When I lived in Ethiopia, one of my grandmother’s renters left me to tend her vegetable stand. Hi, my name is Yordanos, and you're about to hear how one mistake gave a little girl a lifetime of experience, perspective, and passion. My grandmother rented out rooms in her home to help pay for food, electricity, and water. One of her renters made a profound impact on me. She carried her newborn on her back almost every day, tied in a cloth that looked like it might break if the baby got any heavier. But somehow, it always held. The stitches stayed strong, even when the fabric looked worn, just like her. Her husband worked three jobs, and she grew livestock and vegetables in my grandmother’s yard to sell on a mat outside the house. My grandmother understood her financial situation and did whatever she could to support her. So when the renter asked me to watch her stand while she used the bathroom, I perched up on a little rock, guarding those vegetables like they were my world. I wanted to help, just like my grandmother. While she was gone, a tall woman approached and looked at the vegetables like they were worthless. But I had seen what it took to grow them: the watering, the tending, the care, just like how she cared for her baby. The woman picked up a bunch of green onions, smirked, and asked how much I was selling them for. I didn’t think she was serious, I mean, I was only six. But she treated me like I was the vendor. Eager to make a sale, I proudly told her, “Seven dollars.” She laughed, threw them down, and walked away. I could feel her interest slipping away, so I reached out and said, “I can give them to you for four.” She paused, then returned and paid. I was ecstatic. I had made a sale all by myself. When the renter came back, I opened my tiny hand and showed her the money, smiling. But her face dropped. She was furious. I had sold her vegetables for far too little. In my eyes, I had done something great. But to her, it was a mistake, a costly one. I didn’t realize it then, but that moment planted something in me. I wasn’t just excited about the sale. I was excited about helping. I was proud to be trusted. I had learned something about value, not just of money, but of labor, dignity, and community. Eleven years later, I’ve started a charitable business initiative and helped found a high school business club. That experience shaped my negotiation skills and my understanding of what it means to care for others through business. I might not be able to help that renter now, but through The Tasty Experiment, my nonprofit restaurant concept, and my involvement in Future Business Leaders of America, I’m finding ways to give back, just like my grandmother did. Small actions, whether it’s watching someone’s stand or helping a stranger sell vegetables, are seeds. I’m still growing mine. And I hope, like my grandmother, I can keep stitching kindness into the lives of others.

I turned 3 years old just as my uncle was released from prison. This was my first time meeting my uncle, and I remember how he trembled the first time he held me, so frail from the weight of years lost behind bars that he couldn’t even hold my tiny body. In his early life and on his path to forming a future for himself, he got caught up with people that did not have a trajectory, he was thrown away by his father, and went into a deep addiction, he wanted to turn his life around but had nowhere else to go but the streets. He was wrongly incarcerated and used for his free prison labor, away from his family, since before I was even born. The justice system claimed to correct him, but what it really did was forget him. Watching my mother and grandmother pour everything into helping him rebuild, from income to emotional energy, showed me just how far the impact of incarceration can reach. It doesn’t just affect one life. It ripples and reverberates in the generations that come after. That ripple became the spark for my dream: to build a nonprofit restaurant chain that empowers students by employing students pursuing higher education to aid in building a life over addiction and prison. The tasty experiment helps this course through education, community, and work that uplifts and aids their struggles instead of punishing. My uncle’s return was not the end of his sentence it was the beginning of a new struggle. With a record, he couldn’t find a job. My mom, one of his four sisters, who never gave up on him, went as far as creating a job for him because no one else would. Her income, time, and energy were split between supporting him and raising me. I remember nights when she came home late, exhausted, still worried about whether her brother would stay safe, sober, and out of trouble. She would be very conservative when she went grocery shopping because she would save the money she had for her brother. Her generosity and dedication inspired me, but the strain was real. Our family was unstable, and our resources, both financially and emotionally, were stretched thin. It made me learn to take on crucial responsibilities she couldn’t pick up. I acted like a mini “mom” when she was gone. I parted ways with my childhood and grew up to fill the space. My goal is to study business and nonprofit leadership so I can launch “The Tasty Experiment,” a nonprofit restaurant that only hires students and pays them a fair wage. I want to create a space where young people can work to support their education, gain life skills, and stay out of cycles that lead to incarceration or addiction. For some, this might be their first job. For others, it might be a second chance. Either way, it’s a way out — and a way up. I don’t want students to feel like their only options are survival or surrender. I want them to have a reason to hope and a paycheck to back it up. Incarceration changed my family and my life. But it also opened my eyes. I’ve seen how powerful belief, support, and opportunity can be through my uncle. My mother gave that to her brother even when he continues to struggle. I want to give that to my community. With the help of this scholarship, I’ll gain the education to make “The Tasty Experiment” real and to make purpose, not prison, the path forward for the next generation.

