GOAL #1

Become an Occupational Therapist that does more than just treat my patients injuries and diagnosis. I want to walk beside them leading them to a world where their disabilities don't limit their possibilities.

GOAL #2

Become an Occupational Therapist that does more than just treat my patients injuries and diagnosis. I want to walk beside them leading them to a world where their disabilities don't limit their possibilities.

GOAL #2

I will have a fleet of theraPLAY busses that serve low-income families in our community that have struggled to have consistent care for children that need and deserve service.

GOAL #3

I will build a community of tiny transition homes that surround therapy gyms. This community will be funded by myself along with grants I gain with the knowledge I learned from Williams Collab grant writing. The community will allow young adults with specials needs to transition into an independent community where they thrive. Their parents who have always stressed what would happen to their children when they are gone, will now be able to have peace knowing they are safe and thriving.

LEADERSHIP #1

In my leadership role with Be golden the club I founded I united students that felt unseen and unheard. I gave them a safe place to discover their gifts and helped connect them with the community that needs them. Together we have filled the shelves of struggling families in our community and the local mission with hundreds of meals. We've given companionship to the elderly and helped struggling youth become confident readers.

LEADERSHIP #2

My most accomplished leadership role began seated on a rusty playground bench.I watched as a young boy sat trapped in his wheelchair. He was  just close enough to witness the joy of his peers playing and laughing but too far away to join. His body wouldn't allow him to run with his classmates and his voice couldn't break  through the silence for even the smallest connection. While that moment broke my heart it also built  my understanding that leadership is not about standing above others, it's about walking beside them and building bridges where walls exist. While I couldn’t change his limitations, I could find a way to lead him connection.I started spending time with Stanley, teaching him to use his capable hand to make small gestures in hopes of giving him an even the smallest way to connect. His hand trembled but  they followed my lead and suddenly he was signing. His classmates noticed and  began to learn with us and for the first time, Stanley had connection. The lonely frown he once had turned into a joyful chuckle that filled the room and fueled my soul with purpose. It reminded me that leadership isn't about what I can accomplish alone, but what I can inspire in others that leads to impact.

LEADERSHIP #3

In my role as captain of the varsity flag football I have helped lead my team to undefeated seasons and added many points to the score board. However those wins don't compare to what I have helped my teammates become off the field. Being a student athlete requires dedication on the field but also in the classroom. This team was full of girls who come from rough family lives. I was able to help them see more in themselves dedicate them selves to their workouts and to their education. I spent many hours helping tutoring with my teammates. Beyond that I connected them with passion projects that help them give back but open the door to community service hours they can use for college. I helped educate them on scholarships, FAFSA, and we worked through college application processes together. With my leadership my teammates will be able to have a future in college they never even planned on.

If my sneakers could talk, they’d tell you how a little girl danced through darkness in TwinkleToes and became a woman who sets the ground ablaze with purpose in every step. They’d tell you about the night I sat on the floor, watching my father strangle my mother. And how the next morning, he handed me a box of TwinkleToes like it could erase the damage. I walked into first grade that day with TwinkleToes that lit up every step and a smile to mask pain I wore more comfortably than my Rainbowdash backpack. Those glittery sneakers were the first of many shoes that would carry me through a childhood dressed in sparkle but built on broken pieces. They’d magically arrive after every violent outburst, 82 pairs of Jordans, each one a painful reminder of moments I tried to forget. Those Jordans turned to football cleats and cheer shoes, which I would have thought would have brought happiness to my dad but the more I achieved, the more his anger turned toward me, as if my success offended him. Teachers and coaches praised my grades, leadership, and involvement from school to the community. However, every compliment was drowned out by my dad’s criticism. He’d say “no one  cares about your GPA” and “you’ll never know what a real athlete is” accompanied by hours of sports stories about his glory days. Ironically, my superstar dad had only thrown the ball with me twice my whole football career. Yet the harder I worked, the more he reminded me it wasn’t enough.

