I am worthy. I am validated. I am enough. I carry not only my personal ambitions but also the strength, resilience, and legacy of those who came before me. Those ancestors and legacy who paved the way for me to be who I am. The guidance that I received. The affirmations that were spoken over me. The validation that as a little girl and young lady received from my dad. Makes me know, my worth. I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I refuse to be limited by the barriers placed before me. I represent progress, potential, and purpose—and I work every day to honor that. I will not be allowed to let others put me in a box. I understand that I may see tough and challenging days but understand that I can get through anything. One of my favorite quotes “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials” My dreams are not random hopes; they are rooted in my desire to break cycles, open doors, and challenge stereotypes. I understand that my presence in certain spaces is powerful. It speaks to generations of perseverance, from my ancestors who fought for freedom, to the civil rights leaders who demanded equality, to the women who continue to break boundaries today. Their sacrifices created a path, and I am walking it with pride and determination. I am worth my dreams because I have earned them through hard work, discipline, and vision. I work hard to make sure I keep good grades. I’ve stayed up late studying, balanced responsibilities, I volunteer, I am a member of many clubs and organizations, and I play sports. Being a student means I’m constantly learning—not just academically, but about who I am and who I want to become. I embrace growth, I ask questions, and I seek to lead by example. My worth isn't measured just by grades or accolades, but by my integrity, my empathy, and my ability to uplift those around me. I love to deem myself as a “friend” My relationships with my friends are special to me and I do not take them lightly. I think that to whom much is given, much is indeed required and being able to give back to others is so important. I dream not just for myself, but for my friends, family and my community. I want to be a light. I want my journey to inspire others to dream boldly, too. To have confidence and be assured that what you believe, you can achieve. My friends affectionately call me “auntie” and I know its because of my nurturing way and my ability to give advice when it is needed. I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I have the strength to chase them. For example, I was accepted into 30 schools, and I was afforded the opportunity to attend my dream school of Louisiana State University in the Fall. It is out of state. I did not receive a full ride, and I know it will be challenging financially on my family but they will not allow my wings to be clipped and they are sacrificing a lot to allow me to attend. I do not take that for granted or lightly. My dream was fulfilled. I will continue to dream. Continue to achieve and let my heart continue to nurture those dreams and aspirations that I have for myself, and the vision to use them for something greater than myself. I am more than capable—I am called Ayrin Soraya King

My name is Ayrin King. I am a senior at PK Yonge Developmental & Research School. I have attended PK Yonge since I started kindergarten. I will be attending my dream school, Louisiana State University, in the Fall where I will be majoring in Kinesiology with a concentration in Communications. I have always had a passion for Health Sciences. Helping others has always been important to me. I am a member and volunteer in my community and in many clubs and organizations that have a focus on community service. My goal while attending college is simply to be a sponge. To not just be a student but an involved student. I plan to embrace my experience as I have dreamed and manifested being a student at LSU since sixth grade. The athletic trainer in High School was pivotal in me declaring my major. She single-handedly took me under her tutelage and helped me understand this form of science. She inspired me to take something I love which is sports and something meaningful to me, which is helping others and use it as a leverage for my passion and be impactful. Excited about my major I intend to learn as much as I can about health & physical sciences. As a Kinesiology student, my goal is to promote good health, wellness, and the importance of good nutrition and physical performance through movement science. I plan to make a positive impact by helping individuals improve their mobility, prevent injuries, and enhance their overall well-being. Whether working in rehabilitation, fitness training, or research. My short-term goal would be to intern extensively in this field. My long-term goal would be to obtain my PhD and ultimately have my very own practice. I know that this path will not be easy, and I anticipate that there will be many challenges ahead. I think however, creating a mindset that obstacles are bridges and if you can figure out how to get around them (which you can) you can achieve your goal. Being a student takes discipline and work ethic. I have always been taught that a healthy balance of dedication and consistency can make a difference in better results. Whether that is 15 extra minutes of study time, or volunteering to help someone, whether that is nurturing a friendship and spending time with those who positively impact your life and keeps you focused can positively impact your mental health. If you are healthy mentally you may be inclined to be healthier physically. Being a female, I am already considered the minority and, in this male, dominated field of study that I wish to embark upon I know that it will be challenging to set myself apart. I once read a quote “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials” I will never give up on my dreams and I will overcome obstacles by going around them or simply moving them out of my way. I believe that I can, so I will. My passion is to succeed. To continue to educate myself so that I can help others. Through education and research, I hope to be a part of initiatives that encourage active lifestyles and provide accessible solutions to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it is through improving athletic performance or helping individuals with disabilities regain independence, I hope my future work in kinesiology will leave a positive, lasting impact on my community and beyond. While doing this I will continue to advocate for myself and live a happy and healthy life.

