My name is William Cox, but everyone calls me Will. I was born with cerebral palsy caused by a stroke that happened before I was born. Having Cerebral Palsy has shaped my life in some pretty big ways. As strange as it sounds, my cerebral palsy has actually been a challenge and a blessing at the same time. The challenge part is physical limitations like impaired muscles, nerves and coordination on my right side, as well as dyslexia. The blessing is that these challenges have helped shape me into the man that I am becoming. These challenges have helped me to develop determination and a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. My parents have always challenged me to pursue opportunities to grow by stepping out of my comfort zone while also contributing to the lives of people around me. They have always pushed me to see past my own challenges to be others focused rather than ever throwing a “pity party”. Throughout my life, I have tried to embrace a positive attitude and look for roles that allow me to serve others. I joined my high school’s student government for this purpose as a behind the scenes person who works collaboratively with others to organize events inside and outside our school. One of the most impactful life changing experiences has been participating in two mission trips to Zacapa Guatemala, where I helped build homes and provide essential resources to rural communities. I have also been an active leader in my church’s youth group, where I help organize activities and mentor middle school boys. My middle school boys can be quite a handful every week but they are so amazing and it’s a privilege to be around them. Working with middle school boys has taught me the importance of empathy, communication, love and leading by example. I believe that my ability to work well with others stems from growing up with CP. I've needed a lot of help from my parents, and a community of doctors and therapists. I’ve seen what an amazing support system that God has put around me and how well we have worked as a team. It’s been humbling and so encouraging to be a part of this. This experience has shaped me into an outgoing person who loves to work with other people and values people and looks to find the unique way they can contribute to a team. As I look toward the future, I am nervous but excited to use the gifts that God has been developing in my life like resilience, leadership, creativity, discipline, a love for others and a dedication to my academic and professional pursuits. I believe that my unique experiences and unwavering determination make me a strong candidate for this scholarship, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my story with you.

To really talk about how music has impacted my life I need to talk about Mr. Auman, my band director at Wesleyan Christian Academy. From the moment I joined the instrumental band program in 6th grade, Mr. Auman has been more than just a great teacher, he has been a mentor, encourager, and a constant source of support, helping shape not only the french horn player I am today but also the person I am striving to become. When I first asked Mr. Auman about taking band he could have discouraged me because of some very apparent disabilities that I have. He started talking to me about playing the French horn, it was a very challenging instrument, especially with my cerebral palsy affecting my right hand, and some of the muscles around my lips needed to play the instrument. But Mr. Auman never saw my disability as a limitation, only as a challenge that I could learn to overcome. He encouraged me to find creative solutions, thankfully you can use your left hand for the valves, but he had to teach me to strengthen my embouchure muscles around my lips by drinking thick liquids through a straw, think Wendy's Frostys. His belief in my abilities gave me real confidence to push through some really challenging days and nights on this journey with music, and together, we worked hard to improve my playing. The progress I made over the years is something I’m proud of, while I know that I will never be an amazing french horn player, I can do a good job and I enjoy playing in the band. I also know that I couldn’t have done it any of this without the guidance love and support of Mr. Auman, he is “The Man”! What stands out the most about Mr. Auman is how much he cares for all of his students, not just about our musical skills but really about ALL of his students as people. If it had never been for the medium of music I would never had met Mr. Auman, and I can’t say enough how much it means to me that he saw potential in ME, not just as a horn player but as a leader. This wonderful man trusted me with responsibilities, from helping pass out music to assisting with the complex logistics of moving equipment after concerts and graduation ceremonies. I’ll never forget the look on his face when after graduation even though I had other duties as a junior marshal, I showed up to help and he was so surprised and thankful. Through Mr. Auman’s mentorship in music, I learned what it means to be a servant leader, He doesn’t just talk about it it lives it out in front of us. He is someone who puts the needs of others first, no matter what. He really showed me that music isn’t about applause or recognition but about serving and giving a gift to other people. Mr. Auman didn’t just teach me how to play music—he taught me how to face life’s challenges with determination, grace, and compassion. For that, I will always be grateful to the medium of music that brought our worlds together.