From the depths of my being, I have always been captivated by the intricate workings of the human brain and its impact on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This profound fascination, coupled with my unyielding desire to help others, has driven me toward a career in the therapy field. I firmly believe that delving into the technical side of human brains is paramount to providing effective and compassionate care to individuals facing mental health challenges. My journey towards this path began during my high school in psychology, where I was introduced to the complexities of human behavior and mental processes. As I delved deeper into this subject, my passion for understanding the technical side of human brains grew exponentially. I found myself eagerly immersing in course material, but it didn't stop there. During my free time, I frequently find myself engrossed in videos of therapists discussing subjects that pique my interest. These videos not only serve as a source of knowledge but also as a profound inspiration. Observing therapists passionately sharing their expertise, insights, and experiences ignites a fire within me. It fuels my desire to acquire a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of the human brain and drives me to enter the therapy field. One of the core reasons I am drawn to this field is the opportunity it presents to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of others. Mental health challenges can be isolating and overwhelming, leaving individuals feeling unheard and misunderstood. By becoming a therapist, I aim to create a safe and empathetic space where individuals can share their struggles, fears, and hopes, without judgment or stigma. I aspire to provide guidance and support to navigate the complexities of their inner worlds, ultimately helping them find healing, growth, and fulfillment. Moreover, I believe that learning the technical side of human brains is crucial in tailoring personalized therapeutic interventions. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the underlying neurological mechanisms, I will be better equipped to develop evidence-based treatment plans that address the root causes of mental health issues. This knowledge will allow me to provide effective and targeted interventions to guide individuals toward lasting positive change. Furthermore, my passion for the therapy field extends beyond the boundaries of academic coursework. It permeates into my free time, where I actively seek out additional knowledge and resources. This intrinsic motivation drives me to continually expand my understanding and stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in the field. By doing so, I can ensure that I am equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and techniques to provide the highest quality care to those in need. In conclusion, my unwavering passion for learning the technical side of human brains, coupled with my genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others, has led me to pursue a career in the therapy field. My commitment to continuous learning, as evidenced by my dedication to watching therapist videos during my free time, demonstrates my unwavering dedication to this field. With the support of this scholarship, I can further my education and training, enabling me to become an empathetic and knowledgeable therapist who can make a profound difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges.

My personal experience with mental health has had a profound impact on my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. It has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding and empathy for individuals who are struggling with their mental well-being. Through my journey, I have come to realize the importance of mental health and the significant role it plays in our overall well-being. I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects that mental health challenges can have on individuals and their loved ones. Some of my friends here at Marshalltown High School are striving to have better mental health making me more aware of how mental health can have a huge impact on the people they are around and the people they grow up with. This experience has strengthened my belief in the need for accessible and effective mental health support systems. In terms of relationships, my experience with mental health has taught me the value of compassion, patience, and non-judgment. It has allowed me to be more understanding and supportive of others who may be going through their mental health struggles. This ability also allows me to understand and act accordingly when bad news comes my way or when hard challenges appear in my life. I have learned the importance of open communication and creating a safe space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions. I also started to understand that you can't be accepted by everyone and finding the people who are willing to take the time to make a safe space is hard. My experience with mental health has also shaped my career aspirations. It has motivated me to pursue a career in psychology, as I am passionate about helping individuals who are facing mental health challenges. I want to contribute to the research, prevention, and treatment of mental health disorders, and work towards reducing the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues. I aspire to work in a clinical setting, providing therapy and counseling to individuals of all ages. I also have a strong research interest, as I believe that understanding the underlying mechanisms of mental health disorders can lead to more effective interventions and treatments. Ultimately, my goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals struggling with mental health issues and contribute to creating a society that prioritizes and supports mental well-being. Overall, my personal experience with mental health has shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations by instilling in me a deep sense of compassion, empathy, and a drive to make a difference in the field of psychology.

Throughout my life, I have been fascinated by the complexities of human behavior. I find myself constantly observing and analyzing the actions, thoughts, and emotions of those around me. This curiosity has fueled my desire to pursue a career in psychology, as I am eager to unravel the underlying motivations and influences that drive human behavior. I am determined to make a difference in the lives of individuals and society as a whole. Whether it is through conducting research, implementing evidence-based interventions, or advocating for mental health awareness, I am committed to utilizing my knowledge and skills to address societal challenges and foster a better future. I have already taken steps towards preparing for a career in psychology. I have actively engaged in volunteer work at local mental health organizations, where I have had the opportunity to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and gain valuable insights into their experiences. These experiences have reinforced my passion for psychology and solidified my commitment to pursuing this field. I firmly believe that understanding how people act and contribute to the future is crucial for creating a better world. By studying psychology, I will gain insight into the factors that shape individual behavior, group dynamics, and societal trends. Armed with this knowledge, I aspire to work towards positive change and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities. However, pursuing a higher education in psychology requires financial support that is beyond my current means. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous opportunity for me to pursue my passion and academic goals. It would provide me with the financial support necessary to further my education and gain the expertise needed to make a lasting impact in the field of psychology. I am committed to utilizing my knowledge and skills to address societal challenges and foster a better future. Whether it is through conducting research, implementing evidence-based interventions, or advocating for mental health awareness, I am determined to contribute to positive change. I am confident that with this scholarship, I will be able to achieve my goals and contribute to the advancement of psychology. I am dedicated, hardworking, and eager to learn, and I am ready to seize every opportunity to make a positive difference. I am grateful for your consideration and thank you for supporting students like me who are passionate about psychology and its potential to shape a brighter future. Sincerely, Yordanos Bizuneh

