I was born one pound and six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks, and I was what is called "a micro-preemie." I underwent a Patent ductus arteriosus Ligation at that young age, "which saved my life." I am Makayla Antoinette Wilkins, and I want to become a Biomedical Engineer. "The opportunity" to give future micro-preemies the chance to live their dreams, the same case I received …this is my "why." Many factors have shaped me into the young woman I am today. Outside of my family, three parts of my life stand out: Girl Scouts, Music, and my project-based learning high school New Tech. The Girl Scouts was integral to developing my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills. Even though I look fondly on my time with the Girl Scouts now, we weren't always a good fit. I took a break after initially starting. On my second try, my parents said I would stay a Girl Scout and finish what I started. My parents and I went all-in with the Girl Scouts, and I completed all of the milestones, such as the Bronze, Silver, and the highest award, Gold (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). While achieving those ranks, I enjoyed many experiences that furthered my love of STEM, like my first solo trip to a FireFighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field study program on Hawaii's big island. Through the Girl Scouts, I am also a member of the Stream Team, a group that lets me test the stream around my city for contaminants and helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. In Girl Scouts, I also developed my leadership abilities. I belong to a leadership program affiliated with the Tejas Riders, a local horse riding club. With my rich experience in the Girl Scouts, I am proud that a part of my legacy was creating a program that allows new teen drivers to sign a commitment with their parents to drive safely. This was a collaborative effort between myself and a Reality Education for Drivers (RED) program. I've been an Assisteens member for four years. I had a great opportunity to mentor elementary-age students in Coppell and Irving. Through this teen volunteering group, we made blankets for residents of St. Joseph and River Oaks Assisted Living Centers, collected shoes for Soles4Soles, and volunteered with Sack Summer Hunger. I taught younger girl scouts tips on growing your food and reusing it when they produce products for my bronze award. I enjoy helping other troops learn how to camp. Setting up teaching materials; I plan a camping weekend. We teach younger Girl Scouts fire safety, knife safety, first aid, and tent safety. Our volunteer time teaches younger girls and especially their leaders, who often have no previous experience, how to camp safely. The Tejas Riders is a premier leadership equestrian program of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas that gives countless hours of service to the equestrian program at Camp Bette Perot. My hours spent doing volunteer work through the Girl Scouts organization of Northeast Texas have been impactful not only on myself but I believe on my community. I was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award throughout my time serving my community. The Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Bronze Service, is granted by the White House; in 2003, the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President's Volunteer Service Award to recognize the critical role of volunteers in America's strength and national identity.

Music is also a big part of my life; being a part of the band community has shown me how to cultivate leadership in others and develop my abilities. Initially, I wanted, like everyone else, to be a drummer. No one told my parents or me that drummers are primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I tried, and I made it to the second round of tryouts. That led to an opportunity with the horns. I tried all the horns and eventually fell in love with the Tuba, which I have played since middle school. I ultimately became a leader in my tuba section and am honored to train those in my neighborhood. Choosing the right school is always a big decision, whether it is the right middle school, high school, or college. New Tech was the right choice for me. Because of its philosophy of fostering leadership and group collaboration and its culture of stimulating critical thinking. At New Tech, I developed my project planning skills and enhanced my ability to collaborate in groups. My experience at New Tech helped prepare me for the next step in my academic life.

I am planning a career that will improve lives. Building prosthetics will take hard work and commitment but it will also take a great deal of funding. Changing the lives of others, so they can live life as they did before the loss of a limb. I need to earn as much as possible to relieve the economic stress from my parents. They have worked incredibly hard; positioning me where I am today. My parents have given me an opportunity to learn and grow as an individual. I have had the opportunity to be passionate. By raising outside funds, I can show them how blessed I am. Currently, I have not earned any outside assistance.

I am planning a career that will improve lives. Building prosthetics will take hard work and commitment, but it will also require much funding. Changing the lives of others, so they can live as they did before losing a limb. I need to earn as much as possible to relieve the economic stress from my parents. They have worked incredibly hard, positioning me where I am today. My parents have allowed me to learn and grow as an individual, and I have had the opportunity to be passionate. By raising outside funds, I can show them how blessed I am. Currently, I have not earned any outside assistance.

I want to be a Biomedical Engineer because I like to build things up from being broken. Another reason I want to be a Biomedical Engineer is that I love helping children in any way possible. I want to save many children's lives in the future. I wouldn't want what happened to me when I was a baby to happen to another family's child to go through all the tough days and journey to live as I did. Ever since I was a little kid, I was born one pound and six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks. I was called "a micro-preemie." I underwent a Patent ductus arteriosus Ligation at a young age, "which saved my life" to this day and forever more. I live today because of the clamp on my heart created by a biomedical engineer at the Plano Hospital. Giving back to others like me and the opportunities to live fulfilled lives is a significant reason I want to be a biomedical engineer. So I can save a kid's life like a biomedical engineer once committed mine to help me live to this day. The knowledge and skills that I learn to become a biomedical engineer would lead me to help save thousands of micro-preemie babies in a world like mine to have a better and more vigorous life. I hope to inspire other little girls and boys to protect younger children like themselves in the world so everyone can be happy, have a blessed life, and not struggle and fight for your life to live.

Choosing the right school is always a big decision, whether it is the right middle school, high school, or college. New Tech was the right choice for me. Because of its philosophy of fostering leadership and group collaboration and its culture of stimulating critical thinking. At New Tech, I developed my project planning skills and enhanced my ability to collaborate in groups. My experience at New Tech helped prepare me for the next step in my academic life. I want to be a Biomedical Engineer because I like to build things up from being broken. Ever since I was a little kid, I was born one pound and six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks. I was called "a micro-preemie." I underwent a Patent ductus arteriosus Ligation at a young age, "which saved my life" to this day and forever more. I live today because of the clamp on my heart created by a biomedical engineer at the Plano Hospital. Giving back to others like me and the opportunities to live fulfilled lives is a significant reason I want to be a biomedical engineer. So I can save a kid's life like a biomedical engineer once committed mine to help me live to this day. The knowledge and skills that I learn to become a biomedical engineer would lead me to help save thousands of micro-preemie babies in a world like mine to have a better and more vigorous life. I hope to inspire other little girls and boys to protect younger children like themselves in the world so everyone can be happy, have a blessed life, and not struggle and fight for your life to live.

