While reconnecting with a childhood friend, she confided in me about her family’s difficulties affording groceries, especially during the summer months. Without free meals at school, they often had to choose between rent and food. I promptly took her out to lunch, but this encounter ignited a realization: I needed to take more significant action. How many others in my community silently battled food insecurity? In my naivety, I did not realize such a terrible issue could be so close to me. I knew that I needed to do something to help my community. Motivated by my newfound awareness, I initiated a fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank for kids lacking access to school meal programs during the summer. I organized a small but dedicated team, and we set off on our mission to make a difference. We campaigned for donations through door-to-door visits, bake sales, and social media outreach. We were faced with many challenges—slammed doors and ignored phone calls. However, we continued to have hope. Our efforts were worth it as we raised over 12,000 meals for these underprivileged kids. Witnessing their joy not only warmed my heart but also taught me the significance of taking action for positive change. This experience has strengthened my resolve to nurture a spirit of collective care and compassion in my community, enriching my intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth. Recognizing the impact of our efforts, some of my peers asked me for tips on how to fundraise successfully. I realized that this could be more than a one time-event—I could inspire others to become agents of change. I held Zoom meetings, sharing the methods that worked best for me. My chest swelled with pride as I watched them progress. One person in particular raised over three thousand dollars for her sister’s surgery; I was deeply moved seeing my impact reverberate throughout my community. A journey that began with a simple conversation with a friend has become a testament to the power of compassion and love. Not only did we address the urgent issue of food insecurity, we sparked genuine change in our community’s collective attitude. A beacon of light, our efforts exemplified the profound impact that compassion and care can have on the lives of others. As I look to the future, I eagerly await the opportunity to continue inspiring others—and them inspiring me—to be an example of love in our community.

Sight unseen, voice unheard, God is present through it all. Even through my darkest moments, He has been there. Unfortunately, there was a period of time where I forgot about His love. My childhood was marked by my dad’s drug addiction and his chronic insomnia. At the age of nine years old, I learned to parent both myself and my little sister. When the pantry was bare, I biked three miles to the grocery store, using my birthday money to buy bread. When two men broke down our front door to collect drug money my dad owed them, I hid my sister in the closet and stood guard. Finally, he overdosed for the last time, and my heart shattered into a million pieces, unable to be glued back together. I was hurt and blamed God. I asked myself, “How could an all-loving God take my dad from me?” In my grief, I isolated myself. I felt lost and as if I had no one to turn to. My friends did not understand the pain I was experiencing; I needed to be strong for my mom and sister. One night, as I cried into my pillow, I got a notification from my Bible app. It read the verse, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). That was the first time that I felt a semblance of peace and clarity after my dad’s death. My dad, though he struggled with drug dependence, was a strong believer in God. Before his addiction, we would go to church together every Sunday. He held my hand during the weekly homilies and squeezed it during the important parts, making sure that I paid attention. However, those times had long passed. As I struggled to help my dad, I drew farther and farther away from my faith. From that moment on, I began relying on God to guide me through my happiest as well as my most difficult times. I started volunteering at my church again; I led youth groups and handed out donuts after Mass. I became really close to my religion teachers, confiding in them often. My faith returned to me even deeper than before. I began a prayer journal, talking to God before bed every night. I slowly began to heal from my dad’s passing, and I learned how to truly receive and reciprocate God’s love. This decision has extended to my vocational life as well. As I began thinking about my future career, I was extremely unsure of the path I was meant to take. I remembered to include God in my decision and prayed to Him often. I reflected on the talents and gifts that He gave me and realized that I can best help people as a lawyer. I will fight for those who can not fight for themselves. I will act as a mouthpiece for those unheard voices. I know that there will be hardships and difficulties that will present themselves in my future career, yet I am comforted knowing that I have God by my side.

