My name is Wayne Lie, and I am an undergraduate student entering my second year of college, transferring to either the University of Georgia or Emory University and majoring in biology. My career aspiration is to become an infectious disease epidemiologist at the CDC or a research hospital who studies the complexities of the numerous high-priority diseases we face today, as well as how to prevent and treat them. I hope to obtain a PhD in microbiology to achieve this goal, as I have always been interested in studying bacteria, their virulence, metabolism, and the various other features that make them so crucial, yet simultaneously dangerous, to our world. Furthermore, with a career as an infectious disease epidemiologist, I will not only do something I enjoy, but I will also work alongside doctors and nurses to enhance the quality of healthcare that the world desperately needs. On a deeper level, though, what has truly inspired me to become an infectious disease epidemiologist is a desire to help others and treat others the way I want to be treated. As someone who had a rough childhood, divorced parents, and went through many emotional lows as a kid, I am familiar with constant feelings of hopelessness and weakness; I believe that people should limit as many such negative thoughts as possible. Everyone should be entitled to happiness and a fulfilling life with good health, family, and friends. A key moment in my childhood that shaped this mindset was during my junior year in high school when I was driving home from the science fair with my mom. I placed third in the school fair, which surprised me because I worked solo on my project, and it was the first exhibition I presented at. When I went to talk to my mom about attending the regional fair, she conveyed a largely negative perspective toward my participation in the fair and my career goals. She questioned why I was committing so many resources to a field that I don’t even know if I'll work in the future. It was a moment that hurt my confidence but also motivated me to strive on the career path that was best for me. So, what was my response? If you are happy with where your heart is leading you, follow it. And for me, at least, my heart calls for a career in medicine as an infectious disease epidemiologist, working at the frontlines of healthcare to help others feel better. It was moments like this, alongside other high school and college memories, that have shaped my attitude towards my career aspirations and have helped me persist through the trials I face in my academic journey and beyond. Thus, by winning this scholarship, I am a step closer to achieving a career as an infectious disease epidemiologist, as the burden of college tuition will be lighter and more manageable for me and my family. I am eager for the challenges that await me in my college, graduate, and career journey ahead. This scholarship is a crucial part of my mission to support the health of my community and fight the diseases they constantly face, so winning it would be an honor and an achievement that I will cherish.

I think my greatest achievement to date is getting accepted as a transfer student to Emory University for the 2025-2026 academic year. I have always wanted to attend Emory University because it has a top 10 biology program in the U.S., offers world-class research opportunities, and I can stay close to my family in Georgia. I can also cultivate lasting connections with the diverse student body at Emory University and even visit some of my friends at Georgia Tech, which is an added benefit to attending Emory. Thus, when I got accepted into the University, I was ecstatic, to say the least; and this is especially because their acceptance rate and tuition throughout the years have made it increasingly difficult for students to enroll in such a prestigious University. The biggest lesson I learned from getting accepted into Emory was that you miss all of the shots you don’t take. I applied after my Fall 2024 semester at Kennesaw State University as a freshman, and since then, Emory University, with its 15% acceptance rate, was just a forlorn dream in my head. I was preparing to commit to UGA, with its much higher admittance rate, as I impatiently waited for Emory’s decisions to come out, and seeing my acceptance into Emory’s College of Arts and Sciences still boggles me to this day. A few of my friends doubted me, and there was a point in my academic career when my mom questioned my career goals. Through the doubts and trials, though, I was determined to take every opportunity presented to me, no matter how slim the chances of succeeding in them were. Every obstacle and doubt that I faced motivated me to work harder and prove to others that I could achieve something great and make the world a better place. So what did I learn about myself? I was proactive in cherishing the chances presented to succeed, no matter the obstacles that stood in my way. Thus, to anyone reading this, I encourage you to not wait for an opportunity to knock on your door or present itself to you, but rather that you present yourself to the opportunity and embrace it wholeheartedly. We only live one life, and it's our responsibility to live it to the fullest and create a legacy that impacts generations to come. It is this mindset shift that I have adopted that has not only helped me get into a top 25 university in the country but also build valuable connections and engage in various extracurriculars along the way. With this accomplishment, I am a step closer to achieving my dream career, which is becoming an infectious disease epidemiologist. Why this type of epidemiologist specifically? Well, studying the intricacies of Earth’s life forms, especially microorganisms, has always been a topic of interest for me, and knowing that studying such organisms is a crucial part of this job, I knew I had to pursue this career. Furthermore, I am also making an impact on healthcare by working closely with nurses and doctors to suggest preventative measures against diseases and how to contain pathogens. Due to these reasons, I decided to focus my efforts on a career as an infectious disease epidemiologist, because I am doing something that I'll enjoy in the long term and that reaps massive reward potential. I hope to work for renowned organizations like the CDC or a research hospital to study and prevent diseases that impact society while helping others live healthier, happier lives to the fullest. And through my achievement of getting accepted into Emory University, and hopefully into their PhD in microbiology graduate program in the future, that goal seems much closer.

Climate change has been an urgent and global issue for several decades, and its impacts on our environment, economy, and society are prevalent worldwide. From more frequent storms, droughts, biodiversity loss, and more, it is evident that we must execute global action against climate change and do so immediately. If we continue to put aside the consequences of climate change like it were a natural occurrence, we will further degrade our world and jeopardize the beautiful planet that many future generations will call home. Global cooperation against climate change is crucial because it's an international problem that requires multiple countries and governments to agree on specific environmental regulations. Most of these guidelines would have to target reductions on greenhouse gas emissions from industries or transportation, as gases like carbon dioxide are the most direct cause of climate change. Through organized compromises and treaties between countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, humanity would have a more significant impact in addressing the issue than a single country or region. Furthermore, individuals are also essential to building a sustainable future because people have the power to spread news and influence on any topic of importance. In terms of climate change, when people start collaborating and working as a team to promote environmental sustainability, society will have a better chance at combating climate change. Whether it's from picking up litter, starting a clothing drive, or planting native trees, people have much potential to make a difference in their world through small acts like these. The issue of climate change might be huge, but so is the breadth of knowledge and potential that the people of the Earth have; when people start to utilize these gifts for good causes, such as combating climate change, the world will undoubtedly become a better place.

