1984, Los Angeles. My mother watched Mary Lou Retton win gold......from the hospital bed where she was confined. My mother was an elite gymnast. A mere 8 weeks before the Olympic trials, she ran into a wall showing off her skills, breaking her neck. Everything she had worked for was gone in an instant. Often, my mother and I talk about how hard it was to go from being on top of the world to being unable to care for yourself. She spent many years lost, unable to figure out who she was or how to continue. Mental health services were not readily available in the 1980s. Not for athletes. Not for anyone who was "normal". It was only for those "sick" or "unstable". My mother was neither, just lost. I am rooting for and watching Simone Biles this year. Yes, the GOAT. While I love gymnastics and watching her gymnastics, I admire her character the most. She discusses how mental health helped change her life, made her better, made her whole. I admire her integrity and willingness to speak up for those lives like my mom who needed help when it wasn't available or accepted. Simone Biles uses her platform to normalize mental health help. For that, I will continue to cheer her on, hoping for all people to see how much mental health services are normal, needed, and nurtured. She is a GOAT....both as a gymnast and an advocate for mental health.

What Do You Mean I Can’t Dance? I have been Irish dancing since I turned four. For 10 years I trained. I made it to OC, the highest level of Irish dancing. I qualified for the North American Irish Dance Championship. Many medals littered my walls. But I was not done. I wanted to compete in The World Irish Dance Championship ……and was willing to do what it took to get there. Never would I have believed how hard that goal would become. In January 2020, I started falling. Not just once or twice, but 6,7,8 times…daily. I figured I was growing so I didn’t worry. But, it went on for weeks. Sitting in the orthopedic doctor's office would soon become all too familiar to me. I was diagnosed with a genetic condition called Tarsal Coalition, a genetic anomaly that causes bones in your ankles to repeatedly fuse. “What do you mean I can't dance?” I was destroyed. Months of intense therapy and painful procedures were needed to un-fuse my ankles so they would grow/work properly. Determination filled my heart. I was going to dance the way I could. Two years. It has taken two years of excruciating procedures and therapy and unending amounts of stretching/exercising to break most of those abnormal fusions. Two years to heal my hip and my ankles. I will wear special orthotic braces in my shoes the rest of my life, and I will need to have many procedures to break the continuing fusions, but I know how to manage TC now. Now, I am strong and now I am going after Worlds....even to tour with Riverdance. What does Irish dance mean to me? Everything. I have learned to be courageous and strong, to be a good competitor when I win, and a supportive one when I don’t. I have learned to enjoy life even when it isn’t going the way I wanted. I have learned that I can enjoy something even if what I thought I loved most about it is gone. Teaching the younger students and performing at nursing homes, working towards my teaching credentials, and encouraging my dance-mates during their competitions are all things I could do even when my own path seemed so uncertain. Over these last two years, I’ve learned I enjoy lots of things about Irish dance I had not had time to notice or focus on before Tarsal Coalition came into my life. I am grateful. I am grateful that I dance. If not for dance, the Tarsal Coalition would not have been found until it was too late to fix it. I am grateful for my teachers who did not give up on me but encouraged me to work hard and enjoy other aspects of dance besides competition. I am grateful for my teammates, the young students I get to mentor, and the opportunities I have to serve my community through Irish dance. I am grateful for Irish dance to know, for certain, that I am strong, that I can weather difficult circumstances and still find joy in the things I love. I am also grateful that the time has given me the opportunity to work with my dad to design a practice floor, using physics and material science, to lessen the impact of jumps on a dancer's body. And, we have started a business selling the plans. I still plan to tour Riverdance, but I also am going to use my business so that other dancers can decrease their risk of injury by practicing on floors designed to lessen the impact of dancing on their ankles.

What Do You Mean I Can’t Dance? I have Irish danced since I turned four. For 13 years I trained. I am a world champion-level Irish dancer. Many medals litter my walls. But I was not done. I wanted win the World Irish Dance Championship……and was willing to do what it took. Never would I have believed how hard that goal would become. January 2020, I started falling in class. Not just once or twice, but 6,7,8 times… each class. I was growing, felt uncoordinated, so I didn’t worry. But, it went on for weeks. My situation and my dance career were about to get worse. I fell once too often. Sitting in the orthopedic doctor's office would soon become all too familiar to me. Tarsal Coalition. "It is a genetic anomaly that causes bones in your ankle to fuse.” the doctor stated. “When you fell, you broke the fusions. You will have to take months off from dancing, and you may never be able to return.”.... "I can't dance?” I was destroyed. A year of intense therapy and painful procedures were needed to un-fuse my ankle so it would grow/work properly. Determination filled my heart. I was going to dance the way I could. I just knew it. And I did. Alas….I started falling, again! This time I broke my hip. It was determined by my doctor that I had Tarsal Coalition in the other ankle. Crushing. The news was crushing. Everything I wanted to accomplish was gone........ Two years. It has taken two years of excruciating procedures and therapy and unending amounts of stretching/exercising to break those abnormal fusions. Two years to heal my hip and my ankles. My faith is God has been tested. I was sure I was designed to be the next Riverdance lead. I struggled with being angry...Why God would take my dream away? What does Irish dance mean to me? Everything. Almost everything at least. I have learned that my faith means even more. I have learned to be courageous and strong, to be a good competitor when I win, and a supportive one when I don’t. I have learned to enjoy life even when it isn’t going the way I wanted. I have learned that I can enjoy something even if what I thought I loved most about it is gone. Teaching the younger students and performing at nursing homes, working towards my teaching credentials, and encouraging my mates during their competitions are all things I could do even when my own path seemed so uncertain. Without my training schedule, I have time to be a student leader at my church and invest in other dancers, be a light of the gospel in their lives since I am not so fixated on my own success. Over these last two years, I’ve learned I enjoy lots of things I had not had time to notice or focus on before Tarsal Coalition came into my life. I am grateful. I am grateful that I dance. If not for dance, the Tarsal Coalition would not have been found until it was too late to fix it. I am grateful for my teachers who did not give up on me but encouraged me to work hard and enjoy other aspects of dance. I am grateful for my teammates, the young students I get to mentor, and the opportunities I have to serve my community through Irish dance. I am grateful for my faith, to know, for certain, that I am strong, that I can weather difficult circumstances and still find joy in the things I love.