In 10th grade, while practicing for the USA 17 Flag football tryout I heard a loud pop. I couldn’t get up and my knee was in horrible pain. That pain led to me being carried off the field to a phone call where my dad just blew me off saying I was being a baby. Two days later the doctor confirmed I had ruptured my ACL and both meniscuses. You’d think that injury would be the worst part but the shattering to my heart hurt a million times more knowing id be letting my team down and possibly ended my athletic career. On the ride home my dad spent the time telling me how God was punishing me for not following his directions. He told me I was weak before the injury, and I’d never be able to recover the same. According to him my junior season was out, and i'd never play the same for my senior year. My heart was broken and the financial burden this put on my mom didn’t make it any better.

My mom wiped away every tear and learned every skill she could to help me with rehab. Many of our nights were marked by my dad yelling to her how she wasn’t helping me at all. I watched tears fall from her face as she continued to work me out. We worked so hard to gain back flexibility and strength and in spite of everything my dad said I made it back to the sideline for cheer and started every game that spring for flag football. My injury has still left us in a difficult financial situation, so I worked more hours to help offset the struggles. While I’ve had many difficult times and obstacles, I use it to motivate me and help others. I have the opportunity to bring that same spirit to the Florida State University Cheer and Girls flag football team. With this scholarship I  could continue to make an impact beyond the obstacles in my life. I will use them to help others to become more than their struggles on the field and in the classroom. With a FAFSA SAI of -1500 I will be awarded grants but they will not be enough to allow me the opportunity to attend FSU. Your investment with not only be for me but for all those I help in the future.

GOAL #1

Become an Occupational Therapist that does more than just treat my patients injuries and diagnosis. I want to walk beside them leading them to a world where their disabilities don't limit their possibilities.

GOAL #2

Become an Occupational Therapist that does more than just treat my patients injuries and diagnosis. I want to walk beside them leading them to a world where their disabilities don't limit their possibilities.

GOAL #2

I will have a fleet of theraPLAY busses that serve low-income families in our community that have struggled to have consistent care for children that need and deserve service.

GOAL #3

I will build a community of tiny transition homes that surround therapy gyms. This community will be funded by myself along with grants I gain with the knowledge I learned from Williams Collab grant writing. The community will allow young adults with specials needs to transition into an independent community where they thrive. Their parents who have always stressed what would happen to their children when they are gone, will now be able to have peace knowing they are safe and thriving.

LEADERSHIP #1

In my leadership role with Be golden the club I founded I united students that felt unseen and unheard. I gave them a safe place to discover their gifts and helped connect them with the community that needs them. Together we have filled the shelves of struggling families in our community and the local mission with hundreds of meals. We've given companionship to the elderly and helped struggling youth become confident readers.

LEADERSHIP #2

My most accomplished leadership role began seated on a rusty playground bench.I watched as a young boy sat trapped in his wheelchair. He was  just close enough to witness the joy of his peers playing and laughing but too far away to join. His body wouldn't allow him to run with his classmates and his voice couldn't break  through the silence for even the smallest connection. While that moment broke my heart it also built  my understanding that leadership is not about standing above others, it's about walking beside them and building bridges where walls exist. While I couldn’t change his limitations, I could find a way to lead him connection.I started spending time with Stanley, teaching him to use his capable hand to make small gestures in hopes of giving him an even the smallest way to connect. His hand trembled but  they followed my lead and suddenly he was signing. His classmates noticed and  began to learn with us and for the first time, Stanley had connection. The lonely frown he once had turned into a joyful chuckle that filled the room and fueled my soul with purpose. It reminded me that leadership isn't about what I can accomplish alone, but what I can inspire in others that leads to impact.

LEADERSHIP #3

In my role as captain of the varsity flag football I have helped lead my team to undefeated seasons and added many points to the score board. However those wins don't compare to what I have helped my teammates become off the field. Being a student athlete requires dedication on the field but also in the classroom. This team was full of girls who come from rough family lives. I was able to help them see more in themselves dedicate them selves to their workouts and to their education. I spent many hours helping tutoring with my teammates. Beyond that I connected them with passion projects that help them give back but open the door to community service hours they can use for college. I helped educate them on scholarships, FAFSA, and we worked through college application processes together. With my leadership my teammates will be able to have a future in college they never even planned on.