When I grow up, I want to become either a clinical microbiologist or epidemiologist because I’ve always felt sympathy and distress for the people suffering from the various chronic illnesses that we face today. From cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, tuberculosis, and so many other conditions that continue to wreak havoc on the lives of so many good people, I want to pursue these healthcare careers to help change that. As an epidemiologist, I can study the spread of diseases and the origins of an epidemic, or as a clinical microbiologist, I can analyze the microscopic world of pathogens that, although minuscule, can claim the lives of many. Either way, I'm assisting frontline doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other health professionals in combating these various health conditions, from minor to fatal, and prolonging the lives of those who suffer from them. Not only will I step into a career I will enjoy, but I can also fulfill the primary goal of my profession, which is to ultimately help others live healthier, happier lives through innovating in treatments for various ailments. That is how I want to make the world a better place. I want others to live fulfilled lives and live to see their hard work pay off, and by pursuing these healthcare careers in STEM, I can do just that and so much more. I’m making my community a better place by engaging in the KSU American Red Cross club and the EcoOwls Students for Environmental Sustainability clubs for Kennesaw State University while facilitating Bible Reading sessions for my church. For the KSU Red Cross club, I’ve assisted in blood drives by checking on patients before and after they donated their blood to ensure they feel okay while advertising the blood drive to those who want to donate. I’ve also volunteered in clothing drives for the KSU EcoOwls club by hanging used clothes to be donated to customers. Finally, I help facilitate daily Bible Reading Sessions for my church, where I read a devotional and Bible chapter daily with my Church youth leader to spread the word of God and inspire others to read and take in His word daily. Through these involvements, I have improved the world by helping my community feel better. Whether it be through rewarding donors for saving the lives of poverty-induced children by donating to a blood drive or teaching others of God’s word and applying His principles to their lives, it’s been wonderful to see my impacts continue to motivate others to do the same. From these current opportunities in college clubs and my church involvement to my future aspirations of studying diseases and saving lives, I want to improve the lives of as many people as possible through acts of kindness and generosity. No matter how small, such as giving a flyer advertising a KSU blood drive to a stranger, or big, such as donating a surmountable fund to a cancer research charity, there are so many ways to show kindness and make the world a better place. By supporting my community in the ways I do now, and in the future, I know that I can impact them so they can live their best lives physically, mentally, emotionally, and religiously. Better people make a better world, so if I want to make the world a better place, I have to start small and show that same attitude to my community.

When I was around nine years old, I had to face the trauma of watching my mother and father argue and divorce right in front of me. I was put on the spot to stressfully decide whether to live with my mom or my dad for the rest of my life, with my mom winning the battle of persuasion. After their divorce, my mom was officially a single mother, and we had to move from residence to residence and school to school to make a living. My mom had to constantly negotiate with her friends to stay with them temporarily and help to pay rent, while I had to repeatedly make new friends at the numerous schools I moved to, which was challenging since I was an introvert. Eventually, though, my mom met my stepfather, and they married, resulting in the family I have now with me, my mom, my stepfather, and my stepbrother, with a home we worked for around four years to buy. Looking back at my dramatic past, I’m grateful for it but also despite it. I loved my biological father because he always let me play on his laptop and joke around, which often brightened my days, so it hurt not seeing him as much as I wanted to. On the other hand, the adversity made me stronger, and I’m in a more stable living condition with a loving family. So, although my childhood had many emotions and tears, I became more perseverant and resilient and learned to cherish the relationships with people I love because you never know when they will be gone. I am also fortunate enough to meet up with my biological dad occasionally, so all in all, I'm grateful that I have overcome the adversities I faced to become the happier, better man I am today. I am passionate about pursuing a STEM degree because learning about our world, from the macroscopic to the microscopic, has always interested me since I was little. I loved going to natural exhibits like the Georgia Aquarium to watch dolphin shows and touch stingrays, the Georgia Zoo to watch gorillas scavenge their surroundings and go on safaris, Stone Mountain to go hiking and mesmerize over the views, and more. These experiences have inspired me to work towards a career as either a microbiologist or epidemiologist when I grow up because, along with my passion for exploring nature, especially microorganisms and their roles in the environment, I also like to help people and want to save lives. Whether that be studying the genetic basis of a disease, discovering how a bacterium produces a specific gene that can be utilized in antibiotics, or even uncovering a more effective, broad-based antibiotic against cancer, the possibilities are endless for what I can do with my STEM degree that will help me impact society. By pursuing a STEM degree and going on to graduate school to earn my master’s degree in biology or public health, I will be better prepared to take on the challenges that being a microbiologist or epidemiologist demands, and thus change my community, and hopefully the world, for the better. Particularly as someone from a low-income background with parents who never attended college, this scholarship will help me afford a good college education, earn a degree, and do a greater good in the world. I have persevered through many trials and triumphs to get to where I am today, so winning this scholarship would mean the world to me as I get closer to bettering lives and achieving my dreams.