The movie Hidden Figures had a profound impact on my life, particularly in shaping my decision to pursue a career in health sciences. This inspiring film tells the story of three African American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who broke barriers in the field of mathematics and engineering at NASA during the 1960s. Their brilliance, perseverance, and resilience in the face of both gender and racial discrimination resonated deeply with me, inspiring me to pursue a career where I could also contribute to society in meaningful ways. One of the most significant aspects of the movie that influenced my decision was the unwavering determination of the women to succeed despite the many obstacles they faced. Their ability to remain focused on their goals, even when others doubted their abilities or sought to limit their opportunities, showed me the power of perseverance and self-belief. In health sciences, I see parallels—there will always be challenges and barriers, but determination can propel you forward. These women didn't let what society deemed to be, do or act define them; they redefined what was possible. Never letting anyone put them in a box. This is the mindset that I wish to stay focused on while being a student and in my career post college and in my own career. Additionally, The movie “Hidden Figures” emphasized the importance of using your talents and knowledge to contribute to a greater purpose. What you do impacts others. T For example in this movie the women used their math expertise to help send astronauts into space, which had a lasting impact on the world. Even today. In health sciences, I feel that I can have a similar influence by contributing to my major and as a Kinesiology student, promoting physical health, and helping athletes understand the importance of taken care of their whole selves. The movie reinforced the idea that careers in science and medicine offer the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, much like the women did in their respective fields. Finally, the film highlighted the importance of diversity and the need for a more inclusive and equitable future. This motivated me to pursue health sciences not only because of the potential to improve individual lives but also because of the opportunity to be a part of a more inclusive and diverse field. When one thinks about any position in or around athletics and sports its male dominated. But the movie showed me that people from all walks of life can contribute to shaping a better, more equitable world, and I want to be part of that movement no matter your race or your gender. “Hidden Figures” movie instilled in me a sense of purpose, encouraged resilience, and deepened my desire to contribute to the health sciences field at a very young age. Being able to see my self through a different lens. Seeing ladies who looked like me was very impactful. I purchased the book, and the Barbie Doll of Katherine Johnson as it is my hope to share this impact that these women made with my own children one day.

I once read a quote “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials” This was attributed to Confucius that highlighted the impact of development and strength of your individual personal and mental growth. I am currently a high school senior who will be attending my dream school, The Louisiana State University in the Fall. It is my desire to study Health Sciences and Communications, specifically, I will be a Kinesiology major. I chose this major because I love helping people. It has always been my desire to help others. From Elementary school wanting to be a Veterinarian to a small animal vet, to middle school wanting to be a Gynecologist or Neonatal nurse. And in high school, aspiring to work in Sports Medicine and Rehab. I am deeply committed to making a positive impact in the field of health sciences. One of my primary goals is to contribute to the prevention and rehabilitation of physical injuries for athletes and the elderly. Many people suffer from musculoskeletal issues, whether from sports, aging, or everyday life. I plan to use my knowledge of biomechanics, and exercise physiology to help individuals improve their physical functioning and prevent injuries. By working as a assistant in high school to the athletic trainer, I was able to understand and learn a lot being in a rehabilitation setting, from wrapping sprains, icing, and even doing splints. I know that hands on training enables me to that use evidence-based practices to assess, treat, and guide athletes through recovery, while also helping them on the idea of focusing on preventing future injuries. Additionally, I aspire to use my background in kinesiology to advocate for and promote physical activity as a preventive measure for potential chronic diseases. With the increasing prevalence of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, encouraging regular physical activity has never been more important. I plan to educate communities, schools, and organizations about the importance of staying active and adopting healthy habits. I believe that promoting physical activity at an early age, as well as helping individuals understand the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle throughout life, can be transformative for public health. I am also interested in working with specific populations, such as older adults or individuals with disabilities, to design inclusive exercise programs that cater to their unique needs. In summary, I plan to make a positive impact by helping others. I hope to contribute to healthier communities and a more informed, proactive approach to physical health. And giving back has always been the reward. Knowing that I can impact one person in any way that is positive is so gratifying for me.