If my sneakers could talk, they’d tell you how a little girl danced through darkness in TwinkleToes and became a woman who sets the ground ablaze with purpose in every step. They’d tell you about the night I sat on the floor, watching my father strangle my mother. And how the next morning, he handed me a box of TwinkleToes like it could erase the damage. I walked into first grade that day with TwinkleToes that lit up every step and a smile to mask pain I wore more comfortably than my Rainbowdash backpack. Those glittery sneakers were the first of many shoes that would carry me through a childhood dressed in sparkle but built on broken pieces. They’d magically arrive after every violent outburst, 82 pairs of Jordans, each one a painful reminder of moments I tried to forget. Those Jordans turned to football cleats and cheer shoes, which I would have thought would have brought happiness to my dad but the more I achieved, the more his anger turned toward me, as if my success offended him. Teachers and coaches praised my grades, leadership, and involvement from school to the community. However, every compliment was drowned out by my dad’s criticism. He’d say “no one  cares about your GPA” and “you’ll never know what a real athlete is” accompanied by hours of sports stories about his glory days. Ironically, my superstar dad had only thrown the ball with me twice my whole football career. Yet the harder I worked, the more he reminded me it wasn’t enough.

In 10th grade, while practicing for the USA 17 Flag football tryout I heard a loud pop. I couldn’t get up and my knee was in horrible pain. That pain led to me being carried off the field to a phone call where my dad just blew me off saying I was being a baby. Two days later the doctor confirmed I had ruptured my ACL and both meniscuses. You’d think that injury would be the worst part but the shattering to my heart hurt a million times more knowing id be letting my team down and possibly ended my athletic career. On the ride home my dad spent the time telling me how God was punishing me for not following his directions. He told me I was weak before the injury, and I’d never be able to recover the same. According to him my junior season was out, and i'd never play the same for my senior year. My heart was broken and the financial burden this put on my mom didn’t make it any better.

My mom wiped away every tear and learned every skill she could to help me with rehab. Many of our nights were marked by my dad yelling to her how she wasn’t helping me at all. I watched tears fall from her face as she continued to work me out. We worked so hard to gain back flexibility and strength and in spite of everything my dad said I made it back to the sideline for cheer and started every game that spring for flag football. My injury has still left us in a difficult financial situation, so I worked more hours to help offset the struggles. While I’ve had many difficult times and obstacles, I use it to motivate me and help others. I have the opportunity to bring that same spirit to the Florida State University Cheer and Girls flag football team. With this scholarship I  could continue to make an impact beyond the obstacles in my life. I will use them to help others to become more than their struggles on the field and in the classroom. With a FAFSA SAI of -1500 I will be awarded grants but they will not be enough to allow me the opportunity to attend FSU. Your investment with not only be for me but for all those I help in the future.

GOAL #1

Earn my doctorate in Biology to build a strong foundation in human anatomy, physiology, and medical sciences needed to pursue a career in anesthesiology.

GOAL #2

Complete medical school and specialize in anesthesiology in order to become a licensed anesthesiologist.

GOAL #3

Gain real world experience by completing residency within the hospital setting, and continue to grow and excel in my career as an anesthesiologist.

LEADERSHIP #1

Assistant coaching:

I helped coach new cheerleaders, assisting them with skills, while also helping them build confidence. I led large groups by teaching cheers, our fight song, stunts, jumps, and proper technique while also helping athletes stay focused and motivated.

LEADERSHIP #2

National Honor Society Community Service:

As a member in the National Honor Society, I am a part of projects that give back to the community and support staff at my school. Some activities include collecting necessities and toys for children in need through Christmas donation drives, as well as collecting items for teacher appreciation events.

LEADERSHIP #3

Cheer Team Leadership:

As an athlete apart of a team, I help encourage and motivate my peers during hard practices and performances. I help lead warm-ups and support my teammates by keeping energy positive and helping everyone stay focused. Through this experience, I have gained strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills

ESSAY

Even as a little girl, I knew I was captivated with sports. Beginning with dance lessons and onto softball and gymnastics, I loved the team atmosphere and sense of camaraderie from the weekly practices, team bonding, and ultimately the final performance. That passion slowly transformed into a newfound love - cheerleading. I found the sport in kindergarten, but rediscovered it in middle school joining an extracurricular allstar team. I lived for the weekend competitions where thousands of my peers gathered to bond over our shared passion, then battle each other for the sought after gold medal.