Five. All Five are lost too soon. On August 15th, my grandfather was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Seventy-four days later, on October 28th, he died. He is the fifth family member I have had die this year of cancer. Five. Five people I loved. Five people cut down in the prime of their lives. Five people who needed hope that a medicine might lessen the symptoms, extend their time, or cure them altogether. Five people I would like to have saved. My grandfather was particularly hard. He taught me to golf. I missed my Senior Golf Night and last match attending his funeral. In the realm of pharmacological research science, cancer treatments and cures have been arduous and relentless. The process of developing a new drug generally averages a total of 10 to 15 years. That is one drug. Many will be needed to fight the onslaught of cancers present in our society today. According to cancerresearchuk.org, over 200 different cancers exist in our present time. However, my unwavering passion for discovery and knowledge fuels my endeavor to cure cancer through pharmacological research. It is a passion that turns a mere job into a life goal, into a hope that one day, cancer will cease to exist. Scientists have cured many diseases. Cancer at its very heart is just a disease. If we as scientists can cure one disease, we can cure them all given enough time, funding, and passion. I have the passion. I have the time. I will get the funding. Pharmaceutical Research requires cross disciplines to work together. Mathematicians, Chemists, Biomedical engineers, and computer programmers will all be needed to find the right mathematical compound, delivered in the right manner, at the right time, to cure cancer. I plan to attend a college that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and teamwork. Passion drives scientists to discover, to try the "unknown", to spend hours in a lab, to research. I played golf on my high school girl’s team all four years. Our team began with just enough girls to complete a match, most of us had never played. In our first match, our girl’s team averaged a score of 89….on 9 holes…and we had a rule we had to pick up our ball after nine strokes per hole. But, we were all freshmen and we committed to one another to stay together for all four years. We spent many hours practicing and working together to build our sport at our school and to become better golfers. By our senior year, team average was 47 per 9 holes, and we grew our program to include a varsity team AND a junior varsity team—the only school in our city to have both teams for girls. I love golf. I am not stellar at it. But I love everything about it—hanging out with my family and friends, working together on a team, progressing inch by inch, day by day. And, now that my grandfather is gone, I have all those memories of golfing with him to motivate me in my Pharmaceutical research career. Pharmacological science stands as the beacon of hope in curing cancer. It involves a team, working together toward the same goal. I can do that, golf taught me that. Pharmaceutical research demands not only intellect and expertise but also a deep-seated passion to alleviate the suffering caused by this wicked disease. I am passionate about finding a cure....for all cancer, or even just ONE. I am tired of watching people die of cancer. There is a way to prevent it. It just needs to be discovered.

Five. All Five are lost too soon. On August 15th, my grandfather was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Seventy-four days later, on October 28th, he died. He is the fifth family member I have had die this year of cancer. Five. Five people I loved. Five people cut down in the prime of their lives. Five people who needed hope that a medicine might lessen the symptoms, extend their time, or cure them altogether. Five people I would like to have saved. My grandfather was particularly hard. He was my connection to my history, to fighting wars, to surviving loss, to pursuing dreams. In the realm of pharmacological research science, cancer treatments and cures have been arduous and relentless. The process of developing a new drug generally averages a total of 10 to 15 years. That is one drug. Many will be needed to fight the onslaught of cancers present in our society today. According to cancerresearchuk.org, over 200 different cancers exist in our present time. However, my unwavering passion for discovery and knowledge fuels my endeavor to cure cancer through pharmacological research. It is a passion that turns a mere job into a life goal, into a hope that one day, cancer will cease to exist. Scientists have cured many diseases. Cancer at its very heart is just a disease. If we as scientists can cure one disease, we can cure them all given enough time, funding, and passion. I have the passion. I have the time. I will get the funding. Pharmaceutical Research requires cross disciplines to work together. Mathematicians, Chemists, Biomedical engineers, and computer programmers will all be needed to find the right mathematical compound, delivered in the right manner, at the right time, to cure cancer. I plan to attend a college that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and teamwork. Passion drives scientists to discover, to try the "unknown", to spend hours in a lab, to research. David George Brown and his father George Seward Brown fought wars and survived loss. George was a B29 bomber in WW2. My grandfather stormed Normandy beach on D-day, and survived. My own mother was born in West Germany after my grandfather served there with the US Army, giving up his life and dreams back home to help a people healing from war. Mr. Terry's story reminds me that my family played a small part in helping him pursue his dreams. Mr. Terry's story is inspirational because it reminds me that one person can set another free to follow their passion. That Mr Terry used the opportunities given to him, either through his own adversity or others, to pursue this passion and make the community around him a better place, is inspirational. My families deaths, my adversity spurn me on to create a better community around me. Pharmacological science stands as the beacon of hope in curing cancer. It involves the study of chemicals and their interactions with different organisms. It involves seeking to identify chemical compounds that can specifically target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. It involves a team, working together toward the same goal. I can do that, adversity taught me that. Pharmaceutical research demands not only intellect and expertise but also a deep-seated passion to alleviate the suffering caused by this wicked disease. I am passionate about finding a cure....for all cancer, or even just ONE. I am tired of watching people die of cancer. There is a way to prevent it. It just needs to be discovered.