My journey to a greater faith started when I was nine years old. My parents divorced at the time, and I was there to witness it as they argued in front of me. I had to pick between my mom and my dad to live with for the rest of my life. It was a tense and heartbreaking decision as I picked my mom to live with, and from there, she became an officially single mother. Moving from residence to residence and school to school, we bore burdens as she had to constantly negotiate on living with her friends, while I had to make new friends every time I moved schools. It was extremely tough, especially because I was a short-tempered kid who often talked back to my mom and always wanted things to go my way. Fortunately, after a few years of being a single mother, my mom eventually married my stepfather, who we currently live with in our own home and with a new family. Not only was I fortunate enough to meet my loving stepfather, but I also grew my faith because I never expected my life to rebound from living with a strained single mother to a family of four with me, my stepfather, and my stepbrother. Some might say it was impossible, but God showed that anything is possible through these moments. I’ve been a Christian my whole life, but it wasn’t until a year ago, after a youth retreat, that I truly understood God’s capabilities to change your life in a split second. I was what people called a lukewarm Christian as a child. I prayed daily without much effort and commitment of the heart. I only went to church to hang out with friends. I didn’t touch the Bible. I was stubborn and arrogant beyond belief. Essentially, you couldn’t tell I was a Christian by how I acted because it definitely wasn't how Jesus would want me to act, which is through love and kindness. Fast forward to two summers ago, I committed to starting to read the Bible every day as part of my New Year resolution during a youth church service, which, thankfully, I have been consistent with until now and will start my first full year Bible plan on the YouVersion app for 2025. A year later, I attended a youth retreat for my church, where I got baptized for the first time. During my baptism, I almost broke down in tears as my pastor and a youth member held me firmly as they prayed and dipped me into the water. I closed my eyes as I reflected on my rough childhood after my parents' divorce until now and what God has done to bring me from that disheartened child with a struggling single mother trying to make a living to a happier, more faithful man with a happier, healthier family made possible by Him today. Looking back at God’s work in my life, I can honestly say that He was there for me every step of the way because no matter how deep I was in that pit of darkness or no matter how uncertain I was about what God had planned for me in the future, He was there for me through it all. The God within you will always be stronger than the obstacles outside of you, and it was because of Him that I am here today. As Philippians 4:13 states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and I faithfully proclaim that He did just that and will do so much more.

As a kid, I went through a lot of childhood trauma. I divorced my biological dad at a very young age and was there to watch them argue before they officially separated, which was one of the most heartbreaking moments in my life. The divorce led to my mom and biological dad never seeing each other again, and my mom and I had to find a new stepfamily. And although I am fortunate to live with my mom and stepdad now, I still tend to look back at moments like those that brought me here and made me stronger. I also moved schools and residences a lot after my parents divorced, which was tough for me because I constantly had to make new friends at new schools as an introvert, and my mom as well because she had to repeatedly negotiate with her friends on living with them and helping pay rent. Fast forward to now, I’m living with my mom, stepdad, and stepbrother in our own home, and I am eternally grateful for all they’ve done to help me be successful in my life. However, my path doesn’t end here. By winning this scholarship, I will have a better chance at being the first college graduate in my family, which would mean a lot to me, considering the burdens I've faced in the past and present with my family. Especially as a student from low-income parents with only a high school education working hard to uphold my educational expenses as service workers and who sacrificed so much of their life despite numerous hardships, this scholarship would relieve some of the financial burden faced by my family to help me be a first-gen college graduate and make my family proud. In high school, I was a competitor in the Regeneron Regional Science Fair for two years, a member of the Science Olympiad for a year, and a member of the Science National Honors Society for two years. My most notable accomplishment through these high school activities was winning third place in my school science fair and advancing to the Regeneron Regional Science Fair during my junior year. That accomplishment meant a lot because that was my first year competing in the science fair with an environmental science poster that I created as a solo competitor, which surprisingly got me to the regional fair against bigger groups. Although I didn’t get a high enough placement in the regional fair to win a monetary prize, it was still a unique experience that taught me that even if life doesn't go your way, if you enjoy what you’re doing and are having fun with it, that’s all that matters. The experience also inspired me to utilize research opportunities in college, which I’m also grateful for since the fair gave me a glimpse into how scientists do research in their fields, from asking a research question to publishing, which would help me pursue a career in STEM as a microbiologist. I also attended scrimmages for the Science Olympiad Environmental Science and Experimental Design events, where I worked with a team to compete and answer questions and design an experiment to solve a scientific issue, which honed my teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills. Being a first-generation college graduate would show my family that success is always possible if you put your heart into what you do, no matter your background or what you’ve been through. And by winning this scholarship, I believe I can do just that and push the boundaries of what I can do as a first-generation graduate.

