it is to create a positive impact, in the world around me. My experiences have sparked a passion within me to transform one of life’s most difficult experiences—the loss of a loved one—into a more meaningful and supportive process for families. I aim to enter the mortuary science field to help alleviate the fears and anxieties that families may have when encountering their loved ones for the last time. One area of special concern for me is addressing the worries regarding any discoloration that may occur post-mortem. I understand that seeing a loved one who has passed away can be overwhelmingly painful, and the last thing I want for grieving families is to add to their distress through fear of what their loved ones may look like. I am deeply committed to advocating for the usage, of advanced cosmetic techniques among morticians. I want to ensure that they can effectively address issues like bruising and minimize the visibility of discoloration, such as the unsettling electric-blue tint that can affect the lips, fingers, and cheeks after death. By pursuing this career, I hope to not only bring comfort to families during one of their most challenging times. however still to advocate, for a profession that holds a significant responsibility, in helping people confront grief with dignity and respect. Ultimately, my goal is to transform personal pain into a source of strength that will enable me to guide others through their darkest hours with compassion and care, Instead of them being left with a horrible last image of a loved one.