Just 4? Only 4? I started playing golf in my freshman year of high school. My cousin was the Massachusetts state champion in 2008. I had played a few times with her, and I hit the golf range a lot using a program that gave under-12-year-olds free daily buckets of balls. But, in 8th grade, my mom suggested I attend a girls golf meeting. I wasn't too thrilled---did my school even HAVE a girls' golf team???? I had never heard we did. Of the 8 of us to start practice in April, only 4 of us continued to play in September. On the up side, we were all on the Varsity Girls golf team. On the downside, no one at our school even knew we had a girls' golf team. Over the next year, we lost WAY more matches than we won. In fact, we didn't win a single match. But we were committed to each other, committed to improving our game and committed to getting Westerville North Girls Golf on the map. My Sophomore year, we grew 100% and had 8 girls, enough to get our lowest score dropped, enough to play in larger matches. We held a girls golf seminar over the summer and a girls golf camp for the middle schoolers. At the end of that year, we had one 1/2 our matches. And, more importantly, we won the Westerville Cup...first time ever. It is a competition between the 3 high schools in our district. My Junior year, our merry band of 4 stayed together and grew the program to 12 and then this past year to 16---enough to field a varsity and a junior varsity girls golf team. And, we won the Westerville Cup 3 years running. and we sent our first ever golfer to sectionals--first in the history of our school. We got our team on the map. Everyone knows there is a girls' golf team now. We expect over 30 to try out this summer! Why do I enjoy playing golf? I love being on a team. I love having both personal goals to be a better golfer and team goals to grow our sport. I love being "the first"--the first girls team, the first Varsity and JV team and the first to have an undefeated season. I loved coming from nothing to undefeated in 4 years, with 4 girls--my team, my merry band. I loved having a common goal and a common drive. It was challenging. We faced more defeats initially than wins, both as a team and personally. We had a lot of nay-sayers and even some who mocked us. But it was worth it. Just 4. We started as 4, but we are 30 now, and growing.

"I am changing schools? During a pandemic? Are you trying to end my social life?" My freshman year of high school started out rough and continued in that vein all year. It was 2020 and I was trying to attend school during a pandemic. And my parents decided I would be best served in another academic venue. Ironically. I have always been legally homeschooled....meaning the state of Ohio sees me as a homeschooled student. However, I have always attended classes in an all-day school a few days a week. You would think, as many do, that homeschoolers don't care about their social life. Or perhaps, I don't really have one to begin with. Or, that we are so desperate for a social life that we make friends readily. The funny thing about homeschoolers is that most of us have way more friends and activities available than we have time to participate. And, even more common for most of us, we have family groups of friends. I had known the same families nearly my entire life until 2020---mom, dad, and ALL the kids would have been considered my friends. A "play-date" involved all the kids in a family, not just one or too---and homeschoolers are not known to come from small families! LOL Although my family didn't move houses, we moved schools. Since it was a pandemic, we would be schooling outside and only a place across town could provide for the needs of all my siblings in this way. So I didn't just change my same-age friends, I changed my entire family of friends---and my siblings all did too. AT THE SAME TIME...during a pandemic. So, how was being the New kid? The new family? Did it end my social life? Well, sort of. It was hard. Because of the pandemic, I had to learn to be proactive in pursuing relationships. Even in my discomfort, I had to learn to initiate with people I didn't even know what they looked like behind a mask! Facetime is a difficult venue to do this. When I was at school, my class was outside and socially distanced. I learned to speak up that year to be heard outside through a mask! But, as I sit now, as a Senior, after the pandemic and still attending the school I started as a freshman, I am grateful. I learned that I could speak up. I could ask questions and take the initiative to get to know someone. I learned that most people are just as uncomfortable with initiating as I was. I was able to build strong relationships with my peers. My solid foundation has given me the strength to venture far from home. I am actually excited to be attending college 6 hours from home. I don't know a soul, but that is OK. I can initiate one person at a time and build great relationships too. I know how because I had to change schools...during a pandemic...and it did not end my social life.