The adrenaline rush of those 2-minute and 30-second routines perfected by hours of hard work and conditioning, would soon turn into fear of failing everything my team worked for. At 13, I began experiencing excruciating pain in my right knee that I immediately knew was the beginning of something awful.  Devastatingly, this would later become the greatest adversity I'd face as a teenager. When I was backstage, I would close my eyes and pray that my knee wouldn't fail me moments before those crucial 150 seconds in front of the judges, my coaches, family and teammates.

I finally asked my parents to take me to my trusted pediatrician of 13 years. My doctor assured me that this pain was part of my normal development and that strengthening the muscles around my knee would resolve it. He explained to my parents, “A couple of squats a day will do the trick!” I knew in my heart that my legs were at their strongest from all the daily workouts and that this wasn't as normal as he proclaimed. I pushed through the pain in fear that going to a specialist would end any future of my cheerleading career.

Finally in high school, I was ready to take my shot to join the JV cheer squad craving those Thursday night lights, and make my debut in high school. The summer before my freshman year, I attended tryouts and gave it my all, but something was lacking. Whether I realized it or not, the struggles with my knee took a toll on both my body and my mind. I didn’t have the confidence in myself to overcome my competition to earn a spot on the squad. This was the turning point that led me to a sports medicine specialist. After trial and error with a special brace and physical therapy, ultimately surgery became my only option. This would be the best or worst decision of my life at just 14. At a time in my life when appearances mattered so much and people were bullied for less, I couldn't bear the thought of not only losing the ability to do what I loved, but also facing a daily reminder— a massive scar every time I looked down. Coming to terms with this was hard, but continuing to bear this pain everyday was harder.

The day of surgery, the doctor marked my knee where he would make repairs through three small incisions. What was supposed to be a two-hour surgery turned into four, and those 3 small incisions turned into a three-inch scar on the inside of my knee and a twelve-inch scar running from my lower thigh to mid-calf. It was worse than I could imagine, but I began to see the light that I could fight through the recovery and get back to my first love. Now in my senior year, I made the varsity cheer team as a main base and am living out everything I dreamed of as a little girl. What I thought was going to be an ugly reminder of what I lost, is now a beautiful reminder of what perseverance and dedication to my recovery and passion of cheerleading has led me to. Years of pain and fear have culminated into a lesson and foundation of how I will live my life.

GOAL #1    

My ultimate career goal would be to work for a major media outlet (e.g., People, Entertainment Tonight, Rolling Stone, or Variety) to cover high profile events like film/TV show premieres, award shows (The Oscars, Grammys).

GOAL #2    

A completely different avenue for me would be to work as an in-house visual storyteller for a professional team (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, etc.) a major university athletic department, a sports media outlet like ESPN or The Athletic, or a venue (Fenway, TD Garden, Madison Square Garden, etc.).

GOAL#3    

Instead of working for a news outlet or a specific team, a different path would be to serve as a dedicated personal content creator, publicist, and visual storyteller for a public figure or an agency representing talent in either Hollywood or professional sports.

LEADERSHIP #1

I created my own photography business, gaining several clients over the course of 3 months, managing my own time, money, schedule, client relations and communication.

LEADERSHIP #2    

Held a year-long internship which involved creating promotional graphics and program books for a high school pageant, taking and editing professional headshots, managing my own separate photography ventures through the internship, handling all client communication and completing other assignments to satisfy my internship class requirements.

LEADERSHIP #3    

Led a community service project within my class helping a local food pantry, raising over $150, helping restock their food items, creating ready-to-go food staple bags, in total helping the pantry feed over 400 families.

SPORT     

For centuries, the sport of horseback riding has been viewed as a fluid, seamless partnership between horse and rider. To the everyday, casual observer, it looks effortless, easy–the rider just sits there in the saddle while the horse does all the work. But anyone who has been on the back of a thousand-pound animal, barreling towards a solid wooden jump knows that it is anything but. Show jumping is a sport of split-second decisions, both physical and mental strength and above all else, a mutual, absolute trust. Being an equestrian for nearly a decade, I have spent years perfecting these traits, believing that my practice had prepared me for anything.