As a child, I wanted to be an NFL player. My high school football career took off from a young age. I dreamed of the lifestyles that NFL players had. I wanted to have influence like them, make a positive impact, and be known for greatness. This childhood dream has changed my life in more ways than I could ever know. Football has been a part of my life for almost eight years now. From this sport, I've built community, had mentors, and made friends that will last a lifetime. Through this sport, I learned discipline, consistency, and perseverance when adversity hits. To be honest, this dream has had a profound impact on me and has shaped my life to this day. In high school, I would put in extra effort and go the extra mile just to excel in my sport. I was successful and continued to pursue football during my college career. However, in my freshman year of college, the sport didn't fulfill me as I had hoped. I was in a room full of athletes, and for the first time I wasn’t seen as the “best”. That leads to insecurity and doubt. It was in that season that I found my faith. My relationship with God has now become the driving force of my life. As I have grown through my time in college, I have recognized that I was once solely focused on my sport, which left me feeling unfulfilled. Sports are often spaces where performance is an idol and perfection is not met. When I began to pursue a genuine relationship with Jesus in my faith, things started to change for me. My sport became a way to glorify God and worship Him. This shifted my leadership to serve others and not focus on my own success. By combining my faith and my sport, I began to feel more joy in it than I ever had before. Fast forward to this year, my faith is being tested, and I have to undergo surgery on my hips, which has forced me to take a step back from football. However, this step back has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. My career dream now is to be a social worker and help change lives for the better. God shifted my perspective to see how much more He has for me beyond just the sport. Even without football this year, I am heavily involved on campus. I am a leader in a campus ministry, and I have the opportunity to help pour into this generation. My passion for my education has birthed a desire to help children who are in the system. As someone who was adopted at only a few months, I know how important it is to have a safe and loving home. I used to look at my sport as the only way I could ever make an impact on people. But in faith, I've learned that I have the opportunity to do that every day, and I don't need a platform to make an impact. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay. I am sorry that Charles B. Brazelton was unable to live out his childhood dreams. Just looking at his photo makes me smile, and I can see that he was a light to those around him. His death inspires me to pursue my dream daily. My dream now is to make an impact, and this is a dream that I live out every day.

Jesus Christ has transformed my life and will continue to until the day I die. He has become my first love and has renewed every aspect of my life. I find joy in my relationship with Him every day and strive to make a Christlike impact on people wherever I go. I accepted Christ in college, though I faced many struggles before that. My name is Bryson Clarson. I am a 21-year-old Christian Black man, adopted as an infant when I was only a few months old. My parents adopted both me and my brother from the same family. Growing up in a transracial adoptive family shaped my understanding of identity, belonging, and the importance of love. As a child, we attended church, which I approached reluctantly, never with the best intentions. I didn’t understand what it meant to “accept Christ,” nor did I realize I could have a genuine relationship with Him. I encountered God in college during my freshman year, which changed my life. I attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and have played football here for the past three years. Before discovering my faith, football was my idol—my identity and self-worth were tied to my performance on the field. College football tested me; it brought anxiety, stress, and doubt into my life. Struggling with idolizing football, I learned to place God at the center of my life, trusting Him with my future. Faith met me at a time when I felt empty despite external success, revealing that my worth isn’t defined by achievements but by who I am in Christ. After being around Christ-centered people during the first half of my freshman year, my heart changed, prompting me to pursue my own individual relationship with Jesus. This was when He began to transform me. Instead of seeking my purpose in a sport, I began to find it in Him. When I returned to school for my second semester that year, I prioritized God through church, mission trips, and Christ-centered friendships. This led me to a life filled with newfound joy and fulfillment. God found me that year, and since then, I have been able to make a Christlike impact in various ways. I’ve led team prayers and Bible studies on the football team with some of my best friends. I am also a resident assistant in the dorms, where I serve those in need. In 2024, I became a founding member of Evolve Whitewater, a branch of Evolve Church, a campus ministry at my university. I serve as the Men’s Outreach Leader. In this role, I am passionate about mentoring other young men, helping them discover their worth beyond worldly measures. I hope to inspire others to lean on faith during their darkest moments, just as it helped me rise above my struggles. In my pursuit of education, I welcome the opportunity to serve others wherever God calls me. I am working on my bachelor's degree in social work while also pursuing a minor in coaching and creative writing. I envision my future as a vessel for God’s love, whether through social work, coaching, or writing. Faith will guide me to lead with compassion and humility, ensuring I approach every individual I help with kindness and understanding. Through every test comes a testimony, and God has taught me this throughout my journey. I will hold my relationship with Him tightly for the rest of my life. I’ve come this far only because of Him.