If I’m going to be honest, I always rely on my faith to overcome obstacles in my life, whether professionally, personally, emotionally, or whatever situation I face, because faith has helped me overcome barriers I never thought possible. One particular challenge that I faced in the past, though, was dealing with the emotional trauma of my mom divorcing my dad. This happened around 2013, and I vividly remember my mom scowling at my dad as she was about to walk out of their store, which was a Dry Cleaner that both used to work in together. At that moment, I remember hesitating as I had to decide whether to go with my mom or stay with my dad because, at the time, my mom had a bit more control over my life than my dad did, but I also had a lot of fun with my dad playing on his laptop. I eventually picked my mom after a mentally draining decision. After divorcing my father, my mom and I had to move to different residences with her friends to afford a living until she eventually met my stepfather and stepbrother, and we rebuilt our family to where we are today. After a few years, our new family bought a home, and now we go on family vacations together, have family time on weekends, etc., and I can never take any of this for granted. And I believe that a big part of how I came from living with a struggling single mom to having a real family again was my faith. I have been a Christian my whole life, but as a kid, I wouldn’t say I was a faithful Christian, but rather a lukewarm Christian. I went to church with my mom often, and she always advocated that reading the Bible and doing God's will improve my life. Being a stubborn kid, though, I didn’t listen and just went to church because I had to and to hang out with my friends. Fast forward to now, my faith has grown stronger through reading scripture daily, paying attention in church, attending youth gatherings, etc., and has been a big part of my personal growth and helping me become who I am today. A big part of my change in faith was my commitment last summer to start reading the Bible more through the YouVersion app. I started with plans that lasted a couple of days to eventually a couple of months until I ultimately created a habit of reading scripture daily as a reminder to trust God in every situation. I also got baptized at a recent youth retreat with my church, where I couldn’t hold back my tears before being dipped into the water because of how personal my faith journey has become, from being that quick-tempered, stubborn kid to the respectful, mature man I am today. Although I am still imperfect and flawed, I’ve come a long way in getting to know God better and trusting His plan above my own. Philippians 4:13 states that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and as someone coming from a broken family to a loving one centered around Christ, I can affirm that this verse came to life for me in that moment. I learned that God’s power is most evident in our darkest moments. When we trust Him when we feel down, we become stronger because we know the God within us is stronger than the giants outside of us, and that's all we need to overcome any obstacle we face in life.

A problem I’ve overcome in my life is living with my single mom for a couple of years after she divorced my dad as a kid. This is a significant event in my life because, after their separation over financial disputes, my mom and I had to move to multiple residences with her close friends to make a living until she eventually met my stepfather and stepbrother, where we were ultimately able to create a new family and work our way to buying a home, which took a few years. During the times when my mom was single, I went through a lot of mental struggles because I constantly had to move schools and make new friends in different areas, not having the opportunity to cultivate true best friends with the peers I met at previous schools. At my lowest moment during that time, I was almost depressed because I felt lonely at home sometimes when my mom went to work, and I never really talked to my mom's friends. Furthermore, my mom also struggled financially, as she had to bear the burdens of funding my education on her own with little support from her friends, and she also sympathized with how I felt as our "family" at the time was only her and I. Fortunately, though, once my mom met my stepfather and stepbrother, we rebuilt our lives into the loving family of four we have today, where we occasionally go on vacations together, eat out as a family, celebrate holidays, etc., Although I’m not as close to my stepfather as I was to my biological dad, I am still grateful for all he’s sacrificed to bring me here today. Thus, I will never take any of the opportunities I have now for granted, including being able to apply for this scholarship. By winning this scholarship, not only will I use the funds to pay for college tuition, but I will also give back to organizations/charities I care about, such as the American Red Cross and their efforts to prepare people for disasters and give humanitarian aid, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and their contributions to pediatric cancer research and treating those children so they can live healthier, happier lives. I might even give some scholarship funds to those who helped me be where I am today, such as my parents, youth leaders at church, and close friends who have helped me in school or my personal life. I believe that giving back to the community is one of the ways we can truly foster a more inclusive society where everyone is respected, accepted, and treated the way they want to be treated, and so above are just a few ways I can give back to those who are in need and deserve this support. Finally, I would encourage the youth to pursue philately because stamps and other postal materials can inform us about the history of different cultures, regions, events, people, etc., all on a small, accessible print. By analyzing and collecting stamps, we can learn more about the world around us and how it came to be, leading to a greater appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the world and inspiring us to do something significant that will change the world and make it a better place. By pursuing philately, we pursue history, and by pursuing history, we obtain the tools and knowledge to understand our past, which we can use to change the future.

I think it's essential to understand the nature of our universe because by doing so, we can better our lives and impact the world in various ways. As a broad example, if you're a well-renowned doctor who has had years of experience treating patients and studying health conditions, along with the willingness to continue to learn about the world around you and enjoy the process, whether that be health-related or not, then you could use your in-depth experience and understanding of diseases to help your patients live healthier, more fulfilled lives. In contrast, if you’re a doctor who only seeks to do the bare minimum, only does the job for money, and has a fixed mindset, then it would be hard for you to progress in your field and make the impact you strive to make in your patients every day. Yeah, you are still a doctor and certified to treat people, but your mentality sets you back from excelling at what you strive to do: saving and promoting healthier, happier lives. Thus, this leads to the importance of a growth mindset in understanding our universe better. When we have a growth mindset, we are motivated to continually learn, no matter how proficient we are at something, because we know we can always grow and improve in that subject. I believe this type of mindset is a key factor separating successful people like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg from ordinary people. Their willingness to progressively improve in their fields of knowledge allowed them to own whole companies and create innovations that we couldn’t have ever predicted if we saw them in high school or college. In fact, many affluent figures like Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerburg had to work their way up from unideal living conditions. For example, Elon Musk had a rough childhood where he faced bullies, got estranged from his divorced father, and struggled with Asperger’s syndrome. When we look back at Musk's past and compare him to who he is today, none of us could have imagined that he was going to be one of the wealthiest men in the world and hold multiple key roles in revolutionary industries, such as the CEO of Tesla and chief engineer of SpaceX. Fortunately, though, Elon Musk never gave up and sought to know more about the world every single day through a growth mindset that propelled him to be one of the most successful men on Earth after studying at the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton School and receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Bachelor of Science in economics. His crucial roles in Tesla and SpaceX have allowed those companies to manufacture environmentally friendly electric cars and set foot in a new age of satellites and space travel, which the world couldn't have experienced if Elon had given up at such an early age. Thus, it’s important to seek inspiration from figures like Elon as he is a prime example of what it means to pursue a growth mindset that can propel you to know our world better and become better at something every day, no matter your background, whether that be entrepreneurship like Elon did, or a different field like health, sports, art, etc. Therefore, I firmly believe that a growth mindset is a key contributor to one’s success in whatever goals one seeks to pursue. When we strive to grow every day and get better, we are motivated to try our best, learn more, and get closer to our goals one step at a time every day. A growth mindset leads to a growth life. You can ask any billionaire, professional athlete, public figure, social activist, and any other successful person about the importance of a growth mindset, and they will probably advocate that their mentality was crucial to getting them to be where they are today. A growth mindset leads to knowing your universe better and knowing your universe better leads you to change the world.

