In the realm of dreams, where goals take flight, Success, to me, is a beacon bright. College, the path to knowledge vast, Where aspirations bloom and futures cast Success means a variety of things for everyone. For me, success is about achieving my goals, no matter their size. College is the path to realizing my dream of positively impacting people's lives through knowledge. My upbringing, family background, and where I live all inspire me to pursue this goal. College is the first step in my plan, equipping me with the tools to educate and empower others to lead healthier lives. Both of my parents attended college and they were able to create a wonderful home life for me, this allowed me to focus on school work rather than where my next meal would come from. I am very thankful for my life and my comforts, realizing the privilege I held, I decided to give back to my community. I work with The Berkeley County Backpack program to bag food and donate it to children in need. I also collected toys with the National Honor Society for children whose parents might need some extra help around the holidays. Through these experiences, I have realized how much I enjoy helping people, so I decided to make a career around it. Physical therapy was something I had never heard of until my Grandma hurt her arm. After a few of her therapy sessions, I started to notice her arm getting better. I was so impressed that I asked to attend a session with her. As soon as I walked in, I knew this was the career for me. Colorful, vibrant tools hanging on the wall, strength machines and friendly faces filled the clean room. The ambitious patients and encouraging therapists inspired me to embark on this 8 year long college journey. Unfortunately, my family doesn't qualify for any financial aid, but that doesn't mean I don’t need it. My mom and dad divorced a few years ago, and I currently live with my mom. While she recently remarried, my step father had a stroke, leaving him mostly paralyzed on his right side, and my mom is the only one able to work outside the house. She is burdened by the debt of our house payment, a car payment, (after a crash with a deer destroyed our last car that had been paid off), and several medical bills from various afflictions that struck our family. To help with all of this, I began working my own job. I am saving my money for college, but tuition costs are high and physical therapists need at least 8 years of school. Receiving this scholarship could immensely benefit me and my future. Living in West Virginia, I have noticed many people don’t have access to certain health care services. I will utilize my knowledge obtained in college to help grow the health care programs in this area and insure people’s physical therapy needs are met. I would eventually love to open my own practice, but first I need a degree and some experience. Deciding to attend college is a huge decision, but I am positive it’s the path for me. My experiences, and desire for knowledge is driving me down this 8 year journey to change lives. As a physical therapist, I will be able to educate patients on the importance of movement and improve their range of motion. Knowledge is power to make a difference and college is key. Thus, in this journey, I firmly see, College's key, to set dreams free. For in the halls of learning grand, Lies the power to heal the land.

Buzz buzz, your alarm rings and scares you into another day. Another day of going to work, sitting at a desk, coming home and not feeling accomplished. Not making a difference, not encouraging people and not seeing any progress, living a life I would never want to live. That’s why I want to pursue a career in healthcare. A career that will allow me to help, encourage and experience people progress. My aspiration to pursue a career in healthcare stems from a deep-seated passion to help others. Growing up in West Virginia, I've witnessed firsthand the numerous barriers that prevent individuals from accessing quality healthcare. Geographic constraints, lack of insurance, and other complexities have created a dire need for innovative solutions. As a future physical therapist, I aim to provide the solution and tackle the issue head on. My ultimate goal is to establish a company that provides affordable, accessible healthcare to all, regardless of their background or circumstances. By doing so, I hope to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being. This career path will not only allow me to make a tangible difference in people's lives but also grant me the opportunity to witness progress and growth. To experience individuals regain mobility, overcome chronic pain, and rediscover their independence. I'm eager to embark on this journey, and I'm confident that my passion, coupled with my dedication to improving healthcare outcomes, will enable me to create a lasting impact. This scholarship would be instrumental in supporting my academic pursuits and enabling me to take a crucial step toward realizing my vision. I am confident that, together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for individuals and communities in need. As I embark on this journey to become a physical therapist, I am filled with a sense of purpose and conviction. The buzz of my alarm clock will no longer signal monotony, but instead, it will stir within me a renewed sense of hope and determination. With every new day, I will rise with a clear vision: to empower patients, to alleviate suffering, and to restore health. I will approach each challenge with unwavering compassion, unrelenting optimism, and an unshakeable commitment to excellence. The pursuit of a career in physical therapy is not just a profession – it's my calling. And with each passing day, I will strive to honor that calling, fueled by the hope of making a transformative impact on the lives of others.

W ild and wonderful E nchanting landscape S pirited hard workers T raditions V alues I ndependent R ugged G enerations I ncredible community N atural resources I deal location A lmost heaven West Virginia has been my cherished home since birth, where the towering mountains echo with tales of a rich history that has profoundly influenced my worldview. Generations of my family toiled in coal mines and on railroads, their labor fueling both our needs and the nation's progress. Much like coal itself, our state may bear the marks of its rugged origins, but beneath its surface lies an enduring strength that has powered our nation's growth and resilience through countless struggles. Born from adversity, West Virginia is akin to raw coal. But, placing it under even more heat and pressure would shape it into something even more uniquely precious, a diamond. Our rugged terrain and compassionate community members reflect this innate resilience, casting our state into its own shimmering light. To me, being West Virginian means cherishing our natural resources, standing steadfastly by one another, and remaining fiercely loyal to our beloved home. West Virginia encompasses more than just majestic mountains and cascading waterfalls; it boasts mouthwatering apples and awe-inspiring bridges. While our landscapes are undeniably stunning, even the smaller wonders like wildflowers and tiny frogs hold their own charm amidst our grandeur. Living here has taught me to appreciate life's finer details. Our state is steeped in a fiery spirit of independence, evident from our historic break from Virginia during the Civil War to combat slavery. This legacy inspires me to forge my own path and make independent life choices. I take pride in being part of a state founded on principles of autonomy and steadfast loyalty. In West Virginia, loyalty extends beyond just family ties; it permeates our communities. Whether it's through familial support or neighborly acts of kindness, we stand by one another. My mother's dedication to teaching locally, despite better prospects elsewhere, exemplifies this commitment to giving back to our home. Yet, poverty remains a pressing issue here, with many children relying on school meals as their main source of food. Volunteering at my local food bank is one way I contribute, but it's a small part of a larger challenge. Growing up amidst such hardships has instilled in me a sense of gratitude for what I have and a desire to make a difference. The resilience and diligence of West Virginians drives me to work harder, mirroring the dedication of those in blue-collar professions who tirelessly provide for their families. Aspiring to become a physical therapist and serve my community locally is my way of honoring their hard work and addressing the healthcare needs in our area. Living in West Virginia offers a unique connection to nature and a perspective shaped by our surroundings. Positioned amidst several states, we welcome visitors with our captivating landscapes and warm hospitality. Our state's resourcefulness, independence, and communal spirit are the bedrock of our success, and I'm privileged to call Almost Heaven my home.

@cassandra._.b