I have a unique perspective that contributes to my why. I live today because of the clamp on my heart created by a biomedical engineer. Giving back to others like me and the opportunities to live fulfilled lives is a significant reason I want to be a biomedical engineer. The Girl Scouts was integral to developing my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills. On my second try, my parents said I would stay a Girl Scout and finish what I started. My parents and I went all-in with the Girl Scouts, and I completed all of the milestones, such as the Bronze, Silver, and the highest award, Gold (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). While achieving those ranks, I enjoyed many experiences that furthered my love of STEM, like my first solo trip to a FireFighting camp in Wisconsin. Through the Girl Scouts, I am also a member of the Stream Team, a group that lets me test the stream around my city for contaminants and helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. In Girl Scouts, I also developed my leadership abilities. Music is also a big part of my life; being a part of the band community has shown me how to cultivate leadership in others and develop my abilities. Initially, I wanted, like everyone else, to be a drummer. No one told my parents or me that drummers are primarily boys and born with sticks in their hands. I tried, and I made it to the second round of tryouts. I tried all the horns and eventually fell in love with the Tuba, which I have played since middle school. I ultimately became a leader in my tuba section and am honored to train those in my area.

Many factors have shaped me into the young woman I am today. Outside of my family, three parts of my life stand out: Girl Scouts, Music, and my project-based learning high school New Tech. The Girl Scouts was integral to developing my work ethic, my love of STEM and my leadership skills. Even though I look fondly on my time with the Girl Scouts now, we weren’t always a good fit. In fact, I took a break after initially starting. On my second try, my parents said I would stay a Girl Scout and finish what I started. My parents and I went all-in with the Girl Scouts, and I completed all of the milestones, such as the Bronze, Silver, and the highest award, Gold (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). While achieving those ranks, I enjoyed many experiences that furthered my love of STEM, like my first solo trip to a FireFighting camp in Wisconsin, and a college field study program on Hawaii's big island. Through the Girl Scouts, I am also a member of the Stream Team, a group that lets me test the stream around my city for contaminants, and helps the city track the success of their water purification methods. In Girl Scouts, I also developed my leadership abilities. I belong to a leadership program that is affiliated with the Tejas Riders, a local horse riding club. With my rich experience in the Girl Scouts, I am proud that a part of my legacy was the creation of a program that allows new teen drivers to sign a commitment with their parents to drive safely. This was a collaborative effort between myself and a program called Reality Education for Drivers (RED).

Many factors have shaped me into the young woman I am today. Outside of my family, three parts of my life stand out: Girl Scouts, Music, and my project-based learning high school New Tech. The Girl Scouts was integral to developing my work ethic, my love of STEM and my leadership skills. Even though I look fondly on my time with the Girl Scouts now, we weren’t always a good fit. In fact, I took a break after initially starting. On my second try, my parents said I would stay a Girl Scout and finish what I started. My parents and I went all-in with the Girl Scouts, and I completed all of the milestones, such as the Bronze, Silver, and the highest award, Gold (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). While achieving those ranks, I enjoyed many experiences that furthered my love of STEM, like my first solo trip to a FireFighting camp in Wisconsin, and a college field study program on Hawaii's big island. Through the Girl Scouts, I am also a member of the Stream Team, a group that lets me test the stream around my city for contaminants, and helps the city track the success of their water purification methods. In Girl Scouts, I also developed my leadership abilities. I belong to a leadership program that is affiliated with the Tejas Riders, a local horse riding club. With my rich experience in the Girl Scouts, I am proud that a part of my legacy was the creation of a program that allows new teen drivers to sign a commitment with their parents to drive safely. This was a collaborative effort between myself and a program called Reality Education for Drivers (RED).

Many factors have shaped me into the young woman I am today. Outside of my family, three parts of my life stand out: Girl Scouts, Music, and my project-based learning high school New Tech. The Girl Scouts was integral to developing my work ethic, my love of STEM and my leadership skills. Even though I look fondly on my time with the Girl Scouts now, we weren’t always a good fit. In fact, I took a break after initially starting. On my second try, my parents said I would stay a Girl Scout and finish what I started. My parents and I went all-in with the Girl Scouts, and I completed all of the milestones, such as the Bronze, Silver, and the highest award, Gold (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). While achieving those ranks, I enjoyed many experiences that furthered my love of STEM, like my first solo trip to a FireFighting camp in Wisconsin, and a college field study program on Hawaii's big island. Through the Girl Scouts, I am also a member of the Stream Team, a group that lets me test the stream around my city for contaminants, and helps the city track the success of their water purification methods. In Girl Scouts, I also developed my leadership abilities. I belong to a leadership program that is affiliated with the Tejas Riders, a local horse riding club. With my rich experience in the Girl Scouts, I am proud that a part of my legacy was the creation of a program that allows new teen drivers to sign a commitment with their parents to drive safely. This was a collaborative effort between myself and a program called Reality Education for Drivers (RED). Music is also a big part of my life, being a part of the band community has shown me how to cultivate leadership in others, and develop my own abilities. Originally, I wanted, like everyone else, to be a drummer. No one told me, or my parents, that drummers are primarily boys and born with sticks in their hands. I tried, and I made it to the second round of tryouts. That led to an opportunity with the horns. I tried all the horns, and eventually fell in love with the Tuba, which I have played since middle school.