My name is Wayne Lie, and I am a freshman at Kennesaw State University majoring in biology, with aspirations of becoming an environmental biologist or biochemist. I want to pursue this career because I have always been interested in learning about the natural processes of our world and how they interact to create the vast biodiversity of plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans we see on Earth today. By working in a STEM field as a biologist or other scientist in a related area, I can work for a good cause while also enjoying what I do. Whether that is combating global warming, cleaning up pollution, containing invasive species, etc., there are many pursuits I can achieve as a biologist that can make the world a better place, alongside my tribute to my family's sacrifices for me, that motivates me to pursue a career as an environmental biologist or biochemist. I live in a family of four including me, my mom, my stepfather, and my stepbrother, and if I were to be honest, I am probably not as close to my stepfather or stepbrother as I should be. I only greet them briefly, and we have not said we love each other for a while. My mom divorced my biological dad at a young age, and from then, I only lived with my single mom as we moved houses several times like nomads to live with her friends until we eventually ended up living with my stepfather. The constant movement of residences and schools and making new friends every year irritated me, mostly because I was an introvert, and it took me a while to talk to new people. Thus, I have not spoken to many of my friends I met in middle school or at the beginning of high school because I moved so much. Fortunately, my living conditions are more stable now as my family lives in a home we bought, and I live in my college dorm most of the time, so most of everyone in the family is minding their own business most of the time. Going back to my childhood, though, the divorce between my mom and biological father was mentally damaging but set a spark in my heart. A spark that pushed me to work my hardest every day to make them proud because I knew at that moment, once they separated, I could not afford to make them even more disappointed in our family situation by failing school and not reaching my full potential, which they have sacrificed so much for. I would say that my parents, both step and biological, were my most significant influence on going to college because they sacrificed so much and went through a lot of traumas, financially and mentally, to educate me and help me be where I am today. As I aim to pursue a career as a biologist, I hope to retire my parents and potentially even buy them a car or house as a gift for everything they have done for me. I want to transfer to Emory University for my sophomore year of college because they have a top biology program, a close-knit community, and various research opportunities that would likely interest me since I am currently doing undergraduate research at KSU. Thus, by winning this scholarship, I can better afford an education at Emory and prove to my parents that no matter what odds get stacked against me or how rough my past was, anything is possible for someone who believes in themselves.

My name is Wayne Lie, and I am currently a freshman at KSU majoring in biology. I want to be a biochemist or environmental biologist when I grow up because I have always been interested in learning about nature and how the microscopic interacts with the macroscopic to create the vast biodiversity we see in plants, animals, and microorganisms on Earth today. I believe that, as humans, we share the same planet with every other organism on Earth and thus must protect and care for it like how we would for our families and homes. My hobbies are reading, playing basketball, hanging out with friends, and exploring the outdoors. Whether hiking at Stone Mountain, going to the Georgia Aquarium for the millionth time, or simply taking a brisk walk outside, nature never seems to disappoint me. Winning this scholarship will help me pay for my college education and allow me to attend my dream college of Emory because they have a top biology program but an expensive tuition, meaning this scholarship would help me pursue my goal of going to Emory to study biology. I intend to pursue my dream of going to Emory by applying for scholarships like this while working diligently to excel in my college courses and attending extracurricular activities relating to my major, such as doing undergraduate research during my current year at KSU. I have contributed to my community by volunteering at the Red Cross and EcoOwls clubs at KSU, where I attend blood drives and disaster prep meetings for the Red Cross Club and assist at clothing drives for EcoOwls. I am also participating in the First-Year Scholars undergraduate research program at KSU by working with two other freshmen and a lab assistant on an ongoing project relating to searching for novel arsenic-containing antibiotics. I learned various lab techniques, from how to use a spectrometer to measure the concentration of bacteria and proteins in a liquid sample, how to make multiple media to culture bacteria, sterility tips, etc. and I believe learning these skills early in my college years will benefit me the most as I pursue a career as a biochemist or environmental biologist in the future. I have developed good organizational, teamwork, and communication skills by working in the lab, and I intend to polish these skills in my future career. A time when I learned from a failure was during my science fair attendance in my junior year of high school where, although I reached the regional fair that year, I didn’t place top 3 in the Regeneron Regional Science Fair because I lacked much of a prototype and messed up a bit during my presentations. And although I was a bit disappointed, I knew it was the first science fair I competed at and that the best thing I could do in this situation was keep my head up, learn from my mistakes, and do better next time. Fast forward to my senior year, I was able to work with a group of friends on a physics project where we felt more confident in the methodologies and prototype of our project and reached the regional fair again, this time getting a higher placement than last year. What I learned was that failure is inevitable if you are trying your hardest to achieve a goal and that if you don't fail, then you're not trying, and if you're not trying, then why even start in the first place? To win, you must embrace failure and use it as fuel to win next time, and that's why I succeed.

