Joseph Daniel Cook Jr. HOPE Foundation Scholarship

Losing my mother just days before my 17th birthday was a sudden and devastating blow I never anticipated. I had never experienced a profound loss before, and it completely took me off guard for what I should do with myself, especially with my goal of attending college after my upcoming senior year. In the wake of her loss just a month ago, I found myself wrestling with a fundamental question - what comes next? This scholarship is for those who have experienced a loss and hope to persevere through a tough time, focusing on what matters most, and finding whatever is left within us to fight through our grief journey. Slowly but surely, these past few weeks, I have found something within me to keep pushing through. The lasting influences she left with me and the values she instilled in me have led me to focus on what she and I would have wanted for my future. I had always told my mother how excited I was to start college and my career in medicine, sharing all the research I found and the efforts I made to pave the way for our family's future. Her encouragement and unwavering support fueled my determination then and now, serving as a constant reminder of the sacrifices she made to ensure my success as a single mother all my 17 years of life. Until now, it had only been the two of us navigating life's challenges together every step of the way. Even now, in her absence, every step I take towards my goals is not just for myself but also to honor her legacy and the dreams we nurtured together, and to pursue everything we wanted for me. She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself and sacrificed so much to ensure I had every opportunity to succeed. My motivation to fight is from her unwavering belief in my potential. Her spirit continues to guide me with all my choices, propelling me forward with a sense of purpose and resilience that I carry with me each day. The Joseph Daniel Cook Jr. HOPE Foundation Scholarship represents more than financial aid; it represents a community of individuals going through something difficult. I am determined to use this opportunity not only to further my education but also to contribute to this supportive community, despite being quite new to it. It provides not only a pathway to achieving my educational goals but also a beacon of hope during this challenging time of transition. I am grateful for the chance to apply for this scholarship and share my journey knowing that it might offer hope to others on their path of overcoming loss. Thank you for considering my application!