My interest in STEM, particularly in the field of kinesiology, stems from a deep fascination with how the human body functions and how movement influences overall health and well-being. From an early age, I was always active in my participation in sports. Additional while in high school when I was not cheering or playing volleyball, I assisted the Athletic Trainer for football and basketball which was an additional opportunity for me in exploring physical challenges. It wasn’t until I began learning about the intricacies of the human body and its responses to exercise and injury that I realized the profound connection between science and movement. I credit the athletic trainer in which I was working with who opened my mind to this area of study. I have always wanted to help others. The more I understood about the biomechanics of the body, the more intrigued I became by the idea of applying scientific principles to improve performance, prevent injuries, and enhance recovery. How diet was important to be incorporated into your day to day, especially as an athlete. This curiosity evolved into a desire to pursue kinesiology, as it is the perfect intersection of my passion for physical activity and my interest in science. One pivotal moment that solidified my decision to study kinesiology was an experience I had as a volunteer at a local sports event. I worked alongside the trainer and a football play was hurt after a play. Hands on experience and learning about the different modalities used to help athletes recover from injuries. This hands-on experience opened my eyes to the critical role that kinesiology and health sciences plays in the rehabilitation process and made me realize that there is so much more to physical health than just exercise. Understanding the scientific mechanisms behind rehabilitation and the importance of a personalized approach to recovery inspired me to pursue a career in kinesiology. I began to see the potential for combining my love for science and my desire to help others in a meaningful and impactful way. As I move forward with my studies, I hope to make an impact in the future by contributing to the growing field of kinesiology. I am particularly interested in sports rehabilitation, injury prevention, and improving the quality of life for individuals through movement and diet. For not only athletes but also senior rehabilitative services, I aim to advance our understanding of human movement and contribute to more effective, evidence-based interventions. Furthermore, I believe that kinesiology has the power to address the broader issue of public health by promoting physical activity as a means of preventing chronic diseases. Through education and research, I hope to be a part of initiatives that encourage active lifestyles and provide accessible solutions to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it is through improving athletic performance or helping individuals with disabilities regain independence, I hope my future work in kinesiology will leave a positive, lasting impact on my community and beyond.

“When the heart is right, the mind and body will follow"-- Coretta Scott King My Commitment to Lifelong Learning, Personal Growth, and Community Impact by aligning my academic and personal goals. Making sure the two connect. I believe this can only be done by first understanding what is important to me. I am a child, student, and a friend. I am many things to many people, and having a village that instills in me the power of faith, love and kindness is the light that I want to shine both inward and outwardly. For me the ability to inspire through acts of kindness. Be a confidant, being a listening ear for a friend who just needs to talk. Or a kid that comes into the nursing office where I volunteer as an aid who says they have a headache but perhaps it’s something more than that. But not said. To love is to understand its positive impact, the understanding that even small gestures can change lives. My father is one of our church Global Missions Ministry leaders and they would take missions trip to Haiti every year before the country became un Unrest. When I was in middle school. I partnered with my church and was the brains behind what I named “The Adopt a Bed” mission. Knowing that the ministries next trip would be to clean a nursing home in the village I decided that I wanted to help, make an impact. I started an Adopt A Bed fundraiser where I collected twin sheet sets, I reached out to my family, friends, member’s from the church, and had them donate twin sheets for this nursing home. I was told that the number of beds were less than 30 so my goal was to double that. I successfully collected over a hundred sheet sets. Those sheet sets were delivered to the nursing home during one of the church’s mission trips and not only did they get clean sheets, the home had freshly painted walls and my dad and the mission’s team also did a deep clean. In addition to the sheet sets I also raised flipflops and soccer balls. The things we take for granted as kids like shoes are gifts to the kids in the village. Proud. This is by far one of the Top 3 accomplishments that I am most proud of and look forward to continuing, I feel certain that what you do for others through kindness can help you as a person. Statistically, student volunteerism is linked to improved academic performance, higher motivation, better attendance, and increased engagement, ultimately contributing to greater academic success. I was accepted at my dream school. Louisiana State University. I will be attending in the Fall. While there I will be majoring in Kinesiology. Obtaining a degree in the Health Sciences field is important to me because I have always wanted to work in a field where it surrounded helping people. Much like Bobby Lee Green, Jr., a/k/a Chidube Nkiruka I will commit to continuing to strengthen my faith and I can imagine that the Legacy he left was fierceness and tenacity. I am most honored to be an applicant of this scholarship and if awarded his legacy will be honored. This scholarship would be impactful and would help me and my family as I am attending an out of state institution and is far more expensive than if I chose an instate tuition. However, I am following my heart. I believe this journey is God’s will for me. I will finish strong in my pursuit of higher education and purpose.