Many factors have shaped me into the young woman I am today. Outside of my family, three parts of my life stand out: Girl Scouts, Music, and my project-based learning high school New Tech. The Girl Scouts was integral to developing my work ethic, my love of STEM and my leadership skills. Even though I look fondly on my time with the Girl Scouts now, we weren’t always a good fit. In fact, I took a break after initially starting. On my second try, my parents said I would stay a Girl Scout and finish what I started. My parents and I went all-in with the Girl Scouts, and I completed all of the milestones, such as the Bronze, Silver, and the highest award, Gold (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). While achieving those ranks, I enjoyed many experiences that furthered my love of STEM, like my first solo trip to a FireFighting camp in Wisconsin, and a college field study program on Hawaii's big island. Through the Girl Scouts, I am also a member of the Stream Team, a group that lets me test the stream around my city for contaminants, and helps the city track the success of their water purification methods. In Girl Scouts, I also developed my leadership abilities. I belong to a leadership program that is affiliated with the Tejas Riders, a local horse riding club. With my rich experience in the Girl Scouts, I am proud that a part of my legacy was the creation of a program that allows new teen drivers to sign a commitment with their parents to drive safely. This was a collaborative effort between myself and a program called Reality Education for Drivers (RED). Music is also a big part of my life, being a part of the band community has shown me how to cultivate leadership in others, and develop my own abilities. Originally, I wanted, like everyone else, to be a drummer. No one told me, or my parents, that drummers are primarily boys and born with sticks in their hands. I tried, and I made it to the second round of tryouts. That led to an opportunity with the horns. I tried all the horns, and eventually fell in love with the Tuba, which I have played since middle school. I eventually became a leader in my tuba section, and I am honored to train those in my section. Choosing the right school is always a big decision, whether it is the right middle school, the right high school, or the right college. New Tech was the right choice for me.because of its philosophy of fostering leadership, group collaboration, and its culture of stimulating critical thinking. At New Tech I developed my project planning skills, and I enhanced my ability to collaborate in groups. My experience at New Tech helped prepare me for the next step in my academic life.

Many factors have shaped me into the young woman I am today. Outside of my family, three parts of my life stand out: Girl Scouts, Music, and my project-based learning high school New Tech. The Girl Scouts was integral to developing my work ethic, my love of STEM and my leadership skills. Even though I look fondly on my time with the Girl Scouts now, we weren’t always a good fit. In fact, I took a break after initially starting. On my second try, my parents said I would stay a Girl Scout and finish what I started. My parents and I went all-in with the Girl Scouts, and I completed all of the milestones, such as the Bronze, Silver, and the highest award, Gold (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). While achieving those ranks, I enjoyed many experiences that furthered my love of STEM, like my first solo trip to a FireFighting camp in Wisconsin, and a college field study program on Hawaii's big island. Through the Girl Scouts, I am also a member of the Stream Team, a group that lets me test the stream around my city for contaminants, and helps the city track the success of their water purification methods. In Girl Scouts, I also developed my leadership abilities.

Many factors have shaped me into the young woman I am today. Outside of my family, three parts of my life stand out: Girl Scouts, Music, and my project-based learning high school New Tech. The Girl Scouts was integral to developing my work ethic, my love of STEM and my leadership skills. Even though I look fondly on my time with the Girl Scouts now, we weren’t always a good fit. In fact, I took a break after initially starting. On my second try, my parents said I would stay a Girl Scout and finish what I started. My parents and I went all-in with the Girl Scouts, and I completed all of the milestones, such as the Bronze, Silver, and the highest award, Gold (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). While achieving those ranks, I enjoyed many experiences that furthered my love of STEM, like my first solo trip to a FireFighting camp in Wisconsin, and a college field study program on Hawaii's big island. Through the Girl Scouts, I am also a member of the Stream Team, a group that lets me test the stream around my city for contaminants, and helps the city track the success of their water purification methods. In Girl Scouts, I also developed my leadership abilities. I belong to a leadership program that is affiliated with the Tejas Riders, a local horse riding club. With my rich experience in the Girl Scouts, I am proud that a part of my legacy was the creation of a program that allows new teen drivers to sign a commitment with their parents to drive safely. This was a collaborative effort between myself and a program called Reality Education for Drivers (RED).

Many factors have shaped me into the young woman I am today. Outside of my family, three parts of my life stand out: Girl Scouts, Music, and my project-based learning high school New Tech. The Girl Scouts was integral to developing my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills. Even though I look fondly on my time with the Girl Scouts now, we weren't always a good fit. I took a break after initially starting. On my second try, my parents said I would stay a Girl Scout and finish what I started. My parents and I went all-in with the Girl Scouts, and I completed all of the milestones, such as the Bronze, Silver, and the highest award, Gold (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). While achieving those ranks, I enjoyed many experiences that furthered my love of STEM, like my first solo trip to a FireFighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field study program on Hawaii's big island. Through the Girl Scouts, I am also a member of the Stream Team, a group that lets me test the stream around my city for contaminants and helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. In Girl Scouts, I also developed my leadership abilities. I belong to a leadership program affiliated with the Tejas Riders, a local horse riding club. With my rich experience in the Girl Scouts, I am proud that a part of my legacy was creating a program that allows new teen drivers to sign a commitment with their parents to drive safely. This was a collaborative effort between myself and a Reality Education for Drivers (RED) program. Music is also a big part of my life; being a part of the band community has shown me how to cultivate leadership in others and develop my abilities. Initially, I wanted, like everyone else, to be a drummer. No one told my parents or me that drummers are primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I tried, and I made it to the second round of tryouts. That led to an opportunity with the horns. I tried all the horns and eventually fell in love with the Tuba, which I have played since middle school. I ultimately became a leader in my tuba section and am honored to train those in my team. Choosing the right school is always a big decision, whether it is the right middle school, high school, or college. New Tech was the right choice for me. Because of its philosophy of fostering leadership and group collaboration and its culture of stimulating critical thinking. At New Tech, I developed my project planning skills and enhanced my ability to collaborate in groups. My experience at New Tech helped prepare me for the next step in my academic life.

