My aspirations for higher education include seeking a Masters in Forensic Bioarchaeology and possibly a medical degree or a Ph.D. I would like to pursue these degrees while volunteering for LGBTQ+ issues. I would like to complete my training as a Digital Crisis Counselor for the Trevor Project and using my platform to encourage the health and well-being of all queer and trans folks. The queer community could also benefit from strong role-models, and as a member of the LGBTQIA community and a leader, I would like to shoulder the burden of being a beacon of light to those who need it. I would like to be inspiration to all queer and trans folks that anything they set their mind to, they can achieve and no matter what, they should aspire to change the world. Receiving a scholarship like this would change how school impacts me. Unfortunately, now, school has become much more a burden than a benefit. I work 3 jobs in order to sustain myself and stay off of student loans, however, this coming semester, it seems as though I will need to take out loans to cover the difference that I cannot come up with myself. I chose to attend in-state school in order to keep costs low, but as it is becoming apparent to everyone, the cost of everything is going up. In addition, I currently reside in a state that advocates for laws and bills that encroach on the basic human rights of queer and trans folks. I strive everyday to advocate and stand up for my community as we fight for the right to live and be happy. A scholarship like this would allow me to focus less on working 30 hours a week and more on my education and how I can make an impact on the world around me. At present, I am feeling the weight and the burnout of balancing work, school, interpersonal relationships, and being an advocate. This weight is crushing and to reiterate, a scholarship such as this one would allow me to focus my efforts on furthering my education, maintaining my mental health and relationships, and being an advocate. Without the time for hobbies, I have been unable to dedicate the time to volunteering within my community. Unfortunately, I was asked to step away from the Digital Crisis Counselor training for the Trevor Project. This was heart breaking as I was excited to complete this opportunity and help those around me who needed support. With so much of my time dedicated to working and trying to stay above the water, I was unable to put my full attention into this opportunity. This scholarship would change my life, allowing me to dedicate the time and effort that being an advocate and a student requires. Thank you.

I started college with hopes that I would become an emergency room doctor, however, my path has deviated slightly. I got scared that I wouldn't be smart enough or good enough to succeed in such a competitive field and hard classes. 1 week before departing for campus, I changed my major to Anthropology and I loved every second of it. It was work that I was interested in and couldn't get enough of. I loved learning, and I didn't think that the 30 hour degree requirement was enough. I wanted to take more classes in the subject that I loved. I decided to add Biology--once again--as my second major. I was nervous what that would bring for me, but I was determined to make it work. I slowly came to realize that maybe I did want to go to medical school, just not what I initially thought I wanted to go for. I decided after shadowing forensic pathologist's that I wanted to perform autopsies and work with the dead. But I wasn't quite satisfied with that answer, so I spoke with my mentor she came to the conclusion that I would get my Master's in Forensic Bioarchaeology before deciding whether I wanted to attend medical school or continue on to get my Ph.D. or decide all together that I was done. That is where I am now. I am currently preparing to apply to Master's programs where I hope to gain knowledge on Forensic Bioarcheology. I have always loved learning and it is learning that helped me understand what I enjoyed learning most about. Taking many classes in both Biology and Anthropology, as well as for my Criminology minor helped me to realize that I wanted to work in forensics, while incorporating my biology and anthropology knowledge. I spent time abroad in Poland in a mortuary archaeology field school, where I learned techniques and skills for excavating a human body. That experience informed me that I want to work in the field, not sit at a desk and stare at a screen. Learning is not something I only do in school, though. I also love to spend my time traveling and listening to podcasts about true crime and reading any book I can get my hands on. I love learning in and out side of the classroom. I like camping and taking roadtrips with my family and friends, too. In the fall I will be studying abroad in Australia to further learn from travel. Receiving this scholarship will relieve the financial burden that classroom learning puts on me. I work 3 jobs trying to support myself through college and it takes a serious mental toll that unfortunately is directly related to money. Receiving this scholarship would mean I could work less and worry less about graduating on time so I don't lose my scholarship and focus more on the depth and breadth of knowledge I can gain.