Some secrets are not meant to be kept. My cousin told me she wanted to die. My cousin told me she was depressed. My cousin, my best friend, asked me to keep it secret. I did. Our entire lives, my cousin has been the dramatic one, me the calm one. She, Miss Emotional, me, Miss Reasonable. She the "big talker", me the "big doer". I didn't believe her. I was the "doer", not her, she was just the "big talker". Right up until my mom sat me down to tell me she had slit her wrists. Some secrets are not meant to be kept. Some people don't just talk a big talk. Some people aren't just being dramatic. Life's journey is often marked by unforeseen challenges and moments of profound despair. For some, these challenges may lead to a period of darkness that seems insurmountable. However, it is within these moments of despair that individuals may find the strength to rise above their circumstances and discover a renewed sense of purpose. This essay explores the transformative journey of choosing pharmacy as a career after surviving a suicide attempt. One of the key factors that make pharmacy an appealing career choice is its inherent connection to healthcare. Moreover, the scientific nature of pharmacy provides a structured and intellectually stimulating environment. The rigorous education and training required to become a pharmacist not only engage the mind but also offer a sense of accomplishment as one navigates through the complexities of pharmaceutical science. This academic pursuit can be a therapeutic process, allowing individuals to regain confidence in their intellectual abilities and rebuild their self-esteem. The patient-pharmacist relationship is another aspect of the profession that can be particularly rewarding for individuals who have faced personal struggles. The empathy and understanding developed through overcoming one's own challenges can be channeled into providing compassionate care to patients who may be going through difficult times. This unique perspective can foster a deeper connection and trust between the pharmacist and the patients they serve. My cousin survived. But, the years since have been marked by frustration as medications are lacking or cause so many side effects, she stops using them. I had to deal with my own survivor's guilt, my own role in her suicide attempt. I also had to let go of my own bias, that I was a doer and not in need of medication to "be normal" or OK. My goal as a pharmaceutical research scientist is to help find medications that help anxiety/depression in teens without the overwhelming side effects. In conclusion, the journey from the depths of despair to choosing pharmacy as a career is a narrative of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. This path is marked by a commitment to helping others, a passion for scientific knowledge, and a profound understanding of the human experience. By embracing pharmacy as a career choice, I have faced the darkness of suicide and am finding a way to rebuild my life and will contribute to the well-being of others in a deeply meaningful and impactful manner.

What Do You Mean I Can’t Dance? I have been Irish dancing since I turned four. For 10 years I trained. I made it to OC, the highest level of Irish dancing. I qualified for the North American Irish Dance Championship. Many medals littered my walls. But I was not done. I wanted to compete in The World Irish Dance Championship ……and was willing to do what it took to get there. Never would I have believed how hard that goal would become. In January 2020, I started falling. Not just once or twice, but 6,7,8 times…daily. I figured I was growing so I didn’t worry. But, it went on for weeks. My situation and my dance career were about to get worse. Sitting in the orthopedic doctor's office would soon become all too familiar to me.“You have a genetic condition called Tarsal Coalition, a genetic anomaly that causes bones in your ankle to fuse” the doctor stated. “What do you mean I can't dance?” I was destroyed. Months of intense therapy and painful procedures were needed to un-fuse my ankles so they would grow/work properly. Determination filled my heart. I was going to dance the way I could. I just knew it. And I did. I got back to competing. Two years. It has taken two years of excruciating procedures and therapy and unending amounts of stretching/exercising to break those abnormal fusions. Two years to heal my hip and my ankles. Now, I am strong and now I am going after Worlds....even to tour with Riverdance. What does Irish dance mean to me? Everything. I have learned to be courageous and strong, to be a good competitor when I win, and a supportive one when I don’t. I have learned to enjoy life even when it isn’t going the way I wanted. I have learned that I can enjoy something even if what I thought I loved most about it is gone. Teaching the younger students and performing at nursing homes, working towards my teaching credentials, and encouraging my dance-mates during their competitions are all things I could do even when my own path seemed so uncertain. Over these last two years, I’ve learned I enjoy lots of things about Irish dance I had not had time to notice or focus on before Tarsal Coalition came into my life. I am grateful. I am grateful that I dance. If not for dance, the Tarsal Coalition would not have been found until it was too late to fix it. I am grateful for my teachers who did not give up on me but encouraged me to work hard and enjoy other aspects of dance besides competition. I am grateful for my teammates, the young students I get to mentor, and the opportunities I have to serve my community through Irish dance. I am grateful for Irish dance to know, for certain, that I am strong, that I can weather difficult circumstances and still find joy in the things I love. I am also grateful that the time has given me the opportunity to work with my dad to design a practice floor, using physics and material science, to lessen the impact of jumps on a dancer's body. And, we have started a business selling the plans. I still plan to tour Riverdance, but I also am going to use my business so that other dancers can decrease their risk of injury by practicing on floors designed to lessen the impact of dancing on their ankles.

