Growing up in a single income household where every dollar counted taught me early on that financial literacy isn't just useful, it's essential. My dad, who worked multiple hours to make ends meet, often sat at the kitchen table late at night balancing a checkbook, deciphering utility bills, and stretching his paycheck to cover rent and groceries. While we never had much, those moments became lessons for me. I didn’t fully understand the numbers he was crunching, but I saw the discipline, stress, and sacrifices behind each financial decision. When I was old enough to earn my own money through part-time jobs, I made a conscious effort to educate myself. I started with the basics: budgeting my paychecks, opening a savings account, and understanding the importance of credit. At 17, I took an online personal finance course that introduced me to topics like interest rates, investments, and retirement planning. I realized how much I didn’t know, and how vital this knowledge was for my future. In high school, I joined a financial literacy club where we simulated investing in the stock market and hosted guest speakers from local banks. These experiences fueled my passion to not only improve my own financial situation but to help others do the same. I began mentoring younger students, teaching them how to create simple budgets and distinguish needs from wants. I saw a version of my younger self in many of them, curious, eager, but unsure where to start. Today, as I prepare to enter college as a finance major, my goal is to turn this passion into a career. I want to become a financial advisor who focuses on under served communities, where lack of access to financial education often leads to cycles of poverty. I believe that empowering individuals with knowledge, whether it's how to avoid predatory loans, build credit, or plan for retirement, can transform lives. This scholarship would not only help relieve the financial burden of higher education but would also bring me one step closer to my dream: creating a nonprofit that offers free financial education workshops in schools and community centers. I envision a future where financial literacy is not a privilege but a right, where every person, regardless of background, has the tools to make informed decisions and build a stable future. Through my personal journey and continued education, I am committed to turning what I’ve learned into meaningful action, not just for myself, but for those who need it most. Thank You.

Hello, my name is Zeyla Ericksen. Music has always been more than just a passion for me, it’s been a calling. For the past five years, I have had the honor of serving on the worship team at my church, using my voice and instruments to help lead others in spiritual connection and praise. Alongside that, I have spent the last seven years participating in my school’s choir, where I’ve developed my technical skills, learned the value of discipline, and discovered the power of unity through harmony. These experiences have not only shaped my musical abilities, but they have also molded my character, deepened my faith, and solidified my purpose, to use music to uplift and inspire others. Being part of the worship team has taught me that music has a unique ability to move hearts, bridge gaps, and create a space where people feel seen and heard. Each Sunday, I witness how one song can shift the atmosphere in a room and help someone find peace, healing, or hope. It is this transformative power that I want to share with the world. Whether singing lead or harmonizing in the background, I’ve learned that worship is not about performance, it’s about connection. It’s about leading others to a place of reflection and faith through sound. My school choir experience has further prepared me to pursue music as a lifelong endeavor. Through concerts, competitions, and hours of rehearsals, I’ve built a foundation in musical theory, vocal technique, and performance. I’ve also gained a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of music, how every voice contributes to something bigger than itself. These lessons will serve me well as I pursue a degree in music. After completing my degree, my mission is to share music with others not only within my church community but around the world. I plan to serve in full-time ministry, helping to lead worship, train future musicians, and write songs that speak to people’s hearts. In addition, I hope to travel and participate in mission work, using music as a tool to connect across cultures, offer encouragement, and promote healing in communities that need it most. Whether in a small village or a large city, I believe music transcends language and speaks directly to the soul. Receiving this scholarship would bring me one step closer to making this vision a reality. It would not only ease the financial burden of higher education but also affirm my belief that music is a gift meant to be shared. I am eager to continue growing, learning, and ultimately using music to make a lasting impact in the lives of others. Thank You for this opportunity!

From the moment I was born, my life was intertwined with the rhythms of a heart that beat to a different cadence. Diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (CHD), I faced a journey marked by surgeries, hospital stays, and countless medical appointments. Yet, through each challenge, the unwavering support of my family and the advancements in medical care became the driving forces propelling me forward. My earliest memories are not of playgrounds or cartoons, but of hospital corridors and the comforting presence of my parents by my bedside. They were my pillars, absorbing complex medical information, making difficult decisions, and ensuring I never felt alone in my battle. Their resilience taught me the importance of perseverance and the power of love in healing. The medical teams who cared for me played an equally pivotal role. Their expertise and dedication transformed daunting procedures into life-saving interventions. I recall the meticulous care during my surgeries and the encouragement during recovery phases. Their commitment not only mended my heart but also inspired a deep appreciation for the medical profession. Living with CHD instilled in me a unique perspective on life. I learned to cherish each moment, understanding that every heartbeat was a gift. This awareness fueled my academic pursuits, driving me to excel in school and engage in community service. I became an advocate for CHD awareness, sharing my story to inspire others and to highlight the importance of early detection and research. One particularly impactful experience was meeting other CHD survivors through support groups. Sharing stories, challenges, and triumphs created a sense of camaraderie and reinforced the idea that our conditions did not define us. These interactions emphasized the significance of community and the strength found in shared experiences. As I stand on the cusp of higher education, my aspirations are deeply rooted in my journey. I aim to pursue a career in healthcare, focusing on pediatric cardiology, to give back to the community that once nurtured me. My goal is to contribute to advancements in CHD treatment and to support families navigating similar paths. In conclusion, surviving a congenital heart defect has been the crucible that forged my character. The combined strength of my family's love, the dedication of medical professionals, and the resilience cultivated through adversity have been the greatest driving forces in my life. They have shaped me into a determined individual, ready to embrace the future with hope and purpose. Thank You.