Currently being impacted by having my grandmother live with dementia. My uncle a severe diabetic. I have a front row seat to the impact of these health challenges has on a person. For the person who has it and must live or perhaps suffer through and all the family who must bear witness to the impact of the diseases on our loved ones. My uncle at age 40 has been in multiple diabetic comas from his diabetes. He is at risk of losing his toes currently and his diet and insulin intake is so crucial in his vitality. My 78-year-old grandmother, who is living with dementia for example would always say she is not hungry or has no appetite. I often wonder. Does she forget she has eaten, or does she generally feel that she is not hungry? I would defer to the answer being yes to these questions. As a Kinesiology student my goal is to explore the benefits of health sciences as it correlates with these disorders and diseases, my passion lies in helping individuals optimize their health through movement and lifestyle choices. If awarded this opportunity, I would focus on educating and assisting patients and their families in making informed decisions about nutrition and physical activity to enhance their quality and quantity of life. Research consistently highlights the powerful link between dietary choices and the prevention, progression, and even regression of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and dementia. By integrating evidence-based strategies into my approach, I aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to improve their well-being. I would encourage education on the impact of good nutrition. One of the most effective ways to support patients and their families is through education. Many people are unaware of how profoundly nutrition influences disease prevention and management. Although I know education alone is not enough; patients and families need practical tools to implement healthier choices. I would develop easy-to-follow meal plans, grocery shopping guides, and simple recipes that align with their health needs. Additionally, I would work to address common barriers such as financial limitations, time constraints, and cultural food preferences to create realistic solutions for each family. Beyond nutrition, physical activity plays a crucial role in disease prevention and management. I would help patients incorporate appropriate exercise routines into their daily lives, considering their physical abilities and health conditions. For my grandmother, some things that our family is finding beneficial is keeping her physically active and stimulated through rehabilitation. Also, allowing her to attend facilities that helps her and other people who have Alzheimer's or Dementia. They do activities that support brain health. Physical activity that is important as exercise is always important to good health. They play muscle-memory games like bingo. They sing, dance and so much more. I would advocate for more community-based wellness programs that promote preventive healthcare through nutrition and physical activity because there are often when she cannot attend because its already full. Physical activity plays a crucial role in disease prevention and management. I would help patients incorporate appropriate exercise routines into their daily lives, considering their physical abilities and health conditions. For instance, low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, can be beneficial for individuals managing chronic diseases, while strength training can help improve insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients. My goal would be to make movement accessible, enjoyable, and beneficial for all individuals. If awarded this opportunity, I would dedicate my efforts to educating and assisting patients and their families in making lifestyle choices that enhance both longevity and quality of life.

