This summer I am living with my great grandmother who has traveled the world. She has been to Africa, Greece, Jerusalem, and many more countries. Her number one concern for me in life is that I get out and see the world. I have never been on a plane but I plan to change that soon. There is so much to see and experience. I believe travel can be a transformative experience because it changes the world we know and see. By experiencing other cultures and traditions, we become well-rounded individuals. Introducing ourselves to different perspectives allows us to learn from others, enhancing our understanding and helping those around us. Seeing how others live and stepping into their experiences promotes personal growth. There is so much out there to love and get to know. Knowledge truly is powerful. As a Journalism major at Mount St. Joseph University, I am deeply interested in stories and perspectives from around the world. Travel would not only broaden my horizons but also enrich my storytelling. I participated in a Co-Op program in the Mission and Belong department at my college as the Diversity and Equity student liaison. My role involved helping affinity groups and making the campus environment more inclusive. This experience showed me the importance of understanding and appreciating different cultures. I recently made the Dean’s list last semester, which was a significant achievement for me. My current GPA is 2.1, a reflection of my poor academic performance during my freshman year. Personal and family issues caused me to lose sight of why I was in school. However, this experience has given me a sense of academic integrity. I know what it is like on both sides of the academic spectrum, and I am determined to continue improving. Working two jobs, one on-campus at our athletic center and another at a country club, has taught me the value of hard work and time management. Balancing these responsibilities with my studies has been challenging, but it has also been rewarding. It has shown me that I am capable of more than I initially thought. Traveling would allow me to immerse myself in different environments, furthering my personal growth. It would provide opportunities to see the world through others' eyes, fostering empathy and understanding. These experiences would not only benefit me but also those around me, as I share my newfound knowledge and perspectives. In conclusion, travel is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. It exposes us to different cultures, perspectives, and environments, making us more well-rounded individuals. As a rising college sophomore, I am eager to embrace these opportunities and continue my journey of learning and growth. Thank you for considering my application for the Combined Worlds Scholarship.