Diversity has been ingrained in me since I was an infant. My adoption story began when I was only a few months old. My birth mom was courageous enough to surrender me, a baby boy, into the adoption system. At the time, she had two older children living with her, and my birth father lacked the structure in his life to raise a child. A few months later, I found a home. I was adopted by two loving parents in a small rural town called Richland Center. About 18 months after that, my parents received a call from my birth mother with news of another child on the way. My birth mom asked them if they wanted to adopt again, and without a doubt, they said yes! My baby brother Brenden was quickly adopted into our home. Our family consisted of two young African American boys with two white parents. This unique experience turned out to be the biggest blessing of my life. Being adopted and growing up in this family has tremendously shaped me and my future goals. Growing up, we were very fortunate and had many opportunities in school, sports, and life. Not only this, but my parents maintained an open relationship with my birth family, allowing me to see my birth parents and siblings. It was like I had two families. From the time I was adopted, I always felt like I had a place to call home. My parents displayed unconditional love and unwavering support daily. They have consistently provided for me in all aspects of life. Growing up with my younger brother also gave me a lifelong friend to lean on. How did this impact me personally? Well, it made me who I am today. At times in my life, I struggled to find my identity. I sometimes felt like I was in between both worlds and didn’t know who to be. But these tests in my life became testimonies. I learned what it meant to be myself and live without limits. This environment also taught me to love all types of people. I’ve always had a heart for others, no matter what they look like or where they come from. Because I had been loved so intentionally, I wanted to express the same love to others. I use my talents every day to help and serve those around me. I played football, which allowed me to work with others from diverse backgrounds. I also serve as an RA in the academic halls, which allows me to be a light to those in need. Additionally, I serve in a campus ministry called Evolve Whitewater as a Men’s outreach leader. This role has blessed me with the opportunity to create a loving environment for many other people. I am currently attending the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, where I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in coaching. I want to be able to make a difference in the lives of others. This past summer, I served at a group home with troubled teen boys, where I received the opportunity to do that. I thank God for my experiences growing up. If they had been anything different, I wouldn’t be able to make the impact I do today. I am highly passionate about giving back to others because so many have given to me. I was given a new life, home, and opportunities that I could shape my dreams for the future. My parents did good when they adopted me, now I plan to good for the generations that come after me.