Integrating Physics/Mathematics for Dance Floor Safety I have been Irish dancing since I turned four years old. For 10 years I consistently worked to make it to OC, the highest level of difficulty in Irish dancing. I qualified for the North American Irish Dance Championship. Many medals were littering my walls. But I was not done. I wanted to go to The World Championship of Irish Dance, I wanted to tour with Riverdance ……and was willing to work to do what it took to get there. Never would I have believed how hard that goal would become. I started falling. Not just once or twice, but 6,7,8 times…daily. I was growing a so I didn’t worry too much. But, it went on for weeks. My situation and my dance career were about to get worse. I fell once too often. Sitting in the orthopedic doctor's office would soon become all too familiar to me. “You have a genetic condition in your ankle called Tarsal Coalition... an anomaly that causes bones in your ankle to fuse.” the doctor stated. Months of intense therapy and painful procedures were needed to un-fuse my ankle so it would grow/work properly. Determination filled my heart. I was going to dance the way I could. I just needed to design a floor to take more of the impact from my ankles...... Dance floors are dynamic spaces where movement and expression flourish. However, the very nature of dance poses potential risks to performers, especially in terms of impact-related injuries. To address this concern, an innovative approach involves harnessing principles from physics and mathematics to design a dance floor that is inherently springier, thereby reducing the risk of injuries. Understanding the physics of impact is crucial in designing a safer dance floor. When a dancer lands on a surface, the force of impact is absorbed by both the dancer's body and the floor. The impulse-momentum theorem, a fundamental concept in physics, states that the change in momentum of an object is equal to the impulse applied to it. By extending this principle to dance floors, one can manipulate the impulse experienced by dancers upon landing to minimize the forces transmitted to their bodies. The choice of materials plays a pivotal role in creating a springier dance floor. Elasticity, a material property, determines how much a material can deform under stress and return to its original shape. Materials with higher resilience can absorb and release energy more efficiently, providing a cushioning effect. Real-world Implementation: The integration of physics and mathematics provides a novel approach to designing dance floors that prioritize safety. By leveraging principles of impact and material science, a floor can be created that is inherently springier, reducing the risk of injuries for performers. This interdisciplinary collaboration between science and art not only enhances the safety of dance spaces but also underscores the limitless possibilities when creativity and technical expertise converge. Conclusion: As COVID forced dancers into their basement to harness their craft, I worked with my dad to design a dance floor that would decrease my risk of injuring my ankles during practice. We researched and used materials readily available a home improvements stores, goodwill or perhaps in your own father's garage, to construct a floor to practice on. Not the concrete of the basement, an ankle destroyer, but a floor made of wood, designed using math and physics principles to lessen impact on the body. We then shared the design with all dancers in my area---not just Irish dancers, but anyone who found themselves practicing in the basement and needed injury prevention florrs.

Backwards. Thirty feet. Out a Window. The day after my brother turned 3 years old, we decided to play hide and seek. We were supposed to be watching a movie and going to bed. Thinking he was clever, my brother hid behind the blinds in our parent's bedroom. But the window was open. He fell backward, 30 feet, out the window. He has needed prosthetics ever since. In the past decade, at the intersection of technology and prosthetics, 3D printing technology has sparked a revolution in the field, fundamentally transforming the way prosthetic limbs are designed, manufactured, and most crucially, fitted. This evolution has significantly improved the lives of prosthetic users, offering them greater functionality, customization, and comfort. One of the key advancements is the use of 3D printing in prosthetic limb production. Traditional manufacturing methods were often time-consuming and expensive, requiring intricate molds and multiple iterations. 3D printing has streamlined this process, allowing for the creation of personalized and cost-effective prosthetics. This technology enables prosthetists to tailor devices to the specific anatomical and lifestyle needs of each individual. Furthermore, 3D scanning has become a crucial component in the design phase. Precise digital models of the residual limb can be created, ensuring a perfect fit for the prosthetic. This level of customization enhances comfort and functionality, ultimately improving the user's experience and quality of life. Advancements in materials, such as carbon fiber and lightweight alloys, have contributed to the development of prosthetics that are not only durable but also lightweight. This promotes ease of use and reduces the physical strain on the user. Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has facilitated the development of smart prosthetics. These devices can adapt and learn from the user's movements, continuously improving performance and responsiveness over time. In conclusion, the convergence of 3D print technology with prosthetics has revolutionized the field, offering unprecedented levels of customization, functionality, and affordability. This has not only transformed the manufacturing process but has also significantly enhanced the overall user experience, empowering individuals with limb loss to lead more active and fulfilling lives.