Living with a disability has never been just a medical reality for me, it has been a defining part of my journey, shaping not only how I see the world, but also how I engage with it. My disability has taught me resilience, creativity, empathy, and an unshakable determination to pursue a life of purpose. It has challenged me to adapt, to advocate, and to persist, and it continues to inspire my hopes for what I can accomplish through education and in the broader world. Growing up with a hearing impairment, I quickly realized that the world is not always built with people like me in mind. Simple tasks often required innovative solutions. Opportunities sometimes came with barriers I had to fight to overcome. Yet, instead of allowing frustration to harden me, I chose to let it deepen my sense of compassion, for myself and for others whose voices or needs often go unseen. Because of my experiences, I approach challenges not as reasons to quit, but as invitations to problem-solve creatively and persist boldly. This mindset fuels my academic goals. In college, I plan to major in ministry, a field where empathy, advocacy, and resilience are not only helpful but essential. I want to use my education to lift others up, especially those who, like me, have been told in subtle or overt ways that they are limited or less-than. Beyond school, I hope to build a career where I can serve as a mentor and advocate, helping others navigate systems that often overlook or underestimate them. I want to work toward a society where differences are not just accommodated, but truly valued, where accessibility, understanding, and respect are the norm rather than the exception. Whether through leading support groups, working in inclusive education, advocating for policy change, or serving in ministry, I am committed to using my voice and experiences to create spaces of belonging and hope. My disability has never been my weakness, it has been my greatest teacher. It has shown me the power of persistence, the beauty of interdependence, and the importance of using my story to uplift others. Through education, I aim to sharpen my skills, deepen my impact, and continue transforming personal challenges into collective hope. I am not just seeking a degree, I am pursuing a lifelong mission to make the world a more just, compassionate, and inclusive place for all. Thank you.

Intimate partner violence or IPV is a hidden crisis affecting millions of individuals and families, often leaving deep emotional, physical, and spiritual wounds. I believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent and reduce IPV, and that ministry offers a unique, transformative platform to create lasting change. Pursuing a degree in ministry, combined with my personal experiences, will empower me to be a voice for the vulnerable and a catalyst for healing and prevention within my community and beyond. Education opens the door to awareness, understanding, and empowerment. Too often, cycles of violence are perpetuated by silence, stigma, and misinformation. By educating individuals about healthy relationships, respect, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution, we can break these cycles before they begin. Through ministry, this education can be rooted not only in psychological knowledge but in the foundational values of dignity, compassion, and love that many faith traditions uphold. My goal is to build programs that integrate practical education with spiritual formation, helping individuals recognize their worth and cultivate relationships grounded in mutual respect. My personal experiences have given me a deep empathy for survivors and a clear vision for change. I understand the profound fear, isolation, and shame that can accompany IPV, as well as the critical need for safe spaces and strong support networks. Rather than allowing my experiences to define me negatively, I have chosen to let them fuel a calling to serve others. A ministry degree will equip me with pastoral counseling skills, crisis intervention strategies, and the leadership training necessary to create ministries that address IPV directly, through education, advocacy, and support services. Through my studies, I plan to develop initiatives such as church-based workshops, community partnerships, and support groups that educate congregations and communities about IPV. I also hope to mentor young people, teaching them early about self respect, boundaries, and recognizing signs of abuse. In the long term, I aspire to partner with local organizations to provide holistic support for survivors, addressing not only their immediate safety needs but also their spiritual, emotional, and psychological healing. Faith communities can either be places of silence or sanctuaries of change. I choose to work toward the latter. By combining my education in ministry with my lived experiences, I will advocate for a world where intimate partner violence is no longer hidden in the shadows, but confronted with courage, compassion, and hope. Education is not just about information; it is about transformation. Through my calling to ministry, I am committed to transforming pain into purpose, fear into freedom, and isolation into community. In conclusion, my pursuit of a ministry degree is driven by the conviction that education can dismantle the roots of intimate partner violence and sow seeds of lasting peace and respect. With faith, education, and a heart that has known both hurt and healing, I am determined to be a force for positive change, empowering others to reclaim their lives and thrive.