My name is Bryson Clarson. I am a Christian, adopted African American, currently attending the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. This is my junior year, and I have played football for the past three years. I have also served on a ministry called Evolve Whitewater and as a Resident Assistant in the academic halls. I am pursuing a degree in Social Work because I seek to serve and impact other people. I wanted to give you this context because sports have influenced all aspects of my life, including these. From the time I was young, my mother encouraged my brother and I to participate in a variety of sports. In my youth, I played soccer, basketball, wrestling, track, and football. The variety of different sports allowed me to connect with all types of people and grow in many skills. In high school, I primarily focused on football and track, where I competed in hurdles. Growing up, I was never the most talented in any specific sport. Because I was never overly talented this helped to develop the strong work ethic I carry with me today. I did not cut corners and had to undergo the process from the bottom up in each sport I participated in. I have been blessed to compete and have success at the college football level here at Whitewater. Here my faith has transformed my athletic journey pushing me to serve others daily and make a positive impact consistently I have been shaped in an abundant amount of ways through athletics. The values that have shaped me the most are Faith, Hope, and Love. I strive to walk daily in my faith and allow it to inspire others. This is done through not wavering in hard circumstances and letting my sport be a way of worship to glorify God. Rather than selfishly seeking all the credit or idolizing my own performance. Hope, this is something that shines like a light in adversity. If you asked my teammates they would tell you how positive my perspective is in almost everything. I strive for this and it is an attitude that is very contagious. One quote I seek to live by is “Love gives.” Every day I seek to find what I can give to others, that may be a smile, a word of encouragement, or a listening ear. Love has shaped my leadership as well, it has taught me to be a servant leader. Servant leadership shown through my athletics has tremendously impacted all areas of my life. Through sports, I receive the opportunity to serve others almost daily. No matter their position I seek to value them and make an impact. I strive to reach coaches, players, janitors, fans, and our equipment staff. When we add value to others everybody benefits. I am taking a year off from football right now due to an upcoming hip surgery. But the positive effects of sports continue to still shape me daily. I am zealous towards my education, ministry, and serving as an RA. Each one of these roles has been influenced by my athletic career. I have a high ambition and know my life is meant to impact others. This drives me daily to be the best version of myself and encourage others to do the same. I am forever grateful for the opportunity I have had to participate in athletics. The lessons learned and the relationships made will last me a lifetime.

From a young age, I have felt a deep calling to help others see their worth and reach their fullest potential. This calling led me to pursue a degree in Social Work, with minors in Coaching and Creative Writing, as I aspire to be a guiding force for children navigating life’s complexities. My ultimate goal is to work closely with youth, including gifted children, to support not only their intellectual growth but also their social-emotional well-being. Gifted children often face unique challenges—perfectionism, heightened sensitivity, or feeling isolated from peers—and I am committed to creating an environment where they feel seen, valued, and empowered. Gifted children possess incredible intellectual capabilities, yet their emotional needs can sometimes be overlooked. I believe nurturing their social-emotional development is just as crucial as fostering their academic talents. As a future social worker and mentor, my goal is to help gifted children embrace their individuality, manage the pressures that can accompany their abilities, and develop resilience. Through personalized guidance and compassionate support, I want to help them navigate complex emotions, build confidence, and cultivate healthy relationships. My background in social work equips me with the tools to understand and address the mental health needs of children. By working in schools or specialized programs for gifted youth, I can provide one-on-one counseling, lead group discussions on emotional intelligence, and collaborate with educators to develop strategies for holistic student development. I want to implement social-emotional learning (SEL) practices that teach gifted children how to cope with stress, build empathy, and express themselves authentically. For example, mindfulness exercises, reflective journaling, and peer support groups could help them process emotions and feel connected to others. Additionally, my minor in Creative Writing will allow me to encourage self-expression in gifted children through storytelling, poetry, and art. Creative outlets can be a powerful tool for children to explore their emotions, articulate their thoughts, and develop a sense of self. I envision creating writing workshops or art therapy sessions where gifted students can channel their creativity, share their inner worlds, and feel validated in their experiences. These forms of expression can be especially beneficial for children who may struggle to verbalize their feelings or who feel misunderstood by their peers. I also recognize the importance of challenging gifted children intellectually while supporting their emotional well-being. My coaching background will help me inspire perseverance, healthy goal-setting, and a growth mindset. Gifted children can sometimes tie their identity to their achievements, leading to fear of failure or burnout. I want to help them understand that their worth is not defined by their accomplishments, but by who they are as individuals. Through mentoring and coaching, I can guide them to set realistic goals, celebrate progress over perfection, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. To bring this vision to life, I plan to gain hands-on experience through internships with youth-focused organizations, attend conferences on gifted education, and seek out professional development in SEL practices. I also aim to collaborate with psychologists, educators, and parents to ensure a well-rounded approach to supporting gifted children. Financial support from this scholarship would allow me to focus on these opportunities, immersing myself in the learning experiences necessary to become the best advocate and mentor I can be. Every child deserves to feel understood, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. My career goals are rooted in the belief that nurturing a child’s emotional well-being is just as important as developing their intellect. With dedication, empathy, and the right resources, I am committed to helping gifted children thrive—academically, emotionally, and personally. This scholarship would be a vital step in allowing me to pursue this mission, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my passion and vision.