As an avid book reader, choosing just one was a very hard decision. From timeless classics like To Kill a Mockingbird to the fantastical world of Harry Potter, there are so many books that I absolutely adore. Even more difficult, perhaps, is to find a singular book with the capacity to influence the seven billion people on this Earth. I sat and pondered this question when finally, the answer became clear: The Giving Tree. If you haven’t read this book recently (or not at all), it is about a boy who loves his tree and a tree who loves his boy. However, what he loves more is what he can take from her. He takes her apples to sell for profit. He removes her branches to build himself a home. He chops down her trunk to build a boat. Finally, she has nothing left to give and is reduced to a stump. Akin to a parent’s unconditional love, the tree happily offers everything she has for the boy. Yet he takes from her time and time again, without so much as a “please” or “thank you.” Had he not been so selfish, perhaps he would have realized the impact his greed had on the tree. Had she set some boundaries, perhaps she would still be standing tall. This is a perfect example of not realizing you are in an abusive relationship until it is too late. The value of this lesson is substantial: we must be selfless, but not self-sacrificing. The Giving Tree can connect all races, ages, professions, and cultures. Under the disguise of a heartwarming children’s book, Shel Silverstein warns society of the dangers of not understanding the difference between altruism and sacrificing one’s whole being. His masterful commentary about the world and our relationships is incredibly relevant, and it continues to impact me every day. In many ways, I am like both the tree and the boy. I can be selfish; I can be too giving. However, I take the lessons I have learned from The Giving Tree to heart, and I hope others will too.

I am sipping coffee as I get ready for my job at the law firm; my family is sleeping soundly upstairs, and I am at peace.

When I was eleven years old, I lost my dad to drug addiction. Coupled with the sting of losing a father, the man who sold him the laced drugs was never incarcerated. He still walks a free man; it is my family who suffered the consequences. While this is a great injustice, what is done can not be undone. However, my biggest goal in life is to ensure that no other family is left with the same fate. I aim to be a lawyer who protects those who can’t protect themselves. I believe that this is the best way for me to help those around me; it is my vocation. I have always felt passionate about my career choice; I’m so happy it will become a reality soon. I am incredibly lucky to live in a country that protects individual rights. However, I know that there are some issues with the legal system. As a lawyer, I plan to advocate for equal protection and justice. No one deserves to be discriminated against for their background, income, or race. I have dedicated myself to the betterment of others, and becoming a lawyer will only further my ability to do so. My passions include going to the gym, spending time with family, and volunteering: the love of which I have inherited from my dad. Before he died, we used to spend our Thanksgiving mornings making lunches for the homeless people living downtown. We spent hours building sandwiches and wrapping treats for the less fortunate. Only after we had finished distributing them out were we able to begin cooking our own meal. He taught me that we had to give to others before we give to ourselves, and I will never forget that. Now, my sister and I carry on that tradition, keeping him in our hearts. I also spend my summers volunteering at a nature camp in my area. Many times, children have bickered with one another over something small–stealing a toy or excluding someone from playtime. This may seem insignificant, but as a counselor, it is my duty to teach them how to treat each other with respect. Young people are the future, and if we are taught correctly, society will move in the right direction. I may be making a small difference, but if enough of these interactions add up, I know that we will become a caring and helpful generation. I hope to receive this scholarship so that I may focus on my studies in college, rather than my financial situation. I truly hope to help others and bring justice to those who deserve it. I believe that my future clients should not have to experience the pain and grief that I have felt. I love and care for all of my brothers and sisters, and I know I can make a difference in their lives. Thank you so much for your time.

When I was eleven years old, I lost my dad to drug addiction. Coupled with the sting of losing a father, the man who sold him the laced drugs was never incarcerated. He still walks a free man; it is my family who suffered the consequences. While this is a great injustice, what is done can not be undone. However, my biggest goal in life is to ensure that no other family is left with the same fate. I aim to be a lawyer who protects those who can’t protect themselves. I believe that this is the best way for me to help those around me; it is my vocation. I have always felt passionate about my career choice; I’m so happy it will become a reality soon. Next year when I attend university, I am sure to encounter many obstacles. I worry I will not be able to support myself financially, yet I do not want to pass that burden to my mom either. Nevertheless, I will sacrifice what I have to in order to achieve my dream. I have been working since the day I turned sixteen, and I have been saving up for this exact reason. When I am not in class, I will work too! I can not wait for the day that I can provide for my mom. She has done so much for me and no one deserves financial security more than her. As long as I keep my eyes towards God, I know I will be on the right path. My passions include going to the gym, spending time with family, and volunteering: the love of which I have inherited from my dad. Before he died, we used to spend our Thanksgiving mornings making lunches for the homeless people living downtown. We spent hours building sandwiches and wrapping treats for the less fortunate. Only after we had finished distributing them out were we able to begin cooking our own meal. He taught me that we had to give to others before we give to ourselves, and I will never forget that. Now, my sister and I carry on that tradition, keeping him in our hearts. I hope to receive this scholarship so that I may focus on my studies in college, rather than my financial situation. I truly hope to help others and bring justice to those who deserve it. My future clients should not have to experience the pain and grief that I have felt. I love and care for all of my brothers and sisters, and I know I can make a difference in their lives. Thank you so much for your time.