If my life were a movie, the title would be “Friday” the opening scene would start out with the sound of a blaring alarm clock going off at 7:45 am. A slow pan of a rural neighborhood at dawn. The sun peeking through my window blinds. Slowly maneuvering from my deep sleep to awake and think about how to get quickly charged to move just to start my day. It’s FriYay! But why can’t I get out of the bed? My mind is out my body is moving slower. I hear the coffee pot turn on and bustle from my parents getting ready to leave for work. Inside a modest built home only four years old, but lively. I look over to my there’s a desk that is cluttered with books, notes, and my laptop flickering to life. Cut to me — a voiceover kicks in: “Another day. Always on, always learning. But today feels different.” My phone rings. It’s a facetime from my friend Ari. “Today is game day”, she says. “ How are you wearing your hair? Full face beat or minimal makeup, she asks?” My response, “ Wearing cheer bow in a half-up half-down and Full” Then another friend connects to the facetime. It’s Jasmyn. “Hey, anyone stopping for breakfast before school?” Ari and I respond almost in perfect sync. “No” we chuckle and end the call to begin our day. The camera zooms out of the room, showing the small but vibrant world outside, with me arriving to school. Students hustling, dreaming, and living. A soft instrumental track plays as the voiceover continues: “Life’s not easy out here, but it’s about showing up, bringing clarity, and hoping to make a difference, one interaction at a time.” The scene ends with the teacher calling attention to the class. {Fade to black}. Later in the afternoon, the setting is lunch time. Today I am coming up short, so I need to select something that is under $2. What will I eat? I am kind of hungry for sure. PB&J it is. I give the lunch attendant my $1.50 and head to the lunch table that is tucked in a corner which has the best views of the entire lunchroom as well as the outside pavilion. It’s loud, there is laughter, there are people walking around its busy. My table is full of senior girls. Jasmyn asks, “who are you going to prom with” my response in an awkward response. “duh-nobody; you know I am the only one without a boyfriend” Jasmyn response; “Girl please” Ari inserts, “sometimes it just best that way” {staring out of the window thinking} “why am I always put in a friend zone?” Why can’t I get a boyfriend?” {Fade to black}. My vision for the future aligns with scene. Sometimes having enough, sometimes needing more, sometimes wishfully thinking, sometimes imagining what bliss looks like. I am a high school student but will soon be a college student. I see continuing with great friendships, going to school, being active in school with extracurricular activities and being in the moment. Continuing to daydream. There will be days when I may struggle to start my day. There will days that I will hope for certain things to happen in and for my life. And they may or may not happen. However, I will always make a charge to successfully finish what I start and always finish strong.

My name is Ayrin King and I am a High School Senior at PK Yonge Developmental & Research School. After graduation I will be attending LSU in the fall majoring in Health Sciences. Having the opportunity to write this essay about Kidney disease is definitely one that hits close to home as my maternal grandmother lived with kidney disease. All of my life my family has advocated for Kidney Disease. One of the first known illness that I heard of growing up was this disease because it was often spoke about in my family. My grandmother had one of her kidney's removed. She lived with one kidney for over 50 years. She thrived. She was a shell cropper. She worked her farm with not only one kidney but one arm. The arm she lost in a packing shed accident. Very inquisitive as a kid. I would ask her stories. She told us about having her nephrectomy. And how after she recovered from the removal how she felt bionic. Maybe it was in her head. Maybe it was a will that she declared over herself, but she was one of the strongest women I ever knew. For me mostly in wonder, not know that it was possible to have a kidney removed and still maintain a health life made me view her as Super Woman. Ironically my grandmother's name was Carrie Bell Kinsey. I feel like this scholarship was un-mistakeably arranged when I opened my email and the scholarship popped up. Lately I have been thinking about her and not sharing my upcoming my graduation with her and some of the other special people that I loss while in high school; those who would be extremely happy to see how far I came and still how far I will go. Divine appointment? I would say. I am so grateful and honored for the opportunity to apply for the Caring For Carrie (C4C) Kidney Advocacy Scholarship. I am proud of Carrie Silvania for her voice. The mission behind the scholarship is so personal. This scholarship would mean so much to me. It would help my family with some fees and bills I am certain they will incur sending me out of state to college. I vow to continue advocating for Kidney Disease and spreading awareness and continuing to shed light on disease but the fact that there is life with the disease.