Few people have had as big an impact on my life as Mr. Auman, my band director at Wesleyan Christian Academy. From the moment I joined the instrumental band program in 6th grade, Mr. Auman has been more than just a great teacher, he has been a mentor, encourager, and a constant source of support, helping shape not only the french horn player I am today but also the person I am striving to become. When I first asked Mr. Auman about taking band he could have discouraged me because of some very apparent disabilities that I have. He started talking to me about playing the French horn, it was a very challenging instrument, especially with my cerebral palsy affecting my right hand, and some of the muscles around my lips needed to play the instrument. But Mr. Auman never saw my disability as a limitation, only as a challenge that I could learn to overcome. He encouraged me to find creative solutions, thankfully you can use your left hand for the valves, but he had to teach me to strengthen my embouchure muscles around my lips by drinking thick liquids through a straw, think Wendy's Frostys. His belief in my abilities gave me real confidence to push through some really challenging days and nights on this journey, and together, we worked hard to improve my playing. The progress I made over the years is something I’m proud of, while I know that I will never be an amazing french horn player, I can do a good job and I enjoy playing in the band. I also know that I couldn’t have done it any of this without the guidance love and support of Mr. Auman, he is “The Man”! What stands out the most about Mr. Auman is how much he cares for all of his students, not just about our musical skills but really about ALL of his students as people. He can’t say enough how much it means to men that he saw potential in ME, not just as a horn player but as a leader. This wonderful man trusted me with responsibilities, from helping pass out music to assisting with the complex logistics of moving equipment after concerts and graduation ceremonies. I’ll never forget the look on his face when after graduation even though I had other duties as a junior marshal, I showed up to help and he was so surprised and thankful. Through Mr. Auman’s mentorship, I learned what it means to be a servant leader, He doesn’t just talk about it it lives it out in front of us. He is someone who puts the needs of others first, no matter what. He really showed me that leadership isn’t about applause or recognition but about serving other people the way Jesus would. The lessons this man has lived out in front of me have shaped how I approach not just music but life as a whole. You can tell that his impact doesn’t end with my time in His band this year. The work ethic, resilience, and servant leadership he fanned into flames in my life will carry into my future. He help to prepare me for life whether its college, my career, or my personal life. I hope to inspire others the way he inspired me, showing that with dedication and heart, challenges can be overcome, and goals can be reached. Mr. Auman didn’t just teach me how to play music—he taught me how to face life’s challenges with determination, grace, and compassion. For that, I will always be grateful.

As a teacher of mine often says "Stories have the power to change lives", and that is so true for me when it comes to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. This movie was way more than just a childhood fantasy, it became a gateway to a deeper understanding of Jesus and the Christian faith for me. Watching the movie for the first time with my family was like stepping through a wardrobe for me. This experience lead me into a deeper understanding of Jesus’ love, sacrifice, and the amazing power of forgiveness and grace in our world. At first, I was captivated like any kids by the magical world of Narnia, the talking animals, and the epic battle between good and evil. But as the story unfolded, I began to notice something more profound just under the surface. There were two competing stories being told to the children as they entered Narnia and they had to decide which Story best reflected reality. Either the White Queen was the real ruler of Narnia or Aslan was the real ruler as Mr. Beaver claimed. Aslan, the mighty lion, wasn’t just a character to me I was absorbed in this portrayal and could really see him as a metaphor for Jesus. His willingness to sacrifice himself for Edmund, who had betrayed his family, mirrored the story of Jesus giving His life for me despite my many failures. I can still remember the moment when Aslan walks to the Stone Table with his eyes fixed on it. You can tell that he understands the pain and death that are in store for him. i don't think you can really watch it without feeling something at that moment. it broke my heart to watch but truthfully it also opened my eyes to the amazing depths of God’s love for me. This movie actually expanded or really just opened my eyes to really start to grasp grace, not as something earned or deserved, but as something wholly unearned and freely given. Edmund didn’t deserve Aslan’s sacrifice, just as I don’t deserve Christ’s. Yet, love doesn’t operate on what is deserved. This was an important moment in my faith journey bringing to delight how much Jesus sacrifice personally meant for me. The movie also demonstrated for me the importance of courage and faith in the face of darkness. The Pevensie children stepped through the wardrobe into the strange world of Narnia and found themselves in the middle of a battle that they never expected, nor prepared for, Yet, with Aslan by their side, they discovered they were far stronger than they ever dreamed. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe didn’t just entertain me, it led me into a deeper relationship with my creator. It helped me understand deep spiritual truths in a way that my young mind and heart could grasp. The movie also helped me to really get that faith is not about rules or rituals but it's really about love, sacrifice, and redemption. This movie sparked an internal fire in my Christian journey, one that continues to burn and shape who I am becoming. It’s amazing how a simple story can lead to such deep truths. I’m grateful that it opened the door to a much deeper faith for me, much like the wardrobe opened the door to Narnia for the Pevensie Children.