On August 15th, my grandfather was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Seventy-four days later, on October 28th, he died. He is the fifth family member I have had die this year of cancer. Five. Five people I loved. Five people cut down in the prime of their lives. Five people who needed hope that a medicine might lessen the symptoms, extend their time, or cure them altogether. Five people I would like to have saved. In the realm of pharmacological research science, cancer treatments and cures have been arduous and relentless. The process of developing a new drug generally averages a total of 10 to 15 years. That is one drug. Many will be needed to fight the onslaught of cancers present in our society today. According to cancerresearchuk.org, over 200 different cancers exist in our present time. Finding a cure will continue to be arduous and relentless. However, my unwavering passion for discovery and knowledge fuels my endeavor to cure cancer through pharmacological research. It is a passion that turns a mere job into a life goal, into a hope that one day, cancer will cease to exist. Scientists have cured many diseases. Cancer at its very heart is just a disease. If we as scientists can cure one disease, we can cure them all given enough time, funding, and passion. I have the passion. I have the time. I will get the funding. Pharmaceutical Research requires cross disciplines to work together. Mathematicians, Chemists, Biomedical engineers, and computer programmers will all be needed to find the right mathematical compound, delivered in the right manner, at the right time, to cure cancer. I plan to attend a college that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and teamwork. Passion drives scientists to discover, to try the "unknown", to spend hours in a lab, to research. Pharmacological science stands as the beacon of hope in curing cancer. It involves the study of chemicals and their interactions with different organisms. It involves seeking to identify chemical compounds that can specifically target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. This field demands not only intellect and expertise but also a deep-seated passion to alleviate the suffering caused by this wicked disease. I am passionate about finding a cure....for all cancer, or even just ONE. I am tired of watching people die of cancer. There is a way to prevent it. It just needs to be discovered.

Five. All Five are lost too soon. On August 15th, my grandfather was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Seventy-four days later, on October 28th, he died. He is the fifth family member I have had die this year of cancer. Five. Five people I loved. Five people cut down in the prime of their lives. Five people who needed hope that a medicine might lessen the symptoms, extend their time, or cure them altogether. Five people I would like to have saved. In the realm of pharmacological research science, cancer treatments and cures have been arduous and relentless. The process of developing a new drug generally averages a total of 10 to 15 years. That is one drug. Many will be needed to fight the onslaught of cancers present in our society today. According to cancerresearchuk.org, over 200 different cancers exist in our present time. Finding a cure will continue to be arduous and relentless. However, my unwavering passion for discovery and knowledge fuels my endeavor to cure cancer through pharmacological research. It is a passion that turns a mere job into a life goal, into a hope that one day, cancer will cease to exist. Scientists have cured many diseases. Cancer at its very heart is just a disease. If we as scientists can cure one disease, we can cure them all given enough time, funding, and passion. I have the passion. I have the time. I will get the funding. Pharmaceutical Research requires cross disciplines to work together. Mathematicians, Chemists, Biomedical engineers, and computer programmers will all be needed to find the right mathematical compound, delivered in the right manner, at the right time, to cure cancer. I plan to attend a college that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and teamwork. Passion drives scientists to discover, to try the "unknown", to spend hours in a lab, to research. Pharmacological science stands as the beacon of hope in curing cancer. It involves the study of chemicals and their interactions with different organisms. It involves seeking to identify chemical compounds that can specifically target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. This field demands not only intellect and expertise but also a deep-seated passion to alleviate the suffering caused by this wicked disease. I am passionate about finding a cure....for all cancer, or even just ONE. I am tired of watching people die of cancer. There is a way to prevent it. It just needs to be discovered.

Champion Irish dancer, a title earned through years of dedication, discipline, and passion, has profoundly shaped my aspirations as a future pharmacological scientist. The rhythmic beats of traditional Irish music and the intricate footwork required for Irish dance have instilled in me a deep appreciation for precision and attention to detail—qualities essential in the world of scientific research. Irish dance has been more than just a hobby; it has been a journey that honed my work ethic and perseverance. The countless hours spent perfecting intricate steps mirror the commitment needed for success in scientific endeavors. In both worlds, there is an understanding that mastery is a gradual process, requiring patience and continuous effort. This mindset has become the cornerstone of my approach to academics and research. The competitive nature of Irish dance has also fostered a strong sense of resilience. Facing judges and audiences with confidence, even in the wake of mistakes, has translated into my ability to navigate setbacks in the scientific realm. In research, experiments may fail, hypotheses may be disproven, but the ability to bounce back and learn from these experiences is paramount. Irish dance has equipped me with the mental fortitude to view challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. Furthermore, the artistry and creativity inherent in Irish dance have fueled my passion for the creative aspect of scientific exploration. Just as choreography requires a blend of tradition and innovation, scientific research involves the delicate balance of building upon existing knowledge while pushing the boundaries of discovery. My experiences as a dancer have honed my ability to think outside the box, to approach problems with creativity and a unique perspective. Irish dance has also fostered a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. Through the exploration of various dance styles within the Irish tradition, I have gained insights into the importance of diversity in perspectives. This appreciation aligns with the global nature of scientific research. The collaboration of minds from diverse backgrounds is crucial in addressing complex scientific challenges. My experiences as an Irish dancer have prepared me to embrace and celebrate these differences, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to my future endeavors in pharmacological science. The physical demands of Irish dance have contributed to my understanding of the intricate connection between the mind and body. As a pharmacological scientist, this holistic perspective is invaluable. Recognizing the impact of drugs not only on a molecular level but also on the overall well-being of an individual is essential. My background in Irish dance has given me a unique lens through which I can approach the study of pharmacology, understanding the effects of substances not just in isolation but in the broader context of human health. Many of my other interests hone this idea of detail and orderliness. At my local high school, I competed on our Girls Varsity Golf team for all 4 years of high school. My sophomore year, I , helped to bring our team to a win a championship that had not been won in 12 years...and we own it every year after! I also In conclusion, being a champion Irish dancer has profoundly shaped my journey towards becoming a pharmacological scientist. The discipline, resilience, creativity, cultural appreciation, and holistic perspective instilled by Irish dance have seamlessly woven into my academic and professional pursuits. As I step into the world of pharmacological research, I carry with me not only the technical skills required but also a unique set of qualities and perspectives cultivated through the artistry and discipline of Irish dance.

