I’ve always been fascinated by animals and the environment. On days my mom spent studying while in nursing school, my sister and I spent hours watching National Geographic and Animal Planet. I’ve always been intrigued by anything related to biology or any other science-related subject. I’ve spent several summers exploring National Parks and developed interest in conservation and sustainability, especially when it comes to our rivers and lakes. I love the outdoors and hike every chance I get, abiding by the principles of the Leave No Trace movement. The best part about my day at school is when I go to biology or physics class. Those are the courses where I feel at most in my element. English, not so much. I can name almost every instance of mass hysteria, but ask me to write about the intricacies of an author's syntax, and I’m like a deflated balloon. Fortunately, I’ve had some of the top instructors in the country in the science department at my high school. My freshman honors biology teacher had me hooked immediately. His enthusiasm and excitement for biology led me to sign up for his AP Bio course this year and he’s inspired me to pursue biology in college. However, I don’t want to limit myself to biology. Last year, I was introduced to the world of physics and things clicked instantly. I’m studying physics again this year as well as marine science and anatomy and physiology. Science overload for some; a dream schedule for me. As a first generation at a four year university, I hope to inspire others. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was eight. That only made me work harder. Hurricane Florence left me and my family homeless in 2018. That only made our bond stronger. And this summer, I ventured across the country volunteering on a ranch in Wyoming where my living accommodations were not anything as they were described. No electricity. No running water. That only made life more of an adventure. All of the obstacles I have faced in life have built character and given me perspective. My resiliency is not based off of one event, it’s developed over the years from life experiences and ultimately I choose to overcome challenges. I have been fortunate to have many levels of exposure to hardship and philanthropy over the past eighteen years. One part about this next chapter in my life that excites me most is the idea of branching out during my time in college, meeting people from all walks of life, and hearing their stories. I may look like a basic white guy on the exterior, but my life experiences and extended family are far from ordinary. I learned at an early age that helping others brought positivity and happiness. I am able to contribute to society more effectively because of these life experiences. Education is vital to my future. As I continue to grow and further my education, I will undoubtedly continue to have a positive impact on the world.

I make a conscious decision each day to be resilient. I haven’t seen my dad since I was two. He fully committed to his addiction when my sister and I were babies. When my mom learned about his double life and involvement in a local drug and prostitution ring, she packed our bags. Looking back, I don’t ever recall my mom bad mouthing my biological father. I remember her always saying he loved us so much, but he had made some bad choices. For some reason that has always stuck with me. My little sister, who has no recollection of him whatsoever, enjoyed the shock value it brought to conversation when we were kids. I’d hear her tell our schoolmates, “Our dad got in trouble with the police and they had to take him to jail.” I, on the other hand, internalized most of my thoughts and feelings over the years, avoiding any type of dad talk. Mom waited tables and went back to school to become a nurse. She’s made unbelievable sacrifices over the years to ensure our safety, education, and overall happiness. She taught me the true meaning of resiliency. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was eight. That only made me work harder. Hurricane Florence left me and my family homeless in 2018. That only made our bond stronger. And this summer, I ventured across the country volunteering on a ranch in Wyoming where my living accommodations were not anything as they were described. No electricity. No running water. That only made life more of an adventure. All of the obstacles I have faced in life have built character and given me perspective. My resiliency is not based off of one event, it’s developed over the years from life experiences and ultimately I choose to overcome challenges. There have been times in my life where I longed to have a dad. Sometimes it’s just too painful to think about. As I’ve navigated life through my teenage years, one thing I’ve realized is that I am loved. I have support. And I have a family that means the world to me. It may not be the nuclear family that our society is so obsessed with, but they are my family and I hit the jackpot by having a mom who has filled both roles; mom and dad. There is a guy named Jason out there in the world somewhere. I’m not sure if he’s still in jail. I don’t know if he’s even still alive. What I do know is that he missed out on an opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of my family. He allowed the deserved consequences of addiction and bad choices to take him on a downward spiral of self destruction. He was anything but resilient. One day I would actually like to thank him for his bad choices and introduce him to the definition of resiliency- MY FAMILY.