My name is William Cox, but everyone calls me Will. I was born with cerebral palsy caused by a stroke before I was born. This condition has shaped my life in profound ways. While it has presented some big challenges, such as physical limitations and dyslexia, it has also helped me to develop determination and a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. My parents have always challenged me to pursue opportunities to grow while also contributing to my community, and to never let my disability define me or limit how can impact the world by impacting people around me. Throughout my life, I have tried to embrace roles which allow me to serve others. As a member of my high school’s student government, I worked collaboratively with others to organize events inside and outside our school. One of the most transforming experiences was participating in two mission trips to Zacapa Guatemala, where I helped build homes and provide essential resources to rural communities. Additionally, I have been an active leader in my church’s youth group, where I help organize activities and mentor middle school boys. These experiences have taught me the importance of empathy, communication, love and leading by example. One of my proudest achievements was collaborating with a team to construct a bridge in rural eastern North Carolina for the Salvation Army. Thankfully we had people with experience to guide us in this project, but they really involved the twelve of us guys in creating it. It really required innovative thinking to overcome logistical challenges, limited resources, and challenging conditions at the work site in order to provide that elderly community with a safe and reliable bridge. I believe that my ability to work well with others stems from growing up with CP. I've needed a lot of help from my parents, and a community of doctors and therapists. I’ve seen what an amazing support system that God has put around me and how well we have worked as a team. It’s been humbling and so encouraging to be a part of this. This experience has shaped me into an outgoing person who loves to work with other people and values their contributions. Organizational skills and time management are vital aspects of my life. Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments like working as a cashier at Harris Teeter has taught me to prioritize tasks and focus under pressure. While managing my responsibilities, I also maintained a 4.0 and volunteered over 300 hours in the past year. As I look toward the future, I am nervous but excited to use the gifts that God has been developing in my life like resilience, leadership, creativity, discipline, a love for others and a dedication to my academic and professional pursuits. For me, success is not about personal gain but about how I can use my knowledge and skills to help others. My passion for finance stems from the belief that financial understanding and stability are powerful tools to change the world, one family at a time. I have witnessed families struggle due to financial insecurity, and I want to be part of the solution. With a degree in finance from Liberty University, I plan to work closely with families, nonprofits, and businesses to help them build financial foundations that will allow them to share generously with others. My goal is to provide guidance that extends beyond numbers—to help people understand how financial security can empower them to pursue their dreams, support their loved ones, and contribute to their local communities and to people in need. Thank you,

Growing up, I have always believed that we are called to use our talents and resources to make the world a better place. My faith has instilled in me a desire to serve others and pursue justice, and my education in finance is a tool I plan to use to bring about meaningful change. Through my experiences on mission trips to rural Zacapa Guatemala, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that economic empowerment can have on individuals and communities. These experiences have shaped my vision for the future and inspired me to use finance to create opportunities for those who need it most. During my trips to Guatemala, I encountered families living in extreme poverty, yet they exhibited incredible resilience and hope. One particular experience stands out: meeting a mother who used a small business loan from a ministry called Hope of Life to start a small business selling purses made out of recycled plastic and she sent both of her kids to University. Despite her hard work, she faced numerous barriers, including limited access to money and resources. This loan changed a family and ended the cycle of poverty for them. This experience opened my eyes to the importance and transformative power of economic opportunity. A small loan, business training, could make all the difference for families like hers, giving them a chance to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future. Even more important than the temporal impact of breaking the cycle of poverty this loan from this ministry showed the love of Jesus in a tangible way to her that helped her to see her need for a savior and made a difference for eternity. These trips also deepened my faith and my perspective on global missions. These economic conditions are not isolated; it impacts education, healthcare, and even access to clean water. Addressing these challenges requires holistic solutions that empower individuals and uplift entire communities. My time in Guatemala inspired me to pursue a degree in finance with the goal of contributing to these solutions. The lessons I learned in Guatemala continue to influence my perspective on life and my career aspirations. They have taught me the value of humility, the importance of listening to the needs of others, and the power of collaboration in creating sustainable change. These experiences fuel my determination to use finance as a force for good, ensuring that resources are allocated in ways that benefit individuals, families, and communities. This scholarship will help me achieve my academic and career goals by providing the support I need to continue my education and develop the skills necessary to make a positive impact. With your support, I will work to build a world where financial resources are for the glory of God, where individuals can achieve their full potential, and where communities can thrive.