Since I was young, I have set high goals for myself in education, understanding that learning is not just about earning a degree but about transforming lives—both my own and those around me. I am currently pursuing a major in Social Work, with minors in Coaching and Creative Writing, each chosen to shape me into the kind of person who can serve others wholeheartedly. My passion for education extends beyond the classroom; I have always been captivated by the opportunities school provides to grow, lead, and make a difference. This passion has driven my decision to pursue a career in social work, where I can be a beacon of hope for at-risk youth and underserved communities. My ultimate goal is not just to become a social worker but to be a mentor, an advocate, and a voice for those who feel unheard. I want to walk alongside young people facing adversity, helping them discover their worth and potential. Social work is not just a career for me—it is my calling. I envision myself working in youth advocacy and trauma intervention, creating safe spaces for children and teenagers to heal and thrive. But achieving this dream requires careful planning, dedication, and access to resources that will equip me for the challenges ahead. Academically, I am committed to maximizing my education. I sit in the front row of my classes, ask questions, and build meaningful relationships with professors, knowing that every interaction is an opportunity to grow. My degree program, combined with my minors, provides me with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective in my field. The next step in my plan involves completing my degree, engaging in internships, and eventually earning my social work license. These steps come with financial demands—tuition, exam fees, transportation for internships, and essential materials for coursework. The weight of these expenses can be overwhelming, but receiving this scholarship would lift that burden and allow me to immerse myself in my education and hands-on learning experiences. Beyond the classroom, I am actively involved in volunteer work and campus ministry, where I lead and serve my peers. These experiences have taught me the importance of showing up for people, even when it’s inconvenient or difficult. I’ve learned that true leadership isn’t about titles but about sacrifice and love. Every hour spent mentoring students or organizing community outreach events strengthens my resolve to pursue a life of service. In the coming years, I plan to intern with nonprofits, foster care organizations, or crisis intervention centers to gain real-world experience working with vulnerable populations. These experiences will shape me into a more empathetic and effective social worker. Financially, I have carefully budgeted for the years ahead, accounting for tuition, living expenses, internship travel, and licensing fees. While I work and apply for additional scholarships, covering all these costs remains a challenge. This scholarship would not only provide financial relief but also allow me to say yes to opportunities that will enrich my education and deepen my understanding of the communities I want to serve. I believe every person deserves to be seen, loved, and supported. With the help of this scholarship, I can continue walking the path toward making that belief a reality. I am ready to devote my life to lifting others up, breaking cycles of hardship, and inspiring hope where it’s needed most. Education is a gift that no one can take away, and with your support, I can use mine to create lasting change. Thank you for considering my application and for believing in the power of dreams fueled by purpose.