I make a conscious decision each day to be resilient. I haven’t seen my dad since I was two. He fully committed to his addiction when my sister and I were babies. When my mom learned about his double life and involvement in a local drug and prostitution ring, she packed our bags. Looking back, I don’t ever recall my mom bad mouthing my biological father. I remember her always saying he loved us so much, but he had made some bad choices. For some reason that has always stuck with me. My little sister, who has no recollection of him whatsoever, enjoyed the shock value it brought to conversation when we were kids. I’d hear her tell our schoolmates, “Our dad got in trouble with the police and they had to take him to jail.” I, on the other hand, internalized most of my thoughts and feelings over the years, avoiding any type of dad talk. Mom waited tables and went back to school to become a nurse. She’s made unbelievable sacrifices over the years to ensure our safety, education, and overall happiness. She taught me the true meaning of resiliency. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was eight. That only made me work harder. Hurricane Florence left me and my family homeless in 2018. That only made our bond stronger. And this summer, I ventured across the country volunteering on a ranch in Wyoming where my living accommodations were not anything as they were described. No electricity. No running water. That only made life more of an adventure. All of the obstacles I have faced in life have built character and given me perspective. My resiliency is not based off of one event, it’s developed over the years from life experiences and ultimately I choose to overcome challenges. There have been times in my life where I longed to have a dad. Sometimes it’s just too painful to think about. As I’ve navigated life through my teenage years, one thing I’ve realized is that I am loved. I have support. And I have a family that means the world to me. It may not be the nuclear family that our society is so obsessed with, but they are my family and I hit the jackpot by having a mom who has filled both roles; mom and dad. There is a guy named Jason out there in the world somewhere. I’m not sure if he’s still in jail. I don’t know if he’s even still alive. What I do know is that he missed out on an opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of my family. He allowed the deserved consequences of his bad choices to take him on a downward spiral of self destruction. He was anything but resilient. One day I would actually like to thank him for his bad choices and introduce him to the definition of resiliency- MY FAMILY.

I make a conscious decision each day to be resilient. I haven’t seen my dad since I was two. He fully committed to his addiction when my sister and I were babies. When my mom learned about his double life and involvement in a local drug and prostitution ring, she packed our bags. Mom waited tables and went back to school to become a nurse. She’s made unbelievable sacrifices over the years to ensure our safety, education, and overall happiness. She taught me the true meaning of resiliency. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was eight. That only made me work harder. Hurricane Florence left me and my family homeless in 2018. That only made our bond stronger. And this summer, I ventured across the country volunteering on a ranch in Wyoming where my living accommodations were not anything as they were described. No electricity. No running water. That only made life more of an adventure. All of the obstacles I have faced in life have built character and given me perspective. My resiliency is not based off of one event, it’s developed over the years from life experiences and ultimately I choose to overcome challenges. Julius, John, Ms. Juanita, Mr. Kellyman. Their smiling faces were always waiting for our Sunday "visits." Over the years, we memorized the list, the route, even the smells of their homes. My sister and I would battle over carrying the meal versus being the "door knocker" while we'd shout in unison, "Meals on Wheels!" We'd climb on Ms. Juanita's lap, zipping down the halls of her apartment complex on her electric wheelchair as a special treat. Julius made us worry. He had trouble talking and walking from a stroke. I learned about empathy, altruism, and diversity while apparently serving the community over the past 13 years. It's funny how it never felt like serving; they felt like family. I have been fortunate to have many levels of exposure to hardship and philanthropy over the past eighteen years. One part about this next chapter in my life that excites me most is the idea of branching out during my time in college, meeting people from all walks of life, and hearing their stories. I may look like a basic white guy on the exterior, but my life experiences and extended family are far from ordinary. I learned at an early age that helping others brought positivity and happiness. I am able to contribute to society more effectively because of these life experiences. Education is vital to my future. As I continue to grow and further my education, I will undoubtedly continue to have a positive impact on the world.