From an early age, I have been drawn to the idea that faith is not only a personal journey but also a call to service. Choosing to major in ministry is not simply an academic decision for me; it is a commitment to a life of purpose, compassion, and leadership. I believe that studying ministry will equip me to make a profound and lasting impact on both the world and my immediate community by providing spiritual guidance, fostering unity, and championing social justice. At its heart, ministry is about service, about meeting people where they are, offering hope in times of despair, and nurturing the human spirit. Through a ministry degree, I will gain a deep understanding of theology, ethics, counseling, and leadership, all of which are essential tools for creating positive change. In a world marked by division, hardship, and uncertainty, trained ministers are uniquely positioned to build bridges, heal wounds, and inspire collective action toward a better future. Ministry also cultivates a profound sense of empathy and listening. By engaging with diverse communities, understanding their struggles, and walking alongside them, I will be better able to advocate for justice and equality. Whether it's mentoring young people, supporting marginalized groups, or leading initiatives that address poverty, mental health, or addiction, the skills and values fostered through a ministry education will empower me to respond to real human needs with wisdom, compassion, and resilience. Furthermore, ministry is not confined within the walls of a church; it extends to schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and international missions. With a degree in ministry, I envision myself leading programs that serve both spiritual and practical needs, programs that feed the hungry, educate the under served, and promote peace and reconciliation in divided communities. By nurturing the inner lives of individuals, I believe we can transform societies from the inside out. In a time when many are searching for meaning, connection, and hope, I see ministry as an opportunity to be a source of light and encouragement. I am passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and loved, spaces where they can grow not only in faith but in dignity and purpose. Through ministry, I aspire to help others recognize their inherent worth and potential, empowering them to pursue their own paths of service and impact. In conclusion, majoring in ministry represents a commitment to living a life that is outward-focused, justice-driven, and rooted in love. It will prepare me to serve a world that desperately needs leaders who are willing to listen, to heal, and to build. By dedicating my education and career to ministry, I aim to be one of those leaders, making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and in the broader world we share.

Hello! My name is Zeyla Ericksen. I am a Senior at Pace High School, and I plan to attend Trevecca Nazarene University to study Music. I want to go into ministry and give back to those around me. Jack Terry's story inspires me because I have had many personal struggles in life as a young child as well. Throughout my life, my family has faced many financial and medical hardships. As a child I never fully grasped the deep reality of how hard it was on my parents as my younger brother and I grew up. As I begin to grow up, and got into high school, I realized the responsibility I needed to take for my own life. Throughout high school, times have been rough. Financially my family has never really been comfortable as we work off one income from my dad, and my mom is medically disabled. This hardship has taken a tole on my high school success, but has never held me back. As I am a striving student who, despite my lack of resources compared to my peers, continuously works hard to gain high honors. In May, I will be graduating with High Honors, a 3.9 GPA, involvement in many honor societies, and over 150 service hours from in my school and around my community. As I take these accomplishments with me, I also take a grateful heat for the community behind me through this all. My family, friends, teachers, and peers. As I continue my education in College, I plan to use this as a humbled opportunity to give back to those who have supported me along the way. As I go into ministry, my biggest goal is to spread hope and encouragement, and that includes coming back to where my very own hope and encouragement came from. Jack Terry surviving such hardships goes way beyond what I have personally faced, and for that I am grateful. I also deeply respect the life he lived through, and the sharing of his story. I recognize his accomplishments working hard through high school and college, becoming a geological engineer, and attending medical school where he became a psychoanalyst. I truly honor and am grateful for his service in the Army as a 1st Lieutenant. And most importantly for sharing his story later on in life with students like me to become inspired and uplifted by such an incredible life lived by one man. Thank you, I am deeply humbled for this opportunity. -Zeyla Ericksen