Growing up with cerebral palsy has profoundly shaped who I am and how I see the world. My cerebral palsy has caused me not only to have right side hemiplegia but also dyslexia. Living with a disability means that I constantly face challenges that others may not, from the physical difficulties of mobility to the extra effort required for tasks that many take for granted. Like learning how to type one handed and needing listen to to someone read a book online while I also read along with them. However, these experiences have taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, problem-solving, and adapting —qualities that I believe will help me excel in my future career in finance. Having cerebral palsy from a stroke before I was born, I’ve learned to navigate a world that wasn’t always designed for people like me. Simple activities such as gym class or completing assignments require extra effort, forcing me to adapt and be creative. This has instilled in me a mindset of persistence and determination, may parents call it my "Iron Will", which I apply not only in my personal life but also in my academic endeavors. Finance, like life, often involves dealing with unpredictability, and my experiences have prepared me to handle challenges head-on, adapt when necessary, and stay focused on long-term goals even in the face of setbacks. One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of planning ahead while being flexible enough to adjust when things don’t go as expected. Whether it’s preparing for an important exam or navigating physical limitations, I’ve developed a knack for balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives. This mindset is particularly relevant in finance, where strategic planning, risk management, and the ability to pivot when necessary are critical skills. Beyond technical skills, my experience within the disabled community has also cultivated empathy and an appreciation for others. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to consider different perspectives when making decisions. In finance, this understanding of the uniqueness of others—whether related to disabilities or other factors—can be crucial for developing financial solutions that help the individual. I’m particularly interested in working toward financial products or services that benefit underserved communities, including those with disabilities. Finance is about more than just numbers; it’s about creating systems that help people achieve financial independence, and I want to use my experiences to contribute to that. I want to use my education to create solutions that empower others, especially those facing challenges like disability, by providing better access to financial resources and opportunities. My background has given me a unique perspective on the importance of financial security, and I’m committed to using my skills to help others achieve it. In conclusion, my journey with cerebral palsy has shaped my resilience, adaptability, and empathy, qualities that will guide me as I pursue a career in finance. The opportunity to further my education through this scholarship will enable me to develop the skills I need to help others. Thank you for considering my application

Growing up with cerebral palsy has profoundly shaped who I am and how I see the world. Living with a disability means that I constantly face challenges that others may not, from the physical difficulties of mobility to the extra effort required for tasks that many take for granted. However, these experiences have taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability—qualities that I believe will help me excel in my future career in finance. Having cerebral palsy from a stroke before I was born, I’ve learned to navigate a world that wasn’t always designed for people like me. Simple activities such as walking to class or completing assignments require extra effort, forcing me to adapt and be creative. This has instilled in me a mindset of persistence and determination, which I apply not only in my personal life but also in my academic pursuits. Finance, like life, often involves dealing with unpredictability, and my experiences have prepared me to handle challenges head-on, adapt when necessary, and stay focused on long-term goals even in the face of setbacks. One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of planning ahead while being flexible enough to adjust when things don’t go as expected. Whether it’s preparing for an important exam or navigating physical limitations, I’ve developed a knack for balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives. This mindset is particularly relevant in finance, where strategic planning, risk management, and the ability to pivot when necessary are critical skills. Beyond technical skills, my experience within the disabled community has also cultivated empathy and an appreciation for diversity. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to consider different perspectives when making decisions. In finance, this understanding of diversity—whether related to disabilities or other factors—can be crucial for developing inclusive financial solutions. I’m particularly interested in working toward financial products or services that benefit underserved communities, including those with disabilities. Finance is about more than just numbers; it’s about creating systems that help people achieve financial independence, and I want to use my experiences to contribute to that. Looking ahead, I aim to pursue a career in finance with a focus on social impact investing or financial inclusion. I want to use my education to create solutions that empower communities, especially those facing challenges like disability, by providing better access to financial resources and opportunities. My background has given me a unique perspective on the importance of financial security, and I’m committed to using my skills to help others achieve it. In conclusion, my journey with cerebral palsy has shaped my resilience, adaptability, and empathy, qualities that will guide me as I pursue a career in finance. The opportunity to further my education through this scholarship will enable me to develop the skills I need to drive positive change in the financial sector—focusing on inclusivity and sustainability, and using my experiences to create a more equitable future. Thank you for considering my application.