As a co-founder of Evolve Whitewater and the Men’s Outreach Leader, I have witnessed firsthand how faith can transform lives, including my own, especially in times of challenge. One pivotal moment where I relied heavily on my faith occurred during the early stages of establishing Evolve Whitewater. The journey to create a faith-based community at UW-Whitewater was challenging, and at times, the obstacles seemed insurmountable. However, through prayer, trust in God, and guidance from Scripture, I found the strength to keep moving forward. Evolve Whitewater was born out of a vision to create a safe, faith-filled space where college students could worship, grow in their relationship with God, and build a supportive community. As a senior balancing multiple roles—being a student, an RA, and a core leader at the ministry—I was faced with several doubts. Would students actually attend? Could I lead such a significant endeavor? Was my faith strong enough? During a season of uncertainty, I turned to prayer for guidance. I remember one particular evening when the weight of my responsibilities felt overwhelming, and I was on the verge of burnout. That night, I asked God for clarity and direction. I felt the Holy Spirit lead me to Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse reminded me that I wasn’t relying on my own strength but on God’s power to navigate this journey. I was reassured that God had placed this mission on my heart for a reason and would provide the wisdom I needed. In the weeks that followed, I surrendered my challenges to God, praying daily for guidance in leadership and strength to continue. Slowly but surely, things began to fall into place. We secured a regular meeting space in Hyland Hall, and students began attending our sessions. One by one, people joined the community, sharing their stories and growing in faith. The sense of purpose and fulfillment I felt in witnessing lives transformed confirmed that this was all part of God’s plan. Throughout this process, I learned the importance of leaning on my faith not only during personal struggles but also as a guiding force in leadership. Being the Men’s Outreach Leader allowed me to support and mentor students, helping them navigate their own challenges through faith. It reinforced the understanding that the foundation of any ministry or leadership role must be rooted in prayer, trust in God’s timing, and reliance on His power. Faith became more than just a belief—it became the tool that helped me navigate life and leadership. In conclusion, the creation and growth of Evolve Whitewater is a testimony to the power of faith in overcoming challenges. It serves as a reminder that even when obstacles seem insurmountable, God’s strength and guidance will carry us through. The experience deepened my belief that with faith in God, we can overcome anything. Through Evolve Whitewater, I have seen faith in action, and I continue to rely on that same faith to lead with courage, compassion, and perseverance.

Mental health has shaped my life in ways I never anticipated. Through my experiences and those of people close to me, I’ve come to understand the profound impact mental health challenges have on individuals, relationships, and communities. These experiences have fueled my passion for advocacy, mentorship, and support. Pursuing a degree in Social Work with a minor in Coaching is not just a career path for me—it’s a calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Mental health is often overlooked or stigmatized, leaving many to suffer in silence. I’ve seen how untreated struggles can diminish self-worth, motivation, and relationships. These experiences have taught me that empathy, patience, and open conversations are essential to breaking the stigma. I believe mental health care should be accessible and integrated into daily life. My journey has reinforced that everyone deserves a support system, regardless of background or circumstances. This belief has driven me to support others through mentorship, leadership roles, and community involvement. As a Resident Assistant and Group Home Assistant, I’ve worked closely with individuals facing personal challenges, providing them with a safe space to be heard. These experiences have strengthened my ability to listen without judgment, offer encouragement, and guide others toward helpful resources. As the Men’s Outreach Leader for Evolve Whitewater, I’ve helped young men navigate personal and spiritual growth. Many of these conversations touch on mental health, self-doubt, and resilience, and I’ve seen how powerful it can be when someone feels seen and valued. These roles have reinforced my passion for mentorship, advocacy, and direct support. My goal is to work with youth, student-athletes, and underserved communities, ensuring they have the resources, support, and encouragement to succeed. As a student-athlete myself, I understand the pressure and stress that come with balancing academics, athletics, and personal life. Many athletes hesitate to seek help due to stigma or fear of judgment. I want to change that by creating safe spaces for open dialogue, advocating for mental health resources, and equipping individuals to navigate challenges. Beyond athletics, I hope to work in schools, community programs, or social service organizations, focusing on mental health support, crisis intervention, and mentorship. Mental health struggles affect people from all walks of life, and many are left without the support they need. Through my work, I want to bridge that gap and be a source of hope for those who feel isolated. While I’m committed to my education and career, financial challenges make it difficult to focus fully on my studies. I currently work multiple jobs to support myself and cover my education costs while balancing academics, athletics, and leadership. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate financial stress, allowing me to dedicate more time to learning and making an impact in social work. This scholarship represents an investment in my mission to serve others, uplift communities, and advocate for mental health awareness. With the opportunity to further my education, gain real-world experience, and develop the skills needed to be an effective social worker, I’ll be equipped to make a lasting difference. Mental health has shaped my beliefs, relationships, and aspirations. I’m committed to using my education and experiences to break the stigma and create lasting change. Through social work, I hope to ensure that no one has to struggle alone and that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.