As someone who struggled with mental health and was nearly depressed as a kid, I have progressively learned the importance of taking care of my mental health in everyday life. When you think about it, mental health impacts every aspect of your life. Whether you're a student, athlete, doctor, artist, or any other profession, your mental state can help or hurt you in all those fields. More generally, a healthy mind is essential to a happy, fulfilling life that has overcome its stresses and achieved its goals. And speaking of achieving my goals, learning how to take care of my mental health through various activities like thinking positively, meditating, and talking to someone about situations I'm struggling with has helped me stay on top of what needs to get done to accomplish my goals, and have even helped me feel more motivated to achieve them. My mind is clearer, I feel better, and I perform better in various areas of my life when my mental health is in good condition, and that's why it's so essential for me to put in the time and effort to be better mentally. As they all say, it all starts in the mind. The same goes for my mental health's impact on my relationships. I've learned to treat others how I want to be treated, which is with respect, kindness, and an overall positive attitude. In fact, creating long-lasting, healthy relationships is another one of my goals that I try to work towards every day. I believe that as humans being social animals, the need to belong and be loved is a crucial aspect of what makes one's life healthy and happy, and I can do that by being the light in my community and lifting others because that's how I would want to happen to me as well. One way I do this is by texting my friends occasionally with a kind message to check up on them and ensure they're doing okay, which has helped me preserve many relationships with the people I care about. Finally, mental health has given me a more positive perspective of the world. I've learned to see the good in people and know that there's always something good to find with every day of your life, even if some days you have to look even harder. I've learned to be happier, smile more, and be a better person through taking care of my mental health. And I'm proud to say that I am here today because, as the saying goes, health is wealth, and that is especially true for mental health. You never know what someone is going through on the inside, and a smile doesn't tell the whole story of how someone is feeling. Thus, the best thing we should do is treat others the way we want to be treated and be the beacon of positivity that everyone needs. And how do we do that? It all starts by maintaining a healthy mental state, which can translate into wonders for the rest of your life.

Success, to me, means living the life you ultimately desire to live and feeling fulfilled with what you’ve accomplished. It’s a feeling of achievement where you know you’ve reached your goals and can be proud of all the time and effort you put in to get to where you are today, like finally reaching the finish line in a race. And for me, a successful life is working as an environmental biologist who works to protect our Earth’s precious habitats and influence others to live sustainably. Whether that’s through cleaning up pollution, collecting various environmental samples from soil, air, or water for study, working with industries to create a more efficient energy policy, or protecting endangered species, the possibilities are endless for what I can do as an environmental biologist to help the world sustain the rich biodiversity that inhabits it. I would be happy with a career as an environmental biologist because I enjoy learning about our natural world and finding ways to help conserve resources so we can prioritize human and environmental health. But the most powerful motivator for my success as an environmental biologist, though, is that I'm making the world a better place, which is something that I cannot take for granted and am determined to achieve with this career. Thus, being an environmental biologist would be my dream because I would be doing something I can enjoy for the rest of my life and feel content that I am living the way I want with a good career and lifestyle. I aim to achieve these goals by graduating with a bachelor’s in biology through studying at either Georgia Tech, Emory University, or the University of Georgia for three years after transferring from Kennesaw State University for a year, and this scholarship would greatly further my ability to afford an education that aligns with my success. By winning this scholarship, I can stress less on paying for my education and focus more on my academics, extracurriculars, and athletics in college, so I can be the best student that I can be and get the most out of my college experience without financial hindrance. Additionally, in the case that my education is already paid, such as by other scholarships, grants, or family aid, I can use these funds for other non-education expenses; I could use them to pay my bills, buy groceries, accessories, entertainment, etc. I can use the funds to live more conveniently, knowing that I can work on what really matters in my life rather than contemplating whether I can afford something or not. All in all, this scholarship would take some financial burden off me and my family's shoulders to help me afford my college education and, in turn, further my success in college. With this scholarship, I can hone in on my studies, get a bachelor's degree in biology, and ultimately become an environmental biologist who works to make the world a healthier, happier, and more sustainable place to live, and be proud of achieving the true meaning of success for my life.

I am passionate about protecting the environment because learning about the natural wonders of our world has always intrigued me ever since I was a kid. From going to the Georgia Aquarium every summer to seeing a tiger in person for the first time at a safari in Universal Orlando, I always seem to find time to connect with what the natural world has to offer, and it’s something that I find beautiful and am forever grateful for. And when I’m not going to a park or looking at exotic creatures, I love going outside to embrace the sunshine, the chirps of birds, the breeze of the wind, and just the overall peace and serenity that I feel when I step out on a bright, sunny day. I believe that the world is a gift that we shouldn’t take for granted and should work to protect because, after all, we only have one Earth where our families, friends, pets, valuables, and other things reside, which makes the planet everybody’s home. Without the beautiful environments of Earth, who knows where all our friends, family, and Earth's tremendous biodiversity would live? Thus, it’s important to protect the Earth because it's an awesome planet, has a special place in our hearts and most importantly all of us, human or non-human, have a place on it and need it to sustain our busy but fruitful lives. And as someone who dreams of becoming an environmental biologist in the future, I believe that my work for the environment will benefit the sustainability of our world for many years to come. From cleaning up pollution to collecting samples of water, soil, or other elements in the environment for study and working with companies to adjust their energy policies, the possibilities are endless for what I can do as an environmental biologist, and I am eager to embrace the challenges and the experiences that await as I make an impact that will change the world. Additionally, my work will contribute to the world’s knowledge of the environment and influence others' lives to be more sustainable and protect the environment. And living sustainably isn’t all that hard! There are a lot of simple habits I have adopted over the years that have contributed to me living a more conservative life. Doing things such as relying more on sunlight to illuminate my living space, aiming to buy a hybrid or electric car in the future, walking or biking short distances to conserve gas, recycling, etc., have helped me and my family conserve much needed energy and even help pay our bills, and I believe that everyone can benefit by adopting these habits that will not only help conserve resources, but also help our environments thrive and sustain the lives of our friends and families for generations to come! Thus, by living sustainably in a way that's kind to our environment, as outlined above, we can ensure that everyone lives healthier, happier lives on a healthier, happier Earth!