Furthering my education plays a crucial role in shaping me and the people around me. Education empowers people with knowledge and skills, enabling them to contribute to society, pursue their passions, and lead fulfilling lives. It fosters critical thinking, personal growth, and broadens one’s perspective of the world. Moreover, continuing education, whether formal or informal, helps individuals adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the modern world, allowing them to stay competitive in their careers and find opportunities for personal and professional advancement. In the pursuit of furthering education, many individuals find comfort, healing, and personal expression through the transformative power of music and art. These creative outlets have profound emotional, mental, and social benefits, helping people navigate life’s challenges and difficulties. The influence of art and music in life is not merely about aesthetic enjoyment but also about therapeutic value and personal expression. Music has a remarkable ability to affect emotions, making it a powerful tool for coping with life’s hardships. Listening to music can evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy to sadness, nostalgia to inspiration. Music therapy, for example, is commonly used to help individuals process grief, cope with anxiety or depression, and even manage physical pain. Through rhythmic beats and melodic patterns, music helps in releasing pent-up emotions, offering a safe space for individuals to explore and express their feelings. In times of personal struggle or emotional turmoil, a song can serve as a reminder that one is not alone, as lyrics often reflect shared experiences and universal themes. Art, like music, has a therapeutic and transformative power. Whether it is painting, drawing, sculpture, or any other form of visual art, engaging in creative expression allows individuals to process emotions, communicate unspoken feelings, and work through difficulties. The act of creating art helps foster mindfulness and concentration, which can serve as a stress-reliever and provide a sense of accomplishment. Art encourages a reflective approach to life, where individuals can examine their own experiences, fears, and hopes. For those who find it difficult to express themselves with words, art offers a language that transcends verbal communication and provides a space for personal insight and growth. There are many real-life examples of how music and art have helped people overcome challenges. For instance, during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, music became a powerful tool for activists to communicate their struggle for justice and equality. Songs such as “We Shall Overcome” became anthems of hope and resilience. In personal experiences, many people who have faced grief or mental health challenges have reported that music and art provided them with a sense of peace, strength, and emotional release. These creative forms of expression often become outlets for emotional healing, providing individuals with the ability to transform negative experiences into something productive and meaningful. In conclusion, furthering education is not only about acquiring technical knowledge but also about nurturing the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals. Music and art, as integral parts of human culture, offer essential tools for personal expression, emotional release, and healing. They provide individuals with a means to navigate life’s difficulties, whether through the soothing rhythm of a song or the catharsis of creating art. In a world that often feels overwhelming, music and art serve as anchors, helping people to cope, grow, and thrive.

Hello, my name is Zeyla Ericksen. I am 18 years old and a Senior in High School. I live in a low, one income family in Pace Florida. Despite my family's struggles over the years, there has never failed to be love and passion. I have worked really hard in school, academics, and Nation Wide Test, earning my acceptance into my dream, number one college. I will be attending Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville Tennessee this upcoming fall 2025. I plan to major in Music and Worship Ministry. I am currently involved in, and president of, many extracurricular activities. These including National Honor Society, Music Honor Society, Choir, First Priority, and Leadership. The clubs I have been apart of the longest are Music Honor Society and Choir, going on 3 and 4 years. These two, I have pointed out specifically to emphasize my passion for music. For as long as I can remember, I've had a heart for music and singing. My mom is a singer and my dad is a drummer, both attending our church using their talents for over 16 years. Music comes naturally in my family, and my church noticed this about me from the start at a very young age. I have lead worship at my church for around five years now, beginning my journey of passion at the age of 13. My interest in this specific career, however begin last year during a youth retreat focusing on young talents and gifts. I there competed in the female vocal solo and got 2nd place my first year. This trip begin to open my eyes to what my passion may really be. You see, before this, I was sort of lost in my idea of the career field. I always knew I wanted to go to college, but what for? I knew I loved to sing, but never put thought to pursuing it as a full time job. Sadly, many people my age do not know what they want to pursue in life and they begin to wonder what their true talents are. I personally did not know what my field of study would be in college until Junior year of High School. I am blessed to have a church and family who caught my talent early in life, and who opened my eyes to what I am truly good at. This realization lead to the discovery of Trevecca, where the Major of Music and Worship Ministry was presented to me. So, I continue to follow this passion of singing songs of praise and worship. I have this calling on my life to continue in this alongside spreading the word of Jesus, and I am ecstatic to take my first steps. Thank You.

Hello, my name is Zeyla Ericksen. First off, Thank you so much for this opportunity and for John Young's service to our Country. I am a Senior at Pace High School (class of 2025) and I am beginning my journey of taking these next, very important steps in life by pursuing a further education. I have had the call on my life to pursue Music and Worship Ministry as well as Biblical studies, and to follow study as a 4-year degree student. I have chosen this field because of the my own personal beliefs as well as talents I succeed in. The specific school I plan on attending also played a big role in my choice of career, as it pertains to my calling. I desire to create an impact the lives of all that I meet in a positive and encouraging way with this career. I have always had a heart for people and I am currently involved in many community and school ran events/clubs that focus on outreach and care. I have already seen great change in the hearts of those around me and I want to continue to do the same wherever I go. I simply want to spread kindness and joy, and to do so through music and song. Reasons as to why, is the idea that all deserve happiness as well as to know that they are loved. Some goals that I have set for myself to help me achieve this professional passion include Graduating with all Honors, surpassing the required SAT and ACT scores by my chosen school, and to make an impact along the way in my community. Thank you, -Zeyla Ericksen (11/04/24)