What Do You Mean I Can’t Dance? I have Irish danced since I turned four. For 13 years I trained. I am a world champion-level Irish dancer. Many medals litter my walls. But I was not done. I wanted win the World Irish Dance Championship……and was willing to do what it took. Never would I have believed how hard that goal would become. January 2020, I started falling in class. Not just once or twice, but 6,7,8 times… each class. I was growing, felt uncoordinated, so I didn’t worry. But, it went on for weeks. My situation and my dance career were about to get worse. I fell once too often. Sitting in the orthopedic doctor's office would soon become all too familiar to me. Tarsal Coalition. "It is a genetic anomaly that causes bones in your ankle to fuse.” the doctor stated. “When you fell, you broke the fusions. You will have to take months off from dancing, and you may never be able to return.”.... "I can't dance?” I was destroyed. A year of intense therapy and painful procedures were needed to un-fuse my ankle so it would grow/work properly. Determination filled my heart. I was going to dance the way I could. I just knew it. And I did. Alas….I started falling, again! This time I broke my hip. It was determined by my doctor that I had Tarsal Coalition in the other ankle. Crushing. The news was crushing. Everything I wanted to accomplish was gone........ Two years. It has taken two years of excruciating procedures and therapy and unending amounts of stretching/exercising to break those abnormal fusions. Two years to heal my hip and my ankles. My faith is God has been tested. I was sure I was designed to be the next Riverdance lead. I struggled with being angry...Why God would take my dream away? What does Irish dance mean to me? Everything. Almost everything at least. I have learned that my faith means even more. I have learned to be courageous and strong, to be a good competitor when I win, and a supportive one when I don’t. I have learned to enjoy life even when it isn’t going the way I wanted. I have learned that I can enjoy something even if what I thought I loved most about it is gone. Teaching the younger students and performing at nursing homes, working towards my teaching credentials, and encouraging my mates during their competitions are all things I could do even when my own path seemed so uncertain. Without my training schedule, I have time to be a student leader at my church and invest in other dancers, be a light of the gospel in their lives since I am not so fixated on my own success. Over these last two years, I’ve learned I enjoy lots of things I had not had time to notice or focus on before Tarsal Coalition came into my life. I am grateful. I am grateful that I dance. If not for dance, the Tarsal Coalition would not have been found until it was too late to fix it. I am grateful for my teachers who did not give up on me but encouraged me to work hard and enjoy other aspects of dance. I am grateful for my teammates, the young students I get to mentor, and the opportunities I have to serve my community through Irish dance. I am grateful for my faith, to know, for certain, that I am strong, that I can weather difficult circumstances and still find joy in the things I love.

What Do You Mean I Can’t Dance? I have been Irish dancing since I turned four. For 13 years I trained. I made it to Open Championship, the highest level of Irish dancing. I qualified for The Oireachtas and the North American Irish Dance Championship. Many medals littered my walls. But I was not done. I wanted to compete The World Irish Dance Championship in Ireland ……and was willing to do what it took to get there. Never would I have believed how hard that goal would become. January 2020, I started falling in dance class. Not just once or twice, but 6,7,8 times… each class. I figured I was growing. I felt uncoordinated so I didn’t worry. But, it went on for weeks. My situation and my dance career were about to get worse. I fell once too often. I felt a searing pain in my ankle. Sitting in the orthopedic doctor's office would soon become all too familiar to me. “You have a genetic condition called Tarsal Coalition. It is an anomaly that causes bones in your ankle to fuse during puberty.” the doctor stated. “When you fell, you broke one of the abnormal fusions. You will have to take months off from dancing, and you may never be able to return.”.... My heart plummeted. “What do you mean I can't dance?” I was destroyed. A year of intense therapy and painful procedures were needed to un-fuse my ankle so it would grow/work properly. Determination filled my heart. I was going to dance the way I could. I just knew it. And I did. I got back to competing. And then….I started falling, again! Eventually, I fell too hard. This time it broke my hip. It was determined by my doctor that I had Tarsal Coalition beginning in the other ankle. Crushing. The news was crushing. Everything I wanted to accomplish was gone........ Two years. It has taken two years of excruciating procedures and therapy and unending amounts of stretching/exercising to break those abnormal fusions. Two years to heal my hip and my ankles. Now, I am strong and now I am going after Worlds. What does Irish dance mean to me? Everything. I have learned to be courageous and strong, to be a good competitor when I win, and a supportive one when I don’t. I have learned to enjoy life even when it isn’t going the way I wanted. I have learned that I can enjoy something even if what I thought I loved most about it is gone. Teaching the younger students and performing at nursing homes, working towards my teaching credentials, and encouraging my dance-mates during their competitions are all things I could do even when my own path seemed so uncertain. Over these last two years, I’ve learned I enjoy lots of things about Irish dance I had not had time to notice or focus on before Tarsal Coalition came into my life. I am grateful. I am grateful that I dance. If not for dance, the Tarsal Coalition would not have been found until it was too late to fix it. I am grateful for my teachers who did not give up on me but encouraged me to work hard and enjoy other aspects of dance besides competition. I am grateful for my teammates, the young students I get to mentor, and the opportunities I have to serve my community through Irish dance. I am grateful for Irish dance to know, for certain, that I am strong, that I can weather difficult circumstances and still find joy in the things I love.