I believe my mental health is important because how my mind functions and feels throughout the day can really dictate what I can accomplish. A healthy mind that takes care of itself is also one that is successful, wealthy, and accomplished. Whether you are an athlete, a doctor, an artist, a teacher, or a student, mental health plays a role in all of these professions and can impact performance in various ways. For example, if an athlete is always overwhelmed by anxiety before a game, they might not perform well when playing because they would be constantly nervous under the big lights. Conversely, if that athlete meditated before the game and took a deep breath, they would probably perform better because they're calmer and have prepared their minds for the moment. Thus, it is important to always take care of your mental health because how you think and feel mentally can affect what you do in your life and, in turn, how successful you are going to be. How I take care of my mental health is by meditating through box breathing (inhaling for 5 seconds, holding my breath for 5 seconds, then exhaling for 5 seconds) for 5 rounds to help calm and clear my mind. I also read scripture daily in my Bible app because God's words help reassure me that He is with me and will help me deal with any problem I'm facing in life. Through meditation and scripture, I have been better able to deal with the many stresses and anxieties that life has brought on me, which motivates me to continue taking care of my mind because I believe that mental wellness leads to physical, emotional, and social wellness. As a rising college freshman at Kennesaw State University, I know that the transition to college will bring new challenges and stresses, but I am confident that my commitment to maintaining my mental health will help me navigate this new chapter successfully. My high school GPA of 4.0 reflects my dedication to my studies, and I believe that continuing to prioritize my mental wellness will allow me to perform well academically and personally in college, career, and beyond. In conclusion, mental health is crucial because it affects every aspect of our lives and our ability to succeed. By taking steps to maintain my mental wellness through practices like meditation and reading scripture, I am better equipped to handle life's challenges and thrive in my studies and future career. I am committed to continuing these practices as I embark on my college journey and beyond, understanding that a healthy mind is the foundation for a fulfilling and successful life.

My name is Wayne, and I am a rising freshman at Kennesaw State University with plans to major in biology. As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I am excited to share my journey, strengths and weaknesses, dreams, and how the Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship will help me achieve my goals. I have always been passionate about exploring the environment and the natural world around me. This interest began in middle school when I first learned about the complexities of living organisms, and my curiosity only grew stronger in high school, where I maintained a 4.0 GPA and took advanced courses in biology and chemistry. I not only gained much knowledge about how our world functions from a molecular to a biosphere level, but I became more intrigued and motivated to pursue a career as an environmental biologist. One of my strengths is my dedication to my studies. I am disciplined and focused, always striving to understand the material deeply rather than just memorizing facts, and I believe this approach will serve me well in college with more challenging coursework. However, I am not just a bookworm. I also enjoy extracurricular activities, such as volunteering at local community centers and participating in science clubs. Furthermore, I want to play college basketball to try to earn an athletic scholarship and enhance my college experience. Throughout all these experiences, though, I believe that what's helped me succeed now and will help me in the future is hard work and dedication in everything that you do, because at the end of the day, all that time and effort you put in will pay off, and you'll be proud of it. Despite my academic success, I also have various weaknesses. One of my main challenges is public speaking, as I tend to get nervous and sweat when speaking in front of large groups, which can affect my confidence. However, I am actively working on this by joining debate clubs and taking part in public speaking workshops. I believe that overcoming this weakness will be crucial for my future career, as effective communication is essential in any field and is also a good interpersonal skill to have. My dream is to become an environmental biologist, working to study the environment and innovate ways to create a more sustainable future for our world. I hope to contribute to research on various human impacts like deforestation, pollution, invasive species, etc., and solutions to them so our future can thrive on a healthier Earth. This dream is not just about personal achievement; it is about making a meaningful impact on the world. I want to use my knowledge and skills to help those in need, contribute to the advancement of science, and change the world for the better. The Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve these goals. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of college but also allow me to focus more on my studies and less on part-time jobs. It would provide me with the resources to purchase necessary textbooks, lab equipment, and other educational materials to help me succeed in the classroom and beyond. Moreover, it would give me the opportunity to participate in internships and research projects that are crucial for my professional development. In the future, I see myself not only as a scientist but also as a mentor and advocate for young students who share my passion for biology. I want to inspire the next generation of scientists and help them navigate their educational journeys. I believe that giving back to the community is essential, and I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact. In conclusion, I am a dedicated and passionate student with a clear vision for my future. The Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship would be a significant step toward achieving my dreams and contributing to the scientific community. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and hopeful that it will help me on my journey to becoming an environmental biologist who will change the world for the better.

