Do you know that there are things we do daily without even thinking about them? Brushing your teeth, combing your hair, and getting dressed for the day are all things that most of us do without a second thought. Music can be one of those natural parts of our routines for many individuals. For me, music is more than the words to a song or the guitar notes being played. Music is my escape from reality and all of the scariness that the world puts in our way. Since I was a little girl, I knew singing would be a part of my life forever. Because my grandpa was a former artist and my brother was on the path to becoming one, I knew that music could do big things for people. Music could bring a smile to my face and a giggle to my voice. I always knew that when Grandpa got out his guitar, I was going to have a good time. Being a part of a musically inclined family almost always guaranteed that our family events would end in a song being performed. Music had a weird way of bringing our family together. Everyone had their part, and it was valuable to the song in the end. I continued my musical journey throughout school. Since third grade, I made it a point to share my abilities with people in my school. I performed in many talent shows and performed in a Show Choir for many years. Fast forward to high school. Things began to change in my life. School became stressful, people became rude, and friends became unsteady. The one constant that I knew I'd have is music. Music is the one thing that will always be there for you when you are feeling sad, lonely, or upset. Throughout high school, I have experienced an abnormal amount of tragedy. I have lost friends and family to suicide, unexpected accidents, and age-affiliated issues. Although it was difficult for me to understand why and how these things were happening, it didn't make them disappear. Through tragedy, I have used music as my rock. Listening and singing along to music has comforted me in a way that nothing else could. You can often feel an actual connection with individuals through song. If it weren't for music, the load of grief I would have dealt with would have been insurmountable. I have had the opportunity to share my love of music and what it has done for me with other individuals. I joined the Advanced Choir when I began high school, and it allowed me to create something beautiful for people to enjoy. Music is much more than people make it out to be. Music is like a friend. It is always there to hold your hand and help you when you struggle. It is there when you want to have a good time and laugh. Music is there no matter what challenges you face throughout your life. This is why music is so important to me. I wouldn't be where I am today without the undeniable impact that music has had on my life. The art of song has taught me that no matter what life throws in my way, I can overcome it and use it to better myself and the world around me. There is no better inspiration to me than music.

I think that most people would agree that there's nothing like a warm spring morning. There's something special about waking up to the beaming sun, the chirping birds, and the fresh smell of daisies. Since I was a little girl, I loved to rise out of bed and embrace the world around me. I enjoyed watching the flowers bloom into something beautiful, the leaves regain their color, and seeing the grass begin to grow! One morning, I was outside as usual when I discovered a quiet chirping noise coming from the grass. I walked over out of curiosity to see what it was. To my surprise, I noticed that a baby bird had fallen out of its nest in the tree above. I immediately panicked due to the size and condition of the animal. I told my brother and we were able to help the baby bird back into its nest with the rest of its family. Since having this experience at a young age, I gained the desire to help people. I found joy and excitement in doing so. I've had the opportunity to serve my community in clubs such as the National Honors Society, Student Government, Just Serve, Especially For Athletes, and even through church callings and various sports teams. Whether we are visiting the old folks home or providing Christmas for families in need, I value the experience and the warm feeling it leaves within me. I value my community and express my gratitude towards it every day. Although it is my home and the place I've been able to grow and learn, I am ready to move on and open the next chapter of my story. I'm going to head off to college this upcoming fall. College can be exciting, scary, stressful, and so many other things! Most of all, college is expensive. I am paying for all of my college by myself, which as a student-athlete throughout high school who didn't get the opportunity to work much can be a very nerve-racking concept. I am trying to get all of the help I can, so this scholarship would mean everything to me! I work hard for the things that I have, and college will be no different! Leaving for college doesn't just mean leaving my community, but it means leaving my family and friends behind too. I have multiple nieces and nephews who are my whole world. I would do anything to keep them safe and help them to understand their value. Unfortunately, I can't be with them at every moment, so I don't get to see the way other people decide to treat them. I become nervous thinking about it, however, I believe that kindness can go a long way. I strive to be a good example to my nieces and nephews, which in return will allow them to be good examples to the children around them. I believe that creating a safe and uplifting environment for young children in my community is helping it to become more unified and positive. Although children can choose to act the way that they'd like, I've found that when they feel comfortable and safe they tend to reciprocate those feelings towards others. By teaching children the importance of kindness and sympathy, along with self-worth and importance, they can be compassionate from a young age. These children are stronger and more confident, which as a result helps them stand up to bullies. Whether it's by simply turning away or confronting them, they feel certain about who they are and what their importance is, no matter what anyone says.

Have you ever had the desire to do something so bad that it's all you can think about? Like if you didn't do it, you would regret it forever? Well, this was my situation for the winter season of the 2024-2025 school year. The thing I desired most was to wrestle. I have played basketball for most of my life. So, as you can imagine when it came down to making the decision between wrestling and basketball, things got pretty complicated. I decided that the only solution was to do both! So, there I was taking on wrestling, basketball, student government, national honors society presidency, and roles in many other clubs all at the same time. At first, it became a little bit overwhelming. The most difficult part was having to listen to everyone telling me that I "couldn't do it", that I was "taking on too much at once", or that I wasn't "physically capable to succeed in multiple things at a time." People thought that this would scare me and make me want to quit. However, this only drove my motivation to do it further. I became the athlete I always strived to be. I became a team captain in basketball and focused on being a reliable teammate who drove our team beyond our "limits." In wrestling, I supported every girl on my team throughout their matches. I knew that they needed to look up after their match to see me there supporting them. In my own matches, I went in with a mindset of gratitude so that no matter what happened, I could demonstrate what good sportsmanship really is. Although sports took up the majority of my time, I was able to spend a lot of my spare moments planning events for Tooele High School. I had the opportunity to plan our Spirit Week along with an assembly at the conclusion of the week. This was an amazing way that I was able to lead my school. I showed them the games, started school cheers, and I was even able to get people up and singing along to songs! The remainder of spare time I had was spent participating in service. I had many opportunities to help families in need (especially around Christmas time), visit the old folk's home, work in the food pantry, etc. All of these opportunities I was able to participate in taught me how to be a leader in everything that I do. I learned that there are people watching and looking up to you no matter what it is you're doing -especially as an athlete. This is why I choose to speak with kindness and intent, participate in athletics with discipline and sportsmanship, and act positively and respectfully. Throughout my years of high school, I have participated in volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and softball. Something that every sport has taught me is that every good thing in this world requires work. If you are willing to put in the effort, you will be rewarded. I have taken this lesson and used it in my academics, which has allowed me to maintain my cumulative 4.0 GPA. This achievement has empowered me to win academic all-state in three different sports, as well as region titles in basketball and wrestling, and additionally qualifying for state wrestling as an alternate. When you allow yourself to reach your full potential, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals. Sports have allowed me to set higher expectations for myself, which in result, led me to a greater level of success.