On August 15th, my grandfather was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Seventy-four days later, on October 28th, he died. He is the fifth family member I have had die this year of cancer. Five. Five people I loved. Five people cut down in the prime of their lives. Five people who needed hope that a medicine might lessen the symptoms, extend their time, or cure them altogether. Five people I would like to have saved. In the realm of pharmacological research science, cancer treatments and cures have been arduous and relentless. The process of developing a new drug generally averages a total of 10 to 15 years. That is one drug. Many will be needed to fight the onslaught of cancers present in our society today. According to cancerresearchuk.org, over 200 different cancers exist in our present time. Finding a cure will continue to be arduous and relentless. However, my unwavering passion for discovery and knowledge fuels my endeavor to cure cancer through pharmacological research. It is a passion that turns a mere job into a life goal, into a hope that one day, cancer will cease to exist. Scientists have cured many diseases. Cancer at its very heart is just a disease. If we as scientists can cure one disease, we can cure them all given enough time, funding, and passion. I have the passion. I have the time. I will get the funding. Pharmaceutical Research requires cross disciplines to work together. Mathematicians, Chemists, Biomedical engineers, and computer programmers will all be needed to find the right mathematical compound, delivered in the right manner, at the right time, to cure cancer. I plan to attend a college that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and teamwork. Passion drives scientists to discover, to try the "unknown", to spend hours in a lab, to research. Pharmacological science stands as the beacon of hope in curing cancer. It involves the study of chemicals and their interactions with different organisms. It involves seeking to identify chemical compounds that can specifically target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. This field demands not only intellect and expertise but also a deep-seated passion to alleviate the suffering caused by this wicked disease. I am passionate about finding a cure....for all cancer, or even just ONE. I am tired of watching people die of cancer. There is a way to prevent it. It just needs to be discovered.

As an American, I take immense pride in belonging to a nation that has long been hailed as the greatest land of opportunity in history. The United States has stood as a testament to the idea that hard work, determination, and innovation pave the way for a better life. However, this pride comes with a sense of responsibility—a responsibility to ensure that the promise of opportunity is not just rhetoric but a reality for every individual. One area where this vision falls short is in the funding of higher education. To bridge the gap between opportunity and accessibility, I propose a comprehensive reform in how we fund colleges, and I am committed to being an active agent of change in this pursuit. The rising cost of higher education has become a formidable barrier, preventing many deserving individuals from accessing the opportunities that come with a college degree. To address this, I advocate for a shift towards a more inclusive and equitable funding model. My approach involves actively engaging with policymakers, educational institutions, and the private sector to bring about necessary changes. One aspect of my proposed reform is the expansion of need-based scholarships and grants.This includes addressing not only tuition costs but also expenses related to textbooks, housing, and other essential elements of the college. By broadening the scope of financial aid, we can make higher education more accessible to a wider range of individuals, leveling the playing field and truly embodying the spirit of equal opportunity. Collaboration with private enterprises is an avenue through which to effect change in college funding. Establishing partnerships between colleges and businesses can lead to a symbiotic relationship where institutions benefit from financial support and students gain access to real-world experiences. This collaborative approach not only enriches the educational experience by aligning it with industry needs but also opens up new avenues for funding, such as sponsorships, internships, and research grants. Through advocacy and strategic networking, I will foster these partnerships to create sustainable funding channels for higher education. By engaging in public discourse and leveraging community support, I aim to influence policymakers to prioritize education in their budget allocations. Emphasizing the long-term benefits of an educated people—such as economic growth, innovation, and an informed citizenry—will be central to this advocacy. I am committed to working with grassroots organizations, educators, and concerned citizens to build a collective voice that calls for increased investment in higher education. My own experience serves as my motivation. I am limited in my educational pursuits by my ability to access funding. I have grown up in a traditionally middle-class family. I have 4 siblings. My mother is handicapped and my father lost his job last year. Our FAFSA doesn't trigger any "need". However, my family is unable to assist in paying for my college. My grandfather, an American hero and a Vet, died in October 2023 of a fast-moving untreatable leukemia. I strive to study Pharmaceutics to find a cure for adult-onset leukemia. I live in a country that gives me opportunities to effect this type of change. I believe as Americans, if we widen financial opportunities for average-income families, we can ensure all Americans are able to follow the opportunities our great country provides. In conclusion, my commitment to changing how college is funded stems from a deep-seated pride in the American values of equal opportunity and upward mobility. Through advocacy and collaboration, I aim to contribute to the realization of the American Dream for individuals from all walks of life, ensuring that our nation remains the greatest land of opportunity in history.