Many factors have shaped me into the young woman I am today. Outside of my family, three parts of my life stand out: Girl Scouts, Music, and my project-based learning high school New Tech. The Girl Scouts was integral to developing my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills. Even though I look fondly on my time with the Girl Scouts now, we weren't always a good fit. I took a break after initially starting. On my second try, my parents said I would stay a Girl Scout and finish what I started. My parents and I went all-in with the Girl Scouts, and I completed all of the milestones, such as the Bronze, Silver, and the highest award, Gold (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). While achieving those ranks, I enjoyed many experiences that furthered my love of STEM, like my first solo trip to a FireFighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field study program on Hawaii's big island. Through the Girl Scouts, I am also a member of the Stream Team, a group that lets me test the stream around my city for contaminants and helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. In Girl Scouts, I also developed my leadership abilities. I belong to a leadership program affiliated with the Tejas Riders, a local horse riding club. With my rich experience in the Girl Scouts, I am proud that a part of my legacy was creating a program that allows new teen drivers to sign a commitment with their parents to drive safely. This was a collaborative effort between myself and a Reality Education for Drivers (RED) program. Music is also a big part of my life; being a part of the band community has shown me how to cultivate leadership in others and develop my abilities. Initially, I wanted, like everyone else, to be a drummer. No one told my parents or me that drummers are primarily boys and born with sticks in their hands. I tried, and I made it to the second round of tryouts. That led to an opportunity with the horns. I tried all the horns and eventually fell in love with the Tuba, which I have played since middle school. I ultimately became a leader in my tuba section and am honored to train those in my team. Choosing the right school is always a big decision, whether it is the right middle school, high school, or college. New Tech was the right choice for me. Because of its philosophy of fostering leadership and group collaboration and its culture of stimulating critical thinking. At New Tech, I developed my project planning skills and enhanced my ability to collaborate in groups. My experience at New Tech helped prepare me for the next step in my academic life.

I want to be a Biomedical Engineer because I like to build things up from being broken. Another reason I want to be a Biomedical Engineer is that I love helping children in any way possible. I want to save many children's lives in the future. I wouldn't want what happened to me when I was a baby to happen to another family's child to go through all the tough days and journey to live as I did. Ever since I was a little kid, I was born one pound and six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks. I was called "a micro-preemie." I underwent a Patent ductus arteriosus Ligation at a young age, "which saved my life" to this day and forever more. I live today because of the clamp on my heart created by a biomedical engineer at the Plano Hospital. Giving back to others like me and the opportunities to live fulfilled lives is a significant reason I want to be a biomedical engineer. So I can save a kid's life like a biomedical engineer once committed mine to help me live to this day. The knowledge and skills that I learn to become a biomedical engineer would lead me to help save thousands of micro-preemie babies in a world like mine to have a better and more vigorous life. I hope to inspire other little girls and boys to protect younger children like themselves in the world so everyone can be happy, have a blessed life, and not struggle and fight for your life to live.

I want to be a Biomedical Engineer because I like to build things up from being broken. Another reason I want to be a Biomedical Engineer is that I love helping children in any way possible. I want to save many children's lives in the future. I wouldn't want what happened to me when I was a baby to happen to another family's child to go through all the tough days and journey to live as I did. Ever since I was a little kid, I was born one pound and six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks. I was called "a micro-preemie." I underwent a Patent ductus arteriosus Ligation at a young age, "which saved my life" to this day and forever more. I live today because of the clamp on my heart created by a biomedical engineer at the Plano Hospital. Giving back to others like me and the opportunities to live fulfilled lives is a significant reason I want to be a biomedical engineer. So I can save a kid's life like a biomedical engineer once committed mine to help me live to this day. The knowledge and skills that I learn to become a biomedical engineer would lead me to help save thousands of micro-preemie babies in a world like mine to have a better and more vigorous life. I hope to inspire other little girls and boys to protect younger children like themselves in the world so everyone can be happy, have a blessed life, and not struggle and fight for your life to live.

I want to be a Biomedical Engineer because I like to build things up from being broken. Another reason I want to be a Biomedical Engineer is that I love helping children in any way possible. I want to save many children's lives in the future. I wouldn't want what happened to me when I was a baby to happen to another family's child to go through all the tough days and journey to live as I did. Ever since I was a little kid, I was born one pound and six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks. I was called "a micro-preemie." I underwent a Patent ductus arteriosus Ligation at a young age, "which saved my life" to this day and forever more. I live today because of the clamp on my heart created by a biomedical engineer at the Plano Hospital. Giving back to others like me and the opportunities to live fulfilled lives is a significant reason I want to be a biomedical engineer. So I can save a kid's life like a biomedical engineer once committed mine to help me live to this day. The knowledge and skills that I learn to become a biomedical engineer would lead me to help save thousands of micro-preemie babies in a world like mine to have a better and more vigorous life. I hope to inspire other little girls and boys to protect younger children like themselves in the world so everyone can be happy, have a blessed life, and not struggle and fight for your life to live.

I want to be a Biomedical Engineer because I like to build things up from being broken. Another reason I want to be a Biomedical Engineer is that I love helping children in any way possible. I want to save many children's lives in the future. I wouldn't want what happened to me when I was a baby to happen to another family's child to go through all the tough days and journey to live as I did. Ever since I was a little kid, I was born one pound and six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks. I was called "a micro-preemie." I underwent a Patent ductus arteriosus Ligation at a young age, "which saved my life" to this day and forever more. I live today because of the clamp on my heart created by a biomedical engineer at the Plano Hospital. Giving back to others like me and the opportunities to live fulfilled lives is a significant reason I want to be a biomedical engineer. So I can save a kid's life like a biomedical engineer once committed mine to help me live to this day. The knowledge and skills that I learn to become a biomedical engineer would lead me to help save thousands of micro-preemie babies in a world like mine to have a better and more vigorous life. I hope to inspire other little girls and boys to protect younger children like themselves in the world so everyone can be happy, have a blessed life, and not struggle and fight for your life to live.