Dear Scholarship Committee, I am writing to apply for the scholarship opportunity that supports students pursuing a career in psychology or a related field. I am deeply passionate about fostering emotional well-being and understanding the unique needs of gifted children. As a result of my personal experiences with my gifted sister, I believe I am a deserving candidate for this scholarship. Throughout my life, I have witnessed the challenges and advantages that come with having a gifted mind. My sister, who possesses a unique understanding of the world, has often been misunderstood and labeled by doctors and educators. However, through my close relationship with her, I have come to realize that these perceived disadvantages are actually hidden strengths waiting to be nurtured. By closely observing brain activities and learning patterns from gifted minds as a society, we will better understand children who think differently, understand differently and act differently. I see today that these types of minds get labeled or treated by a drug that has major side effects. I don't think that is the best way to deal with minds that are a little bit different than the rest. I believe that gifted children have the potential to make significant contributions to society if their minds are understood and supported in the right way. As a psychologist or someone studying psychology, I am dedicated to gaining a deeper understanding of how gifted children think and perceive the world. I want to help create a society that recognizes and nurtures the potential of these gifted minds, rather than limiting them with preconceived notions and labels. Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial support needed to pursue my career goals and make a positive impact on the lives of gifted children. With the scholarship, I will have the opportunity to further my education and gain the necessary knowledge and skills to advocate for and support this unique population. I am committed to conducting research and sharing my findings with society to better the lives of gifted minds. By understanding how gifted children understand and perceive the world, we can develop effective strategies and interventions to support their emotional well-being and help them reach their full potential. Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that with this scholarship, I will be able to achieve my career goals and contribute to the advancement of understanding and supporting gifted minds. Sincerely, Yordanos Bizuneh

Dear Scholarship Committee, I am writing to apply for the scholarship opportunity that supports students pursuing a career in psychology or a related field. As a dedicated student at Marshalltown High School, an active participant in debate, a reliable volunteer, and a recipient of an award for academic achievement, I believe I am a deserving candidate for this scholarship. Throughout my high school years, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to academic excellence, community service, and personal growth. As a member of the debate team, I have honed my communication and critical thinking skills, which I believe will be invaluable in my future career as a therapist or in a related field of education. Additionally, I have eagerly volunteered for various school events and have taken on responsibilities whenever needed. By actively participating in my school community, I have developed a strong sense of responsibility and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. My career goal is to study psychology and later become a therapist or work in a field related to mental health education. I am deeply passionate about understanding the complexities of the human mind and helping individuals improve their mental well-being. I firmly believe that investing in mental health is crucial, as it directly impacts the overall well-being of individuals and society as a whole. Although there has been progress in recent years, brain health remains under-researched. I am determined to contribute to the field and be a part of the ongoing efforts to better understand and address mental health issues. In addition to my involvement in extracurricular activities, I have consistently maintained a GPA of 3.5 and above in two consecutive semesters. This demonstrates my dedication to academic excellence and my ability to excel in challenging coursework. Taking challenging classes has made me more resilient and better prepared for the rigors of higher education. However, I am aware that pursuing higher education can be financially challenging. Therefore, I am seeking financial assistance through this scholarship to help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with my studies. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to pay for one class, enabling me to focus more on my studies and actively engage in the field of psychology. It would not only provide financial relief but also serve as a recognition of my dedication and passion for this field. Thank you for considering my application. I firmly believe I am a deserving candidate for this scholarship, as I am driven, motivated, and deeply committed to becoming a competent and compassionate therapist. With your support, I am confident I can make a significant difference in the lives of others and contribute to the advancement of brain health research. Sincerely, Yordanos Bizuneh

Forming a squad to face a supernatural threat requires careful consideration of each member's abilities and strengths. First and foremost, Eleven would be an invaluable asset to the team with her extraordinary telekinetic powers. She also possesses the ability to manipulate objects and even people with her mind. This power would prove crucial in combating the supernatural threat, as she could use her telekinesis to defend the team, manipulate the environment to their advantage, and potentially neutralize the monster itself. Chief Hopper is the seasoned law enforcement officer of Hawkins. He brings a wealth of experience and tactical acumen to the squad. His sharp instincts, knowledge of the town's dark secrets, and familiarity with the supernatural occurrences in Hawkins make him an invaluable guide and strategist. Hopper's determination and protective nature towards those he cares about would further strengthen the team's resolve and ensure they work together in the face of danger. Lastly, Dustin's intelligence and resourcefulness make him an essential member of the squad. With his understanding of science and technology, Dustin often finds creative solutions to complex problems. His ability to think outside the box and adapt quickly to changing circumstances would prove invaluable when faced with a new supernatural threat. Dustin possesses an infectious enthusiasm and loyalty to his friends. Possessing an infectious enthusiasm would foster a positive team dynamic, boosting morale and fostering a sense of brotherhood in the team.