Hello, my name is Wayne, and I am a current senior in high school who intends to pursue a bachelor's degree in biology through either UGA or Georgia Tech so I can become an environmental biologist in the future. A career as an environmental biologist suits me because I have always enjoyed learning about nature, going outdoors, and embracing the world around me and the vast biodiversity that the world presents for us. From looking at a small fire ant to a large blue whale, nothing on Earth seems to bore me as I continually strive to learn more about and protect our environment so we can coexist peacefully with the myriad of other organisms living with us. I believe that our world is a beautiful but fragile gift from the universe as a habitable planet that we must work together to preserve and care for. In fact, who knows if there is another planet like Earth out there that humans can live on? The Earth is a very unique planet, and we should protect it because we share it and live together on it, like one big family, not only with humans but with every known and unknown species that has lived and lives on Earth. Thus, our planet holds enormous value for people, plants, and animals alike, and we should bind together to manage it, just like we would care for our homes, families, and friends! Even if it weren't for my interest in biology and environmental science, the mere act of going outdoors is one of my favorite hobbies. Whether it's playing basketball, exploring the woods behind my house, taking a walk, hanging out with friends, going for a hike, etc., the outdoor world has an infinite amount of possibilities that you can pursue. In fact, there are more things you can do outside than you can do inside! Not only is going outdoors a hobby for me, but it's also a way to help me decompress and feel better because I can get some fresh air after, say, being trapped in my house all day doing homework. There are also numerous health benefits to going outside; from getting vitamin D from sunlight to help us absorb calcium, to reducing stress, to helping you become more active, etc., the outdoor world simply never disappoints in what it can do for you! Additionally, someone who has been instrumental in influencing me to pursue a career in the outdoors is my AP Environmental Science teacher, Mrs. Zambo. Her dedication and love for what she does as a teacher were contagious to me because they showed that she genuinely cared for the environment, our success, and, most importantly, wanted to make the world a better place. Whether that was helping my class with a simple assignment on calculating net primary production or helping us set up our huge eco chamber project at the end of the semester, she was always there for us because she loved what she did. Thus, Mrs. Zambo not only helped me pass AP Environmental Science, but she also reinforced my love for the world and how we can change it for the better. After all, the Earth is a gift, and we should cherish and protect it to the best of our ability.

A book I would want to have everyone read is "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio. This book is a contemporary children's novel that describes the story of a 6th grade boy named Auggie. He has a facial deformity and has to overcome the challenges of enrolling in a public school for the first time after being homeschooled for all his life. Throughout Auggie's experiences at the new school, he often gets bullied, teased, and stared at by students from around the school because of his looks, causing him to be anxious in many of his classes. At the same time, though, Auggie makes several good friends, such as a girl named Summer and a boy named Jack, who sat with him at lunch and helped comfort Auggie in the face of embarrassment and criticism by their friends. What makes this book meaningful and unique is that almost any kid or teenager can relate to it. Whether you're just starting elementary school or are a senior in freshman, we've probably all been at a point in our lives when we felt embarrassed to be in a social situation, such as going to a new school and having to meet a completely new set of people. This book reassures the audience that, no matter what type of circumstances you've been through, it's possible that you can still fit in and get comfortable in that situation. Auggie was a homeschooled kid with a facial deformity who, by the end of the book, got an award and a standing ovation for being one of the kindest and most uplifting students in the school. Furthermore, what made Auggie such a great influence was that he was kind to people no matter what, and that's what made him stand out in the face of people who teased and bullied him. Thus, I would want everyone to read the book "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio because it conveys a persistent and powerful theme of kindness and empathy through any circumstance and how that attitude can go a long way in making the world a better place. As one of the famous quotes in the book states, "Choose kind." So by reading this book, I hope that everyone can be like Auggie and treat others the way they want to be treated—that is, in a kind, respectful, and friendly way that will truly change the world for the better.

I plan to make my community a better place by working as an environmental biologist in the future. With this career, I can participate in various activities that support sustainability and conservation efforts for our world. By cleaning up pollution, working with companies to change their environmental policies, and researching the causes of pollution and environmental degradation, I can contribute to a healthier, happier world for all organisms to inhabit. With these acts of environmentalism, I can also influence others to cooperate and conserve our world’s natural resources and beauty. I can educate others about how to protect their environment and the steps they can take to support a greener future through volunteering in schools, daycares, or other educational institutions. These efforts will also bring those with a similar passion for nature together in hopes of creating a new generation of environmentally sound leaders that will change the world. By working and educating others towards environmental sustainability, I can change the world for the better and maybe, just maybe, give the world a better chance at combating climate change, deforestation, pollution, and other human impacts that have plagued the world for decades. Another way I can make my community a better place is by spreading the gospel. I’ve been a Christian my whole life, but it wasn’t until recently that I got into a more intimate relationship with God through reading the Bible more, listening to sermons at church, being more meaningful in my prayers, and overall just trying to understand God's message for my life. As a kid, I used to be rude to my parents, ignorant in church, and have a lot of bad habits, such as lying when my parents aren’t around, cheating on tests, talking bad to my friends behind their backs, etc., but it wasn’t until recently, when I made a new year's resolution to get closer to God in 2024, that my life changed for the better. When I started committing more of my time and effort to God, it felt like I was being rewarded with a better life. I felt happier, healthier, and more socially and emotionally competent in life. My grades got better, my relationships got stronger, my performance in athletics and academics improved, and I just simply became a better version of myself, and I want to spread this news to others to show them that God is real and that He can turn your life around no matter what. At the moment, I spread the gospel by attending Bible reading groups for my church and sharing my bible notes with my friends on the YouVersion app, and I plan to continue doing this because of the peace and gratitude that God has brought into my life and my hopes of how He will impact everyone else’s. I believe that with Him anything is possible; as long as you have faith and really take up your cross to follow your Father in Heaven, He can change your life in a split second. God has overcome the world, and He can overcome your problems too. Thus, I plan to make my community a better place by pursuing a degree as an environmental biologist who works to conserve and educate others about environmental sustainability, and also by spreading the gospel of Jesus through bible reading so others can turn to Him and better their lives and the world while they’re at it.