I was born one pound and six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks. I was what is called "a micro-preemie." I underwent a Patent ductus arteriosus Ligation at that young age, "which saved my life." I am Makayla Antoinette Wilkins, and I want to become a Biomedical Engineer. "The opportunity" to give future micro-preemies the chance to live their dreams, the same case I received …this is my "why." Many factors have shaped me into the young woman I am today. Outside of my family, three parts of my life stand out: Girl Scouts, Music, and my project-based learning high school New Tech. The Girl Scouts was integral to developing my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills. Even though I look fondly on my time with the Girl Scouts now, we weren't always a good fit. I took a break after initially starting. On my second try, my parents said I would stay a Girl Scout and finish what I started. My parents and I went all-in with the Girl Scouts, and I completed all of the milestones, such as the Bronze, Silver, and the highest award, Gold (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). While achieving those ranks, I enjoyed many experiences that furthered my love of STEM, like my first solo trip to a FireFighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field study program on Hawaii's big island. Through the Girl Scouts, I am also a member of the Stream Team, a group that lets me test the stream around my city for contaminants and helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. In Girl Scouts, I also developed my leadership abilities. I belong to a leadership program affiliated with the Tejas Riders, a local horse riding club. With my rich experience in the Girl Scouts, I am proud that a part of my legacy was creating a program that allows new teen drivers to sign a commitment with their parents to drive safely. This was a collaborative effort between myself and a Reality Education for Drivers (RED) program.

I was born one pound and six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks. I was what is called a "micro-preemie" At that young age, I underwent a Patent ductus arteriosus Ligation, "which saved my life" I am Makayla Antoinette Wilkins. I want to become a Biomedical Engineer. "he is an opportunity" to give future micro-preemies the chance to live their dreams, the same case I received …this is my "why." The Girl Scouts was integral to developing my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills. Even though I look fondly on my time with the Girl Scouts now, we wweren'talways a good fit. I took a break after initially starting. My parents and I went all-in with the Girl Scouts, and I completed all of the milestones, such as the Bronze, Silver, and the highest award, Gold (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). While achieving those ranks, I enjoyed many experiences that furthered my love of STEM, like my first solo trip to a FireFighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field study program on HHawaii'sbig island. Through the Girl Scouts, I am also a member of the Stream Team, a group that lets me test the stream around my city for contaminants and helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. In Girl Scouts, I also developed my leadership abilities. I belong to a leadership program affiliated with the Tejas Riders, a local horse riding club. With my rich experience in the Girl Scouts, I am proud that a part of my legacy was creating a program that allows new teen drivers to sign a commitment with their parents to drive safely. This was a collaborative effort between myself and a Reality Education for Drivers (RED) program.

I am planning a career that will improve lives. Building prosthetics will take hard work and commitment but it will also take a great deal of funding. Changing the lives of others, so they can live life as they did before the loss of a limb. I need to earn as much as possible to relieve the economic stress from my parents. They have worked incredibly hard; positioning me where I am today. My parents have given me an opportunity to learn and grow as an individual. I have had the opportunity to be passionate. By raising outside funds, I can show them how blessed I am. Currently, I have not earned any outside assistance.

I am planning a career that will improve lives. Building prosthetics will take hard work and commitment but it will also take a great deal of funding. Changing the lives of others, so they can live life as they did before the loss of a limb. I need to earn as much as possible to relieve the economic stress from my parents. They have worked incredibly hard; positioning me where I am today. My parents have given me an opportunity to learn and grow as an individual. I have had the opportunity to be passionate. By raising outside funds, I can show them how blessed I am. Currently, I have not earned any outside assistance.

I am planning a career that will improve lives. Building prosthetics will take hard work and commitment but it will also take a great deal of funding. Changing the lives of others, so they can live life as they did before the loss of a limb. I need to earn as much as possible to relieve the economic stress from my parents. They have worked incredibly hard; positioning me where I am today. My parents have given me an opportunity to learn and grow as an individual. I have had the opportunity to be passionate. By raising outside funds, I can show them how blessed I am. Currently, I have not earned any outside assistance.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods.

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The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from the drums led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train those on my team; cultivating young freshmen and showing them why music programs in school are essential to learners.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Today I live because a biomedical engineer built a heart clamp. I want the opportunity to save a life. My experience with Girl Scouts built my work ethic, taught me to never give up and keep working hard for achievement. My musical experience helped me to develop the skills to mentor my peers. My time at New Tech prepared me academically.

The Girl Scouts program has helped me develop my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills. While completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, I have also gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. My experiences have been varied and meaningful. One memorable lesson I learned from Girl Scouts is how to deal with businesses and how to sell products. I and other team members learned about working with vendors, costs, and margins, goal setting, and marketing. We as a group designed a pencil pouch, pencils, and pens to be sold in the GSNETX shops. After approval from the Girl Scout board, we created and shipped our products to Girl Scout stores all around Texas. The proceeds benefit Girl Scout troops across Northeast Texas. This project taught me how to create a plan and see it through thus building my work ethic. As a member of my local Stream Team, I furthered my love of STEM. I assisted our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helped the city track the success of its water purification methods. We learned about many things and tested the creeks and river ecosystems, conducted scientific experiments, and explored wildlife in and around aquatic ecosystems. I have since been testing streams for Dallas County for three years, twice a month during the school year. And once through our investigation, we even learned a local homeowners’ pipe had broken and their water was emptying into the creek creating contamination. Our testing and data ensured this problem was corrected effectively and immediately.

Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from the drums led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train those on my team; cultivating young freshmen and showing them why music programs in school are essential to learners.

The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from the drums led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete.

The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from the drums led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train my team; cultivate young freshmen, and show them why music programs in school are essential.

Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from the drums led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train those on my team; cultivating young freshmen and showing them why music programs in school are essential to learners. The Girl Scouts program has helped me develop my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills. While completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, I have also gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. My experiences have been varied and meaningful. One memorable lesson I learned from Girl Scouts is how to deal with businesses and how to sell products. I and other team members learned about working with vendors, costs, and margins, goal setting, and marketing. We as a group designed a pencil pouch, pencils, and pens to be sold in the GSNETX shops. After approval from the Girl Scout board, we created and shipped our products to Girl Scout stores all around Texas. The proceeds benefit Girl Scout troops across Northeast Texas. This project taught me how to create a plan and see it through thus building my work ethic.

Deciding on the high school I attended, either a large traditional high school or a smaller project-based learning school, furthered my leadership skills. In middle school, I did not understand the importance of knowing my strengths and weaknesses. Looking back, attending New Tech High, relating to the real-world environment, and encountering leadership opportunities daily pushed, shaped, and guided me to selecting colleges that celebrate my strengths and retool my weaknesses. New Tech’s philosophy of building our leadership skills, pushing group collaboration, and challenging our critical thinking has helped me prepare for the next steps of my academic career. Today I live because a biomedical engineer built a heart clamp. I want the opportunity to save a life. My experience with Girl Scouts built my work ethic, taught me to never give up and keep working hard for achievement. My musical experience helped me to develop the skills to mentor my peers. My time at New Tech prepared me academically. I would be a great addition to your school because I have lived a life filled with a variety of experiences. I would be proud to add your school to my story.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from the drums led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from the drums led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba.

For my Gold Award project, I wanted to make my community and people around the world more aware of safe driving. Often a students’ first time driving experience ends with a car wreck. Parents should reinforce their words by modeling safe driving practices. Parents need to ride with teens as much as possible as teen drivers practice. Over 40,000 teens die in accidents when they first start to drive by themselves. The presence of an adult passenger reduces teenage driver wrecks and near-crashes by 75%. I partnered with the Reality Education Drivers program. RED promotes safe driving for teens. I also made a brochure providing parents with information and facts to help their children become safer drivers. And I created a youtube video modeling a parent and young driver writing their contract. I created a Parent-to-Teen Agreement form. Parents and teens come together both agreeing on the driving expectations. Parents and teens create rules and consequences as a family. I also added driving safety facts in my agreement form for all to consider. For example, Safe Ride 4 Kids states, “a distracted driver is an unprotected driver,” therefore, keeping phones and other distractions away is an example of a driving expectation. My parent-to teen agreement youtube video shows parents and teens how to start the conversation and create a driving contract. My how-to video for parents and their tweens encourages them to start this important conversation for everyone involved to build trust in each other while creating a safer driving experience. RED impresses the importance of safe driving for teens and teaches drivers focusing skills to reduce distraction while driving. Families as a whole should participate in this program and learn more.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from the drums led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could.

For my Gold Award project, I wanted to make my community and people around the world more aware of safe driving. Often a students’ first time driving experience ends with a car wreck. Parents should reinforce their words by modeling safe driving practices. Parents need to ride with teens as much as possible as teen drivers practice. Over 40,000 teens die in accidents when they first start to drive by themselves. The presence of an adult passenger reduces teenage driver wrecks and near-crashes by 75%. I partnered with the Reality Education Drivers program. RED promotes safe driving for teens. I also made a brochure providing parents with information and facts to help their children become safer drivers. And I created a youtube video modeling a parent and young driver writing their contract. I created a Parent-to-Teen Agreement form. Parents and teens come together both agreeing on the driving expectations. Parents and teens create rules and consequences as a family. I also added driving safety facts in my agreement form for all to consider. For example, Safe Ride 4 Kids states, “a distracted driver is an unprotected driver,” therefore, keeping phones and other distractions away is an example of a driving expectation. My parent-to teen agreement youtube video shows parents and teens how to start the conversation and create a driving contract. My how-to video for parents and their tweens encourages them to start this important conversation for everyone involved to build trust in each other while creating a safer driving experience. RED impresses the importance of safe driving for teens and teaches drivers focusing skills to reduce distraction while driving. Families as a whole should participate in this program and learn more. During one of my conversations with Dan Worley, RED program manager, he saw my brochure and how-to video.

parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from the drums led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train those on my team; cultivating young freshmen and showing them why music programs in school are essential to learners.

I help volunteer with some of my other church members to play with the developmental disability kids so they can have fun with the many activities my church has provided for the 4 hours they are there. Give their parents a break on taking care of them but also they can have a date night or just hang out at home and watch movies. Metrocrest Services is a group me and my church make snack packs and lunch meals, for people in and around our community. These packed sacked meals are for people in our community who are either struggling or need some help during this time. Around Thanksgiving and Christman the church family people help out at the metrocrest building and we help stock the shelves up. We also pack food and help deliver them to families who need them. I provide biblical early education to babies with a focus on teaching them more about the lord by listening to Jesus's songs and letting them color Jesus' pictures.

The Girl Scouts program has helped me develop my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills. While completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, I have also gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. My experiences have been varied and meaningful. One memorable lesson I learned from Girl Scouts is how to deal with businesses and how to sell products. I and other team members learned about working with vendors, costs, and margins, goal setting, and marketing. We as a group designed a pencil pouch, pencils, and pens to be sold in the GSNETX shops. After approval from the Girl Scout board, we created and shipped our products to Girl Scout stores all around Texas. The proceeds benefit Girl Scout troops across Northeast Texas. This project taught me how to create a plan and see it through thus building my work ethic. As a member of my local Stream Team, I furthered my love of STEM. I assisted our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helped the city track the success of its water purification methods. We learned about many things and tested the creeks and river ecosystems, conducted scientific experiments, and explored wildlife in and around aquatic ecosystems. I have since been testing streams for Dallas County for three years, twice a month during the school year. And once through our investigation, we even learned a local homeowners’ pipe had broken and their water was emptying into the creek creating contamination. Our testing and data ensured this problem was corrected effectively and immediately.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from the drums led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train those on my team; cultivating young freshmen and showing them why music programs in school are essential to learners. Deciding on the high school I attended, either a large traditional high school or a smaller project-based learning school, furthered my leadership skills. In middle school, I did not understand the importance of knowing my strengths and weaknesses. Looking back, attending New Tech High, relating to the real-world environment, and encountering leadership opportunities daily pushed, shaped, and guided me to selecting colleges that celebrate my strengths and retool my weaknesses. New Tech’s philosophy of building our leadership skills, pushing group collaboration, and challenging our critical thinking has helped me prepare for the next steps of my academic career. Today I live because a biomedical engineer built a heart clamp. I want the opportunity to save a life. My experience with Girl Scouts built my work ethic, taught me to never give up and keep working hard for achievement. My musical experience helped me to develop the skills to mentor my peers. My time at New Tech prepared me academically. I would be a great addition to your school because I have lived a life filled with a variety of experiences. I would be proud to add your school to my story.

The Police Explorers is a group of teens from high school age to 21 about to leave for college. This program teaches us, young teens, the realistic into what cops do in the criminal justice field. Some of the things we do on days we meet up we learn how to give tickets, like the whole process of it. We know how to defend ourselves when people are attacking us. We also know how to arrest people and do building searches to find drugs or weapons. Explorers assist the Coppell Police Department and the City of Coppell by volunteering their time at various community events or activities. Some of these activities include things like assistance with natural disasters & emergencies, child safety programs, crime prevention programs, crowd control, festivals, football games and parades, and traffic directions. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from the drums led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train those on my team; cultivating young freshmen and showing them why music programs in school are essential to learners.

The Tejas Riders is a premier leadership equestrian program of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas that gives countless hours of service to the equestrian program at Camp Bette Perot, while also building leadership skills. Girls have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, make an impact on other girls and do something AMAZING! I teach basic horse skills to urban and suburban girls between the ages of 5 to 15, almost all of the girls have no horse experience. We match them with the amount, teach them dismounting and mounting, and basic rein commands. Once on the trail, we teach them how to control their horses. My hours spent doing volunteer work through the Girl Scouts organization of Northeast Texas have been impactful not only on myself but I believe on my community. Throughout my time serving my community I was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. The Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Bronze Service is awarded by the White House, In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.

Deciding on the high school I attended, either a large traditional high school or a smaller project-based learning school, furthered my leadership skills. In middle school, I did not understand the importance of knowing my strengths and weaknesses. Looking back, attending New Tech High, relating to the real-world environment, and encountering leadership opportunities daily pushed, shaped, and guided me to selecting colleges that celebrate my strengths and retool my weaknesses. New Tech’s philosophy of building our leadership skills, pushing group collaboration, and challenging our critical thinking has helped me prepare for the next steps of my academic career. Today I live because a biomedical engineer built a heart clamp. I want the opportunity to save a life. My experience with Girl Scouts built my work ethic, taught me to never give up and keep working hard for achievement. My musical experience helped me to develop the skills to mentor my peers. My time at New Tech prepared me academically. I would be a great addition to your school because I have lived a life filled with a variety of experiences. I would be proud to add your school to my story.

Deciding on the high school I attended, either a large traditional high school or a smaller project-based learning school, furthered my leadership skills. In middle school, I did not understand the importance of knowing my strengths and weaknesses. Looking back, attending New Tech High, relating to the real-world environment, and encountering leadership opportunities daily pushed, shaped, and guided me to selecting colleges that celebrate my strengths and retool my weaknesses. New Tech’s philosophy of building our leadership skills, pushing group collaboration, and challenging our critical thinking has helped me prepare for the next steps of my academic career. Today I live because a biomedical engineer built a heart clamp. I want the opportunity to save a life. My experience with Girl Scouts built my work ethic, taught me to never give up and keep working hard for achievement. My musical experience helped me to develop the skills to mentor my peers. My time at New Tech prepared me academically. I would be a great addition to your school because I have lived a life filled with a variety of experiences. I would be proud to add your school to my story.

Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from the drums led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train those on my team; cultivating young freshmen and showing them why music programs in school are essential to learners.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from, the drums, led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train those on my team; cultivating young freshmen and showing them why music programs in school are essential to learners. Deciding on the high school I attended, either a large traditional high school or a smaller project-based learning school, furthered my leadership skills. In middle school, I did not understand the importance of knowing my strengths and weaknesses. Looking back, attending New Tech High, relating to the real-world environment, and encountering leadership opportunities daily pushed, shaped, and guided me to selecting colleges that celebrate my strengths and retool my weaknesses. New Tech’s philosophy of building our leadership skills, pushing group collaboration, and challenging our critical thinking has helped me prepare for the next steps of my academic career. Today I live because a biomedical engineer built a heart clamp. I want the opportunity to save a life. My experience with Girl Scouts built my work ethic, taught me to never give up and keep working hard for achievement. My musical experience helped me to develop the skills to mentor my peers. My time at New Tech prepared me academically. I would be a great addition to your school because I have lived a life filled with a variety of experiences. I would be proud to add your school to my story.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from, the drums, led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train those on my team; cultivating young freshmen and showing them why music programs in school are essential to learners. Deciding on the high school I attended, either a large traditional high school or a smaller project-based learning school, furthered my leadership skills. In middle school, I did not understand the importance of knowing my strengths and weaknesses. Looking back, attending New Tech High, relating to the real-world environment, and encountering leadership opportunities daily pushed, shaped, and guided me to selecting colleges that celebrate my strengths and retool my weaknesses. New Tech’s philosophy of building our leadership skills, pushing group collaboration, and challenging our critical thinking has helped me prepare for the next steps of my academic career. Today I live because a biomedical engineer built a heart clamp. I want the opportunity to save a life. My experience with Girl Scouts built my work ethic, taught me to never give up and keep working hard for achievement. My musical experience helped me to develop the skills to mentor my peers. My time at New Tech prepared me academically. I would be a great addition to your school because I have lived a life filled with a variety of experiences. I would be proud to add your school to my story.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from, the drums, led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train those on my team; cultivating young freshmen and showing them why music programs in school are essential to learners. Deciding on the high school I attended, either a large traditional high school or a smaller project-based learning school, furthered my leadership skills. In middle school, I did not understand the importance of knowing my strengths and weaknesses. Looking back, attending New Tech High, relating to the real-world environment, and encountering leadership opportunities daily pushed, shaped, and guided me to selecting colleges that celebrate my strengths and retool my weaknesses. New Tech’s philosophy of building our leadership skills, pushing group collaboration, and challenging our critical thinking has helped me prepare for the next steps of my academic career. Today I live because a biomedical engineer built a heart clamp. I want the opportunity to save a life. My experience with Girl Scouts built my work ethic, taught me to never give up and keep working hard for achievement. My musical experience helped me to develop the skills to mentor my peers. My time at New Tech prepared me academically. I would be a great addition to your school because I have lived a life filled with a variety of experiences. I would be proud to add your school to my story.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. Today I live because a biomedical engineer built a heart clamp. I want the opportunity to save a life. My experience with Girl Scouts built my work ethic, taught me to never give up and keep working hard for achievement. My musical experience helped me to develop the skills to mentor my peers. My time at New Tech prepared me academically. I would be a great addition to your school because I have lived a life filled with a variety of experiences. I would be proud to add your school to my story.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from, the drums, led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train those on my team; cultivating young freshmen and showing them why music programs in school are essential to learners. Deciding on the high school I attended, either a large traditional high school or a smaller project-based learning school, furthered my leadership skills. In middle school, I did not understand the importance of knowing my strengths and weaknesses. Looking back, attending New Tech High, relating to the real-world environment, and encountering leadership opportunities daily pushed, shaped, and guided me to selecting colleges that celebrate my strengths and retool my weaknesses. New Tech’s philosophy of building our leadership skills, pushing group collaboration, and challenging our critical thinking has helped me prepare for the next steps of my academic career. Today I live because a biomedical engineer built a heart clamp. I want the opportunity to save a life. My experience with Girl Scouts built my work ethic, taught me to never give up and keep working hard for achievement. My musical experience helped me to develop the skills to mentor my peers. My time at New Tech prepared me academically. I would be a great addition to your school because I have lived a life filled with a variety of experiences. I would be proud to add your school to my story.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from, the drums, led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. I have played the tuba since middle school. Band challenges us just as any sport - summers ending early because of marching practices and the required endurance to compete. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Most importantly, the band teaches teamwork and community. As a leader in my tuba section, I am honored to train those on my team; cultivating young freshmen and showing them why music programs in school are essential to learners. Deciding on the high school I attended, either a large traditional high school or a smaller project-based learning school, furthered my leadership skills. In middle school, I did not understand the importance of knowing my strengths and weaknesses. Looking back, attending New Tech High, relating to the real-world environment, and encountering leadership opportunities daily pushed, shaped, and guided me to selecting colleges that celebrate my strengths and retool my weaknesses. New Tech’s philosophy of building our leadership skills, pushing group collaboration, and challenging our critical thinking has helped me prepare for the next steps of my academic career. Today I live because a biomedical engineer built a heart clamp. I want the opportunity to save a life. My experience with Girl Scouts built my work ethic, taught me to never give up and keep working hard for achievement. My musical experience helped me to develop the skills to mentor my peers. My time at New Tech prepared me academically. I would be a great addition to your school because I have lived a life filled with a variety of experiences. I would be proud to add your school to my story.

Born one pound six ounces at twenty-four and half weeks and immediately undergoing heart surgery, I started life as a micro-preemie. Today, however, I love STEM, making music, and honing my leadership skills. The choices and opportunities afforded me shaped my character. Giving future micro-preemies, as a biomedical engineer, the chance to live and dream big is mine why. I may have been born tiny but my dreams are large. The Girl Scouts developed my work ethic, love of STEM, and leadership skills completing all of the milestones: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and enjoying many experiences, and furthering my love of STEM. I gained independence on solo trips to a firefighting camp in Wisconsin and a college field-study program on Hawaii's big island. Also as a member of my local Stream Team, I assist our municipality, testing the local streams for contaminants; which in turn, helps the city track the success of its water purification methods. My rich experiences in the Girl Scouts pushed my leadership boundaries. For my final project, I partnered with Reality Education for Drivers (RED). I created an instructional video teaching parents and teens how to communicate about driving safety. The goal culminated with teen drivers signing a commitment form with their parents pledging safe driving. Being part of the band program taught me how to cultivate leadership and develop my abilities in music. As a sixth-grader, I wanted to be a drummer. No one told me drummers were primarily boys born with sticks in their hands. I auditioned and made it to the second round. Getting cut from, the drums, led to an opportunity in the horns, trying all and eventually falling in love with the tuba. I wanted to show everyone little girls could play any instrument the boys could. Band teaches hard work, consistent practice, and perseverance. Today I live because a biomedical engineer built a heart clamp. I want the opportunity to save a life. My experience with Girl Scouts built my work ethic, taught me to never give up and keep working hard for achievement. My musical experience helped me to develop the skills to mentor my peers. My time at New Tech prepared me academically. I would be a great addition to your school because I have lived a life filled with a variety of experiences. I would be proud to add your school to my story.